Which fixed blade?

T

ThornStrike

Joined
Sep 5, 2009
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Recently I've come into the need for a strong, long-lasting, reliable, and efficient fixed blade knife. I'm not sure what class it would fall under (survival, tactical, combat, whatever). I just need a knife that is capable of performing basic camp chores (cutting wood, cutting paracord, usual stuff) but also one that is able to perform in hard use survival situations. Typically i wouldnt use the knife too frequently for hard use excursions like these, they are few and far between, but when i do i need performance. Also if it comes to it, it would just give me some peace of mind to know that it could save my life if need be.

I prefer the knife blade to be somewhere around the 5-7 inch range, and be very diverse in possible applications.

some knives ive been looking at were basically the models from each company that fit my description:

The SOG SEAL Team Elite- I've held this one, its nice and seems very sturdy but not as bulky as i expected, i like the overall feel

The BenchMade Nimravus- This one is a little shorter than i wouldve wanted, and seems like too much flare and not enough performance. However, ive heard nothing but great things about it and it would definitely be conveniently sized

CRKT F.T.W.S.- considering this one, havent looked too much into it though

Cold Steel Recon Tanto- ehhhhh. Its overall build doesnt seem like it will fit my needs, but ive never used a tanto before so im not sure. This is one is doubtful though.

I'd love to hear your opinion on the knives ive looked into or any other knives you think i should try!

PS: my price limit is 250 dollars. so even though that Chris Reeve Green Beret does look beautiful.....:rolleyes:
 
Look in the exchange for Scrap yard and swamp rat knives, there are also some SR on preorder in their subforum.

I picked up a scrapper 5 not long ago and IMO its about as good as it gets for a blade that size.

Good knives for very fair prices.
 
i would check out the ESEE 6 or 5. The 6 would fare better for the wood work as its a longer thinner blade and full flat grind, the 5 was designed as a survival knife.
 
I would also suggest a Esee 6. Thick and tough blade without being over weight. No bullshit ergonomics
 
I like the ESEE RC-5 for your application. Below it is seen with a KaBar, Gerber LMFII, and Buck Nighthawk for size comparison.

IMG_3518.jpg


You could buy two of the other two for it's price, but that RC-5 is a keeper.

Stainz
 
Investigate the CRKT F.T.W.S. I'm not saying get it, but it deserves serious consideration.
 
If your limit is 250, check out the Makers For Sale area, in the Makers section. Several makers offer camp knives in that price range.
 
i have both the Nimravus and the Recon Tanto (the original U.S. made Carbon V one). so, i can give you a little info/opinion on those.

the Nimravus, as much as i love it, is probably not what you're looking for. i've carried and used mine A LOT, but it's thin. it's not something i'd be comfortable prying or batoning with. that lack of thickness came in handy, the other week, when i had to "jimmy" a door lock. it is more for of a SD knife with light utility as a plus.

the Recon Tanto is an absolute tank. while i know it wouldn't have worked to "jimmy" the door lock, i could have just cut a hole through the door, reached in and unlocked it. it would probably make you very happy. although it doesn't have the heft of other (more bowie like) choices, it is a VERY efficient cutter. with a decent edge, it'll zip right through large palm fronds and other vegetation. i wouldn't hesitate to pry with it or to cut through light metal. it really is a beast.
 
I'd also recommend the Fallkniven A1. I've had one of the old solid VG10 bladed A1s for over 10 years, and it's still going strong. Probably my fave out of all the knives I have. Also, the KaBar Heavy Bowies (either one) are great, and you could buy 4 of them with the money your looking to spend.:)
 
Fallkniven, ESEE, Becker, and Ontario all make great no-frills knives. I like SOG's too as a cheaper alternative. If it was me id get a Fallkniven...cant go wrong with those.
 
Any of the following companies have solid knives that will serve you very well: Busse, Swamp Rat, Scrapyard, ESEE, Fehrman. There are others, but these are MY personal favorites. Busse being at the top.
 
BRKT Sandstorm 5" or B1 4.25", Scrapper S5, S5LE, Busse Boss Street 4". Or try the ESEE 5, which I am going to do shortly.
 
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