Short strong fixed blade?

N

nilsleven01

Joined
Aug 20, 2015
Messages
1
I need a knife with a 4-5 inch fixed blade. The purpose is to carry it on a travel enduro motorcycle, for miscellaneous camp use, like splitting firewood etc. Should be indestructible.

One option seems to be Kabar Becker BK2 - is it a good choice?
 
BK2 is very strong , cool. but you have other option as well , i perfer a compact one which more easy to carry , how about ontario 499?
 
BK-2 has a lot of devotees. It certainly is indestructible.

BK-17 is lighter, will slice/cut better (I've heard), and also not going to break on you. I'm happy with my BK-15 (I have batonned with it) but if you like the 2, you might want something less slicey like the 17.

Zieg
 
nilsleven01 said:
Should be indestructible.
Click to expand...

Look no further - Bark River STS-4.


IMG_7905_zpswjvhs782.jpg
 
Indestructible ..... Any of the Busse, swamp rat knives, scrapyard knives (currently out of stock) will do. I'd go for the Son Of Badger (SOB).

SOB on top...

 
Last edited:
The Bark River and Busse knives are both great. If you are looking for something a little more cost effective I would look into the Esee 5. You can pick one up on the secondary market for just over $100. They are a great company with an awesome warranty.
 
Budget can be an important consideration.
We can bombard you with options, but it would be easier if you offered more explanation of your needs and priorities (that would include budget).
Without that information, I would unabashedly recommend a SwampRat RatManDu, Bark River Bravo 1-LT or BK16.

Remember, nothing is indestructible if you are trying to break it
 
Or maybe you fancy something more traditional . this is from a company called triplex in 01 steel ...
 
When I need a stout, compact fixed blade I use a Bravo 1 in S35VN steel. It can do everything my ESEE-5 did, and weighs less than half of the '5. The S35VN version does not rust - I've worn mine rafting, swimming, and hiking in the rain. The uncoated convexed edge slices surprisingly well and is extremely easy to touch up and keep shaving sharp. The knife is 0.20" thick at the squared spine, plenty strong for anything I've needed it for including splitting wood for a fire and shelter building.

The Bravo 1 is as compact as possible, while still being just big enough to do almost anything you can do with a knife. I can't think of a more cost effective, efficient, and capable all around survival knife.
 
The Bravo 1 is the iconic Bark River knife. As Matthew stated the S35vn is a superb stainless steel. The blade is actually listed at .217" so it's plenty thick and will take a beating. This is the exact knife I plan to make at the next BRK grind in next month. Although I will modify it to take off the extra lanyard extension and probably remove the ramp, both of which can be done to the knife if bought new from a dealer for no extra charge.

The only down size on this knife is the price tag for many, but you are getting a great knife and a nice sheath to go with it. I'd also recommend treating the leather sheath, regardless of the knife you get (if it has leather). Some obenauf's does wonders for leather.

You get a nice knife for the money too with the BK2.
 
Another vote for the BK2, it's a sturdy, nearly indestructible knife. The only problem about getting a Becker is that soon you'll get another Becker, and another, and another...
 
You didn't mention budget. Busse knives are very tough and great knives but you are on a budget, you can get several Beckers for the price of a Busse.

In regards to the BK-2, it is a tank. Rugged and tough beyond anything you should ever need but, if it's indestructible tough you are looking for with a great warranty behind it and you are on a budget - the BK-2 is your knife.

That said, you will pay for that rugged indestructibleness with weight and less slicing finesse compared to other designs. It ain't no filet knife!

Sounds like you are looking for a beast of a knife. You can't go wrong with the BK-2 for the price.
 
Last edited:
For something you'd carry in a back or case/pouch/saddle bag on dirt bike, I'd probably go with the BK2, or BK10. I've personally found that I have no need for 1/4in thick blades, so the 3/16in BK10 would possibly get my vote, but since you're not going to be overly concerned about weight, the BK2 would do just fine.

Ontario does make some budget very thick and very short blades (3 and 4in lengths IIRC), but if you're looking for something to baton with thats easy to pack on a motorcycle, the BK2 makes more sense IMO. The OAL on the BK2 is manageable, and the extra inch or two of blade length will really help when batoning, as even 4in logs are a simple split down the middle.

So in short, yes, I think the BK2 is a good choice for someone looking for a knife in that size range that is "indestructible" for wood prep. If you want an idea how tough it is, give this thread a look.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/839944-BK2-test-the-final-part-(LOTS-of-pictures)

That said, many other blades mentioned here are very tough as well, and I doubt you'd break any of them unless you did something really crazy.

Good luck with the hunt :).
 
Out of what's on my shelf, the ZT0180 will be my "Off Road" knife. At least when I get my dirt bike running. Until then, it makes a pretty "Road Bike" knife when I slide it into leather. ;)

So yeah, another vote for the 0180.

4sgqqh.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top