(Part 3) Best fixed blade hunting knives according to redditors

I have been putting together these two Go Bags over the last month or so to store in each of my two cars.

The bags I used are Red Rock Outdoor Gear Rover Sling Pack (Coyote and Olive Drab)



They are probably about half finished at the moment, so this is the first tier update on the kits!

---

Bag 1 Contents:

• CZ 75 Compact PCR 9mm Pistol and My Youtube Review
  
• ~100 Rounds Winchester 9mm
  
• Baofeng UV-5R w/ Charger
  
• Leatherman Wave Multitool
  
• Opinel No. 8 - Beechwood
  
• Energizer Headlamp
  
• Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
  
• Rockbirds Single AA LED Flashlight
  
• Israeli Bandage
  
• Standard Bic Lighter
  
• Standard Sharpie
  
• Harbor Freight Magnesium Fire Starter
  
• Durable AIM Dental Floss
  
• Light My Fire Tritan Spork - Not Recommended!
  
• Original ChapStick
  
• Walmart Sewing Kit
  
• Equate Antibiotic Ointment
  
• 10 Regular Sized Band Aids
  
• 25 Ft. 1100 Lb Paracord
  
• 18 Ft. 550 Lb Paracord
  
• Signal Mirror - Homemade from old mirror
  
  ---
  
  Bag 2 Contents:
  
  
• Armscor Rock Island Armory M206 and My Youtube Review
  
• ~100 Rounds of Freedom Munitions .38 Special
  
• Old Timer Tixed Blade Skinning Knife
  
• Leatherman Skeletool Multitool
  
• Lifestraw Personal Water Filter
  
• Rockbirds Single AA LED Flashlight
  
• Israeli Bandage
  
• Standard Bic Lighter
  
• Standard Sharpie
  
• Light My Fire Tritan Spork - Not Recommended!
  
• Original ChapStick
  
• Walmart Sewing Kit
  
• Equate Antibiotic Ointment
  
• 10 Regular Sized Band Aids
  
• 25 Ft. 1100 Lb Paracord
  
• 18 Ft. 550 Lb Paracord
  
  Let me know what you think!
  
  Please check out our new subreddits /r/gobags and /r/bugoutbags!

Best all around durable bang-for-buck I'd say Mora, works great for nearly all tasks. Holds a decent edge, but it's high carbon so just don't let it sit in the rain. Mine got a little rust on it but buffed out pretty easily. Even if you do leave it in the rain or lose it, it's only 15 bucks so no biggie.

It can be had for $40 including shipping on amazon right now:

https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-8684-Raider-Plainedge/dp/B075P5H66C/

Reminds me of a Gerber Mark II:
http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-22-01874-Knife-Aluminum-Handle/dp/B0017KXAGS

I am poor, so these are my budget suggestions.
You can spend less and get a great knife, the Condor knife and tool Rodan. $30.
I bought it and a Condor Kumunga because I could get both for the price of a BK2 or Izula. They are very utilitarian. Not pretty at all.

For that I have a #2 style Mora $15. There are many Mora knifes under $20 and any would be great for you. Stainless or Carbon steel, and Wood or Plastic for the handle.

Buying a compass you don't need anything fancy. Get a Brunton compass for again, less than $10. That exact compass has lived in my everyday backpack in an outside pocket, and shows no damage after 5 years or so.

As far as flashlights, that is a whole new world. I'd do some looking because you have a lot of choices these days.

I'm using a Streamlight Stylus Pro, again $20 and AAA's. And a few smaller streamights, the Nano at $8. My nano flashlight get's paired with my last hope knifes. A CRKT RSK MK5, at $16 and a Spyderco H1 $39 fully serrated ladybug3. Also I use a keychain Swiss Army Knife.

I'd choose the Cold Steel SRK.

Great combination of toughness, good ergonomics, quality, cutting abilities and price.

What's your budget?

1. Granite Gear Virga 2 (Long) -- That maintains your 58 liter capacity while dropping 33oz for $140 @ $4.24/oz
   
2. Princeton Tec Byte -- Saves you over 1.8oz for $18 @ $10/oz. That weight is with 2 AAA batteries which gets you over 90 hours of burn time.
   
3. What do you actually use on the Leatherman? I only ever use a knife or maybe scissors. If you just need a light knife, I like these two. For the weight of that leatherman you could carry a decent fixed blade.
   
