Recommend a solid fixed blade under $75 for backpacking, mtn biking, camping

C

csisland

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Aug 8, 2013
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Shopping around for a fixed blade, non-serrated, for camping, etc.., under $75. I was looking at bark river and blind horse but they are out of my price range and is it possible to find something similar at a much lesser price, reliable, and made in the US.
 
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Ontario Ranger and RAT lines. Micarta and carbon steel, very similar to the Bark River and BHK knives, much less, still quality. IMO, they are heavy, i'd opt for something lighter like a SOG Seal Pup Elite and this is coming from a mountain biker who watches what he packs.
 
I'll second the Becker 'tweeners. I prefer them to Esee, more comfortable handles. Give the Boker Bushcrafter a look as well, it's right around $50. Also the Boker Exodus, a little more than $75 but it's a good one.
 
Queen Lite Hunter. The smallest Trout model is especially well-suited to backpacking and hiking. Made in the USA too.

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Case makes a similar small knife with stacked leather handles, and the Buck Woodsman and Pathfinder with their super-durable phenolic handles would meet your requirements too.

Becker makes an excellent knife, although much heavier than I'd want to carry on a bicycle or in my pack.
 
I was going to suggest the Queen Drop point Hunter. Just a bit bigger than the bird and trout, which is another fine suggestion. I just prefer a wider blade for general use.

As a long time backpacker, ski-tourer and bike-tourer though, I have to question the *need* for a fixed blade. Your pack, you decision, obviously. But I find that an Opinel #9 or #8 is more than sufficient in 99% of situations; even more if you are committed to carrying a camp stove of some sort.

One benefit of the Opinels is that the lock ring can be left in the free pivot mode, which allows them to pushed (gently) into battoning if absolutely needed.

Car camping and canoeing offer up more options as weight, size and packability are less of issues.

Not trying to talk you out of a fixed blade if a fixed blade is the path to fun for you. Just offering my 2 cents having been down this path too.
 
pinnah said:
I was going to suggest the Queen Drop point Hunter. Just a bit bigger than the bird and trout, which is another fine suggestion. I just prefer a wider blade for general use.

As a long time backpacker, ski-tourer and bike-tourer though, I have to question the *need* for a fixed blade. Your pack, you decision, obviously. But I find that an Opinel #9 or #8 is more than sufficient in 99% of situations; even more if you are committed to carrying a camp stove of some sort.

One benefit of the Opinels is that the lock ring can be left in the free pivot mode, which allows them to pushed (gently) into battoning if absolutely needed.

Car camping and canoeing offer up more options as weight, size and packability are less of issues.

Not trying to talk you out of a fixed blade if a fixed blade is the path to fun for you. Just offering my 2 cents having been down this path too.
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i guess i have that survival way of thinking right now where if i went out on an excursion and stuck in the middle of nowhere, i would want something like a fixed with me, plus i don't own a fixed so this would be my first. i'm not a fan of the opinels but thanks for the suggestion.
 
pinnah said:
I was going to suggest the Queen Drop point Hunter. Just a bit bigger than the bird and trout, which is another fine suggestion. I just prefer a wider blade for general use.
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Plus, the larger models are available in D2; the Trout model is Queen stainless only. The Canoe fixed blade is another good model in the same line.
 
You with your criteria, especially the US only one, you can't do better than the Becker tweeners. They are not heavy in the slightest, they are inexpensive, hard use tools that can do light work and.stand up to survival if needed. Abandon your search ans.buy a bk16.
 
I will second that. If you're on a budget and/or are not specially concerned by aesthetics, Condor has very strong and reliable outdoor users in their catalogue. You could even end up with 30 $ left for beer...
 
Izula or Izula 2 is the perfect backpacking companion imho, combine it with a SAK (Huntsman or Farmer) and you can take on anything.

Izula_Walnut_01.JPG
 
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