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New Field Knife..
- Thread starter andrewfromsocal
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gazz98
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Budget?
If you split a lot of wood, a hatchet makes sense. If you are talking shelter building, a folding saw might make more sense. They are much lighter and require less effort to use over a period of time vs a hatchet.
Cheap solution: Mora + Bahco Laplander folding saw. The combo might run $40.
Hatchets: Not up to date on hatchets. I have an old Estwing that gets thrown in my truck on occasion.
Many great knives suggested so far. Hard to answer w/o knowing the budget. Under $50 : a Schrade in 1095. | $50-100 : Becker Bk 2/10 or Cold Steel SRK. | $100-150 : ESEE 5 or 6.
Either way, I'd add a Mora for the delicate work. Under $20 (for many models) and very light to carry.
If you split a lot of wood, a hatchet makes sense. If you are talking shelter building, a folding saw might make more sense. They are much lighter and require less effort to use over a period of time vs a hatchet.
Cheap solution: Mora + Bahco Laplander folding saw. The combo might run $40.
Hatchets: Not up to date on hatchets. I have an old Estwing that gets thrown in my truck on occasion.
Many great knives suggested so far. Hard to answer w/o knowing the budget. Under $50 : a Schrade in 1095. | $50-100 : Becker Bk 2/10 or Cold Steel SRK. | $100-150 : ESEE 5 or 6.
Either way, I'd add a Mora for the delicate work. Under $20 (for many models) and very light to carry.
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If you want to go for one tool to do both jobs, I'd go for the CPK (Carothers) Field Knife. It's a simple really beautiful & tough piece...delta 3V, and if you watch some of the "stress" tests it can withstand insane abuse. Splitting wood shouldn't be a problem, and for skinning and cleaning the deer I think it would be excellent. Some guys have used it already for pigs etc...and it performed like a champ.
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If you are going to backpack with your knife then I would recommend keeping the weight and bulk down. For skinning I prefer to use thinner knives. down in the lower 48 most of the butchers don't care if the skin is still on, so unless you are processing the game yourself most people just gut their kills and drop it off. I personally would stay away from 1/4" thick knives. Lengthwise 3-5" is a good range. I like knives with blades about as long as my hand is wide with enough handle to fit a 4 finger grip.
What kind of boots are those they look sturdy as hell?ESEE 6. This will easily skin a deer or split wood. I have batoned with mine many times. 1095 will sharpen nicely in the field. I bought the Mille sheath to go with it but I like the large Teklok better.
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I took the black coating off because it makes batoning much easier
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I thank you all for your suggestions, they have given me a better starting point than I was getting to on my own. I also apologize for those I confused or didn't explain well enough for. I guess I rattled off my questions without thinking about background.
Most of my outdoors gear has been whatever I could throw together, but i'm finally starting to upgrade my kit. I work as a wildlife biologist, and do a lot of multi day solo backpacking. I have used a handful of cheap blades over the years, mostly knock off Buck knives and the sort. I also used a kukri for awhile, but found it to be too heavy and cumbersome, and not a good mix between hatchet and knife. I haven't ever really had a nice knife (or hatchet, I have some money for a new one of those as well), so didn't really know where to start. My budget for said item was 100-150, but I am seeing many good choices above that, so I may be able to coax a little more into that fund. I prefer knives in the 5-7" range. I have batoned wood on occasion when in a pinch, usually enough for a small fire, but it wouldn't be hard to nix that as a necessity. I want a knife that will hold edge well, not chip easily, and maybe look a little pretty.
Most of my outdoors gear has been whatever I could throw together, but i'm finally starting to upgrade my kit. I work as a wildlife biologist, and do a lot of multi day solo backpacking. I have used a handful of cheap blades over the years, mostly knock off Buck knives and the sort. I also used a kukri for awhile, but found it to be too heavy and cumbersome, and not a good mix between hatchet and knife. I haven't ever really had a nice knife (or hatchet, I have some money for a new one of those as well), so didn't really know where to start. My budget for said item was 100-150, but I am seeing many good choices above that, so I may be able to coax a little more into that fund. I prefer knives in the 5-7" range. I have batoned wood on occasion when in a pinch, usually enough for a small fire, but it wouldn't be hard to nix that as a necessity. I want a knife that will hold edge well, not chip easily, and maybe look a little pretty.
Hmm...
