Main duty camper fixed under $50

znode

znode

Joined
May 4, 2007
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Like anyone sane, I'd of course love an F1. I'd also settle for no less than an F1-equivalent if my life is anywhere close to the being on the line. But for an occasional, planned-trip camper, it seems that it's hardly justifiable to spend $100 on a main duty knife, especially seeing as old-timers have gotten by with much worse?

Help me choose a 4"-5.5", functional, main duty fixed for generic camping and woodworking. So far I've found these gems:

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Boker Magnum Elk Hunter in 440, 4.3", $30.



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Ka-bar Short Kraton in 1095, 5.25", $40.



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Ontario Spec Plus Navy Mark I in 1095, 4.75", $30.



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SOG Field Pup in AUS8, 4", $40.



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Mora 2000 in 12C27, 4.5", $30.



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Buck Vanguard in 420HC, 4.1", $50.

Votes/opinions/reviews? Any others?
 
I've had some experience with the Kabar, a solid, inexpensive knife that performs well and shouldn't let you down. I recommend buying the kydex sheath along with the knife.

I don't know too much about the others, but I have read many favorable reviews and recommendations for both the Buck Vanguard and the Mora 2000. Won't go wrong with those two either.
 
That Boker is also sold under the "Timber Wolf" brand for around $12.00 (or an exact copy, but since they are both made in China, I'd say they are the same knife). I ordered one Saturday because I like the looks of it. I'll let you know what I think about it when it gets here. As far as my suggestion. Out of the ones you list, the Mora 2000 is by far the best camp/bushcraft knife.
 
I gonna guess the majority of the responses will be for the Mora. I like the Buck, too.

I'll give you an argument against the Ka-Bar and Ontario...that guard doesn't allow you to put your thumb along the spine of the knife. That would be limiting.

The Boker...that 440 is probably 440A, which is held in low regard. (And its made in China? Taiwan?)

The only downside with the Mora...it's ugly!
 
I wouldn't waste my time on that Ontario Mk I. I've got one and it's not really worth carrying.
 
I would have to say from my personal exprience and opinions, would be to go with the Kabar or Ontario. Reasons being, that they're 1095 carbon instead of 440c stainless. The carbon blades are more durable, pick up an edge easier, and hold one longer (Permiting you keep the blades clean and free of oxidation).
Anyway, that's just my 2 cents.
 
I think the Mora 2000 would make a great camp knife, although not as a main duty knife. Something like the Buck would be more suitable for the inevitable baton sessions.
 
IUKE12 said:
I think the Mora 2000 would make a great camp knife, although not as a main duty knife. Something like the Buck would be more suitable for the inevitable baton sessions.
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I gotta disagree on that. The M2000 should baton at least as well as the Buck. Why would you give the Buck the advantage? Lower grade steel (opinion) with an inferior grind. The M2000 was designed as a woods knife.
 
marcinek said:
I'll give you an argument against the Ka-Bar and Ontario...that guard doesn't allow you to put your thumb along the spine of the knife. That would be limiting.
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I agree. The guard does get in the way.

Some quick work with a hacksaw gets the job done. Quick fix that makes a good knife even better.
 
Ludwig said:
I agree. The guard does get in the way.

Some quick work with a hacksaw gets the job done. Quick fix that makes a good knife even better.
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Yeah, I took a dremel to my USMC the first day I used it. It's like a completely different knife with the rear guard removed.
 
Stick to the carbon steels. I've had very bad experiences with the cheaper stainless, like the 400 series and the AUS series.

I'd get the Ontario as first pick, and Ka-Bar as second.

For my own use, I'd spend a few more dollars, (~ $75-$90) and get an Ontario or Ka-Bar in D-2 tool steel. Even better, IMO, than the 1095 carbon steel.

Ben
 
Not to add to your list but have you looked at the Ontario RAT Knives Tak1 and Rat5? They list higher than $50 but can be found on the forums and on ebay for around that. They also both come with a much better sheath than any you have listed which is worth a little extra money, to me anyway:)

Of your choices I'd choose either the Mora or the Vanguard. You really can't go wrong with either.

-Stephen
 
Or going a cheaper knife route, you could get a Mora Clipper or Craftsman in carbon and a Wetterlings hatchet both for under 50 bucks.
 
My vote is: (this is from experience with both knives)

1) Field Pup

2) Ka-Bar

The Field Pup doesn't get enough credit. It's a great little knife. For an all-around camp knife, you wouldn't be dissapointed.
 
Out of the knives said I like the buck vanguard and the ka-bar short. Probably here alot of support for the mora though. I don't need a thinner fixed blade in the field personaly I could get by with a stockman or muskrat and the ka-bar.
 
A couple of Cold Steel Bushman are always at the top of my list for outdoor adventuring. One in the ruck and one on the belt makes for a great travel combo, While one is in current use as a spear, etc, you always have one free for other camp duties and they don't break the bank and not such a big deal if they get lost or left behind, sharpen easy (find a good flat rock) then have at it. Fun to throw too!

Matador-
 
abiggs said:
The Field Pup doesn't get enough credit. It's a great little knife. For an all-around camp knife, you wouldn't be dissapointed.
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I was leaning toward the Pup too, even though it's in AUS 8. The blade shape and grind seems to be great for most tasks. Is it strong enough to take a misbaton and not have something break or bend, though? And does the sheath suck as much as people make it out to be?
 
Ka-bar makes a good solid knife. I have a buddy who swore by his in combat, and I've found their knives to be well made and durable in my more limited experience.

As an added bonus, the stock is so thick on some of their knives that, even when too short to chop, they're very effective as a splitting wedge.

There are more than just the traditional Ka-bar available online for under or near $40.00.

From what I've heard, you can't go wrong with the Mora, either.
 
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