Guys, I'm looking for something about KA-bar size maybe a little bigger for general around the camp use. It would be used for chopping 1-1/2" branches, splitting firewood and such. It may also be called upon to do some simple game preparation chores.

My buddy suggested the Schrade Extreme Survival Knife SCHF9 as it is inexpensive, I am looking into Cold Steel as they have a solid reputation. I know you get what you pay for but not everyone needs a Cadillac or Porsche. Is their a good knife i the $100-$150 range or am I still looking at Bear Gryls hyped nonsense?

Thanks,
Eric

If used a serrated Ka-bar for years. I picked several up surplus. Even new they are in the $65 range.

A "machete!" There, done and dusted.

Becker bk9 --

Becker teams up with Ka Bar, Ontario, some others. The one I have is CRKT, but I think they stopped production.

My budget for a knife I will use is about $50. These run about $80, and up. Lately I'm thinking Cold Steel is over-priced.

Ontario makes knives for military contracts, solid, no frills utility tools. The Becker style in Ontario brand is called a "Ranger"

Smoky Mt. Knife Works sells Ontario -- SMKW.com

quote:

Becker bk9

Good info. Thanks Xero

quote:

Originally posted by ELeeton:

quote:

Becker bk9

Good info. Thanks Xero

SMKW was running a TV feature (They have a TV sales program, KnivesLiveTV on Tuesday, Friday.) a feature on the Becker BK9 (9" blade. I have the 7" blade.)

What they were doing is "batoning" -- using a baseball bat diameter limb to drive the knife as a cutting tool on "wrist size" saplings, likely alder. The Becker design is intended specifically for this sort of use. "Camp Utility" and general heavy duty chores. Also, it's one serious defense/combat knife -- used by the military.

I really like my ENZO Trapper with Micarta scales. Really tough!!Does everything one expects of a "camp knife".

Beckers are great utility knives. Carbon Steel, a very good durable edge and hell for stout.

$100-150 will get you into a nice Bark River. I love my Canadian special for general camp chores and its my hunting knife. Really solid knives from an American company.

Spend 10 bucks on a mora and the rest on a bottle of good hooch and you'll be a well served and happy man.

Ontario's SK5 by Hedgehog Leatherworks check out their website and video.
Enzos and Moras are excellent.
Here are my personal parameters.
Fixed blade only.
Quality steel such ac CM1095
It must fit the palm of your hand from top to bottom about 4-5" with no aggresive checkering on the grips because you cannot always have gloves on and you do not want to shred your hand or cause bad blisters.
The blade must have a solid straight spine on top to take the abuse when batoning wood and sparking a steel. With a simple blade profile for ease of sharpening. No gut hooks or gimmikie designs.
It must be light weight and balanced for intricate work such as shelterbuilding/notching/trap making/field dressing etc.. that will not fatigue your hand with extended work.
U.S. made with no cheap Chinese knock offs.
A quality sheath with compartment for a sharpening steel or mini survival kit is a bonus.
I have a few Beckers, they are work horses and fairly priced but heavy and similar to a heavy chisel in knife form. If i needed something for heavy work with least effort I would add a Dandy 18" saw and light weight Swedish. ax

You could also look at getting a custom one, or make one yourself. I made this one up for a camp knife for myself, O-1 tool steel, micarta scales. I put a 375 H&H cartridge by the handle for a size comparison.

I have thought on and off about buying the parts and building one myself. Was your blade already ground and you just added the edge?

ELeeton, I make my knives from barstock through to the finish. I usually make hunting knives but I thought a big camp styke knife would be fun. O-1 is a great steel to work with, finishes nice and I can heat treat it myself.

roughing out the steel


Grind the bevels, drill them out, hand sand.


Heat treat them



Attatch the scales and finish them, then sharpen

For the money it would be impossible to beat this deal.

Condor Knife and Tool

I was actually going to offer you one of these for $25 shipped because they fit your requirements to a "T". They come sharp, sharpen easily and do the type jobs you require with no problems. Of course they aren't a Randall, but the company does stand behind their products if you get a lemon.

Personally I think "batoning" a knife, short of a survival situation, is just plain dumb. If you need to split firewood, carry an ax or hatchet.

PS: Just ordered 3 each of 10, 12, and 18 inchers. According to site, still had them in stock. Great deal and, to be clear, I have nothing to do with this seller.

Thanks for the insight guys. It looks as though I'll be stuck in Israel for a bit longer than expected so I'll have to shelf this project for a bit.

Eric