Luckily, in this price range, it shouldn't be hard to find something that wont chip on you
. Also, do you have any traits in mind of what a "pretty" knife looks like? Modern style, traditional?
For more traditional-ish knives, that are close to your budget, look at blackjack knives. They have a number of different 5 and 7in blade models to choose from, and are quite classy looking if you ask me. Bark river has a few lines that you may like as well. But they may be a touch over your budget. Maybe look at the bravo 1 or 1.25?
For more modern looking knives, these two are perhaps among the two most recommended 6in knives, are the Becker BK12/Ritter rsk MK II (one knife, two names), and the ESEE 6. Strangely enough, they're both manufactured by the same company (Rowen) who is known for their outstanding warranty and quality. Both are in your budget.
Then, at the cheaper end of things there are the condor models like the Hudson bay (7 in blade), and then another price point higher you have the Becker lineup like the BK10 and BK7.
Good luck on your search sir.
Luckily, in this price range, it shouldn't be hard to find something that wont chip on you
. Also, do you have any traits in mind of what a "pretty" knife looks like? Modern style, traditional?For more traditional-ish knives, that are close to your budget, look at blackjack knives. They have a number of different 5 and 7in blade models to choose from, and are quite classy looking if you ask me. Bark river has a few lines that you may like as well. But they may be a touch over your budget. Maybe look at the bravo 1 or 1.25?
For more modern looking knives, these two are perhaps among the two most recommended 6in knives, are the Becker BK12/Ritter rsk MK II (one knife, two names), and the ESEE 6. Strangely enough, they're both manufactured by the same company (Rowen) who is known for their outstanding warranty and quality. Both are in your budget.
Then, at the cheaper end of things there are the condor models like the Hudson bay (7 in blade), and then another price point higher you have the Becker lineup like the BK10 and BK7.
Good luck on your search sir
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As an aside, I have a Bradford Guardian 5. They really are great knives, and extremely affordable for what you get. And it came stupid sharp out of the box. Be warned though, the G-10 handles are not for the weak of hand. They hurt. I'm going to get different scales for mine.
Anyway, OP, to answer your question; In my opinion, there isn't an ideal knife for what you're looking for. As others have said, you should probably have two tools. Is there any way you can get a small hatchet for your wood splitting needs? That'd be ideal. It's easier, faster, and you don't have to baton. And you keep your knife clean and sharp.
If you absolutely can't get a small hatchet, I'd go with something like a Mora. Cheap, good quality, easy to sharpen. And it's in your budget range.
If you were willing to step outside of that budget a bit and still didn't want a hatchet, I would recommend a Bark River. There are too many options to list, but their 3V and their A2 is generally run well and a convex edge is my favorite for anything outdoorsy.
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jdigi101
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A Ratmandu is tough to beat as field knife. They can be found on the Busse exchange or ordered here:
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/available-now-ratmandu-cg/
If that is too spendy I would get this:
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-jaakaripuukko-140-carbon-steel/53635
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/available-now-ratmandu-cg/
If that is too spendy I would get this:
https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/terava-jaakaripuukko-140-carbon-steel/53635
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Bark River Gunny is capable of both. Not to large for most skinning tasks not to small for wood processing like batonning of feathersticks, reasonably priced, great quality, lifetime warranty even if you break it, look great, great ergos....
I had a Bravo 1 that was awesome but it was a little big for some things. I want another one at some point.
I had a Bravo 1 that was awesome but it was a little big for some things. I want another one at some point.
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For slaughtering deer and other big game I use a 4" Canadian knife or a Nesmuk or Kephart style Old Hickory in 1095. The carbon steel is not brittle, is tough and easy to sharpen. For chopping, I use a Collins 14" machete. It's lighter than most hatchets and more versatile than the really small ones. I use it mainly for clearing brush, gathering kindling and digging holes
I don't find myself splitting much wood when I'm out but I'm in the Rockies where most of the trees are pines that burn easily and this short machete is adequate for cutting wood up to any size I'd need to build a shelter if required.
I don't find myself splitting much wood when I'm out but I'm in the Rockies where most of the trees are pines that burn easily and this short machete is adequate for cutting wood up to any size I'd need to build a shelter if required.
