merc22

I've been looking at getting a 4 to 5" fixed blade knife for camping and urban exploring. I've used my shitty folding knife to fix my bike occasionally in a pinch and camp stuff. It's been great to have, but I am ready to move up a class.

I found one nice one that should last a lifetime, but it's expensive. I want to spend around $50. I like the solid one-piece designs. This is the kind of knife I'm looking for:

http://cgi.ebay.com/CHRIS-REEVE-KNIF...QQcmdZViewItem

Any other suggestions?

desal75

You may want to look into Gerber's. From my experience they are great knives and right in your price range.

I have this one:
http://www.gerberstore.com/index.php...empage&xid=563

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Astrocloud

I've always wanted one of these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/GENUINE-BRITISH-...QQcmdZViewItem

Fire

For strength and sturdiness combined with reasonable price, I use an airforce pilots survival knife, and dump out the stone that comes in the sheath, replacing it with a micro multitool, or small folder- whole setup should not cost more than fifty, and they just keep going through everything- Another option is a com block AK bayonette- A bitch to sharpen the first time, but hold the edge well and built like a tank..... Learn to resharpen a knife, and you can use just about any thing to do so, from rocks to bricks to the bottom of a teacup....and if you go with any milisurp, expect to have to spend a lot of time putting a good edge on it the first time......

oh, and astrocloud, I have one of those brittish fairbairns, and while it is neat, the point will break off readily, and the handle, while easy to grip, is hard to keep aligned if you have to use the weapon- also, it is a purely stabbing weapon, not usefull for much else, and so not a utility blade at all....but it is damn cool, nonetheless


OH BTW- NEVER BUY A HOLLOW HANDLE KNIFE

The chris reeve ones are an exception as they are machined from a solid piece of steel- hence the price and all- any other hollow knife I have ever seen (and I own a knife shop ) WILL BREAK - often while not being used hard at all.... they are USELESS as a tool, weapon, or anything else......

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merc22

That's why I like that Chris Reeve knife, solid piece of steel, and still has hollow core, which I like. I was looking for something like it, but half the price. I am going to Gander Mtn later today and do some browsing. I guess I could buck up and buy the Chris Reeve knife, but I could also shop around for a while. I see the fun in buying a knife is the researching too.

I liked Fire's idea of putting a micro-tool in the case, that would be useful.

Fire

during your research, you might check out some of the survival web sites, they often test blades and do reviews- sadly, price is not as good an indicator anymore, as some true crap is being sold high, but basic principles govern good knife design, and they will not change- do not expect to find something brand new for nothing, that fits all your needs, mind you, but some stuff is just outrageos and shitty as well ( the best example off the top of my head being "dark OPS " brand knives- these things are just what no one needs to survive, out of inferior steel, for several hundred dollars) the reeve knives, on the other hand, have been well known and respected for years, but they are pricey- which is why i use military surplus blades in my B.O.B.- And test out anything that you do get, ESPECIALLY the multi tool- I have gotten great tools for 5 dollars, and crap for 50 or more.... price is a general guide, but make sure it will work before you depend on it..... and make sure it has the stuff you need- needle nose pliers are really not that great for much, I have learned.......

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Mood the more as our might lessens

longbough

If you want simple, tough, reliable fixed blades without the hype then just get Cold Steel. They're relatively affordable but are excellent for hard use.

I have the Cold Steel Recon Tanto

What your paying for is a good 7" piece of epoxy coated, high carbon steel with a thick spine. The tanto configuration makes it incredibly strong for puncturing.




They also make a 6" clip point blade if that's what you prefer.




I just looked up the retail price at about $100 - the price must have gone up because I remember it being much more affordable. Maybe its popularity among SWAT and other LEOs boosted demand. But look hard and I'm sure you can get a good price. I purchased mine at a gun show for $40 and it included the Kydex sheath.

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Fire

i agree on the Cold Steel recommendation, they are a great manufacturer, I own several, and sell them out of my store-
i have had only one complaint in 7 years of selling them ,and that was from someone complaining about them not waranty repairing a factory SECOND that he was using as a throwing knife ( 1, seconds are not warrantied, by anyone, 2- throwing any knife except a thrower, is bad.......)

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Mood the more as our might lessens

ziadel

I also agree with longbough... go for the tanto...

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