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Posted: 8/25/2010 1:09:15 AM EDT
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Looking for a very durable 3-6" fixed blade to take backpacking with me. It's gonna get wet, dirty, sandy and knocked around. I prefer no serrations.
Right now the one that's been jumping out at me is the HEST I'm also looking at the RAT knives, though the HEST seems to have more to offer. From a different brand, I'm liking the CRKT FTWS. I know you guys will have some good ideas... the FTWS is the top of my budget. |
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Gerber LMF for me........... http://www.gerber-tools.com/images/Gerber-LMF-II-22-01629-large.gif I love that knife. Used and ABUSED it to no effect. Takes a beating, cheap and feels great. If you changes anything you'd screw it up. One of the best pieces of kit I own |
| found that one here for $60. Is that a decent price for it? It's the cheapest so far... I hadn't been considering Gerber because I just associate the name with all the crappy stuff next to the eddie bauer things at target. Looks like the sheath would lash to pretty much anything I needed it to as well. |
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Quoted: Same here 'cept I went for the Coyote color...Quoted: Gerber LMF for me........... http://www.gerber-tools.com/images/Gerber-LMF-II-22-01629-large.gif I love that knife. Used and ABUSED it to no effect. Takes a beating, cheap and feels great. If you changes anything you'd screw it up. One of the best pieces of kit I own |
| I have both. The Gerber is a tank and built for hard duty-I wish you could get it without the serrations though. The HEST is my EDC knife and is a good all around small fixed blade. Look at ESEE's 4 or 5 for a better suited camp knife. Great knives and no question warranties. I just bought their new Junglas and went out last weekend. Great bushcraft/survival knife but larger than your looking foGood Luckr. |
All the following are great blades that fit your stated parameters...
The Becker BK2 is a pretty heavy knife. Blade stock is 1/4" thick 1095 CroVan steel. The price is about $60. The Fallkniven S1 is a little thinner and lighter (than the BK2) and made from laminated VG10 SS. The price is around $140. The Gerber Big Rock is lighter still. I believe it is 440 SS and is the most economical of the group at about $30 <great knife for the price> The Fallkniven F1 is a real classic and much loved amongst knife geeks - it goes for about $110. It is laminated VG10 SS and is about the same weight as the Big Rock. The tape measure at the top is for scale but the BK2 and the S1 are about 5 inch blades, the Big Rock has a 4.5 inch blade and the F1 is the shortest blade at 3.8 inches. All the knives in the photo are full tang designs and all have lanyard holes. The Fallknivens have the tang exposed at the end of the grip to form a pommel for bashing or hammering. The sheath for the Big Rock is not great but "adequate"... the sheaths for the other knives in the group are pretty good. With the Fallknivens you have a choice of sheath material - leather or Zytel (FRN). For outdoor use, it is generally felt that the well drained Zytel sheaths are the better choice... The Fallknivens have my vote for your purpose - the only questions are which blade length/style do you prefer and what is your budget? There are YouTube vids for all the above knives - have a look and see what you think... Good luck! 
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Quoted: After I bought my LMF and used it on a couple trips I have been eyeing the Big Rock as a smaller alternative to it. The LMF is a great knife although it is a bit unweildy and not being able to strap it to my leg it gets difficult to remove it from the sheath as the retention is quite firm.All the following are great blades that fit your stated parameters... http://www.newturfers.com/mwf/attach/76/578376/SxSWRNSig.JPG The Becker BK2 is a pretty heavy knife. Blade stock is 1/4" thick 1095 CroVan steel. The price is about $60. The Fallkniven S1 is a little thinner and lighter (than the BK2) and made from laminated VG10 SS. The price is around $140. The Gerber Big Rock is lighter still. I believe it is 440 SS and is the most economical of the group at about $30 <great knife for the price> The Fallkniven F1 is a real classic and much loved amongst knife geeks - it goes for about $110. It is laminated VG10 SS and is about the same weight as the Big Rock. The tape measure at the top is for scale but the BK2 and the S1 are about 5 inch blades, the Big Rock has a 4.5 inch blade and the F1 is the shortest blade at 3.8 inches. All the knives in the photo are full tang designs and all have lanyard holes. The Fallknivens have the tang exposed at the end of the grip to form a pommel for bashing or hammering. The sheath for the Big Rock is not great but "adequate"... the sheaths for the other knives in the group are pretty good. With the Fallknivens you have a choice of sheath material - leather or Zytel (FRN). For outdoor use, it is generally felt that the well drained Zytel sheaths are the better choice... The Fallknivens have my vote for your purpose - the only questions are which blade length/style do you prefer and what is your budget? There are YouTube vids for all the above knives - have a look and see what you think... Good luck! |
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Well - my EDC knife right now is a SOG trident. I like it a lot for my purposes, but don't like the idea of a folder while I'm out in nature... I know modern folders can take a ton of abuse, but I get very annoyed when little things happen like I get sand in the pivot point so it grinds every time I open it, or the locking switch accidentally slides over (happens a LOT with this knife) so I can't open it right away...
