Knife For The Emergency Box

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ArfinGreebly

ArfinGreebly

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One of the things that's pretty much "taken as read" when putting together an emergency box is that it needs to include some kind of knife.

I have . . . well . . . a rather wide selection of examples to choose from for a personal box, but I'm now in search of "the perfect knife" for an emergency box template.

That is, I want a knife that's a) very inexpensive, b) durable, c) sharp (and pointed), d) preferably a fixed blade, not a folder, e) between 3 and 6 inches long of blade, f) stout and having a good grip/handle -- as opposed to something flat and slender -- you want to be able to hang onto it, g) in current production and broadly available.

Many of my "perfect" choices fail the (g) test.

I'll kick this one off with something I ran across lately, sold under the Rapala brand.

It's their 4-inch bait knife. It's stainless, has a basic Scandinavian grind blade with serrations on the spine (for sawing through frozen bait), has a stout textured plastic grip, and a cover to protect the blade. And it costs $5.00/each.

bait_knife.jpg
-and-
listing2960_42497400.jpg

I figured I'd pick one up and check it out (at $5.00 why not?) so I ran over to Cabelas at lunch and got one. Or two.

Rapala's better products are made in Sweden, and given the Scandinavian grind, I figured this one would be, too. Well, no, not for five bucks. Figure double that if it's made in Sweden. Okay, fine, we'll live with "made in China" then.

Pleasantly surprised. It meets all of the above criteria, with the bonus of the saw-edge spine. The blade cover has a positive lock tab and will not fall off. There's a lanyard hole in the butt of the knife's handle, and a similar lanyard hole in the nose of the blade cover, so you could hang it around your neck, or lash it wherever is handy.

Chopped up some veggies for dinner, sliced up a pork chop, tested the edge on some other stuff. Nice edge. Sharp as the dickens. It faithfully embodies the things I have come to like in the Swedish knives, except for the "Swedish" part.

If I start making up several of these kits, I may order several of them at once if I can get a decent price break. Of course, shaving anything off $5 is gonna be a feat.

I've been looking for something to fill this role, off and on, for a couple of years, and have looked at the Joyce Chen "My Handy Knife" as a candidate, among others, but this is the best fit I've seen so far.

Why is "cheap" one of the criteria? Well, imagine you're putting together a kit that will sit, unmolested, for a year. Or two, or three. So, you buy a quality knife at, oh, $30 or so (heck, why not $80), and stick it in there. Ouch.

And then, of course, if you're developing a template intended for production, cost becomes a real factor.

So, Rapala 4-inch bait knife. Five dollars retail.

The floor is open for suggestions.
 
It Is Written

'If it works don't knock it.' '2 is 1 & 1 is none.'
(Statement of the obvious) @ $5/each you can get a bunch & vaccum-pack &/or wrap a couple in oiled paper.You say it's well put together & holds a good edge:what's not to like? Maybe use the lanyard holes to attach a couple of P38 can openers or ???
 
I love the Mora knives. I like the idea with the rapala though and the serrated back edge is a plus. Thanks for the extra option!
 
the important thing is how well it works, not how much it costs. thats why I have a whole bunch of <$10 multitools scattered around the house. I must have 3 or 4 now. I have been unable to break any of them, and have yet to find anything they can't do that my gerber can.

there are some no name multitools that are better then others, so it pays to taker a close look at them before buying.
 
The Moras are a great value and Ragnar at ragweed forge is great guy to deal with. Last time I ordered he had a flat $5 shipping fee per order. I have several of the plastic handled ones in various places, each of the vehicles, the boat, my hunting backpack, the barn and the feed shed...
For less than $10 each, everybody should have a couple. They will take a heck of an edge.
 
the important thing is how well it works, not how much it costs.
Click to expand...

+1

Just my humble opinion... something as useful and necessary as a knife is no place to be overly concerned about cost... not that this knife is inferior in any way... if it has a full tang and made with good steel, the this is a remarkably good deal. When I find a knife I like, I always buy a second.

I never have warmed up to the multitools though... maybe if I were in a different line of work... Here's my favorites:

Victorinox Tinker... all the stuff and none of the fluff... the can opener on the Victorinox knives is the only on on any of the "Swiss Army" knives that is worth a darn. And the steel holds an edge. I've had one since my father gave me one in Boy Scouts. I bought two more a couple years ago on sale for my boys when they get old enough for Scouts... and now I need to find another one. :D Cost ~$20

Schrade quick open folder, 2-1/2" with the plastic handle... light, easy to carry and use... I bought a second and put it in my 72 hour kit. Schrade is now defunct. :( It was the knife that was always with me... until a year ago. Cost ~$20

My always knife now is a folding utility knife with a pocket clip... The one I have is Great Neck brand, but Craftsman and many others have the exact same thing. I have found it does most things better in my daily life than a pocket knife. And I never have to sharpen it. Cost ~$8
 
Function vs Cost

the important thing is how well it works, not how much it costs.
Click to expand...
Yes.

