looking for fixed blade suggestions.

Thanks everyone. So. What I have found is I like a tanto style blade. And I like a large handle with the shape of something like a Becker BK-07. Just jot so sure of Ka-bar thanks to some horror stories about the blade cracking and chipping. But I suppose you can find bad reviews on most knives...
 
smithymcworble said:
Thanks everyone. So. What I have found is I like a tanto style blade. And I like a large handle with the shape of something like a Becker BK-07. Just jot so sure of Ka-bar thanks to some horror stories about the blade cracking and chipping. But I suppose you can find bad reviews on most knives...
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I'm afraid your taste for Tanto's won't prove too popular over here, if that's the type of knife you like then TOPS Knives make some good quality versions !

http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=405
 
smithymcworble said:
Thanks everyone. So. What I have found is I like a tanto style blade. And I like a large handle with the shape of something like a Becker BK-07. Just jot so sure of Ka-bar thanks to some horror stories about the blade cracking and chipping. But I suppose you can find bad reviews on most knives...
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Tanto blades may not be the best choice for an outdoors knife. For working with wood and especially for cleaning or skinning game a curved edge is more desirable. The choice is yours, just something to consider.

If you have doubts about the durability of the Ka-Bar/Becker knives, check out these threads.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/838018-Putting-the-BK2-to-the-test-so-you-don-t-have-to

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/839944-BK2-test-the-final-part-%28LOTS-of-pictures%29
 
Jesus Christ.... My fear of Ka-Bars not holding. Up have been proven false.

And after looking around a bit I think you are right about Tanto blades SaturatedShadow. Something I like on folders but not fixed blades.

So. Might have to look deeper into some Becker knives and see if any friends of mine have one I might be able to examine in person and see if I like the feel. Thanks.
 
If I had 200 bucks to spend on a more traditional style woods knife. I would go with the JK rule #9 in 1/8" steel, black micarta handles with red or yellow liners. I'd also get a matching fire steel for it.

ETA: Just saw you like the tanto style, check out the TOPS/BUCK CSAR-T Fixed, it's a pretty cool knife.
 
esee,tops,scrapeyard, swamprat, are probably ur best bet for a hard use production camp knif under 200. you wont be breaking these blades in the field unless u are trying to.
 
+1 for anything from SwampRat and Fallkniven. My 2 favorite knives are the RatManDu and the F1. They also make larger knives if you are sure you will need to do a lot of chopping. I find the extra weight to be a PITA and would rather carry a smaller knife and baton with it as needed- it's also easier to use for more common tasks.

If you with a larger dedicated chopper, I would recommend bringing a smaller knife for more "delicate" work. Many folders could fit this bill.
 
Thanks everyone. You have given me plenty of good suggestions and have helped narrow things down. And now time to contemplate the final decision...
 
A bunch of good suggestions here. For a knife that you'll actually use and love (and carry with you the majority of the time) I'd shove you in the direction of an F1. You just can't miss with this cool, little but tough camping/survival tool.
 
RogueBowie said:
Becker BK-16, ESEE-4 Becker BK-7, Becker BK-9 if you want a chopper. I only recommend knives I own and have used and those three fit the bill. Three of my favorites, and they all fall well within your price range with wiggle room for after-market upgrades.
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Yup. :thumbup: BK16 is about perfect the BK14 is a nice small light back up.
 
smithymcworble said:
Thanks everyone. You have given me plenty of good suggestions and have helped narrow things down. And now time to contemplate the final decision...
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Did you ever pick a knife? If so, which one?

Earlier you mentioned liking Tanto's. I don't see anything wrong with a Traditional Tanto. My EDC Folder is a SOG X-42 Autoclip (Discontinued) in BG-42 steel with a 3.6" long Americanized Tanto blade. It cuts greats, scrapes crud off the floor [When I was a Custodian I used it a ton to scrape gum and junk off floors, walls and the like], slices food, whittles and almost anything else you'd want to do with a 3.6" Blade. Skinning isn't it's forte but other then that, it works. I've even used it to make Bow drill hearth boards, the Tanto point drilled the holes nicely. Not all Americanized Tanto's work as well and I don't carry a big one in the field. But I have no problem pairing my SOG Tanto with a Becker, Fiddleback, Buck or what ever. :) BTW I've considered getting a Paul Chen/Hanwei Tanto for field use. The ones that I've held seem like they would make great users.

The Knife Makers For Sale: Fixed Blades section of the exchange has tons of great knives for good prices.
 
pitdog said:
Have you considered a custom, we have some super talented makers on these forums that can make whatever you can draw or describe at a great price !
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Well said.

For instance,
Bryan Breeden can make you exactly what you want at less than the cost of most production knives. He is top shelf maker and uses top shelf materials. He blades are a steal.
 
My main bushcraft knives are my JK Hiker, and my Koster Bushcrafter. Theyre both under $200 Theyre the only knives that i havent traded or sold, and im not interested in selling them anytime soon! Those knives are easily the best knives ive ever bought. They take a beating and keep a sharp edge. I dont like having a big blade for bushraft, i think 4" is ample for about every bushcraft task, a small axe seems much more useful to me than a big knife. But thats just me!
 
check the for sale by maker area here. There is a dizzying array of wonderful custom made knives for sale.
 
I'd going to recommend a Kabar even though you have heard otherwise.

Since you dig the tanto shape I suggest the leather tanto model 1264
http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/55

I have been beating on my USMC Kabar since the late 80's and never managed to hurt it. Their 1264 model has the blade grind that I always wished my USMC knife had...I love this tanto. I rounded the square tanto shape to be rounded and wow what a knife! oh, I also cut off the top guard and filed it flush with the leather handle. It's my ideal large bushcraft/survival knife.
 
UGH, I just broke my Kabar Big Brother using it to split kindling...I am hoping it was just a bad egg. I just ordered a Blind Horse Lumberjack Toothpick, it is a little outside of your price range but they have a really nice selection to choose from. I can't wait to get it. I read an awesome review about it in a magazine, and the style of the knife is exactly what I am looking for. I also like the balderic sheath it comes with. It seems very versitile for a knife that size. Good luck on search.
 
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