Looking for a all around knife. I would prefer a blade length in the 6-7" range. So far i have looked at the RAT-7, SOG Seal Team, RAT Cutlery RC-6, Becker 7 and Cold Steel SRK. The more i read the more confused i am:) Money is really not an object. I would prefer a $200 knife that per say is a "10" than a $70 knife that is an 8/10. All inputs appreciated.
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CWL
June 8, 2009, 08:14 PM
How much do you know about survival? The more you know, the more you'd cater the knife to what conditions you will encounter
Your knife should be catered to:
1. your knowledge and abilities; and
2. the immediate area that you will be needing the tool
Examples:
Since you live in FL, wouldn't you need a big but thin knife for overgrowth clearing, dry-shelter making and processing fish and or fruits gathering? A medium length machete would work well for you there.
But if you get washed out at sea, you may need a smaller blade to carve lures and make string in order to catch fish.
Someone living in the Rockies or Canadian Outback would need something capable of processing lumber for firewood and heavy shelter manufacture as well as for trapping and skinning pelted animals. A heavier chopper-configured blade would be more useful there.
Psyco Tyco
June 8, 2009, 08:47 PM
IMHO you cant go wrong with an SOG knife such as their SOG bowie 2.0 or the SEAL pup elite i carry one of them for any of my outdoor activities easily a 10. if you want a knife that was designed as a survival style knife i would recommend the Gerber LMF II i give it a 9.99 with a built in sharpener in the sheath you dont have to worry about it dulling my only reason for not carrying it is because i prefer straight blades to serrated blades
hso
June 8, 2009, 09:22 PM
Gotta agree with CWL. The type of knife you need is based on what you'll need to do with it. A knife used in the great temperate northern woods may not be what you need in the tropical lushness of the glades.
So, quit reading about knives and start reading about survival in the environment you're going to be in. Then you'll know what knife you need.
Get a Becker Necker and a good machete and leave the boat anchors behind.
Exmasonite
June 8, 2009, 09:30 PM
have you checked out any of Valkman's fighters?
here's (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=369313&highlight=valkman+fighter) a thread from a group buy he did awhile back.
This (http://www.dlknives.com) is his website. probably just above the $200 but you also said $ is no issue.
I ended up going with a 5" version of the fighter... that was all the blade i figure i needed.
aside from the places you'd mentioned, have you looked at the Bark River line? they have quite a few options that'll fit your requirements.
lastly, there is the question of exactly what you're looking for. first, you mention "survival knife" but then say "all around". not to split hairs but they could be different things. here are just a few combos to consider:
1) the "1" knife option... something that does most of what you want well but with some compromises
2) machete (or similar) + smaller knife (like in 2-4" FB range)
3) Big knife/machete + multitool or small folder
4) hatchet + knife/multitool, etc
lotsa stuff to consider. i don't think it's unreasonable to go after that "one knife" but just realize its limitations and consider supplementing it appropriately.
good luck and let us know what you decide!
sm
June 8, 2009, 11:17 PM
See post numbers 2 and 3.
Then get a SAK, Victorinox Farmer to compliment whatever else you choose to get.
Joe Demko
June 8, 2009, 11:27 PM
Victorinox paring knives are light, sharp, and cheap. They are great knives to toss in a survival kit. They red handled ones are easy to see, too.
Psyco Tyco
June 9, 2009, 03:22 AM
i disagree with picking a survival knife on where you currently are....i believe you should pick one that will serve well in different environments, it is possible to run into a survival situation anywhere so a balanced knife is important....also i forgot to mention the ontario knives an sp10 marine raider bowie along with the sp1 marine combat makes a great team for around $100 and span from machete work to cleaning fish and scraping tinder. it still comes down to being suited to many environments
Pizzagunner
June 9, 2009, 03:48 AM
The best the survival knife you'll ever have is the one you're carrying with you when the survival situation crops up.
For some folks, the knife they will take into "harm's way" is predicated on a pre-arranged trip.
Sometimes,, the survival situation is thrust upon you, like taking a bad turn in a snowstorm, flipping into a ditch and having a sudden need to cut your seat belt or break a window.
If I am wearing jeans, I'm wearing a RC-4. It's tough enough for anything I can think of.
If you need more than a four-six inch fix bladed knife in the wild, your skills suck or you are in desperate need or a real axe, machete, or saw that you should have brought with you in the first place if you were adventuring among vegetation requiring those tools.
Psyco Tyco
June 9, 2009, 04:07 AM
thats actually good logic well said pizzagunner...i think we all jumped to the conclusion he meant a knife to carry in case a hiking trip or hunt went bad...but an EDC knife can sometimes fit the bill perfectly
arcticap
June 9, 2009, 04:09 AM
Which knife would Tarzan choose? :rolleyes:
This one has a matte finish, and it's strong & tough just like Aahhrnold! :D
Once you hold one, there's a good chance that you won't want to let it go!:)
ArfinGreebly
June 9, 2009, 05:31 AM
Emergencies have a way of showing up when you're not expecting them.
Somebody swerves to miss a cat and runs you into a ditch. A deer (or elk, or moose) suddenly leaps into your headlights, allowing you 20 whole feet of stopping room at 55 mph. The weatherman lied (again) and here you are in a hailstorm with no jacket. A peaceful afternoon at the lake becomes tense when a swimmer is entangled in someone's fishing line. The weatherman lied (again) and you're stranded by the road in the midst of forty other cars, all playing fender tag, as they try to come to terms with the freezing rain on the road. You come back from the river with your day's catch, to discover that your truck won't start, your cell phone has no signal, and sundown was twenty minutes ago.
And the list goes on.
Survival is, of course, not all about the knife, but it's arguably the most broadly useful tool you can have. A good cutting tool can make all the difference between making it and not.
I have, at all times, a full-sized folder (EKA Swede 92) on my belt in a nondescript horizontal nylon pouch. It's more or less the size of a Buck 110, but a little slimmer and lighter. On the other hip rides a Leatherman Wave. Additionally, there's a small "gent's knife" (Case Pocket Hunter), and -- depending on the day -- a SAK or a stockman.
If I'm dressing up, the hardware will change, and I may be down to a couple of items but, unless I'm in a courtroom or on a plane, I always have at least two.
The truck has a large fixed blade, a large folder, a folding fillet knife, another SAK, a hobo tool, and so on. The Jeep has a knife or three, a hatchet, and a short survival machete (Ontario Spec Plus).
