Recommendation for TRADITIONAL fixed-blade to use camping hiking

[marc88]

I use a benchmade 158 CSK-II for camping/hiking it comes out of the box razor sharp and also the sheath is good too, holds a good edge, i have only used it for detailed work and minor batoning but its a good knife all the same

 

[Corso]

I've a GEC fixed blade on its way which should cope with all the camping tasks I am likley to throw at it but if I was thinking more wilderness camping I'd be looking for something custom

 

[edmundo.gurza]

I have one of these on its way for that same reason.

 

[Will Power]

The OP wanted something smallish and not too heavy (and Traditional sigh!) In my book chopping is for hatchets, big knives are not needed on my hiking.

Since this country invented the puukko it naturally gets my vote, and why? Simple, easy to hold in the cold or wet, carries out firemaking, food prep of all kinds, easy to sharpen. The dangler sheath not only keeps the knife firmly in place, but stays on the belt without jabbing you in the ribs when you sit down. Light in weight, heavy in capability, lot of different handle options which look very pretty too!

 

[black mamba]

Check out anything by David Farmer on the exchange. He uses forged L6, which is super tough stuff, and his prices are phenomenal.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

Here is my Farmer knife, 9" OAL in L6 and bamboo handles, comes with a dangler sheath.

 

[avoidspam]

You could also look at the Great Eastern Cutlery fixed blades?

I've reviewed the hunter here, a great little camp knife for food prep and other light chores

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...Hunter-H73-Canoe-Review-and-a-Couple-of-Tips-)

There is also a larger version based on the #23

Sam

 

[Mack]

sharpfinger for the win

I checked this post specifically to vote for a Sharpfinger, and was pleasantly surprised someone beat me to it. I bring a big fixed blade camping but never use it. A small fixed blade is handier in my experience than a big chopper, but I'm not out building shelters or chopping firewood with my knife.

The USA made Sharpfinger is possibly the handiest knife ever made. It's small but fits the hand beautifully and the steel is easy to get razor sharp. Fantastic little knife.

 

[jc57]

Actually the OP didn't specifically ask about traditionals, he just happened to post in this forum looking for advice. If you are not reading carefully the description of this forum looks like it would be the best place to ask about fixed blades. "Traditional Folders and Fixed Blades", not "Traditional Folders and Traditional Fixed Blades". Reading subject to individual interpretation. A mod renamed the title. I just think he wants a good knife, traditional or not.

I recommended the Mora Classic 1 which is both a good choice and a traditional knife. Hopefully he'll find what he needs.

 

[whetrock]

The Buck 105 Pathfinder makes for a fine, traditional camp knife IMO. It's a lightweight, but sports an excellent blade profile for light use, if you don't need to chop or baton it's a good choice. If you want something traditional, and overbuilt, Condor's rendition of the Hudson Bay pattern is a beast of a knife, that can chop incredibly well.

 

[j man]

Schrade USA ,Old timer 165 Woodsman................or a sharpfinger 152OT:thumbup:

 

[knarfeng]

he just happened to post in this forum looking for advice.

The OP has been a BF member for 13 years. It is reasonable to assume that he knew exactly what forum this is and the topics of our posts.

 

[Jack Black]

Check out anything by David Farmer on the exchange. He uses forged L6, which is super tough stuff, and his prices are phenomenal.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/754-For-Sale-Fixed-Blades

Here is my Farmer knife, 9" OAL in L6 and bamboo handles, comes with a dangler sheath.

Really like the look of this, and of Mr Farmer's knives in general. Very good prices too :thumbup:

 

[Hammer67]

Based on what you say you are looking for, I'd recommend the following:

- Blind Horse Frontier Valley Patch knife

- Bark River Woodland Special

- Grohmann #2

All are reasonably small, well made, and will serve you well for general camping/hiking.

 

[JK Knives]

Lots of traditional designs out there.

Kephart

Canadian Belt Knife

My version of the Herters Improved Bowie

 

[jimmyd1982]

Another vote for bind horse knives. They've got a great looking one up right now for their monthly special. I'd be all over it if it wasn't roughly the same size as my woodsman pro.

 

[silenthunterstudios]

"Small" can vary from 2" blade to 4" blade, depending on who you ask. The basic bushcraft model, or the Kephart, are two great woods knives for pretty much any task other than chopping. I did get a micro Kephart (3" blade) from Scott Gossman, I've gotten small Kepharts from ML knives, among others. There are lots of custom makers out there that produce an affordable well made custom fixed blade, without hot spots or sharp spots. I would say that a basic 3.5" to 4" blade would serve you well. I've gone the custom route for the longest time now. Lots of old timey patterns out there, check out the book Knife in Homespun America for some ideas.

 

[henryhide]

I bought a couple of Western fixed blades off the auction site. Can't beat them, solidly built and carbon steel.

 

[gregorio]

Might I suggest a Muela. The one on the left is the one I'm recommending, it is their Facon. For brass and stag these are really quite reasonably priced.

 

[pmew]

I'm going to say that I think you should consider going custom, its a satisfying experience. But for a decent alternative with less finance Hess Knifeworks are good. I like their caper, it's full tang 1095, small, stout 2.5' convex ground blade with a full handle that fits the hand. They use some beautiful burls for the handle scales too, or micarta if you prefer.

Image borrowed from makers website.

 

[rma100]

Buck 102.