Like I said earlier, I prefer no serrations... Every other knife I own is half and half and I'm frustrated that I can't sharpen the whole thing myself. Blade length is really up in the air... more than 3", less than a machete. I like the idea of the tang being exposed at the bottom for a striking surface. I prefer the sheath to be zytel or whatever other fashionable molded plastic is in now... I also don't know jack about steel types, I just want it to hold its edge well. I'll be using it for mundane camp tasks like shaving my magnesium and striking the flint, hand to paw combat with bears, you know - the usual. |
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You definitely want an F1 (unless you need or prefer the length of an S1). Laminated VG10 is a great knife material - no rust and VG10 holds an edge very well. There are a fair number of F1 vids on YouTube. One of the members on Blade Forums (Zyhano) has done several F1 vids - a "tabletop review" (2 parts) and "field review" in Sweden (2 parts). He also authored a recent F1 thread on Blade forums.
Like I said earlier, I prefer no serrations... Every other knife I own is half and half and I'm frustrated that I can't sharpen the whole thing myself. Blade length is really up in the air... more than 3", less than a machete. I like the idea of the tang being exposed at the bottom for a striking surface. I prefer the sheath to be zytel or whatever other fashionable molded plastic is in now... I also don't know jack about steel types, I just want it to hold its edge well. I'll be using it for mundane camp tasks like shaving my magnesium and striking the flint, hand to paw combat with bears, you know - the usual. Rob at Canteenshop.com uses an F1 for EDC and has done a vid as well (link). Canteenshop.com also has a pretty good page devoted to camping cutlery related items (link) <excellent stuff on that page> In terms of price - the best price I have seen recently for a "basic" F1 with a Zytel sheath is $99. There are versions using G3 steel, there are versions with coated (black) blades, there are versions with Micarta handles (manufactured by Fallkniven), there are versions with custom built with Micarta or G10 grips (other manufacturers). The price of the upgraded models can to up to about $300 or more depending on upgrades. "Basic" model with Zytel sheath- about $100 >>> 
"Fancy" model - VG10/Bark River customized grip & custom leather sheath - about $240 >>> 
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If you are talking about the groove in the blade sides up by the spine, that "feature" actually has a name... it's called a "blood groove". My understanding is that in modern knives, it is more of an aesthetic thing than anything else. You can google it to find more informaiton if you like... Also - since I'm new to the knife world, what's the deal with the "groove" along the spine of the creed? I don't really know how to describe it better... is it just for weight savings? 
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I really like my LMF II but it mostly sits in my truck.
If you are hiking, weight is a major concern. Especially something that you want outside your pack and easy to get to. I was recently making a similar decision and went with the Falkniven S1. I haven't had a chance to abuse it but it's a beautiful piece. The Falkniven replaced a Seal Pup Elite. Mine has serrations but it is cheaper, a really handy knife, and took a good edge. |
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You people really need to please stop reminding me of all the knives I want to buy..... |
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well - i've been doing a little research on the interwebz and have purchased my backpacking knife today. Tucson only really has one knife store, so I went there today with the intention of holding and looking at knives, not actually buying one yet.
I got to hold and mess around with the SOG creed, and it's certainly a nice knife. Same for the Gerber LMF II. FTWS was not stocked at this store so I didn't get to see that one in person. I ended up buying a Cold Steel Recon Scout. I picked this one over the Creed for a few reasons... one being that this one was cheaper. Also, the blade on the Recon Scout is a bit thicker, but has the same length. The handle is nicer on the Creed, but the Recon Scout has a decent handle too. 
This thing seems pretty nice. I decided against the much lauded F1 because I wanted this knife to let me leave my hatchet at home. I just can't see chopping up kindling with the F1. This same idea is what left the HEST behind... though I still really want one of those. And in the end, I can always pick up more knives down the road! |
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In your original post, you sought advice/recommendations "for a very durable 3-6" fixed blade to take backpacking"... the Recon Scout is 7.5 inches!
