(Part 2) Best camping fixed-blade knives according to redditors

Steel is steel mate. You can go with the expensive stuff, or with the cheap stuff - We're talking expensive at several hundred and cheap as under 20-50. I've seen 20 dollars knives made just as well as the 600 dollar knives, they just dont have the name brand. It's a chunk of steel, treated so it stands up to specific conditions and holds an edge better. It looks to be full tang - not sure what is up with the holes in the blade, or the design near the MT-5 logo. I found pictures online, looks like the steel comes out a bunch there? No idea what this design is or what purpose it could have - looks sketchy. And the holes in the blade...I mean I've seen the 5 dollar walmart knives with holes so you can create a makeshift spear but..Other then that, no idea why they are on this knife, and they cause more harm then good. You can use it for basic bushcrafting tasks but I'd be careful batoning, I've personally never heard of the brand - it could be name brand and be great, but it has some weird designs.

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Really, steel is steel - all the fancy features cause more harm than good.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-4

That is a 12 dollar knife, and you really won't ever need more, but there are better options. The 12 dollar knife has a thinner blade and isn't suitable to as heavy duty work, but is a great beater knife for doing anything.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Survival-Starter-4-3-Inch/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-7

And their top of the line knives are

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Garberg-Carbon-Leather-Sheath/dp/B07B8SP4G9/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-10

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-M-12642-Stainless-Compatible-4-3-inch/dp/B01I1GITMA/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-12

There's a carbon version and stainless steel version. I'm gonna be honest...for the most part, they all do the same thing, but people want different things and fancier things - the garberg is the only full tang out of the bunch, but even their half tang knives are bulletproof, they hold up incredibly well and I've batoned with him countless times without issue. Mora, IMO makes the best knives - I have several other brands, and there are some I like better for ergonomics - but that's not the point, the point is any knife will work, steel is steel. Just find what you think looks and feels good, learn how to sharpen it and what you like, it depends on the what materials/types of trees you are working with, and what type of work you do. I prefer convex and Scandinavian grind (V Grind) knives, the Cudeman MT-5 looks to be a full flat grind - which I mean..AFIAK is mostly used in like chef knives and stuff, it's incredibly sharp but it's not durable, hitting hard objects is gonna cause knicks and it's gonna be brittle. This is all from experience, it's not like im an expert - but to be fair, I'd just keep trying different ones and see how you like it, but I wouldn't go spending crazy money, the $300 knives you see all the fancy bushcrafters use...these are what I call wall knives..They use them in the videos cause they look good but most people would just keep them at home and keep using their beater knives, because we are hard on our equipment and honestly, they work just as wall, all the fancy scalings and what not make them expensive, but they don't make them better.

TL;DR: Steel is steel. Get a cheap knife, in a better grind suited for the work your doing. All depends on what work you do, and what tress you have, soft woods, hard woods ETC.

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Edit: Definately don't have to go with Mora, I've just always used them and they've done me well.

I feel a bit like I'm butting in, since I don't own the knife in question.But I've seen and held most Gerber knives, and I don't like their mettle much, as they feel too cheap, and I've had them break on me. So, I'm going to chime in with a suggestion for another knife company.

If you want inexpensive, yet still fantastic, check out Morakniv.

I've used the HighQ Rubust, the Companion, and currently carry the Mora Bushcraft Triflex Carbon Steel Knife:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003FZ0QAQ/ref=cm_sw_r_an_am_ap_am_us?ie=UTF8

I highly recommend their knives, they hold an edge well, sharpen easily, and one never has to hold back with using their tools in rough spots - of its damaged, it is replaced at a low cost.

Sure here my take on your kit.

Much of your gear, is old school, thus real heavy, like things wrapped or made in leather. Seek to lighten up. Replace some with multiple usage instead of single use when possible.

You will increase your mileage with less efforts by reducing bulk and weight.

I love the pipes, I bring a few cigars myself. I like smoking stogies late at night by camp fire. Helps with bugs.

I would replace the 2 flasks with a single 3L water bladder.

Carry a box of Aquatabs, water filtering is not always enough. (Viruses in some context) and to cleanup/purify your water bladder.

The plastic spork (mine broke in the middle of a meal) with a titanium spork (exta long so it fits nicely inside those meal bags without burning or contaminating your meal on inserting your dirty camping fingers into your meal at each shovel full).

