Recommendation? Stainless fixed blade for hiking & bushcraft

Toomanyquestions said:
I'm trying to find an excuse to buy another knife :). But in all seriousness, the thought of taking a 1095 blade out in the rain and/or clingy dampness almost hurts. In addition, it might be better to have a less scary fixed blade for hiking wear in uptight states.

Keep the recommendations coming - I've enjoyed them (and I'm sure others will find the suggestions equally useful)!
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Duly noted. I guess I live in the boonies.
 
Toomanyquestions said:
But in all seriousness, the thought of taking a 1095 blade out in the rain and/or clingy dampness almost hurts.
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Why?

People have been doing just that for many generations to no ill effect.

Its not like you nor the knife would spontaneously combust, if you use a knife in the rain.

EDIT: Added 1090 knife in the rain. It works just as fine, as the day I had it made.
Rain or no rain - it soldiers on.

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If you like the construction of the F1 but want a bigger blade... why don't you have a look at the S1? I have both and I like them. I don't have an A1, but that could get a bit heavier than desired.
 
Maybe it was mentioned but LT Wright offers many with AEBL now or D2, may be more than your price range. And D2 is not stainless it does have enough Chromium to be close, I am still trying it out to see if I can use it and sharpen it effectively.
 
if you want the ultimate in low cost stainless, one which is very stainless, 9cr18mov is hard to beat... I think it's better than 440c and there are a ton of options... get a kephart style or any other bushcraft type that fits your fancy

having said that, this steel is mostly sourced in China, if you want to do USA only for a small bump in price 154cm is nice stainless :) good range of namebrands still use it, I think ...( I just looked one up and I'd easily recommend the Ontario Blackbird SK-4 if you want 154cm but it's slightly over budget, likely worth it :)
 
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The Becker 16 is my favorite fixed blade. I have also been looking for a decent stainless blade. I like my carbon blades alot, but I just want to branch out. My budget about the same as yours. I have an enzo trapper in O1 and love it. I'm considering a trapper in n690 flat grind. Also been reading reviews on the steel will druids and cold steel master hunter. Love my moras as well.
 
Does anyone have experience with Arthos Knives? What is their reputation? Apparently they use D2; the knives look nice for the price.
 
A Becker 16 will do you justice without a doubt. Heck add some nice stippling to the handles and you don't even need to buy new ones.
My old BK16 that is now my sons (these scales took all of 45 min)
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What did you do to the handles? It looks interesting.
 
Okay Too Many Questions, you asked, so here it goes.

The two fixed blades I have used are the Spyderco Bill Moran with a VG10 blade and the Spyderco Gayle Bradley with a PSF27 high performance tool steel blade. Both Moran and Bradley are widely respected knife makers whos' custom blades go for BIG bucks, if you can get them.

Both the Spyderco Moran and the Bradley are great fixed blades at a reasonable price.

They are not real heavy knives so are suitable for long treks where weight is an important factor.

I have used the Moran for years, but being a Gayle Bradley EDC folder (M4 steel) user, I had to try his fixed blade when Spyderco came out with it.

Both work very well and have great a great feel when cutting.


 
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The bk16 is perfect for what youre using it for. I suggest you continue using it for your hiking and spend your money on a different piece of gear you might be missing. Oh and maybe get a tuff cloth just to reduce your moisture worries.
 
I LOVE the Moran and I've wanted the upswept design since it came out. Someday . . .

But if you're game to try out some less expensive users: Cold Steel's "Lite" series, such as the Outdoorsman Lite. I gave one to a friend and he thrashes it and it comes back for more every time. Don't baton a tree with it, though. Moras of course never disappoint. The Mora Robust seems to be completely indestructible. Then, your BK-16 seems to be doing yeoman work for you and you could put the money into scales and sheathes that will make it seem like a new knife. Finally, you can find an SRK online in AUS8 pretty cheap. Mine is Carbon V, but they will perfom the same.

Ah, surplus income. Makes life complicated, huh?

Zieg
 
I have the trailing point Moran and its everything, its cracked up to be.

A great knife.

Would make a great hunting and hiking knife.

Would'nt be my first knife to choose for (that rather nebolous term) 'bushcraft' though.
 
Toomanyquestions said:
Show of hands - how many think I should just get nice handle scales for my Becker 16 (and skip the stainless knife altogether).
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Now that this thread is thoroughly outdated, here is an update: I bought micarta scales a while ago but have yet to put them on the BK16 (I need to find them). There is a possibly I try to dye them (they are standard desert/green).

As far as a less scary fixed blade, I now have a Mora Robust (with a nice little custom lanyard hole ;). It is cheap, sturdy, and not too big - easy to explain to people that get nervous around fixed blade knives.
 
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