Keeping knives, hatchets, and such in the vehicles is a habit from years of living around forests and lakes and mountains.
The Idaho Driver's Manual actually has a list of stuff they recommend you carry in your car -- including a pocket knife.
Final comment: I am occasionally asked why I carry this knife or that, and why I "obsess" about keeping them sharp. My standard answer is that "you just never know when you might have to cut off your own arm." Google Aron Ralston for insight into that line of thinking.
sniper5
June 9, 2009, 06:46 AM
Well, let's see. What have I got RIGHT now? Clipped to my right pocket as I'm writing is a Kershaw Blur. If I'm kayaking it would be a Gerber River Shorty on by PFD. If I'm diving it's a Remora on my BC. If I'm in my car it's a Special Forces Shovel. If I'm working around ropes it's a Swiss Army Yachting knife. And if I'm anywhere where I need to be PC it's a SAK. I also have multitools from various makers: Schrade, Gerber, Leatherman in all the above locations and in my dive bag.
Moral: Make sure you have what you need NOW. Don't buy one that you only carry on "special occasions". Murphy's Law will prevail.
bikerdoc
June 9, 2009, 07:10 AM
Of your original list the Becker 11 is a great choice.
The word survival is a nebulous as the word tactical.
What really counts is having a couple of sharp knives that can fit your needs.
Camillus Scout knife is a Keeper! Open canned goods, make holes to stitch leather, and many other uses. Rough Rider makes this knife style currently.
You can purchase all three for under $100. Learn how to make snares and keep a few in your trail pack along with 3 ways to make a fire.
TR
KBT1911
June 9, 2009, 10:45 PM
If your're looking for an all-around good utility/fighting sheath knife, the good old KaBar is always a winner!
hexidismal
June 10, 2009, 12:29 AM
If your'e looking for an all-around good utility/fighting sheath knife, the good old KaBar is always a winner!
I just recently picked up a Ka-Bar BullDozier. Looks like this
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/kbar/images/1275.jpg
It's definitely a winner for the price I paid, about $65 if I recall correctly. It is larger and heavier than I expected from the pictures online. I've barely handled it, so I can't make a full review but it sure seems to be built tough as nails. The blade is quite thick, but the hollow grind could stand to be just a little bit less sloppy. The one I got doesn't look quite as clean as the ad pics.
Gordon
June 10, 2009, 01:01 AM
If I didn't get a Valkman 5" or 6" , I'd get the Rat 7. I think Valkman would give you a very nice knife ,far beyond an factory pop out for $185 ect for a couple crisp Franklins right about NOW!
OregonJohnny
June 10, 2009, 03:30 AM
If I'm awake and out of my bed, I have a blade on my person. As others have stated, "survival" could come at any time in any place. I am never without at least a Buck Cadet in my pocket, but usually, I have a Kershaw Blur, or other 2.5" - 4" folding knife clipped on my pocket. I like serrations on my folding EDC knives for no other reason than seat belt cutting. Everything else that comes along in my day-to-day cutting tasks requires only a sharp 2" blade.
I plan on carrying a Gerber LMF II on certain occasions to serve as my all-purpose "survival" knife. I keep a KA-BAR in the truck/grab-n-go bag, and will add a Kershaw Outcast to my bug-out setup to serve as an all-purpose chopping/slashing tool.
Anyway, others on this site have much more expertise than I, but I'll just say that in most cases, you'd be well-served with a sturdy fixed-blade, full-tang knife in a decent steel, 3 - 5", with a sharpening stone and a mindset for survival.
Valkman
June 10, 2009, 04:23 AM
If I didn't get a Valkman 5" or 6" , I'd get the Rat 7. I think Valkman would give you a very nice knife ,far beyond an factory pop out for $185 ect for a couple crisp Franklins right about NOW!
Well said! :)
Gustav
June 10, 2009, 05:15 PM
Check out a Bark River Knife & Tools Bravo II and Smoke Jumper and the 2009 Bowie Knives they all come with a no BS lifetime warranty.
Bark River knives for the most part use a convex edge which is easy to sharpen without special tools.
Many handle material choices to choose from they are not as well known as some of the other brands but are some of the best knives made IMO.
Some other brands are not 100% made in the USA Cold Steel for example is often made in China.
Good luck on your selection.:)
tomh1426
June 10, 2009, 05:36 PM
Cold Steel trail master or recon scout
Ka-bar large heavy bowie
Check out some of the reviews and pointless destruction test on youtube, I like the Nutnfancy reviews.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOz_mUISaY4
Coyote3855
June 10, 2009, 05:43 PM
Here's a vote for the Buck Special model 119. Mine dates from about 1980. Now under $50 bucks at wally world. I have a Randall, a Benchmade MiniRuckus, a stag handle Marble's Woodsmaster, a 3" blade Bark River. I almost alway carry a Moore Maker small trapper, a Spyderco Endura, a SAK Classic and a Leatherman multitool. If I'm going out for any extended time, the Buck Special gets the nod. My original military issue Woodsman's Pal comes along if I think I might want to make a fire.
But, I agree with the posters who say that preparation is more important than a specific tool, and that I want to be prepared to "survive" with what I have with me all the time.
theotherwaldo
June 10, 2009, 07:05 PM
Survival is not a knife.
Survival is a philosophy that leads to a way of life.
The knife that you have with you when you enter a survival situation is probably the best "survival knife".
Survival situations rarely give previous notice. Or do-overs.
So pick a knife that you will carry.
Everywhere.
Demitrios
June 10, 2009, 08:09 PM
For mountain climbing I carry three blades so I can clear brush, cut rope, wittle, etc.
The Cold Steel Kukri Machete which you can get at Botach Tactical for under $20. I threw a rubber bike handle on it and it's a pleasure to swing. http://www.botachtactical.com/costkuma.html
http://images.coldsteel-knives.com/Md/3281_1/97KMS_Cold_Steel_Kukri_Machete_13_w_Sheath.jpg
The Buck Nighthawk which you can get at Amazon for roughly $55 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EHWWQY/ref=asc_df_B000EHWWQY819255?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=nextag-sg-delta-20&linkCode=asn.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/21SFAPVE2WL._SL500_AA280_.jpg
The Spyderco Native which you can pick up at Wal-Mart for $40 (S30V steel is a great all around steel to take outdoors with you and for $40, pardon the pun, is a steal).
http://www.crocblades.com/images/products/C41PBK.jpg
From large for a heavy chopper, to medium to for tasks to small for a machete but still has some meat to it, to small for light work such as cutting thin pieces of rope these three blades will do everything you need at a reasonable price. The Buck and Spyderco are scary sharp and easily sharpened and the Cold Steel is probably the best chopper you can buy and not worry about destroying it because you spent a fortune. I have these three, I use them over my other knives regularly and if what I use it for applies to you then they'll treat you right.
