whats your choice for a small fixed blade knife for backpacking

B

butterflyknives

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Jun 18, 2012
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Well I'm going on aback packing trip trip in about a month and I'm looking for a good small (under four in blade) traditional fixed blade. Is there any good knives in the under 50 dollar range. That fit a traditional profile There reason I'm asking is the group I'm going with won't allow large fixed blade knives or any one handed opening folders or tactical style knives ( my whole folder collection consist of nothing but spring assisted knives and butterfly knives and my smallest fixed blade is a five in blade). Main reason I don't want a two handed opening knife due to the trip including rock climbing
 
Look up mora knives, most of their blades are around 4 inches, many for under 20 dollars.
 
Becker BK13 Remora. Very light, which when backpacking means quite a bit.
 
Not traditional, but I carry an AG Russell Hunters Scalpel for hiking and backpacking. Super lightweight, safe, loss-proof. You might prefer the next size up if you're going to be slicing vegetables or other kitchen work, the Bird and Trout. Available in AUS-8, D2, or ATS-34. Even though the blade design is a traditional hunting-utility shape, the handles are black synthetic. Still, I think someone would have to stretch their imagination to consider it a "weapon," tactical, or military-wannabe.

For a small traditional knife, traditional style and materials, check out the Scandinavian brands. Mora, already mentioned, but also Brusletto, Marttiini, and others. Plenty of choices in your price range.
AG Russell also has a traditional pocket-size fixed blade, the Woodswalker. Probably don't want it in your pocket when climbing, but it would carry well in a pack.
Queen has some small fixed blades in your price range. Their "Aged Honey Amber Stag" knives are stunning. The Premium Hunter line is less fancy, but also less expensive. Both series are available with high quality D2 steel.
Case has a small bird-and-trout sized knife in stacked leather. Very affordable.

So many choices...
 
A Buck 102 Woodsman would make a great knife for you. The blade is 4" and the knife overall is a tough knife. You can easily find one at various dealers and vendors for under a 50-dollar bill.

2010buck102woodsman1.jpg


2010buck102woodsman2.jpg


While you're at it, pick up a small Buck folding knife too.
 
This is over your price limit but...I would select the SYKCO 511. After putting a nice edge on this knife, I rather liked it! This blade is small enough to carry and fairly robust as well. Check it out.
 
Any kind of Puukko will fit the bill. Many are inexpensive (Marttiini e.g.) all carry very well and unobtrusively on the belt or in the pack. Light in weight, tough in action.
 
My personal fixed blade choice would be one of the "older" Schrade Sharpfingers the carbon version, no experience with the new stainless versions would seem to fit the bill as well as any other fixed blade been carrying one hunting and camping for about 20 years.
 
Bob W said:
Not traditional, but I carry an AG Russell Hunters Scalpel for hiking and backpacking. Super lightweight, safe, loss-proof. You might prefer the next size up if you're going to be slicing vegetables or other kitchen work, the Bird and Trout. Available in AUS-8, D2, or ATS-34. Even though the blade design is a traditional hunting-utility shape, the handles are black synthetic. Still, I think someone would have to stretch their imagination to consider it a "weapon," tactical, or military-wannabe.

For a small traditional knife, traditional style and materials, check out the Scandinavian brands. Mora, already mentioned, but also Brusletto, Marttiini, and others. Plenty of choices in your price range.
AG Russell also has a traditional pocket-size fixed blade, the Woodswalker. Probably don't want it in your pocket when climbing, but it would carry well in a pack.
Queen has some small fixed blades in your price range. Their "Aged Honey Amber Stag" knives are stunning. The Premium Hunter line is less fancy, but also less expensive. Both series are available with high quality D2 steel.
Case has a small bird-and-trout sized knife in stacked leather. Very affordable.

So many choices...
Click to expand...

I have a hunter's scalpel in aus10, I carried it on my keychain for a while, but it was a bit bigger than I would like, so it got replaced with a SAK Classic. I really love the sheath though, it's an innovative design that makes for amazing retention.
 
I usually take my izula 2 hiking, it rides in a ksf leather pocket sheath, hell, it gets EDCd more often than it gets taken in the woods, It is pretty darn comfortable in the sheath, and it even has a pocket for a flashlight.
 
Naturally, I am going with Ed......a Buck 118 is about the same size as the 102 but the blade curves a little more. I will help Ed and mention the' Life Time Warranty'. You can get the 102 at the national , near mall, sporting goods stores, maybe even a good "mart" if your lucky. Out here on the edge of the great prairie I know a grocery store that has them along with a whole isle of fishing equipment and ammo......ah the good ole days are slightly alive.....300
 
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apintandafight said:
I have a hunter's scalpel in aus10... I really love the sheath though, it's an innovative design that makes for amazing retention.
Click to expand...
The locking sheath was designed by Blackie Collins as the Thumbolt lock, and was previously used on a Gerber knife called the Buddy System.

but it was a bit bigger than I would like, so it got replaced with a SAK Classic.
Click to expand...
Yes, it's certainly a lot bigger than a Victorinox Classic, and it lacks the other SAK tools. But I'm confident the blade is much more durable, and more hygienic, since it doesn't fold and there's no moving parts. Trade-offs. There's always trade-offs. :)
 
I would look at the Mora. The original classic (laminated) is a good choice in addition to the companion. Both will serve very well and I usually have one in my pack. They are great to carve wood with as well as other tasks.
 
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