First off I would like to say that I think this site is great! I find this forum very informative and finally decided to join...Now to my question. I am interested in getting a good quality fixed blade knife for camping/hunting/fishing/outdoor stuff. The Gerber LMF II caught my eye. Does anyone have any experience with this knife? Also, do they make a version without the serrated edge (or is it better to have a serrated section)? Thanks.

Welcome!

I would definitely not have a combo edge (partially serrated). I don't see on Knifecenter.com that there is a plain edge version. Personally, I would pass on any Gerber. I have owned plenty enough of them to say they don't hold a good enough edge. I would go to Doug's page on fixed blade selections and take a look at what he recommends if I were you.

http://www.equipped.org/devices8.htm

Save a few more pennies - OK, maybe dollars - and buy Doug's RSK Mk3 fixed blade knife. It is a fantastic camp/outdoors knife that I KNOW you'll like.

Right about now you're saying "How can I afford to spend $165 on a knife?" Keep in mind that it is sooo easy to buy knife #1 for $40-$60, and then buy slightly better knfie #2 for $50, and so on. You spend lots of money and still aren't really happy with your knives.

There are a lot of fixed blade knives out there, but none really had the features I wanted - about 5" long, drop point, moderately thin but strong blade, lanyard hole.

The closest was the Benchmade Rant DPT, but I didn't like the handle on it and it didn't have a lanyard hole. I bought a Becker BK10 Crewman, but the blade is a bit too thick to be a nice general camp knife. My favorite blade shape & thickness was the Becker Necker, but I hated the handle and carbon steel isn't rust resistant enough for a camp knife (that might go a few days without cleaning).

I had read that Doug Ritter was coming out with a fixed blade and decided to wait in hopes it would be nice. In the mean time I bought a #748 from http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html for $16 which now resides in my camping kitchen gear.

I'm glad I waited.

Save your money-buy a RSK MK3 (Doug's design), great overall knife. It will be the only knife you buy that you won't say --if only it was or if only it had--I already love mine! I will add the Areomedix was a pleasure to deal with. Prompt shipping and keep me informed as to shipping date and status.

I will probaby end up getting the Benchmade 151 Fixed Griptilian. For my $100 budget this looked like the best bet. Thanks for your help everyone!