Demitrios
June 10, 2009, 09:30 PM
However, and I'm surprised I forgot to mention this, you can get yourself a Spyderco Rock Salt for around $220 but you'd have to do some digging. It's a bit more but still a quality piece and a reasonable compromise from my prior suggestions.
For mountain climbing I carry three blades so I can clear brush, cut rope, wittle, etc.
Demitrios, you aren't talking about technical climbing are you?
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
June 10, 2009, 10:08 PM
Alpha 6165 or whatever...If you want a real survival knife go to Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Go into the search bar and type in ASEK KNIFE. I own 4 of them. My son in the U.S. Marines carries 2 of them. (plus his KBar) My little grand neice own's one I gave her.
I think item # is ON1410, not sure. Made by Ontario for U.S. Military. 1095 high carbon steel. This knife is tough as hell and will do lot's of stuff. Check it out unless you're just one of these arm chair survivalists. When you find it be sure to blow up the picture and read about it and the scabbard. I think the price is still probably around $130.00. No one on the face of this earth can carry a better survival knife..Great White Hunter..
Gerber has a copy of it they made, but it's not near as good or as complete as the Ontario. The U.S. Military told Ontario what they wanted and what they wanted it to be able to do and Ontario built it for them. It passed every test. Gerber is just a copy to try and get part of the civilian knife market....
Demitrios
June 11, 2009, 01:17 AM
CWL, noooooooo. I have neither the money nor inclination to do that. Nothing vertical above 30 feet anyway.
Todd A
June 11, 2009, 03:10 AM
Check it out unless you're just one of these arm chair survivalists.
No one on the face of this earth can carry a better survival knife.
Wow....................:confused:
I must be an armchair "survivalist".:o
Since I am not a pilot I don't need a slightly updated version of a Pilots Survival knife. I just can't see myself needing to cut,pry,and smash my way out of a downed aircraft.:eek:
It's been riding in the glove box of our family vehicle for more than ten years. Picked it up in Las Vegas at a desert outfitter's store for something like five bucks and chucked it in the van's glove box. We eventually sold the white van, got the red van, sold it and got the SUV "truck." That knife's been in each glove box.
I had to put the truck in the shop in December for some body work, and cleaned out the console and glove box. When I went to put it all back, I found the knife, opened it up to check it, and just stared. It's never needed sharpening in more than ten years. Clean and bright. "Like new."
There's a Wenger SAK in the truck now, and the Camillus is on my desk.
If you look around at some of my older posts in this section, you'll see some pictures of "my desk" and the clutter of knives on it.
And now there's one more.
Ioweegian
June 11, 2009, 04:48 AM
alpha 6164,
By your criteria I'd suggest spending significantly less than $200.00. Get a Ranger RD-6. You will never look back. They are built like a TANK. Justin (the proprietor) is the nicest guy to work with that you can imagine. The knife has a full-tang - important if you are in the bush and your handle breaks you still have a knife that is 100% functional.
Holds an edge and cuts like crazy according to my son who owns one and skinned many wild hogs out with it. Free resharpening if you want to send it back to him at any time too (I think Benchmade and others do this as well).
The RD-6 is . . . (your going to think I'm making this up) a mere $89.95! See link here (http://www.rangerknives.com/Knives/index.html).
It has of course a lifetime no BS guarantee.
Take the other $100 or so left over and get for a back up (also pleasantly "overbuilt" knives) a Benchmade minigriptialian in D2 (from Cabelas) or a Spyderco Manix (or mini Manix would probably be even better than a full size Manix as this is your backup knife that you'll keep in your pocket).
I tried to order a Busse knife with my son in mind, then a Swamprat or Scrapyard. No go on any of them - they didn't have any available in the styles that I wanted (the Busses were also about 3 times the cost). They have a very loyal following (I can certainly see why) and buy up their knives quite quickly.
So I looked around the net and eventually got him the "poor-man's Busse" - the Ranger. Wow! You won't regret it.
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
June 11, 2009, 11:28 AM
Mr. Todd A, sir, perhaps you need to read a post and make damn sure you understand what was said in the post before you start with your smart aleck remarks. I didn't say it would be someone's favorite knife. I didn't say they may not like one better. (I prefer my USMC KBar) I didn't say the ASEK had to be their favorite knife.. What I did say was that for a survival knife no one on earth can find one any better. I stand by my statement. If you want to argue the matter I would suggest you take it up with the U.S. Military. Pilots and grunts and Force Recon units alike..Great White Hunter..
auschip
June 11, 2009, 11:51 AM
What I did say was that for a survival knife no one on earth can find one any better.
I can think of several knives that are better.
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
June 11, 2009, 11:54 AM
Name One..
22-rimfire
June 11, 2009, 11:54 AM
Without looking at many knives and comparing how they feel, I think you would be hard pressed to find a better all around knife for "survival" than the Rat Cutlery RC-5 or RC-6. They are a tad large for me, but they are well made blades.
I assume this is the Ontario ASEK that you are referring to? http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=asek&Search.x=10&Search.y=7&SKU=ON1400
Todd A
June 11, 2009, 12:03 PM
I would suggest you take it up with the U.S. Military.
The US Military has ,over the years, issued hundreds of differant models and makes of knives.The BK2 is just one example which is better suited for woods work,"survival" if you will.
There is no "best" knife...it is the skill and knowledge of the user that counts.
I am a knifenut and own several fixed blades that can be "survival" knives. But,the truth be told,I can survive with just my Victorinox Hiker.
22-rimfire
June 11, 2009, 12:22 PM
What the heck is a "Survival knife" anyway? Choice depends....
I am pretty content with my Vic Adventurer knife for most things although I would not want to dig a pit with one.
For a basic knife, the RC-5 is hard to beat, and I like the SOG Seal Pup Elite (plain edge) for general outdoor purposes (price vs what you get). It's tough and would make a good general carry belt knife along with a SAK. In my book it ranks about a 8/10 but I don't know many 10's as it's a personal choice. I also like the 12" Ontario machetes.
auschip
June 11, 2009, 12:36 PM
Name One..