4. Lose the dry bags and trade them in for standard kitchen trash bags. Even with "heavy duty" trash bags you'll gain about .5-1.0oz per bag
   
5. What's the "towel" for? I keep some towel/rag type things around for general cleaning, wiping off my tent/gear when it's went from rain/condensation, etc. For this I go to the cleaning aisle of my grocery store and find the cheapest thinnest dish rags. The ones I use are very thin, you can practically see right through them. I cut them in half because they're huge. Each one is 6g. It's more than enough absorbancy for basic camp work.
   
6. You're already using one Smartwater bottle, why not drop the Nalgene and use two "disposable" water bottles?

As /u/wags_01 points out, your budget will go a long way in helping us give you suggestions.

In general, though, an axe is overall a far superior tool for the woodsman. I suggest the Granfors Scandinavian Forest Axe. It's small enough to be handy and big enough to be useful. It's also well over 200.00.

On the other hand, I quite like the Cold Steel Latin Machete for about 24.00 or the Condor El Salvador Machete for about 40.00 (Condor comes with a sheath while the Cold Steel does not).

I also really like Condor's Golok & Parang offerings. They are pretty kickass. I think your dad will likely enjoy anything you get him, simply because you thought of him.

Eh, just my JPY2.38654.

This should do the trick.

Solid, no frills steel and construction. Might not be a great chopper, but definitely multipurpose.

You can certainly get a GFB and it will do a bunch of work for you. But you could buy a few other tools and a hatchet or axe if you go a budget route.

Saw $25.

Axe $40

Knife $20

Ferro Rod $16

And you've still got at least $75 to play with.

The reason these tools are expensive is the brand name and importation costs. They are "hand forged" which makes it a crafted item (in reality a smith takes a shaped billet between several power hammers with pre-set dies and works them until the prescribed shape is achieved. This isn't a blacksmith making axes from scratch.) The industrial alternative to this process would involve less human interaction in the process, more robots and probably less oversight in the selection of the steel and, therefore, a more affordable product.

Every GFB I have seen in person has had an above average hang. The grain of the wood was free from undue runout, the orientation was textbook and the eye was wedged solidly.

I'm no fan of cheaping out on Harbor Freight shit tools, trust me. But there can be a point where the money spent isn't contributing to the overall quality of the tool. Handles are expendable– learning to re-hang an axe is a life skill. Strong steel that won't chip is a priority, but in my (admittedly limited) experience, I've yet to find an axe bit that, under normal use, encountered a problem I couldn't repair with a file or a stone.

In the end, you want a sharp piece of metal at the end of a strong stick.

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Fighting-Knife-Serrated/dp/B000BSWE9G/ref=pd_cp_200_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B000BSWE9G&pd_rd_r=ZJD91KXDGJH15N61RH1Q&pd_rd_w=8Lp8B&pd_rd_wg=NnWvZ&psc=1&refRID=ZJD91KXDGJH15N61RH1Q


VS!

https://www.amazon.com/Wusthof-Classic-Chefs-4596-7-18/dp/B00WUENMAE/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1502884779&sr=1-3&keywords=Classic+7-Inch+Chef%27s+Knife&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A7043216011

So some will be a little more then 40 but the performance and customer service is worth it.

Cold Steel Extra Large Voyager Clip Pt. Plain https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DPW4LJG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_x3eXDbMZTEMNN

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath - Black Handle https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EHWWJQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_H4eXDbKPRCS8H

Cold Steel Peace Maker II https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BD57RZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_Z5eXDbFY372C4

Ontario Knife Company 8667 Rat-5, Plain Edge with Black Nylon Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075NNXMSC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_06eXDbRS3PEXY


Buck Knives 620 Reaper Black Fixed Blade Survival Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RQ7WQ2K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_e.eXDbT0Y0DW9

i've never owned one but i've only heard positive things about them on this sub

in fact, 2 of their knives are on my "to get" list- the kwaiken and the gnome. i just like how they look

https://www.amazon.com/MOSSY-14-inch-Handle-Leather-Sheath/dp/B01EYCEA5A/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=bowie+knife+brass&qid=1557515002&s=gateway&sr=8-4

If nothing else, there's amazon

I wouldn't overthink the fire starter. A couple cheap lighters and a magnesium fire starter combined with the tinder options below should cover just about any situation. Total cost $7. You can also check out /r/edcexchange & /r/knife_swap for a decent fixed blade.

