[rtrwv]

hello all,
I.need some advice about a survival knife. It needs to be high carbon steel with a blade length of 9"inches or more. Blade coating not important but would still appreciate input. Handle material santoprene , g10 , kraton or other suggestion. Weight from 12oz to40oz price less than 300$. I have looked at so many.on the internet and was hoping for some real life references and input.

[BCCL]

First one that jumps to mind and won't break the bank is the Ontario Spec Marine Bowie

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/sp10-marine-raider-bowie-knife/

http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/product_images/r/946/SP10_Marine_Raider_Bowie_83455__84296_std.jpg

[rcmodel]

If you need a 9" blade, you really need a smaller 5"-5 1/2" knife to use for 95% of the things you need to do to survive.

And an 18" machete for the remaining 5% chopping chores the 9" knife won't do nearly as well anyway.

rc

[JN01]

Kabar Big Brother, around $75.

[JShirley]

Ontario has a couple of Gen 2 large knives that are 5160, and priced well under $100. A bowie is not a good survival/outdoor knife.

[hso]

Why so large?

Look at the BKT (http://www.tomarskabars.com/BK-9_INFO.html) line from KaBar, ESEE (http://www.eseeknives.com/junglas_machete.htm) knives, Tops (http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?cPath=4&products_id=321&osCsid=k4vhi6l4t03640rde3j0reeth2)

[rtrwv]

Why so large?

Look at the BKT line from KaBar, ESSE knives, Tops
I wear a size 18 wedding band , have winter gloves custom made. I am 6 foot 8 inches and weigh 450 lbs. What works for me best in my experience is usually proportionate to my size.

[Nematocyst]

This may be an interesting thread given the criteria of the OP.

I'll just watch what happens. No opinion ... yet.

Well, OK, maybe just this. rtrwv, you may find some interest in this thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=660389).

[lobo9er]

http://jerrybus.apollohosting.com/store/media/rodent9_sm.jpg

If I needed a blade that size and a budget of $300 the swamp rat rodent9 would be an easy decision. Lots of options a kukri would fill a bill too.

also why 9?

[Gordon]

Hell I'd get one of Sam's Camp Defenders and call it good! Always better getting a fine custom instead of store bought.

[floorit76]

Remember that just because your hands are big, the things you are cutting may not be. What will that thing do to a squirrel or a rabbit?

[Nematocyst]

^ Precisely.

[Tomcat47]

These are 2 of my favorites from MOD on the Upper Price Range.

I have both of these and actually made these knives for MOD before they sold to Blackhawk. The Mark 5 is a tank and is very utility minded on top of being tactical, giving you prying and hammering abilities without consequence to the knife.

The Nightwing came along about the time they sold to blackhawk and it is a tough knife and I like the SV30, however it does not have the ability of the Mark 5.....The Mark 5 is in a class by itself in my opinion.

These are not made anymore, but can be found online and on ebay from time to time in the $300 or less range, and they are worth every penny!

[JShirley]

While they may be worth what they cost, neither seems well-suited to be a general-purpose outdoors knife.

John

[Tomcat47]

OP Stated survival Knife........

[Nematocyst]

So, I guess the next question is this:

What's the diff between a 'survival knife'
and a general-purpose outdoors knife?

<turns heat (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RvpYqPxb2mg&feature=related) up a notch ... >

[Sheepdog1968]

The knife I keep on me is the larger size Swiss army knife in the style they issue to their military. It's not perfect but I always have it on me.

[JShirley]

A "survival knife" is a general purpose outdoors knife, since doing many things well is conducive to survival. Many people also want their survival knives to be very capable of defense as well. I agree with this latter school, but if the knife isn't very useful in general, its fighting effectiveness doesn't matter much.

These ideas are in fact why I designed the Camp Defender. It's a great fighter, but that's a function of balance, mass, and grip.

[Nematocyst]

^ Yup.

As one who first walked in the woods in 1956,
then did multiple above-treeline expeditions in
NM and southern Colorado, I say, 'yup'.

{The rock marked by the red line is the size of a 'convenience store'.}

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=165128&stc=1&d=1338091013

[Fred Fuller]

Lots of makers turn out big honking knives for folks who want them. Lots of folks buy honking big knives.

Lots of honking big knives mostly wind up left at home in a drawer or somewhere safe, once their purchasers figure out (1) what a pain it is to lug all that knife around all the time, and (2) how impractical a big honking knife actually is for most of the things people really need do with a knife in the outdoors.

Folks generally learn things two different ways - they benefit from the experience of others, or they do it the hard way themselves.

I'd buy something like a Fallkniven F1 which has more handle than blade, and call it good in the knife department, but that's just me. http://www.amazon.com/Pilot-Survival-Thermorun-Handle-Sheath/dp/B001JA9Y66

Throw in a good folding saw, and that covers a lot more of the territory lots of people seem to have in mind when thinking about buying an oversized knife.

[T Bran]

Have you considered a bayonette I keep several around just because I like them but they are way to large as a knife in my hands yours may be a better fit.
Luck in your search.
T

[Nematocyst]

... Fallkniven F1 ...

Now, that's a knife.

[ArfinGreebly]

I just wrote a long-ish post in the other survival/outdoor knife thread.

Rather than repeat it here, let me link to it instead.

I may be just an average guy (six feet is average, right?) but I find that having better control of the blade is a Good Thing.