To a point.

Yes, it has to be suitable. Yes, it has to be affordable.

If this is going to be part of an emergency kit template, the ceiling is gonna be in the fifteen dollar range. I suppose, for the "platinum card" crowd, you could design a kit around the highest quality components available -- "spared no expense" -- and wind up with a $500 kit.

Or, knowing that wouldn't be affordable, you could seek a balance between function and cost.

I like the Ragnar's Forge stuff, and he's got some likely looking hardware there for not-too-much-dough, but still two and three times what the bait knife runs.

(Of course, I have a serious weakness for the Swedish blades, myself.)

Remember, since the kit is a "strategic" item, it's not going to see daily use, it's going to be the thing you grab (from your car, boat, bedroom) because the normal options are not available, and it's not intended to serve a permanent function. Typical expectations for "emergencies" are in the range of 72 hours to a couple of weeks.

What you put in there should get you by, so quality can't be ignored, but the more it costs, the less likely anyone is to actually get one.
 
I've considered the same idea, myself, after reading a recent BOB thread in another forum. You are definitely right about your criteria, and most likely the knife will sit for long periods of time unused.

Currently I've been using an Emerson HD-7 as an EDC, but I think the knife pictured below has some great features for a BOB knife or a knife kept in a truck.

As a sharpener, I made sure the blade has a mirror, spooky finish. The case makes the thing very safe for transportation.

secret.jpg
 
I'm not sure their construction, only that they are the most popular utility knife, along with the Finnish Puukko knives, in Scandinavia and are known for being rugged and able to keep an edge. The knife at the top looks an awful lot like a Mora, but Moras lack the saw-tooth back. They are cheap at $10-$15 and are made in Sweden.

Ash
 
I keep emergency boxes in both of our vehicles. Aside from food/water/medical/fire-starters/misc, they both have a nice 4" locking Kershaw, and ...drumroll please.... a ginsu/as seen on tv knife still in the box & plastic wrapping. Very handy, very sharp, and cheap enough that it does not matter what happens to it.
 
"Secret" Knife

The Tourist, that's an interesting gizmo. Source? Price? More pics?

Looks like a bamboo shroud and bamboo handle, so presumably Japanese steel?

More info, please?

Re: Swedish/Finnish blades:

Historical: "Rapala" is a brand of Rapala-Normark Group. The Rapala line of knives was introduced by founder Lauri Rapala of Finland. They have been re-branded knives made by Marttiini (Finland), EKA (Sweden), and one or more of the Mora-based companies (Sweden). It's hardly surprising, then, that the original line, and the current quality stuff is all out of Sweden and Finland.

Recent: Rapala has begun to have their (Scandinavian) designs manufactured in China. They specify the steel and the blade design, but somehow I can't really say I favor the Swedish-made-in-China thing. Just . . . sorry, I prefer my Scandinavian stuff made in, well, Scandinavia.

If I can do the emergency box template with actual Scandinavian product and not drive the price up too much, that's where I'll go with it.

I was disappointed that the Rapala bait knife turned out to be made-in-China, but honesty compels me to say that, despite the geography, it's a reasonable quality piece.

dmftoy1, you say, "this is one I've considered," yet you didn't link to a specific item, just the catalog page. Which one did you mean?

I see some likely candidates there ($7, $9, $11), and that certainly is in the viable range.
 
Mora -- Full Tang?

That depends.

Here's a set of blades used in the common utility knives:
frosts-blades-laminated.jpg


And here's a set of blades used in hunting knives.
frosts-blades-stainless.jpg

The Finnish and Norwegian blades are similar.
 
I, too, was going to suggest some Mora knives. Probably bright colors are good for various reasons, like dropping it and being able to find it, etc.
 
Large Knives

I like my Glock military knife with the double milled saw.
Click to expand...
I have a Glock knife.

Not a bad piece, but it breaks criteria (a), (e), and (g).

It's certainly a robust & stout, but too big for mundane stuff, and (at $25 -- what mine cost) more expensive than the limit I've set, and they're not broadly available. You might find them in certain sporting goods stores or Army Surplus houses, but all the ones I've seen I had to order on-line.

The uber-thick blade will do as a crowbar in a pinch, but it makes keeping a decent edge harder.

The Rapala and the Mora knives are still the front-runners.
 
