6" Fixed Blade survival knife recommendations

T

TheStupid

Joined
Apr 9, 2009
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Hi guys. Would you think you could recommend a few good 6" fixed blades around or less than $100? At least 5.5" is what I am looking for.

I don't do much bushcraft but I would like to carry the knife as my survival knife when I go camping or hiking. Mostly a just in case knife. I currently have a Bear Gryll Ultimate Pro, a fairly good package, but I wish the blade could be about 6".

I have looked at these and here are my reservations:

Ontario RD6, good blade length but the blade seems to be too thick. Also the sheath is just terrible. If I buy an aftermarket sheath, the total would cost about $120.

Ka-bar BK15. I actually like this blade but I'd like a drop point of possible.

ESEE 6, perfect blade length. It's just a bit too costly. The best price I can find is about $135.

Cold Steel SRK, good blade length but I don't like the grip.

Shrade knives, they look like sheet metal ground into a knife shape.

Any other suggestions?
 
I went Esee 6, myself. True, a bit more, but for me warranty is well worth it. My other choice would be a Becker BK 2.
 
RD6 sheath will do fine for your purposes. I take it you read that and haven't experienced it first hand yet. I have a Falcon with a much shorter blade but is just as thick.



It feathers toothpicks just fine despite being so thick, the RD6 will be just as capable.

The Schrade knives, you're not looking at very good pics, what models are you looking at?
 
The best knife fitting this description that I have come across is the Buck/TOPS Nighthawk. The Buck 420HC steel is really excellent for the price, never had any issues with chipping or rolling despite some serious abuse and edge holding is above average not to mention it won't rust as easily as tool steel or 1095. The knife itself is a great design and very tough, easily outperforms most offerings within a similar price range.
 
There are a lot of newerTOPs blades that get really great reviews.

Silent Soldier
Tex Creek XL
Hog 4.5

Also check the Ontario Ranger series.

That Schrade (I forget the exact model) won some award at Blade 2015.
 
Becker bk12.

6in blade of 3/16in thick 1095. Becker handle ergos, rowen manufacturing and warranty (made by the same manufacturer as esee). High saber grind, thumb ramp, drop point, and no choil.

I'd rather have the BK12 than about any knife in that size range (like the Becker handle ergos, and i dislike choils like the esee 6 has). The bk10 is a great budget option as well.

Good luck with the choice :).
 
ocnLogan said:
Becker bk12.

6in blade of 3/16in thick 1095. Becker handle ergos, rowen manufacturing and warranty (made by the same manufacturer as esee). High saber grind, thumb ramp, drop point, and no choil.

I'd rather have the BK12 than about any knife in that size range (like the Becker handle ergos, and i dislike choils like the esee 6 has). The bk10 is a great budget option as well.

Good luck with the choice :).
Click to expand...

Can't find BK12 on Kabar's site. :-(
 
TrojanSteel said:
There are a lot of newerTOPs blades that get really great reviews.

Silent Soldier
Tex Creek XL
Hog 4.5

Also check the Ontario Ranger series.

That Schrade (I forget the exact model) won some award at Blade 2015.
Click to expand...

The Tex Creek XL looks awesome. Is it a bit too big though?
 
If you don't mind going up to 8 inches the Ontario Gen 2 SP43 in 5160 is thinner at .188 but tougher than 1095. Mine came sharp and ready to go. The grip is comfortable with me but that is subjective. Sheath designs are also going to be something that may be fine for me but wrong for you.

If you can save for a while going up to something in 3V might be something you would want to consider. It's tougher, more wear resistant and a bit more corrosion resistant than 5160 or 1095. None of them are stainless steel much less maintenance free like H1 or Titanium.

The Svord company makes knives in the price range you are looking for. They use 15N20 Swedish steel which is much like L6, a carbon nickel alloy which is very tough. The knife designs generally perform much better than they look. I have 3 different models. One example in your price range is the Svord 280B bowie. http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/SVO280B/Svord-280B-Bowie-Knife-Carbon-Steel-Blade-Brown-Hardwood-Handles-Leather-Sheath There are more to look at from this company.