If I'm doing up-close work -- and most camp work is up-close work -- I find that a long blade has a couple of drawbacks: 1) for certain tasks, the blade length works against me as a lever, 2) for other tasks, the extra inches of blade just get in the way of the job I'm doing.

If I'm in the kitchen at home, and I need to process a few pounds of strawberries by hand, I don't reach for the 8-inch butcher knife or the 5-inch slicer, I reach for a 3-inch paring knife. The paring knife handle is four inches long on some, five inches on another, but the actual blade is three inches.

It's the job that determines the tool, not my size.

[hso]

rtrwv,

You are a big guy! A buddy of mine's the same height and he's a big knife fan too.

What tasks will you be using it to perform?

[22-rimfire]

I prefer a smaller fixed blade as a general outdoor knife/survival knife. The Fallkniven F1 is a good general purpose knife but there are so many good ones. The Blackjack knives are excellent too and the 1-7 is a large blade. I prefer the 125, but only after I purchased the 1-7. You might like the large handles on the Blackjack blades.

The Condor Hudson Bay is a fun knife too and pretty inexpensive if you like the big ones.

[JimStC]

Tag

[PRM]

So, I guess the next question is this:

What's the diff between a 'survival knife'
and a general-purpose outdoors knife?

<turns heat up a notch ... Nematocyst >

LOL

Here's my perspective

1. Survival Knife

2. Woods Knife (Wild Bear Model)

3. SAK (Victorinox) Trekker

On a more serious note - I do have one of the Finnish Wild Bear Models - Had a custom sheath made for mine, great blade. Mine has been on a number of trips to the woods and went with me to Afghanistan in 2009-2010. My most used knife is still the SAK Trekker

[Sam1911]

These ideas are in fact why I designed the Camp Defender. It's a great fighter, but that's a function of balance, mass, and grip.

And as the maker of John's design, I'll add that we've discussed on quite a few occasions that the capabilities of one's survival system would be noticably increased by a companion blade of about half the size -- which would really do probably 50%+ of the tasks you'd need done in a survival setting. The CD is a great blade (IMHO, of course! ;)) but if your survival depended on cleaning fish or small game, doing fine whittling tasks, or (heaven forbid) backwoods medical tasks, a blade that big is at a disadvantge.

So, make sure that big boy isn't your only edge.

[Gordon]

Bingo! Next knife will be a matching miniture performance bowie that can EDC in pocket.:D

[ugaarguy]

I wear a size 18 wedding band , have winter gloves custom made. I am 6 foot 8 inches and weigh 450 lbs. What works for me best in my experience is usually proportionate to my size.
I'm going to go out on a limb here, and reckon that the average production knife isn't going to work for you. I'd contact a custom knife maker - there are several here on THR - and get a tool with a grip made to fit your hand. I'd focus less on blade size, and more on handle size.

Echoing Arfin's statements, I have a Henkel's "vegetable peeler" knife with a 2 & 3/4" blade and nearly 5 inch handle. It's amazing how the leverage and balance of the large handle make the blade cut larger than it is. I'd take this concept, and have a custom knife scaled up to your size.

[Tomcat47]

On My person, daily I carry:

A Gerber Gator (Partially Serrated) Belt Pouch
A Victorinox Spartan (Right Pocket)
A MOD CQD Mark 2 Auto (Right pocket with clip)
A Uncle Henry Stockman (left pocket)

When I go Hunting all those above are present with the addition of a Schrade Uncle Henry UH171 (original bone handle) Or Schrade Gut Hook Skinner

If I am hiking etc. I Usually have the MOD Mark 5 with all the daily carries.

Also all my vehicles have a Schrade variety Gut Hook Skinner in them, The X-Timer Fat Boy being a favorite.

As stated there are so many good ones.....why just have one.......:D

[Gordon]

Here is my smaller bug out bag (as opposed to smallest and larger) which can sustain me for a few days. It has the Camp Defender on it and a Swiss Victornox multi tool in a pocket, the picture shows the Camp Defender next to a Valkman 7" Fighter that resides bedside for outcalls at night.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/004-10.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/015-1.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/017.jpg

Now on the smaller in truck bug out bag which is a Maxipedition Jumbo Gearslinger I actually have this big Martin of Texas Rambo copy with a 4006 S&W with 3 mags inside with a Petzl Led Head lamp, 2 liters of water outside.
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/008-8.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/007-11.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/001-15.jpg
http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i203/gordonhulme/004-12.jpg
And a leatherman tool :cool:

[JimStC]

Gordon,
Can you give me a source for the green handle knife?
Thanks,
Jim

[Gordon]

http://www.martinknives.com/HOLLOWHANDLEKNIVES.html

The best of it's kind and actually superior to the original IMHO

[Pilot]

I'll pile on with the folks who think smaller is better. I carry a Fallkniven F1 in my flight bag. However, I do rotate a few others when hiking, backpacking, and out in the woods, which include the slightly larger Bark River Bravo-1, and ESEE-4. Any of those would work well.

[JimStC]

Thank you Gordon. Which model? I see three that are similar.
The MCEII-7" looks like the ticket for me. Those are beautiful knives. Thanks again for the recommendation. Ordering one.
Jim

[lobo9er]

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415f1mzG%2BPL._SL500_SS100_.jpg

spent 2 nights in the ADK thurs. and friday with my wife and this was the only knife i used, besides my leatherman. Has a 2 inch blade, and cost me 10 bucks at walmart a year or 2 ago..
But I dont knock big knives, for one they are fun.
Anyhow, Looks like OP has checked out of this one.

