Need a fixed blade for the outdoors

S

straightpuke

Joined
Dec 13, 2009
Messages
19
Over the year I will be doing a lot more camping and hiking with my Boy Scout troop and friends. I need a good fixed blade that will help me in the outdoors for whatever task I will be doing. I would like the blade to be larger than 3 inches. I will be only carrying one knife so this fixed blade will be my primary.

Here's what I had in mind:
Cold Steel SRK
Rat Cutlery RC-4
Ka-Bar Becker Necker
Short Ka-Bar USMC Plain Edge

Any positive/negative comments on the ones I chose above? Other knife suggestions are also welcome. Thanks! :)
 
Last edited:
I wouldn't want to neck carry anything bigger than a rat izula, but out of what you've listed i'd go with the rat cutlery.
 
You might want to check with your BSA council. Some times they don't like fixed blades. I know WTF. I think the RAT or Becker necker would be good.
 
I'd go RAT Izula #1 and Ka-Bar Becker Necker #2. With a paracord wrap they (Becker Necker) look and feel darn respectable.

Can't go wrong for a Scouting trip with either one. :thumbup:
 
Out of those I would pick the SRK, the additional blade length will come in handy, and it's not that heavy.
 
The RC3 would be a good blade,in between the Izula and the RC4.Also the HEST might be a sound choice.
 
JK knives 2010 hiker looks real good, I have the older model and love it for the outdoors ts a real working knife. Having just one knife is probably a bad idea, I would also have a SAK or multitool paired with a fixed blade 4 inches or larger that could handle tougher work.

RAT
Falkniven
BRKT
or one of our many makers, most of which specialize in bushcraft style blades.
 
I would go with a Fallkniven F1 or H1. It CAN be carried around your neck if necessary.
If you want something about the same size as the SRK you should pick the Fallkniven S1 or A1.

One other thing with Fallkniven knives is that they do not look "combat" at all. An S1 with a leather sheath, especially the brown one if you can find it, looks almost like a scandinavian Sami knife and no one is scared of those.

If the scout people are nuts about fixed, then choose the Fallkniven PXL which is about the same size as the F1 but a folder.

There is some things one might consider when using a knife around people who are not knife nuts. This is what they think:
Black knives are always more dangerous than shiny ones.
A big knife is always more dangerous than a small one.
Serrations, tanto edge or fancy patterns on the blade is always dangerous.
A "tactical" sheath makes the knife dangerous while a nice looking leather sheath does the opposite.
Folders that opens swisch-swosch are always dangerous too.
Lets say you need to cut a rope or something. If you take out your small folder without thumbstuds and such and open it slowly people around you have time to react before the imagined "danger" occurs. If you pull out your CQC7 wave and cut the rope in one go people will be scared into next week.

If I were to go out with a bunch of scout people I would bring a 4" fixed, like the Fallkniven F1 in my belt together with a multitool. If necessary I would bring a bigger knife or even better a folding saw in my pack.

Good luck.
 
I prefer a neck knife
Click to expand...

I based my previous comment on that quote. The RAT RC-3 is nice - I just got one and it can be pocket carried, belt or boot carried plus Molle locks for attaching to web gear. Definitely not a kneck knife!
 
Thanks for all the comments! I'll probably be carrying it on my belt and I'll have a backup knife or multi-tool with me. I haven't came up with a decision yet though. I have talked to the Boy Scout leaders and they are fine with me having a fixed blade as long as I'm safe about it. They also trust me because they helped me go through my way to Eagle. :)
 
If you have access to saws, axes and such you dont really need a bigger knife than a 4" blade. A regular Mora or Hultafors knife will be sufficient and is more or less disposable.

One way to let people know that you know your way around knives is to just carry a multitool or folder in your belt. The fixed knife you dont really need unless you are carving spoons or making firewood.
 
Have you looked at mora's or other scandi type knives?

Mora's are hard to beat and for the price its almost a must to have one. The style of grind also lends itself very well to most all outdoor tasks.
 
How much are you willing/able to spend?

I really like my customs from JK Handmade knives. At around $140 (give or take a few bucks), they were made for me the way I wanted them. They have what fits my needs ,and nothing that doesn't.

Or you can go the other way, the Carbon Clipper was only $12 and I am not under knifed with it.:)

Add a SAK and my hatchet and there is nothing I can't handle in the outdoors.

100_1407.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top