JimStC
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Advice for a survival knife
- Thread starter rtrwv
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PRM
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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
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Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
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
Member
Bingo! Next knife will be a matching miniture performance bowie that can EDC in pocket.
ugaarguy
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- Mar 19, 2006
- Messages
- 13,828
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
Member
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.......
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.......
Gordon
Member
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.
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.
And a leatherman tool
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.
And a leatherman tool
JimStC
Member
Gordon,
Can you give me a source for the green handle knife?
Thanks,
Jim
Can you give me a source for the green handle knife?
Thanks,
Jim
Gordon
Member
http://www.martinknives.com/HOLLOWHANDLEKNIVES.html
The best of it's kind and actually superior to the original IMHO
The best of it's kind and actually superior to the original IMHO
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
Member
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
The MCEII-7" looks like the ticket for me. Those are beautiful knives. Thanks again for the recommendation. Ordering one.
Jim
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lobo9er
Member
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.
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.
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. 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
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.
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
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AStone
Member
Advice for a survival knife kit
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 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.
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 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.
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Mainsail
Member
Sam1911
Moderator Emeritus
But it's nice to know you could. Easily.
(CD1 and CD2 prototype heat-treat testing.)
louis Morrison aka Mark
Member
- Joined
- May 7, 2012
- Messages
- 2
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
AStone
Member
Earlier today, I wrote this:
A few minutes ago, I found a candidate for the latter two.
13" blade, 19" overall, 13 oz. Matches the length of my favorite stick.
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 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.
A few minutes ago, I found a candidate for the latter two.
13" blade, 19" overall, 13 oz. Matches the length of my favorite stick.
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 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.
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AStone
Member
Kabar Cutlass Machete
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.
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.
22-rimfire
Member
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.
AStone
Member
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.
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
Member
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.
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
Member
These are mine
Ontario RAT7
IMG_0148 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
Just got a Kabar MK1 and re-sheathed it
IMG_0150 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
IMG_0151 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
Got a RTAKII that I would carry in my pack
IMG_0155 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
But I kinda like my trailhawk better
IMG_0156 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
Ontario RAT7
IMG_0148 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
Just got a Kabar MK1 and re-sheathed it
IMG_0150 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
IMG_0151 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
Got a RTAKII that I would carry in my pack
IMG_0155 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
But I kinda like my trailhawk better
IMG_0156 by usmcchet92_96, on Flickr
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.
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