[Il Duca]

For production knives I'd look at Scrapyard, BK9, the Swamp Rat, etc. but for $300 you could get a decent custom built to your exact specs. With mitts like the ones you have that might be a good option. Check out the custom for sale section on Bladeforums. I will say that I find my BK7 to be too large for most camp chores and yet too small for bigger chores.

[JShirley]

As Sam said, I do believe strongly in a large choppy blade, and a smaller task knife. This is the traditional Himalayan model, and it works well.

A 2.5-4" bladed knife, with a decent hatchet, machete, kukuri, parang, or bolo is how I would "roll". Many "survival" knives are, as Il Duca mentions, too big or too small, depending on what you're trying to do.

The last time I went camping and hiking, I had a Camp Defender v2, and my companion had the MK1. The first of each, actually. :D We felt very well prepared, and those two knives did everything one might want to do with a sharp in the woods (except cut down an actual tree, which is a last resort, anyway).

Even this Pocket Defender or the little Wheeler would do for most tasks.

John

[Nematocyst]

It's been interesting watching this thread evolve. While reading John's post above, it occurred to me that this - and other similar threads - should more realistically be called "Survival Knives", or "The Survival Pair" (or Trio). Just as in guns and hats, one size rarely fits all.

We all occasionally fall into that "If I only had one, which would it be?" game. It's fun to think about, I guess, even to pin down.

But a search of the archives will reveal that more often than not, I've started threads with titles and themes more like "If you only had three, which would they be?", at least for guns. I've always thought of it as an exercise to really think through a tool kit, looking hard at pros and cons of each relative to others. Seems a useful exercise to me even if your intention is to never have fewer than a dozen (or for some, 100).

And in my case, as a quasi-nomad - my professional life requires that I move around a lot, as in every few weeks to months - I'm not interested in packing, loading and hauling lots of stuff. I'd rather have a streamlined kit that gets it done, so that I can pack the majority of what I need for the next month in a few hours and be on my way. Of course, the next month in an apartment looks different from the next month on a lake in northern Maine <mouth waters>, but the concept is the same.

I also have to look at my kitchen knives. Far and away, my main use of knives is for cooking/eating. I don't think it'd differ much in a 'survival' situation; eating is near the top survival needs with water and shelter. In my current kitchen kit, I have a paring knife, an 8" larger blade (aka 'butcher knife'), a cleaver, and a bread knife (which is more like a saw than a knife). That's it. But that gets it done. Two years ago this month, when I was preparing to go from my more stationary existence to this new quasi-nomadic existence and travel across a continent to do it, I looked hard at my collection of a dozen or 15 kitchen knives, and those 4 got the call.

Right now, my camp/survival knife kit has 4 blades:

* Spyderco Manix 2 (EDC)
* SOG Seal Pup Elite
* Kabar full-sized
* Bear Grylls sliding saw (as of yesterday; not sure if it or some other saw will remain as part of the kit; this summer will tell)

The full-sized Kabar is now in question as part of the kit. It has been for a long time, but I keep holding onto it for ... some reasons that I don't full understand - I'm trying to sort that out over here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=660389) now. But it never gets used. Unlike my kitchen 'butcher knife' that gets use nearly everyday, the Kabar just never gets the call in camp to chop veges - the SOG does that - or wood. I tried using it to chop small wood for fires. What a pain. Could I do it? Sure. Do I want to? No. I'd rather have a saw.

I still think I may eventually add a machete, kukri or some similar large blade. Been researching those in this forum for years, but have yet to purchase one. I guess it'd be the equivalent of my kitchen cleaver, holding down the big end.

But when all is said and done, I'm betting my survival (and kitchen) kit will still contain 4 blades:

* 3"
* 5"
* larger chopper (13" maybe)
* saw

If I could have only one? Depending on which way the wind was blowing, it'd be either a 3" or 5".
And if I could carry my new little 'pocket' wire saw, it'd probably be a 3".

But ask me again tomorrow. :p

[Mainsail]

http://www.topohiker.com/photo_gallery/ESEE2.png

[Sam1911]

and those two knives did everything one might want to do with a sharp in the woods (except cut down an actual tree, which is a last resort, anyway).

But it's nice to know you could. Easily.

http://i1149.photobucket.com/albums/o588/OwensWeaponsmithing/Camp%20Defender/Making%20and%20Testing/080811114.jpg
(CD1 and CD2 prototype heat-treat testing.)

:)

[louis Morrison aka Mark]

I had a Buck Knife in Vietnam, I jumped out of a truck and it slapped the wood sides in the back of the truck, The knife snaped in half! I then used a K-Bar it was great, it will take all kinds of abuse and never let you down! Do not get the US Army issue survival knife the one with a sharpening stone in the sheath! They are just not sharp enough. I swear by the K-Bar

[Nematocyst]

Earlier today, I wrote this:

But when all is said and done, I'm betting my survival (and kitchen) kit will still contain 4 blades:

* 3"
* 5"
* larger chopper (13" maybe)
* saw

A few minutes ago, I found a candidate (http://sogknives.com/store/MC-01.html) for the latter two.

13" blade, 19" overall, 13 oz. Matches the length of my favorite stick (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=646068).

May not be the right one, but at $27 ... I'll order tomorrow and keep you posted.
____

Added by edit.

After researching the steel on the SOG, I'm not so impressed.

This Kabar Cutlass machete (http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/9) has better steel at only twice the price.
It's missing the saw on the back of the blade.

