Looking for a solid camping knife

Did someone say camp knife? These are all under 5" and I can recommend them all for camp use the trc and the manly patriot haven't been to the woods yet but I've been testing them around the house. The scandi grinds are great for fire prep and wood associated tasks but aren't going to be the most efficient food prepper, a knife like the manly patriot is perfect for this. I carry one of my spydercos for food prep because nothing says slicey like a spyderco! None of these will be choppers except the BOB maybe, but for intricate tasks they are very maneuverable. Anyway if nothing else this pic gives you a good size comparison.
jPQtcAJ.jpg
 
As an admitted and proud Beckerhead, I am partial to Becker knives.

With that disclosure, a BK9 (or BK4) along with a BK16 would do you very fine at modest cost.

If a single, do-all were desired, I am a fan of the short, stout and very strong BK2; it's strong but handy.

A Jack of All Trades BK7 is a compromise knife, IMO, that is somewhat like multi-viscosity all-season motor oil.
 
OK, after careful consideration, coupled with the funds I have on hand, even though you guys have shown me some incredible choices at more expensive price points...
I've decided to build an ESEE-6 through TKC. I think it will fit the bill at a reasonable price. And it will leave me some funds left over to grab a saw and a hachet to chop wood and a Mora for the fine work. Thank you very much to everyone who responded and helped me! This forum is incredible. Thank you all very much once again!

Chris
 
The old ESEE 6..... Years ago, when I was looking for a woods knife, I simply said I wanted about a 6" bladed knife. That's the ESEE 6. It should please you at least for a while. I was never a big ESEE fan in general. I know they make good knives, and I have an ESEE 4 that I tried out. I migrated elsewhere basically with a Blackjack 125 initially as my woods knife, a Kabar Becker BK-15, a Dozier Pro Guides knife, and most recently the Bark River Wilderness Explorer. I find the 4" knives handier, but I feel better with a slightly longer blade in the woods for general purposes. The BK-15 is probably the least expensive of the bunch and one I still really like.

I even tried out a BK-2. Don't care for it. The ESEE 5 is the same sort of knife.

I hope you enjoy the ESEE 6. You can do light chopping with it and it's very strong. I'd keep a folder in my pocket for the finer cutting chores and as you said the hatchet and folding saw. Never really use my hatchet much unless I am car camping and then I have an axe with me. Most of my more rigorous chopping (stuff to about 4" diameter) has been done with a Condor Pack Golok. I very much like Condor stuff.
 
For a lot of woodland activity, you can't beat a carbon steel Mora. It's cheap, very light & very sharp. So if you want to carve tent pegs or create tender they're perfect. From a design point of view for an all round camp knife, I think the Pal 36 manufactured over 50 years ago, pretty much nailed it. I still have my dad's from WW2. It's a good size & has a beefy belly. Other manufacturers make similar knives & I'm sure that one's made today with superior steel are better, but that's the general shape I'd look for. Busse made one & I'm sure it's awesome but I can't seem to find one.
 
Thank you for your help Rimfire. Those are some beautiful knives you've owned.

Never knew about the Pal 36 betover. Was that a predecessor to the Kabar?
 
Mifune326 said:
Thank you for your help Rimfire. Those are some beautiful knives you've owned.

Never knew about the Pal 36 betover. Was that a predecessor to the Kabar?
Click to expand...
Oh I still have all of those (and more).... I'm a real Dozier knife fan and have a number of his blades. I just hope you're happy with the ESEE 6 after you get it. As you may have noticed, most of my woods knives have essentially the same "look" or shape. The fixed blade is my least used knife as I always have a SAK in my pocket and out of habit, I always seem to reach for it to cut something. There is little I can't cut in the woods with the SAK that I would want to.

Keep a Mora of your liking as a backup and cooking knife. They are very useful and quite frankly all you really need. I just like something a bit more robust. In part, I just like to use a knife that makes me feel good and enjoy handling. I'm no ultra-light back packer....
 
I think you will enjoy the ESEE 6. Agreed, it's not the lightest knife on the planet but it is solid value from a good company. The knife + G10 handles (again, which I think are an improvement over the original micarta) + kydex sheath + Mora = $160 or so. A great pair that will last you a long time. Good luck.
 
For single cutting tool backpacking i carry an Ontario SP10 Marine Raider and i love it but that is for survivalist one tool hiking.

My general loadout is a stockman folder that is in my pocket and a Boker Plus Vox Rold that i am liking more and more. It can cut a full brisket in half with just a few very sharp strokes but D2 takes awhile to get use to.

The Vox Rold is just like the ESEE 6 but a bit cheaper. D2 is a bit more brittle and i have chipped it while chopping off fish heads on a rock but a good knife smith fixed the chips for me and it is like new. The ESEE 6 and this knife are almost twins but i feel the Vox Rold is better cutter and has more class.

To this i have added a Sterl Will Cutjack which see's a lot of use.

Whats important s you dont try and make your camping knife your only knife. Get a good saw and axe and a small folder for rabbit, fox, racoon and squirrels.
 
I'm definitely seeing the importance of bringing along a second, smaller blade and a hatchet and saw.
 
I would look through the knives for sale by our makers before making a decision.
For the money you are willing to spend you could grab a well made knife that has a properly tempered blade.
You also have the pride of ownership that comes with custom, handmade products.
Good luck in your search, that is certainly part of the fun........

Russ
 
Spikediesel said:
Did someone say camp knife? These are all under 5" and I can recommend them all for camp use the trc and the manly patriot haven't been to the woods yet but I've been testing them around the house. The scandi grinds are great for fire prep and wood associated tasks but aren't going to be the most efficient food prepper, a knife like the manly patriot is perfect for this. I carry one of my spydercos for food prep because nothing says slicey like a spyderco! None of these will be choppers except the BOB maybe, but for intricate tasks they are very maneuverable. Anyway if nothing else this pic gives you a good size comparison.
jPQtcAJ.jpg
Click to expand...
Could you please list brands and models?
 
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