What fixed blade knife would you buy as a future heirloom to your Son???

[JBinDC]

I'm looking for a knife that may be contemporary today, but will stand the test of time for form, function, and perhaps future value. I'd like to get something with a leather sheath, that can be used as a camping, fishing, and maybe survival knife... I'm looking to spend up to $125 max.

So, given the above requirements, what would you buy today, that you would be proud to pass along to your Son, years from now...

Thanks in advance for your suggestions! --JB

 

[circleshooter]

A full-size KABAR straight edge. It fits your requirements, has a leather sheath and, well, it's a damn classic.

 

[photoracer]

Well the $125 limit leaves out anything made by the late Bill Moran, if you are thinking about future value. Camping, fishing, and survival knives tend to be totally different. KABAR is a fighting knife and a straight edge is useless for skinning or fishing at a minimum, and millions were made so future value would not increase by much.

Look for something like this, although these are his designs, he does not make them as they are mass produced. That does not stop them from being good practical designs.

http://www.budk.com/product/Gil-Hibben-Alaskan-Survival-Knife-with-Sheath/156972.uts

I would recommend anything by Randall but they do not produce anything these days below $300.

 

[Mickey the Dragon]

I would recommend you buy a knife and then buy an aftermarket leather sheath. You can buy leather sheaths from dedicated craftsmen to fit almost any knife, which I think is better because it lets the knife maker focus on buildng a great knife and the sheath maker focus on building a good sheath.

I've got an ESEE-6 from Randall Adventure Training and it's a great knife. I would recommend anything from Randall for camping/survival, but probably not for fishing since everything is carbon steel (not stainless). I've used mine for processing firewood (survival/camping) and it's no worse for wear, plus it sharpens back up quickly. ESEE-4 on Amazon ($125)

Or you can buy a Mora for under 16 bucks and it will probably last you your lifetime, too. Mora on Amazon ($16)

 

[HeatSeeker]

Buck Kalinga

 

[kstone803]

ESEE 4 all the way. Or a Becker KaBar. I have some of both and like both of them. But the ESEE is beefier.

 

[Allium]

my go to has always been a full sized Kbar

 

[JBinDC]

Ha - well interesting... I myself was thinking KaBar, but didn't want to influence any responses... My other thoughts were on a vintage Camillus or Ontario US GI Pilots survival knife. Had one back in my Navy days, and regret trading it. Thanks for your thoughts guys! --JB

 

[TxAggie]

I'll put in another vote for KaBar.

As others have notes, Ontario has some good choices, I've always been partial to the Air Force Survival Knife.

 

[Indiana Jones]

A full-size KABAR straight edge. It fits your requirements, has a leather sheath and, well, it's a damn classic.

Absolutely identical suggestion I was gonna give. You have class CS!

 

[trickg]

$125 kind of limits you. My first suggestions would have been for a Randall 1-7 - that's the classic fixed blade Bowie style, and it's a classic design - it's been around for decades, but it's still contemporary. Another knife in that same category is the Cold Steel Military Classic, which is pretty much modeled directly after the Randall. Unfortunately both of those knives, while heirloom quality, are well outside of the $125 scope.

A knife company that I believe sells some awesome knives that might be in your price range would be Blind Horse Knives out of Wintersville, Ohio. This is their July special - at $115 it would work for your budget:

http://blindhorseknives.com/july13.htm

 

[Yoshi]

Kabar or ESEE. There are some nice, used, Kabars in the classified section. I've personally seen them, as I've bought a few from him, and they are nice. And for $35, a steal.

 

[CrabbyMcNab]

I know of a prominent member who makes knives...

 

[JBinDC]

Uh, OK, care to share makes knives on here? I'll be checking out all the options mentioned btw. Duly noted the mention of having a leatherman just make me a sheath - thinking about that too...

I may be willing to up the budget for something custom. Hopefully not so nice that I won't want to use it though.

 

[crolfe1984]

I picked up a Benchmade Nimravus (the larger version) over a year ago and have nothing but positive things to say about it! Made in the USA, a good quality sheath, and it is a part of the life-sharp program. This is a knife you could certainly pass on.

Check it out:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-140SBK-Nimravus--1491

 

[joppaj]

A1 had some kabars in the case on Monday. It's a knife that every American male should have one of.

 

[Blaster229]

My DAUGHTER , is getting my Gerber MKII that is about 30 years old right now that I had as a kid.

 

[Alea Jacta Est]

Bark River makes some Awesome knives that fit your specs. Used are even a better value. There's a fella who quit making knives some time ago but they show up from time to time...Daniel Krohn. His stuff rocks. Similarly, Martin Knives of Texas can be had for a great deal from time to time. They're rock solid too. if you old find a used Coye, they're awesome...tend to have Kydex heaths though. Also keep your eyes open for a Martin Olexey Blade (MOB) used as well. Randalls are in a whole nother class...mui expensive. Good luck. Lots a fun looking.

 

[HappyCamper]

A Grayman Knife. Any of the Ground Pounder, Warrior, Kordofan or Defender models will serve you and your clan well for centuries. A little above your budget, but not too much ($190-290) well OK, it's double your budget lol. If you want a family pass-down, don't skimp tho. I have a few and have given a few to family as well.

 

[rj1974]

A full-size KABAR straight edge. It fits your requirements, has a leather sheath and, well, it's a damn classic.

This .

Get a MKII (KABAR) I personally would check ebay for one made by Camillus . Which ever maker you choose get one with a parkerized blade not the baked enamel .

Don't count out the Buck 119 though it is a great knife , I carried one for years .