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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - Looking for a smaller camp knife

Posted: 2/12/2018 11:39:48 PM EDT

You all were so helpful in my big camp knife thread, i thought I'd ask your advice on smaller knives.

Right now i have a Mora Light my Fire i think I'm going to gift to my buddy since he doesn' have anytype of fixed blade knife for when we camp. I'd like to replace it with something a little sturdier, but close to the same size.

I've been looking around, but I'm kind of all over the place. I'd like something in the 3.5"-4.5" blade length, a spine that will spark a ferro rod, and something sturdy. I did enjoy the scandi grind on the Mora, so that would be a plus on the new knife. I'm thinking of a 'bushcraft' type knife.

I like the looks of the Condor Bushlore and the Jaakaripuukko. I like the price on those as well.

I've also considered the Mora Gerberg.

My other buddy is telling me to look at the TOPS fieldcraft BOB, and i also like the looks of their tanimboca puukko. I figure i should also look at ESEE since I'm flirting with that price range. Optimal would be under $100, but I'm willing to spend up to $150.

What else should I look at?

Posted: 2/13/2018 12:54:03 AM EDT

[#1]

https://www.amazon.com/TOPS-Knives-TP101-BRK-black-Rhino/dp/B006LCSUVW/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1518497243&sr=8-26&keywords=tops+knives

https://www.amazon.com/Unknown-TPESH01-BRK-Eagles-Shadow/dp/B004560SQ6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518497355&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=tops+knives+eagle+shadow

TOPS BOB & black heat and Texas Creek are nice designs also the Black Rhino is a beast of a knife (under priced in this link) the eagles shadow is a smaller knife very handy (prices fluctuate)

Posted: 2/13/2018 6:35:10 AM EDT

[#2]

I love my BOB. Doesn't have the ESEE warranty but it is a stout knife that I just can't picture myself breaking anyway.

Posted: 2/13/2018 9:02:55 AM EDT

[#3]

Fallkniven F1 ($114 shipped)

Uncoated ESEE-3 ($110 shippped)

Posted: 2/13/2018 10:07:16 AM EDT

[#4]

My smaller camping fixed blade is the Kizer Task 2. Chances are you have a larger carbon steel knife for heavy tasks and the task 2 is S35vn steel so it's difficult to rust and holds a razor edge for a long time. The Task 2 is my favorite all around fixed blade. It has thick stock so can handle anything a 3.7" knife can do.

Posted: 2/13/2018 8:00:47 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:

https://www.amazon.com/TOPS-Knives-TP101-BRK-black-Rhino/dp/B006LCSUVW/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1518497243&sr=8-26&keywords=tops+knives

https://www.amazon.com/Unknown-TPESH01-BRK-Eagles-Shadow/dp/B004560SQ6/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518497355&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=tops+knives+eagle+shadow

TOPS BOB & black heat and Texas Creek are nice designs also the Black Rhino is a beast of a knife (under priced in this link) the eagles shadow is a smaller knife very handy (prices fluctuate)

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These are too big i think.

Posted: 2/13/2018 9:52:00 PM EDT

[#6]

Scandi-grinds are more optimal for wood use, but can be used for regular "camp chores". Most Scandi grinds are pretty hard with no supporting bevel, and if used against harder material, they can chip or deform...just a consideration. With that said, my favorite in that woods-knife/camp knife role are still Mora knives. The Mora Garberg is a big knife (bigger than the Fallkniven F1).

ESEE does have some stout smaller blades and TOPS actually has quite a few stout fixed blades in the 3-3.5" bladed range. I still find the thinner blades of the Mora the best cutters. Probably my favorite camp utility fixed blade is my Fallkniven WM-1; I simply love their convex grind and despite it's small size, handles a ton of cutting chores.

ROCK6

Posted: 2/13/2018 9:55:07 PM EDT

[#7]

Bark River Gunny or Bravo. The F-1 mentioned above is a great choice as well.

Posted: 2/14/2018 3:09:58 AM EDT

[#8]

Enzo Trapper.