For the price, these are hard to beat. https://www.amazon.com/Glock-Field-Knife-Fixed-Battlefield/dp/B01DOOWT3O
Hell, I'll send you a good Kabar for $45.

Water
https://www.amazon.com/Katadyn-8018270-Hiker-Microfilter/dp/B0047QV0AM

Everything except the flashlight for $100

Also, the Kansbol, which is a little less robust, but still quite capable.

Here are some recommendations. If you are doing batoning and splitting, I would recommend something with a thick spine (and learning how to do it correctly). I wouldn't open cans with my knife because it's a poor tool choice for that and there are plenty of dirt cheap can openers.

Here are a few options:

KA Bar Becker companion in 1095 steel

Ontario Rat 3 in 1095

Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty carbon blade

cheap US army can openers so you don't damage your knife or hands opening cans

​

These are some good high carbon blades in a variety of prices. I do recommend buying one you can feel to get a good idea if the grip is right, but this should give you some variety of makes and what they offer. These are all black anodized coatings which will help keep rust away. My preference is for a knife in the 7 inch length range for chopping, no serrations (pain to upkeep and don't cut, they rip) and a neutral finish because black knives are hard to find if you drop it in the dark. NEVER buy a knife that isn't full tang.

Go out and get a feel for handles, blade shapes and lengths and try what you can borrow before making a decision.

Awesome knife. I must have it. It is $34 on Amazon.

Likely won't hold up to anything. More for looks than anything else.

I'd suggest this. Ontario is a good brand.

I actually got this little guy in the mail today, and it even matches my phone case! The Delica may soon find it's way to the curio drawer...

Spyderco Ladybug3 (Foliage Green)

I see it on Amazon Prime for $185.

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003D9RB3E?cache=9186801eaa3526625807646e35c8d777&dpID=21u4KhiuiFL&dpPl=1&dpPlWS=1&pi=AC_SX110_SY165_QL70&qid=1413595730&ref=plSrch&sr=8-5#ref=mp_s_a_1_5

I didn't buy it. Snapped this in a store. Too bad they don't offer something higher quality! I guess this one is better? http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Pocket-Knife-Sharpener-Black/dp/B000AR7AKG/

Surprised to hear that Vic blades are considered "soft steel".

Maybe 1 of these https://www.amazon.com/CIMA-hardness-Full-Tang-outdoor-survival/dp/B01K7M0S6Q i have 1 and it’s good quality for the price.

> kydex sheathe

Think it is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-1216-Full-size-Black-Sheath/dp/B000Q9C9B8

I've been looking for a scout carry sheath for the kabar. I wonder if this can be configured that way. cc: /u/Dephire

My Machete of choice

https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Tool-Knife-Eco-Survivor-Polypropylene/dp/B003D9RB3E

Don't get a folding knife. No, no, no!

A folding knife is harder to sanitise, and that means delhi-belly a few times on a long tour.

Get a proper chef's knife. A 5" or 4" blade is perfect, the larger handle means better grip and no cut fingers. That's why chefs use them.

Victorinox also sell a small knife sharpener which you'll also need to carry with you on along tour.

For cutting board, anything small and light. Cut it to the size required and each night rub it with salt after use to keep it sanitised.

Enjoy your trip! :o)

Mora is cheap and in my opinion one of the best blades you can buy, especially if you want to go into their higher end knives. I have a morakniv kansbol- https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M5AI1N3/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like it a lot. I would have gotten the mora bushcraft in retrospect for the thicker blade. Not disappointed at all though. Would also recommend stainless steal, unless you are looking to oil your blade frequently. Also, I have owned a lot of knives and am a bush-crafter and backpacker. Also recomend a folding saw if you are on the move a lot. Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw ($20) is what I have, it does the job very well, but silky boy is the way to go if you want to spend a bit more for something more robust (also weighs more though, and that shit makes a difference when you are 30 miles away from a car on foot).

Well, the single bad experience was with Airbnb. Basically, the host said he can't host me anymore - without an explanation. I dropped my suitcase in the morn and went out. At night (9pm I think), he said he has changed his mind and I shouldn't come back. He wouldn't answer my calls or texts anymore. I complained to Airbnb, who gave me a choice and I accepted credit towards the night's hotel + some more. I found a CS host the next day kickstarting my CS experience - which is why that first CS host was like an angel :) FYI, I've had good Airbnb experience since then.

