Hey guys im lookingbfor a good stainless steel knife for when i go somewhere really humid and just want that much more rust resistance.or when im kayaking or canoeing for really long periods of time.my preferred length is a blade over 5", budget is under 100. And ive been wondering i dont want to force a patina on my knives how do you tell if it has a natural patina
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Stainless steel fixed blade
- Thread starter MAkives
- Start date
forced patinas can also be extremely uneven, but typically its a pattern (someone made the patina a design for instance). But yes, forced vinegar patinas are typically pretty even, while natural patinas usually are darker where more cutting occurs (close the blade edge, and concentrated around the belly with less at the tip and heel of the knife).
The Mora is a good recommendation, and is likely what I'd pick.
The Johnson adventure blades gamestalker is stainless (440a), about 4in, and ~$40.
The Gerber Strongarm... Its the only other one off the top of my head that's in that size range that's stainless and under $100. Its 4 3/4in of 420hc, and runs about $50-60.
The Mora is a good recommendation, and is likely what I'd pick.
The Johnson adventure blades gamestalker is stainless (440a), about 4in, and ~$40.
The Gerber Strongarm... Its the only other one off the top of my head that's in that size range that's stainless and under $100. Its 4 3/4in of 420hc, and runs about $50-60.
Frankly I think greater than 5" blade is too big for canoe and kayak, but that that's just me. When a fixed blade gets greater than about
4" the sheath hits the canoe/boat seat. With your budget I'd suggest the Cold steel Maser Hunter in Sanmai. Or even the 6" blade SRK, which
is about $60 is Aus8, $92 if solid VG1 and #$110 if sanmai laminate (VG1 core and 420j2 sides) if you really want a larger blade.
If you can swing about $120 or so I'd suggest the Fallkniven F1which is what I use boating
4" the sheath hits the canoe/boat seat. With your budget I'd suggest the Cold steel Maser Hunter in Sanmai. Or even the 6" blade SRK, which
is about $60 is Aus8, $92 if solid VG1 and #$110 if sanmai laminate (VG1 core and 420j2 sides) if you really want a larger blade.
If you can swing about $120 or so I'd suggest the Fallkniven F1which is what I use boating
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Go to you tube PM101, he tests a lot of Schrade stuff and they seem favorable. I believe that steel you're asking about is supposed to compare to 420c, though i can't say for sure. I believe that particular knife was compared to a 1095 counterpart and did well.
Schrades are a name only now, no longer made in America but in China or Taiwan. With that said they're price is such as they could be the best dollar for dollar, of course at 30 or less street, 50 or less msrp, that's easy.
I have their SCHF26 in that steel and I was not expecting much from it to be honest. So far it has far exceeded my expectations and beyond. It is tough. Does just as much work as 1095 and edge retention compared to 1095 blows it away. A couple weeks ago I was splitting a log and needed more purchase space for the baton so I set it on the ground and hammered it with the baton deeper into the log. I hit a rock under the dirt and took a nice chip, out of the rock. They give it a 58-60 HRC and it shows it when working it over. Only negative I have on the SCHF37M is their micarta is the worst I've seen. It does not hold up like other brands micarta. Almost looks like paper or cardboard instead of canvas, at least in the broken ones I've seen. Another negative to some will be it does rust easiest of any "stainless" I've owned. I abused mine for weeks on end and it got a small rust spot on the edge that wiped off easy with my thumb. It might have gotten worse or it might not have if left longer. It left no noticeable damage though. They do have great customer service if you get a dud though. My SCHF37 in 1095 did come with a poor grind right at the tip but is easily fixed. For the price it didn't bother me any at all. The steel is great quality for the price in the 1095 and 8cr13mov. I have one of their folders in 8cr13mov and it has proven to be much better than any AUS8 blade I've owned in the past and that is my go to for pocket folders. It's easy to sharpen too. For the money, give it a try.
I agree.
While not 5"+ the Mora is a very capable knife. At its price you could have one on your belt and a backup tied into the canoe. Mora's SS performs very well, some say as well as the Carbon Steel.
Check out the Mora Companion SS. Cost you about $15 and will do anything you need for general camp chores, hunting, fishing, and a day on the lake.
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Buck 119 Special - 6 inch blade length if you want something bigger or a Buck Woodsman 102 - 4" blade length. Mine have the black handles on them.
I do not have the Buck Pathfinder 105 yet but they have outstanding reviews too. It has a 5 inch blade length.
These knives are under $100. at most big box sporting goods stores and most likely online too. I bought mine locally so I could feel them in my hand.
Cate
EDC - Buck Ranger Skinner # 113
I do not have the Buck Pathfinder 105 yet but they have outstanding reviews too. It has a 5 inch blade length.
These knives are under $100. at most big box sporting goods stores and most likely online too. I bought mine locally so I could feel them in my hand.
Cate
EDC - Buck Ranger Skinner # 113
Yes, a long knife is in the way, all too often. The SRK is a good choice. Mora makes some fine, inexpensive knives. Don't overlook the Kershaw Diskin Hunter (made in USA) and the Buck 119, 124 (both 6" or over).
DeadboxHero
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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The reaper is made from 1055 spring steel I think. While it is coated the edge would be subject to rusting. The 119 and other more traditional Buck fixed blades are stainless. If you check out the 124 you have a stout blade for $130 street, but the 119 is a favorite and is well under your budget on the street.
Actually, it looks like you envy the fact I can answer their question of experience with the steel. If saving money was my end game, I would have told them that.