Substitute those meal bags with oatmeal and dehydrated fruit for breakfasts and lentils and rice, mixed with dehydrated mushrooms and vegetables for most meals. Made fresh at each site by simply boiling it in water with some seasoning, and is much healthier and low sodium and no preservative. It's less weight, more compact and each meal costing under $1.50 or less.

You can use Red Lentil, yellow or black , add rice, third of a cup of two colors around 1/2 cup total, add dehydrated veggies, shopped shiitake mushrooms or your favored dehydrated and chopped mushroom etc... Salt, pepper, etc, Fill water to the 500 ML mark, boil and voilà. You wont be able to find a cheaper yet healthy meal packed smaller, lighter and higher energy in any other way. This is a time proven recipe.

You can keep one or two envelope meals for when too tired to prep a real meal...

Add some energy bars, or protein bars for lunches, do not stop to eat, simply hike while munching on those, and you will never be hungry during hikes. Drink more fluids than usual.

You need a hat. (helps prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke). Practice hat on in the sunlight, and hat off in the shades. It makes wearing a hat more bearable and reduces moisture loss.

You need bug repellent, and a facial bug net (depending on when and where, black flies can be a real issue).

Those simple meals should be complemented with "Electrolytes" boosters on hikes where you sweat profusely on hot days to replace fluids and other essential chemicals your body needs. Your sweat expresses chemicals that deplete your electrolytes and can make you sick to your stomach even though you hydrate, as water alone doest replace depleted body salts.

You have too many knives, you only need one. I substituted 3 of mine with a single mini multi tool and Light my fire knife which is so light my mini multi tool is actually heavier. You can sometimes find fully functional super mini multi tools in dollar stores for under $5.00 you really don't need anything more...

You need some para-cord (550 Lbs test). Great for surviving unexpected events or If only to repair shoe laces, hang food bags away from bears on a 15 foot branch or use as an line to secure a tent or tarp for day use on rainy days.

You need a small hiker's saw, with plastic handle (ultra light yet functional).

Ditch those gripless shoes and get real hikers, they provide real grip on slick even wet dirt, synthetics are ultra light, they breathe and you wont have any blisters. These look bloody uncomfortable for genuine long mileage hiking.

Get some carbon fiber hiking poles. (Costco has great robust light weight units for under $30.00)

Ditch the Kindle and learn mindfulness meditation. After all you are in deep wilderness in nature, learn to enjoy it...

Mora actually have a stainless floating rope knife with a serrated blade.

Nice option which isn't terribly expensive.

Mora all the way. If you want to spend more, upgrade to the
Morakniv Bushcraft with a 50% thicker blade, firesteel, and sharpener.

EDIT - another excellent value (I'd argue highly undervalued) knife is the Gerber Strongarm. Check reviews online. Gerber hit a home run... even the sheath is top notch and multifunction. (MOLLE, vertical or horizontal belt attachment, you name it)

Disclosure: I have a Mora "Light My Fire" as my camp kitchen knife and two Strongarms for general camp use. The Light My Fire is more like the $15 Mora with + firesteel. The Morakniv Bushcraft is a much heavier duty blade.

This is the best knife ever, and this is why I carry two of them. One on the belt behind my mags and one in my vest. Very discreet and very easy to use. I recommend spending a little extra for the red trainer. Good to practice.

Mora makes stainless, short-bladed, and flexible fillet knife with a synthetic handle. http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Fishing-Comfort-Stainless-6-1-Inch/dp/B00EAL1HI4

I have the esee 5 (very similar to the BK2) and it is a big bad boy. the quarter inch thick makes it a beast at spliting via batoning or chopping. down side... it has a big fat edge that can kinda feel bulky when doing finer work... Honestly, I would look into a cheaper (yet very good blades) like a Mora or a Condor Bushlore... my pick would be the bushlore b/c of the grind and full tang but Moras are very good.

Then from there after using those blades a lot you'll get an idea of what you really want in your next blade.

Second Mora. They have a fixed blade with a firesteel in the handle. Shoula be 20ish with a sheath. You're not going to baton with it; but you said backpacking. Not Camping. And made in Sweeden!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JIHOE6/ref=twister_B01C44NK0G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I really like my Mora. Got it because lots of people seemed to recommend them; been very happy with it so far.

