survival/camping fixed blade

S

srmd22

Joined
Oct 19, 2009
Messages
112
I am contemplating picking up a decent sized fixie for camping/utility use. Mostly hacking/batoning wood, slicing up assorted objects and general purpose abuse.

I sort of like the idea of a bowie style knife, but I also like a few other models that I have seen touted here, such as the rat cutlery rc series, bark river, and some bokers. I know there are a ton of good brands out there, so it may be tough starting from scratch like this.

At first I thought that I would like at least a 7 inch blade, but maybe that is not necessary, so I'd really appreciate peoples opinions on what a good choice in blade length is for these uses. I don't mind a bit of weight, but I don't want to carry around a 12 inch bladed monster either (I can just get a kukri for that, I guess).

As far as price goes, it is not a deciding factor. I don't mind spending a few bucks on something that will last and will be useful. On the other had, I am not looking to spend extra on a customized knife decked out with a bunch of aesthetic features.

If there is a significant advantage provided by a knife costing more, or a distinct "cool factor," I would consider paying the premium.

Sorry for the lack of specifics, since this will be my first utility/survival type fixie (I don't own any fixed blades, actually, other then kitchen utensils), I am really a beginner on the topic, and may not even be asking the right questions.
 
KaBar USMC, it's my favorite of this kind of knife for under $100. It will take just about any abuse you can put it through
 
The only knife under 12" that I've ever taken caming is a traditional KABAR in 1055. It held up.

If you truly want light and small with uncompromising durability, grab a RAT Cutlery Izula. A lot of people seem to like it, and flat grinds are great.
 
For me, it's a Becker/Ka-Bar BK-2, with a 5 1/2 inch blade. It might be a little heavy to some folks, but it's versatile, indestructible and inexpensive.
 
RAT cutlery RC4 or RC6 will serve you most excellently. The RC4 is a surprisingly versatile knife for its size and the sheath system that comes with it is fantastic as well, allowing the knife to be carried in multiple positions. My RC4 has become my EDC fixed blade.
 
KaBar gets a lot of love! That one is a great bargain too. I may just go for that one.

The Bark River SOCOM 7 caught my eye http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-...ng-Knife-Sambar-Stag-Crown-wTurquoise-Spacer; but I don't imagine I'd be getting a lot more usefulness for the extra dollars, vs. the KaBar.

The RC's are also very appealing to me. Is there an advantage in one style over the other, eg bowie versus-- err, what is the RC considered terminology wise-- survival?
 
The Beker Bk-2 is my faveirt for these task because it is vertile the 5 1/2 inch blade is good for carving an fether sticks an the 1/4 inch thick blade is good for batoning an the very strong tip is not going to brake witch may happen with bowie style blades.It is also good for self defence I stabed mine throug some cardbord an 1/8 inch plywood an a large plaistic barrel an it makes a hole like you would'nt belive an the price mostly under $75.00 with a very good sheath. But I can't say anything bad about may ka-bar usmc
 
If you don't want to go too big, Scrap Yard Scrapper 5, a little bigger the SOD. They will last a lifetime...
 
I'm going to recommend the RC-6 from rat cutlery. On of the best all round camp blades I have for balance and utility. I also own an scrapyard SOD and S5. They are great knives, but if its just one knife, I'd take the RC-6 of the scrappers any day of the week. I say this because of the supremely beautific balance of this knife. Its the perfect camp blade IMO.

DSC_0012-12.jpg
 
If your gonna go for production go for RatCutlery or Ka-Bar/Becker or BRKT.
But I would recommend ordering a custon from one of our fine makers on here ! Here are a few pics of some of mine from some of the fine guys here on BF -
This is the one I just got from Stomper (JK handmade knives) here.
Model - LOBO -
Picture179.jpg
[/IMG]
This one came from Koyote (Christof - Koyote knives)
Picture133.jpg
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This is from John Landi (Landi Knives) Model- MPK
Picture093.jpg
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These 2 are from Bryan Breeden (Breeden Knives) he is Sicily02 here on BF -
Model PeaceMaker-
BREEDENPEACEMAKER.jpg
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Model - PathFinder
Picture004.jpg
[/IMG]
All these guy's are great to deal with :thumbup:
 
Since you said you wanted a knife for batoning you might want a knife with a 9 inch blade. The becker bk9 would be good for this. If you are willing to spend more money you could get a cold steel trailmaster or recon scout. (the cs trailmaster and recon scout are both heavy and thick knives made for batoning) If you want to do some lighter batoning go for the usmc ka-bar.
You were not very specific on if you wanted to do heavy batoning or light batoning.
If you are getting a 1095 knife be sure to keep the blade dry and lightly oiled.
Just search amazon.com and you will find the bk9 or the usmc ka-bar for under $68. You should defiantly check out some of the other knives recommended by other members.
 
