What do you recommend for my 1st quality Fixed Blade?

C

ChuckB_III

Joined
Jul 5, 2007
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48
Hi, and first of all, I'm sorry for posting another 'which fixed blade' thread, but I need help. I'm 15y/o and have just staryted to get into knives. I have a camping trip coming up next week and I was wondering about how to go ona fixed blade. Should I spend $40 on a buck 110 at wal-mart, (pls recommend better blade steels than the 420 if they are out there on a 110.), go for a Ka-Bar in the same $40 range, but more inconvinent sice I have to order it and it may not arrive before I leave. Or I could go for a better fixed blade for more money, (I was looking at a BM fixed Grip, let me hear what you think of it), but I have to stay under $100. PLS help.
 
Ontario makes some good fixed blades particularly the RAT series. The RAT-3 is underneath your price range.

If Coated blades are not your cup of tea, check out Bark River Knife & Tool--they have some no nonsense knives. Also you may want to check out Grohmanns, by D.H. Russell. They're within your budget, and they're not particularly intimidating to look at. 1095's not a bad steel by the way. If you take all the right precautions, you can prevent most steels from rusting.
 
I use the Buck Alpha and the Case Small Slabside Hunter. I am very pleased with both knives. Both under a hundred bucks. They are both small and fit comfortably in my hand, slow to dull, easy to sharpen and the sheaths are great. I started off at 16 with a Buck 119 and did everything with it from minor chopping chores to skinning fish. Some other good knives are the U.S. made Shrades if you can get a hold of one.
 
For a camping fixed blade, I highly recommend the Mora 2000. You can get it here: http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html for less than your budget, and it has been proven in the field time and time again.

Besides the Mora, the RAT3 mentioned is also a great camp knife.

Do you have any preferences for the fixed blade regarding size, steel, handle material, etc?
 
Should I spend $40 on a buck 110
Click to expand...

Yes, you should. It's a lockback folder (maybe you meant the 119?), but the 110 has been a go-to standard for basic camping chores for decades. It's almost a matter of tradition, I tells ya... :D

If you're set on a fixed blade, the 119 is also a fine choice. Even Les Stroud likes 'em. :)

At any rate, both knives will serve you well, and you can get them right away in time for your trip. Remember to take them out in the back yard and give them a workout before camping.
 
Time is not with you :(

A buck is a nice choice. Classic and reliable.

And since you just got into knives, you'll eventually get something better anway.

I would personally go for a Ranger RD4 or RD6 but I don't remember the exact price for the RD4 (between 80 and 120), and there is the time factor.
 
For a fixed blade I recommend Knives of Alaska alpha wolf, d2 steel, 3.75" blade, MSRP $70. Maybe a KOA Bush Camp 6" blade, D2, MSRP $100. You can get discounts to beat the MSRP. Knives of Alaska makes quality and shave sharp out of the box. Remember the old axiom "Buy it cheap, buy it twice.
 
For about $40, I'd just recommend a Mora 2000, and MAYBE a smaller Mora (like the 946).
Make yourself a basic leather sheath, wet-mold it to the blade (which is covered in tape or something) then dip it in hot wax (or search for other finishing alternatives). Alternatively, you could make a quick and messy kydex sheath using just some kydex sheaths, kydex foam, three wooden blocks, and an oven.

If you're willing to spend more, a Bark River Knife & Tool would work great.
 
Either of the Wally World available Bucks, the folder 110 or the fixed 119, will be super - that 420HC steel of theirs is unlike the 420 others use - it helps if you know how to heat treat, too... which they really do. Later, when you want 'super steel' 110's, look into the 'Alaskan Guide' Buck 110 that Cabela's has made for them - out of S30V steel - for $65 + s/h. They also have an 'A.G.' Vanguard (The Model 192 mentioned in an earlier post.) fixed for ~$90 - great knife. The 119 is no slouch - and will be razor sharp, like all new Bucks... and 'Made in the USA', too.

Stainz
 
I've seen some pretty nice knives in the Makers, Fixed Blades, for sale section here on BF right around your $100.00 price range. If you don't see something there right away, contact one of us and I'm sure something could be worked out.
Best of luck.
Scott
 
+1 for the $30 Mora 2000 from http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

The #746 is also a great knife for only $13.50!!
The #711 is the same knife in carbon steel, if you want to go that route - only $12.

Fantastic knives for the money! You really can't go wrong.

If you order it today you should get it before you leave on your trip.
 
I don't think you'll find any BRKT knives of the size you are talking about for under $100 (at least that I can think of off the top of my head, unless it is older stock or closeout) though you will get exceptional performance from a BRKT knife.

I would recommend a Marble's or Orion--both are excellent users and priced right. You might also look at Northwoods.

I don't think you could find a better bang for your buck than this older Marble's knife

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Marbl....html?osCsid=084301ee0eb050f023a02ca875fc6846
 
You might be able to find something from Bark River for that price, if you look around. You could even check the Sale forums for a lightly used one. That'd be your best choice, IMO. Convex grind, tool steel (almost stainless) or high-end stainless (12C27?), superb craftsmanship, excellent customer service/support.
 
Go to http://www.ragweedforge.com and look at all of the knives made in Norway, Sweden and Finland. There are many good classy looking knives for well under a $100.00. In addition if you e-mail Ragnar (Ragweed Forge owner) will give you some suggestions if you ask. Good luck!
 
I'd say bump your minimum up to $125 (I always vote for bumping up the budget :D ) and go for a black canvas or bamboo Bark River: Northstar, mini-Northstar, Highland Special, Fox River, Canadian Special, mini-Skinner, even a Montana Guide or Aurora I think could be had for that price in the right place.......
Knivesshipfree or dlttradingcompany are the best places to start.......
 
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