That is a very good range, great price point for awesome hunting knives.

Here’s a couple all purpose bushcraft/outdoors knives:

The Benchmade Buschraft: Micarta scales and a very nice leather sheath put it at $200 even. Benchmade is made in the US and is very well known for their high quality and their great warranties. I just bought a Crooked River and am enamored by it.

https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-162-Bushcrafter-Drop-Point/dp/B00B0E1MB6/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549089167&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=benchmade%2Bbushcraft&dpPl=1&dpID=41uGBLFBQNL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Next up is the Fallkniven F1. It’s got a composite rubber handle but is still full tang. Made out of VG10 which means high rust resistance, great for bloodwork in the cold when you don’t have a lot of time to clean it. This brand is out of Sweden and those dudes know their outdoors gear. I could go on and on about them but there’s not much more needed to be said. At $115 you’re getting an incredible knife for a hell of a price.

https://www.amazon.com/Fallkniven-F1-Thermorun-Handle-Sheath/dp/B001JA9Y66/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549089232&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=fallkniven&dpPl=1&dpID=41BlkNY8VfL&ref=plSrch

Now look at the Esee 6P, this is a good example of everything a knife should be and no more. Its 1095 high carbon steel so the implication would be to keep it cleaned and oiled, but there is a DLC (diamond like carbon coating) so it will keep the rust at bay until it wears off over time. $116 is a modest price, especially for the size of this particular knife.

https://www.amazon.com/ESEE-Desert-Molded-Polymer-Sheath/dp/B0049TYBL2/ref=pd_aw_sim_468_1/147-9912666-5096041?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0049TYBL2&pd_rd_r=35b4fb85-26b5-11e9-a2ee-7323802ef2ad&pd_rd_w=EV1gz&pd_rd_wg=WIYnq&pf_rd_p=469620d9-3e90-496d-9dc8-b19f900ba5fe&pf_rd_r=VEHBMYRN110K86ZGZE9G&psc=1&refRID=VEHBMYRN110K86ZGZE9G

That being said I don’t know a great deal of “brand name” filet knives but what I can assure you of is that there is no more a reliable product than a Morakniv. They literally have a knife for every job, and they’re all incredibly robust and utilitarian. Don’t let the low price point fool you, they are worth much more than the company charges. These are made of 12c27n sandvik steel, again in Sweden. The steel is good stuff, nothing glamorous but still a step above 440c. They have awesome belt clips that are just as simple as can be and I couldn’t personally suggest a whole line of knives other than Morakniv.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Fishing-Comfort-Stainless-6-1-Inch/dp/B00EAL1HI4/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1549089826&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=mora%2Bfillet%2Bknife&dpPl=1&dpID=31IMwXb73cL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1

Agreed. I'm not a knife enthusiast by no means, but I was in a situation where I refused to give up my old Leatherman Wave, but needed a good blade so I picked up a Morakniv Companion and love it. 4 oz with the hard plastic sheath.

EDIT: I should also note that I cannot be trusted with folding knives, from experience.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Floating-Fixed-Blade-Serrated-Stainless/dp/B07GM5HWP2/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=mora+fish+knife&qid=1564162843&s=gateway&sprefix=mora+fish&sr=8-7

I’d consider this perfect if it wasn’t serrated.

For $50, you can get a good knife from Glock, and that would leave you with enough money to get another one if you wanted.
YOu could also go with the Becker BK2
I also have good experiences with this

Though this may be a little smaller than what you're looking for, my favorite fixed blade right now is the Dajo Survivor

Mora has one.

I know I'm late to the game, but here's my contribution.

I do and have used a Mora, actually the same exact knife, essentially as my only fixed blade for about five years (with a backup when I go out alone); the first year as a student at a survival school and the next four as an instructor. My school sells and recommends Moras as well, so I've seen a lot of them and a lot of other knives and I've seen a lot of abuse. I've never seen a Mora break, but I've seen other knives break (Buck, specifically). Recently I've begun carrying another knife that someone made for me as well with my Mora as my backup. Here are my thoughts on your questions:

• The model I carry is the Bushcraft Triflex. It's carbon steel with a hardened spine. I've never carried a stainless steel knife, but we sell those too and I've never seen any rust, though we're in a pretty dry environment. I agree with XELBRUJOX's comments on stainless. Mora claims their stainless knives stay sharp longer, and I agree, but they also take more effort to sharpen.
  
