Hey guys, I was wondering which fixed blade you would want to take camping/hiking. I am not ultralight by any means, but do not want to take a very heavy knife. Which would you guys prefer and why? Any insight on corrosion resistance, durability and just overall utility of the knives would be appreciated. Thank you in advance!
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Mora vs BK14 vs Izula II vs Scandi Trekker
- Thread starter J1427
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Mora... The cutting performance is out of this world!
I prefer their 12c27 to their Carbon. It sharpens just as easy while holding an edge longer.
For my money, I would choose the outdoor 2000 and never look back.
If that's not ur taste, Try the 511 in Carbon!
I prefer their 12c27 to their Carbon. It sharpens just as easy while holding an edge longer.
For my money, I would choose the outdoor 2000 and never look back.
If that's not ur taste, Try the 511 in Carbon!
strategy9
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Personally I like kabar(Becker) over Esee on the whole, but that's a personal preference as much as anything, end of the day they are very similar performance wise.
I'd recommend the bk11 over the bk14, virtually the same knife, but the handle has better ergonomics, and a built in bottle opener... Also I'd recommend buying a TDI clip to attach totl the sheath, unless you plan on exclusively carrying around your neck. I like mine better on the hip, (a little big & heavy around the neck). Also, some people don't like the skeleton handle, I personally have no issues with it but if you plan on hard use (and/or have soft hands), a set of scales might be a good additional purchase.
The Mora is your best bet though IMO... I too prefer the SS version over carbon, for the reasons above.
- (Izula II and bk14-11 are also carbon, however the Izula can be found in stainless. Izula's II & I are a tad small for my liking as a primary EDC though). Carbon steel does sharpen real nice, razor edges sharp, but is also more prone to rust... Proper basic care reduces this risk and the coating helps protect it, but the risk is still much greater then stainless, especially along the bare edge if neglected. Meanwhile stainless will still rust if you neglect it, but it is much much more forgiving and requires much less attention to maintain... Still takes a pretty great edge, esp. the 12c27, and in the comparable price range you can get something heavier duty like the SS Bushcraft SRT that will handle all of your knifing needs with ease, or the much lighter classic no. 1, which will still suit you pretty well, a better slicer.
No idea or experience on the scandi...
I'd recommend the bk11 over the bk14, virtually the same knife, but the handle has better ergonomics, and a built in bottle opener... Also I'd recommend buying a TDI clip to attach totl the sheath, unless you plan on exclusively carrying around your neck. I like mine better on the hip, (a little big & heavy around the neck). Also, some people don't like the skeleton handle, I personally have no issues with it but if you plan on hard use (and/or have soft hands), a set of scales might be a good additional purchase.
The Mora is your best bet though IMO... I too prefer the SS version over carbon, for the reasons above.
- (Izula II and bk14-11 are also carbon, however the Izula can be found in stainless. Izula's II & I are a tad small for my liking as a primary EDC though). Carbon steel does sharpen real nice, razor edges sharp, but is also more prone to rust... Proper basic care reduces this risk and the coating helps protect it, but the risk is still much greater then stainless, especially along the bare edge if neglected. Meanwhile stainless will still rust if you neglect it, but it is much much more forgiving and requires much less attention to maintain... Still takes a pretty great edge, esp. the 12c27, and in the comparable price range you can get something heavier duty like the SS Bushcraft SRT that will handle all of your knifing needs with ease, or the much lighter classic no. 1, which will still suit you pretty well, a better slicer.
No idea or experience on the scandi...
I have been carrying carbon steel Moras in the woods for years.
I own a Becker as well, and although I can appreciate its robustness I find it unnecessary for my needs. I have no experience with the other knife you mentioned.
For general camp chores, food prep, and game/fish dressing a Mora no 1 would be hard to be. The Companion is another great choice. It can be had in SS and in a HD model with a thicker blade.
If wanted a heavier duty the Bushcraft black is as much knife as I could ever need.
I prefer any of these Moras to Becker knives unless I need to dismantle a truck for scrap, then the Becker wins.
I own a Becker as well, and although I can appreciate its robustness I find it unnecessary for my needs. I have no experience with the other knife you mentioned.
For general camp chores, food prep, and game/fish dressing a Mora no 1 would be hard to be. The Companion is another great choice. It can be had in SS and in a HD model with a thicker blade.
If wanted a heavier duty the Bushcraft black is as much knife as I could ever need.
I prefer any of these Moras to Becker knives unless I need to dismantle a truck for scrap, then the Becker wins.
Hale Storm
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Something that wasn't mentioned was the warranty. IF you were to need to use any of these knives hard, the Becker and ESEE Izula have outstanding warranty coverage.
Ethan Becker stands behind his knives and I've owned and used my BK2 hard for years. Still going strong.
The ESEE has one of the best warranties in the business. Pretty much guaranteed forever unless you do something really stupid and destroy the knife (which is hard to do; they are TOUGH blades!)
Mora makes a great blade for the money but they are considered by many to be "disposable" due to their low cost.
Tops Knives offers a lifetime warranty but I have little to no experience with them so I'll refrain from commenting.
Ethan Becker stands behind his knives and I've owned and used my BK2 hard for years. Still going strong.