I like saws because they make less noise than chopping,
which is useful for a stealthy camp.

[Nematocyst]

Last night, I got (momentarily) excited by the SOGfari machete (see above).

Boy, was that a bloop? (Answer: yes.) Looking only a little deeper yields evidence that it's a POC. Worse reviews I've ever seen on a blade. (Check the ones on Amazon. Way too many 1-star reviews about broken and bent blades, a 'saw' that's not really a saw but more of a notch cutter, etc.)

OK, first, yes, I admit: I should have seen it coming. SOGfari? Gad.

Second, I admit, I don't know my steels off the top of my head about more than about five, and 3CR13 Stainless wasn't one of them; it is now.

Third, $27 MSRP for that much steel should have been a clue.

Yes, I know SOG isn't even close to the top of the list for 84% of the members of this forum, but still, I'm amazed that a middling company like SOG would put out such a thing. I mean, I really like my SPE from them. It's been fine, sharp, useful, etc. (Must be some new marketers involved; SOGfari? Really? Fishermen, as Hso would say.)

OK <wipes egg off upper lip>, moving on.

Looking more closely at that Kabar Cutlass machete, now. Feeling the need for a chopper that's bigger than Kabar MkII, but smaller than a full-sized 'chete, lighter than a hatch or tomahawk, capable of kindling and small firewood, but also capable of batoning. The more I think of it, 16.5" OAL with 11" blade fits that niche nicely. And 19 oz is acceptable.

My other constraint: a small budget. No, wait, make that tiny. (Summer is my lowest cashflow time in a bad economy.) The further under $100 the better, within reason: I probably won't spend less than $50 (with shipping; the Kabar is $45 +).

I've looked at Kukris and tried one, but just didn't warm up to them. Guess because I grew up swinging a more Latin style. Maybe someday.

I also looked at Cold Steel's. Nice looking, and I'm sure servieable, but I don't like their handles as much.

So for now, Kabar gets the call.

I'm willing to listen to reason, though. :scrutiny:

[22-rimfire]

I like the Kabar Cutlass Machete. Got one. It is very comfortable to use especially wearing a pair of gloves. I try to always wear gloves when chopping with a machete type blade. It never fails that I bang up my hand when I am not expecting it or I get blisters. I took the glove lesson from Man Woman Survival, so I always have a pair of gloves with me should I need to do some work.

[Nematocyst]

Makes sense, .22.

Any particular type or kind of glove?

I saw one machete review in the last few days in which the amateur put on a specific kind of glove that he named specifically, even called them 'machete gloves', but I don't remember the name.

I'll see if I can find it.

[22-rimfire]

My favorite machete is the Condor Golok these days. If you prefer something pointier and a little shorter, the Boomslang Knife. The handle on the Golok is VERY comfortable and the most comfortable design I have used. If you buy, be sure to get the Condor sheath which is high quality.

I got the Cutlass after getting an Ontario 12" machete and handling it a bit. For me,the Ontario is hard on the hands. But it makes a good bush knife.

The Kabar comes with a sheath also which is okay. It is sort of a side entry sheath. If you buy the Cutlass Machete, I think you'll probably be happy. But do consider just what you are going to use it for and the slightly longer Golok design. Most people really love the Goloks and they sell a lot of them. I have two actually, one that I use for work that has hit a few bricks and rocks and another for "sunday best". :)

I have a pair of the more expensive and modern form fitting work gloves for general use. The younger folks like them and my workers always go for the more expensive or cooler stuff. I believe I got them from ACE Hardware. Ace is the place... Lowes and just about everyone sells something similar. You can also use them for shooting. For really hard work, I would lean toward a heavier glove.

[usmcchet9296]

These are mine
Ontario RAT7
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6831986072_333056274c.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6831986072/)
IMG_0148 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6831986072/) by usmcchet92_96 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhermesmeyer/), on Flickr

Just got a Kabar MK1 and re-sheathed it
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6978114115_05158609c5.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978114115/)
IMG_0150 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978114115/) by usmcchet92_96 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhermesmeyer/), on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6831987144_724e2b015e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6831987144/)
IMG_0151 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6831987144/) by usmcchet92_96 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhermesmeyer/), on Flickr

Got a RTAKII that I would carry in my pack
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6978115779_eb27a7d3fc.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978115779/)
IMG_0155 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978115779/) by usmcchet92_96 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhermesmeyer/), on Flickr

But I kinda like my trailhawk better
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7036/6978116079_826fa35971.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978116079/)
IMG_0156 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhermesmeyer/6978116079/) by usmcchet92_96 (http://www.flickr.com/people/jhermesmeyer/), on Flickr

[hso]

My machetes are from South/Central American sources (except for the SE Asian parangs, bolos, goloks and the vintage Collins) and don't cost much. Nations/regions that depend upon machetes typically make dependable machetes.

[Nematocyst]

This (http://www.eseeknives.com/junglas_machete.htm) is not in my budget right now, but if it was ...

[Blade First]

Agreed...buy the Junglas...meets your specs and is an outstanding choice.

[hso]

$70 for a big knife from ESEE is a great deal, but $70 for a machete is not realistic when plenty of fine ones are out there for half that. http://www.machetespecialists.com/sheffielduk.html?gclid=CJ6tkrjPqbACFYSR7QodjETLTw

[Nematocyst]

Hso, the street price for that Kabar Cutlass 'chete is $45 with sheath.