These four are better, and that is just off the top of my head.
Looking for a all around knife. I would prefer a blade length in the 6-7" range.
I have the Becker BK7. IMO an all around knife of that size should be able to chop. I stay away from Kraton handles. Slabs are just flat out better. The RC-6 is also a great knife.
Mr. Todd A..Now that sir is a good answer. I can certainly live with that statement. I own USMC KBars, Case XX's that are on the same model as the KBar that was submitted for testing, a few Randalls, the ASEK's, and several others. Just knives I'vd accumulated over the long years gone by. (I'm getting to be an old man) Mostly what I reach for nowadays is an Old Hickory. It's good enough for me. Most of ya'll probably own more knives than I do. All I meant was that stuck out somewhere in the mountains, in the swamps, in the deserts, just where ever and under most any circumatances (and I'vd been in all of them) the ASEK is a damn good knife to have at hand. There's no better knife to have at hand. There are some with better steel, cost more, cost less, whatever, it dosen't matter. Me, I would grab for my KBar I guess but I could get by with my Leatherman Super Tool..Great White Hunter..Sorry if I offended..
Carl Levitian
June 11, 2009, 07:04 PM
I've always thought the whole term and class of "survival" knives were an overblown thing. Any knife can be put into survival use, and in fact, from what I've read about the numerous accounts of "survival" stories, most have got by with a Buck 110 on the belt when they got stupid enough to get themselves in trouble.
Before one jumps on the military issue bandwagon, remember how they determine the final product; the cheapest bidder. Having spent 10 years in the service, I'm not automaticly impressed by military issue gear. As for the Air Force survival knife, it's an okay knife, but it has its downsides. The most recent and most highly publisized account of a downed airman was Captain Scott O'Grady shot down in Bosnia by a SAM. While hiding on the ground, he found his sak with a saw blade more usefull than the pilot survivla knife, which he found to be too blunt, and too ineffective.
Situations vary greatly, and equiptment for one part of the world will vary from another. But a cutting tool is still the most effective 'survival' tool thereis. When NASA did a very in depth study of what to give an astronaut to survive with in any part of the world, they came up with a 12 inch machete and a scout type pocket knife. In live action field tests, that combination of gear worked from temperate hardwood forrest to jungle, to arid brush country.
Lots to think about a 12 inch all round blade vs a 5 or 6 inch knife. The Ontario 12 inch machete, or the bit lighter 12 inch Tramontina are very versitile cutters. When Karen and I did our rain forrest trip in Costa Rica, all the guides carried 12 inch machete's in nice leather sheaths as thier all purpase knife, with a sak and a Bic lighter in a nylon/velcro pouch in the belt for detail work. On our 5th night, they even used the 12 inch machete's to butcher the pig on the pig roast. They made good ham slicers to be sure. I came away converted to the camp of the small machete. For years now I just carry a pocket knife or two, and a 12 inch Ontario. I haven't found anything that combo won't cover, anywhere in the U.S.
BHP FAN
June 11, 2009, 07:30 PM
MY Camillus pilot's survival knife is not blunt. It has a point like a needle,and an edge like a razor. The Captain should have maintained his equipment.
hso
June 11, 2009, 10:03 PM
It's very difficult to beat the SAK saw blade for making small concealment blinds. The saw cuts quickly and doesn't foul. I carry the SAK Farmer because of the saw blade.
T.R.
June 12, 2009, 03:58 PM
Years ago, I spent an enjoyable 2.5 weeks hunting caribou and moose with a Cree Indian guide. The hunt was arranged through a contact who knows the local Jesuit missionary priest. The Cree people of Saskatchewan support themselves by hunting, trapping, and trading. In my opinion, these folks have more survival experience than most of us combined.
My guide carried 3 knives and a long handled hatchet (not heavy head like an axe). The common "trapper style" two blade knife was used for a wide variety of outdoor tasks. He also had a "scout knife" like the all purpose GI knife shown in my previous reply. Lastly, his belt knife was a large kitchen knife that was carried in a nicely crafted leather sheath.
To me, surviving is being safe and comfortable until rescue is accomplished. The movie EDGE is an example of how not to go about it. They should've made camp near a ridge and gathered a large supply of firewood. Three (3) fires spaced about 40 feet apart is the signal that help is needed. Add green or wet material when a plane is sighted or heard to form plumes of smoke.
You can live without food for a week or more. But you need water and shelter to survive. A large bowie type knife or axe can be used to frame a shelter and cut materials for roof and bedding. The smaller knives are useful for dressing small game, fish, and other tasks.
Before buying the most expensive knives, please understand that the Cree people I met were pleased with their rather ordinary knives. A few generations before these steel knives were available, cutting tools and weapons were fashioned from bone, obsidian, flint, and other materials. Even these ancient less-than-ideal knives were useful indeed!
TR
OLD208X3A
June 12, 2009, 04:39 PM
Good information so far. Two differing schools of thought coming up though. The first is the "Whatever knife you have on you" for emergencies and in that case, everyone should carry a good pocket knife. Benchmade makes great pocket knives that are easy to carry and thus always on your person. The second school is about the knife you will consciously carry with you in the event you'll run into some tough, outdoor situation. In that case I would recommend the Gerber LMF. It's a great knife that can be found on eBay for about $75 and it has a good, flexible sheath/carry system. Just another opinion to throw on the fire. ;)
Undeader
June 12, 2009, 04:40 PM
After contemplating this question and doing much research I finally decided on my Survival Knife.
"Survival Knife" - maybe it's because i was raised in the 80's, but i only assign that word to hollow handled knives. of which, incidentally, i would only consider a Chris Reeves.
what you are describing is what i would call a general purpose field knife. as far as which one - there's plenty of good choices. the thing i always ask myself is: how much prying or batoning do i plan on doing. if the answer is "not much", i don't go very thick.
i just got a Benchmade Presidio (fixed blade), yesterday. while i haven't put it through the paces, yet, it seems like it would be great for the purpose you are describing. it's a good "Florida" knife :D it's right around your target price, appears to be quite durable/capable, has enough cutting edge where you can afford to spend some it on serrations, and it has a little flare to it (it's not a clunker)
check it out :)
sm
June 15, 2009, 02:25 AM
Multi-tool.
One of our members, a buddy of mine, retired Army that has been there and done that from blistering hot, to sub-zero temps informed me:
"If I had to go into combat today, right now, and do what I had did, I would not take a knife, instead my Leatherman Super Tool".