well - i've been doing a little research on the interwebz and have purchased my backpacking knife today. Tucson only really has one knife store, so I went there today with the intention of holding and looking at knives, not actually buying one yet. I got to hold and mess around with the SOG creed, and it's certainly a nice knife. Same for the Gerber LMF II. FTWS was not stocked at this store so I didn't get to see that one in person. I ended up buying a Cold Steel Recon Scout. I picked this one over the Creed for a few reasons... one being that this one was cheaper. Also, the blade on the Recon Scout is a bit thicker, but has the same length. The handle is nicer on the Creed, but the Recon Scout has a decent handle too. http://i928.photobucket.com/albums/ad121/forrestcook/CS39LRST.jpg This thing seems pretty nice. I decided against the much lauded F1 because I wanted this knife to let me leave my hatchet at home. I just can't see chopping up kindling with the F1. This same idea is what left the HEST behind... though I still really want one of those. And in the end, I can always pick up more knives down the road! If you had said that you were looking for a hatchet replacement, I would have recommended a Bahco Laplander >>> 
Even with the 7.5 inch blade, you might want to get one... They're cheap (about $30), smaller than your new knife, light, and will go through any tree you might chop with a blade a whole lot faster and easier (requires a lot less energy/effort) than the blade... I'm an old guy... I always try to work smart, not hard...
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| yeah - I went a little above my original size goal... but I do like the knife. My next trip is in mid September, so we'll see how it does! I'll be swimming at a couple spots with my gear, so I need to find a good way to add drainage to the sheath without compromising the integrity of it. |
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Quoted: Right now the one that's been jumping out at me is the HEST I'm also looking at the RAT knives, though the HEST seems to have more to offer. My HEST is my very favorite knife*. To me, it's like the Glock 19 of knives.  (*at least until the HEST folder comes out in December). |
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Looking for a very durable 3-6" fixed blade to take backpacking with me. It's gonna get wet, dirty, sandy and knocked around. I prefer no serrations. Right now the one that's been jumping out at me is the HEST I'm also looking at the RAT knives, though the HEST seems to have more to offer. From a different brand, I'm liking the CRKT FTWS. I know you guys will have some good ideas... the FTWS is the top of my budget. Looking for a HEST as well I've read great reviews, but not coming across any used ones |
| I was looking for the same thing a few months ago. I checked out bladeforums and of course checked here to see what the hive was saying. I ended up purchasing a ESEE/RAT RC 6 and can't tell you how impressed I am with the workmanship . It would dry shave from the factory, but a couple of passes on a ceramic stick and it was razor sharp. I was so impressed that the next day I ordered a RC 4. I read that "if you buy a RAT don't worry about getting the wrong size because you won't buy just one anyway." They were right, just ordered a JUNGLAS for my birthday present. Great knives and multiple carry options. Knifeworks.com had the best prices I could find and both orders took 3 days door to door. I am in no way affiliated with knifeworks.com / or ESEE knives , just a satisfied customer. BTW the RC 6 has made kindling of a few 2x4 scraps and still shaves. |
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SOG Creed CD-01 $250 list (around $160 street) The blade is 7.5", and designed for more than just cutting, which is a what you want in a wilderness knife. http://sogknives.com/images/flash/CD-01/pic1.jpg I got a Ka-Bar and realized that is just way too much knife to carry around backpacking. It's quite inconvenient for most tasks you use a knife for and the extra weight makes it hard to justify carrying. I'm looking for something smaller now, for the time being I use my Gerber paraframe folding knife. |
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I have a Benchmade Rant drop-point, and it's a stout knife. It comes with a plain leather sheath, but I think it's got to one of the best deals going. My Rant was a US made last-generation version in 440C steel. The new ones are D2. They don't look very tactical, but they are stainless and mine seems to hold a decent edge. I've had it for a couple of years and it's my main walking-in-the-woods knife. You can get them plain blade or partially serrated. If you're not looking to spend a fortune, this is a good blade. SP |
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k-bar=best I've used a Ka-bar as my camping/backpacking knife for 7 years and despite being used as a hatchet, being batoned a ton, hammerd through stuff (yes, with a hammer), used as a hammer, a digging tool, skinner, hacking through bones, rope, wiring, etc... It has held up. It is a tough knife but only holds an edge fairly well. It rusts easily too. I really wish it was larger too. I don't think it is anywhere near the best for a camping or backpacking knife. My next fixed blade knife is therefore going to be a Busse Combat, probably the Bushwacker Mistress or Combat Grade BM. My friend has one of the Combat grades and the steel still shaves despite a good amount of chopping. It is bigger, stronger, tougher, more comfy, and has superior edge holding compared to my Ka-bar. It also decapitated a deer's head so cleanly that the hair around the cut wasn't even out of place.
Just my .02 |
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You definitely want an F1 (unless you need or prefer the length of an S1). Laminated VG10 is a great knife material - no rust and VG10 holds an edge very well. There are a fair number of F1 vids on YouTube. One of the members on Blade Forums (Zyhano) has done several F1 vids - a "tabletop review" (2 parts) and "field review" in Sweden (2 parts). He also authored a recent F1 thread on Blade forums.
