I still like my old leather handled Case XX knives as good as any.

 

I've been partial to Bark River Knives lately, here at http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/ That site may not have all their products loaded, so here's a gallery they keep more current of what they have made and what's generally available: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/758829/

They have several choices in the length you mentioned, for hunting, skinning, camp, bushcraft, etc.

I've have several, including the Fox River, and Highland Special, and they definitly meet your requirement for "workhorse." Most of them are made with A2 steel.

Bark River also has an ironclad warranty/guarantee, and will repair any damage to the knife practically regardless of how it happened.

 

I can second Bark River. Excellent stuff and their A2 is the best. Also like Knives of Alaska real well. I have some from when they first came out and the steel is very good. Both are higher in price than anything from the hardware store but well worth it over time.

 

Look up the Becker line

All the survival sites praise them.

 

Good thread and actually was going to start one along these lines.

I like my knives almost as much as I like my firearms and have quite a few. For me, my favorite hunting knife is nothing fancy ... is well used Buck 119 Special.

 

I will also vouch for the Bark River Knives. They are made here in the USA and if you want you can even reach the owner by phone. For a super strong knife I use a Game Keeper it is indestructible. I can't see anyone needing a stiffer knife for sporting, and like said above if you have any issues BRK will take care of it, Fred.http://www.the-knife-connection.com/br-gameskeep-ss12.html

 

I like the Buck Vanguard (4.5" fixed blade),

http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productid=2925

You can find them for around $50 new.

 

I'm still using my Buck 102 Woodsman that I was given for Christmas as a young teen...about 35 years ago. Still going strong.

 

I like my Randall model 7 4 1/2". But my Buck woodsman is a real work horse and not near so costly.

John

 

Another plug for Bark River. Either the Bravo-1 or Fox River might be right up your alley (according to specs). Canadian Special would be worth a look, too.

 

http://www.svord.com/SvordMainFrameset.htm

Cheers,
Mark.

 

Cold Steel SRK (Carbon V steel)

RAT Cutlery RC-6

Fallknives A1

the list goes on and on....

 

I've been partial to Bark River Knives lately, here at http://www.barkriverknifetool.com/ That site may not have all their products loaded, so here's a gallery they keep more current of what they have made and what's generally available: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/758829/

They have several choices in the length you mentioned, for hunting, skinning, camp, bushcraft, etc.

I've have several, including the Fox River, and Highland Special, and they definitly meet your requirement for "workhorse." Most of them are made with A2 steel.

Bark River also has an ironclad warranty/guarantee, and will repair any damage to the knife practically regardless of how it happened.

+1

 

Gerber lmf II

I have one of these well made feels great, well balanced and rugged comes with a cool sheath.
Great pack or survival knife, I don't take it hunting, but great to have.

Watch what this guy does to it in this video!

http://www.knifetests.com/GerberLMFIIASEK.html

 

Re: Bark River Knives

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Bark-River-Knives

 

Evidently, no one here's ever heard of Randal Knives?
Steve

 

I have a Randall #14 in O-1.

 

I've been eyeballing the buck ergohunter pro it looks really nice

 

I'm liking the inexpensive knives. Medium to thinner blades around 4 inches.

The Buck Vanguard is a solid and very nicely balanced knife. Will meet the workhorse definition.

The surprise I played with was the Swedish Military Mora. Very nice carbon steel blade with great grip. I'm probally going to order at least a pair. Not quite a 'workhorse', but definately a working knife.

 

S.B.

I have a 7" model 1 from a Veit Nam vet.
a model 5 - 6" and
a model 7 - 4 1/2"

Everyone should have a hand forged knife.

John

 

I have this one and it's about as good as this kind of knife gets.

Tops Cougar Claw

Jesse

http://www.topsknives.com/popup_image.php?pID=50&image=0

 

Here's another one that will really turn your head. I have the Grohmann #1 Original Canadian Belt Knife, but this one is it's big brother....smile.

Jesse

http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/r4s.html

 

Randall model 3 -5 inch and model 8 4 inch.

 

I have become a fan of the Scandinavian knives. You can't go wrong with any of the Moras and most of them are less than $20. Some are less than $15.

If you want the ultimate get the Roselli Carpenter's knife. It's about $80.

You can order from www.ragweedforge.com.

 

I'll second the Cold Steel SRK. Great heavy use utility knife.

Edited to add:

I have used my SRK to:
Cut steak in deer camp
Throwing practice
Cut brush when hiking
Trim trees
Split fire wood
Open cans
Digging
Cut rope

It is still sharp and perfoming great.

 

Cold Steel Recon Tanto
Cold Steel Outdoorsman
Tim Wegner Clipit