Posted: 2/14/2018 9:27:27 AM EDT

[#9]

Some SxS photos of some of the knives mentions so far...

Posted: 2/14/2018 1:52:10 PM EDT

[#10]

Esee 3HM

Posted: 2/14/2018 7:33:39 PM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

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Esee 3HM...

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I'll see your HM3 and raise you an ESEE RB-3 - uncoated 1095 scandi grind and all...

Posted: 2/14/2018 8:10:36 PM EDT

[#12]

ESEE 3.

Posted: 2/14/2018 11:01:18 PM EDT

[#13]

What do the suffix letters and numbers mean? BRK vs the RB-3 vs the 3P, etc.

Posted: 2/15/2018 12:42:34 AM EDT

[#14]

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What do the suffix letters and numbers mean? BRK vs the RB-3 vs the 3P, etc.

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It usually has to do with which variant since there are usually variations on each knife. Plain edge, serrated, if you look them up on a website and look at the descriptions you can figure out what they mean.

Posted: 2/16/2018 7:34:44 AM EDT

[#15]

I'm going to try to go handle some ESEE and TOPs models today at lunch. I did end up ordering a jaakaripuukko a few days ago before they went out of stock. Hopefully it works as well as all the reviews say it does.

Posted: 2/16/2018 10:51:25 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I'll see your HM3 and raise you an ESEE RB-3 - uncoated 1095 scandi grind and all...

https://www.theknifeconnection.net/images/detailed/4/image8.jpg

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Esee 3HM...

I'll see your HM3 and raise you an ESEE RB-3 - uncoated 1095 scandi grind and all...

https://www.theknifeconnection.net/images/detailed/4/image8.jpg

Yup, and the JG-3 is another outstanding choice. It is also now available with the new black oxide finish.

Posted: 2/16/2018 8:25:40 PM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
Yup, and the JG-3 is another outstanding choice. It is also now available with the new black oxide finish.

https://www.knifeworks.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/650x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/k/n/knifework-eseejg3.3.jpg

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I'm particularly fond of that design!... I can resist anything but temptation!!!

Posted: 2/16/2018 9:25:13 PM EDT

[#18]

So no ESEEs at the local place. They had a TOPs BOB that i didn't really like, and a Benchmade Bushcraft that i really didn't like the handle on.

Posted: 2/16/2018 10:43:34 PM EDT

[#19]

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I'm particularly fond of that design!... I can resist anything but temptation!!!

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JG3 is pure sex man. I've got the Esse 6,3, 3HM,4HM and Izula 2. JG3 is on my "do want" list. The new black oxide blades look great too.

Posted: 2/17/2018 1:19:03 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

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JG3 is pure sex man. I've got the Esse 6,3, 3HM,4HM and Izula 2. JG3 is on my "do want" list. The new black oxide blades look great too.

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Couldn't find an example of the black oxide... got a link???

Posted: 2/17/2018 3:59:17 AM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Couldn't find an example of the black oxide... got a link???

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Quoted:

Quoted:
JG3 is pure sex man. I've got the Esse 6,3, 3HM,4HM and Izula 2. JG3 is on my "do want" list. The new black oxide blades look great too.

Couldn't find an example of the black oxide... got a link???

Here ya go... Amazon Esee JG3

Posted: 2/17/2018 10:56:29 AM EDT

[#22]

Nice!

Thanx!

Posted: 2/17/2018 6:21:24 PM EDT

[#23]

I’ve been thinking about getting a L.T. Wright Bushbaby, Bushcrafter, or next gen

Posted: 2/17/2018 7:35:52 PM EDT

[#24]

What do you guys think of the ESPR4?

https://www.amazon.com/ESEE-ESPR4-BRK-Camp-Lore-Pr-4/dp/B075RCMQTV

Posted: 2/18/2018 12:57:54 PM EDT

[#25]

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What do you guys think of the ESPR4?,

https://www.amazon.com/ESEE-ESPR4-BRK-Camp-Lore-Pr-4/dp/B075RCMQTV

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It would be a great knife. Design is by Patrick Rollins, RAT's lead instructor.