The ESEE has one of the best warranties in the business. Pretty much guaranteed forever unless you do something really stupid and destroy the knife (which is hard to do; they are TOUGH blades!)
Mora makes a great blade for the money but they are considered by many to be "disposable" due to their low cost.
Tops Knives offers a lifetime warranty but I have little to no experience with them so I'll refrain from commenting.
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For general camping/hiking, I find the 4" blades more useful than the 3.25" blades - better ergos and more cutting edge.
Mora Companion HD (4") or Bushcraft (4.25")
Also consider the Marttiini Hunter (4") or Big Game Hunter (5")
Or step up to the BK16 (4.4")
Mora Companion HD (4") or Bushcraft (4.25")
Also consider the Marttiini Hunter (4") or Big Game Hunter (5")
Or step up to the BK16 (4.4")
Last edited:
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I'm a big fan of the BK14 and the Moras, and it's really hard to go wrong with either as a camp knife. I usually carry the BK14 or TOPS BOB with a Companion as a backup when I'm camping.
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I'd choose a Mora Companion or 2000 from your list.
I often carry a Kabar Becker BK-15 for hiking and general woods walks. They have been discontinued, but I suspect you can still find one around. I very much like this general design for general outdoor use.
I often carry a Kabar Becker BK-15 for hiking and general woods walks. They have been discontinued, but I suspect you can still find one around. I very much like this general design for general outdoor use.
strategy9
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Also, if you do go with the Becker or Esee, I'd say pick up a cheap mora companion as well, stainless since the others are carbon, so can get the feel for both styles and steels without breaking the bank.
That way if you prefer the carbon, but the feel of tbe mora, you can cheaply pick up another Mora in carbon... Vice versa if you prefer the stainless, but the robustness of the other, you can always pick up a stainless Esee or a more robust Mora model (like the Bushcraft SRT)
If you're happy with your purchase(s), you have 2 Knives instead of one... Options are a beautiful thing.
That way if you prefer the carbon, but the feel of tbe mora, you can cheaply pick up another Mora in carbon... Vice versa if you prefer the stainless, but the robustness of the other, you can always pick up a stainless Esee or a more robust Mora model (like the Bushcraft SRT)
If you're happy with your purchase(s), you have 2 Knives instead of one... Options are a beautiful thing.
Mora Companion in SS. Holds an edge just as well as the carbon and you can eat off the blade without tasting metal. As tough and durable as these knives are, there is no reason to look any further unless you just like spending more money for aesthetics without improved performance. Just MHO
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I have all of the knives you listed except the Trekker.
You're at a significant disadvantage without grips.
Between the Mora and the ESSE it would have to depend upon which Mora can be chosen. A Bushcraft or Pathfinder would be my preference and I'd take carbon over stainless steel for performance.
The BK 14 or 15 would get my vote for as well.
You're at a significant disadvantage without grips.
Between the Mora and the ESSE it would have to depend upon which Mora can be chosen. A Bushcraft or Pathfinder would be my preference and I'd take carbon over stainless steel for performance.
The BK 14 or 15 would get my vote for as well.
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To answer your question about stainless, its because the mora stainless blades are very, very good. Its just one less thing to worry about. The carbon's are good, but you will get rust.
When it comes to walking, weight is key, and I think you get more blade for your oz out of the mora than almost anything else. I have a couple different Moras, Izula 1 with scales (handle wrapping is okay for a backup knife, not for an everyday user) The Izula and becker are both great knives, very subtle differences really.
In my mind the BK-15 and ESEE-3 are right on the edge of the weight limit for walking. If I was in a location where I was doing lots of bushcraft, and going to be using the knife a lot for food prep, game dressing, that sort of thing, then the larger knife is worth it, as it stands in for other gear. But I walk as LNT as possible, so not much need for big blades, all it has to do is cut the salami.
When it comes to walking, weight is key, and I think you get more blade for your oz out of the mora than almost anything else. I have a couple different Moras, Izula 1 with scales (handle wrapping is okay for a backup knife, not for an everyday user) The Izula and becker are both great knives, very subtle differences really.
In my mind the BK-15 and ESEE-3 are right on the edge of the weight limit for walking. If I was in a location where I was doing lots of bushcraft, and going to be using the knife a lot for food prep, game dressing, that sort of thing, then the larger knife is worth it, as it stands in for other gear. But I walk as LNT as possible, so not much need for big blades, all it has to do is cut the salami.
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Mora and a Husqvarna hatchet or axe. Order the axes through a Husky dealership.
I have a few moras as well as a bk14 and an izula. The izula is my favorite edc fixed blade, but would not be my first choice for an extended hike (although you could certainly make do with one). Not all moras are created equal. I love my mora companion. The last I hike I did was 12 mile day hike and I took my mora companion as my primary knife. The bk14 is my second favorite becker after the 16. I wrap thw handle in paracord and have no issues at all. Its ligjt weight and very solid. It has been with me on many hikes. I would go with the bk14 or a mora companion. I wouldn't baton with any of these knives so I also carry a small folding saw. I've never had any problems with carbon blades. If they get wet, just wipe them off and oil when you get back from your trip. Unless you will be around salt water I wouldn't worry. I've taken my knives caning and kayaking with no issues.