• Any oil will work. When I have my choice I use mineral oil.
  
• Do an image search for "mora tang" and you'll get plenty of results, and add the specific model if you want to see that
  
• Other than me, Mors Kochanski and Cody Lundeen both carry or have carried Moras as their main knife. In Mors' book Bush Craft, he talks about his test for a good knife is that if you can burry it to the hilt in to a tree and stand on it, then it's a good knife. He does that with his Moras with no problem. Here's a video of his technique for cutting down a small tree with a Mora. Incidentally, I've batonned and billetted my Mora regularly for five years with no problem. I don't pry with it, but I'm never afraid to apply force in the same direction as the cutting edge.
  
• I've never used my spine with a ferro rod, but I do regularly throw sparks from chert and other hard rock (stainless won't work for that). I think flattening it would work for the ferro rod.
  
• I haven't used the #1, but Mors actually cuts the finger guards off of his knives that had one, and I think he preferred the #1. If you've never seen his book check it out, it's a great resource.
  
  Here are my other thoughts:
  
  
• The worst thing about Moras are the sheaths. They're cheap and won't last, so do yourself a favor and make one that works or get one made. I have seen people lose their knives because of shitty sheaths.
  
• My favorite thing about Moras is the grind. A Scandinavian grind is the most versatile bevel for what I find myself doing, like carving fire sets, splitting wood, cutting food, butchering large game (sheep, deer, elk), skinning, carving traps, etc. My second favorite thing is the steel. That said, there's nothing magical about a Mora, it's just that the majority of readily available knives have a steeper compound/double bevel that's harder to sharpen with a stone (for beginners) and doesn't work as well for fine carving, like for fire spindles. Mora knives do everything I need them to do in my environment. I don't carry a saw or axe, and don't feel like I need to, but you're requirements might be different.
  
  edit - formatting
  

For $40 you can probably get two Mora companions. For it's size/price point the Mora is a pretty damn good knife but it is a knife, not an axe or shovel or pry-bar or hammer or anything else.

As such, it should be used mainly for cutting tasks. You can baton with it but it's not a heavy duty chopping/splitting tool since it's not full tang and the blade construction is thinner than most 'survival' knives. In a way, this may be preferable for learning bushcraft skills as it will force you to use good knife technique vs. smashing through stuff.
Just be aware of the tool's limitations and you'll do fine with it. Don't be shy about bringing other appropriate tools either. A combination of Knife+hatchet or Knife+folding saw can serve you better than just one big bulky knife.

Edit: Check out the Mora "Adventure" product line. I'd recommend the safety Orange handled ones so you can find it if you drop/lose it. The 'Survival' models are more expensive ($65 on amazon) but have slightly thicker blade (3.2mm), a diamond sharpener built into the sheath and a firesteel attached as well. (Bonus: The video on that page actually has someone using the knife for it's intended purpose, not hacking at sides of beef or chopping rope some 13 year old who's angry at his dad. I'm looking at you, cold steel).


Edit edit: Damn... Now I want one too.

I got one of the wooden handle crossguard ones; http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003Z5CTV0/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1418406010&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX200_QL40

I love it and I think it's beautiful... I vaguely remember thinking the plastic mora knives looked silly when I first saw them but now that I've used them I think that they're so cool that I think they look awesome by association.

But yeah, they're great knives. I mostly use mine for its intended purpose of woodcarving. The only drawback I've found is that the mora blades are so thick they're not ideal for cutting food; but that's not really a drawback because that's not what it's for (opinel is for food, mora is for wilderness adventures).

I like my Mora Bushcraft --- like this but in black and a carbon blade. I have a Mora Garberg but I actually like the Bushcraft better. I collect knives and I'm a Mora fan girl. 😊

The HD version is - they even boast about it:

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Heavy-Carbon-4-1-Inch/dp/B00EF2RX2C

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/aplusautomation/vendorimages/e698179e-c6dd-466e-8c66-5386965b9316.jpg._CB314627286_.jpg

They might work okay as skinning knives, but since they are made for kitchen use I don't know I would trust them for other hunting/camping chores.

For an all around outdoors utility knife I would go with a Mora.

