Need Help Knife for Outdoor Extremist

lagarto

lagarto

Joined
Oct 26, 2001
Messages
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Ok, Here's the situation. My brother's birthday is coming up next month and I'm putting together a gift package for him, sort of as a joke, but with a serious side. He's a big wall climber (half dome type stuff) extreme creek boater, white water kayaker, backpacker, sea kayaker and mountaineer in his spare time. He has all the cool gear except for a good fixed blade, although he does carry the Benchmade river knife when he's on the water. I'm including a mini - compass, (suunto), A.G. Russel Field Sharpener, magnesium fire stick, and want to get him a decent fixed blade, U.S. Air Force search and Rescue Survival Training Manual (the joke part), and want to get him a good fixed blade.

My parameters are these. 50 - 80 dollar cost range 4-6 inch blade, heavy duty use. If the sheath has a pocket that a small compass could fit in that's a plus. I like the CRKT M - 60 SOTFB, but if anyone could suggest something similar it would help. I envision it being used as a heavy camp knife. I like the Ontario RTAK, but it is just a little large to easily fit in a pack. Thanks for the help.

Lagarto
 
How about the Cold Steel SRK? It has a 6" Carbon V blade and a 4 3/4" kraton handle. It goes for $90 retail, but you can get one as a factory second for $50 or a first-quality for $70 at www.ltspecpro.com. At least, I think that's the site. :confused: :cool:

ok, I just checked that site and it's the one. You can find the first and second-quality knives there. I have an SRK that I got for backpacking and I love the balance and feel of the handle. Their site said it weighs 8.2 ounces, which isn't bad. Good luck and let us know what you decide on.
 
Guys into their sports like that, are probably into their equipment as well. For all of the activities you mentioned, people use lightweight gear. If he doesn’t own a fixed-blade knife, it’s probable that he doesn’t want to have to carry it. He may be happier with a small, lightweight fixed-blade, like the Spyderco Moran, drop point, or even a folder. For many of his sports, getting wet is a possibility, so stainless steel would be preferable.

Darrel
 
have a look at the Fallkniven F1, or maybe one of the Becker's fit into that range.

BTW, if lightweight is what he's looking for, I would second that recommendation on the Spyderco Moran. Amazing knife....great sheath.

Nitin
 
Good ideas so far. I have expereince with these:

Becker crewman is a nice, sturdy knife in the size range you mentioned. I have a buddy who has one and loves it!

The Bark River Forager is a real sturdy knife, very durable, very very sharp out of the box. It is a convex ground blade, once you learn how to keep it sharp it's pretty easy to maintain, good A2 steel. Kinda on the high side of the price range you mentioned, though. Treeman has real good prices on them.

The Fallkniven F-1 would be a great choice, it has an optional kydex sheath if he doesn't like leather.

If weight is important, you might consider something like a Frost's Mora Clipper or SWAK knife. Thin, very sharp blade, very lightweight. Not meant for prying, just cutting. And, it cuts very well! I have the hard plastic handle one and like it alot. Best $12 fixed blade you'll ever see! Kinda crappy plastic sheath with it, but there are aftermarket ones available.

Sounds like you're a pretty good brother :cool:
 
Not "Fixed Blades" but specifically designed for exactly the type of outdoor sports you mention, are Buck's REVOLUTION-XT (Model #437)which actually is a fixed blade where the handle the rotates around the blade, and the APPROACH, in two sizes(Model #751 & 752). None come with a sheath, yet all have extra large lanyard holoes in the handles designed to fit a carabiner for attachment to other gear. MSRP runs between $45 - $90. These can been seen at the Buck Web Site
 
I just picked up an excellent one, the SOG X-42 field knife. BG-42 blade, and only $70-80
 
I know it's not what you were asking about, but your brother shouldn't be going kayaking without a Benchmade rescue hook.
I wouldn't go on the water without mine, it's so easy to carry but could save your life.
 
Been a long while since I checked this thread but I just wanted to post an update. I wound up sending him a CRKT M60 with tanto point, and I got a friend of mine who's good with a needle to sew a sheath for a Swiss Army Camper model to the outside pocket. I felt that should cover most of his basic needs as the CRKT would make a good field knife capable of performing basic camp chores and light chopping, although nothing too strenous. However, this combo fits in his pack a lot easier than some of the other ideas mentioned. Haven't gotten any feedback yet on field performance, but he's heading up to Alaska in a couple weeks to go kayaking, so I'm hoping for a field report when he gets back. I feel better knowing he's got at least 1 decent fixed blade for that trip. Thanks for all the help.
Lagarto
 
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