Do you - or anyone - have a source for the Jungla for $70? And the sheath is an additional $65 on their site; even though I'm sure it's worth it, it's just not in my budget.

That Machete Special is a great site that I've never seen. Contenders in there.

[Nematocyst]

I've learned a lot in this thread (thanks to all), but to avoid hijacking it further,
have decided to start a new thread (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?p=8194235#post8194235) to explore my options.

Good luck to the OP of this thread finding a survival knife.

[hso]

Nem,

No, the lowest price a search will come up with is $117. A buddy of mine picked one up at a show last year for the $70 fire sale price. It would have been a bargain if he'd have actually needed it.

[mainecoon]

This reminds me of a scene in one of the recent "SEAL biographies" where an operator's knife deflected a bullet and saved the guy's life. So buy as big a knife as possible :D

[Deltaboy]

I am a Options man so I have pocket knifes , lock backs , Fixed blades, hatchets , axes , and Matchets, and a bow saw. If I have to pull out fast I grap the hatchet, and roll since the rigs have all sorts of knives and cutting tools.

[rtrwv]

After reading one of the last replies I decided to purchase the esee junglas. My wife did a special epoxy 550 cord wraps in place of the slabs. She is a genius with cord! Many thanks to all and especially to nematocyst for your last link, search over!

[Nematocyst]

Excellent! Great choice! I confess, if my budget had allowed it, I'd probably have gone with a Junglas, too. But alas, not right now.

Did you order a sheath, also? They appear to not come with the sheath. But the sheath looks first class. :cool:

Now we have one of those "in the family"!

When we get our respective knives - JimSTC his Kabar, me my Ontario SP53 (which as you'll see in my other thread linked just above, I ordered yesterday!), and you get your Junglas - we can start a thread (or maybe just do it here in this one) and review them, compare them, etc.

That'll be a boat load of fun. :D

[rtrwv]

Great idea. It came with a sheath. Very high quality. My brother molds kydex and told me he has some thick sheets to make a sheath / custom contour to my leg /platform for multi attachments. We are going to sit down tonight to design and maybe make. In the meantime this butt ugly mutt was dumped on my porch last night. Oh well just another good friend to have around. He looks like a junk yard pitt bull and a weIner dog had a love child.

[JimStC]

I picked up these two. Should have them mid week:
1. Bark River Fox River Hunting Field Knife Green Micarta Handles 130GM
•Overall Length: 8 1/4"
•Blade Length: 4 1/4"
•Blade Material: A-2 Tool Steel, 59-60 HRC
•Blade Thickness: .17"
•Blade Type: Plain Edge Drop Point
•Handle Length: 4"
•Handle Material: Green Canvas Micarta
•Weight: 5.8 oz.
•Carry System: Brown Leather Sheath
2.Fallkniven F1 Swedish Military Laminated VG-10 Survival Knife
Fallkniven F1 Swedish Military Survival Knife. 8 1/4" overall. 3 3/4" laminate VG-10 stainless drop point blade with satin finish. Black checkered Thermorun elastomer handle with visible tang end and lanyard hole.

And on and on I go......

[Nematocyst]

(Added after original post (Jim you posted while I was composing.)

Jim, SCORE! Pics, pics!

Now our review gets even more interesting.

RTRWV, congrats on the mutt. Mutts are best, ugly or not. :D

So question: did the Junglas come with this sheath (http://www.eseeknives.com/Junglas-Sheaths.htm)? I see now on closer look at the Junglas page that it's available with or without.

If with that one, then why are you choosing to design another one?

I'm not questioning that you should, or that you can't - and it certainly sounds like your brother has some skills, and it could be just a fun, interesting project to design a new one.

But I'm curious if there's something about the Junglas sheath that makes you say, "No, I don't like this?"

Oh, and pics are required here, you know. :D

[JimStC]

When they arrive I will post some pics.

[rtrwv]

Why did you drink that beer my brother asked. My reply we've got plenty of beer and plenty of time. Same with kydex and time. We have common sense but hardly ever exercise it with beer and kydex. No driving of course! Just somethin else to play with. Still trying to improve on the wheel or somethin like that.

I like the sheath it came with we're just suckers for a hot kydex press. And with the quantities and colors of kydex, whew we are worse than women trying on shoes!

[Nematocyst]

Good answer. ;)

[Brian Williams]

I have not put into this thread, I believe that the best survival knife is one you have with you all the time. From my experience in the Marines and thru many hunting, backpacking and canoe trips I would rather have a small sheath or large pocket folder than a large knife.

[JShirley]

I had a concept I called the "Keychain Survival Kit".

It wasn't all necessarily on a keychain, but "with you", as Brian says, was the important idea.

At least a small knife, a lighter, cell phone, and flashlight are the bare minimum. If you have gel hand sanitizer, that's useful in a few ways, too.

Musashi said, Make your everyday walk your warrior's walk.
My father said, when emergencies come, we should already be "prayed up".
I might say, be prepared.

John

[JimStC]

I think I better swap the leather sheath that came with my Bark River Fox River Hunting Field Knife Green Micarta Handles 130GM.
I of course sharpened the blade with stones. Today I was putting it on my belt and noticed that I had cut a 2" slice through the leather. Go figure. Guess I need to be more careful and deliberate when sheathing my knife.........
Thank goodness the Fallkniven F1 Swedish Military Laminated VG-10 Survival Knife came with a Kydex type sheath:D
Anyone want to make a Kydex sheath for me?? I'll pay retail:rolleyes:

[Nematocyst]

My SP 53 just arrived.