He looked at me as we were heading down the road, to see my reaction.
He knew I had little experience with multi-tools. I had shared I had won some in shooting, and never really used them, and do not know what happened to them.
He is familiar with some of what I have done, some of my lessons, and mentoring, and knives used.
"You are bit crazy, about some minimal stuff you have done, not a bad thing, actually good, still some is borderline crazy and some is flat out crazy".
We have different backgrounds, life experiences and all, and we agree to disagree.
Simply because, we have not done what the other has, so we learn from each other.
So he gave me a Leatherman Super Tool.
I understand this one is no longer made, and I forget which model took its place in the Leatherman line.
So I used this Super Tool for all sorts of uses, just as I might in survival situations.
I used it in my kitchen for food prep, to doing home repair, fixing electrical, plumbing, engine (lawn mower), cutting down small trees, I needed to cut down.
I do mean small trees, along with smaller hedges and shrubs, and I had a huge brush pile when I was done. It shocked my neighbor I did all that with a Super Tool.
Now this member has used GI Demo knife, Victorinox Soldier, K-Bar, Bayonets, and a custom fixed blade he showed me, plus some other knives, and I think one included a Buck 110.
Still when he said he would take a Super Tool into combat, and want it for survival needs, I paid attention and listened to what he had to share.
Define "survival" , it can and does mean different things to different people.
I always wanted a pair of channel lock pliers when I was out and about...and have used these with a pocket knife or fixed...
Another friend always wanted Vice Grips in addition to his ~ 4" carbon steel Stockman pocket knife
He too has been there, done that all over the world.
Yet another refuses to be without a Victorinox Farmer.
Yeah, I miss my Farmer, and is another knife on my list to replace.
I have spent 14 days in Canada , canoeing and portaging with nothing but a Case Peanut, yellow handle with CV blades.
Same knife I took a 5 day survival dealie mentors had me do.
Boker Tree Classic 240, with Rosewood handles, which is a pen knife about 3 1/8" closed length with carbon steel blades is another knife I have used in "lessons" , "set ups" and in real life when I had to use, what I had on person.
Someday, I would like another of these, if they can still get this knife in the US.
Case yellow handled with CV blade Slimline Trapper is another old friend of mine that has been with me and been used for...name it I have used it for it, including stopping a threat. Case Sodbuster Jr is another.
Multi-Tool is another tool in the toolbox, and again I pay attention to what some folks share with me, as they have been there and done that.
Hence the reason I still use this Super Tool gift to educate myself and get some skill sets with a new to me tool.
I don't have a sheath for mine, I instead sometimes use a shoe lace for lanyard, and have in my pocket.
I was mentored to have a knife in pocket, as sheaths can lose folding and fixed blades, when serious situations occur.
Always always always have a knife of some kind in your pocket. You never know when that is all you have to work with , the items in pocket.
thesolidus
June 15, 2009, 03:54 AM
I'll second the vote for a machete sized knife.
I love love love my Cold Steel ghurka Kukri.
Shorter than a machete, just a bit longer than a Ka-Bar, great camp tool and has replaced a pocket knife, camp axe, and saw though I do duplicate a bit anyway.
This weekend practacing fire bow making. I was able to cut branches in a few swipes, de bark and even whittle, though that's better left to a multi tool. Even cut a path through thick underbrush, stripped pine boughs in seconds for shelter bedding, felled an arm sized tree (already uprooted) for a shelter roof, split a log, hammered a stake into the ground, dug a cat-hole, and for a bet, threw and hit a pie plate at 10 yards burying 5" into a redwood trunk! (lucky throw, I'm not that good yet!)
Fits on a belt or sidesaddle to a day pack, holds an edge, and is by far my best camp tool.
(not married to Cold Steel, kukri design is just awesome!)
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
June 22, 2009, 11:17 PM
I got my two Kabar Bowies in, the short and the long if that's the way you want to call them. I'm sure they're probably good knives but I don't have anything to cut with them. Unless the house blow's up or something I don't have any intention of buying any more knives unless they invent one that will go into the kitchen and make me a skillet of cornbread or a pan of biscuits, then I might reconsider..
Border
June 23, 2009, 06:55 AM
RC-4 and my Leatherman xti
Stainz
June 23, 2009, 08:20 AM
Interesting. I had my ideal camping knife - closest thing to 'survival' I've ever needed. It was my Dad's old WWII KaBar. I had to try to find a better suited one - below is a comparison, with a new KaBar for comparison. They are, top down: KaBar, Gerber LMFII, RAT Cutlery RC-5, and Buck 650 Nighthawk.
I've become 'enlightened' over the years - and I have a collection of Bark River, Marbles, etc 'bushcraft' knives as a result. That first KaBar worked well - I never knew it wasn't the 'best' - it was 'what I had'. The RAT RC-5 came a week ago - super knife. I look forward to 'trying' it. The LMF is 'interesting' - and a gift from my son from an earlier pappy's day. The Nighthawk has promise, too. The KaBar worked.
We seem to collect 'stuff'... more so as we get older...
Stainz
Omaha-BeenGlockin
June 23, 2009, 09:09 AM
Guess I'm in the use what ya have camp.
EDC a Benchmade 520 and Vic Farmer with a good amount of cord attached to the lanyard loop.
That combo will cover most any situation and are on my person at all times--cept for sleepin and showerin.
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
June 24, 2009, 12:01 AM
I'vd got a Buck Night Hawk put up here somewhere. Look's just like the one you have pictured here. Real good knife. Balanced pretty good to. I think one time years ago I cleaned 2 squirrels with it. Night Hawk has been around for a long time. I'vd had mine for several years...
Barny
July 6, 2009, 06:53 PM
Go with a trio of some sort.
Here's mine,,, Fallkniven S1, Tramontina Sugar Cane Machete, Case XX Trapper in cv.
Just pick out a fixed, chopper and a folder, and there's nothing that can hold you back.
tcsnake
July 8, 2009, 05:22 PM
Having extensive Knowlege of what actually works in a survival Scenario, I highly recomend both the Ka-bar and the Buck special.
I once had a buck Special save my life in El Dorado National forest Near Jackson CA.
CJ
July 8, 2009, 05:45 PM
As others mentioned, it is the one with you when you need it. I have all kinds of big blades, ranging from inexpensive (Cold Steel Bushman) to extremely expensive (rare old Busse's, for example)...yet what typically ends up with me is usually a $20 KaBar Dozier folder, KaBar Mule, or Victorinox with a locking blade and saw (depending on the gear I'm carrying at the time).
