Need good survival/camping knive suggestions

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ncblademan

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Mar 13, 2009
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Ok my birthday is in about 3 weeks and Im getting a fixed blade for it from the parents.:) I am an avid outdoorsman who likes to fish, hunt, camp, and backpack. BTW: I am 12. My budget is $100, and I have narrowed it down to 2 or 3 on my own, now its time for you guys to help. I have come down to the RC-4 or RC-5, and would prefer the 5. The problem is that the RC-5 is about $120 everywhere I look, opposed to the rc-4 witch is about $80. so my main questions is: Do you guys know a place where I can get a Rc-5 for under $100?

Please also give me other suggestions. its need t be tween 6 and 4 inch blades, and has to have a kydex sheath. would also help if maby you could find the rc-6 under $100, but thats just wishfull thinking.:( I realy hope you gusy can find me something.

PS: As for me being 12, I have handled many a gun & knife, as well and cleaning my share of deer. My parents have no problem with my knive collecting.(if they did i couldnt order this? could I?)
 
In addition to your RC4 idea, which is a great general purpose survival/camp knive here are some other good ones in the $100 range.

Benchmade Griptilian fixed blade
Benchmade Rant Dropoint
Coldsteel master hunter
Fallkniven F1 (saw a few for about $105)
SOG field pup (about $50)
The Buck119 is also a good general purpose knife for a good price (around $40).

There are also some nice customs on this forum that are occasionally in the $100 range.
 
If you like the RC-5 but have limited funds I would suggest you look at the Becker BK-2. It has very similar specs to the RC-5 and a good sheath. If you don't really need a knife that can be used as a pry bar I would just go with a RC-4. Of all my RAT knifes the RC-4 is my favorite, and the most versatile.
http://www.knifeworks.com/kar-barbeckerneckerplainedge-1.aspx
bk2logo.jpg

bk2s.jpg
 
Welcome to the forums ncblademan, and happy birthday.

If you have your mind set on the RC-5, why not ask the 'rents what you can do to earn an extra $ 35 (don't forget shipping charges if you order it on-line)? I'm sure there's some agreement yall can come to in order to get what you want. After all, its your Birthday!
 
BK2 will fit your bill perfectly. With enough left over for another $45-50 knife, or other outdoor gear.

Dont think you will find an RC5 under $100. For backpacking, I'd want something lighter in which case the RC4 will do well for all your hobbies. Plus, the RC4 has THE warranty.
 
Between the RC4 and RC5, the RC4 is a better "camp" knife than the RC5.

I'd also look at the Fallkniven F1.
 
I think what Varg Lobos is pointing out is that the RC-5 has a 0.25" thick blade, while the RC-4 has a 0.188 thick blade. The quarter-inch thick blade is beefy enough to make it a great chopper, but (at least in my view) way too thick for a general camp knife.

Also, given all that steel, the RC-5 weights a full 16 oz, while the RC-4 weighs only 7.4. oz (That is almost 40% less). For me, lighter-weight knives tend to be carried more, and thus used more.

Take a look a at the Benchmade Fixed Griptilian. Its thinner blade would make for a nicer over-use camp knife. Its a great knife based upon the even nicer fixed Rittergrip.

A lot depends on what you want to use the knife for.
 
My thoughts are along the same lines as SPX Trader. If you really have your heart set on the RC-5 or 6 then perhaps you could offer to cover anything beyond $100.
 
A couple of thoughts. Since you are 12 and you like to fish, hunt, camp, and backpack a high priced knife would not be on top of my list of things to buy.
First, for the uses that a $120 knife would be used for, I think you would be with an adult who has the a knife to suit the purpose.
I would be sure you have all your other equipment needs met before buying such an expensive knife. Boots, socks, poly propylene clothing, backpacks, stoves, safety needs would be higher on the list. (I just got a Camelbak Alpine Explorer at Campmor for $90 + $8 shipping - in your price range.)

Again, considering an adult will most likely have a knife that fulfills the functions of the $120 knife, I would suggest you get a less expensive knife and use the remainder of the money for other equipment. Look into a SAK Trekker and if you must have a fixed blade look into a Buck Diamondback Outfitter or Mora knife. SAK and Buck would be less than $35 including shipping; the Mora $20. That leaves you $65 or more for other equipment.
 
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ncblademan said:
I have come down to the RC-4 or RC-5, and would prefer the 5.

Please also give me other suggestions. its need t be tween 6 and 4 inch blades, and has to have a kydex sheath.
Click to expand...

The RC-5 has does not have a Kydex sheath. That said, it does have a great Eagle sheath!

If it is general camp use, I would go with the RC-4. The RC-5 might be a lil much at its thickness and weight.

But if you really want it, try taking on some odd jobs to make the extra cash. Wash your neighbors car, walk their dogs, mow some lawns etc.

Good luck and have a happy Birthday!
 
There are a lot of good choices from a Koster BushCrafter at $135 plus or minus to a nice older Camillus or Ontario knives pilots survival knife for $40 something. Actually if I'm not mistaken Ontario still makes that knife in the same form as they did a long time ago with the sheath for under $50.

These are 1095 blades with a black coating on those old Camillus or Ontario survival knives. I have one and its a great beater that has been a tool box knife for many years. I think mine is dated 1975. The blade is 3/16" thick and its hard which means it keeps a pretty decent edge. I really like the hammer type pommel and the saw teeth on the spine as well as the fact that it comes with a fairly nice sheath with a sharpening stone pocket built in. I still consider these old designs to be a great value in knives personally.

Edit: Actually I just found a guy on ebay selling some new old stock of Camillus Pilots Survival knives for $42 in a buy it now. These are dated to 1984. I just bought one for myself. He has three more.

STR
 
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Get the knife you want, the RC-5, as you indicated. With tax, in the long run it's not much of a difference. Amazon shows a tan handle model for $98 so you might find some online deals under $100.
 
fish, hunt, camp, and backpack
Click to expand...

Get the RC-4 for that. The RC-5 is a military escape and survival or search and rescue knife, a bulldozer, and its knife abilities are compromised by its crowbar abilities.
 
Hi Ncblademan

All advise given was spot on. You mention fishing and hunting and for that, the RC-5 is just a tad specialized. I would suggest the RC-4 for general use but ....... go and handle both and the one that rocks your boat .....take that one. If it's the RC-5 ...so be it. You have many years of doing sensible things..... the RC-5 will not dissapoint you if you choose it now !! There is no right or wrong knife ... it's down to your own choices.

Happy birthday in advance!!

Aubrey

PS - Super parents you have!!
 
Of the knives mentioned here, I have (and had) the rc3, rc4, bk2, and f1. From my experience, I fully agree with Esav B.'s post, the rc4 is the way to go! Buy it, use it & own it for life!
 
My first "real" fixed blade knife growing up was a Buck 119 "Special". This can be had at Walmart for around $35 and will serve you well for camp chores, hunting and fishing. Its a large knife so you may want to go a little smaller in the Buck line. Agree on the RC-4 if you can spend more money.
 
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