For now, just one word: wow.

Description and review in another thread.
I'll post a link here when it's ready for primetime ...

[mdauben]

I wear a size 18 wedding band , have winter gloves custom made. I am 6 foot 8 inches and weigh 450 lbs. What works for me best in my experience is usually proportionate to my size.
While not as big as you, I am a big guy with larger than normal hands. I find that its not the blade length I need to be concerned with, but the handle length. For most of my outdoor cutting chores, I find a knife in the 4.0-4.5 inch range ideal, as long as the handle is closer to 5.0 inches. This gives me plenty of grip and leverage for when I need it and is generally more comfortable to use.

Personally, for a do-all, survival knife I proably would not go much over 6 inches in blade length. Longer than that is just too long for many taskes (some people will disagree, but that's my opinion). Given that, I would consider the ESEE-6 to be an excellent choice for a "survival" knife. Its a tough, quality knife with a good sized grip and is well within your price range.

If you are still convinced that you really need a bigger knive, my choice would probably be the ESEE Junglas from the same maker. Its an even larger knife, with a handle amost 6 inches long, and a blade of approximatly 10 inches.

[JimStC]

Mike,
Read post #59

[oldbear]

Why so large?


I wear a size 18 wedding band , have winter gloves custom made. I am 6 foot 8 inches and weigh 450 lbs. What works for me best in my experience is usually proportionate to my size.

Bro. anyone your size can any knife he wants :eek::eek::eek:

[Jesus Saved Me!]

Hello new guy here, As far as a survival knife goes in my experience you cannot beat the Condor Knives, Condor sells a really nice heavy duty knife, You may have to work on the edge a bit when you get it but for the money IMO these are the best bang for the buck.

[JimStC]

JSM,
Welcome to THR.
Working on the edge is part of the fun of a new knife:D

Jim

[RatDrall]

Did you order a sheath, also? They appear to not come with the sheath. But the sheath looks first class.

ESEE's kydex sheaths are all perfect, absolutely as good as it gets. They leave lots of space around the blade, so that dirt doesn't scratch the blades, and it grips the knife tight around the handle so there's no wiggling. They also space the grommets so that you can use a variety of attachments, including a Teklok, MOLLE attachments, as well as their pouches to hold a survival kit, multi tool, or whatever.

I think I better swap the leather sheath that came with my Bark River Fox River Hunting Field Knife Green Micarta Handles 130GM.

I couldn't stand the sheath that came with my Bravo 1, so I sent it back to Bark River and they made me a kydex sheath for it.

[Nematocyst]

Good info on the ESEE sheaths, RatDrall. Thanks.

I sent it back to Bark River and they made me a kydex sheath for itWill they make sheaths for any knives, or just one's they sell?

If the latter, does anyone know of kydex sheath makers that will make an ESEE quality sheath for any knife?

I ask because I very much want a quality, friction hold kydex sheath for my SOG SPE that's more like an ESEE. Love the knife, but the sheath is lacking.

[hso]

I doubt a manufacturer like Bark River would make a sheath for a knife they didn't produce, but there are lots of kydex benders out there, Nem.

Mike Sastre is a member here, but there have been family health issues and he's stopped making for a bit.

Kevin Robinson is also a member and does remarkable work in kydex. http://www.tietactical.com/

You could also buy a sheet of kydex and try bending your own to see how it turns out.

[22-rimfire]

Many of SOG's sheaths are lacking.

[Nematocyst]

Just checked the TIE site, Hso. Looks good.
I'll bet they're not cheap, but then quality never is.

Good to know there are professional options. I'll look into them.

As for DIY, I think I'll pass in this case. I want quality that's very functional, and have no experience and no time to play with it.

[JimStC]

RatDrall, I also have a Bravo 1 and feel the same about the sheath.
I am going to follow HSO's advice and have Kevin Robinson make a couple of sheaths for me.
Interestingly, my Fallkniven F1 came with an awesome sheath. Very functional.
I do like all three knives though.....

Jim

[RatDrall]

...does anyone know of kydex sheath makers that will make an ESEE quality sheath for any knife?

I ask because I very much want a quality, friction hold kydex sheath for my SOG SPE that's more like an ESEE. Love the knife, but the sheath is lacking.

I have a half dozen sheaths for my ESEE-3s and ESEE-6 (the '3 and '6 come from ESEE with a molded plastic sheath, yuck) I got from Godspeed Tactical. Eli is a great guy and makes perfect kydex. I can't recommend his work enough.

www.godspeedtactical.com

Here's a sheath he made for my ESEE-3, so I can keep the knife and an altoids tin survival kit on my belt:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/RatDrall/012012214.jpg

Here's what it looks like from the other side:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/RatDrall/012012206.jpg

And everything in the kit:

http://i588.photobucket.com/albums/ss323/RatDrall/012012227.jpg

[Nematocyst]

RatDrall, those look great.

Just checked out GST's web site. Very impressed that they list their prices clearly,
and pleased to see that I can get a sheath for less than I expected.

Muchas gracias.

[Gordon]

Pretty slick Kit there , pal!; I am gonna try out Godspeed tactical, their name has a nice ring to it!

[rtrwv]

Niece graduates from college with a degree in civil engineering and forestry. Wife thought it was a great idea to give her a present. A nice knife called a junglas and one of the big guns in you collection Ruger super red hawk 454 long barrel. :mad::(:)
The previous emotions ensued. More to follow......

[T.R.]

