Need Knife Advice

[Captain Crunch]

I've decided I need to add a quality fixed blade knife to my kit. I'm no knife expert by any means, but I do know you get what you pay for, so I figure I can spend up to $200.00.

I'm not looking for any hollow handle "Rambo" knives. So my basic criteria would be a blade length of 6 to 8 inches, without serrations, unless someone can convince me they are useful, & preferrably made of carbon steel. This is because I'd rather keep it simple, since there's such a mind-boggling variety of stainless steels on the market.

And finally, I'd like to stick with a Bowie style blade, rather than a Tanto.

Any ideas, knife gurus?

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[ront]

Here is one for you to look at. The blade is a bit shorter than you said and it is a hair over $200, but a nice knife!
http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=249

Ron

[Knuckledrager]

Check out the RAT line from Ontario Cutlery. They have a variety of carbon blades of various lengths and are very well made. All have micarta handles and come with sturdy sheaths. A lot of knife for the money. Did I mention they were all WELL under the $200 mark?

[shermdo]

I second the idea about looking hard at the RAT knives which are manufactured under contract by Ontario Cutlery.

I had been wanting to heck out this line of knives for some time but no dealers where near me. Finally this past weekend at a small gun show a knife dealer had a table and his main product was this line of knives. I was VERY impressed. I purchases a small model called the RC-3. One of it's larger cousins will certainly follow me home next time.

RAT Cutlery Company
www.jungletraining.com/forums/index.php

Chestnut Ridge Knife Shop
http://64.176.233.199/catalog/index.php

[DOGOFWAR01]

Kabar - based on your specifications.

Suggestion: SOG SEAL PUP

[Rob72]

CC, the Spyderco/Hossom knives can be had for under $200, and feel wonderful, in the hand.

A Cold Steel Recon Scout is a modestly sized bowie,in high-carbon, with a protective coating. I'm not a fan of the kraton, and if you wanted a G10 handle, I know a fellow who does excellent work at a reasonable cost.

For $200, you can have a handmade knife. Both of these guys are excellent craftsmen, and good to deal with. Both use 1095 steel. DJ (American Kami)has a very style than Mark (Goldsworthy). I figure one or the other should have something appealing...

http://www.americankami.com/
http://goldsworthyknives.com/

[fed_wif_a_sig]

All the above mentioned are nice knives. I found one that is a good carry and concealable as well as serviceable for pretty much most work.

Its made by Simonich Knives and called "The Raven" http://www.simonichknives.com/midtech.htm

Urban Raven Specifications:

Blade - 4.0" S30-V
Overall - 9"
Blade Style - Clip blade and 3/4 length false edge;
Handles - Black Camo G-10 with Gunner Grip™ texturing and Simonich Buffalo Logo
Weight - 5.5 oz
Sheath - Kydex Sheath
STD Tumbled Finish - $229
MIL Military Subdued Finish - $199

[cockedlocked01]

I'd second the Ontario RAT knives. Another I'd suggest would be one of Justins knives at: www.rangerknives.com

My avatar has one of his custom knives. He makes them to USE & they usually come in 1095 or 5160 steel. They're a bargain too at more like around $100 to well under $200 for the customs.

I'd suggest the RD series or a R.A.K. with scales put on. He can do G-10 & micarta, although I believe he's open to any handle material if you supply it. He does do Bowie blades, too, as I've seen some of them.

I highly recommend them & his turn around time is very good.

Good luck.

[Captain Crunch]

Another I'd suggest would be one of Justins knives at: www.rangerknives.com

Now those look nice.

I'll put this on my short list.

[ghost tracker]

FB04 Fred Perrin Bowie by Spyderco. Just what the Captain (Crunch) ordered!

[Roadrunner]

Check out Bark River Knife and Tool's Bravo-1 or Sandstorm models. They're handmade but not really custom, very simple and very tough. They are stainless, but for a survival blade that's actually preferable and they aren't a high alloy stainless so they're still easy to sharpen.

[cockedlocked01]

I don't know about the Sandstorm, but I thought the Bravo-1 is in A-2 tool steel. I have a Bravo-1 in Green micarta & a Gameskeeper. BRKTs are very nice knives & handle well.

Ranger knives, though, are very thick & can easily be used for "batoning" or pretty much anything else you want to subject them to. The RD series is made out of 5160 steel & is a full .25" thick (Mine's slightly thicker than that). They're like a "hand-hatchet."

For the money, the Ontario RAT knives are nice, too. But I think the BRKTs & Ranger knives are a bit better.

[rocky]

For a good survival type knife , check out Cold Steel Bushman series.
http://www.coldsteel.com/fixed-blades-bushman.html

[dakotasdad]

What is going to be your intended purpose for this knife? CCW or utility? It comes down to what do you intend to use the knife for.

I think for around the price you had mentioned the knives at www.topsknives.com offer quite a few options. There are different blade styles and lengths to choose from. Just pick your blade length and go from there.

Hope this helps!

[Captain Crunch]

Okay, guys, thanks for all the good replies.

I've got my choices narrowed down considerably, looks like I'll have enough left in the budget to lay in a supply of ammo.