Which fixed blade do you suggest?

W

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Been reading and using this forum for a few weeks now; own a lock-blade SAK, simple multi-tool, and a cheap gerber. Looking for an upgrade to my backpacking trips/camping trips (wood chopping, basic outdoor stuff) and all around use (even though I probably can't legally carry it with me everywhere). Thinking either the Becker BK7 or the new swamp rat M7. Basically I'm asking if I should blow $200 and wait a few months, or just go ahead and spend the $50 or the BK7 - will I be getting a good enough knife. I won't lie, I am kinda excited about the swamprat but if I'm not going to be getting it for 3-4 months (Assuming they release it sometime soon) should I just get the both? Or should I get something else entirely? (I'm open to suggestions) The only reason I have been considering the swamp rat is because I figure I won't need another knife for the rest of my life. Thanks.
 
Eh, just checked some other threads real quick and it seems like everyone is asking the same question - you don't have to respond if you don't want to. I apologize for the redundancy, but any suggestions/respsonses would be greatly appreciated. BK7, RD7, or wait for the M7? thanks again.
 
Both are Built to last a lifetime but the swamprat knives are in a different league in all departments!
By your choices I'm assuming you are not concerned by rusting?
 
I never had a problem in the past and I am pretty obsessive about taking good care of my equipment, is it a big issue even if i maintain the knife? And what kind of wait should I expect before the M7 is released and I get it (how long from today)? Thanks.
 
If you take reasonable care it should never be an issue!
As far as your wait with Swamprat I think it's like a lotto! You buys your ticket and leave it to fate!!!
 
Oh man, so you're saying that I might not even get one? So what you are trying to tell me is that I should go for something available now. So let me ask you, pit man, what do you suggest - the BK7 or the RD7, or anything else on your list? Thanks a lot for your help so far.
 
Have you looked at the Ontario RAT line of knives-Do a search on here and you will find very few people have anything but praise for them.
Also take a look at TOPS knives( some really good heavy duty knives but some say they are a little over-priced).
 
I personally say forget about Swamp Rat. There are far too many manufacturers of the kind of knife you're looking for to wait. Maybe also have a look at the 'Makers' section at the fixed blades for sale, some very nice ones are usually available.
 
taekwonno - the more I look at it the better it seems

hardheart - I hear what you are saying about there being too many manufacturers, any personal suggestions though? I will also look into the makers section to see what is posted.

Thanks so far, it seems that by the time the M7 is released, and between fighting my way to get it, it will be deep into winter and my knife wont be getting the use it deserves.
 
Spend the $50.00 on the Becker. You will be getting a fine knife. After awhile you may just decide to get the M7 anyway.
 
if you like the BK7 put me down for both, at least you'll have something to use in the meantime... who knows when they will be coming out.

does anyone even know the next SRKW model that is going to be released?

the CSK looks interesting... but i think it's a bit smaller than the other two

i'm also looking for something around Camp Tramp size...
 
Pitman - just checked out the benchmade CSK, what do you think of the handle. Slippery? comfortable? keep me posted because i would like to place an order by the end of the week (before i realize how not much money i hve)
 
The Becker is a great knife, can't hurt to get it, as others have said. It's one of my go-to knives for many tasks. Don't wait too long, though. With the current situation at Camillus, Beckers might be getting hard to find.
 
I have a ontaito rat7 w/1095 steel blade,I also have a bk9, both are great knives but I like handle on the rat7 better.plus I like the sheath for the rat7 over the bk9 sheath, I have used both knives hard,both are taking the beating very well! good luck and happy knife hunting.
 
Another option is the Ka-Bar "cutlass". I have one and have used it so much I've worn almost all of the black off of the blade- with no damage to the blade itself. Note that it took a lot of work to wear off the black- it doesn't want to come off but it will after a couple thousand hard whacks through thick wood. I've only had to sharpen it once- it's a beast.

I used to carry a chainsaw, a machete and a pair of loppers with me when I'd ride around doing trail maintenance on our property. Now I just carry the big Ka-Bar. I've cut through a 2 foot diameter log with it, no problem (though that took some effort!) It will cut through a 4" thick (green) branch in one whack, no sweat. I don't know why you would need to pay any more for a knife, except for the "cool" factor. You don't need to wait months to buy one of these, either. Just head on down to the local surplus shop and pony up $40 or so, and it's yours.
 
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