Inexpensive Fixed Blades

[Katahdin]

I know this would get better play on the other forums, but this is the only knife one I am on.

I have decided I would like a smallish fixed blade knife and it seems the $50 range is a sweet spot for what I am looking for. I know lots of the fixed blade folks like a higher carbon steel, but. i want this to be in stainless. I picture it mostly as a camp knife with good all around capabilities.

I know Mora are the popular choices for inexpensive, but I wanted to step up a little. My plan is to order 2 from Amazon Prime. Check their quality, blade sharpness, fit in the hand, sheath and send back the 1 I reject.

My choices are (I am linking bladeHQ because they give more details):
Buck Selkirk. I know it is a Chinese Buck, but on the Buck website it says 420HC with BOS heat treatment so Buck is claiming it is the same steel as USA. Biggest concern is if the guard will be awkward for use. I like this one the best from the photos. http://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Selki ... ife--27469

Gerber Strongarm, USA knife thicker blade made also of 440HC, but the hardness is lower-mid 50's compared to the upper 50's for the Buck http://www.bladehq.com/item--Gerber-Str ... ife--27042

Wish Byrd had some fixed blade offerings to compete.

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Another possibility, though it does cost a bit more than the fifty dollar limit, is one of the Spyderco Mule blades, and then attach handle materials to it, and get a suitable sheath.

[Doc Dan]

https://www.knifeworks.com/esee-stainle ... ecial.html?

Here are the grips: https://www.knifeworks.com/esee-black-g ... izula.html

Here is another good knife:
https://www.knifeworks.com/cold-steel-p ... erall.html

And one more: https://www.knifeworks.com/catalogsearc ... k+Woodsman

Last one: https://www.knifeworks.com/kershaw-diskin-hunter.html (This one is longer because of the generous handle)

[Katahdin]

Mule blades are nice and I really like the 25 steel out now, but cost for handles and sheath is too much-I know you can para cord the handle and make your own sheath, but I am not looking for that.

Doc Dan those are some real nice suggestions and along the lines I was thinking.

[Skidoosh]

Lauri PT blades- yes you have to make a handle but awesome blades

[Katahdin]

Searched out the Lauri PT blades. Very interesting option, but much more time for me to get it right than I am willing to give to a knife right now when a bit more gets me a finished product.

[TomAiello]

Mora. I haven't found a fixed blade that's obviously better under $100.

Mora makes models up in the $50 range, too.

[TomAiello]

This Enzo is a very nice knife that meets your criteria, too, I think:

http://omahaknife.com/index.php?id_prod ... results=32

[Katahdin]

Thanks Tom, those Enzo offerings looked real nice. I have settled on a blade size of 4 to 5 inches and the ones I like from them are a bit out of my price range. If I was going to up spend for a knife I think they would be a top consideration.

Looked at Mora again. I do like how the edge comes all the way back to the handle. The handle gets all around excellent reviews and there is a lot to be said for that. The partial tang seems to hold up well in real life. This one looks good to me and they say it is made in the USA http://www.bladehq.com/item--Mora-of-Sw ... 010--11070

So my ordering has changed some, Buck Selkirk, Mora Outdoor 2010, Gerber Strongarm. The full tang, more flexible sheath attachment and fire starter (will remove from sheath) are still pushing the Buck to the front. Another day or two and then I am going to order the one that seems the best.

[TomAiello]

Mora makes one with a fire starter as well. There are a lot of Mora models.

Check out the Mora Bushcraft if you're looking for something with a fire starter option and a beefier build.