Posted: 2/18/2018 10:30:18 PM EDT

[#26]

I think I'd like to order either a PR4, or a 4HM; leaning towards the PR.

What do you guys think?

Posted: 2/18/2018 10:58:14 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
I think I'd like to order either a PR4, or a 4HM; leaning towards the PR.

What do you guys think?

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4HM

Posted: 2/18/2018 11:05:57 PM EDT

[#28]

Quote History

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4HM

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What's in your opinion on that?

Posted: 2/19/2018 10:12:20 AM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

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What's in your opinion on that?

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Own a 4HM, handled the PR4. Like both, but the 4HM has a fantastic feel, balance and look, IMHO. That said, the PR4 is a great knife and either would serve you well. Hopefully the 4HM will be available with the black oxide finish soon.

Posted: 2/21/2018 11:09:39 AM EDT

[#30]

Check out the Bark River North star, love mine.

Posted: 2/22/2018 9:36:05 PM EDT

[#31]

Finally got my delivery.

Posted: 2/22/2018 10:34:54 PM EDT

[#32]

BK16

Posted: 2/25/2018 6:30:42 PM EDT

[#33]

Becker Knife and Tool line. They come in all sizes and one will fit your needs. I have four of them and find them to be a quality knife in your price ranges.

Posted: 3/11/2018 9:09:18 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:
Finally got my delivery.

https://i.imgur.com/2Z3JKpY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3cCV4Rc.jpg

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Nice! My knife uses include food prep, fire building, and light utility. I have a Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 that is ideal for fire building. I don't have an Esee PR4, but I love Kephart patterns. I do have a couple of Condor Kephart blade blanks; 1/8" thick 4.5" flat ground 1075 spearpoint blade with 4.5" paracord wrapped handle.

Posted: 3/11/2018 9:25:03 PM EDT

[#35]

Becker BK16

Posted: 3/15/2018 11:01:02 PM EDT

[#36]

Quote History

Quoted:

Nice! My knife uses include food prep, fire building, and light utility. I have a Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 that is ideal for fire building. I don't have an Esee PR4, but I love Kephart patterns. I do have a couple of Condor Kephart blade blanks; 1/8" thick 4.5" flat ground 1075 spearpoint blade with 4.5" paracord wrapped handle.

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Does the sheath loosen up on the puukko? It's borderline too much retention right now. I don't even have to close the snap right now since the knife isn't going anywhere.

Posted: 3/15/2018 11:18:54 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:
Finally got my delivery.

https://i.imgur.com/2Z3JKpY.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/3cCV4Rc.jpg

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IS that the I like the Jaakaripuukko 110?
It's my next purchase, out of stock now.
It's going to be mated with my Skrama.
I have the Condor Kephart which is nice for the money as well.

Posted: 3/16/2018 4:29:50 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:

IS that the I like the Jaakaripuukko 110?
It's my next purchase, out of stock now.
It's going to be mated with my Skrama.
I have the Condor Kephart which is nice for the money as well.

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Yes, it is the 110. I'd like to get a skrama as well some day.

Posted: 3/22/2018 4:38:45 PM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:
Does the sheath loosen up on the puukko? It's borderline too much retention right now. I don't even have to close the snap right now since the knife isn't going anywhere.

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:

Nice! My knife uses include food prep, fire building, and light utility. I have a Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 that is ideal for fire building. I don't have an Esee PR4, but I love Kephart patterns. I do have a couple of Condor Kephart blade blanks; 1/8" thick 4.5" flat ground 1075 spearpoint blade with 4.5" paracord wrapped handle.

Does the sheath loosen up on the puukko? It's borderline too much retention right now. I don't even have to close the snap right now since the knife isn't going anywhere.

My sheath has not loosened up any. Even unsnapped, the sheath will prevent the knife from falling out, but intentionally drawing the knife from the unsnapped sheath hasn't been a problem either. You could try using your thumb on the spine of the handle to push the sheath off the knife as you draw it. Hope that helps.