They're all lightweight enough to be along for the ride, so if anything ever happens, odds are one of them would be with me. No one plans on having a true survival situation (well, ok, some do for practice I guess), so the knowledge of what needs doing, and how to do it with the tools on hand is key.
Omaha-BeenGlockin
July 8, 2009, 06:56 PM
I once had a buck Special save my life in El Dorado National forest Near Jackson CA.
So Snake---are ya gonna tell us the story?
jhco
July 8, 2009, 11:46 PM
I like a usmc k bar but thats me and i know that not everyone will agree
GENTLEMAN OF THE CHARCOAL
July 9, 2009, 12:10 AM
jhco..I agree..
Marlin 45 carbine
July 9, 2009, 12:33 AM
lots of thought provoking answers, good to see.
to toss a little more into the fray my 'BOB' has a Glock field knife (once sharpened these things will hold an edge) and a Swiss Army (Victorinox) the 'officers model' a bit larger than the regular. who knows a feller may happen upon a bottle of red a-hollerin' 'drink me'.
but I can see where some say the Leatherman is indespensable - I have the Gerber.
well under 200 for both.
TimboKhan
July 9, 2009, 02:03 AM
currently, I only have two fixed blade (non-kitchen) knifes: A CS Kukhri which should more accurately be called a machete, and my USMC Kabar. I think the Kabar is up to most tasks, and mine has been put through the wringer over the years (to include my adventures in Desert Storm and Somalia), but to be honest, I have never been totally in love with it. I rarely carried it on my person when I was in the military because it was too big, and for simple daily tasks I just found the small Spyderco folder I carried at the time to be superior.
I still feel that way, and since my original leather sheath rotted away, my ol' Kabar has been relegated to emergency bedside stabber and backscratcher. I have been considering what knife to buy for a long time for my general purpose "survival" and hunting knife, and the more I look, the less convinced I am that there is one overall best solution, or even a best solution for a particular scenario. For me personally, I like the idea and execution of the RAT cutlery knives. Steel aside, there are two reasons for this: First, I like the drop point over a clip point. Second, I like the simplicity of the design. I mean, there just isn't a whole lot that makes up a RC-4 or whatever. I don't think they are exorbitantly priced, and something along the lines of an RC3 or an RC4 makes good sense to me size-wise.
Buck and Benchmade make some hunting knives that I really like as well that I think would work just fine in a survival scenario. In the near future, I will very likely buy a knife (or two, or three) from one or more of these companies.
Todd A
July 9, 2009, 01:38 PM
My survival knife is really two knives. I am limited to a sub four inch knife by law, the only exemptions are for hunting and fishing. Camping or hiking don't count by the wording of the law.
My fixed for the woods is a simple carbon steel 3 7/8" blade knife. It is about the size of a RC-3,and only cost a tiny bit more.
Paired with a Vic Hiker SAK ,about $25, my survival combo will handle any chore I need them to. And still fall under the thread's original post of being under $200.
Steve noted:
So he gave me a Leatherman Super Tool.
I understand this one is no longer made, and I forget which model took its place in the Leatherman line.
Original Supertool:
http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=101256&d=1247188930
I have one of those.
In the course of my recent knife shopping, I had a chance to look closely at the newer Leatherman Core . . .
. . . and I would say that the Core is pretty darn close.
There are clear improvements, but the family resemblance is very much parent-child.
I carry the Wave because the main blades open one-handed without having to open the pliers.
I might just go ahead and get a Core, too, just for the heck of it.
:D
Ash
July 9, 2009, 10:39 PM
I'm rather fond of my Wenger Tradesman.
A Mora would make a good companion.
Ash
lobo9er
July 9, 2009, 10:41 PM
Man I bought a straight blade Ozark Moutain knife from Wally World two summers ago; holds an edge, sharpens easy, nice wood handle, 8 dollar bills, I wish I bought a couple; goes fish'n camp'n and hunt'n as good as any knife.
lobo9er
July 9, 2009, 10:50 PM
http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=115046&ppid=1122&image=182013019&images=182012670,182013019&formats=0,0&format=0
ozark trail my bad heres a pic of one i found online fixed blade i suppose i also mis-spoke
I would be most likely to have my everyday carry knife & tool with me in an emergent survival situation; that would be a SOG pow-r-plier & either a Gerber or CRKT folder.
The mandatory survival kit we put together for daughter's Bow & Firearms "Hunters Basic" courses has a Mora knife and a tiny Fiskars hatchet. That kit now rides in the back of my car, and an identical kit is in hers. Even though it wasn't a survival situation, both the little mora knife and the hatchet were very handy dressing out a few feral pigs in Texas a while back.
Maybe that's funny in a way, because I have all these Cold Steel, CRKT, Spyderco, and Buck folders, and a bunch of fixed blade knive and machetes to pick from.
BENELLIMONTE
July 10, 2009, 12:06 AM
Gerber LMF, or for a couple of hundred more Chris Reeve Skinner (Ubejane). I will be carrying the Skinner on my belt and the Gerber
in my backpack this fall when I go hunting in the mountains of Idaho.
BHP FAN
July 10, 2009, 12:08 AM
on my belt right now is the Leatherman Skeletool.Very minimalist.
JohnMcD348
July 10, 2009, 12:21 AM
Being a Florida boy who camps from time to time, I'll tell you what I bring with me.
I've nearly always carried the standard KaBar utility knife with me. It splits wood, deer, or anything else I needed to do. I've carried one with me ever since I bought my first one when I was in the military and no matter how hard I use it, it has never failed to do what I ask of it.
https://www.kabar.com/images/1211_large.jpg
I bought and started taking with me the heavier Machete blade knife and have found it a little better(but heavier) blade to carry for the general chores of wood gathering and whatever other heavy use I might come to need.
What I carry in my pocket EVERY day no matter what is a Swiss Champ. It has tools for nearly any job I might come across from day to day. From working on medical equipment at work, fixing my sons toys at home or cutting his drinking straw at a restaurant if it's too long. To writing a check if I don't have a regular pen on me.
These have served me well and when used as they should will continue to serve me until I give them to my child(He's 5 now) or his children. I do also carry from time to time a Spiderco that I bought at Wal-Mart that will cut anything I put to it. I will carry it to compliment my SAK in the event I need to do a little prying and/or heavy cutting.
http://playground.sun.com/~vasya/Shadow-Spyderco-Native-08.jpg
I used to carry either an Uncle Henry or Old Timer 3 blade but they stay in the drawer more often than not nowadays. Since the company went west, I want to keep my originals safe.
