(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best camping fixed-blade knives

Sure!
To start, I have hard used all of my Kukris, mostly de-limbing trees, sometimes cutting down trees that are 3" in diameter or less. Have done some larger ones too, but for general work purposes, it is too labor intensive.
I've processed lots of firewood too beyond the general woodsman work.
For clarification, I am not using their $30 one, I am using this one (http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Gurkha-Kraton-Handle/dp/B001PYSNAO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1409260460&sr=8-2&keywords=Cold+steel+kukri)

Others that I have also put through their paces:

• Kabar Kukri
  
• Condor Kukri
  
• Ontario Kukri
  
• Fox Tactical Kukri
  
• Cheap Chinese "hero edge" (my first Kukri)
  
• "Genuine Gurkha Kukri" from GK&CO. Kukri House.
  
  I have used the ever loving crap out of all of these, and for my money, I would go with the Cold Steel every time.
  The shape, weight, balance, etc. is just the most efficient and useful. The SK5 steel has been a beast and held up the best of any of my other knives. I like the securex sheath by far the best out of any of the other options that just have leather with snaps for the most part. The handle is more comfortable for chopping than some of the other options.
  
  It depends on what you're going to use it for. If you're looking for a high end tool that will perform, I haven't found a better option. If you like the classic more traditional Kukri and are willing to carry a heavier weight, the GK & Co are a good value.
  
  The Ontario and Kabar are pretty close to each other, and aren't bad choices.
  The Fox is good quality, but its basically a mini kukri.
  The Condor is decent, but I'd go with the others before that.
  Hero edge actually worked pretty well, though the 440C steel was the least durable of all of the other options, and rolled somewhat easily. Though only $14.
  
  If I had to have one "survival" large knife to bring with me and bet my life on, I'd probably go with that Cold Steel one, just because it is so capable.
  
  The price is a little bit hard to swallow I know. I bought mine when they were still $90. But it's a really good tool, and I don't think you can go wrong with it.
  If you want a 30 minute review on it, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g__D5VuGGxE
  I would largely agree with it.

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.

Hey Champ,


Not sure what the exact budget is. IMO, get something with a blade 4-5" long, high carbon steel, have a 90 degree spine and be full tang. Everything else would be personal at that point. This will allow you to carve, make notches, process game, make feather sticks, strike a ferro rod, baton wood, process tinder (scraping bark, etc), 1 stick fires, learn flint and steel (by using the blade as the steel), etc.


Mora has a knife that fits this criteria called the garberg (offered in carbon steel or stainless). Roughly $95-105 depending on the sheath option. I use this as a backup knife when I'm in the woods. Great knife. Pretty sharp out of the bag. Both sheaths are ok. Not great, but not bad either. Knife has a pummel o on the end.
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Garberg-Carbon-Leather-Sheath/dp/B07B8VWK9K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541621943&sr=8-1&keywords=carbon+garberg&dpID=41VOdUkdtRL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch


SRO has a nice selection of in-house knives. Several options to chose from. The Mountain Lion is my fav. of the ones I have. Good balance between size, weight, and feel. Their knifes come hella sharp out of the box. Price of the knife is roughly 100 and a sheath is 35.00. Even though the sheath comes sep. there are so many options to chose from. Leather or Kydex. Left hand \ right hand. Ferro rod or ligher holder, etc, etc. Makes it nice for me being left handed. Sign up for the email list since they have 10-15% off coupons pretty frequently to drop the price some more. The other nice thing with SRO is their superior customer support. SRO is known for having great customer service and replacing any product that doesn't meet your satisfaction.

https://www.selfrelianceoutfitters.com/collections/pks-the-best-survival-knife


Have a couple others like Jeff White and Habilius, but the above ones are high quality and reasonable in price.


Good luck! Let us know what you end up getting and practicing your bushcraft skills.


​

I'll do you better. You only need ONE knife.

Sure, the masses will probably recommend you a Victorinox for value or a poshy German Wusthof/Henckel for the creme de la creme of your kitchen. But this ain't no fancy pants paradise shit. You're about to be living life on the road! It's going to be a gritty adventure of excitement and new experiences! And meth!

You don't want a gigantic knife, you're mostly cooking for two. What you do need is something durable and multipurpose. You'll need something light, but also utilitarian. You will need something powerful that will defend your meth cooking operation.

The Benchmade Adamas fixed blade is what you want. "A tactical knife!?" you may exclaim. Why yes. Kitchen knives are designed for pussy ass "kitchen" chefs. Tactical knives are designed for Navy SEALs.

Here are some genuine reasons to consider this knife:

• Benchmade is widely respected among the knife enthusiast (nerd) community.
  
  
• The knife is made of D2 steel, which is a high carbon, high chromium tool steel that compares to the finest stainless. It offers very good wear resistance and is very hard.
  