Like I said earlier, I prefer no serrations... Every other knife I own is half and half and I'm frustrated that I can't sharpen the whole thing myself. Blade length is really up in the air... more than 3", less than a machete. I like the idea of the tang being exposed at the bottom for a striking surface. I prefer the sheath to be zytel or whatever other fashionable molded plastic is in now... I also don't know jack about steel types, I just want it to hold its edge well. I'll be using it for mundane camp tasks like shaving my magnesium and striking the flint, hand to paw combat with bears, you know - the usual. Rob at Canteenshop.com uses an F1 for EDC and has done a vid as well (link). Canteenshop.com also has a pretty good page devoted to camping cutlery related items (link) <excellent stuff on that page> In terms of price - the best price I have seen recently for a "basic" F1 with a Zytel sheath is $99. There are versions using G3 steel, there are versions with coated (black) blades, there are versions with Micarta handles (manufactured by Fallkniven), there are versions with custom built with Micarta or G10 grips (other manufacturers). The price of the upgraded models can to up to about $300 or more depending on upgrades. "Basic" model with Zytel sheath- about $100 >>> http://www.knivesshipfree.com/images/fkfn1.jpg "Fancy" model - VG10/Bark River customized grip & custom leather sheath - about $240 >>> http://www.knivesshipfree.com/images/f1_bpm_ts.jpg Thanks for the info. Ordered an F1 today. Those Zyhano videos showing the F1 in action were great. |
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Enjoy your new knife! Be careful when you unbox it - it is very sharp out-of-the-box.
Thanks for the info. Ordered an F1 today. Those Zyhano videos showing the F1 in action were great. I must confess, Fallkniven knives are my favorites - I am sure you'll really enjoy your F1. I find its design elegant in its simplicity and functionality. |
| id of gone with the a1, just no ability to do any wood processing with a 3 or 4 in blade. this is getting into the range where you might be better served with a good folder if size and weight are that much of a factor. especially since your not going to be doing any chopping or splitting with that. |
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I've always had great service from my old school AirCrew Survival Knife (Ontario). Extremely low tech (carbon steel blade) but tougher than boiled owl and it has survived and thrived doing all kinds of awful use and gross abuse.
Can't seem to kill or break the danged thing. Cost was low and service value is high. Blade is legal in Texas so I don't have to worry about L.E.O. issues with illegal knife if I have something oversized in my car or on my person. Sometimes the oldies are the goodies!
MING the Merciless 
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Enjoy your new knife! Be careful when you unbox it - it is very sharp out-of-the-box.
Thanks for the info. Ordered an F1 today. Those Zyhano videos showing the F1 in action were great. I must confess, Fallkniven knives are my favorites - I am sure you'll really enjoy your F1. I find its design elegant in its simplicity and functionality. Ordered it Sunday and got it Tuesday from knifeworks.com. Would definitely order more Fallknivens, and definitely order from knifeworks again. |
| Take a look at the TOPS XC EST Alpha. I have one ordered and from what I've researched, its going to fit my need for a compact camping knife perfectly. A little expensive IMHO but TOPS quality is very good. I think it ships today or tommorrow, I'll let you know when I receive it. |
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yeah... I started with an F1 too - I love my F1... then I wondered if I needed something with a little more length... ordered an S1... I love my S1 too... then I wondered about a smaller blade for smaller tasks... ended up ordering a WM1!!! LOL! I love my WM1 too... I think that covers the range for me... I don't really like knives with blades much over 5" for carry knives. The next larger blade in my small collection is a short heavy machete with an 11" blade... fortunately for me, Fallkniven doesn't make machetes! Quoted:
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Enjoy your new knife! Be careful when you unbox it - it is very sharp out-of-the-box.
Thanks for the info. Ordered an F1 today. Those Zyhano videos showing the F1 in action were great. I must confess, Fallkniven knives are my favorites - I am sure you'll really enjoy your F1. I find its design elegant in its simplicity and functionality. Ordered it Sunday and got it Tuesday from knifeworks.com. Would definitely order more Fallknivens, and definitely order from knifeworks again. 
My advice to you is that you can save time and some shipping costs if you just order the S1 and the WM1 now (in 1 order)!
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I'd never heard of Fallkniven until I read this thread recently. Now I've fallen in love with both the S1 and A1. I'm getting a Cold Steel SRK to keep on my ATV, and while the A1 would make a great knife for the intended use I just can't bring myself to keep a knife that expensive where I'm planning on keeping the SRK.
When finances will allow I will add a Fallkniven to my collection. |
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