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

Within the last month I've won off fleabay:

NIB Benchmade 201 D2 $48 + shipping

NIB Bark River Clip Point Skinner---orange G-10 and non-convex ground $62 + shipping

Well under $100 each--but won't be in time for camping because you have to be patient with the bay.

Was stropping my Buck 119 the other day and got it scary sharp---and accidentally sliced the crap out of my finger.

I'd say get a Buck 119 for $35 at Walmart for now and hunt for deals on the bay later.


The Buck 110 is $26 at Walmart.
 
The 119 is a great knife,especialy for the $.I bought a 119 at walmart several years ago for $29,holds an edge, light and tough.
 
Another plug for Bark River. These are beautiful, functional handmade knives that will last you a lifetime and more. There are several models in your price range: Mini Canadian, Mini Skinner, Woodland, Highland Special, to name a few. These are smaller knives that will be much more useful for typical camping stuff. Shop around on the net and you can find good deals. Even if you can't get one in time for your trip, it will be worth it to hold out for one of these.
 
Listen to what everyone is telling you about Bark River. These knifes will amaze you every time you use them. You’ll always have confidence that what you’re carrying on your hip is going to get you through any cutting task you might encounter. And they sharpen so easily.
 
Not to step on the recommendations for Bark River (because I agree with them), BUT, I just found this at Knifestuff:

Buck 119 Special... $45 (+ $5 shipping ) I think that's a pretty good price and Buck is a very fine knife. I've heard guys say "Bucks are cheap!" (meaning inferior) simply because they're reasonably priced and they've been around so long, and they don;t have that "high-end" following. Nothing could be more untrue. Bucks are made in the USA and their construction and use of premium materials will rival any knifemaker even beyond the Buck price-range.

http://www.knifestuff.com/buck/fixed_blade/fixed_blades.htm
 
For a good first real knife that will last a lifetime I don't think you can go wrong with a Buck. The 119/Special is a good but large knife. At 14, the 102/Woodsman(4" blade) or the 105 Patherfinder(5") are good knives in a more compact package. I carry a Buck Big Sky and can a test to the 420HC being a workhorse. A 4" inch blade is plenty. A 6" as in the special is a little large. I'm 42 and though I own bigger and more expensive knives the 4" blade on my Buck has served me well in camp and hunting.

PS, I love my Mora Clipper from Sportman's Guide, $9.99. Along with the Victorinox Military Field Knife (2 for $20) (get someone to split the Military Field knife price) and pick up a Fiskars 14" axe at Lowe's and your at $40 and ready to conquer the woods for a life time.
 
Ive been looking around and have settled on 4 possibilities:
1.) Buck 192 (like the look over the 119)
2.)Bark River Clip Point Skinner
3.)Benchmade fixed grip 151 plain (would still appreciate a review or opinion on this one, I haven't been able to find anything)
4.)RAT-3

It is probably worth saying that I'll be batoning with the knife, as well as some pretty tough fishing tasks and probably whittling a bit. (to make dead falls)
 
One last recommendation from me. I just bought a Ka-Bar Little Finn and am very impressed. I carry it bird hunting next week. The Ka-Bar Hunter is a larger version. These are classic designs, stacked leather handles. Fern knives has them for around $30.
 
ChuckB_III said:
Ive been looking around and have settled on 4 possibilities:
1.) Buck 192 (like the look over the 119)
2.)Bark River Clip Point Skinner
3.)Benchmade fixed grip 151 plain (would still appreciate a review or opinion on this one, I haven't been able to find anything)
4.)RAT-3

It is probably worth saying that I'll be batoning with the knife, as well as some pretty tough fishing tasks and probably whittling a bit. (to make dead falls)
Click to expand...

Well, you've narrowed it, so here's my opinion:
#1 - well above the others: BM 151. That's a tough knife to beat by any standards let alone the four you narrowed down to;
#2 - Buck 192... I kindly like that design too;
#3 - RAT-3.... a rugged little blade;
#4 - Barky clip-point... and NOT for lack of quality, but rather, I don;t like the design of the BRKT clip-point Skinner
 
You have received a lot of good advice here and someday, when you have time and wish to expand your knife collection you will come to enjoy all these great suggestions. However, it's next week and WallyWorld probably has them in stock and for a good price. I say buy the Buck 119. It's a timeless piece you can pass on to your 15 year old some day and will serve your needs now!
 
You will not go wrong with any of these knives. Being able to get a Buck at Wally world is a great advantage. They are excellent knives at exceptional prices.
 
pinetree said:
...and pick up a Fiskars 14" axe at Lowe's...
Click to expand...
Do you recommend this axe? I want a little axe/hatchet in my kit but don't want to spend nice knife money... the mora of axes?

$100 will buy you a spyderco native for $40 and a buck 119 for $40, and a hatchet for $20~ (if this is a worthwhile hatchet). You can definitely get the first two at walmart, and most likely the third.
 
Can you post some pix of your new knife in action after the trip please?

Cheap does NOT have to be rubbish either, Buck, Mora, Marttiini from Finland, Gerber are all inexpensive and users. The RAT3 I have in D2 with Ram's Horn scales is a bit more but a welcome small knife that's up to a lot of practical tasks.

I strongly agree with suggestions for a Bark River but they cost more than your limit, but something to aim for in the future definitely. Big choice, big quality feel, big range of handle options. Likely a knife for life too!
 
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