Recommend a good fixed blade survival knife

You may want to talk to a member here by the name of arinvolvo. Here is an example of a recent sale he just made http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81144 those appear to be sold out. But, i bet he can get more where they came from. Way over your pricerange but, you'd never have to buy another large fixed blade again.

Kabar has some decent stuff in the $50-60 range in their Impact series, check out www.knifecenter.com for others. www.bladeforums.com is a great place for knofe info (nad opinions . . . ) Cold Stell has a 'special projects site with some interesting stuff, too - http://www.ltspecpro.com/specpro/index.html Also surf eBay after doing some research for some deals. HTH

SWAMPRAT!!!!!
Can't beat them for the money.

http://www.camillusknives.com/1mainframe.htm?bkt/index.shtml~main

Becker BK7 or BK9

Knives

Of course you could check out the knife section at http://www.outdoordistributors.com/outdoor/knives.html
They have good prices on kabar and glock (knives) as well as a few other brands of knives.

I've got this



had it for a few years, it's been my primary carry for the last few months (My other primary knife carry was stolen). I haven't had any problems with it, and it keeps an incredible edge for a long time. And it costs less than $30.

I doubt the swamprat is anywhere near the price you're looking for.

The becker blades are universally loved. I'd go with the BK7.

I recently purchased a Timberline Zambezi and I love it. You can find it on E-bay for $50

They are basically the same knife. The BK7 is 7" and the BK9 is 9". There have been many debates of the merits of a 7" blade vs. a 9" blade. The people believe that a 7" blade better retains the advantages of a smaller blade and the advantages of a larger blade.

It's kinda the, "if you could carry only 1 knife" argument.

If you plan on carrying a smaller blade in addition to the larger one, then by all means go with the BK9. It's just harder to do "small knife" tasks with a 9" blade (like gutting a little fish).

I really love the lines of the BK1 (Brute). I'd go with that one in an instant if I needed a 9" blade.

If you're willing to save your pennies, a Swamprat Camp Tramp can't be beat..

If you like the tactical look, Beckers have lots of good comments. I don't have one (but I'm thinking about it).
If you prefer a more tradional look, Buck makes good fixed blades for very reasonable prices. I have a customized 119 that I love. It takes a very sharp edge and holds it well. I really enjoy using it. They have a good selection of sizes to choose from and very good leather sheaths for woods carry.
Bob

Look in a Kukri, good one can be had for not too much and you can dig, hammer, chop, and cook with it. A Cold Steel factory second should not run you too much I think.

Hey Lar,

Becker CU7 is the best deal going. At only $45, it's an amazing value. The CU7 was tested against the Zambezi and some others costing up to $350 and beat them all in the G&A test.

The black coating is armor tuff, the point refuses to break in extreme conditions, The CU7 is heavy enough to chop, and well balanced enough to skin with. It has a hammer extension behind the handle, which is the most comfortable grip of all my knives. I think you'll be happy with one.

another vote for a swamprat (esp. a Camp Tramp).

I have owned and used an Air Force Pilot's survival knife for over two decades.

During that time it has been used, with its original sheath for every possible useage from digging sassafras roots and clams, to making a spear to try and fish to cutting brush and limbs for a temporary shelter. It will skin a deer or gut a fish just as well as chop light kindling or shave fuzz sticks for fire starting. I have spared this knife no mercy during that time and it shows it in wear to the Parkerized finish. However, much of the original finish is still there. The excellent leather sheath has a very distinctive worn look now days but is still in great shape partially due to the bee's wax treatments I give it every now and again. These are high carbon knives and will take and hold a wicked edge. I have never found but one use for the saw/file type serations on the back spine of the blade. They strike massive sparks when struck by a flint type stone. I discovered that digging gingseng roots late one afternoon.
The small carbide stone that comes with the sheath is very functional and does a good job on the blade. I wore my original one out years ago and replaced it with an identical sized stone from a hardware store.
In short I would recommend this $37.00 knife over fancy survival knives that cost ten times as much. In fact I have new one put back in case the worst happens and I lose it in a river or it gets stolen. The way it looks I will never wear it out.

Another vote for the Becker Combat/Utility 7. It's the best value going, IMO. If you want a slightly shoter blade there's the Becker Crewman (~5") or Companion (5"), while if you want longer, look at the Becker Bowie (9").

It comes with a pretty good sheath and the haft is very comfortable (naturally this is totally subjective). Mine came quite sharp.

I got mine from The Cutlery Shoppe (http://www.cutleryshoppe.com/).

I'd personally go for the BK10, the Crewman. A personal preference though.

I would just get a regular old Ka-Bar, or one with the 2" of serrations like I did. The Air Force survival knive is also a good suggestion.


Personally, I never have understood why people spend over $20 on an EDC knife. I had to bring myself to spend $20 on a schrade, and have yet to do so for a Leatherman. I want one, but 2 tanks of gas isnt worth it.

'Cuz after 40+ years of using knives costing less than $20 (and a $2 Pakistani folder I still use) I can now afford to use Chris Reeves knives everyday.

My Sebenza is getting so boogered up from yard and garden chores I ordered another one for more formal occasions. My 4" Mountaineer gets a fair amount of use too, but I don't carry it too often in town(because a 6" fillet knife never draws any comments or attention.)

John