Best fixed blade all around survival knife $250-$300?

[21Sebenza]

I’m looking to buy a knife within this price range to celebrate a significant milestone.

I’m looking for a fixed blade knife that if it were my only knife I could do everything with it. Hunt, cook, cut lemons, cut sandwiches, peel fruits, bushcraft (I won’t ever use it for battoning as I’m against using a knife to baton but that’s neither here nor there), you name it. I’m looking for a high quality steel that will stand up to most situations. Retaining a good edge, tough (possibly able to do light prying), scale & guy fish, cut steak, cut vegetables, cut feather sticks. I don’t want something too small or too large. I think 8.5” or so minimum and 10” maximum. For blade length I’d preferably want 4.5-5.5” and I’m looking for micarta handles.

I’m really liking the Bark River Aurora in 3V and have been impressed with reviews on YouTube. My only concern is that I believe 3V steel may be prone to rusting especially considering how I plan to use it, especially cutting lemons/other citrus fruits.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

You are going to get a ton of different answers.....
Few here will recommend Bark R. For various reasons.
Myself included.

Me personally, I think you could get a fine custom used or new from some of the makers here on BF.

I personally like Handmade knives. Not something made on a cnc machine.
Some people like the perfect of them when somebody hits the start button.
I like the character and soul in the knife from the Maker.

I like J.K. Handmade knives, and if you have some time they pop up here occasionally..... Maybe a Dozier? Or a Siegle or David Mary, if you are more in a hurry.....let us know either way!!!

 

[shane45-1911]

For significantly less money, and worth every penny - I would recommend a Becker BK 9. While it may be larger than what you are looking for, it does everything well. Look at the BK 2, BK 16 or BK 18, if you really need/want a shorter knife.

 

[Ajack60]

Thread 'Designed as a hard use Camp knife'
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/designed-as-a-hard-use-camp-knife.1882839/

 

[21Sebenza]

You are going to get a ton of different answers.....
Few here will recommend Bark R. For various reasons.
Myself included.

Me personally, I think you could get a fine custom used or new from some of the makers here on BF.

I personally like Handmade knives. Not something made on a cnc machine.
Some people like the perfect of them when somebody hits the start button.
I like the character and soul in the knife from the Maker.

I like J.K. Handmade knives, and if you have some time they pop up here occasionally..... Maybe a Dozier? Or a Siegle or David Mary, if you are more in a hurry.....let us know either way!!!

I have no issue going custom depending on the look of the knife. Quite frankly I’m not a picky guy in regards to my knives and I’m more of a collector. I do plan to use this knife for a variety of tasks and liked the design of Bark River more than others knives I looked at. The Auroras & Bushcrafters design appealed to me most. Do you have any links to any of the custom makers work I could look at?

 

[21Sebenza]

For significantly less money, and worth every penny - I would recommend a Becker BK9. While it may be larger than what you are looking for, it does everything well:

Cool knife but definitely not what I’m looking for. Something similar to the design on the Bark River Aurora would be my preference.

 

[21Sebenza]

Thread 'Designed as a hard use Camp knife'
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/designed-as-a-hard-use-camp-knife.1882839/

Great looking knife, although I’d change a few things.

 

[shane45-1911]

Cool knife but definitely not what I’m looking for. Something similar to the design on the Bark River Aurora would be my preference.

Understood, but I would not consider the Aurora style to be in the category of "best fixed blade all around survival knife", as your thread title suggests, because that title has BK 9 written all over it.

 

[Richard338]

A CPK Kephart in 3V would fit the bill.

 

[HJA]

Bark River Aurora

Just FYI bark river is a fairly controversial company. Given the requirements reliability seems a high priority.

 

[John Phillips]

Becker, Dawson Knives, LT Wright, TRC South Pole or K-1, AA Forge (very hard to find but AMAZING), CPK, Malanika Leuku, Puuko or Bushcraft crazy beautiful and incredible performance but a little over your price point. Get a Becker for $100 and beat the crap out of it, you won’t ever hurt it.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Becker, Dawson Knives, LT Wright, TRC South Pole or K-1, AA Forge (very hard to find but AMAZING), CPK, Malanika Leuku, Puuko or Bushcraft crazy beautiful and incredible performance but a little over your price point. Get a Becker for $100 and beat the crap out of it, you won’t ever hurt it.

Yes L.T. Wright also......
They are similar in style (traditional) to B.R. but Way better of a company.
American made, too in Ohio

https://ltwrightknives.com/

 

[21Sebenza]

Just FYI bark river is a fairly controversial company. Given the requirements reliability seems a high priority.

I ignore the hate they get. I’ve read many reports and watched video reviews of field testing with their knives and it seems some people absolutely love them and others just hate them due to a few sharing bad experiences.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

For significantly less money, and worth every penny - I would recommend a Becker BK 9. While it may be larger than what you are looking for, it does everything well. Look at the BK 2, BK 16 or BK 18, if you really need/want a shorter knife.

You forgot the BK62......

 

[StrangeDaze]

lt wright forest trail is a great option

 

[jjg6319]

I got a Bradford knife and was really impressed with it. You might check them out.

 

[Elgatodeacero]

There is a never ending parade of amazing custom knives right here:

For Sale: Fixed Blades

www.bladeforums.com

 

[pholder]

Michael Morris Hunter 8, right size and price , hand made. Check out his web site

 

[John Phillips]

Definitely anything Carothers!!!!! Found here on the forum with incredible information about their knives and their heat treat or their website.

SOLD, Mix of 10. Kepharts in Delta 3V and AEBL. 6" Utility Fighter in Delta 3V

There are 10 items in today's sale. Your choice of Kepharts in your choice of Delta 3V or AEBL and 6" Utility Fighter 2 in Delta 3V. Please be aware the Kepharts are in process, and it will be a few weeks before they're ready This is our 6" Utility Fighter version 2. ^ The...

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[Dergyll]

If you're looking for all-arounders, I'd point you to the Benchmade Leuku and Cold Steel 3V knives, such as the SRK. I'm a sucker for 3V.

Malanika and other custom knife makers will probably run slightly outside your price range. Maybe David Mary can help you out with that, his stuff might not be the fanciest, but they are built to be used.

That price range includes most bark rivers. I luckily have mostly positive experiences with them, especially their 3V. An Aurora or Bravo 1 in 3V and micarta will go a long way. Don't get their CPM154, I've read AND personally had crappy experience...

Good luck! Plenty of choices out there, theres not really a wrong choice.