Arf,
Great thread the suggestion of a Rapela and other Scandis is a good one.

Follow up posts by others are great too.

Emergency Box.
Again one must think out of the box to determine what environments they may have to implement such a box.

Opinels were left out...

I had, before they burnt up in two boxes for instance:

J frame .22 revolver, Case Slimline Trapper , Case Peanut and SAK Classic.
This was for being in the City, and having to be cool , quiet and make my way to safer areas.
Nothing wrong with Folders, just concealment was figured in.
SAK Classic SD fits the First Aid role primarily, thought the Peanut fits First Aid, and Society Friendly.

The other had a Beretta 21A, in .22 lr, with SAK Classic SD, Case Peanut, and a wooden carving knife with the blade only 1.5 inches.
While thin, quite stout and it had a sheath.
Small fixed blade, still I and others had tested these out on all sorts of uses.


I like fixed blades, still a knife I can have on person, one I have control over and not worry about losing or getting separated from , is important to me.
So I think of Folding knives and in my case Slip Joints.

SAK Vic Solo ( akin to a Slimline Trapper) is not expensive and proven by me and others.
SAK Vic Pocket Pal is another, this one affords two blades, the main a spear the other a pen.
Wenger's Version , The Patriot, has a clip blade for the smaller blade.

Old Hickory 3 1/2" carbon steel paring knife is akin to the Moras and the like.
Just the USA version if you will.
Again not expensive, and proven to do all sorts of duties.

All these knives are easy to maintain and sharpen freehand.
A File would actually be a better sharpening tool for most folks in a serious situation, especially dealing with cutting rope.

Coarse Grit stone, better yet a small combo stone of coarse and fine, will keep any edge maintained and with a edge best for tasks.
You ain't gonna be do a hair popping - paper cutting contest in a emergency situation.

One stone, will do all sharpening , no matter the steel.
Norton India coarse /fine.
Get a pocket one, learn to freehand, and this works on carbon steel, Chrome Vanadium and all the *cough* *ack* Stainless Steels *cough...

Re:SAKs
Did not grow up with them, we had real knives made with real carbon and CV steels...*tacky*

SAK Issued is okay,...<tetters hand>
Better is a GI Demo or Scout/Camp knife with carbon steel /CV blades.
These are more robust, heavier duty, and tougher.
Just a fact.

British and other Military knives are hell for Stout, like the one with marlin spike and lamps foot blade.

Access the environment, thinking out of the box to consider unexpected needs/tasks.

The last knife I want in a emergency box is one of these black tactical knives with a funky blade geometry and steel with a lock.
We tried 'em and they didn't hold up worth spit.

Buck 110 and Case Mako Shark will beat these out...and I hate these stainless steel blades too, and I am very fond and biased of Case.
Just they need to make more CV knives for us that use a knife.

Collectors...need to learn to maintain a real steel like carbon steel and CVand not these low spark of high heeled boy steels.


If one is not a big fan of Opinels, get a Case Sodbuster Jr, with CV blades...
Don't need a lock, safety is between the ears, not on the lock of a knife...


s
 
I second the Roach Belly

Kinda weird looking but the blade shape makes it a good all-around knife.Many of the ones I've gifted end up in the kitchen.
 
As far as having a knife for the emergency box.....I guess you carry a pocket knife for cutting in your pocket. My concern would be a sharp pry bar. I carry a Becker Tac Tool in the Bag of Evil. Don't forget a pair of gloves.
 
I dunno,
I feel folks over think too many aspects of life situations and do not even consider tools that are needed.

I have been through riots, tornadoes , floods and fires and ...
Some of the same tools of yesteryear work better than new ones.

Small thin pocket knife, a Peanut to be exact, was used by a Ortho Surgeon to amputate the leg at the knee of a lady trapped in the OKC bombing.

Small Hen & Rooster, pen knife, only 2 5/8" long was used to do an emergency tracheotomy to a accident victim.
I watched this as a kid.

One of Mentors, ( maybe more...) was abroad during Cold War era, and in dealing with Checkpoints, where if the attendees of checkpoints did not like you, for any reason, they shot you on the spot.

Blend In.

See he was doing "good work" and that small Hen & Rooster, Case, Boker, or whatever he was left to use, or he got from place to place, was a real tool.
Since civilians were not really supposed to have guns...and for sure not the same caliber as Police/Military, he used small caliber Berettas, again just how real serious , life situations were dealt with.
Hen & Rooster was never discovered ...
Case Peanut was not for another...

No matter how well something is planned, matters screw up.
So the one with the Hen & Rooster survived with a pen knife, a small caliber Beretta, and other small items, and in a "not friendly area" avoided, evaded those that would wish him ill.

