Best all round camping Fixed Blade knife ?

joe90

joe90

Joined
Aug 17, 2001
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346
What knife would you consider to be the ONE fixed blade knife that you would just have to have to take on a general camping holiday. I know that this is quite an opened ended question so, lets say that you have to carry everything - tent, food, utensils, clothes etc ... so you really are cutting down on virtually everything that you can really do without ... cos you don't like humping the kitchen sink around with you through forests, rivers, mountains etc :) A real outward bound camping holiday. Like maybe trucking through Alaska, or backpacking in Argentina. This knife has to do a lot of work; cutting, chopping, food preparation, whittling, defence (maybe). It also has to be reasonably inconspicious, easy to carry and use. Oh, and one last thing, it doesn't have to be a production knife, it can be a custom one. :)
 
Tough question. It may be hard to match chopping and inconspicious.

Of the knives I have I would said the Becker Combat Bowie (BK-9).
 
I also might suggest the Camillus/Becker BK-9, but the smaller BK-7 might also be worth a look.
 
I take two knives with me camping a Swamp Rat Camp Tramp and a Dozier Sliim Outdorsman. And a couple of folders as well. If I had to chose only one it would be the Tramp.
 
Chopping AND inconspicious? Choose one, but I don't think both would go together.

For anything goes like you said for an extended trek, it would be my Busse Behemoth, but that is a 1 off blade designed for 'Mountain Man' type treks. Skinner,chopper,draw knife,bone breaker. Great design (not mine), mucho $$$$.

For a production blade, it would certainly be either a Busse or a Swamp Rat. Probably a big one, 7-9" blade. BM or SH. BR or CT. I'd prefer a smaller blade to go with these, in the 4-5" range, but you did say just one.

Rob
 
Well, going out in the woods these days without a SAK or good multi-tool is just plain silly, so I'd use that for light duty stuff and bring a big beefy knife for chopping. If I was really worried about weight, I'd leave the beefy knife at home. If it came down to either a SAK or a big knife, I'd go with the SAK.
I've spent several years cumulative time out in the woods and have never ever really needed a big knife. (that doesn't mean that I don't drool over them, however) If I went somewhere really wild, I'd probably take a multi and a gun.

Gordon
 
I have been using a Busse Natural Outlaw for a couple years now in the field and on deployments. It hasn't let me down yet. :)

Nick
 
Swamp Rat Camp Tramp and a SAK will take care of most things without weighing you down excessively.
 
A SAK is a must so I'm going to assume you have room in your pocket for it!

The other "one knife" I recommend is the BK-10. It has the same blade shape as the BK-9 but shorter and more manageable size. It won't chop as well but you can equal or exceed the bigger knife if you use it with a baton.

The BK-7 does not chopp better than the BK-10...it is longer by 1 1/2" but it's lighter at the tip and as it turns out they chop the same. I have both and think the Bk-10 is the better one! Also, because the BK-10 is a little beefier at the tip it will also handle a little more prying abuse.

The only negative about the Camillus Beckers is their sheaths. They are bigger than they need to be and they scream "look at me" and "I'm the ugliest sheath in the world"! There are a few kydex sheath makers on the web...I recommend a new sheath!

Also, throw a SWAK in your pack. It's cheap, almost free and almost weightless. You won't know it's in your pack until you need it!

In the knife world, One always equals Three!

Cheers,
Collecter
 
Definitely a Busse or a Swamp Rat. I'm partial to the Camp Tramp, but the Battle Mistress is nice if you're looking to go a bit larger.

Chris
 
Having owned maybe 30 or so of production fixed blade knives and several customs. It would be very hard to find a better knife than the Fallkniven Northern Light Freg Model. For the size, very light, very strong, excellent cutting and edge holding (VG-10 steel), great design and it doesn't look like a combat weapon (but I suspect it would work quite well in that role). A small, light camping saw that dismantles and fits in it's own handle or collapses or folds is a better choice than a large chopping knife for most task you would be doing (some are aluminum and quite light). Include a SAK or small Leatherman and I suspect 99.99 percent of all your needs would be met. If money is of prime concern - some of the Bark River knives are really a great buy. In my opinion almost as good (maybe as good!) as the Randall & Dozier knives I've owned and the steel is quite good (A-2 Tool). Just my opinion but I've formed it by actually owning and using the knives. Best regard and have a great day.
 
I've bee wishing for a Bark River Knife & Tool Glen Eagle Axe It seems to have the versatlity of both knife and hatchet and IMO is less conspicuous than a big knife.

For a production knife , I think a Cold Steel Trailmaster would be perfect. It's design is so 'matter of fact' it kind of hides in plain sight. It has great balance for chopping and the edge slices like a hot knife through butter.

For a custom, Jensen Elite Blades has the EVO line of survival knives. I have an EVO EDC with a 5" blade that can handle all fine tasks and has enough forward heft to chop as well. They have great handles that allow you to choke up for precise cutting or grip distally for chopping.
 
I would have to put in a vote for the Swamp Rat Battle Rat for a best bang for you buck, tougher than nails, never say die work horse. For the best all-around, don't mind spending a little more, easy to carry, chops well and slices like a demon 7.5 inch blade camping/hiking knife I would have to say my Fehrman First Strike. That knife was still hair popping after a week of chopping, pounding and food prep. Granted my BR may be a bit "tougher" but the FS slices like magic.

If you want to conceal it Call Rob at Survival Sheaths. I know that he can work wonders with kydex. He made me an ultra-comfortable, drop-leg sheath that fits perfectly behind a Maxpedition Thermite. You cannot even tell I have a big knife on my leg 'till I bring it out. I carried my First Strike in group of college kids and no one noticed it untill I took it my maxpedition pack off to wade into a stream. Then it was like, "Whoah, did you have that thing on this whole time?!"
 
Klingenspiel said:
Give me any Busse or Swamp Rat over 9"oal and i go into the jungle of your choice naked :D
Click to expand...

Ok, how about the Jungle of unwanted visual images? :D
 
I'm very partial to the Dozier Pro Guide. 4 3/4" would place it in between the larger fixed blades previously mentioned and a small fixed blade. It is a nice carry and can perform both large & small tasks. You cannot beat Bobs D2 steel (60-61 RC) also.
 
This is an ongoing thing for me. I've owned several of the Busses and Beckers, among others, but keep going back to my old Blackjack #1-7, because it handles, carries, cuts, and balances better. Doesn't chop well, but works fine with a baton. Unfortunately, the handles, though comfortable, aren't very secure, and I've always wanted something with better grip and control.
I just ordered a Fehrman Shadow Scout that will be ~1.25" shorter overall, with significant improvements in bladesteel and handle design. If it's what I expect, based on the specs and pics, it'll suit me perfectly.
 
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