Next knife purchase, advice welcome!

J

JasonJ

Joined
Oct 28, 2014
Messages
109
So I am looking to buy my next blade... I'd like to spend around $50-$60 at this time. I'm sort of leaning towards a fixed blade, but am unsure. I don't have a specific use in mind right now. I'm also putting together a bug out/get home bag.

I'm sort of leaning towards a Buck 119. But then, I also like the 110 folder. I also like blades like the ESEE Izula.

I have a small EDC folder, a Kershaw OSO Sweet my brother gave me last year for my birthday. Its shaving sharp and used for delicate tasks or emergency items. I don't prefer to use it for anything too terribly hard use. Somewhat sentimental. I also carry a cheapy Ka Bar Acheron i wrapped with paracord and hang around my neck for dirty use.. breaking down boxes, cutting open packages, slicing rope or just whatever.

I have a goofy "survival knife" but its one of those hollow handle ones, but its a 10" blade, saw serrations on the spine. It'll do in a pinch but its not a "proper knife". I also have a variety of SAK's as well as a beautiful Buck 121 my dad bought in the mid to late 70s (he's since passed away and this too has sentimental value, but I wouldn't be afraid to use it if I needed to).

So.. given the budget.. what is recommended? Lots of great options I know... but without a specific use in mind, it's hard to decide. I also don't want to buy a blade that is just going to get packed away and never used/tested either. Maybe once I've found one I like, I'd buy multiples.

Maybe I should just buy 3 or 4 Mora's and ask for a Buck 119 or Ka Bar USMC for Christmas or my birthday...
 
Welcome to BF.

When on a budget and looking for a big bang for your $$$, always look to Mora, Opinel and sak. If you don't have an alox pioneer or farmer sak, those would be good.
 
The Buck 119 and 110 are great and classic knives and either would go well in a BOB, though the 119 was primarily designed as a hunting knife if that matters to you. Maybe consider a Becker BK16. Good all around knife. Agree with the Izula. I also know swamp rat has some great all purpose blades but I think they might be a little high for your budget.
 
My dads old SAK is a red Aluminum scaled Pioneer or Soldier model.. i dont know which. I have a newer, basic plastic scaled SAK as well. I'm kinda set on those.

I do wonder about the Mora's though. I also thought that since I'm so trepidatious about heavy use on my Kershaw from my brother, perhaps a heavier duty, beatin' on, working folder is in order.
 
An Izula or a BK11/14 would probably do what you'd need to do and carry/store well in a bag, too. Plus, they'll be in (or real close to) your budget if you buy from BF or stay with just the knife & sheath from a dealer. I carry an Izula in my truck bag. It's an all-purpose "arrive alive" bag, not specifically a BOB designed for long-term or hard core survival. I've always found the Izula to be very flexible in the kinds of things it can handle and it's easy to maintain in the field. The BK11/14 will be the same, just a slightly longer blade if that matters to you.
 
Fixed: Izula is a great knife. Love mine
Folder: Spyderco Delica and Dragonfly, Kershaw Blur.
 
Zancudo and Avispa folders. Condor Bombus or Elegan for fixed. Get one folder and one fixed.
 
^ not a bad idea. Perhaps I should look for a decent folder and a decent fixed blade.. buy one of each for my given budget (not my absolute budget ever, just for this purchase).

I wouldn't mind having a heavy duty use folder. I keep coming back to the Buck 119 though.. its just so.. iconic, beautiful, even in black handled form. I appreciate knives for their design and construction as well; looking at how they curve and go together... so pretty knives aren't discounted for the sake of a user blade.
 
Fixed Blade: Bk-11/14/24 or Izula 1/2
Folder: Ontario Rat 1/2, Esee Zancudo/Avispa or Sog Flash 2
 
I also own a Buck 119 special, Beautiful knife...then my dad fell in love with it so its his now:rolleyes:
 
Get the Izula...

The "no questions asked" warranty is outstanding! It truly is a knife you will have for a lifetime.
 
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