Need suggestions for a small fixed blade knife for hiking

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frogger42

Joined
Sep 17, 2008
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I am currently building a small bag to carry on day hikes and I am drawing a blank on what knife to use. I'd like something fairly light weight, blade between 2.5 - 4" long and made with a quality stainless steel like 154CM or S30V. Basically, my ideal knife (which doesn't exist) would be an ESEE Izula in S30V. I know the Izula in 1095 is an excellent knife but it rusts if not maintained and I tend to forget about knives like this until I need them so I'd rather stick with something more stain resistant. I'd like to keep the budget in the $50 - 80 range. I can maybe extend it a little more but I'd like to keep it under $100. If I can't find anything in that budget, I'll probably save up a bit and buy a Doug Ritter Mk3 but I'd rather not spend that much if I don't have to. This will mainly be used as a survival knife in a situation where I became injured or lost and had to make an unexpected stay overnight. I will also have a Leatherman Wave in the bag so a folder is covered already. What would you guys suggest?
 
while not one of the more premium steels any of the mora's in 12c27 would be great, ive beat on them all day and it holds up just fine. but for a premium steel, Spyderco Bill Moran in VG-10 will do quite well
 
Thanks for the advice, but I just had an idea that solved the whole issue. I should have thought of it sooner. I have a Benchmade Fixed Griptilian in 154CM in my BOB right now and I've been thinking about upgrading it to a larger knife. I'm going to move the Benchmade from the BOB to the Hiking Bag and buy a larger knife (probably a Ka-Bar D2 Extreme) to replace it in the BOB.
 
In case you are still looking for a Izula-like knife in stainless check out the Blackjack Knives Necker. It's nearly identical in size to the Izula (I am pretty sure they are the same overall length), and the Blackjack Necker is 154CM. I handled one at a local shop and found the Blackjack be very comfortable in hand (and would have bought it if I had the extra cash). They retail around $60.
 
frogger42 said:
Thanks for the advice, but I just had an idea that solved the whole issue. I should have thought of it sooner. I have a Benchmade Fixed Griptilian in 154CM in my BOB right now and I've been thinking about upgrading it to a larger knife. I'm going to move the Benchmade from the BOB to the Hiking Bag and buy a larger knife (probably a Ka-Bar D2 Extreme) to replace it in the BOB.
Click to expand...

sounds good, but dont be wasting a perfectly good excuse to get another knife :p
 
I've carried an ESEE RC-3 in my field pack for quite some time. I love it. A longer blade may be convenient for certain chores - splitting wood, for instance - but overall it has been very reliable for me.
 
Buck Mayo Kala in S30V fits your description i guess, S30V one piece construction. You can get a deal around $60 or less.
 
If you're still looking.... You can get the Entrek badger... 440c stainless, I can't remember the length of the blade, but I know it is in your requirements
 
Most of my blades are carbon steel. They are all users. I have NEVER had an issue with rust-ever. It takes all of 60 seconds to use a papertowel to dry & clean a blade & oil it. Get a small bottle of oil with a top that don't leak & keep it in your pack or BOB.
 
frogger42 said:
I am currently building a small bag to carry on day hikes and I am drawing a blank on what knife to use. I'd like something fairly light weight, blade between 2.5 - 4" long and made with a quality stainless steel like 154CM or S30V.
Click to expand...

For just hiking, I've never much carried a fixed blade. But if I did, I'd want it to be light weight.

Sounds like one of these would work:
Choice of D2 or VG10

A.G. Russell™ Deer Hunter
http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-deer-hunter/p/AGDHhhhD2/
AGDH-.jpg
 
knarfeng said:
For just hiking, I've never much carried a fixed blade.
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For me it depends on where I'll be hiking. In the area around here (varies from urban to rural): I agree. But when I go hiking out in the Real Woods, where even people that are familiar with the area occasionally get turned around, I want something a bit more substantial with me, Just In Case.

knarfeng said:
Sounds like one of these would work:
Choice of D2 or VG10

A.G. Russell™ Deer Hunter
http://www.agrussell.com/ag-russell-deer-hunter/p/AGDHhhhD2/
Click to expand...
That's a very interesting knife and sheath system. And VG-10 is one of my favourite blade steels. I'm very tempted, esp. at that price, myself.

Jim
 
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