Another vote for the RC-6. Or if you can wait check out the yet to be named 10" RC blade coming soon. Since you mentioned interest in a bowie pattern you might try to find a Bark River Rogue. It's a beautiful no nonsense camp knife. Let us know what you decide!
 
For batoning, I have had a hard time beating my Ontario 16" machete, for performance and for price. Don't feel so bad whacking on a 25 dollar blade.

Doc
 
Wow. Lots of great suggestions. This is not going to be easy.

Coaldigger, those are some sweet blades! I am not quite ready for a custom yet, being new to the hobby, but for sure, down the road (not too far down the road at that). Want to learn more first, and get some experience using different types.

I am thinking Rat Cutlery might be a good intro for me, particularly the RC-6, mentioned above. I guess I would be doing mostly light batoning, to answer bladekillers point-- to be honest, I haven't done much backwoods camping to date, so I am not sure what my needs will be as I get more into it.

Regarding the Rats and the Ka-bars-- as the Rats are about double the price, which I imagine relates to the quality in some fashion: what exactly are the differences? Is it balance, materials/durability, steel type? Would I notice a big difference were I to opt for the Rat instead of one of the ka-bars of a similar size?

Also, asided from batoning, does a much larger size blade impart other advantages? The RC-6 is about 6 1/2 in. Would that be significantly more functional then an RC 3 or 4? Or might there actually be an advantage (besides, of course weight and packability, which certainly counts) in a smaller size?
 
srmd22 said:
Regarding the Rats and the Ka-bars-- as the Rats are about double the price, which I imagine relates to the quality in some fashion: what exactly are the differences? Is it balance, materials/durability, steel type? Would I notice a big difference were I to opt for the Rat instead of one of the ka-bars of a similar size?
Click to expand...

RAT Cutlery edges out KABAR/Becker in 2 areas... Warranty and fit and finnish/quality control. RAT has a no questions asked, you break it we replace it free warranty. KABAR has a lifetime warranty but wont replace it if it's broken while being wrongly used. Also, KABAR?Becker has had some MINOR quality issues like handle scales not fitting flush, ridges in the blade coating etc. Not big things to me or anyone else who is going to beat up their knives. However RAT Cutlery knives are flawless from the factory in every way.

Steels are virtually the same. KA BAR's 1095 Cro-van has a bit less edge retention, but more tensile strength overall than basic 1095 like the RATs. Both companies are the best in 1095 heat treat in the business, however I'd give more props to the RAT Cutlery crew as far as heat treat excellence goes. Both steels are relatively easy to re sharpen, they both stay sharp about the same, and both will rust without proper care.

Hope that helps.
 
If you want something to baton and chop with, I suggest a 7,5 - 9 inch blade as ideal. It gives you a lot more heft.

Pair that up with a Victorinox One Hand Trekker or similar and you are good to go.

Alternatively, consider a Gransfors Buks Wildlife hatchet or Carpenters axe. They are a highly effective tool for chopping and custom built for the task.

They are so sharp they can also be used for a multitude of finer tasks as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9Z4sl56UZg&feature=related


srmd22 said:
Wow. Lots of great suggestions. This is not going to be easy.

Coaldigger, those are some sweet blades! I am not quite ready for a custom yet, being new to the hobby, but for sure, down the road (not too far down the road at that). Want to learn more first, and get some experience using different types.

I am thinking Rat Cutlery might be a good intro for me, particularly the RC-6, mentioned above. I guess I would be doing mostly light batoning, to answer bladekillers point-- to be honest, I haven't done much backwoods camping to date, so I am not sure what my needs will be as I get more into it.

Regarding the Rats and the Ka-bars-- as the Rats are about double the price, which I imagine relates to the quality in some fashion: what exactly are the differences? Is it balance, materials/durability, steel type? Would I notice a big difference were I to opt for the Rat instead of one of the ka-bars of a similar size?

Also, asided from batoning, does a much larger size blade impart other advantages? The RC-6 is about 6 1/2 in. Would that be significantly more functional then an RC 3 or 4? Or might there actually be an advantage (besides, of course weight and packability, which certainly counts) in a smaller size?
Click to expand...
 
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Busse combat grade ash 1.

I chopped and batoned all this in under an hour and the edge held EXTREMELY well.

bussewoodpile.jpg
 
There's nothing like Busse... in quality and price However Becker has quality stuff for a lot lower price.

Jack of all trade is master of nothing. With price of Busse you get Becker's knife that can take anykind of abuse for Chopper and also Mora 2000 for Slicer. Or then you could buy just small hatchet and mora 2000 ^^
 
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