Bark River knives and Black Jack A2 knives are good quality knives that can be had in A2, 3V, and a few stainless models but generally cost more than what you are looking for. Black Jack also makes some 1095 models which are a bit less costly. http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?ttl=Tac%20Ops%206%20Series&k=Tac%20Ops%206&brand=67&&series=2280 I have to admit I don't have experience with the 1095 models. Just the A2 tool steel models and some older 52100 ones ( 1990's to early 2000's).

If you like D2 there are a bunch. One I like is the boker Vox Rold. http://www2.knifecenter.com/item/BO02BO272/boker-plus-voxknives-rold-camp-knife-flat-ground-d2-blade-g10-handles-02bo272. Great ergonomics in the hand with the grip and center of balance just right for me. I can't say I've tortured mine to find out where it's toughness boundaries are but it sure cuts well. It is shaped to chop better than one might think for a 6+ inch knife. In a survival situation I would be very careful with any equipment I was fortunate enough to still have and would make sure I didn't lose it, break it or slice myself open because if it is a survival situation not being careful and injuring myself badly with my equipment by pushing it too hard or being careless is the complete opposite of what I am trying to accomplish.

Good luck. There are so many different knives available in your price range and length choosing can be difficult.

My "survival" knife is a Koster Bushmaster 5 inch blade, close to .220 inch thick and only 5 inches long of 3V. It does anything I need it too. I have lots of other knives but I trust this one to do what I need.

Joe
 
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average gimp said:
BK12 is the unofficial name. It's an exclusive found here, although it's $25 above your top limit.
Click to expand...

Good point, I believe its other name is the Ritter mk2. And I neglected to mention pricing, that's my bad. However, I feel that if someone is even remotely considering a ESEE 6, the BK12/ Ritter MK2 should at least be considered, as they're very similar in most respects.

Anyway, now that I think about it, for a hiking knife, I'd actually say the BK15. Its smaller and lighter, and is plenty robust for any sane use you can think of to use a knife for. I grabbed one at the sale price, and have been happy with it so far (and currently they run ~$40, which makes it a steal).

The BK12 would still be the one id want for "do anything with one tool" situations, but for hiking the lighter bk15 would catch my attention.

Anyway, good luck with your purchase. The upside is there are many good options in this size/price range :D.
 
I like my bk15, very well rounded knife, great steel, and you can't go wrong at their current prices. I actually hope to pick up a second this fall if they're still available at their current prices.
 
Have you considered a RAT 7 or KOA Bush Camp knife?

Rat 7 can be found for around $70.
KOA Bush Camp Knife approx $90.
 
My personal choice in a 6 inch blade is the Buck Nighthawk- what's not to like? Six inch blade, hefty, 420HC steel with Buck tempering.. Once the edge is worked up it will last with only minor touch-ups on a pocket stone. The grip is pretty good- metal with the rubberised paneling, ergonomic, easy on the hand. Pointy, should you need to stick something.
I have several knives, this one is a go-to carried on my mountain, camping gunbelt with a .357... JMO, YMMV! Dun
 
Save a bit longer and get the Esee 6 man. Esee is pretty much the king of survival knives. They make really nice blades with the best warranty in the business. They hold an edge well, are tough as nails(watch some of the torture videos on YouTube) , have great sheaths, and sharpen easily to a hair popping razors edge. You really can't go wrong. And, if you do have a problem Esee will replace the knife no matter what you did to it no questions asked.

I warn you though, Esee's are addictive. It's hard to buy only one.

Skip the BK's and other wanna bees. You won't regret it and you will have a more unique and higher quality blade.
 
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BK-10, BK-2 or BK-7 (slightly longer than 6")

If you like the BK-15 (my favorite Tweener) but prefer a different shape, the other Tweeners BK-16 (sweet) and the BK-17 may appeal to you.
 
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