new to the forum lookin for new knife advice

L4NE4

L4NE4

Joined
Aug 24, 2011
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Sorry I don't mean to ask a question on my first post but I have been lurking on here for about a month and I see a wealth of knowledge.
Anyways, I am looking for a new, rugged, fixed blade. Will be used for camping mainly. My go to brand is Buck and prefer U.S. made (but not a huge deal breaker). I really like the buck vanguard; I just want to listen to some more ideas. Also, I want to stay under $100, the less the better.
Any help is appreciated.
 
Although they are a not quite the same style, I would say any of the ESEE brand knives would do the job. I am looking to get an ESEE-4 as soon as humanly possible myself.

Happy Hunting,

Patrick
 
ESEE brand knives are AMAZING. If you find the right place you can snag a 4 for under 100.
Becker BK2 is also a good choice.
(all made in america)
Condor is good, if you want a beater...But I dont think theyre made in the USA.
Somewhere in South/Central America I think.
Good blades though.
 
It's just slightly over budget but the Swamp Rat RMD is the first knife that comes to mind for rugged outdoor knife.

Can't go wrong with ESEE, Becker, or buck either.
 
Nothing wrong with the Buck line.
I'm partial to the 105 Pathfinder, but many favor the 119 Special.

Another option might be the Benchmade Rant. It's US made with a 440C blade. Runs about $60.

If you want non-stainless, the Becker line gives excellent value for the money.
 
becker bk2 or esee 4. the becker is cheaper, and probably unbreakable, but the esee has a warranty that will replace the knife no matter what you do to it.
 
Thanks for all the replies. So far out of those suggestions I like the Benchmade Rant and the ESEE 4, however, I think the vangaurd still has the edge. I think its the styling that gets me.

Also, thought I would post of pic (every thread needs one), and as you can see I need a good fixed blade.

gang.jpg
 
Just curious--do you like khukuri? Because you can often get a nice 15" khuk from Himalayan Imports for under 100, and you're going to be hard pressed to find a more rugged camping blade at that price point. Or you could do a custom order, if you want a hugely durable handcrafted knife that's exactly what you want. Check out some of the stuff in the HI subforum.

Fiddleback Forge and Bark River might be worth a look as well.
 
crimsonfalcon07 said:
Just curious--do you like khukuri? Because you can often get a nice 15" khuk from Himalayan Imports for under 100, and you're going to be hard pressed to find a more rugged camping blade at that price point. Or you could do a custom order, if you want a hugely durable handcrafted knife that's exactly what you want. Check out some of the stuff in the HI subforum.

Fiddleback Forge and Bark River might be worth a look as well.
Click to expand...

15-20 bucks for a cold steel version of a kukri although you gotta know how to sharpen a knife
 
kukri's are interesting but I have never used one. I do need a machete tho too, might have to try the cold steel version.

As far as sharpening goes, I am still practicing that.

With all these new knives I might have to trade the XDM! Knives dont need reloading right?
 
Well, sharpening is the knife version of reloading. But yes, prepare to not ever have any expendable cash. Especially if you find yourself falling for an HI khuk. By far my favorite fixed blades for the purposes you seem to be suggesting.

If you don't like the khuks, I'd go for something like ESEE (4 or 6), Fallkniven F1, or the BK2. I have a few Buck knives and love them, but they just don't have the same devoted following as the ones I mentioned.
 
the ESEE 6 is most definitely one on my list.

I should have mentioned that I have been into knives my whole life (mostly as a user not collector). My grandpa got me started. He had a big collection, the biggest being his Case knives (Over 700). My taste in knives come from him, that being the classic styling of the Vanguard. I am not saying that looks is everything, but it does help.
 
Also, outside your price range, but still fun, check out some of the Bark River offerings. If you like classic styling, those may be more to your liking.
 
ah man those are awesome! Thanks for that, I cant justify the price on some of those but they are definitely lookers.

Funny thing, my pocket bushman actually cut into the trigger guard on my xdm, if you look closely you can see it...
 
The ESEE 6 is an outstanding knife. It is my main back packing/woods knife. It's light, durable, can chop well, Split logs etc... Excellent knife and has a nice kydex sheath to. Got this one new for $100 and as you can see I use it quite a bit. Paired with a CZ .40 loaded with 200 gr Flat nose gas check rounds there a good team in the back country. (that's not rust towards the tip of the blade, just some wood still stuck to it from my last back packing trip.)

I will also throw out there, if you want a smaller knife and want to save a ton of money check out the Kershaw antelope hunter or the bear hunter (bear hunter is the larger version) Outstanding knives and seriously dirt cheap, like $25- $30. I've beaten on my antelope hunter, cut up all kinds of game, batoned wood. Great knife for the price.

czesee.jpg
 
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Condor (many great models - Hudson Bay in my personal fav), Buck 119 is ALWAYS a great, BK2, Kabar MKII, just to name a few of my favs.
 
Bk2, bk2, bk2, bk2, bk2 bk2,


And if your would happen to go to a website with the same name as say, a rain forest, you may or may not find them for less than $60.

O Yeh I recommend the becker bk2 btw
 
jimh0220 said:
Condor (many great models - Hudson Bay in my personal fav), Buck 119 is ALWAYS a great, BK2, Kabar MKII, just to name a few of my favs.
Click to expand...

Yup the condor by hudson bay is also a great in-expensive choice! This is another of my favorite camping combos. Ruger .357 mag and the condor. HOwever it is made in el salvador but it's a great tough blade.

cimg6716c.jpg
 
It'd be hard not finding an ESEE-4 for less then $100 all day long. I know my go-to site has them for ~$95 or so with free shipping that will get you your order in two days.
 
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