Small/Medium Camping/Survival Fixed Blade Suggestions

kawr

kawr

Joined
Jun 22, 2010
Messages
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I'm looking for a cheap small/medium fixed blade to take for a week long camping trip next month. I have very limited knowledge about fixed blades in general since I only buy mostly folders. The Izula is very popular so I already knew about it from just browsing BladeForums and pretty much fits what I'm looking for. I was wondering if there were other knives that are comparable to it. Something along the lines of 3-4 inch blades that are relatively cheap and good value. I just dont use fixed blades enough other than for my occasional camping trips to justify buying 100+ dollar fixed blades. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
 
ESEE - 4
In my opinion this is a great all around camp knife. It's built tough, has really good steel, easy to sharpen, takes a great edge, and the company offers a really top notch warranty. Sometimes simpler is just better.
http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-4.htm
 
kawr said:
I'm looking for a cheap small/medium fixed blade to take for a week long camping trip next month. I have very limited knowledge about fixed blades in general since I only buy mostly folders. The Izula is very popular so I already knew about it from just browsing BladeForums and pretty much fits what I'm looking for. I was wondering if there were other knives that are comparable to it. Something along the lines of 3-4 inch blades that are relatively cheap and good value. I just dont use fixed blades enough other than for my occasional camping trips to justify buying 100+ dollar fixed blades. I'd be grateful for any suggestions.
Click to expand...

I actually JUST ordered a Rat Izula on sale in this thread:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=722747

If you want something a little cheaper you could get the Becker Necker (AKA Becker BK-11). I just went with the Izula because this is over my legal blade limit.

Also look at the Condor Rodan for a really great value camp knife!
 
Nothing wrong with all the other recommendations, but probably all you really need is a $12 Mora.
 
I have a CRKT Stiff KISS. Sounds like it would suit your needs.
It is similar in size to the Izula, but has less belly on the knive. It is cheap, sharp, nicely sized for light woodscraft and campcraft (mine spends more time slicing salami and cheese than wood).



B
 
All these are great suggestions. You can also get a S&W fixed blade for $25 made out of 440C that should get you done. Take a carbide sharpener with you and chuck the whole thing when you get back.
 
Scott Free said:
Nothing wrong with all the other recommendations, but probably all you really need is a $12 Mora.
Click to expand...

Haha that seems like an awesome idea actually. Hell I could just throw it out after abusing it over a week and not feel bad at all if I needed to.
 
ragweedforge.com (someone correct if wrong) has a wide selection of mora's in various sizes. You will probably be very surprised at their quality and function.

Buy a sharpening stone while you are there and read the sharpening advice.
 
RevDevil said:
ESEE - 4
In my opinion this is a great all around camp knife. It's built tough, has really good steel, easy to sharpen, takes a great edge, and the company offers a really top notch warranty. Sometimes simpler is just better.
http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-4.htm
Click to expand...

+1


Havokk said:
I have a CRKT Stiff KISS. Sounds like it would suit your needs.
It is similar in size to the Izula, but has less belly on the knive. It is cheap, sharp, nicely sized for light woodscraft and campcraft (mine spends more time slicing salami and cheese than wood).
B
Click to expand...

That knife may be an ok food prep knife, but the blade steel (aus 6) blade style and tanto tip is not ideal for most outdoor tasks. the belly on knives like the Izula or ESEE 3, 4, 6 are a much better profile for the majority of camp based tasks.

To the OP, ESEE also has their no questions asked lifetime warranty. If you get an Izula, 3, or 4 (or any other ESEEs, I just mentioned those 3 since it fits in with your qualifications) you're covered for life and from one owner to another. It would be the last knife you'd ever need. But we all know you'll buy more
 
The Mora knives will offer exceptional value for their price. Try looking at the Mora 2010 Sewdish Army Knife, the Morakniv 840 Clipper as issued by Ray Mears outdoor survival courses in the UK or the newly released Bushcraft 2080 Tri-flex 100mm blade all available at very reasonable prices at www.elfin4.com
 
Scott Free said:
Nothing wrong with all the other recommendations, but probably all you really need is a $12 Mora.
Click to expand...
I don't know... That edge really likes to roll on me, though it may be because of how thin I make the edge.

I would just go for a nice solid chunk of 1095 steel. Rusting shouldn't be a problem so long as you wipe it dry.
 
kawr said:
Haha that seems like an awesome idea actually. Hell I could just throw it out after abusing it over a week and not feel bad at all if I needed to.
Click to expand...

You could even make it last a lifetime as well. :thumbup:;)

Mora knives are some of my all-time favorites for a number of reasons.

I prefer the wooden handled versions with laminated carbon steel blades. It is hard to beat that kind of value.

The plastic ones are great too.

You cant fail with a Mora. :thumbup:
 
A whole $15 for a Swedish Army Mora. If in doubt, buy two. :)

51szoaM5SjL_SS500_.jpg
 
Warning: If you buy a BK11, a Paklite Skinner or an Izula, you will convert to fixed blade carry. That said, they're all great choices! Rosarms makes some beautiful knives for the money (60, 70 dollar range) and Condor makes a great user in the 20-30 dollar pricerange. Buck's Daimondback Outfitter is a 25 dollar 4 incher made in the good ol' USA. The Ranger Shiv is great with some handlework at about 30 bucks, too.
 
Queen Premium Hunter Drop Point in oak with D2
Looks like a RAT
3 1/2" blade, full tang, nice sheath
Less than $40

An excellent knife
 
Jake Bauer said:
That knife may be an ok food prep knife, but the blade steel (aus 6) blade style and tanto tip is not ideal for most outdoor tasks.
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Good point there. I should have said I have the MDP (modified drop point) model. Still less belly than others but at least it has some.
I also bought the tanto tip one and I wish I hadn't. It is (sorry, bad pun coming...) pointless for camping/light outdoors/steak/everything I use a knife for
Note: I am not a hunter, so my knives are not being used to dress game. They cut cheese, salami, packets of food, steaks, small bits of wood, bandages.


B
 
Scott Free said:
Nothing wrong with all the other recommendations, but probably all you really need is a $12 Mora.
Click to expand...

+1.

i had a couple of Moras turn up in the post yesterday. they are very good blades at a very competative price point.

you can't go wrong with one.
 
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