Robust, full-tang (budget) fixed blade for wilderness camping.

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statesevens

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Mar 7, 2016
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My first week-long camping/hiking/survival in the mountains trip quickly approaches, and I come to you blade junkies for some insight. I've done the currency conversion and determined my budget is 70-100 USD. I'm in the market for a sturdy fixed blade for general campsite activities and bushcraft. I've had a good look at Mora and appreciate what they do, but I'd prefer a full-tang layup. Also, I'm more interested in a beefier design; something akin to a Ka-Bar USMC. Ideally 10-11 inches is the size I'm aiming for, and a steel that holds a decent edge after medium amounts of daily usage. I'm bringing a file on the trip in case a resharpen is necessary though. Using this knife for protection might be required as well, since mountains tend to have wild animals. Batoning wood probably isn't in the cards, but we aren't staying in established camp sites so some wood clearing will be required. I'd love to hear from the outdoorsmen in the room with hands-on experience using the blades they love. Cheers!

(PS: Every knife I own up until this point is a folder, so my fixed blade experience is non-existent. Apologies for the ignorance.)
 
If you can spare an extra $20-30, go with an Esee 6. Not only is it an awesome knife, but if you break it for any reason (highly doubtful),send it back to them and they will send you a new one, no questions asked.
 
you cant go wrong with anything from Kabar or Esee. my top recommendations would be an Esee 4, or a BK10 or BK16
 
The Kabar Becker series are great choices. I would advise against using the Kabar USMC for any woods tasks. Its a stick tang instead of full tang and will likely break if you do end up batoning with it.
 
Flickertail said:
Its a stick tang instead of full tang and will likely break if you do end up batoning with it.
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I was not aware of that. Thanks for pointing it out!

I've definitely had my eye on ESEE, but have written them off due to their higher price tag. I realize (to some extent) you get what you pay for though. Becker looks great too, but I saw a review about (I think) the BK2 saying that the screws holding the whole thing together kept falling out in the field, so having an allen key on hand was required..
 
statesevens said:
I've definitely had my eye on ESEE, but have written them off due to their higher price tag. I realize (to some extent) you get what you pay for though. Becker looks great too, but I saw a review about (I think) the BK2 saying that the screws holding the whole thing together kept falling out in the field, so having an allen key on hand was required..
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Just throw some locktite on the screws and you shouldn't have any problem, so I wouldn't let that keep you from purchasing a Becker.
 
If you take something that large be sure to take something smaller and more useful too.
 
statesevens said:
I was not aware of that. Thanks for pointing it out!

I've definitely had my eye on ESEE, but have written them off due to their higher price tag. I realize (to some extent) you get what you pay for though. Becker looks great too, but I saw a review about (I think) the BK2 saying that the screws holding the whole thing together kept falling out in the field, so having an allen key on hand was required..
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I've beaten the hell out of a bk2 and never had a screw come loose while out...you should look at the bk 2, 7, 9, 16, & 17...all great choices.
 
Becker or ESEE are winners... find the size, weight, blade profile that is right for you and go for it. If you are worried about loose screws, blue loctite is your friend. Both lines of knives are fine "as is," but if your budget changes and/or you get sick of looking at them after a while, there are handle and sheath alternatives on the secondary market for reasonable prices. Also, if coated, you can strip the blades and get a nice patina going (if you are ready for the added maintenance).

As for honing or sharpening in the field, there are better options than files. Work Sharp makes a nice field sharpener, and EZLAP makes a round diamond sharpener with a brass housing... a great little tool. Those should be more than enough. Also a Spyderco Double Stuff stone is another alternative.
 
Or you could pick up a Schrade SCHF36 or SCHF37 for under $40 and use the extra money to pick up a Mora for your smaller camp tasks.
 
Bobby3326 said:
I've beaten the hell out of a bk2 and never had a screw come loose while out...you should look at the bk 2, 7, 9, 16, & 17...all great choices.
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Nice. I'll definitely give Becker another look. I was in love with that BK2 until I saw the review I mentioned earlier.

Aias said:
Becker or ESEE are winners... find the size, weight, blade profile that is right for you and go for it. If you are worried about loose screws, blue loctite is your friend. Both lines of knives are fine "as is," but if your budget changes and/or you get sick of looking at them after a while, there are handle and sheath alternatives on the secondary market for reasonable prices. Also, if coated, you can strip the blades and get a nice patina going (if you are ready for the added maintenance).

As for honing or sharpening in the field, there are better options than files. Work Sharp makes a nice field sharpener, and EZLAP makes a round diamond sharpener with a brass housing... a great little tool. Those should be more than enough. Also a Spyderco Double Stuff stone is another alternative.
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Super helpful information. Thanks for the input!

Flickertail said:
Or you could pick up a Schrade SCHF36 or SCHF37 for under $40 and use the extra money to pick up a Mora for your smaller camp tasks.
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Schrade is a brand I've never been sure about. I've never really considered them, and no one I know has used their products. Perhaps I'll try and dig up a few reviews..
 
Schrade is hit and miss..some nice designs poorly executed...lack of good qc keeps me away when for a lil more you can get quality beyond its pricetag from Beckers.


Also I've been carrying and using a bk16 for the past 6 months, no loose screws.
 
As others have said, the Becker/ESEE are great knives. I seen some video on the Ontario Knives, specifically the SP50 that look very favorable.

The Schrade SCHF38's are great value leaders...knife, sheath, sharpening stone, and ferro rod for around $30...if you're on an ultra budget and want something you can use/abuse without regret...great 'trunk' quality knives. Keep in mind, its an imported $30 knife, but you're getting a lot more than you're paying for. I believe they're actually on the a Gen2 versions with slightly different numbers (SCHF5X). With a modest bit of effort, you can dress them up a little, and its kind of a fun project.

If you hunt around a bit, you can track down recent release Buck 124's near your budget as well.

Good luck,
Boss
 
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Condor makes a variety of blades that fit the bill, most, if not all, under $100. Ontarios, same thing. At the top of your range, but a serious camp knife, get the Knives of Alaska Camp Knife. D2 and a great shape.
 
There have been some really great suggestions so far. Anyone else have any input? I still have a few weeks before I depart..
 
For field sharpening, it's hard to beat the DMT Diafold sharpeners. they're light, easy for pack and will put a good working edge on just about anything in short order. I still have the one I took to Iraq ten years ago, and it is my constant companion in the field. I've sharpened I don't know how many knives, axes, razors, chisels and machetes with this thing and it's been one helluva nice tool to have when you're far away from home.

http://www.amazon.com/DMT-FWFC-Double-Diafold-Sharpener/dp/B00004WFTW
 
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