Looking for a full tang similar to Buck Vangaurd.

V

Vorshack

Joined
Jan 20, 2020
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5
So a drop point, around 4 inches, with wood handles and decent steel, that doesn't cost more than $100, and has a classic look to it.

And yeah, the Vanguard is a perfectly fine knife. No, I don't plan on batoning anything. I mean, who here has found themselves in a situation where they actually needed to baton a branch? However, I would like a casual belt knife that can be used as a pry-bar without snapping. Just in case the need should ever arise.

PS. Real knives only please, no Winchester or Mossberg nonsense. And I've already decided I don't like GCS much.
 
"GCS"?
Sounds like some sortta nasty flavored "energy drink" or "Gator-Aid" type powder.

I'm not aware of any knife that will reliably perform double duty as a pry bar.
 
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afishhunter said:
I'm not aware of any knife that will reliably perform double duty as a pry bar.
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I wasn't being literal, nor do I expect a knife to consistently perform as a pry bar without eventually breaking (though the quarter inch Becker line seems to have a contrary opinion on the matter). I just want something that will handle some serious abuse in an emergency situation.
 
Scott J. said:
Esee 4
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Good suggestion except the wooden scales cost an extra $30 so that pushes my budget past it's current breaking point. Plus, I simply cannot stand the obnoxiously large logo and other assorted printings on the blade. Thing is like a knife shaped billboard.
 
I'm not aware of anything that would meet the requirements you have proposed. Usually any knife that built to be "abused" is over $100. Usually said knife is also grossly thick and "tactical" and wouldn't use old fuddy duddy wood as a handle material. The couple of knives I can think of that are budget friendly and stupid tough have synthetic handles molded on. Also what kind of emergency situation? Not to go to far into my personal business, and I won't discuss the stupid life choices that got me there, but about 8 years ago I was released from a state prison with nothing but a pair of dress kahkis,a white t shirt and a button down tshirt,a pair of cheap chuck taylor type tennis shoes and 45 dollars. It was February and the daytime temp on the day the probation officer picked me up was 15 degrees f. No family or friends that could come to my aid anytime soon. Over the next week North Carolina recorded several record low temps and I was on the streets. My very first thing to do was ask the probie to carry me to the goodwill store, where for 15 bucks I bought a fleece pullover, a coat similar to a m65 field jacket and a hat. I walked over to a nearby lowes and bought a 10 dollar Coast brand folder, then to a doller tree and bought a 3 pack of lighters and a 3 pack of cheap l.e.d flashlights with batteries. Walked into a Walmart and walked out with a pair of waterproof winter boots,yes I stole them,not proud but I was in 100% survival mode. I scavenged anything useful I could find and ate at a local soup kitchen once a day. Another homeless man gave me 5 bucks and I bought us a coffee at McDonald's. I only had to survive one week like that before help came through, but I'm here to tell you I have had to use my survival skills to actually survive. I lived for a week in a collapsing house in a swamp on the edge of town, but the one solid room had a fireplace. That little cheap folder got me by just fine, trust me when I say the folder in your pocket will get you through 90% or more of any emergency you'll find yourself in. Its far more about your skillset,knowledge and having practiced a handful of skills to proficiency. My Dad once got a woman out of a overturned and damaged pickup truck with a Victorinox huntsman, by using the SMALL blade to cut out the rubber holding the rear window in place. I regularly carry a fixed blade, a Falkniven nl4 frej. But I dont feel under equipped for "emergencies" carrying just a slipjoint.
 
Misplaced Hillbilly said:
I'm not aware of anything that would meet . . .
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I left home when I was 15 and spent the next 20 years backpacking and hopping trains about the country, only recently settling down for a spell. One of my favorite knives is a cheap Coleman that they sell at Walmart. I received it without a handle so I put a paracord wrap on it and it was my constant companion for about 12 years. During this time it suffered more abuse that any knife should. The edge is gone, the tip looks like a flathead screw driver, the spine has hammer marks from splitting soft stone, but it's still in one piece. I attribute this to the crappy, flexible metal and the fact that I never pushed it too far.

Of course, it very swiftly became my back up knife and I'd keep it on my left tucked into a canteen pouch, with whatever (typically inexpensive) blade I kept sharp in a sheath on my right. Looked nice and scary that way when I put my mean face on ;)

Anyhow, having spent two decades living out of a pack, always on the move, often in the wilderness or in the urban jungles, I have as much experience using a knife to actually survive as anyone else here. And I've pushed a couple of them past their breaking point. Fortunately there were other options available at the time but before I hit the road again I want something as tough as I can get my hands on.

I may have to save up a little while longer but I thought I'd see what direction the folk here could point me in first.
 
Vorshack said:
I left home when I was 15 and spent the next 20 years backpacking and hopping trains about the country, only recently settling down for a spell. One of my favorite knives is a cheap Coleman that they sell at Walmart. I received it without a handle so I put a paracord wrap on it and it was my constant companion for about 12 years. During this time it suffered more abuse that any knife should. The edge is gone, the tip looks like a flathead screw driver, the spine has hammer marks from splitting soft stone, but it's still in one piece. I attribute this to the crappy, flexible metal and the fact that I never pushed it too far.

Of course, it very swiftly became my back up knife and I'd keep it on my left tucked into a canteen pouch, with whatever (typically inexpensive) blade I kept sharp in a sheath on my right. Looked nice and scary that way when I put my mean face on ;)

Anyhow, having spent two decades living out of a pack, always on the move, often in the wilderness or in the urban jungles, I have as much experience using a knife to actually survive as anyone else here. And I've pushed a couple of them past their breaking point. Fortunately there were other options available at the time but before I hit the road again I want something as tough as I can get my hands on.

I may have to save up a little while longer but I thought I'd see what direction the folk here could point me in first.
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I'd love to see a photo of that knife!!
 
Take a look at Anza knives. They are not for everybody, and they are probably not quite what you are looking for, but a lot of them have wooden handles, and some are quite attractive. A lot of Anzas come in at under $100.00.

They are made from files which are annealed then tempered. The spines are on the thick side and they are typically hollow ground. They feel indestructible, and the ones I have put to serious work have proven to be so.
 
Scott J. said:
I'd love to see a photo of that knife!!
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Might take one tomorrow if it crosses my mind.

Just stumbled across the Mova-58. Assuming that horrendously ugly logo isn't actually stamped into the steel we might have a winner. Might not even bother making my own sheath for it.
 
V Vorshack
I apologize if I came off overly abrasive, all to often I have seen people want to know about a "do all indestructible wonder knife". Often these people have little to no practical knowledge and think a knife will make up for a lack of skills. Seems you have both knowledge and skills in spades, and it seems you found a knife to suit your needs. However I would add that I wouldn't normally be able to buy a Falkniven, especially one in the Northern Lights line. However I found one in a pawnshop for 120 bucks, then talked them down to 100. Always keep an eye out for an amazing deal, sometimes you can score an amazing peice of kit for a fraction of the cost.
 
Goose 7279 said:
Why is this in traditional forum?
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I would say because the OP is searching for a simple drop point with WOODEN scales. Most modern overbuilt fixed blades don't have a traditional look or feel,to which the OP wants. I would have suggested the Buck Selkirk however it has micarta scales not wood. :):thumbsup:
 
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