While repacking my rucksack after checking and cleaning all my toys, I was thinking about how I actually use my fixed blade knife. I've come to the conclusion that the 7" blades I have had all my life might be a little overkill. Certainly not that they don't have thier uses, but since I do most of my backpacking along well marked and traveled trails, I'm thinking that a 4 or 5" blade would make more sense. So I was hoping that you could give me your opinions on a good knife in this size range. There are quite a few that I like, but not all of them will fit into my budget. I've been thinking about the Becker Compainion and the Buck Vanguard. I know a lot of folks here like the Becker BK-7 (which I also want to get somewhere down the line), and the Companion seems to have the same handle, which I like. Anyway, I've rambled on a lot longer than I intended to, so if you have an opinion on either of these, or any other knife in this size range, I'd really appreciate your input.



Becker Companion Buck Vanguard-R
Thanks in advance,
Chris.

When you´re on a tight budget and want a lightweight knife the scandinavian blades are hard to beat. My favorites are Martiini knifes. I was always satisfied with them. They come razor sharp, hold an edge and are easy to sharpen.

Try the Fallkniven S-1. Here's a look at it: Fallkniven S1 Forest Knife.

John McIntire

I chose the becker campanion for the very same reason plus a few simple mods I've seen helped. The blade is aprox. 1/4 in thick so it can be used for light chopping, batoning but will not fillet fish to good.

I took the handle slabs off and put in a sparklite kit in one side and put some foil and some boulion paks in the other. Also the kydex sheath can be loaded up with more gear of your choise by useing some paracord and pouches.

Hope this helps

Rich

Chris--

I've long preferred 5" fixed blades. One of my favorite's is the "Javalina" from Ray Ennis' Entrek Knives. See his web site at: http://www.ennis-entrekusa.com/ It retails for $115.00 (US). Has about a 4.5" blade w/good belly, & a great canvas Micarta handle. It's profile is similar to the Becker "Campanion". As someone said, either could be "used to skin a Buick". :-)

The Javalina's blade is a bit thick for some uses, but it's hell-for-strong. I've used it in the kitchen (food prep), & in the yard (limbing an oak--both as a "chopper" & a froe, driving it with a club), plus just plain carried it a lot. Only normal signs of use/wear.

The kydex sheath is functional, but a bit thin for my preferences. I've added a TekLok to make it carry better.

Also, check out Newt Livesay's Wicked Knife Co. The "Air Assault" is great: 5" blade, & the most comfortable handle I've ever felt. His home page is: http://newtlivesay.com/

Good luck with your search.

David

I'll second the Fallkniven, or as an alternative the Cold Steel Master Hunter (4.5"). I have some great fixed blade knives, even an original Randall, but I now have a new criterion for my carry knife in most circumstances: sharpening requirements.

I use the Sterling Systems sharpener (see Doug's article) in most in-the-field circumstances. I wouldn't come near one of my valuable or custom knives with it, though! So I carry a knife I wouldn't mind using that sharpener on. Hard working "beaters"... not pretty knives,..but that's what I do.

I chat a lot on a Russian website. It is interesting to note that Russians have quite a different view on knives. They particularly value Finnish style knives because they are quite universal and light. I was thinking to buy some Chris Reeve knife, but after discussion with Russians they persuaded me that Finnish style knife will probably be much more suitable for my requirements. And the price difference is quite significant. You can look on Finnish style knives on http://www.nordicarts.com/. Hunters and military men give good comments about Marttiini and a few other knives. As I was told, if you get an expensive knife, you will rarely use it, because you will value it too much. I rarely seen expensive knives in use by experienced hunters or fishermen. My conclusion was, if professional hunters, who earn their living by hunting in Siberia, rely on Martiini, I had better get one too.

Maybe I´m a bit biased as my first knife ever was a Martiini and I still own it <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. But I also tend to recommend the Martiinis. They are real workhorses. A couple of years ago I upgraded to a handmade knife but I still often use my Martiini knives. I guess you´ll be satisfied if you get one.

Scandinavian knives are my favourites. They are a design response to a specific environment, the sub arctic tundra and northern forests. The canadian instructor,Mors Kochanski also carries them. You must remember that in other climes people may have need for a shovel,saw or axe etc. The thicker,more robust knives are a design reaction to this multi purpose need. Pilots and other military and emergency service personel cannot carry all these tools all the time. A robust knife is a compromise tool. I carry a Fallkniven as my core blade for emergencies. I also pack several Moras distributed in my kits, much like spare matches. There are other, regional blades usefull in specific regions. My favourite source in the USA for scandinavian kinives is www.ragweedforge.com You may want to try one of the inexpensive knives first. The Ericsson Mora 2000 is a interesting take on a survival knife. There are several available on EBAY currently at low bidding prices.

The first knife I was ever given was a Martinii fillet knife when I was about 6 or 7, and I still use that knife when I go fishing. It never occoured to me that they would make other types of blades (not sure why), but now that I've done some reading and looking around, I'm really interested in these and the Moras. I suppose there's something deep and philisophical I could say about starting a search for something new and coming all the way back around to something I've always had, but I'm not sure what it is <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />