The classic Companion is a sore dick deal - you just can't beat it!!
Dude my bear grylls knife put a hole in my undies when I had it shoved into my waist band (no sheath b/c I am la ultralight).
BTW, I am another 1 kilo/2.2lb lighter because I didnt notice how sharp that knife is....
A good baseline for survival knives is morakniv knives.
I bought a couple of these and keep them in my car/bug in bag. One of them I've taken on backpacking trips and it handles Batoning/ campsite activities pretty well.
Try a mora for a couple of bucks more and a mini bic lighter.
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_-VBXybPRQA022 via @amazon
I bought a Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, Military Green, 4.1-Inch a few years ago. I use it for meal prep because it's fixed blade and about the size of a kitchen prep knife. The Amazon site shows its use for camping tasks, too.
EDIT - just saw this has been recommended a few times already. Must be good!
I'd get one of these:
I'm on my second. First one got stolen. I'd buy a third in heartbeat if necessary.
Great camp knife, and it comes with a great sheath, nice sticky handle, and a fire steel.
I really like my mora with the fire steel on the sheath. Amazon shows its for $65 now, but I think it's cheaper at times. Mine was a gift for Christmas that a buddy got me and I think it was on a great sale. Super sharp, thick enough blade for prepping fire wood and shaving kindling.
I ended up getting a tek-lok from blade tech to attach the knife to my belt more securely.
Of course the $15 moras are a super great deal too. Heck, get a thicker one for your fire wood needs and a smaller one for your carving desires.
Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife with Fire Starter and Sheath, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_pdW9wbVAXQSEE
Check out the Condor Bushlore.
Great knife for a scout - versatile and comfortable in the hand.
I have had this knife for 9 years and it's amazing. I highly recommend it.
Be careful with the knife. Anything over 2.5 inches is technically illegal to carry. Even if it is in self defense, you will get charged for it. Also, there is a good saying about knife fights: "The loser dies, and the winner dies in the ambulance."
Here is the street legal knife I carry.
https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Knife-Fixed-Blade/dp/B003IXYW3M
Fixed blades will punish you less for choosing cheaper prices, lower quality. A great quality fixed can cost what a mediocre flipper can sometimes. A lot less can go wrong with a full solid piece of metal, simple & proven.
(You can find very cheap push daggers, neck knives, boot knives) A couple pricier ones but for good reason. (probably can look around and find a cheaper listing and or use a coupon.)
Police use this model for good reason: https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Knife-Fixed-Blade/dp/B003IXYW3M
Have had good luck with this model line, https://www.amazon.com/Minimalist-Katana-Compact-Knife-Sheath/dp/B09HJMC6X5
The only concern for cost is if it's over $150, though I am almost considering grabbing a Mora like this one because I've seen so many great reviews of it. In fact, the Mora companion and bushcraft carbon are already in my amazon cart.
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Carbon Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_CDFWSMF469F4JX793M84?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just an insane value. Buy 3
It's more pricey but it's probably worth it... Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife with Fire Starter and Sheath, 4.3-Inch, Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_A423WK3E5T1FV5XWJ9PX
Morakniv Companion.Morakniv
If he balks at you having such a sweet ass knife, call him a pussy and to "man up."
Pros: - No serial number! - Legal in all states! - A great art piece! - Excellent for slicing fruits and vegetables! - Definitely lethal! - Made in the USA!
Cons:
They're fun!
https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Marine-Corps-Fighting-Straight/dp/B001H53Q6M
I really like the K-Bar TDI. https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Enforcement-Knife-Fixed-Blade/dp/B003IXYW3M
Designed for LEOs with a curved handle to reduce tactile confusion between that and their firearm. Good retention, although I haven't tried to adjust it.
> a Ka-Bar TDI as my
Because of the space between ] and (, it looks like it does above, instead of as a proper link.
There's a lot out there, so although it's above your price range check this out, Ontario Knife Company 8665 Rat-3 Plain Edge with Black Nylon Sheath, Black/Tan, One Size https://www.amazon.com/dp/B075S5BK2V/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8GE287WWDSTQCM7AFWHQ
You'll want something that has a nice belly and isn't too long so you can get your finger on the spine and work around for skinning, etc. A steel that has good edge retention, but can be sharpened out in the field.
At the same time, 3" blade minimum, 4" would be best probably.
I like BPS, they're like wood scales, leather sheath moras, you can even use their leather sheaths for a mora, and vice versa. There's more upkeep though.
Ah, my mistake! I was referring to the one under the Tracker. Thought it was this one:
Is the ka-bar listed on Amazon good? Or should I go to another retailer?
Also, are there other good ka-bar retailers?
Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife with Fire Starter and Sheath, 4.3-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_K6WK3000W268Q8Y8WGFF
Best value in my opinion
Personally, I carry https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002CC6BPM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Which is a fine knife. I'll evaluate my options whenever I want to replace it, but it does everything I want just fine.