Which 100$ 4-5inch knife for Outdoor?

E

elbowtko

Joined
Sep 24, 2006
Messages
42
I am trying to decide between these models

Entrek Javalina
Falkniven S1
Falkniven F1
Maybe Enzo Trapper in Aus-8

I am able to get any of these models around 100, this knife will be used in conjuction with a camp saw, so batoning will be one of its primary purposes along with general camp/ shelter / bushcraft. Which of these will be the best value at 100$?

If there are other models to suggest around this price range please do so. I prefer a stainless steel.

Thanks
 
Becker BK-16, with the new coating on it you'll be fine without SS, plus 1095CV rocks!

Also, you'll have like 30 bucks left over at least if you buy from Tomars!
 
if folder, consider the CS Spartan. You can get for cheaper than $100
4.5 Inch blade. It's prefect for batoning with the triad and the deap belly kukri blade and the belly is perfect for preparing food

for fixed blade ditto on above
 
I have owned all except the Enzo. The S1 I sold because its a tad too big for a general purpose knife. It's a tough call between the Entrek and the F1--- to me the choice really comes down to if you prefer a slab handle or molded on thermorun. I would probably give a slight edge to the Entrek after watching his videos because he essentially hand makes these knives yet sells them at production prices.
 
Have you taken a look at the Scrapyard Sykco 511? I've been lusting after one but I just can't stop buying customs.
 
Of the above choices I believe I'd opt for the Fallkniven F1. VG-10 is among my favorite blade steel and the factory edge these Fallknivens sport is pretty amazing, also the convex edge cuts like a laser beam and the blade isn't too terribly thick or thin, but IMO just right. With that being said the Kraton handles aren't too great and a major downside.
 
Out of the knives you've listed, I vote for the Entrek. American made, by hand. No flies on 440C steel, even more so since he has it cryogenically treated. I've been debating on the Javelina myself.

I'm a Kabar fan, so I would be comfortable with any of their offerings in that size range. They are ALWAYS my first choice in a factory blade. Kershaw is my 2nd choice, and they also have a few blades in your size and price range.

If you look on the sale threads, you could well end up with a knife from one of the custom makers on here for around $100 or so, whether it's a brand new one or a 2nd hand one. I got a BIC (Big Indestrucible Camper) in 1095 from J-siah (Gravelle Knives) a couple of weeks ago for $160 shipped. It's a beastly knife, 5" blade and 1/4" thick. He does have a couple of smaller offerings (and lower prices) that may be up your alley. He uses 1095, 5160, and A-2 steels, with Micarta or G10 scales.
 
elkins45 said:
I have owned all except the Enzo. The S1 I sold because its a tad too big for a general purpose knife. It's a tough call between the Entrek and the F1--- to me the choice really comes down to if you prefer a slab handle or molded on thermorun. I would probably give a slight edge to the Entrek after watching his videos because he essentially hand makes these knives yet sells them at production prices.
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I like that the Entreks are handmade as I have seen the videos. The only thing I don't like about it is the edge doesn't reach all the way towards the handle, and there is still quite a lot of blunt metal in the way before the handle.

I am deciding between the S1 and F1 and both are about the same price. For not much more weight I have more length and thus more capability with batoning. However I am considering its poor reports about balance and its handle ergonomics which may not be good for a knife of that size. I find the F1 just a tad small, but find the S1 just a tad too long. However the Entrek javalina is my ideal size right around the middle, but don't like that the edge is not the entire length of the blade. I do like the micarta handles though.

So far I am leaning towards the S1.

Could you perhaps give more detail as to what made the S1 a tad too big for you? (what were you using it for?)
 
+1 for the Esee 4. The Esee 5 will run you a little more than 100 but it may be worth it to you.
 
