Suggestions for an outdoor/utility fixed blade knife

First, I must say thanks to everyone for your help... I really appreciate everything!

Secondly, I also must say that I've never had an attraction for spyderco knives. (sorry joe talmadge and glockman - nothing personal) :)

Thirdly, enough numbering... :D

I've looked up everything you've all mentioned - checked specs and read up on some things. (thanks andy_cn and cliff for that review on the steel eagle)
After looking through it all, I'm leaning towards the ranger rd7, becker bk7, and ontario RAT7. Did I mention 7 is my favorite number? ;)

If I did get a rd7, what do you all think of getting part of the blade serrated? Is that a stupid idea - would it not be all that beneficial to the knife?
I'm still considering a Ka-bar - mainly cause I like the price (thanks savagesicslayer I'll keep the D2 extreme in mind if I get one).
I like the pilot's survival knives by camillus and ontario, but I want a blade that is a bit longer.

Also, the bk7 has a "becker trademark GV6H handle." I like the look of micarta handles - but in the field which is best?
 
The Becker GV6H scales/grip are, let's just say, "not the greatest". Some find they can tolerate them, others prefer them gone fer good.
Users cite slipperyness, too wide, and just plain not comfortable as their gripes.
The Micarta's are becoming the defacto replacements for the BK series by a measured number of the Becker users.

Serrations yes/no can be discussed forever.
If you are doing woodsman-style chopping to fuel your fire and build shelter, they are probably not needed. if you see yourself cutting a lot of fiberous rope, or animal sinew, then serrations might be helpful.
Again, it all depends on your intended purpose.
 
Well, if you're green at this, why not start out with the one that's been recommended but still cheapest? The Becker BK-7 can be had from CheaperthanDirt for about $45 shipped, and it's gonna be enough. I mean, you "could" get the sharpened prybar- the Ranger RD-6 or 7- but if you want a custom thing like serrations (if Justin, the knifemaker, could indeed do that for you) then you're looking at close to or over $100. IMHO, it's not worth it unless you dislike Becker and love Ranger (and I have both knives and like them both as well).

If you can break a Becker, then start carryin' around a prybar to do the task you broke the Becker with and buy another Becker.
 
TheFighter88 said:
If I did get a rd7, what do you all think of getting part of the blade serrated?
Click to expand...

Generally serrations can be of benefit for wood working if the knife is really small as they act as a weak saw, but on larger blades it is more effective to chop. Leaving a section of the edge with a really coarse finish usually is enough to retain high slicing aggression.

-Cliff
 
Now that I've driven you all insane... I noticed a lot of people ask for help with 'survival knives'... sorry to reiterate the probably bothersome question as I have.

I've gotten my options down to this: rd7, bk7, or ka-bar d2.
The rd7 isn't quite what I'm looking for I guess... not sure
The rat7 seems like the blade is a little lower quality steel than the bk7.
I like the micarta handles, but I could upgrade the bk7 if needed...

In the end the bk7 and the ka-bar d2 would cost about the same if you add up the modifications/additions to the bk7 (handles and new sheath)

Sorry if you hate me now... but between the two, bk7 and ka-bar d2... anything I should know to persuade me one way?

Thanks
 
D2, hmmmmmm
d2_kukri.jpg
 
I'd go with the RD7. I've heard nothing but good about the blade and Ranger Knives. The main reason for the choice is that D2 is not a metal for hard chopping, as huugh's pics show. I vaguely remember Cliff Stamp saying that D2 is prone to chipping (sure he'll correct me if I'm wrong) when I asked about a custom blade and what metal it should be for the outdoors (my own survival knife idea at the time). Hope this helps.
 
Well, I guess D2 isn't too good an option... thanks huugh - wonderful pic. ;)

Being that camillus doesn't say much of anything on their website about their warranty, I'm guessing it isn't much of one. I'm waiting for a reply about what their warranty would cover. I really like ranger's warranty - seems like it'd be worth the $30 more than the cost of getting a becker and upgrading the handles.

Plus, if I got a becker and somehow it broke, I'd be kicking myself for not getting a ranger.

So, I'm gonna shoot for a rd7... :) and if that fails... ah... we'll see...

Thanks everyone for your help - I've really learned a lot (got a lot more to learn too). If I can repay you guys the favor somehow, I will.

Thanks again!

Yours,
The Green Knife Nut - :D
 
I didn't read all the post, so these might have been mentioned.
Spyderco; Perrin, Temperence, maybe the Moran.
Bark River has a few models.
Benchmade has a few new models this year also.
Ivan Campos makes a few knives in his Spartan line that would work well also.
Let us know what you decide.



Blades
 
TheFighter88 said:
I'm waiting for a reply about what their warranty would cover. I really like ranger's warranty - seems like it'd be worth the $30 more than the cost of getting a becker and upgrading the handles.
Click to expand...
Camillus is in financial troubles and probably is going to close :( I guess this speaks for warranty too :(

TheFighter88 said:
So, I'm gonna shoot for a rd7... :) and if that fails... ah... we'll see...
Click to expand...
Good choice, enjoy it
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