I was wondering what the best fixed blade, carbon steel knife on the market is? I am getting past day hikes into some more serious backpacking and need a knife. I’m looking to spend under $80. Couldn’t find anything in your forum(s). Thanks for the help!!! – Michael W
MDC Replies:
This question is very personal in nature, as each person has a different expectation for a survival knife, ask ten people this same question and you are bound to get ten different answers. The truth is there is no correct answer, with a number of excellent chooses existing in your price range. It all comes down to what you will use the knife for. A medium size pocket knife is best for work such as skinning small game or other similar tasks, while a larger heavier blade is required for other survival work such as building a shelter or making traps.
I carry a Victorinox Swiss Army (Nomad) Pocket Knife
with me at all times, I think it’s the single best carry knife out there for the price. The Blade steel is good and holds an edge well, and it doesn’t rust or stain at all. In my bug out bag (Escape & Evasion) , I have several knives for different purposes, including a Victorinox Spirit Multitool
a Mora Knife
and a Kukri Machete
. I have other knives that I could choose from, but I feel these four cover just about everything I would ever use a knife for.
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With regard to survival knives, I recommend the air force survival knife. I carry an Ontario design with the composite handle and parachute cord cutter. When honed to a razor edge the hook can be used for gutting. I also place about 10 feet of 500 cord on the handle for times of need. With this knife you have all you need for under $50.00. Knife, hammer, cord, and saw. It’s not fancy but provides for every situation.
Idaho Boy
I like a good quality Boy Scout knife or Leatherman Clip-it tool and I also carry a Kershaw assisted opening knife. Usually the combination of the two meets most needs with the Keshaw as a possible tactical knife. Unfortunately the Boy Scout style knife is not currently available from the previous makers like Case. They can be found used at gun shows for about $25 or on Ebay for about $90. I don’t really care for the Swiss Army knife, but many people like them.
Clark
Check youtube for a video by iawoodsman where he cuts down two smallish trees with a Mora. When I asked if he’d ever broken one using the second method, he said no, but he’d broken an Air Force survival knife that way in Alaska once. So go figure.
No one knife will work in every situation. That’s why there are back-up knives.
Perhaps the Air Force knife, or a Ka-bar, plus a Mora. That combo could be had for under $80.
*knows this is an old post/question, but the info’s still valid
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