Take the information for what it's worth to you. I've never been a huge fan of the multi-hundred dollar knife. I'd be too afraid I'd break it to use it. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have a good Randall but only because he's a Florida Boy too and he does make a nice blade but that's about it. Other than that, I just look for a good quality blade that I know I can put a good edge on and work with reliably. Quality and Price are not always proportionate. There are some good things out there that don't cost and arm and a leg.
Jeff
July 10, 2009, 12:27 AM
For under $200 the names I would be starting with for a great all around field knife are: RAT Cutlery, Fallkniven, Bark River.
mljdeckard
July 10, 2009, 12:30 AM
I've got a Kabar, a Buckmaster, etc, but you know what I took with me on a training mission to Africa last month? My Gerber Mk II. $76 from Amazon.
middy
July 10, 2009, 11:38 AM
Just a 4" mora and a 14" machete, $20-$30 total, are better than any one knife. For a single tool, a properly sharpened Gransfors short axe or hatchet is probably superior to any knife.
Yeah, I know people like their expensive knives, but they're not really necessary.
auschip
July 10, 2009, 11:55 AM
Yeah, I know people like their expensive knives, but they're not really necessary.
I've never been a huge fan of the multi-hundred dollar knife. I'd be too afraid I'd break it to use it.
I know what you are saying, but I want at least one custom knife just for the satisfaction of ownership. My wallet draws a pretty clear line at how satisfied with ownership I can be, but I will one day own something cool and custom.
Past that, I try and find the best values available consistent with quality.
ArfinGreebly
July 11, 2009, 01:42 AM
For anyone who's afraid to get a high-dollar knife for fear it may fail and leave him with an expensive relic, may I suggest anything -- anything at all -- by Chris Reeve.
I feel reasonably confident that you would be outstandingly happy with one of those.
Costs more. Lots more, in fact.
But if you spend, say, $400 on a knife that will simply not fail, and whose manufacturer will stand behind the product in the event that it does, and if that knife lasts you a lifetime, was it really expensive?
I don't own one. I haven't been able to marshal the funds for it. I only drool.
Our own hso, does have one and, based on his extensive experience and expertise in these matters, I'm willing to take his word that they are as good as it gets in folding knives.
I dont mind payng for quality but I dont like paying for a name.
I like the CR sebenza but Its sooo expensive and I dont see how it could be any better than a $100. Benchmade.
I could be wrong, a year ago I thought $100 to much for a knife!
I still think a large bowie style knife along with a smaller knife would be best for survival, you cant process wood with a SAK.
JHansenAK47
July 11, 2009, 08:25 PM
I personally like the BRKT Bravo 1s. However for sheer versatility a multitool is hard to beat. Besides a survival knife is equipment and as such supplements survival and does not necessarily faciltate survival to someone who does not know how to use it.
ragr
July 13, 2009, 09:49 PM
Want to be prepared for anything, be comfortable and even thrive in the backwoods? Don't think "survival" means having just a big full size knife to save your butt. Pair any of the full-tang knives suggested in this thread with the additional blades below and you should be good to go for less than $200!
In anticipation of an urban survival event, saaay, a major earthquake up here in the pacific northwest while I'm in the city which would require me to hike dozens of miles to get home or to a hospital if the roads are destroyed depending on where I am at the time, I carry a Kershaw folder as my daily and tactical ECD, a Leatherman Skeletool, water tablets and small first aid kit on me at all times everyday. My Tissot watch tells time, has a built in compass, altimeter, barometer and thermometer. My house keys are on a keychain I've made from knotted Paracord so I have roughly 20 feet of full 550 cord should I need to unravel it not including the length of the 7 smaller threads if I needed more. Add to my keys a small but loud storm whistle (in case I get trapped in rubble) and firesteel on the keychain. A small flashlight strapped to my belt rounds out my business suit attire that I wear everyday.
When I hit the woods, I carry the same ECD system (albeit not in business attire) but add a SOG Seal Pup (~$65) horizontally to my belt at 6 oclock. Why not a big giant full sized $200 blade? Because I've got a small Gerber hatchet (~$20) for splitting wood on my belt and a Sven folding saw (super lightweight) (~$25) for cutting up logs strapped to my pack. Should I happen to lose my pack in an emergency I carry a Sabercut saw (~$25) on my belt from survival tools dot com just in case. My pack, of course, carries more gear and rope.
With a full size saw for cutting up dead wet logs, a hatchet for splitting with a baton and full tang survival knife for splitting kindling and shaving tinder I can build a shelter and start a fire even when it's been dumping rain in the woods for weeks by being able to get to the dry heart of dead logs.
There you go! Multiple relatively light weight blades totaling less than $200 sure to help you tackle your heaviest survival tasks. Good luck out there!
;-)
Brian Williams
July 14, 2009, 10:26 AM
I like USA made Shrade Old Timer Sharpfinger, it cost $37 on Ebay, that and a hand Axe will do most anything.
Trouble is, I can't wear any of them when I'm at the office.
alaskanativeson
July 15, 2009, 01:02 AM
...I like the CR sebenza but Its sooo expensive and I dont see how it could be any better than a $100. Benchmade...
Take it from a guy who has a Benchmade in his pocket, one on the dresser, one in the desk drawer at school, and one somewhere else in the house (unknown where at the moment) - The Sebenza is a hell of a lot better. I know, I have and use both. I like both. But if I have to carry just one pocket knife I trust not to fail, it's a Sebenza. I'm not taking anything away from the Benchmade, they're great knives, but Chris makes much more than knives, he makes Armageddon knives.
I posted a thread about a Kershaw Outcast I bought for $55.00. It's a great knife, I love D2 more than just about anything else for knife blades. I don't have any problem recommending them for a larger blade.
