Knife Suggestions

Popeye

Popeye

Tinder Gatherer
Joined
Jan 14, 2012
Messages
17
Likes
25
Location
Grafton Wisconsin
Ok I am very new at this and I don't know much at all. I don't have a lot of money either as I am on disability. I was at our local army surplus a few days ago when I found the 5 inch Ka-bar. I really like the size and feel of the blade and the cost is with in my budget of 100 bucks or under. The reason I did not buy it is I have heard from certain people that a coated blade is not the best for bushcraft. I assume that has to do with a fero rod?
I have also heard that a full tang blade is the way to go if you want to baton wood and things. and hopefully it has a pretty thick blade so it's strong enough to hold up. I guess I need to know what is out there within my budget of 100 bucks or under that meet most of these requirements. I looked at Buck knives but from what i can tell they are great for skinning and most camp chores but would not hold up to splitting wood.

So to recap for suggestions, under $100, full tang, non coated, around a 5 or 6 inch blade. Anyone have any ideas?
 
I've batoned with a mora clipper with no trouble so it's not necessary to have a full tang and with a little elbow grease you can get the coating off. What I reccomend is to get a Mora (Classic or Clipper) and a Condor Bushlore 2011 model. You'll still be well under $50 and it will give you a chance to see what you will use it for and what you want in a knife.

Edit: Just saw the 5 to 6 inch blade requirement, neither of the above are 5 to 6 in.
 
The only knife I have used and will vouch for that fits your description is a SOG Team Leader in 440C steel. I got one when they first came out and was made in the USA. Now their made of AUS8 steel and I think their made in Taiwan. But they are much cheaper at around $60. They look different but the design of the blade is an excellent all purpose design for splitting kindling and preparing food. I also like the beefy handle it has. It's very comfortable to use with gloves on and off.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IYT3O8/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1/185-3577918-3199366?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_r=1J1ZNNKYEHFJF1BKXADX&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B000NE05QM
 
The Ka-Bar will be a bulletproof knife, for all sorts of camp chores. Don't be deterred by the coating, it can be removed easy enough, and it doesn't take much work on a knife spine to get it to throw sparks. If you like the way it feels in the hand, I say go for it. There's nothing inherently bad about that knife.
 
Well the reason I put the 5 or 6 inch requirement is because I have a very nice folding knife that is a 3 inch blade. I have no idea what brand it is anymore because was a gift from 10 years ago and there is no markings on the knife itself. My folding knife holds an amazing edge and makes feather sticks quick and easy.
 
I'm pretty sure you could find a maker here on this fine forum to build you one for your budget.

You'd get full tang, maybe some choices in design and handle material too.

The classifieds here in recent weeks have had some great blades under $100 as well.

just ideas, of course. but there is some great steel made here / sold here....
 
Boy are you on a slippery slope of wanting every kind of knife.

If you are determined to use aknife to process your wood and want a 5-6 inch blade for it then look no further than the BK2.

If you want something that will also make a great chopper get the bigger BK9.

or

You could find you like using an axe so get a smaller knife like a condor bushlore, or the new BK16 which will be out in a few months, or a mora and a hatchet.



But for your original question on a 5- 6 inch knife that will beat the snot out of the hardest wood and is under $100 BK2 is my suggestion. You can strip the coating off with a can of paint stripper from the hardware store.

Becker BK2 Review - YouTube
 
I would go with the Condor Bushlore 2011 model too. Good design and steel foe the price. And with the leftover money buy a couple mora clippers to compare with, still well under a 100.
 
My suggestion, and I think it meets all the criteria, is a Kabar JAB Potbelly. It is a do everything knife. It's coated but easily removed. It also comes with a smaller knife.
 
Honestly, there is nothing wrong with that short Kabar. Many people also prefer to strike their ferro rods with a short bit of steel other than their knife blades.

I don't care for coating on knife blades either, but have never been bothered enough by them to strip them off either. My current favorite knife in your price and size range is the Cold Steel SRK. Just the right weight and sice for me, blade configuration is a good general purpose design. Cost new is under 100 and often can be found in pawn shops for less money, slightly used.

Even though a little short, I like the Green River (DH Russell) knives. Good steel, timeless knives. They have a great selection that should meet your needs.
 
Thank you guys. I ended up buying the short ka-bar. I just couldn't pass up how well it felt in my hand. I figured I use my striker blade anyway for my fire steel so i don't really need the non coated blade. Plus the fun part is when my wife saw it she even got excited about it, So I had to get it.

I had them put a better edge on the blade when I bought it. This guy sharpens all my knives anyway so I trust him. I cannot wait to test this out later tonight.
 
Last edited:
Can't go wrong with a Ka-bar, been serving this great country for years. They're easy to sharpen too, good knife to learn on. Biggest deciding factor should be the feel of it in your hand I think.

Mine doesn't have much coating left on it, but it throws sparks well.

Sounds like the best part is your wife likes it! Enjoy the purchase
 
There ya go, I think you made the right choice: get what you like and want.

Coatings don't make or break knives IMHO...it can be removed if you don't like it or leave it if you do...use it enough and it'll come off anyways most likely!

5 to 6 inch blade with a folder as backup for fine and mundane tasks, that's kinda Bushcraft gospel anyways. Besides, you got to handle the blade and know you like the feel of it, that's worth more to my mind than hundreds of suggestions for knives that you haven't held.
 
I am sure you will get many years of great use out of it! Post up a nice picture of it for us!
 
I have a short K-Bar too and you're right, it does feel good in the hand. Now, for another $60, you should pick up a BK2.
 
I have a KABAR and I agree it's a great knife, but personally I don't find it the best knife for BUSHCRAFTING...It is a Fighting/Utility knife after all. I'd suggest any of the Becker line (= I love mine and so does anyone else who own them that I know of. Just ask SlayerOfBunnies :D
 
For a more utilitarian knife since you already settled on the Small KABAR i'd say maybe look at a BK11 or BK14, or maybe look at the new BK&t's around March.
 
You can't go wrong with a Ka Bar, I have a few. The BK 2 is awesome as well. Enjoy!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top