Ultrabeater Suggestions

Leo Greer

Leo Greer

Gold Member
Joined
Dec 30, 2021
Messages
877
So, I'm looking for a gift knife for my brother. I want to get him a nicer blade than he's used to (he thinks Academy quality is great), but I also want to get him something that he can really, truly use, and that he won't just destroy after ten minutes of stabbing at 2x4s.

Fixed blade would be great.

Since I'm probably not going quite to the level of CPM 3V, my current best best are relatively cheap dagger style fixed blades with D2(probably Chinese), or 8Cr13MoV and g10, either from Amazon or Ebay. You probably know the type.

But I'm open to all ultrabeater folder and fixed suggestions.

What do y'all got?
 
Estwing hatchet.

Now that I've got that out of my system, give me a few minutes to search for something that actually matches your requirements. I'm thinking hacking knife, but I want to find a brand name I can point you to.

Edit: Right. Over there on the South American River website, look for a leather handle hacking knife, made by a company called "HYDE". They're built for the kind of.... use... your brother puts his tools to.
 
I think youse might be giving this bloke too much credit. I shouldn't talk trash on somebody else's family, but when the phrase "stabbing at 2X4's" is used to describe a fella, I jump to some conclusions.

He sounds like the kind of Millwright who treats everything like a hammer. Or, flip it around to the other end, and use it as a prybar. Give him a BK2 or an SRK, and he'll just see it as somebody challenging him to break it.
 
Buck 685 Bucklite Max II.

BOS heat treat, US made, Inexpensive (under $30), easy to sharpen, tough as nails, very functional and ergonomic design, and has an unbeatable warranty.

BU0685BKS_3.jpg


He might tear up the edge but he won't break the knife without trying.
 
I'd have to agree with the srk or bk knives by coldsteel and kabar. Truly priced right and sounds like they would fit the bill
 
Rupestris said:
Buck 685 Bucklite Max II.
Click to expand...

I haven't used this one but the stats are right for a beater that might get abused. With a street price just above $25, 420HC with the Bos heat treatment offers reasonable edge retention, decent corrosion resistance, easy sharpening, and good toughness. A rubber handle material can be comfortable, especially in cold weather. Bonus points for being made in America.

I'm also a fan of the stainless Mora Companion. It also has a rubber handle material and is very comfortable to use. The 12C27 from Sandvik is another tough steel with good corrosion resistance. Some people complain that it isn't full tang but that's never been an issue for me. It really depends on the abuse potential. For instance, neither this nor the Buck would be great choices for serious batoning or regular throwing but if that's on the menu, go with the Buck.

The sheath is an important part of any fixed blade. I've had sheaths like what I see on the Buck. They aren't great but they work. The Mora sheath is interesting in that it's hard plastic. I don't love it but it's robust and easy to use. With the Mora being even less expensive, I keep a few extras as loaners or "just in case", including one in each vehicle. I've often gone out to the woods with city people or kids who don't think to bring a knife. Even if they never use it, just having it on their belt can sometimes enhance the experience for them. I actually started carrying a Companion more often since getting a good sheath from RK Custom Kydex.
 
Great suggestions all.

Probably looking at around $50 for the budget.

Stabbing at 2x4s isn't 100% literal, but he really has two hobbies that his knives get used for; gardening, and extreme amateur woodworking. So yeah; they get dirty, and they get messed up.

SRK is looking like a good one...
 
Moras especially, good quality at great price, and if he is into wood working, they say scandi grinds are good for that.
 
Leo Greer said:
I googled the BK2, went to the first Amazon listing that popped up, and read through the description.

One of the items was this:

"Power source: AC/DC"
Click to expand...
This music has enough energy in it to power a Moon-Shot.
A knife should be an easy task...
It could be...
 
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