the right knife

For $30 I think I'd go with a mora, an opinel folder and a folding saw. hard to beat in terms of bang for the buck, and gives you a bit of redundancy. The next thing to do is learn how to use them- propper technique for batoning, and knowing what you can and can't do with these tools (like NO PRYING), just for starters.
 
Highly recommend Ontario Spec Plus fixed blade, SP26, for example, excellent value for the buck.(20-25$) Also recommend D-handled machete by Ontario, have an 18" model with sheath myself, cleared lots of underbrush with mine, good chopper. Machete with sheath runs around 20-25$also maybe less depending on where you get yours. Good luck out there.
 
Do yourself a favor, don't choose a blade because it looks cool and stay away from junk knives and cheap folders will only get you hurt.

There's been a lot of good recommendations in a variety of configurations and price ranges. If you are able to own a fixed blade, that would be my recommendation as well.

I have (4) relatively inexpensive knives that I would recommend in a one knife situation. In order of my preference, they are the Frost Mora Swedish Army Knife, the Mora 2000, the Becker C/U-7 and the USAF Pilots Survival Knife. I listed the first three according to price. Those being 10.00, 30.00 and 50.00. The Becker can do some chopping, where the two Moras require a batan, which is not a bad thing, just a little more work in my opinion. However, the two Mora knives are much better in ease of handling for the smaller wood working jobs. The USAF PSK is a good beat it up knife that doesn't really do anything as well as the other three, but I still like the knife and have one stuffed into a ruck. If you are shopping price, you can't beat a Mora and would definitely be the choice to make.

If you opt for a folder and decide to go with a Swiss Army Knife, do yourself a favor and don't go with the cheap knockoffs. They will fail and when they do, they will hurt you. Instead, go with the Wenger or Victorinox blades. They come in a variety of tool assortments and prices. From what I've seen online, you can pick up one with an assortment of tools, including a large blade and saw for less than 30.00. I would suggest the saw option if you go with one. It will make the knife much more versatile in the bush.

There are probably some here that would disagree with this recommendation, but I also like the German military issue folding utility knife. It has the two basic tools that you'd use in the outdoors. Those being a large blade and a good saw. They can be purchased for under 10.00 in issue condition and about 20.00 unissued. I've carried one for a couple of years now and it has worked out well for me.

Check the knife laws in your neck of the woods and see what it allows someone your age to carry. If not a problem to own and carry, be safe and a responsible outdoorsman.
 
I see point why escape315 wants folder - if you meet somebody your knife will not attract too much unrequired attention. Also, when I hike, I quite rarely use my knife, knife is usually just in case, not necessaty like while camping. Finally, it is just move conveninet to carry a folder than fixed blade.
What I would recommend? Well, many people mentioned here Swiss Army Knives. Victorinox folders with locking blades are a bit shorter than Wenger Ranger. Saw on these knives are very good to cut small branches (usually I collect branches from forest ground and then either brake them or cut using saw on my Victorinox). Hey, I think I will get myself one now. I have much more expensive knives, but SAK is just something great for outdoors.
Also there are good Leatherman, Gerber and other multitools. IMO if company can give lifetime warranty and famous it should be good enough.
 
I'd suggest you pick up an Opinel (in carbon steel), a Mora (or a Roselli), possibly a smaller Himilayan Imports. You should be able to get two Opinels and two Moras for around $50.

Take a look at www.ragweedforge.com they carry everything you need ;) :).

Matt
 
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