Any suggestions for a new knife?

[CopperFouling]

I'm looking for a fixed blade for camping and backpacking and hunting, if that's possible. I camp and hike often and hunt (small game and ducks) less often. Here's what I am thinking:

• Blade length around four inches
• Blade material should be something that holds an edge well (open to suggestions here)
• Weight should be under 7 oz. (or close to that), although less is better here
• Price should be under $200

Any thoughts?

P.S. I like the Benchmade Saddle Mountain Skinner, but I'd like to know what else is out there.

 

[fissionproducts]

How about a Bark River Gunny?

If was using your specs I would get a Bark River. The Gunny would be a good choice.

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/bark-river-knives/gunny/bark-river-knives-gunny-black-canvas/

 

[hso]

Adventureblades SEEK made by Steve Johnoson.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Honestly, why complicate things so much.

Buck Vanguard.

 

[Yo Mama]

Ontario RD4, but for Duck it's a bit thick.

Becker BK16 would be my pick.

 

[Valkman]

I'd just get the Benchmade. I checked it out at Knifeworks.com and it looks great.

 

[Piraticalbob]

Mora Bushcraft.

 

[AJumbo]

Texas Knifeworks, Jantz Supply, and a few others sell what you need, you just need to gather up the parts and put them together. You could end up with exactly what you want.

Or...... Mora Bushcraft.

 

[Piraticalbob]

Condor Bushlore, if you want something with a traditional carbon steel blade and wooden handle. Condor makes a good knife, although the Moras are my favorites.

 

[sgt127]

$215.00 for a Bob Dozier. D2 will do anything you need it to.

Dozier is one of the best values in quality knives I've ever seen. And, he's a really good guy.

 

[Jackal]

Esee 4 is hard to beat, though I prefer the Esee 6 myself.

 

[CopperFouling]

Thanks, all. Looks like I have some research ahead of me.

 

[blindhari]

It is no longer available but the best all around hiking/hunting/camping knife is a Bruseletto Troll. Google Ragnars Forge for knives made for some of the toughest climate in the world. Pay special attention to the laminated blades.

blindhari

 

[Piraticalbob]

A.G. Russell's Bird and Trout Knife is another good possibility, weighing only a couple of ounces and made in either D2 or ATS-34, both quality steels.

 

[jakk280rem]

I'm gonna take a shot here and go a bit left field and recommend a Helle. If edge retention and packabilty is more important than ultimate durability to you I think you'll like them. They feature laminated stainless blades and a full length stick tang making then lighter to pack than a traditional full tang knife. I think I have the GT, but most are similar in size and construction.

 

[Sav .250]

I`d check out some of the named brand knife companies web sites.

 

[urbaneruralite]

Spyderco Bill Moran weighs 3oz. Their VG10 is amazing stuff.

 

[readyeddy]

The Fallkniven F1 is going for $125 on Amazon.

 

[lobo9er]

swamp rat or scrap yard... bussekins and busse are in my opinion some of the best fixed blades going right now. And the absolute best warranty in knife industry.

... Theres so many choices though. Its a good time to be a knife fan. Lots quality options at any price point.

 

[OpticsPlanet]

I really like TOPS knives for fixed blades. Great value, tons of utility/quality, lots of options on configuration

Benchmade is also top quality so can't go wrong there.

While I mostly have Spyderco folders, they have some nice fixed blades as well.

-Matt S.

 

[Lone Star]

I'll second that recommendation in Post No. 18 for a Fallkniven F-1. I like a little longer blade, and would prefer the S-1. But I own both and like both,

You may find an older Puma Hunter's Pal, Hunter's Friend or Outdoor model while walking around a gun show. Many are priced under $200. If the stag handle looks good and fits your hand right, they're pretty knives and very functional, too.

I don't like most modern designs, like Busse's. Too plain and crude.

You can stay far under $200 by buying a Buck Model 102 or 105, or both. Good knives at very reasonable prices. I like their Models 119 and 120, too, but they are much large than what you envision for your needs.

And I suggest a Swiss Army knife for the pocket, for the added tools and for finer cutting needs.

 

[lobo9er]

Buck woodsman is my favorite small game blade actually but for all around camping knife. I'd have to say Busse are far from crude or plain.

I have a busse culti in grey micarta. One my favorites spent a little over 200 so not way over his limit. But you can find Busses around his limit used with some patiences
and buskins all day long

 

[Litlman]

ESEE 4 or 6 , Tops BOB, BK 16 all under $150 on blade hq.
Moras are cheap but work well. I am not sure of the wts. blade Hq also has Bark river, nice looking knives.

 

[SlayerOfBunnies]

Becker BK16. They are tough as nails, super comfortable, etc. The steel is 1095 CroVan and the price is low enough that you could buy several at your budget.

Also, squirrels like them.

 

[lobo9er]

Beckers are great also... A BK2 and a BK14 have been sitting by the wood stove for 2 years for kindling. Love those 2. Use them almost everyday.