Looking for a Good, Cheap Fixed Blade for a Go-Bag

R

RenegadeMonk

Joined
Jul 28, 2005
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254
Hey guys. I was wondering if anyone here had any suggestions for a fixed blade that was affordable and light enough for a Go-Bag.

I currently have a Cold Steel Roach Belly, which at $16.00, is a great fixed blade for the price. It's not exactly a hard-use knife, but it is razor-sharp and can stand up to quite a bit of work. I was wondering if anyone could suggest another fixed blade. I'm looking for something in th3 30-40 dollar area that can take a good deal of punishment if necessary, especially when it comes to survival.

-Mike
 
Many Mora knives would fill your bill. My favorit is the Mora 2000 -

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This knife has a very ergonomic, grippy handle and a decent plastic sheath. It is lightweight and tough enough for many camp chores.

Andy
 
Any Mora 740, 760, 2000. Lots of choices. Cheap and tough. I prefer carbon blades but if you plan to have it sit around in a BOB go with stainless.
 
I like a Ka-bar but that is out of your 40 dollar price range. How about a Cold Steel GI Tanto? You will have to wrap the blade in cotton cloth soaked in vaseline and wrap up in wax paper to avoid corrosion, as it is carbon steel. Also, get a one foot long piece of 1 by 3 wood and 220 grit wet or dry sandpaper. Wrap the sandpaper around the wood and staple or tack the sandpaper down. Now you have a low cost knife shapener that puts a "toothy" working edge on a knife. Sorry I am not computer literate enough to publish a sketch.
 
The Ontario Spec Plus Knives are tough and would fit your parameters. Or you could look for something used.
 
Small Tramontina machete. Tough. Easy to sharpen. Lightweight. Large enough to chop, small enough for general use. If you want something smaller, crop the blade to 6" or 8".
 
i have read great reviews on the coldsteel bushman, one great review was posted here in the last couple of days i think, that linked over to knifeforums
 
XMP said:
The Ontario Spec Plus Knives are tough and would fit your parameters.
Click to expand...

A BIG +1 on this suggestion if you're looking for a large knife

I have a few of them, all came with an excellent edge from the factory.
Big pieces of coated 1095 with Kraton handles at very reasonable prices.

A lot of knife for the money.
 
maybe a little too heavy, but check out the buck nighthawk at walmart ($39). it is as tough as they come !!!!
 
I have tested quite a few of the Mantis knives and most I find to be very well built and well designed. In several ways their small frame locks are as well designed as many much higher dollar knives.

Of all that I've had here the best and most impressive ones so far are the TA-2 small fixed blade although I don't care as much for the sheath as I do the handle and blade. Being AUS8 or even 420 steel is ok for a beater in my opinion so thats fine, tough and rust free. For the money this is a great buy I think. http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=MANTA2

In folders I actually like the little T-5 even though it has no pocket clip and is kind of an odd ball for looks. It is actually a good little well built frame lock capable of performing some pretty tough tasks and I really like the blade regardless of steel. I don't really buy that the blade steel is BG42 for the money this knife costs and as claimed by the owner but thats another story. I recently got hold of a Isoscelese folder and I must say I really like this thing even better than the T5. http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=MANMR1

Mantis folders seem to come fairly stiff but they break in very nicely in short order with use.

If you like a fairly good little fixed blade the Gerber River knife is still a dandy for clipping to jackets, PFDs for outdoors and river rafting. I have had one for many years thats seen some uses for all kinds of things from food prep to fillet work on fish in a pinch.

STR
 
I agree with the suggestions of Bucks - perhaps you can find a 119 special for $30 at walleyworld. The Blackhawk is tougher though!

Why a Buck over a Mora in this case? Thicker - which seems to corrospond to the original poster's wants, stainless which is a good maintenance free option for leave it in your bag and don't think about it for several years.
 
STR - I forgot all about the Gerbier River shorty knife - but yeah, great suggestion. Not the sharpest thing on earth, but it cuts and it does work as a pry bar! Also the sheath is very compact.
 
Andrew Colglazier said:
Many Mora knives would fill your bill. My favorit is the Mora 2000 -

100_1030.jpg


This knife has a very ergonomic, grippy handle and a decent plastic sheath. It is lightweight and tough enough for many camp chores.

Andy
Click to expand...

+1. A Mora is without a doubt the best value/quality knife out there IMO.
 
Cold Steel Kobun Tanto. It's light and very flat even when sheathed. I used mine even for food prep and it's a good all around utility blade.
 
Cold Steel SRK sounds like it's in your price range, but there are too many knives to list. :D
 
Lots of fair to good knives out there for the price you want to spend. I'll add another vote for the Mora 2000.
 
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