Thanks in advance for advice and help with this...

I just purchased a Gerber Big Rock knife from REI. http://www.rei.com/product/752020

4.5 inch partially serrated drop point surgical stainless blade. Full tang glass filled nylon handle.

Used it camping twice now. Seems VERY durable. (Blade thickness is over 1/8") Seems to hold its edge well.

My question is this: Do I need to spend over $100 for a "higher quality" knife such as a Becker, Benchmade, SOG, or similar listed on this site? I want a solid, fixed blade, dependable knife for use while hiking, camping, and (if need be) survival.

The Gerber was $39. Are other, more expensive knives a better value?

Thanks!

Erro welcome to ETS!
The Gerber is fine. Some here would prefer a knife with no serrations but for the money it is probably a good choice.
A lot of us here are knife-addicts myself included. Spending more money is just a personal choice. Many folks get buy with inexpensive Mora knives so why would your new Gerber fail you?
Enjoy.
Make sure you get a sharpener and keep it sharpened.
Bill

Welcome Newguy!!!

"... Are other, more expensive knives a better value?..."

Probably not. Gerber has been making knives for quite a few years, if their products were junk they would have gone under long ago. There are some really high dollar blades that might be a little tougher, but then there are probably some that cost more and are worth less. If you are happy with it, you got a deal.

Erro,

Welcome to the fire, newguy!

Along with knives Gerber also makes very high-dollar industrial cutting equipment like computer-controlled machines that cut out intricate shapes from assorted materials. They know what they are doing when they make a blade. You'll be fine with your knife and spending more, in my opinion, is not worth it.

The main thing you need to do now is master sharpening your knife.

-Blast

Value can be hard to quantify. I am of the opinion that you should always buy the best you can afford. I bought my current knife, a Becker BK10, for $45. At the time that was the most I could spend. I've used it a lot and have been very happy with it. I am currently waiting for a Randall 25 6". When I get it in June of '09 I will shell out about $385. Is it going to be able to do anything the Becker can't? I doubt it. But I want one anyway. If, as you say, your Gerber has performed well for you then my advice is to use it and be happy.

I have the Big Rock (I paid $29 new) and I like it a lot. It's a very capable knife for the price. I don't use it as often because of the serrations but it still has purpose in my collection.

That is probably fine for your needs. I am not fond of serrations or combo blades myself.

You should check out Doug Ritter's comments on choosing a survival knife before you make another purchase though.

If you like it, and it works for you - your fine (from a guy who has way way too many knives, some high end customs)

Big Ditto!!!

Gerbers are generally very strong, durable knives.

Whether they cut as well as others is a matter of debate. It depends on the steel and the grind.

I find the low-end Gerber steel doesn't take the kind of edge I want. But maybe I'm fussy. I find this steel responds to a medium diamond much better than anything else. I also find that there's a very hard "skin" on these blades; over time, as you sharpen past that, it will take a much more satisfying edge.

Higher-end Gerber knives seem to sharpen just fine. I have a couple of folders that I like a lot.

Anyway, I don't see a reason why this knife wouldn't serve you well. Just be aware that there are some absolutely amazing blades out there, should the day come when you are looking to upgrade.