I've had good luck with these big game knives. But I'm not focused upon survival with a large knife as primary tool. To me survival includes water, shelter, and food.

TR

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/fourknives.jpg

This imported jewel by BOKER is well made of good but not great steel. Model name is Safari Mate.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/bokersafari.jpg

[hso]

What's the leather handle knife on the right?

[JimStC]

TR,
Good comment on the elements of survival. Sometime you may need a good knife to acquire two of them though.......

Jim

[hang fire]

I only have one specific survival knife and that is a large Leatherman tool. if survival is the goal, I would go with no other.

[RatDrall]

I only have one specific survival knife and that is a large Leatherman tool. if survival is the goal, I would go with no other.

Good luck turning a big, wet piece of wood into smaller, dry pieces (wet outside, dry inside) with the leatherman tool :uhoh:

[JimStC]

rtrwv, So your wife gives away your new knife and a revolver too?...... So do you get to replace them? I'd go shopping

[dayhiker]

Good luck turning a big, wet piece of wood into smaller, dry pieces (wet outside, dry inside) with the leatherman tool

Not a problem....

Make a wedge...

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1797.jpg


Saw a notch....

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1798.jpg


Put wedge in notch....

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1799.jpg


Pound away....

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1800.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1802.jpg


I realize it was done with a SAK not a leatherman, but you get the point. And I can do the same with my Blast.

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/SAK/100_1804.jpg



Attached Thumbnails:
166637 166638
166639 166640 http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166641&d=1340223842&thumb=1 http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=166642&d=1340223856&thumb=1

[T.R.]

This large knife is by Steel Warrior. Well built with Rockwell hardness included. It "lives in" the glovebox of my Explorer.

TR

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/SteelWarrior.jpg

[wheelgunslinger]

Not a problem....

Yep. software.

[hso]

dayhiker,

Well done. Skills go a lot longer than tools and they help us maximize our use of the tools we have. Thank you for demonstrating that so very well.

[22-rimfire]

Every multi-tool (non SAK) I have seen has a rather small blade on it. Being a knife is not its chief capability. Good luck creating a couple wedges and stick to baton using only a multi-tool.

[dayhiker]

Every multi-tool (non SAK) I have seen has a rather small blade on it. Being a knife is not its chief capability.

Vic hiker (used in the above photos)compared to my Leatherman Blast.....

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/001640x480.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h340/dayhiker1968/002640x480.jpg

Good luck creating a couple wedges and stick to baton using only a multi-tool.


Seeing how the knife blade and saw are the same size, just how much "good luck" do I need?

If you can't make it with just a multi-tool, fine. But be carefull casting doubts and making blanket statements.

Because some of us can.

[hso]

22-rimfire,

I could see the pictures dayhiker provided of actually performing the steps he describes this morning from home, but I can't at work (for some reason). The old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" is particularly applicable here. One of our Finnish members did the same in an older thread using a small fixed blade and had the sequence in pictures as well. We also had another member describe old timers doing the same. It apparently is a good skill to have and one that is out there and in use.

[22-rimfire]

I guess you could say that I don't like multi-tools (and I own several). I however really like Vic SAKS. You made your point! :D

[ArfinGreebly]

I could see the pictures dayhiker provided of actually performing the steps he describes this morning from home, but I can't at work (for some reason). The old adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" is particularly applicable here.

I've attached the photos for ease of access.

[JimStC]

Dayhiker,
Very nice job. Thank you for the education.
Awesome,
Jim

[wheelgunslinger]

I get sneered at by a number of hardcore backpackers because I carry a Gerber multitool instead of a little peanut folder or a sodbuster or something, but when you need a pair of pliers or a saw, an abrasive blade, or a knife, it's hard to beat a multitool as a survival piece.
I'm happy to carry a couple more ounces to keep one on my person.

But the backpacker population is currently leaning toward superlight backpacking. So, the culture is against multitools that weigh more than a titanium thumbtack.

Anyway, these wood breaking and kindling making skills displayed are ubiquitous in areas where conifer and hardwood trees grow. Varieties like Poplar and some of the larger grained pines make them easy to section with a smaller tool.

Take some time and try this out, if you haven't. It's worth learning and doing.

[lobo9er]

point for day hiker any rebuttal? ;)

[Ian Johnson]

esee 4 paired with a sog mulititool and a victorinox tinker are always on me whenever i hit the woods

[ArfinGreebly]

I get sneered at by a number of hardcore backpackers because I carry a Gerber multitool instead of a little peanut folder or a sodbuster or something, but when you need a pair of pliers or a saw, an abrasive blade, or a knife, it's hard to beat a multitool as a survival piece.
I'm happy to carry a couple more ounces to keep one on my person.

But the backpacker population is currently leaning toward superlight backpacking. So, the culture is against multitools that weigh more than a titanium thumbtack.

[-snip-]

I'm trying to lighten my EDC and various kit arrangements, but the Leatherman is here to stay.

If I have to drop a few ounces somewhere, I can carry a lighter primary knife or lighter containers.

And I won't be abandoning clothing, either.

[lobo9er]

get sneered at by a number of hardcore backpackers because I carry a Gerber multitool instead of a little peanut folder

wonder what they'd think of a sp101?

[JimStC]

I received a Ka Bar Becker BK 7 in the mail today. Hands down the best stock sheath I own. It has a small front pocket in which I put my TOPS Tom Brown Mini Tracker. The back side of the sheath allows for secure attachment to a pack or a belt with height options for the belt. It also has the standard belt loop which is velcro and a snap. I am very pleased with this purchase. The blade is very sharp with a nice finish.

