What other knives do I "need"?

J

JDX

Joined
Mar 2, 2014
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923
Okay, I'm pretty new to knives, and instead of just buying knives I think work well, I'd rather have the opinions from someone with more expertise.

First off, the knives I own are a Kabar Mark 1 partially serrated with the Kraton handle. As of now, I use this as a basic edc for work (masonry/construction) and whatever I need it for around the house. To be honest, I regret buying the partially serrated and wish I just got a plain edge. Anyways, I also own a Mora Bushcraft Black and this is my camping knife. I clean fish with it, I occasionally use it to make kindling, cut paracord and the like.

I've looked at the Fallkniven A1 (a little too expensive for me) Kabar Becker BK2 (companion), and some folders as well!: kershaw blur, spyderco tenacious, and the para 2 which is a bit pricey for me as well.


What I want to know, is what I would need to be set for all tasks; From wood carving to batoning. So besides what I own already, what else do you suggest?

I'm an outdoor enthusiast, hiking, camping, backpacking, fishing, hunting, etc.

My budget is >$100

I appreciate all the help!
 
For fixed blades, Mora. Super cheap, ultra light, durable, and they come razor sharp. Best budget bushcraft-style blade out there. The BK11 or BK14 are solid small fixed blade options as well.
If you want something a bit bigger for chopping/batoning, there's the Becker BK7 or KaBar USMC (I would avoid the BK2, too stout and short to be useful IMO).

For folders, there's the Ontario Rat 1 or Utilitac, which are excellent budget options. You also mentioned the blur which is a great knife, and you can pick one up in S30V in your price range to try out a higher end steel. You can also find lightly used Para 2s on the exchange here for around $100.

Good luck with your search!
 
With your Kabar Mark 1 at 5.125" and your Mora at 4.3" I imagine you're already set for most tasks. The Mora should be a great carver already and the Kabar is large enough to baton small/med wood.

Other members like amg137 would be able to suggest specific models better than I would, imo just get something that's about 2" smaller/larger overall to fill the role of EDC or Heavy woods knife.
Can't go wrong with a small hatchet. Good suggestion.
 
n7titan said:
With your Kabar Mark 1 at 5.125" and your Mora at 4.3" I imagine you're already set for most tasks. The Mora should be a great carver already and the Kabar is large enough to baton small/med wood.

Other members like amg137 would be able to suggest specific models better than I would, imo just get something that's about 2" smaller/larger overall to fill the role of EDC or Heavy woods knife.
Can't go wrong with a small hatchet. Good suggestion.
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You make a good point about the small carver. An ESEE Izula or Candiru would fill that role well. If you want to be able to do delicate carving and still be able to baton large wood, you'll definitely want 2 knives (or a small knife and a hatchet). That way you get precise control while carving, and you can preserve your edge on the small knife for delicate work. You may be able to use a folder for these delicate tasks, but folders are harder to clean and maintain in the field than fixed blades. Depending on the nature of what you do in the outdoors and how long your trips are, this may or may not be an issue for you.

Edit: For reference, when I'm backpacking I usually carry a 7" KaBar for batoning and a BK14 (around 3.75") for delicate tasks. Then I have a Para2, Manix 2 LW, or Umnumzaan as a backup folder. If I'm going to be mostly stationary (base-camp style), I also pack in a large chopper like a BK9 or Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri.
 
n7titan said:
With your Kabar Mark 1 at 5.125" and your Mora at 4.3" I imagine you're already set for most tasks. The Mora should be a great carver already and the Kabar is large enough to baton small/med wood.

Other members like amg137 would be able to suggest specific models better than I would, imo just get something that's about 2" smaller/larger overall to fill the role of EDC or Heavy woods knife.
Can't go wrong with a small hatchet. Good suggestion.
Click to expand...
I can baton with my mark 1 even though it's stick tang and partially serrated? Idk why, but I feel like the serrations would make it difficult. I could be overthinking this though.
 
JDX said:
I can baton with my mark 1 even though it's stick tang and partially serrated? Idk why, but I feel like the serrations would make it difficult. I could be overthinking this though.
Click to expand...

People overestimate the importance of a "full tang." Rat tail tangs do just fine with batoning and chopping, so long as the steel is tough and free of structural weaknesses (see traditional kukri designs from himalayan imports). You certainly could baton with a partial serrated knife, but it seems like it'd destroy the serrations in a hurry and is probably not ideal for that task. I haven't tried though, since I don't do serrations - it might be fine.
 
Ahhh - the age old question.... Usually all you really need is whatever knife you have on you. Unless you are stuck in the wilderness, and believe it or not, most knives would be fine even in that situation.

I think most would be set with a small folder, a medium fixed blade, and a large fixed blade. Maybe a hatchet or folding saw. I think I would be fine with my Sere 2K, my basic 9, and my MEUK. All the rest are just to have fun with, and to chase the never answered question - do I have every possible knife for every possible need?
 
JDX said:
I can baton with my mark 1 even though it's stick tang and partially serrated? Idk why, but I feel like the serrations would make it difficult. I could be overthinking this though.
Click to expand...

Now I didn't know it was a stick tang. It probably still could, at least for small-ish wood, but yeah you should get another knife. For the serrations, what amg said.
Well then, your options just expanded quite a lot. Any preferences on: Shape, grind, thickness, steel, handle materials?
 
Among the other knives that you possibly need is the Becker BK9 by KA-BAR. It's simply not possible to not need the knife so many affectionately refer to as the King.
 
Hi AMG,

If you don't own one, I HIGHLY suggest you buy and carry (EDC) a "Swiss Army Knife". Something on the order of a "TINKER". Since you like to hike/camp, perhaps a SAK "Farmer" which includes a nice wood saw. I also would suggest a nice OPINEL folding knife.....perhaps a NO. 8, 9 or 10. Both the SAK and the OPINEL's are very cost effective and excellent pocket knives. Other than that.....I am a fan of small to mid size "fixed blade" knives. TOPS just came out with this knife and I'm seriously considering this bad boy : http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=453
I'd also seriously consider a BECKER BK-16. Another cost effective unique knife is : http://www.rmurphyknives.com/store/product115.html

Good luck in your search.

HARDBALL
 
I like the idea of a camp-chef's knife. Sure, this is a bigger one but it probably can do everything from light chopping (not trees but branches, twigs etc.), to light batoning, general fire wood prep, food prep etc. And, if in a pinch, it certainly can be used as a weapon/defense etc. too.
 
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