I generally rent a car for long road-trips to national parks, which is when I car-camp. I don't have to worry about cleaning and stuff. I also carry a therma-insulation pad, a quilt, a blanket (if it's cold) & a pillow. Fold down the back seats, and you can stretch all the way to the trunk lid (I'm 5'9"; 6'5" - you might have to bend a bit, haha). Put down the mat and then a layer of quilt that you wrap around from your side to cover yourself. I've had amazingly good sleeps... maybe I was tired from all the hiking but it's super comfy :)

Also, since you're facing the rear, the shelf behind the rear seat headrests becomes very useful. If I have my Mac, I can watch a movie while falling asleep/having dinner but you obviously attract attention. Connect that to the car's Bluetooth and you have a beautiful setup of great tech in the middle of a very dark sky. I like to be as rustic as possible when I'm traveling but it's OK to dip into some tech luxury :) I'm working on more ideas to best setup my camera to take timelapses of the stars. Right now, I put it on a tripod and let if face out the window coz I'm scared of keeping it outside (had an incident with raccoons nibbling on the tripod legs). I'll probably end up using a suction cup mount on the roof.

The thing with tents is that you have to search for a campground. Sleeping in the car gives you flexibility but you do have to air the car out in the morn :) Also, pitching a tent in the dark & by yourself is a pain. Also, it's less scary to sleep inside the car alone... LOL

I also have to mention the biggest issue is the proximity sensors in the keyless-remote in modern cars. While you're sleeping inside, you're still within the allowed proximity of the door's unlocking sensors. So, anyone can walk upto the car and open it... when you're asleep... in the middle of the night... without emergency cell coverage... in the middle of nowhere... I always make it a point to disable the convenience feature & keep a 7" Ka-bar next to me before I fall asleep.

Victorinox Pocket Knife Sharpener Although, it is a bit cheaper on ebay (like most items) .

I prefer DMT sharpeners at home but have this in my backpack when hiking.

What is your intended use? That really makes a big difference.

​

My Thoughts:

Every Day Carry = Spyderco Military (If you want something a bit smaller the ParaMilitary 2 is nice)

Batoning Logs and Heavy Outdoor Work = Terava Skrama

Basic Carving = Terava Jaakaripuukko

​

Those are all reasonably priced options, (the Spyderco Military is on the high side)

​

Everyone needs a Mora as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B07MXNBF7Y

Consider the Glock field knife.

It's not really like that one, but it is a good low-cost ($30) fixed blade. Super durable and balanced for throwing:

Glock OEM Field Knife 6.5" Fixed Blade with Root Saw, Battlefield Green

(There's other colors)

I'm surprised to see that the serrations actually look legit:

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Fighting-Knife-Serrated/dp/B000BSWE9G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1466618351&sr=8-2&keywords=kabar+serrated

here's the holy trinity I suggest to everyone with this question. Cheapest: https://www.amazon.com/Wesson-SWHRT9B-Outdoor-Tactical-Survival/dp/B07THMKS3B Best for a "weapon": https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Corps-Fighting-Straight/dp/B07KFNLPDZ/ref=pd_sbs_200_1/134-8730811-3738123?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07KFNLPDZ&pd_rd_r=2462612e-cbab-4572-becc-1bc13e89858f&pd_rd_w=zo5L0&pd_rd_wg=TY5xV&pf_rd_p=43281256-7633-49c8-b909-7ffd7d8cb21e&pf_rd_r=97ZT1BGE29JARD4RPTVF&refRID=97ZT1BGE29JARD4RPTVF Nicest looking and best for a dedicated tool: https://www.amazon.com/Knives-Special-Fixed-Leather-Sheath/dp/B000EHWWJQ/ref=wsdps_2?cv_ct_pg=detail&cv_ct_wn=woodstock-detail&linkCode=oad&cv_ct_id=ws&pf_rd_r=TD6J7MD9SFQE37WW9D7T&pd_rd_wg=AuCCX&pd_rd_w=axkeg&pd_rd_r=a9447115-06e9-4e31-92a6-522146ba1a51&th=1

I love my Boker Gnome

http://www.amazon.com/Boker-Plus-Vox-Gnome-Knife/dp/B0037EWVQC/ref=pd_sim_sg_5

but at 2.125 it is a hair over 2 inches.
They also make the Rhino Calf

http://www.amazon.com/Boker-Plus-Rhino-Calf-Knife/dp/B007P3IQ0Q/ref=pd_sim_sbs_misc_4

and the Magyar

http://www.amazon.com/Boker-Plus-Magyar-Fixed-02Bo281/dp/B009TDV4HM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_5

I'm definitely putting it up on the list.. Condor looks like they make a good product. Ever had an experience with this?

quick google search
Boom-shaka-laka!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HYWFGN8

Happy to answer your additional question!

