Looking for a budget camping/EDC fixed blade.

So exactly what is the price range that you're looking to stay within?
 
Cajun Carry said:
I love the look of the Bow River. I am hesitant though because of the 8CR13 steel. Is it heat treated well?
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My example is. Don't let the steel type scare you away. While this steel is definitely on the low-end of the scale, the heat treatment is dialed in perfectly, and makes up for any "negatives" of this cheaper steel. This is my primary kitchen knife, and it has not let me down in over a year of several-times-a-day use.

H01aQ4U.jpg
 
Cajun Carry said:
I am fairly inexperienced when it comes to fixed blade knives, and I am looking to pick up a couple budget options to try out. I would like to be able to use it while camping, maybe some bushcraft stuff, and for general use around the house. Ideally I would like something in the 3-4in range, but I am open to others. Eventually I would like to have a custom knife made, but I want to test out some cheaper production knives to get a feel for what I like.

First, I am going to pick up a Mora. I am looking at the Basic 511 Carbon Steel, unless another model would be better?

Some other knives that have peaked my interest are:
1. Buck 684 Bucklite Small in 420HC
2. CRKT SiWi in SK5
3. Brisa Bobtail 80 in 12C27
4. ESEE 3 in 1095
5. Condor Bushlore in 1075
6. CIVIVI M2 Backup in D2

If anyone has used any of these I would love to hear your thoughts. Also, if anyone has any additional recommendations please let me know. Thanks!
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Any decent puukko or Mora type knife would be just fine as long as you get a non-stainless blade.
A couple older Marttiini knives, top one is a Lapinleuku, ~4.5" blade, bottom is a smaller Ilves model, ~3.75" blade. Both have kydex sheaths from Randy Bagwell -
QOv7AJW.jpg
rUBRYZb.jpg

Stuff like this is easy to find on Ebay for not a whole lot of money.

If you want to go big, as in custom work, you can't go wrong with a blade from Zhelyo Tenev, known as Jelio.
His work isn't cheap but its among the best in the puukko style
CcDv2wW.jpg


In the new category, with 3-4" blade, the Becker BK-11 has a 3 1/4" blade.
You can get the basic knife for a bit over $50, a set of nice wood handles on the bay for $20, and a kydex sheath for $35.
eqf4TsS.jpg


If you are going to be camping and doing "bushcraft", a couple things to consider -
Don't buy a knife with the expectation that it will remain pristine, shiny and new. If you are going to be trying your hand at basic bushcraft stuff like starting fires, you'll need some decent carbon steel to strike a spark. A carbon steel blade will discolor quickly when used regularly for most anything that involves camping and woodcraft. A blade with a coating will get scratched up regardless of what it is if you are going to be batoning the knife as many are prone to do.
 
shane45-1911 said:
My example is. Don't let the steel type scare you away. While this steel is definitely on the low-end of the scale, the heat treatment is dialed in perfectly, and makes up for any "negatives" of this cheaper steel. This is my primary kitchen knife, and it has not let me down in over a year of several-times-a-day use.

H01aQ4U.jpg
Click to expand...

Good to hear. I am probably going to pick up one of the green sprints while they are available.
 
Arathol said:
Any decent puukko or Mora type knife would be just fine as long as you get a non-stainless blade.
A couple older Marttiini knives, top one is a Lapinleuku, ~4.5" blade, bottom is a smaller Ilves model, ~3.75" blade. Both have kydex sheaths from Randy Bagwell -
QOv7AJW.jpg
rUBRYZb.jpg

Stuff like this is easy to find on Ebay for not a whole lot of money.

If you want to go big, as in custom work, you can't go wrong with a blade from Zhelyo Tenev, known as Jelio.
His work isn't cheap but its among the best in the puukko style
CcDv2wW.jpg


In the new category, with 3-4" blade, the Becker BK-11 has a 3 1/4" blade.
You can get the basic knife for a bit over $50, a set of nice wood handles on the bay for $20, and a kydex sheath for $35.
eqf4TsS.jpg


If you are going to be camping and doing "bushcraft", a couple things to consider -
Don't buy a knife with the expectation that it will remain pristine, shiny and new. If you are going to be trying your hand at basic bushcraft stuff like starting fires, you'll need some decent carbon steel to strike a spark. A carbon steel blade will discolor quickly when used regularly for most anything that involves camping and woodcraft. A blade with a coating will get scratched up regardless of what it is if you are going to be batoning the knife as many are prone to do.
Click to expand...


Thanks for all the info! Luckily I enjoy when a blade gets scratched up and looks used (not abused).
 
Cajun Carry said:
Yeah I am gonna pick up a Mora for sure. Which one would you recommend? 511, Companion, Bushcraft, or another?
Click to expand...
Either or.

I've had both.

I currently have a 511, and a Companion HD. I love Mora's carbon. Whittle on hard wood for an hour? No problem, strops back to hair shaving.

Get the 511 if you don't plan on doing any light batoning. The shorter blade is handier for finer work. Not that I am condoning batoning. With harder woods, you need a hatchet.
 
Reading what you wrote I would suggest BK-16 or BK-17. AFAIK those are not made anymore although they make other similar sized models now. TOPS, ESEE, Condor, Bark River are options. Even Schrade has made some similar sized carbon steel blades.
It is perfectly valid to get several different models to try, that might be the only way you can determine exactly what suits your needs. If you are wanting something for serious bushcraft you might want something larger than 3-4", of course it is perfectly valid to have 2 different knives for outdoor use.
 
Honestly you could walk in any decent sporting goods store, throw a rock, and hit a perfectly acceptable fixed blade for outdoor use. lol
If you can, handle a few, see what feels good in your mitts (fatigue sucks), and buy a knife. You might go thru a couple until you find that “perfect one”, but that’s half the fun. I like to use a new knife in the kitchen to decide what works for me.
 
Another vote for the Ruike Jager. Ruikes heat treat of 14c28n is good and an excellent underappreciated steel; easy to sharpen and very tough. Or the Terava Jaripukko, great sheath, good tough blade. Mine has taken everything I've thrown at it including batoning thick dried/seasoned wood.

Although I'd not buy another Terava product again due to their lack of support for the UK market (they won't ship). It's a great blade but a shite company.
 
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I recently picked up a hultafors heavy duty for almost nothing $18 Australian I think.

Look it is a really good knife to do bushcraft knife stuff. More solid than the comparable moras.

And you can play with patinas as well.
 
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