The S1 feels more like a Bowie knife in hand because of the clip point style of the blade and because of the blade to handle ratio. It feels heavy toward the blade, unlike the others that balance at the blade/handle junction like most people prefer. It's just a little too long to do precision work with the blade but too short and light to be a good chopper. After a lot of years experience with knives I've decided that knives with blade lengths between 4.5 and 7" are really only useful in the kitchen. If it can't be done with a 3-4" blade then you probably need a 7" + monster blade for the task.
 
Where are you getting a Flakniven for under $100? Most of the listings I see for those two start at $120 and about $150?
 
I have an Entrek Jag and I can verify that they are indeed made by hand. When I received the knife it was slightly larger than the advertised dimensional specs. The vendor advised me that was because the blanks are individually made and not mass produced by machine. Love it.

Another one you might want is the Ontario Blackbird SK5 in 154CM steel and is a Kephart style. It's one I'm considering myself and the reviews are good.
 
elkins45 said:
The S1 feels more like a Bowie knife in hand because of the clip point style of the blade and because of the blade to handle ratio. It feels heavy toward the blade, unlike the others that balance at the blade/handle junction like most people prefer. It's just a little too long to do precision work with the blade but too short and light to be a good chopper. After a lot of years experience with knives I've decided that knives with blade lengths between 4.5 and 7" are really only useful in the kitchen. If it can't be done with a 3-4" blade then you probably need a 7" + monster blade for the task.
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Thank you for your response.

I am now currently deciding between the Entrek Javalina and the F1, the S1 is out of the competition.

If you don't mind answering some more questions,

Do you know what kind of grind the Javalina has? I like that the F1 is a full height convex and I was wondering if compared to the Entrek the two different grinds had a large impact on your knives either batoning or bushcrafting?

Also does the blunt part of the blade right before the edge starts ever bother you or made the knife less efficient? (javalina)
 
The stainless steel might rule these out but the quality and usefullness of Blind Horse Knives put them near the top of the list for me. From below $100, to a bit above they have D2 and 0-1 EDC and Bushcraft type knives. I'd personally choose a flat ground O-1 , 4 inch blade in Micarta ( green or natural). I love those things, and feel like getting one for every drawer in the house. :)

For a bit more a Koster Bushcrafter, or Bushmaster in 3V. Tough as heck and as mean a slicer as any smaller skinner type. There again the F1 is well respected by many.

My recommendation is hold one in your hand before making a decision. Too small a grip can be as much a problem as a poorly made one while doing hard work.

Joe
 
RogueBowie said:
Becker BK-16, with the new coating on it you'll be fine without SS, plus 1095CV rocks!

Also, you'll have like 30 bucks left over at least if you buy from Tomars!
Click to expand...
Agreed on the BK tweeners. I got a 17 yesterday from MooseBladez. Could not be happier. :thumbup:
 
Bigfatts said:
Have you taken a look at the Scrapyard Sykco 511? I've been lusting after one but I just can't stop buying customs.
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This is what I was going to suggest, or you can get one of the Rat 4 knife from swamp rat either way you get a very tough knife with the best warranty around.
 
A KaBar/Becker BK-2 Companion, 5" x .25" 1095 steel, can be found at an AMAZing price ON a site known for selling books, etc - ~$63 delivered! You can beat the snot out of it, too. Spend the rest on a Buck 110 Folding Hunter from WallyWorld, etc.

Or... order a custom made Buck 110 in Dymondwood scales, nickel silver (or brass) bolsters, and S30V blade for $86 delivered from Buck's Custom Shop - takes 2-6 weeks. Spend a bit more for fancier scales, if you like - or finger grooves - or engraving. Classic American knife - made to order. I like spending other folks moola.

Stainz
 
I really like the F1, it's a beautiful convex grind that is excellent for chopping and skinning. I also dig the laminated VG-10 which is stainless, so you don't have to worry about blade coats being worn/scratched off leaving an exposed 1095 steel blade which will rust up faster than you can blink. The kraton handle is also very comfy with no hot spots that I could find (not designed for choking up on the blade though). If I had to give it any fault, it would be that the convex edge is a bit trickier to sharpen.
 
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