Jonny450R

Ok I have some camping trips planned, as well as some hiking trips for this summer. I have a good folder and multi-tool, but I need a good fixed blade. I've been looking at the Gerber Bear Grylls survival knife but it's been getting such bad reviews I'm really questioning it. The other one I was looking at was the Cold Steel Leatherneck but it's more of a tactical fighting knife. Is there one that you guys have used in the past with good success and track record? I trying not to spend any more than $100 if it's possible. Thanks for the help everyone.

BenjiEDF

Gerber sucks, they don't even tell you what type of steel they use... I'd avoid them like the plague. Just my opinion.

The Cold Steel leatherneck would be perfect. It is NOT a fighting knife, it is similar to the Kabar USMC knife which is also not a fighting knife. Those are survival knives, jack of all trades master of none... A pure fighting knife would be something like the boker applegate or the cold steel OSS.

Anyway, you should get something rugged enough you can baton sapplings and split kindling. There are lots of good ones out there, in addition to Cold Steel, and Kabar, look at Ontario knives. Do a google search for "good bushcraft knives" and you'll be in business.

spartan88

I have never used one, but the full size KA-Bar feels like a very good quality knife. I also like the traditional look of it.

gunsnknives

You also might check out the Becker knives from Ka-Bar. There's several lengths and styles to choose from, all 1095 steel, and all tough as you could ever want. They have a great reputation and a loyal following, and are generally priced quite reasonably as well. I have a BK-2 in my tornado bag that serves as my dig-yourself-out-of-the-rubble tool. Never had to use it for that purpose (yet), but its sure hacked its share of brush.

BenjiEDF

gunsnknives beat me to it, I was just going to recommend the BK-2 +1 rep, so here are my thoughts.
Kabar military knives are awesome but they are not full tang, which means they are not good (long term) for splitting firewood with a baton. I have kabar heavy bowie and it's fantastic, I got is "used" for $40, I would prefer the BK-2 but it's a little more. The Kabar Heavy bowie is a good option though. 1095 steel is ideal IMO for a beater camp knife.

The Kabar BK-2 is what I would pick for a small beastly camp knife:

Jonny450R

yeah I knew gerber's multi-tools and fooding knives sucked I more in less curious if they actually got their fixed blades right.

But that Becker BK2 keeps popping up and has great reviews I think I'll be picking one of those up. they're not any more expensive then what I was looking at. I was also looking at the SOG Bowie 2.0 until I found the price and I can't find it any cheaper on the web either.

terry_p

I have a buck vanguard and used it for hunting for many years. It is not a large knife but is strong, functional and holds a good edge. If you want cut up wood for a fire then bring an axe or a hatchet.

Buck Knife Direct | Buck Vanguard Hunting Knife, Woodgrian Handle 692BKS

To me a real camping knife is a filet knife to handle the fish I catch but my idea of camping is a lance truck camper or for the winter a 38' 5th wheel.

.357 mag

One camping knife is hard to come by. I bring several knives camping for different things. What are you going to do with it?

dean

My friend, there are several Buck series that are great knives. I think the
model 119 would be a great camp knife. E-bay usually has several listed with'
bids going well below $100.

bwinters

I have alawys used a 1970s era buck general for all around camp chores. i have had it since 1976 and it is scratched but still good.

.357 mag

119 are 40 bucks at WalMart.

fungun

On the cheaper end of the scale is an Ontario 12" machete. At about $10-20 online I don't care if it gets banged up. But it does need work right out of the box and doesn't come with a sheath so if you don't have the tools or time then skip it.

kiwihunter

As a hunter i would never use my carry blade for splitting kindling thats what a tomahawk/machete is for,also that piece of wood that is being split looks pretty preselected grain wise.....why is it when in the "boonies" whenever i look for camp wood its always pretty knotty and not conveniently cut to perfect length,dried out,with a perfect dry stump chopping block in the general vicinity.I usually carry and have in my survival kit strips of rubber inner tube for using to start a fire (NZ bush can be damp).I guess i try not to hunt or tramp sitting in a chair in my driveway....LOL.

.357 mag

the BK2 is made for batoning. Its made to abuse..

kiwihunter

Different strokes for different folks i guess....when i want firewood i usually reach for my tomahawk or machete one or the other usually accompanies me in the bush if i am doing an overnite stay.