Need New fixed blade knife what are good?

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lostcaveman

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Jan 14, 2005
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I want to get a new fixed blade knife for over the summer when I do a lot of backpacking up in the northwest. I wanted to know what are some of the good knives for under $60 I need one that will keep up in all element and hold a good edge.

I was looking into kabar usmc or warthog, cold steel srk (does anyone know if the handle on the Srk is good?)
 
Those are good BIG knives. If backpacking you might want to look into something lighter. Have a look at Bark River knives -- the Woodland is light, compact, sturdy... but there are lots of other choices.
 
Check out the Becker series of knives by Camillus. I own the BK7, but that may be a little on the big side or backpacking. The Becker Necker is handy, but small. Let us know what blade size/weight you're looking for and some intended uses :)
 
powells85 said:
Check out the Becker series of knives by Camillus. I own the BK7, but that may be a little on the big side or backpacking. The Becker Necker is handy, but small. Let us know what blade size/weight you're looking for and some intended uses :)
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The weight or blade size to me doesnt matter I just keep it on my belt. Uses would be from anywhere to gutting a fish to just carving wood.
 
Just a few below your's is another topic asking for backpacking fixed-blade knife recommendations. Some good ideas there. Again, if you're backpacking your primary concern is going to be weight.

I have hiked extensively, both professionally and for recreation. I find a lightweight, inexpensive folder the most practical knives to carry. #8 or smaller Opinel, AG Russell Featherlite, Spyderco Endura, or BuckLite are some knives I'd consider for backpacking.

Are you going to hunt game as you hike? If so, the Buck Vangard, Northwoods Small Droppoint, or Bark River Woodland would be good choices. Again, weight is the key. AG Russell has a series of lightweight fixed-blade hunting knives - three to choose from according to the size of the game, inexpensive, and locking sheaths.

Happy Shopping,
-Bob
 
Ah ha, you replied while I was writing my post. If you're going to fish, I suggest carrying a fillet knife just for that. A WWII-era combat knife isn't going to be well-suited for cleaning stream trout.

For carving wood, a small folding pocket knife is good for whittling. An OldTimer or small Buck knife would be good. I've seen some fixed-blade whittlers too.

You may have to buy several and decide later which one(s) to take on your trip. :)

Again, Happy Shopping,
Bob
 
Again, A BK&T C/U 7 or CS Bushman are good, cost-effective ways to go
 
A buck 105 Pathfinder has a 5" slender blade. I have used them for fish and other camp type chores. It has enough handle so get a good grip to carve tent stakes or kindling. If you want bigger, then I'd say a Buck 119 Special and of course a Vic SAK.
 
P.S. there are a lot of choices in your specs and price range. You could hardly make a mistake .
 
There are two knives that I have that fit that bill.

1) The ontario TAK-1. I have cleaned fish with it and made small spoons also. I even chopped a few dead wood trees up.

2) Another ontario I have is the Quartermaster. I have the stainless model but they have a carbon steel one that is perfect.

The becker line is also a good choice. But again it all depends on what you like. We can make suggestions but as you can see they are all opinions. It boils down to the knife you buy becoming your opinion.

On top of that I would also have a small folder and or multi-tool.

"Just my two cent's baked in a honey demi-glaze of misinformation and served with rice and a bit of truth!!"
 
I use the CS SRK as my backpacking knife, but in all honesty, it doesn't often come with me becuase a folder is WAY more practical for most trips.

But as far as fixed blades for your purpose and in your price range, the SRK is hard to beat. I chose it becuase it is much lighter than the KaBar, and the Carbon V steel is better reviewed. The handle is very gripy and I find it to be comfortable. Some poeple have complained that the handle can be a little abbrasive on the hands after working with it for long periods of time. If you are really doing that much work, wear gloves. The issues with the Kraton handle eventually comming of the tang seem to occur on the larger knives (Trailmaster and Recon Scout). I havn't heard of it happening with the SRK.

Anyway, I love it, and still think it is the best choice for under $60. The KaBar and Becker BK7 are fine choices too, but are bigger and a lot heavier and really won't do a whole lot more.

Will
 
Check out some Frosts of Sweden stuff(Mora), quality knives at good prices. The Clipper model comes in either carbon or stainless and a variety of handle colors. The Mora2000 model is also excellent, although I think its getting hard to find. Check Ragnars Ragweed Forge, he carries lots of nice stuff. I have both models and they are awesome cutters for the price. At the price of the Clipper, you could buy several for spares and loaners. On top of that, these are very lightwieght knives for backpacking.
 
The Spyderco Moran (both the upswept blade and drop point versions) are fixed blades that have an excellent reputation and can be had in your price range.
 
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