Outdoor/Camp fixed blade

J

JeepinMatt

Joined
Jan 4, 2009
Messages
85
Does anyone have a good recommendation for a good all-around, outdoor/camp fixed blade knife? I'm looking to spend around 150$ give or take depending on why it is more or less...

I'm open to all suggestions, thanks!
 
One of the new Beckers from Kabar, maybe a BK7. Carbon steel, but will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

thx - cpr
 
Well, might as well be the first- you have a wealth of options in that price range- all good knives, so here goes: Swamp Rat or Scrapyard if you want bullet-proof, Bark River has a huge selection and makes a great knife, Fehrman is a bit of a stretch $-wise, Rat Cutlery is definitely in the running. There are lots more than I can list. The ones I mentioned will get you started. I picked them because they all have good warranties and are all knives I have and like- it's going to depend mostly on your taste.

Just to make it harder, at your price point you can afford a custom from many of the knifemaker's that post on this forum. Have fun shopping!
 
Welcome to BF :thumbup:

I have used a good ol Kabar USMC full size (7 inch blade) as my general all around hiker/camping for years and havent been disappointed. Those run $50-60 USD. Kabar also makes a Heavy Bowie which is another good inexpensive blade. $50ish USD.

Other good knives.
Rat cutlery Rc6 130ish UDS & Rc5 sere $130ish USD
the new Becker knives from Kabar BK&t 7/9 $80 UDS
Bark River has many...not real familiar with them


Fallkniven are probably outta your price range

I think Kabars and Becker are great bang for the bucks. There are also many loyal Rat Cutlery fans, I just dont have any exp with them.
 
OR a Bark River Bravo 2... can't go wrong with either and definitely worth the extra couple dollars.
 
Check out JK knives in the knife maker forums. His stuff is great, and he's currently running a sale.
 
Rat Cutlery RC-6- $125
Rat Cutlery RC-4- $100
Becker BK7- $65
Becker BK2- $55
KA BAR Camp Knife- $45
KA BAR Fighting/utility knife (USMC, or any other with kraton handles)- $50
Benchmade Rant DPT- $45
 
I asked the same question 3 days ago, and ended up buying a RAT RC-6. I should receive it tomorrow. It seemed like the most knife for the money. The problem is....now I want a Busse. Damn this hobby.
 
Although it's a bit more than you're looking to spend, I'd like to suggest the Spyderco Rock Salt. Great all around outdoor type blade that is rust proof with it's H1 steel, lightweight and can do everything from light chopping (up to a few inches in diameter), food prep to general camp duties. Not too big and not too small.

If you can't tell, I love mine!:)

You also can't go wrong with a Rat Cutlery product or just keep your eyes open in the Makers forums for one that grabs your attention. Lots of really nice, affordable, custom camp/outdoor blades pop up over there.:thumbup:
 
Talk to mykulmorris here on the forum, he makes some very nice customs using Nicholson files that are outstanding. I have bought two of his Tactical Filers (one for me and one for my Dad) and they would make a great general camp knife. The steel sharpen easily and holds an edge very well. The blade is hollow ground and the tip has plenty of belly should you need to use it for a skinner. The two finger groove black micarta handle fills the hand thus reducing fatigue from trying to use a skinny handled knife. The sheath is made from very heavy leather and fits the knife perfectly. All in all breat fit and finish and well under $150 including shipping.

newfighter.jpg
 
Fallkniven A1 Hand's down. :thumbup:

You can use this baby for almost any purpose. And it does everything REALLY well. Simplicity, quality, intelligent design.

(laminate VG10 version NOT the VG10 only version).

58050909bi7.jpg


Kabar 1271 is pretty good too as a cheaper option.

45182046rs1.jpg
 
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I'm trying to find a knife in the same category as you Jeepinmatt. I really like the Bark River Bravo-1, I just find it a tad short for me. If it had the specifications of a Becker BK2, it would be perfect. So I think I'm going to have a custom made for me with the profile of a Bravo-1 but the size of a BK2. But if you like either of those two, I think they are both excellent camp knives. I've also heard nothing but great things about RAT knives. I think Busse and Fallkniven might be a little out of your (and mine, too) price range. Hope that helps.
 
I personally can vouch and swear by Cold Steel Trail Master. I am a big fan of the trail master and have recommended it to many friends and family. I have never heard anything negative about the knife and I'd take this knife anywhere.
 
My favorite all around outdoor blade is the BRKT Bravo-1, but you can't go wrong with a RAT RC-4 (I don't have a RC-6, but it looks good!) or Fallkniven F1 (or other fallknivens that have been suggested, but I only have the F1). All 3 are within your price range. You could go also go with something like a Mora 2000 for $30. As others have said, it's worth it to check out the custom makers; there are a ton of makers who do great work and within your price range.

Obligatory Bravo-1 pic:
IMG_5398.jpg



Edited to add: It really depends on what tasks you anticipate doing with the knife, environment in which you'll be using it, size-steel-grind-shape-handle preferences, etc. I'd suggest browsing the W&SS sub-forum also to see what options are out there and the types of blades people pick for their "all around" knives; something might catch your eye. :thumbup: Good luck!
 
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