That said, if I'm going to rely on one knife for everything, I'm going to choose a medium size blade, maybe 5-6 inches. I've become a big Busse fan since they're about the only thing that's going to be left intact after the rest of the world blows up (well, them and cockroaches.) Their INFI steel is the stuff legends are made of. My one-knife choice would be my Busse ASH (American Steel Heart) like the one pictured on top:
However, I know that a lot of people won't pay what a Busse costs. To me, if I'm in the middle of the Tundra I want to know I can depend on my knife ABSOLUTELY not to fail. But for those who don't want to spend what it costs to get a Busse, I have two recommendations:
RAT Cutlery's (http://www.ratcutlery.com/index.html) new RC5 (http://www.knivesshipfree.com/RC5-ESEE-Plain-Edge-OD-Green-Blade-with-OD-Green-Sheath-RC5p) or their RC-6 (http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Rat-Cutlery-RAT-RC-6p-Knife-wLinen-Micarta-Handle-1095-Steel-RC6p). RAT makes an incredibly tough knife that is simple, well designed, and high quality. ***PLEASE NOTE*** Don't mistake the Ontario Knives RAT line for real RAT Cutlery stuff. There's a reason Ontario's knives are less expensive: They're cheaper. With respects to other's opinions here about their ASEK knife (I know nothing about them) I can say that from what I've seen, Ontario's quality Control has gone into the crapper recently. I know they got a military contract, but unfortunately to the detriment of some of our servicemen, sometimes the military goes with the lowest bidder and gets what they pay for. Those of you who carried an early M16 can back me up on that.
The other suggestion is a Fighter (http://www.dlknives.com/Fighters.php) from Valkman. Don's knives are beautiful and tougher than nails (literally, I'd bet you could cut a nail in half with one of his CPM-D2 fighters.) There are obviously plenty of people here who can vouch for his work, and it's obviously a group who know what they're talking about. You carry one of Don's knives, you'll be proud to show it, unafraid to use it, and grateful for the peace of mind you have from having a knife that defines what a "custom" maker is.
Joe Demko
July 15, 2009, 09:51 PM
The Sebenza is, indeed, a good value. I have a large one. There is virtually nothing to criticize about it. Definitely an example of quality means spend only once.
MKultra
July 16, 2009, 04:23 AM
for the money you cant beat a USMC Ka-Bar, a mora of sweden 521, and a cold steel kukri.
you can get the whole package for about $60
and stay away from 440, unless its for a dive knife, its too difficult to sharpen in the field.
Lester Gillis
July 21, 2009, 09:20 PM
I always liked the TOPS Tom Brown Tracker. Looks well thought out and practical for real use, if you had to depend on it and know how to make it work for you. That thing could build a shelter and scale fish a half hour later. I'm becoming more of an outdoorsman lately probably should invest in one.
A couple months ago I had a side job clearing brush and was provided a Woodsman's Pal for the job. Lemme tell ya, just like I like a gun that multi tasks, this is a one tool wilderness workhorse. Fills in for a machete, hatchet, drawknife, bowie, pruning shears, you name it. Gotta get one of these too.
How much does a Sebenza go for and what is the wait time? I carry either an Endura (plain blade) or Kershaw Leek EDC. Am also a big fan of Cold Steel and CRKT products and like the push dagger as a SD last chance option
hso
July 21, 2009, 11:07 PM
The good advice in this thread is that no one knife can be expected to handle all your needs. A small fixed blade knife and a chopper (ax to machete) will handle almost all your needs. Toss in a small detail knife and you have a 3 way win. The other good piece of advice for folks is that understanding the terrain and environment you'll have to survive in will dictate what style of knife & chopper you need.
Pity the Sebenza isn't under $200.
Heck
July 22, 2009, 10:27 PM
I really like my Ka Bar but i seldom take it anywhere. That being said I ALWAYS have either my kershaw blur or CRKT My Tighe in my pocket. I keep a Ka Bar folder in my truck along with a cold steel two handed machete and an E-Tool, flash light, and a length of rope.
TimboKhan
July 23, 2009, 12:26 AM
Hmm. I hope this doesn't constitute major thread hi-jackage, but now I have a question for you, Hso.
You say this:
Pity the Sebenza isn't under $200.
I am forced to wonder two things. First, could Chris Reeve legitimately make a Sebenza at that price point without losing anything in the way of material quality and worksmanship? Second, if he could, why doesn't he? Now, don't get me wrong, I am not being critical of the knife or the cost as it stands now. You and plenty of others have convinced me that it is one hell of a good knife to the extent that I legitimately might own one some day. That some day would just be a lot closer to reality if they were around 200 bucks is all. I also understand that there isn't a lot of motivation on his part to slash the price in half if they sell at the current price, which probably is all the answer my second question needs now that I think about it....
hso
July 23, 2009, 05:07 PM
As you said, why would he?
TimboKhan
July 23, 2009, 05:10 PM
Well, I kind of answered part 2 on my own as I wrote it, but what about part 1? Could he make them at that price while maintaining the same level of quality that they have now?
hso
July 23, 2009, 05:19 PM
Several of us have said that there's nothing equivalent. Other companies have tried to make their version of the Sebenza at lower prices, but they don't measure up. That's your answer.
agent slice
January 24, 2010, 07:46 PM
I prefer the original ka-bar military knife. accept no copycats:scrutiny:!
telkontar
January 24, 2010, 08:06 PM
It all depends.
Ka-bar. Leatherman Wave. Victorinox Trekker. All different, and all carried by me at some point in he year -- in different terrain for different purposes.
Todd A
January 24, 2010, 08:14 PM
I prefer the original ka-bar military knife. accept no copycats!
If it were not for the fact that the Marine Fighting/Utility was first made by Camillus, that statement might make sense.:confused::confused::eek::D
SharpsDressedMan
January 24, 2010, 08:15 PM
Buy a Cold Steel SRK, and a Victorinox SwissChamp. If you still have some money left, get a Leatherman as a backup.
I prefer the original ka-bar military knife. accept no copycats!
If it were not for the fact that the Marine Fighting/Utility was first made by Camillus, that statement might make sense.
The "KaBar" is actually the USMC Fighting/Utility which quickly became the USN MkII. It was manufactured by Camillus and a half dozen other companies. KaBar was just one of them. There are few other knives that have as popular following, but it's far from the ideal "survival" knife for all the reasons laid out here at THR and the dedicated survival/preparedness sites.
Marathonman
January 24, 2010, 11:12 PM
For me, backpacking in the sierras, Becker bk7, sawvivor and a Rat Izula. $150
CZF
March 29, 2010, 12:31 PM
More than your $200 price tag.
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/897801/75fr.jpg
No longer made:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-11/897801/755-1.jpg
MariusDP51
March 31, 2010, 09:17 AM
Erm, in a survival situation almost any knive will do. The important thing is that you have one. Hopefully it is bigger than a nail clipper though. Flint is equally important.
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