Personally, I bought my knife at a military supply store in So. Cal (Orange County) for about $50/$55. It is not the exact same style of the knife on Amazon you posted - the handles are different. Mine is a "rubberized" grip, which I really like and is very durable. I have owned my knife for at least 4 or 5 years and the handle/grip has no wear on it, no nicks, cuts or anything... it still looks like it did when I bought it (with a little more dirt and grime).

So...my knife came with the hard Kydex sheath - like this, I did not pay extra, it was all packaged together. I am very happy with it. The knife "clicks" in and stays in. The sheath also has a small nylon strap with a metal snap which goes around the handle to secure it more. I can easily unsnap and unsheath the knife with a single hand very quickly (no fumbling around).

I cannot comment on the leather sheath that comes with the Amazon model you linked to - so I guess you can only rely on the Amazon reviews. With that said - if "Made in America" is something that you have strong feelings about, obviously you will have to make up your own mind. Otherwise, it's a great knife and if the sheath sucks, you can always buy the Kydex one later - or obviously whatever style of sheath that works best for you.

All in all - I would venture to guess that the blade is the same. It's a KA-BAR fighting knife... so the only difference between mine and your example is the handle and the sheath - but you will be getting a fantastic knife that you will be happy with for years or even the rest of your life. The handle thing is just personal preference - the right answer is whatever you like... the sheath, for the most part is personal preference, BUT a bad sheath could screw you later... I.E. your knife falls out and is lost or your knife is a pain in the ass to get out (hopefully you are never in a situation where you need your knife RIGHT NOW and seconds count).

Wow I wrote too much - sry.

**EDITED TO ADD: Oops... I didn't even address your question. Is the knife fake?
Can't tell you for 100% - - but the seller is KA-Bar and they have lot's of KA-Bar products all with excellent reviews (and lots of them). Look over the "bad reviews" on some of the other KA-Bar products.. if this was a cheap knock company - it will come out in the reviews. I didn't notice anything like that, but I didn't look at EVERY review.

Yeah, I looked at pretty much EVERYTHING under $100, even Ka-Bar, and while Ka-Bar makes some really cool newer models (Hello tanto with synthetic handle, I’m looking at you!) even those were too expensive for keeping stashed in the car.

Again; I have $400 knives and, while I don’t regret owning them & will never sell them as I really like them, I also am aware that I literally never use them.... :-/

So I was determined to not let my obsession with getting “the best” stuff drive my car knife purchase. I got that SOG I linked to above, the Schrade I linked, and this one for my wife:

CIMA High hardness Full-Tang outdoor survival fixed blade hunting knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K7M0S6Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_KY6ZBbSRAHZHW

Let’s just say this; you will pick up any of those 3 knives & your jaw will hit the ground when I tell you what I paid for them. They are NOT $20 knives; they’d be a steal at twice, maybe 3 times the price.

I found torture tests of each of them & of course they didn’t survive as much as a $500 Busse or Strider, but they certainly survived enough to surprise the reviewers & make their way into my hands.

Plus I have full tool kits in each car to avoid having to abuse any of those knives. :-)

As for the Mora you linked to - those are really well reviewed knives. Frankly just the style doesn’t appeal to me - I considered them as well - but if you like them, they are a great buy & will serve you well. Go for it!

If you like those, you’ll probably like Fallkniven which is a danish / Swedish brand that’s between $1-200 or so & are also high quality.

As for the EAB: its really funny to me how the tiniest, cheapest little utility knife is absolutely my most used. I don’t have to worry about what happens to the blade / how I use it because I have a whole package of replacements and while I like having the same one for years, if I do lose one, its no big deal because they’re under $10.

Small enough to carry literally at all times, even in a suit.

What you want is something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-49LCKZ-Length-Sheath/dp/B072HNKTJ1

Without the price margin i think kbar is fine too

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Corps-Fighting-Straight/dp/B07KFNLPDZ