  
• There is a straight edge AND a serrated edge. This means that this knife can handle any job that you need.
  
  
• There's a sheath! You can store this knife literally anywhere.
  
  
• Cooking will make you feel like a bad ass. Seriously, this pretty little stabber will make you feel like a rockstar just holding it in your hand.
  
  Here are some drawbacks to this knife:
  
  
• The knife is harder than normal stainless steel, but also more brittle. This means stab, don't throw.
  
  
• High wear resistance means it's much harder to sharpen too. Just use more sharpening strokes.
  
  
• It's small. When you pop out some meth kids then you'll need to get a kitchen knife set. And a job.
  
  An alternative is also the SOG Seal Pup Elite, which I read somewhere on Reddit is standard issue among SEALs. I would choose the Benchmade though, because the serrated edge on the Adamas is straight. Also, it's prettier. I own a folding Adamas and the ergonomics on the handle are shockingly good. That was something I didn't think about before I picked it up.
  
  Anyways, good luck on your new methy life on the road.

As has been posted alreadg I do like the Gerber LMF II, but another one to consider, and what I think i will be putting on my pack is the Becker BK2 Campanion. Or it's twin the Becker BK22. They are made in the USA by Kabar out of 1095 crovan steel. This knife is a beast for its size it is good for a chopper, but is still small enough to do delicate work.

https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Campanion-Fixed-Blade/dp/B001N1DPDE

https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Companion-Polyester-5-25-Inch/dp/B00BT49UVG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504101875&sr=8-3&keywords=Becker+bk2

The only real difference in the two is the sheath. They are great knives straight out of the box, but with a few personalisations they get even better.

I'd be happy to elaborate on that here or by PM but, will not bore everyone here if not needed. If the BK2/22 isn't your particular ideal check out the rest of the Becker line. Ethan has designed many great knives something is sure to fit the bill.

I'll have to disagree here. The Mora Bushcraft Triflex is one of the finest blades I've used. It is light weight, yet, is extremely durable. It sharpens easily, holds and edge, and is about the right size for bushcraft in my hands.

I've used them to prep meat and vegetables, carve wood needles, baton firewood, cut cordage, fell tiny trees, and most other tasks one needs in the woods or at home. It is a joy to use.

I've used other brands at 20 times the price and have been left not nearly as satisfied.

Don't take for granted that you won't feel bad about really using this blade. At less than $30 you won't worry about replacing it (but you might never need to).

I've held and used the Mora Companion and the Mora HighQ Robust, I give them to folks that go into the woods with me as gifts. They are fine knives as well, with the same qualities as the Triflex.

If you are cheapo, grab one of these knives and try it. I'd bet most people like them.

As for the knife is not an axe part, we'll disagree there too. The Parang type machete, and other long knives of similar design is a type of tool used in many parts of the world. It can be used very skillfully for rather delicate tasks, such as food preparation, or it can be used to cut down a tree. In some areas that's all a person carries.

Firesteel, I'm with stupid_guy, hit Amazon: Light My Fire Scout has been working for me. I like that when it feels like you are holding it right, you are. Works good in the dark that way.

Guyot Stainless Steel Bottle, 32-Ounce

And one more thing you didn't ask for, but I love. And I like to spread the love:

GSI Halulite Ketalist

I've got a compass that I've used for 30 some years, but can't find it anywhere.

Let us know what you get and how much you like it after using it a bit! :-)

I live in Hawaii and use my machete constantly, either for yard work or hiking. I've got a few, but the one I use most is the OKC 12" Camper.

It'll works great, and is small enough to be light and easy to carry. I don't remember if it came pre sharpened, I think it did, but I've had it for a few years now. Anyway, you need to touch up your edge retty regularly, and since it's a machete it takes two seconds with a dremmel and is super easy (you don't want a razor sharp edge on a machete.)

Also, I'm stoked on the knuckle guard. It's a comfortable handle and I just feel more confident using it since it's less likely to slip out of my hands (not a real danger, but, you know...)

Edit: Length wasn't on when I posted. Still, I stand by it. I think the shorter blade is easier to use.

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

From a similar thread just the other day, I offered the following reply, and I stand by it. You'll get a lot of suggestions for knives that are ~$75 and on up, sometimes way up, but, I don't think it's always a necessarily necessary thing to have to spend the big bucks to get a workhorse of a knife. My suggestion:

I like the Schrade SCHF36M, used it today out on the trail hacking up a piece of fresh downed pine for a quick walking staff, made swift, sure work of it. I like that it's a good price for what it offers, a beat stick on a handle, and a handle that is full tang but has Micarta scales included. ~$46. Here are some reviews, followed by the listed specifications: 1, 2, 3. Those last two are of the same knife, but the prior revision, same knife but the older one had a TPE handle instead of Mycarta, review still relevant.