I brought one of [these] (https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B00EAL0ZS2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1574869022&refinements=p_89%3AMorakniv&s=hunting-fishing&sr=1-1&th=1&psc=1) last year and it was a hit.

Bear Grylls Ultimate survival knife - $45

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AU6H3UY

lowest price ever according to camel camel

http://camelcamelcamel.com/Gerber-Grylls-Ultimate-Knife-31-001901/product/B00AU6H3UY

I'd imagine it's fairly high being custom made or at least semi custom. I would edc that baby all day. I was looking at getting one of these Mora collab carbon knives for bushcrafting. Looks like it'd be perfect with the Scandi grind for easy sharpening in the field and the built in Firestarter striker in the spine I'd like another inch or two but 4.3 is okay (that's what she said )

Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, 4.3-Inch, MOLLE Multi Mount System https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B8SP4G9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_E9j3DbQYG1RXG

if you wanted more info

> Big fixed blade with holster for outdoors. And outdoors only

Hard to go wrong by starting with a Morakniv.

For a knife, I recommend this.

For a dagger, this. Very pricey. It's for stabbing, not slashing.

I live in a police state, so I have to resource to a tactical pen like this one.

I like Benchmade a lot, and I don't mind spending just a little more for the quality, because lives could depend on it. It's really personal preference. Also, if you plan on carrying a pocket knife, you'll have to check with your local laws for what is legal to carry. That dagger is definitely not legal unless you're a cop or something.

Safety first. Keep away from kids! Worst case, stab more than once as quickly as possible, or stab and twist, and think next move!

You could also try a good fillet knife, like this guy. Wickrd sharp, and inexpensive enough to be disposable rather than worrying about resharpening.

Might want to try searching [mora pro heavy duty companion] (https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Heavy-Carbon-4-1-Inch/dp/B00EF2RX2C). I think that might be what the other person was talking about.

These are excellent swedish knives and I would buy them for a few times what they sell them for. These have a Scandinavian bevel, the easiest bevel to sharpen with a stone. The sheath and handle are ugly but grime proof and very functional.

Ontario SP8 Machete (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00152MF1O/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_R-3Iub1TED2VY

My buddy is also really into camping and this was one of his best purchases he claims. Really great for batoning and the saw teeth on the back dont bother him much. Its a champ when it comes to processing wood, feather stick and whittling.

I got a Mora Companion in stainless steel for $11. I had to pick a bright color and got it when it was on sale to get it at that price point.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAL1090/

I like the bright color anyway, I won't lose it. Check to see which color is which price. You can get it in carbon steel too if you prefer the constant maintenance.

Modifications: see the sub I linked to. I wrapped my neon sheath with some paracord, tucked in a ferro rod, and then covered the whole thing with a slice of bike inner-tube (great emergency tinder, burns when wet, and you can make "ranger bands" as needed from it too.) The inner tube cuts out most of the neon, leaving just enough not to lose it in the bush.

You should buy this. Because seriously, this little baby comes in handy and I honestly think they are top products.

AND... I am madly in love with this TARDIS beach towel.

I've been looking at

http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-001901-Grylls-Ultimate-Survival/dp/B00AU6H3UY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1409350850&sr=1-1&keywords=bear+grylls+ultimate+survival+knife+pro

After my experience with a BG knife for the last year I can only imagine the higher quality one would be better. I'm not well versed in knives though, so I'm assuming there's higher quality non "TV show host" knife for the price?

Here Moraknivs have kind of a cult following among wildland skills folks. I work in outdoor education and I use these in our curriculum. There's honestly nothing better in terms of durability, weight, and cost.

All that said, I'm not a knife guy and don't practice many wildland skills when I'm backpacking. Not really my thing. Don't take a morkniv with me, only a small knife to cut cheese with. I'm only really making this reccomendation as a way to replace that heavy axe. This knife can do any function you would want to do with the axe and a fraction of the weight.

