New Here. Fixed blade for <$100?

H

HamMach1

Joined
Sep 11, 2009
Messages
20
Hey guys I'm sure there are countless amounts of threads on my topic but I don't see any search feature so I just thought I'd shoot my question here.

I'm new to knives. I have just a Kershaw Blackout and some Gerber folding knife. But I'm looking for a solid fixed blade knife for around $100 (less would be much better :D) that would be for outdoors use and what not. There are so many knives out there and I don't really know much about the types of steel and handles and sheaths, so I thought you guys could point me into the right direction so I don't end up buying a piece of crap.

I started looking into some SOG knives like the Seal Pup and Tech Bowie but I don't really know where they stand as far as quality and such.

I guess I'm not really looking for anything too big. Maybe max of about 12" or so. I don't know. Give me some direction please!

Thanks :)
 
Rat cutlery knives - probably the best performance/value/warrentee out there. Benchmade fixed blades are okay. I never like their grips much. SOG is developing a horrible warranty reputation. Kabars are good and I'd suggest one among the Becker/Kabar collaboration line. The Ontario Ranger Knives series are supposed to be quite good. Entrek and TOPs make good fixed blades but they are a bit more pricey. All the other, quality manufacturers that come to my mind are generally outside your price point by $50 to $100.

Many custom makers here make small to medium fixed blades in the $90-$130 price range. Check out the fixed blade for sale sub forum in the Maker's area. Makers to consider: JK-knives, Bryan Breeden, Koyote, DP-knives, SDS.
 
Didn't know that about SOG CS, but it doesn't surprise me, considering all the stories circulating about brittleness and tips snapping (on FB's, not folders). So far my mini pentagon is good....
 
Kabar short/long Heavy Bowie. $45ish
Becker BK2 (made by Kabar actually) $55ish
RAT Izula $50ish

All solid performers that wont break the bank. Nothing wrong with a RAT RC4,5,6,7 either if you can find in your price range.
 
I think the SOG Field Pup would work well for you. The Buck 119 is a good performer and within almost everyone's reach money wise. Buck knives get very little support here but they have been well worth the price to me for many years.
 
Fallkniven s1, rat4 or 5,buck nighthawk in that order. It also happens to be most expensive to least expensive. I own one of all of them. Come to think of it check out the buck nighthawk they are sold by alot more places (gander mtn, bass pro, maybe even a few walmarts) Go check one out the price really is right on those things too
 
Thanks for the suggestions. I went to Bass Pro and checked out some knives. Man, I really liked the feel of the SOG Tech Bowie. I still have a lot of looking around to do.
 
There is a RAT 7 over in the Exchange for $80...I have a D2 version.. very nice and solid.
 
Are SOG knives decent? Like I said in my previous post, I checked out a few knives and I loved the overall feel, fit and finish of the SOG Tech Bowie. It was a little heavier than some of the other knives I handled (SOG Seal Pup, USMC Ka-Bar, Cold Steel Master Hunter and a couple others from Benchmade, Gerber and Buck) but I actually liked the added weight because I felt like I was actually holding on to something with substance!
 
joebobx said:
Fallkniven s1, rat4 or 5,buck nighthawk in that order. It also happens to be most expensive to least expensive. I own one of all of them. Come to think of it check out the buck nighthawk they are sold by alot more places (gander mtn, bass pro, maybe even a few walmarts) Go check one out the price really is right on those things too
Click to expand...

wongKI said:
Get half a dozen Moras.
Click to expand...

Joebobx speaks the truth, though I would put the Buck ahead of the RATS just because the Rat knives have such honkin' big handles.

The advice about picking up a couple of Mora knives is good as well. You'll be surprised how often you'll reach for a Mora for many cutting tasks: plus you can abuse them and not feel guilty about it.
 
RAT Cutlery RC4, Fallkniven F1, or Fallkniven S1.

The Buck Nighthawk is a solid choice, but I like a knife with a full tang.

I'm very partial to the Fallkniven's. The laminated blade is incredibly tough, the convex
edge is easy to sharpen, and VG-10 is a great performing stainless.

For a larger knife, I'd look at the Becker BK7.
 
The RATs are out of my price range sadly. I'll look into the Fallkniven knives.

So I guess SOGs aren't really worth mentioning? I've heard great things about them on other forums and stuff (granted not knife forums or knife enthusiasts). If so, that's too bad because, like I said, I loved the way the Tech Bowie felt. It was big but not too big and it was heavy but still very nimble and agile. And the handle was big enough for my big hands.

What about the Boker Valkyrie Plus bowie? Seems like a pretty cool knife...

BOP160.jpg


There's one on ebay right now for a relatively cheap bidding right now.

I also found this RAT-7 on here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=669193
 
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Check out this thread and video in the first post before going with Ontario's rat series. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=673131

RAT Cutlery is a different company. Same designers, but better quality.

I dont trust SOGs choice in blade steels for their knives. You can get a lot better for the money.

If RAT Cutlery is out of your price range, the fallknivens will be too. Look here..http://newgraham.com/store/category/1/50/RAT/page2.html RC6 just a few bucks over your price range. Trust me.. it's worth it.

If you want to keep under your range, you cant go wrong with a Becker BK7 or BK2
 
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