• Blade Steel: 8Cr13Mov High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade
  
• Length: 5"
  
• Overall length: 10.4 inch
  
• Full Tang: Yes
  
• Handles: Micarta
  
• Sheath: Nylon (with plastic insert) with firesteel, diamond sharpener
  
• Weight: 12.3 ounces
  
• Blade Thickness: Just under a quarter inch thick.
  
  For it's nearly half the price it competes with the Becker BK22 and similar offerings.

For ~$30, get one of the "high-end" Moras. I have this one, it's very sharp, very comfortable, nice and light, and great for camp chores like food prep, whittling, cutting cord, etc.
For ~$120-$150, get a Fallkniven. The F1 model is smaller and cheaper, the S1 is a bit bigger, and I think the A1 is the biggest. They're fantastic; great steel, thick but not too thick blade, exposed tang, unbreakable handle. I took my Mora and my Fallkniven camping with me a few weekends ago. The Fallkniven was used to baton through dead wood to make firewood, the Mora was used for cooking and lighter chores. Neither one shows any wear, though they were both used vigorously. And they're both still sharp as hell.
Those are the two that I can personally recommend, and frankly I'm surprised that Fallkniven hasn't come up more here if you're willing to spend upwards of $100 on a knife. If you need to stick to a budget, then a Mora will never let you down. The ESEEs also have a great reputation and people around here love them, so you can't go wrong with those either, I just prefer the style of Fallkniven more than ESEE. One thing that everyone will agree on is to stay away from Gerber if you want a good, dependable blade.

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...

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. 😊

It's a question older than time itself.

The problem is "machete" is too broad a term with what's available on the market these days. Something like this is much more like a hachet than a traditional machete design. Short, compact, more than twice the width and designed with wood processing in mind more than anything. They're also easier to use than hatchets, but can do any job a hatchet can almost as well, if not just as well or even better.

I agree that traditional machetes are pretty poor choices in American hardwood forests. But very robust and heavily bellied designs like these walk a weird line between hatchet and machete capabilities and have great utility.

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 have two Leatherman tools. I have used them for over a decade and have never had any trouble with them. They are easy to sharpen and they don't have a single dot of rust on them. Every tool is going to have its limits. I wouldn't use the knife on a Leatherman as a crow bar. I have never heard anyone complain about their Leatherman.

I have seen many people complain about the Sven Saw. It seems to be high quality and the design is very convenient. However, because of its triangular design, it actually can only cut smaller branches. Perhaps you aren't intending to cut a 6 inch limb. Just know that anything thicker than probably 3 inches is probably a big pain to cut with the Sven. Also, from what I understand, the Sven Saw only takes Sven Saw Blades, which is an added inconvenience and expense.

I have a basic cheap bow saw (one piece, non foldable) that I think works great. Bonus is that you can, if needed, use it with standard hack saw blades.

I don't currently own a Mora knife, but they do seem to be universally loved. Please note however that there are several Mora knives that range from $8 to $18 (both stainless and non-stainless). They don't seem to be substantially different from the one you mentioned that is $65.

This is the Mora Bushcraft Survival knife you mentioned ($65):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Bushcraft-Survival-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005CAPU80


Different Mora knives are either non-stainless carbon steel or stainless. Also, the thickness of the blade varies. You can get the thicker stainless steel knife in the cheaper model ($14):

http://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Mora-Companion-Knife/dp/B00BU9ATS8/ref=pd_sim_sg_12

I'm sure you can find one without a lime green handle. There seem to be a thousand models of Mora knives.

Another example, slightly thinner but still stainless ($11):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

This one is not stainless but the steel is even thicker than the one you mentioned ($40) if durability is your priority:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Sandvik-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B009O01H0Y/ref=pd_sim_sg_9

This last one is almost exactly the same as the knife you mentioned, except that it is $17 instead of $65:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

Perhaps the price of the one you mentioned is inflated because of the sheath, but the reviews rate that sheath badly. They mention the clip disconnecting unexpectedly and also it does seem like the sharpening stone and the fire steel to be a bit of a gimmick. Fire steels are like $3 at Walmart and maybe $5 if you want the bigger military style model. The sharpening stone attached to the sheath seems to be toy like and not really functional.


Another one that seems to be the same as yours without the gimmicky sheath ($38):

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Outdoor-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B003FYJU9A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-12&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

There seems to be a huge variation of prices on Mora knives. The best ones seem to be the ones that are Stainless Steel and the thickness is around 0.1 or 0.098 inches.

I already own several high quality expensive knives, so I don't have a need to purchase the $65 range Mora knife. But the ones that are around $11 seem to be a great deal to use in situations where I might want to avoid damaging my expensive knife.

My favorite to purchase cheaply right now is:

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

Because it has the hook at the front of the grip, which will help prevent your hands from slipping on to the cutting edge if you have to push into something. I think in survival situations, you hands may be tired, shaky, wet and dirty, which might make them prone to slipping. And of course, a survival situation is the absolute worst time to cut your hand.