He was able to shoot small game, though he did use snares and other means for food.
That pen knife that cleaned game, also took a human life, and was used to make tools to defend himself.

Nobody, and I mean nobody made fun of him, or like kind , carrying Colt Woodsman's concealed.
Or the small caliber Berettas they did...

Oh his knives, knives Mentors, even my small penknife will do some impressive damage slicing a soda bottle, leather wine flask, human being...

Stick beats knife , due to reach then again he and others shared how "newspaper knifes" worked real well .

--
Let me change over to Jews now.
I am not Jewish, I did apprentice under them.

How about Russian Jews fleeing, and in the Emergency box was small pen knives, and one fixed knife (paring), and one smallest set of scissors.

In order to evade checkpoints, right off the bat, this family sold the Silverware.
It was too bulky, and they needed someone to look the other way, some other items - sad to say- available from Jews killed and these persons had these items...

Along the way they sold bits of platinum, gold, and with some cash from the dead Jews and the Silverware, got a small gun.

Scissors were used to cut off the hair of the only girl child, not very old, still a girl and to protect and not draw attention to Evil.
This girl had to look like a boy.
Mom's hair was cut and her bosum wrapped to look like a male.

These folks survived with small tools, the biggest tools were mindset and willingness to survive.
This little girl grew up in the USA and became a Doctor.
I listened intently to her lessons and sharing...


I am biased, I am old school, and I was born in the mid 50's.
Mentors vary from all sorts of folks, and I get my take from them and their real life experiences and mine.


I assure you, I had folks in Vietnam, that did not want to look anything like US GIs.
They Blended in, and used the tools of the simple people, like rice farmers.


--
Gen.Chuck Yeager.
Before he became a General , he was shot down and evaded the enemy.
Yeager was a country boy , and had woodcraft skills.
He knew to have tools on person, like a knife, that would cut.
Just being in the woods and one kept tools on person - as one might get separated from a pack.

He survived being shot down with what small tools in his flight suit , including a small slip joint pocket knife. I have forgotten what this knife was.

In later years, Yeager and his passion for Golden Trout. He and his buddy are what some today call minimalist.
They travel light, and stay out for as much as 4 weeks at a time in the woods, fishing for Golden Trout.

The knife he and his buddy uses?
http://www.smartknives.com/Victorinox-Knives/Victorinox-Executive.htm


My Executive is gone.
What I really miss, due to real strong sentimental attachment to the Mentors and those that shared with is:

-Small Hen & Rooster with carbon steel blades, one is somewhere lost "around" Israel, the one I had left is now gone too.
-Boker small 2 5/8" with Rosewood handles, Tree Brand Etching, Carbon Steel blades, and the 3 1/8" version Boker 204.
-Case Peanuts, different variations of the same , CV blades
-Case small pen and stockman, in 2 5/8" size and back then, these had CV blades.

Now these are just a few, real deal knives , real deal folks used to survive "environments".
I mean folks that toss a gun overboard, or take all apart and toss parts hither as they have to enter areas "not nice", and they have to Blend In with the locals.

I have no idea where someone is, he traveled to Afghanistan often , doing a legitimate business all before matters got the way they are now.
His ex wife contacted me, to see if he had checked in with me as he was scheduled to do.
We don't know.

He blends in, he uses tools of the locals, all legit business as he travels back to US sell his goods.
I do know he had on person and cherished a small knife, and Zippo lighter I gave him.

He has been in conflicts before, as this is just how life is.
His ex wife, stunning beauty , she traveled over there too.
Depending on area, she blended in.
She honestly had a beard she wore to disguise herself in some areas.


I don't have anything against "some" new stuff equipment, or methods, still I have always been against buying skill and targets , certain attitudes, and marketing dictating what someone "has to" use for a situation.

Doing some stuff I have, to blend in and survive an environment, a screwdriver bought at a pawn shop for 35 cents was the best defensive tool.

Thrift shop and wearing multiple layer of "homeless" clothing.
This mode of dress means all tools and possessions are on person, and these clothes protect one from shivs, kicks, getting hit by sticks...

One can have a length of Rebar on person wearing these homeless clothes, and it can be used as a prybar, a defensive tool, to make a fire ( tosses sparks) stick a rabbit on it to cook...

Honest to Goodness - the Homeless and Hobos have the best "strategy and tactics" going, and they Blend in, or Not, depending on where and what they want to be.

For the $100 a tactical knife costs, a Street person can purchase more effective and efficient tools of survival.

Then again, I am over age 50 and since there were no gun schools or training schools coming up, - I have nothing to share in today's world.
 
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