Small Camp/Utility Fixed Blade Recommendation

P

peepskp

Joined
Dec 30, 2014
Messages
9
Hello Everyone,

I have recently been getting into camping and want to spend more time outdoors. I am a bit of a knife nut but mostly when it comes to kitchen knives and pocket edc folders. I recently bought an Esee Junglas because I wanted something fun to hack the crap out of wood, baton, etc. but I am looking for a complimentary camp/utility knife. Here are some criteria that could be used as a starting point:

Blade length - 3-4 inches
Blade thickness - .125" or less
Grind - Full Flat or Convex
Steel Type - Prefer to be somewhat corrosion resistant for food prep etc, AEB-L, 3V, CPM-154
Hand Size - Thin, Medium/Large
Handle Material - Micarta, G10, or combo. Not into wood as much
Budget - Under $200
Main uses: Food prep, wood feathering, fire making, general camp use.

I like a few of the knives below with a bit of belly because they are different, not sure that is a good thing though. I don't have great knowledge on fixed blades and other brands that may be comparable to below...

-LT Wright Camp MUK
-LT Small Northern Hunter
-LT Wright Next Gen
-BRK JX6

Thanks!
 
Enzo trapper ffg with in Sandvik 12c27, Elmax or Böhler n690. You can probably get two 12c27 trappers with your budget, Elmax cost a bit more.

Choose between g10 and micarta or a blade blank for putting on your own handle, leather sheath with or without firesteel holder etc.
 
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Buy them all...keep the one you like best and sell the rest at a loss.

Did I miss anything here?

SOP? Standard Operating Procedure?
 
I've been very pleased with this ESEE 3 HM. Coated 3.5" 1095 high carbon steel blade, micarta scales, leather or polymer sheath, and right around $100.

ckdcuL6.jpg
 
I choose essentially two fixed blades sizes for the woods. One is in the 5-6" range which I have multiple knives already. The most recent of these was the Kabar Becker BK-62 at 5". This essentially fits the Creek Stewart model for a do it all survival or woods blade. The second is the 3" White River Backpacker Pro which I really like in S35VN. For you I suggest you take a look at the White River.
 
Ooo man your going to get many different recommendations. Everyone has a favorite. I always say find one thay is comftorble to use and in your range. Something from Bradford, lt wright, bark river, esee, becker will be good. I have an esee 4 and will be getting a lt wright soon. Hell in a couple months i plan on having a becker and bradford. I like to keep one in the truck, backpack and on me. You can never have enough sharpness. If you have a 3 inch folder id recommend a 4 inch fixed blade. Aslong as you know you'd carry it.
 
Hard to beat LT Wright or Battle Horse Knives in this area ... LT Wright's AEB-L offerings and 3V the GNS the Outback ... the Bushcrafter and larger Next Gen are all great options ...

the Bradford 4.5 is another in 3V that is IMHO a great knife in that range.

are some great high carbon knives at a lower cost but since you mentioned corrosion resistance I won't go into those ... although with minor maintenance they would serve you well too.
 
Tops Tex Creek 69 (4”) is my top choice
Bradford Guardian 3 or 3.5
White River Caper
ESEE 4

These are all good based on my first hand experience. There are a lot of great knives in the range you are looking for so it’s going to be hard to decide.
 
Reading through your requirements makes me curious if you have had a chance to peruse through some of the work done by makers on the Forum?

I’ll see if there is anything in your price range and requirements and report back....
 
Thank you everyone for the responses. I checked out Bradford and liked the 3.5 and 4 but they are too thick for my tastes. I find anything over 1/8” starts to get beefy for food prep, IMO. I did like the sheath with the plastic insert however. I found the Enzo knives to be intriguing, especially flat ground trapper 95 in Elmax or O1. Seems like prices are all over the map. Who is the best supplier?

I have been thinking that I will likely want to stay closer to the 4” mark as this will not be an edc blade, I have a folder for that with 3” Elmax. ( D dsalazar )

I think I ruled out the nessmuk blades since they are more for hunting (based on my reading) and may not be as well rounded as a genesis, etc.

One last point is that I am not interested in a tactical style blade. I am very partial the lt wright, bark river outdoor looking styles.

Current thinking:
Lt wright genesis
Lt wright gns
Enzo trapper 95
 
One thing to keep in mind is what type of camp blade will it be. Mainly food prep then some fire prep. Also how long will it be used at that time. Some handles are more comfortable than others for continuous use. If it gets dull in the field will you have the equipment or time to sharpen. I use the esee 4 being 1095 i can sharpen quickly. Its my all around blade. Food prep, fire prep, skinning and whatever else. Ive never found that i needed to make thin precision cuts when camping.
 
how about the newly released KaBar BK62 Kephart?
although that 5" might be too much?
cant really go wrong with a kephart model.
 
LT Wright's AEB-L GNS in convex grind takes a great edge ... and it is very easy to sharpen ... you won't need expensive stones to do that ... it handles most anything you'd want in a medium sized belt knife ... and the handle is extremely comfortable to use for extended periods ...

if you prefer a full flat grind their bushcrafter Next Gen are as nice in 3V .. not sure if they offer those in AEB-L or not ... the GNS in AEB-L ... the Outback in 3V ... and a Rogue River in A2 ...

2018-04-09 12.12.34.jpg

I don't own sn Enzo but hear nothing but good about them.
 
Stainless or carbon? Decide which one and then go from there.

Personally, I ended up with the Benchmade 162 and it has served me well. If I had to do it again, I would go with a Carothers EDC 2. More money but a much better knife.

For carbon steel, I would go with something from Ontario knife company.
 
peepskp said:
Hello Everyone,

I have recently been getting into camping and want to spend more time outdoors. I am a bit of a knife nut but mostly when it comes to kitchen knives and pocket edc folders. I recently bought an Esee Junglas because I wanted something fun to hack the crap out of wood, baton, etc. but I am looking for a complimentary camp/utility knife. Here are some criteria that could be used as a starting point:

Blade length - 3-4 inches
Blade thickness - .125" or less
Grind - Full Flat or Convex
Steel Type - Prefer to be somewhat corrosion resistant for food prep etc, AEB-L, 3V, CPM-154
Hand Size - Thin, Medium/Large
Handle Material - Micarta, G10, or combo. Not into wood as much
Budget - Under $200
Main uses: Food prep, wood feathering, fire making, general camp use.

I like a few of the knives below with a bit of belly because they are different, not sure that is a good thing though. I don't have great knowledge on fixed blades and other brands that may be comparable to below...

-LT Wright Camp MUK
-LT Small Northern Hunter
-LT Wright Next Gen
-BRK JX6

Thanks!
Click to expand...
Dawson.

Zieg
 
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