Those are my 8 cents worth of contribution.

https://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-FireKnife-Stainless-FireSteel/dp/B01C44NK0G

Best value, excellent knife. Have fun.

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.

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.

You won't really find a really good one for around $30-40. For that price range you are looking at a KBAR knock off. My unit issued the SEAL pup elite and it's pretty good. If you can shop around it's like sub 50 sometimes. I prefer benchmade folding knives myself though.

http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Straight-4-85-Inch/dp/B000PW5NAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397077766&sr=8-1&keywords=seal+pup+elite here it is for $55 for the shiny version

Yes, check out the Ontario Marine Combat Knife.

Same basic concept, but made by Ontario Knife Company (should be just as good).

Good luck!

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.

Awesome blade for wood processing. Just an all around fantastic blade.

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

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.

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

for a heavy use fixed blade with a $200 price tag i would get a ESEE 5, plain edge.

for practically the same thing by KaBar(also a very good brand) for much cheaper i would get the BK22, with the micarta handle scales(sold seperately)

both knives are 1/4" thick, and 5 1/4 long blade, the ESEE is 1/2" longer overall because of the glass breaker on the end of the handle.

im 90% sure the ESEE comes with a normal kydex sheath, not a molle compatible one. a molle sheath attachment is another $60

I think the SOCP dagger from Benchmade is the best dagger for versatility and price. I might be a little biased because we trained specifically with it during SOCP. The only thing would be a deeper ride option to conceal it more in jeans but you can also run it on the inside of your waistband and it’s not too bad.

For other than daggers and for strictly self defense use I carry an Esee Izula in my front pocket and it disappears because the sheath is only ~1/4” thick maybe 3/8”. I only carry fixed blades when I go out at night because I’m not carrying my Roland when drinking obviously.

Other than that I carry a Benchmade infidel that I use daily as a glorified letter/box opener.

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.

Well, there's this :)

You might want to look at the Becker BK2 for a little more money.

Here you go
I'm pretty sure this is the knife

Yes well.. look at how some even come with practice versions, like this one: Benchmade - SOCP Dagger 176 Combo https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008ND12TY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tVlQCbSM0YXPW

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
  

Personally Id go for a Seal Pup because I love the feel of SOG handles, but that might be a bit too tacticool for your tastes.
Maybe a more traditional Ka-Bar?

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.

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

If you're looking for a solid dependable knife, Check out Morakniv. They come in various sizes and styles, and are very "Business before beauty". They're not intimidating looking knives at all.. and not expensive if you break or lose them.

For "Scouting Purposes", perhaps a "Light My Fire" Mora would be appropriate. $27 get's you a solid fixed blade bushcraft style knife and a nice chunk of firesteel.

Not really?

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

$3 dollars over budget but well worth it.

Second the Light MY Fire gear. The Light My Fire Swedish Knife is always a nice gift!

Becker BK22 - This knife is a freakin beast. I've batoned 4in thick hardwood logs with this badboy with no problems and it still held its edge. And at 1/4 thick you could pry open a car door with it if needed.


Sawer Mini Water Filter


Mountain House Meals - Lightweight long storage and taste great.

Laplander Folding Saw

New for $56 shipped on Amazon, sans the Gerber Gator, obviously. The Gator is available for $25 shipped. If anyone is skeptical, providing that OP provides shipping I'd say it's a decent deal.

EDIT: Note- the Gator is one of Gerber's few good knives in that price range.

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

Dude those knives are known garbage and on any knife forum you go to they are ridiculed and given as examples of what NOT to buy. If you want a good knife try benchmade, cold steel or spyderco. And for a BIFL bushcraft/survival knife get a KA-BAR or an Ontario

If you want a larger knife, I'd recommend the Mora FireKnife (94 g), but most people here say larger knives are wasted weight.

Most experienced hikers recommend a multitool. My choices are the classic SAK with aluminum scales (15 g), or a Leatherman Squirt PS4. The Squirt has pliers *AND* scissors, but is considerably heavier (56.4 g), so if you don't want pliers go with the Swiss Army.

if you wanted more info

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

Check out the BK22; same knife (BK2) but with the polyester sheath with front pouch.

With the "Light my Fire" brand knife and flint (one of the sharpest knives I've owned) I've successfully started 2 fires with the flint in around 30 min. The second one probably would've taken less if friends didn't feel the need to fail proving their manliness.

Light My Fire Knife - Amazon

The Mora/Light My Fire is a reasonable combo: http://www.amazon.com/Light-Fire-FireKnife-Stainless-FireSteel/dp/B01C44NK0G

What kind of knife are you looking for? Are you looking to split wood or standard camp/cooking knife duties?

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!

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.