Picking a go-to knife for outdoor

I like the Blackjack 125 personally. It is one of my go-to woods knives at the moment. Also have a Dozier custom (Pro Guides) that I prefer to all of them, but that exceeds the budget framework established by the OP. Jeepster, that Kabar you mentioned in another thread also has me interested.
 
The Black Jack Tac OPs 6 would be an outstanding choice for little over $100.

Bark River 1.5 is the best 5 to 6" knife for general utility/bushcraft IMO $140+

ESEE 6 is a no nonsense solution as well.

All 3 knives (companies) have the best warranties in the business. (Really 2 companies since Black Jack is made by Bark River) If I had to choose only one knife out of my collection, or in general for that matter, it would be the Bark River 1.5 hands down. What a blade. The most comfortable handle on a knife that I have ever held.

But don't take my word for it :)
 
1095 at 3/16 is more steel than most climates could really challenge.

A little more, like 20-30 will get you a nice piece from Dogwood Custom Knives or LT Wright. Solid dudes with great designs. More geared towards being functional for general use case scenarios, some of which are camping. What kind of tasks, wet weather where you live/camp? A lot of "hard use" tools are not the best tools always for modern camping for most of us. For me I'm most comfortable with a 2-3inch small fixed flat as close to what would seem more like a paring knife, but I'm not everyone. I feel most people could do most of what modern camping requires with a blade 4" or smaller and lightweight. I totally get the reason to have something bigger when in the woods, I just don't often suggest them right off the bat for a "go-to".
 
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MattBlade said:
Hi all I would like to get a knife to bring during hikes and camps. I would like it to be tough, it should be able to do a large variety of tasks like batoning, chopping and even make feather stick. I know that one knife cannot specialize in so many tasks but it doesn't have to, it just need to get the job down. I already have a Mora so no need to recommend it to me, I would like a knife that I can do some fairly heavy duty stuff with. Thanks in advance for your help :)

Preferences:
- Lightweight for long hikes, heavy enough for very mild chopping (maybe around 10 ounces) - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 is lightweight. Not the greatest chopper, but it can get the job done.
- Around 5 inches
- Able to retain a good edge
- Around $100 but I'm willing to change this for a little more, don't let this be a limiting factor
- Comfortable and grippy handle
- Full tang, prefer protrusion at the bottom
- Reliable carbon or stainless steel
- Around 3/16'' thickness, below 1/4''



EDIT
Some of my early choices:
1) Becker BK-10 (I like the size and toughness. I like the thickness and weight compared to the BK-2) I would prefer it to be a little lighter though, I stress on 'little'.
2) Fallkniven S1 (I like the size and toughness as well. It is also stainless but I hear it chips after a simple drop on rocks noticeably easier than other knives.
Click to expand...


- Lightweight for long hikes, heavy enough for very mild chopping (maybe around 10 ounces) - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 is lightweight. Not the greatest chopper, but it can the job done.
- Around 5 inches - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 has a 5 inch blade, with 5 inch Micarta Scales.
- Able to retain a good edge - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 is made of 154cm. It holds a good edge.
- Around $100 but I'm willing to change this for a little more, don't let this be a limiting factor - Can buy the Ontario Blackbird SK-5 for a little over 100 bucks on Amazon.
- Comfortable and grippy handle - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 has a great handle. Mircarta rocks!The ergonomics of the handle are simply awesome for a comfortable grip that will not fatigue the hand.
- Full tang, prefer protrusion at the bottom - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 is full tang, but there is NO protrusion at the bottom. However it can still be used for light hammering.
- Reliable carbon or stainless steel - Made of 154cm which is great for bushcrafting if your going with stainless. S30V is better though, but its also crazy expensive.
- Around 3/16'' thickness, below 1/4'' - Ontario Blackbird SK-5 blade is 1/8th of an inch exactly.
 
HI klvuk or HI r-10 or HI yvsa karda or Micro mini ang khola bowie by HI-- basically any small knife by Himalayan imports makes a great bush knife and meets all your requirements easily, if you can find one for sale. no better blades for the price; if you prefer modern and machine made though, they are not the company to go with.
 
If you don't mind 4.25 vs 5 inches, then the BRKT Bravo-1 would be a good choice. A2 steel, comfortable, but not "grippy" handle, and a little more than you want to spend. The ESEE 6 would work too. The B-1 is my "go to" woods knife.
 
I would go with the Swamp Rat Ratmandu if you can swing the cost. IMO it is the single best 5 inch production knife currently on the market.
 
I prefer the leuku blade profile, at times in combination with a smaller puukko blade, for extreme and bush. Try to take a look at the J. Martinni line of outdoor knives, especially their leuku and puukko designs. I have used them for decades and can attest to their quality and functionality.

Ratmandu is also a good choice.
 
I use my Schrade Schf10 as a low cost go to outdoor blade. I'm more of a folder guy so I don't buy expensive fixed blades, but the schf10 is built like a tank
 
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