Great knife. If you like it, also take a look at the classic Morakniv.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004D6H1WC?cache=486f0461b6a26021478bd889c8e14c6b&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1409945869&sr=8-14#ref=mp_s_a_1_14

I got this model, but with finger guards, as a first knife for my kids. Sharp as anything out of the box, scandi grind that is very easy to sharpen. But you need to be a bit careful with the carbon steel to avood rust.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003Z5CTV0?cache=b142d0ad6d37d758919e95a32aed3933&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1409946487&sr=8-12#ref=mp_s_a_1_12

I don't think it has a specific name. Dajo Survivor Knife I guess. It's pretty cool, its sheath has a whistle and a flint and steel. I've taken it on a couple Boyscout Campouts and have been satisfied with its performance. http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002GXKAX6/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/178-8313723-4743653

Knives

*Mora pathfinder

That sting looks like it's about 100% geared towards self defense. The other posters are right, you need something a little more camp oriented.
This looks to be lighter weight and more usefull for camping than what you currently have. It is NOT designed to cut firewood, but a small camp axe is better suited for that job.

It is similar to this Gerber folder. I find that the edge retention leave a little to be desired, and I know there is alot of hate on Gerber Knives, but this one has taken a beating with me for a long time and does the job when it comes to mundane tasks.

I also keep a Mora Knife in my Lunch/EDC Bag, should I actually need a good sharp knife. Haven't needed it yet. Use it everyday if I'm camping.

Shitty pic inbound, if my phone ever finished uploading it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AU6H3UY

SOG Instinct. Here

I recommend because the thing gave me 7 stitches.

That one seems like this but with just a blade side guard. I prefer the look with both. Is there any functional difference that you see?

Also good luck with the DMV. I've been putting my visit off...

First, are you looking for pretty or functional? If pretty, Mora makes some real classy looking fixed blades, I have a Mora Forest Exclusive, this is a high-end version of the Mora Classic and is above your price range as a result at 90ish$, the Mora Classic doesn't look quite as fancy, but they are essentially the same knife (I linked you to the birch handle model, there are many more models of the classic that come in red ochre wood handles as well). At 70ish$ you can get a Kellam Puukko, I don't own one but I've heard good things about these, and more importantly, they look nice. All the knives I have suggested this far are Nordic/Scandinavian style blades, if you want something more "American" looking, Buck has some nice fixed blades for a good price, the Buck Vanguard, Ranger Skinner, Fronteirsman and Skinner are all below budget. Ka Bar makes some knives in this style below your budget as well. The CRKT Hunt n Fisch is beautiful imo, and its about 50$. If you are, in fact, looking for more functional type blades feel free to ask, I kind of assumed you were looking for nicer looking knives since they're formal gifts.

Amazon.com link

The Mora comes in a lot of different forms and the price is pretty nice Ex1 http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Classic-Craftsmen-Utility-3-9-Inch/dp/B003Z5CTV0/ref=sr_1_19?ie=UTF8&qid=1421064634&sr=8-19&keywords=MORA+fixed+blade Ex2 http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Classic-Scout-Stainless-3-3-Inch/dp/B00EAL17G6/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1421064219&sr=8-14&keywords=MORA+fixed+blade Ex3 http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Classic-Craftsmen-Utility-4-2-Inch/dp/B003Z5GRUY/ref=pd_sbs_sg_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=08QQT1AEGRYMCVC9NXTB I dont know much about Elk Ridge tho which model from Elk Ridge do you like? If none of the Mora's are of interest to you then maybe someone can find you a knife like the Elk Ridge your looking at. Or maybe someone who owns one can tell you the quality of them.

Haha, they did just that apparently http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-001901-Grylls-Ultimate-Survival/dp/B00AU6H3UY

Not really?

Machete is basically just a catchall term for a knife you use like an axe.

Phone left pocket, wallet and keys front right, knife on belt.

A pocket knife is useful for some basic cutting tasks like opening packaging and cutting some zipties or such. Fixed blade knives are much more durable and can cut branches and are capable to handle a higher variety of tasks as well as typically having a better grip and much less likely to have issues when under hard work.

I'd recommend a Morakniv ; they're cheap, proven reliable, good factory edge, very durable, and lightweight. It's a great option if you're not super into knives but want a cheap one to just toss in the jeep and forget about until you need it.

The SOCP dagger may be what you're thinking of.

This is my edc. It’s the most practical carry knife. If you buy the one with the trainer blade, you’ll see how the draw is second to none. Highly recommend. You can find the cheaper one for under 100$.
https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-SOCP-Dagger-176-Skelentonized/dp/B00SEXH8F0

SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Instinct Fixed Blade Knife with G10 Handle and 2.3-inch Blade - NB1012-CP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3QBY7A/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_vVd5wbHKWYA8J

Gf got me this for my bd. I have it set horizontally on my belt. Razor sharp. I love it. Small enough not to get in the way.