Specifications:

Stamp: Ka-Bar Becker
Edge angle: 20 degrees
Blade: 1095 Cro-Van steel
Grind: Flat
Handle material: Grivory
Blade length: 7 inches
Overall length: 12-3/4 inches
Weight: 0.85 pounds

[dayhiker]

I put my TOPS Tom Brown Mini Tracker.

How do you like that knife?

[JimStC]

Dayhiker,
On a scale of 1-10 I'd give it a eight. It is small and the blade shape is unusual to me. OAL is 6.5". The handle is 3.25"(nice design and feel) which is long enough to get a solid grip. I do carry it and it is very sharp. Relatively easy to keep an edge on it too. I also believe that it is sturdy enough to baton in a pinch.
Jim

[RatDrall]

How do you like that knife?

I had one. Tops has a problem with putting very steep grinds on their blades, making them cut way worse than they have to. Also, their sheaths are made from Kydex that is too thick, and they use the stupid spring steel clips that wear throught belts, backpacks, pants, and anything else they come into contact with.

The Wilderness Survival Knife is an awesome concept, that Tops ruined with their version known as the Tracker.

If you ever get a chance to handle an original Beck WSK, the difference is apparent. They are HUGE knives, but balance perfectly making them feel way lighter than they really are. They also have different grinds in the curved, top section and the straight, lower section, which were desinged for different knids of cutting. Everything about them is better:

http://www.drbeckknives.com/WSK-KNIVES.html

[JimStC]

Huh? I am talking about a $90 +/- knife and you are comparing it to a $650-$1500 knife. My sheath is at the widest point .265". I am not trying to argue nor do I care if anyone but me likes this knife. Suits me fine.
Forgot to mention, the steel spring clip is removable. Torx wrench in about a minute

[jlewis406]

Buy an ESSE Rat 5. Amazing knife. It's what a bunch of USAF S.E.R.E Instructors use in the field and they really abuse these knives all year long.

[dayhiker]

Buy an ESSE Rat 5. Amazing knife.

If a sharpened prybar is your thing, sure. I don't carry anything because some Airforce, Army, Navy,etc....uses it. I use what works in my hands. I am not a S.E.R.E instructor, though. Just a guy who likes to play in the woods.

Funny thing about the ESEE 5, Jeff himself sees no real use for it. ;-)

[JimStC]

Been adding a "few" knives to the stable. Received a Ka Bar BK 2 today. Went to work on a piece of black locust. Good balance and cutting. One heckuva stout blade. It is a baton tool to put it mildly. I don't think I own a knife this short that is this strong. Good value now, but time will tell...... Might just be a sharpened prybar though.
Dayhiker, quit holding back and tell us how you really feel, LOL

Jim

[dayhiker]

Its all relative....those Mora users just might call my F1 a sharpened prybar.
;):confused:

[JimStC]

I have an F1 and it is no prybar:D

[22-rimfire]

No, the F1 is no prybar, but that BK-2 certainly might be a runner up. My F1 is a beaut! I just got a BK-2 myself.

JimStc said ...Been adding a "few" knives to the stable.

That is an understatment. Fun isn't it!

[JimStC]

Yep, 22-Rimfire. I think I am maxed out for a few months though.
Wife is starting to expect equal value purchases:banghead:
Hey these are just $10 knives.........

Jim

[22-rimfire]

The wife thing is what killed my gun buying and other toy buying. I do believe in "fair". But I was a lot younger then and things have changed. At the time, I went for about 10 years without buying a single firearm and I would NEVER spend $200 on a knife. So, we decided to do the outdoor photography thing together with multiple cameras and so forth and share the lenses. That worked out pretty well as we were both nature freaks.

When I bought an ESEE-4, my first thought was "what a pyrbar", but the Kabar BK-2 makes it look and feel like a finese knife. I just bought a leather sheath for my ESEE-4. It fits okay, but certainly not perfect.

[JimStC]

I get that, but in all honesty, I have also gone on an Ebay selling binge and have just about washed my purchases against my sales. I also have a rifle on GB that will put me in the black versus knife purchases. I have always been like that. Toy buying begets toy selling..... sorta like recycling:D
I like my BK 2 as much as you like yours. That knife is a hoss! Just wish the sheath had a tek-lok. Looks easy enough to swap out. Next project

[Nematocyst]

Way back in post 60 (http://www.thehighroad.org/showpost.php?p=8210074&postcount=60) of this thread, I wrote:

When we get our respective knives - JimSTC his Kabar, me my Ontario SP53 (which as you'll see in my other thread linked just above, I ordered yesterday!), and you get your Junglas - we can start a thread (or maybe just do it here in this one) and review them, compare them, etc.

That'll be a boat load of fun. :D

So, I got the SP 53 and took it on a 9 day camping trip.

A new thread about it, and to compare/contrast it with similar big knives - SP 48, SP 52, Kabar 1248, ESEE Junglas, etc - is here (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=666488).

JimStC is already there. Y'all come. :)

[goon]

I am a fan of the Leatherman and always have my old sideclip on me. I'd like to add a more modernized Leatherman to the collection before long.
I've also discovered that in actual use, one big knife isn't all it's cracked up to be. My BK7 is too big for a lot of applications. I'm becoming a fan of the Mora knives from Sweden for smaller jobs and planning to add a saw or something ror the larger cutting.