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I use a Condor Bushlore for MY field tech stuff and something else entirely for my personal woods pursuits. One knife to do it all doesn't work very well. Big knives that you might use for camp chores or splitting wood for the fire basically suck for hunting uses (field dressing and so forth). If you are set on a bigger knife, perhaps a BK-7 and then carry a folder for the detailed stuff like hunting chores.
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I'm a big fan of my Ontario SK5 Blackbird. The grip is one of the most comfortable I've ever used. Good steel (154CM), full flat grind, and nice edge geometry. Comes with a nice sheath as well.
They were around $160 when I bought mine a couple of years ago. The prices have come down to $110 or so lately, but they switched from green micarta scales to black G10.
Looks very basic, but when you get it in your hand you realize how much thought went into the design. Perfect for general woods use. Not a great chopper (light and balanced closer to the handle) but useful for just about anything else you'd need to do.
They were around $160 when I bought mine a couple of years ago. The prices have come down to $110 or so lately, but they switched from green micarta scales to black G10.
Looks very basic, but when you get it in your hand you realize how much thought went into the design. Perfect for general woods use. Not a great chopper (light and balanced closer to the handle) but useful for just about anything else you'd need to do.
Skinning/hunting, you're typically looking at a smaller blade 3-4.5 inches that is fairly thin. Of course, any sharp knife will do this task with various ease.
Batoning, you're generally looking at a longer, thicker knife. 5-7 inches.
What you'll find is a knife thats "hefty" that is good with batoning will be mediocre hunting/skinning because of the size. It can be done. A good hunting knife will probably be too small for serious baton work, but you'll end up chipping around the sides of it.
Plenty of compromise knives out there. I have a Winkler Hunting knife which is essentially a french trade knife. Its on the upper edge of hunting knives but on the lower end of a field knife. Does its job well, I often have to get a little creative with batoning though.
Batoning, you're generally looking at a longer, thicker knife. 5-7 inches.
What you'll find is a knife thats "hefty" that is good with batoning will be mediocre hunting/skinning because of the size. It can be done. A good hunting knife will probably be too small for serious baton work, but you'll end up chipping around the sides of it.
Plenty of compromise knives out there. I have a Winkler Hunting knife which is essentially a french trade knife. Its on the upper edge of hunting knives but on the lower end of a field knife. Does its job well, I often have to get a little creative with batoning though.
cbach8tw
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I like a good size blade 6-7 inches, but after reading here I think the two tools would work well, a 4-5 inch blade for chores and a small hatchet or saw. I have been getting into the Kephart style lately. While a one knifeto do it all can work, I wonder if it would be as effective as two tools. I also think a good weight compromise can be found to meet your needs. I have been interested in the original Nessmuk trio ideaand how it helped him, the basic idea for those essential tools combo.
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There are the fixed utility style be they Bushcraft, Hunting, or Combat/utility. Get the style more biased to what you do. Thousands to choose from.
A good folder never goes amiss. Again thousands to choose from, I prefer classic styles and pocket carry.
Hatchet, Golock or Small Forest axe for tree/camp fire work.
A good folding saw from Silky are well worth the carry, and I'll take one before any axe.
The basics for the woods:
I'm a fan of the Skrama if I want a little more, before going to an axe or hatchet; a thinking man's golock:
There are truck tools where they live in the truck, and there are man portable. If you want to enjoy your walks then less and the lighter the better. You pack it you carry it. Tools are carried a lot, used little. Big works require full sized tools. Specialised tools do the job better.
Skrama $70 to under $100 bucks depending on sheath. (If you were to go for this check out the puukko they do, bushcraft type fixed). Silky Saw $35 or so depending on model; go for the bigger option of any particular model line.
A good folder never goes amiss. Again thousands to choose from, I prefer classic styles and pocket carry.
Hatchet, Golock or Small Forest axe for tree/camp fire work.
A good folding saw from Silky are well worth the carry, and I'll take one before any axe.
The basics for the woods:
I'm a fan of the Skrama if I want a little more, before going to an axe or hatchet; a thinking man's golock:
There are truck tools where they live in the truck, and there are man portable. If you want to enjoy your walks then less and the lighter the better. You pack it you carry it. Tools are carried a lot, used little. Big works require full sized tools. Specialised tools do the job better.
Skrama $70 to under $100 bucks depending on sheath. (If you were to go for this check out the puukko they do, bushcraft type fixed). Silky Saw $35 or so depending on model; go for the bigger option of any particular model line.
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