Edit: I carry it at 11 o'clock.

I personally am not a fan of Gerber products, but I'd recommend the regular Compact Fixed Blade because it's a bit sturdier and much cheaper. Here's a thorough review.

I'm sorry for leading you down this rabbit hole... It's a great hobby but it's a really niche one that's massively popular, so every Instagrammer has a book. My favorite book is The Artful Wooden Spoon as it's really cheap for a craft book, has beautiful designs and photography, and it goes over every possible method to carve, whether traditional hook knives and wet wood, or dried wood and power tools. Spon is another great book but I haven't gotten a copy yet so...I don't know if I could honestly recommend it.

I got started in my summer before first semester of college, so I went the cheap way which is following many instagram accounts, youtube videos, and buying Mora knives off Amazon rather than having a hand-forged one made for me. (The price point and waiting list of blacksmiths is insane). This is my knife, not the best for spooncarving as it has softer steel and is more meant for rough bushcraft, but it was given to me when I turned 16 and is now on my hip whenever possible: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAL1090/ref=twister_B07H1138CR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

This one comes more highly recommended by the pros: https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Laminated-3-2-Inch/dp/B005IW5YN8?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_6501052011

Then you'll need a hook knife: https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Carving-Stainless-0-5-Inch-Internal/dp/B01N4FNUX4/ref=pd_sbs_468_2/130-9218892-1730051?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N4FNUX4&pd_rd_r=8d8fce0c-2c9d-11e9-8a86-1d7479451c7c&pd_rd_w=cqTt0&pd_rd_wg=78jDF&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=KEJZKBPVA4EWJ7CZJPNT&psc=1&refRID=KEJZKBPVA4EWJ7CZJPNT

A hatchet is of course also necessary, but those are very common to find. Almost any will do. Sharpening is the most important part, regardless if you have a hook knife made by a blacksmith who makes his own charcoal for his forge and only uses recycled steel, or if you use a knife forged in Mora and bought from Amazon. Especially with the odd shapes of hook knives, sandpaper is the best way to go- try googling the "Scary Sharp Method"- but it basically comes down to working the bevels and steel with progressively finer grit. Autobody shops will have the wet/dry sandpaper in the grits you'll need, from 100grit for rough work and customizing your blades, to 6000 grit when you're finishing up.

https://www.instagram.com/michigansloyd/ is one of my favorite spooncarvers to follow on instagram, he's a professional and can create a beautiful spatula in less time than it takes me to split a branch. https://www.instagram.com/klipnockywoods/ is another good one.

http://www.robin-wood.co.uk/wood-craft-blog/ this is probably one of the best blogs, there is a scroll on the side with links to posts for beginners, from what knives are the best to what oil to use.

https://www.emmetvandriesche.com/blog/how-i-carve-wooden-spoons is another good blog.

I'll try to stop now, but there's just so much going on in this niche.

For all looking at the SOG, here you go.
SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Instinct Fixed Blade Knife with G10 Handle and 2.3-inch Blade - NB1012-CP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T3QBY7A/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_A-6xwb3CJCYN5

Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Sweden-Knives-Morakniv-Classic/dp/B003Z5CTV0/ref=sr_1_17?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1330820510&sr=1-17

here are a few recommendations not on the list at a slightly lower price point:

Condor Tool & Knife, Crotalus Knife

Condor Tool & Knife, Hudson Bay

Condor Tool & Knife, Stratos

Glock Field Knife

Morakniv Bushcraft Black

Morakniv Bushcraft Pathfinder


Here are some other brands at similar price points to the ones you had listed ($100 - $200) SOG Knives, TOPS Knives, Bark River Knives

I was not familiar w/ that knife. just looked it up and it gets destroyed on Amazon reviews. fortunately the price has dropped dramatically but w/out full-tang it is not a useful knife. One of the first reviews says the knife busted while processing wood. http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Pathfinder-6-75-Inch-MOLLE-Compatible/dp/B00K70MLKK

http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-8335-Machete-Black/dp/B00152MF1O/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1424492151&sr=8-3&keywords=ontario+machete