Looking for a full tang knife on a budget

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
Messages
923
I own a few knives already, so I wouldn't want something similar to what I have. As of now, I own:
-Kabar Mark 1 partially serrated
-Mora Bushcraft Black
-Spyderco Resilience
-Ontario Rat 1
-Victorinox Fieldmaster II

So what I want is:
-Full Tang
-quality steel. Elmax, s30v, 1095
-micarta handles. But the handles aren't important
-thick blade
-American made. Well as long as it's not made in Asia (so America, Germany, Finland, etc)
-great ergos. Choil (if possible) thumb ramp with jimping
-can be used to baton if needed
-good heat treat
-blade shape isn't too important. Drop point is always nice but whatever
-flat/hollow grind. Again not important.

Now for the kicker. I would love to spend no more than $100. But if that's impossible given my preferred specs, then I can spend another $50. But that's it.
 
Swamp Rat RMD off the exchange (get it QUICK before it's gone):

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Busse-Scrapyards-and-Swamprats-need-new-homes

DSC08526.jpg


You may not find a better deal on an RMD + sheath. If you miss it, look for another. That's my advice.
 
You know what, i snagged the one I linked above :cool:

HOWEVER, I already have an RMD as well as a SYKCO 511 and SYKCO Mudd Mutt each customized with a larger choil. Let me take photos of the lot and I'll let you have your pick if interested... I cannot send you an e-mail through BF but feel free to contact me, just click my username for the option.
 
I think you might like a Becker or ESEE. The Becker handles are easily swapped out, and the ESEE knives come with a coarse micarta that has an incredible grippiness.
There are full-tang knives often in the For Sale by Maker section, but you might have to sacrifice many of your criteria or cough up a few more bucks.
 
chiral.grolim said:
You know what, i snagged the one I linked above :cool:

HOWEVER, I already have an RMD as well as a SYKCO 511 and SYKCO Mudd Mutt each customized with a larger choil. Let me take photos of the lot and I'll let you have your pick if interested... I cannot send you an e-mail through BF but feel free to contact me, just click my username for the option.
Click to expand...

hahahaha. Did you pat yourself on the back for recommending yourself a good buy?


Bob W said:
I think you might like a Becker or ESEE. The Becker handles are easily swapped out, and the ESEE knives come with a coarse micarta that has an incredible grippiness.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Ontario RD series in 5160. Meets your requirements and they are bullet proof.
 
My choice would be a Fallkniven F1. I have resisted because my Mora has always done everything I asked it to but I really want one.
 
Becker knives avg price 60-85 and mod the grips or factory micarta for 40ish, 1095cro van, great ht on them. Check out the bk16 for a drop point around $66 micarta is $35-44 anybother blade shape just ask, they will either have it or aomething close.
 
chiral.grolim said:
You know what, i snagged the one I linked above :cool:

HOWEVER, I already have an RMD as well as a SYKCO 511 and SYKCO Mudd Mutt each customized with a larger choil. Let me take photos of the lot and I'll let you have your pick if interested... I cannot send you an e-mail through BF but feel free to contact me, just click my username for the option.
Click to expand...

Hahahaha - snaked your own rec!

That's a mighty stand up thing to do though... Letting him look at yours and pick one if he wants. Much respect.
 
TheCanadian said:
I'm viewing from my phone, what knife is that one in AntDog's post?
Click to expand...

Swamp Rat Ratmandu. It's one of my favorite fixed blades ever made. That picture is from when I first got it. The coating is scuffed now, but it's still going strong. It is a truly brutally beautiful blade. The handle is an ergonomic work of art. Never felt one more comfortable.
 
n7titan said:
hahahaha. Did you pat yourself on the back for recommending yourself a good buy?
Click to expand...

AntDog said:
Hahahaha - snaked your own rec!

That's a mighty stand up thing to do though... Letting him look at yours and pick one if he wants. Much respect.
Click to expand...

What can i say, couldn't help myself :cool:

But seriously, JDX i took pics this morning of my own RMD which looks almost identical to AntDog's but has seen a little more use. I'll upload pics of the three I mentioned tonight. Otherwise, I may be willing to pass on the one I couldn't keep myself from buying last night. BTW none of these would be as low as $100 with sheath included, but only the RMD would cost you $150.

Or you could sacrifice superior steel, handle design, ergonomics, etc. and just get yourself a Becker or Kabar or ESEE made from 1095. *shrug* The question is, do you want a step up from that Kabar Mark 1 or not...
 
collim1 said:
My choice would be a Fallkniven F1. I have resisted because my Mora has always done everything I asked it to but I really want one.
Click to expand...

As much as I like the F1 and S1... they don't have micarta handles and are somewhat more expensive than the OP is willing to expend.

Also, while I am not much of a high end steels literate... asking for ELMAX and S30v and then stating you want it for less than 100... it just doesn't happen!
 
Mikel_24 said:
As much as I like the F1 and S1... they don't have micarta handles and are somewhat more expensive than the OP is willing to expend.

Also, while I am not much of a high end steels literate... asking for ELMAX and S30v and then stating you want it for less than 100... it just doesn't happen!
Click to expand...
Yea I kind of figured that...but I was hopeful. I guess I'll have to settle on 1095.
 
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