14 articles
Fixed Blades & Field Knives
From sub-$30 Moraknivs to full-tang workhorses in CPM-3V and D2, we've read what owners and reviewers say in the field so you know what holds an edge and what chips on a knot. Camp, bushcraft, hunting, survival — the blade that fits your kit is in here.
ESEE Fixed Blades Under Real Scrutiny: 1095 Steel, Sheath Systems, and the Forum Testimony That Matters
A clear-eyed look at ESEE's fixed-blade lineup — what the 1095 carbon steel actually delivers, how the sheath system holds up over years of use, and what long-term owners say when the honeymoon wears off.
Read the guide →
Machetes and Camp Choppers: Steel Grade, Handle Geometry, and the Tasks That Actually Justify the Weight
A practical buyer's guide to machetes and camp choppers — comparing steel grades, handle designs, and real-world use cases so you can decide whether the weight is worth it for your kit.
Read the guide →
Scandi Grinds and Carbon Steel at Every Price: Mora Garberg, Condor Bushlore, and BeaverCraft Compared
Three carbon-steel bushcraft knives with the same Scandi grind philosophy, three very different price points — here's how to pick the right one for where you
Read the guide →
From Your First Mora to a Real Field Knife: The Fixed-Blade Upgrade Ladder Explained
Not sure when to move past your Mora Companion — or what to move to? This guide maps the full fixed-blade upgrade path, from $20 starters through $300+ premium steel, with honest tradeoffs at every rung.
Read the guide →
Budget Fixed Blades Under $50: Mora, Condor, and BPS Knives Compared
Three of the best fixed-blade knives under $50 — the Morakniv Companion, Condor Bushlore, and BPS Knives Adventurer — compared on steel, sheath quality, and
Read the guide → The EDC Fixed Blade Question: ESEE Izula-II, Small Carry Knives, and When a Fixed Blade Beats a Folder
Folders dominate everyday carry, but a small fixed blade might actually serve you better. Here's how to decide — and which knives are worth the research.
Read the guide →
No-Name D2 Fixed Blades vs. Named Brands: Purple Dragon, Dragon Creek, and When Budget Wins
Budget D2 fixed blades from brands like Purple Dragon and Dragon Creek look compelling on paper — but do they actually use the steel they claim? Here's how to
Read the guide →
D2 Steel Fixed Blades: What the Metallurgy Actually Means for Camp and Field Use
D2 is one of the most common steels you'll see on mid-range fixed blades, but its real-world tradeoffs are rarely explained honestly. Here's what the chemistry means for your knife in the field.
Read the guide →
Machetes and Camp Choppers: What Owners Actually Use Them For and Which Handle Survives the Work
A practical look at machetes and camp choppers for outdoorspeople who want to know what these tools actually do in the field — and which handles hold up after
Read the guide →
Gerber StrongArm vs. ESEE Fixed Blades: When Made-in-USA Actually Matters
The Gerber StrongArm has drifted past $100, putting it in direct competition with ESEE's lifetime-warranted workhorses. Here's how to decide which fixed blade
Read the guide → Camp Choppers and Fixed Blades for Heavy Outdoor Work: Machetes, the KA-BAR, and the Kershaw Camp 10
From sub-$20 machetes to mid-tier camp choppers, here's an honest breakdown of what each tool actually delivers in the field — and which one belongs in your
Read the guide →
Full-Tang Carbon Steel Fixed Blades at $40–$120: BPS, ESEE, TOPS, and KA-BAR Kephart Side by Side
Four capable carbon steel fixed blades, one price band, very different value stories. Here's how BPS, ESEE, TOPS, and KA-BAR stack up for real-world use.
Read the guide → Carbon Steel Bushcraft Knives: The Rust Trade-Off, Scandi Grinds, and Which Handles Survive Real Field Use
Carbon steel bushcraft knives are sharper, tougher, and cheaper to maintain than stainless — but they rust if you ignore them. Here's how to choose wisely and what the tradeoffs actually cost you in the field.
Read the guide → The $25–$60 No-Name D2 Fixed Blade Market: Surprising Quality or Race to the Bottom?
Budget fixed blades claiming D2 steel flood the market at prices that should be impossible. We dig into what owners actually find, where the corners get cut
Read the guide →