Looking for advice/ suggestions for a large camp knife

S

Shainerobert

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Mar 24, 2015
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So after rummaging through forums, reviews and YouTube videos I finally just decided to get some advice at what seems like the best place with the most knowledge.

I'm looking to buy my first large camp knife between 6-9". Price peak is around $200. Something I can do some chopping with if I have to (I already own a hatchet) but mostly for around camp tasks. I would like something where the sheath is okay/good quality, but the knife is reliable and solid. Am interested in rustic/ woodsmen looking knives. But the tactical look seems to be fitting the bill in terms of everything else. I camp in the New England, so carbon steel seems ideal.

Where I'm at;

I've considered

1. BK7 because of the amount of positive reviews and it's solid design.

2. Condor moonstalker because it's rustic look, price point and micarta handles.

3. TOPS Tex Creek XL due to the differential heat treatment, style of handle and blade.

4. Ontario RAT7 again.. Because it's rave reviews and solid design.

5. ESSE6 because of its sheath options and blade thickness.

Any comments on these knives or other suggestions in terms of brands/ models would be greatly appreciated.
 
Of the ones you mention I would recommend the Esee 6, BK7, or Tops Tex Creek. The other two aren't really in the same league. For me, The BK7 and Tops would need different sheaths as I like good quality kydex or molded plastic, so that would add cost respectively.

Other knives to check out would be the other stuff in the Becker line. Also, in your price range you could possibly find something from BRKT or even Busse Kin.

What do I use in this role? I have an Esse 6, a BRKT Bravo 2, and TGLB. The Esee 6 has seen the most use and it is a fantastic knife but it is a jack of all trades and master of none
 
Out of the ones you've listed, I can vouch for the BK7. You could probably find a better sheath and still come in at or below your target price.
 
Another vote for the BK7, I have one and it's served me very well. It's an excellent camp knife.
 
Have you considered the Becker BK5 Magnum Camp knife? When I first got one I thought it looked a little thin, but that was unfounded. They can take more than you can dish out.
At the upper end of your budget, take a look at Swamp Rat Knives and Scrapyard Knives. I highly recommend any of them. Just pick a design you think would work for you. You have to buy your own sheath, but hey, that just means you'll get a nice sheath! If you look on the exchange, you can usually find them new or gently used with a nice sheath for good prices.
 
I'd stay away from the Ontarion RAT 7, Ive busted 2 of them, just battoning wood for a fire. Ive talked to Dan Maragni on the phone about them also. For some reason Ontarion can seem to get the Heat treat worked out. But I've beat the hell out of an Mtech trail master clone in some random chinese 440 steel with zero issues, the guard is a bit loose but, it was 20.00. I'd vote for the Condor Moonshiner or the Moonstalker, I have the Moonshiner, it will out chop a BK9 or a BK7 (do to the convexed edge geometry it comes with and the edge will hold up longer in camp chores for a longer period and easier to touch up.)and the CS trail master (non san mai model). The 1075 if properly HT'ed and Condor does a good job on, will be tougher that 1095 crop-van in the BK line up. After the Condor though I would recomend the BK7.:thumbup:
 
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I say you should go for the ESEE 6, out of the knives in your list. It's an extremely durable knife.

Even though you don't have it on your list, I have to recommend the ESEE Laser Strike. For an all around camp knife I don't think you can beat it.
 
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Well kind of tough comparing knives at different price points. Personally I think the beckers are great and with your savings ther is a lot you can do. For example if your stuck on the bk7 with the money you save you could get a custom sheath and custom wood or micarta scales. That way you could get the exact carry and old school look you want. If I was you though, I would go with a duo, bk9 and a bk16. For the money you will still be at or below the cost of the other knives. If you prefer only one knife, bk2. It's a beast and perfect for what you describe. Good luck either way.
 
Some great advice from everybody. Thank you to all who answered. After considering my options and getting some advice I decided to go with the BK7. I got it brand new for about $80 shipped. As I said this will be my first large/ camp knife so the extra money will go to a custom sheath and some modifications to make it my own. Being a newbie to this forum I'm excited to become a part of this community. I will create another post to take everyone through the modification process as I'm sure I will need all the help I can get. Anyway, you guys are awesome thanks again!
 
Hey, congrats and welcome! Enjoy your new blade and post pics. Can't really go wrong with a BK7. They definitely make great camp knives. :thumbup:
 
Every knife person needs at least one bowie. Even if you never use it. I bet you'll enjoy the heck out of it and post pics if you're inclined. We always need pics. :D
 
Shainerobert said:
Some great advice from everybody. Thank you to all who answered. After considering my options and getting some advice I decided to go with the BK7. I got it brand new for about $80 shipped. As I said this will be my first large/ camp knife so the extra money will go to a custom sheath and some modifications to make it my own. Being a newbie to this forum I'm excited to become a part of this community. I will create another post to take everyone through the modification process as I'm sure I will need all the help I can get. Anyway, you guys are awesome thanks again!
Click to expand...

Excellent choice, Shaine. Come see us over in the Becker Knife and Tool forum. Show off that new blade with other Becker fanatics.....
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/827-Becker-Knife-amp-Tool


Moose
 
Check out some of the Bussekins, specifically the Swamp Rat Rodent 7-9 of the Scrapyard 711-911. The Scrapyards will be cheaper but the Swamp Rats give you canvas micarta if that floats your boat. The Resiprine C may be more comfortable for chopping. I have a Swamp Rat Ratmandu Combat Grade and I can vouch for Bussekin quality. There knives are well worth the wait and the warranty is the best in the business( same with ESEE).
 
I'd go BK9, I love mine. It's a lot of knife for the money, and it still impressed me how sharp it is.
 
None of the knives you listed is a bad choice. Since you got the BK-7, you have a good large knife. If you are like most people I know, you will get more than one. I find that there are some camp tasks that are easier with a shorter, slimmer blade. One of the Mora knives would serve this need with modest cost. Remember the knife is only as useful as the user can make it so I encourage you to learn and practice as many knife skills as you can.
 
I was trying to find the same thing a few months ago and decided to try the Condor Crotalus. I have put it through the wringer on my property and has been just awesome. It's about a half inch shorter than your minimum, however.
 
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