Survival knife suggestions?

[Bugflipper]

Hello, I am looking for a survival knife. Not the kind with the hollow handle. Just a good do it all woods knife. It should be able to make shavings and feather sticks. Strong enough for hard use. Acceptable for precision work. A plain blade, no serrations. Sharpen easily on a rock. Dress and butcher game. And all the other normal things you would expect out of a good survival knife.


 I just auctioned off my camilus/becker companion. Ka-bar makes it now as a BK2. It was about right for me, just a little too thick. 1/4" made it too heavy for it's size. It also wasn't the greatest with precision work. I got a mora clipper for that, then used it 90% of the time, so decided I didn't need a knife that weighed a pound if it was too thick for normal use. My mentality was for that pound I could have a longer blade, a hatchet or machete. I am not really set on anything, open to ideas. I do have some knives that could fit the role, just wondering what your thoughts are?
Thanks

[ironglow]

  There are many out there...  I am assuming you would like certain attributes to your survival knife.  Certain things would be nice, such as resisting rust, strength, easier sharpening and taking a keen edge (since it will be done on a rock), made by an American company with a reputation for quality etc.
  The best steel in which to get these qualities (IMO) is a good high carbon steel..such as 1095 or 5160.  The problem with these steels is rust..so a modern coating process is applied leaving only the very edge exposed, which use and sharpening keep clean.  There is even a opening for a "stop-loss" thong to assure not losing the knife.
   Her's one (or a series) I would suggest..they are made about 4 miles from my house and I know personally many of the folks who make them, icluding the co. pres & veep..   All quality oriented folks..
 
     http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/238
 
  Perhaps the 4" black micarta would serve better;

[Karl B. Andersen]

From your description, it sounds like you are more in the market for two knives - not one.
If you want a knife "acceptable for precision work", then I'd search for a smaller 3-finger knife designed for that purpose. It would pack away easily, or stash away in a pocket or on your belt while adding no appreciable weight.
Then I'd look for one in the 6 inch range to perform all your other needs. One that would be large enough to build a shelter, yet wouldn't get you mad when you discovered you couldn't clean out your finger nails. That's what the other one is for. 

[ironglow]

From your description, it sounds like you are more in the market for two knives - not one.
If you want a knife "acceptable for precision work", then I'd search for a smaller 3-finger knife designed for that purpose. It would pack away easily, or stash away in a pocket or on your belt while adding no appreciable weight.
Then I'd look for one in the 6 inch range to perform all your other needs. One that would be large enough to build a shelter, yet wouldn't get you mad when you discovered you couldn't clean out your finger nails. That's what the other one is for.

oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
  Karl;
  Do you mean like this Dirk Pinkerton "Guppy"?  http://www.meyercousa.com/knife-designers/dirk-pinkerton/meyercor-fixed-blade-guppy-neck-nife.html
 
  I have found the Bird & Trout sets (shown below) to be handy..  You just put your little "pinky finger' in that hole and precision work is easy..this one handled by among others, Smoky Mountain KW;

[jlwilliams]

I'll take the two knife thing a step further. 
 
  A full sized fixed blade knife with a good sheath and a modest sized folder.  By modest size I mean legal to carry wherever you may carry it.  I prefer (shameless self promotion alert) the Benchmade 707 Axis Lock.  Just under a 3" blade (I live close to a state border and 3" is the limit in the more restrictive of the two) thin, easy in the pocket with a non serrated edge, easy ambidexterous action. 
 
  Having a full sized camp knife in your gear is critical.  It doesn't replace a hatchet, but can fill in on occasion.  Having the small-ish folder is critical because you can always have it.  I've skinned game with my folders and done all sorts of stuff with them.
 
  Back to the hatchet.  A hatchet may be the single most important of camp/survival tools.  In the tropics you shouldn't be without a machette.  In the northern climates the hatchet is the tool.  I keep a hatchet and a folding shovel in the spair tire compartment of my car.  Should a mechanical breakdown or a disaster turn into a 'survival situation', I don't want to be without a hatchet.  The shovel (E-tool) has come in handy a number of times.
 
  Make sure you get something legal to carry.  If you go for something bigger then you may likely get it taken away.  Opting for 'better' than legal leaves you with nothing, which is not better.  Don't get stuck with nothing 

[ironglow]

From JHWilliams;
  " A full sized fixed blade knife with a good sheath and a modest sized folder.  By modest size I mean legal to carry wherever you may carry it."
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
   A 3" folder seems awfully restrictive; where is that the law?  If restrictions were to be placed, I would expect them in my "blue" home state of NY..these liberal law makers are always doing assinine things...

[jlwilliams]

I'm right on the CT/ RI border.  Deep blue states.

[Bugflipper]

 That new Ontario line was actually why I started this post. I stumbled on them looking at their machete lengths. Thought that there have to be others that have come along in the last ten years or so with a similar style knife. With the blade 1095 is all I have used for a survival type knife. If it's not coated or the coating wears I just force a patina with vinegar so it will be more rust resistant. I would imagine my old hickory kitchen knives are 1095 or very close. They can be ran through the dishwasher without problems with the patina on them. They just turned gray over time and have held up through 3 generations now. So I started using vinegar on all of the new carbon blade knives I get to speed up the protection.


Karl I already have the little knife figured out. Just looking for a big one.    I do like the bird and trout knives though, very versatile. My favorite little knife is a mora carbon clipper. They are a super sharp, tough little knife for about $15 or less. I think the last one I got was $8 shipped on sale.
http://www.survivalcommonsense.com/2011/05/10/moro-survival-knife-reviewfeed/


The larger knife I don't expect to get a lot of precision out of. But I would expect it to be more than just a sharp wedge. That's a little bit of an exaggeration, but I had problems with simple things like making triggers for traps. So I always ended up using the little knife. Skinning deer was about all it did well with that was kind of light work. But there again the little knife was thinner so it did better at that too.


 Let's put the cap at $125. Most likely there will be several under $60 though since most of them are probably cheaper 1095 and not made out of a super steel. I won't be carrying this knife. It will stay in the vehicle on a get home bag. I carry a M.O.D. auto for daily and a RAT-5 on the duty bag.


Thanks for the suggestions so far.

[ironglow]

  We're getting into the "good stuff" now guys,  Yep...the Ontario line is still made of 1095 steel..great knives which can also be "refashioned" into very useful shapes.  With just a bit of grinding effort, their 5" curved shinning knife can be styled into a pretty effective "Nessmuk".
  I have long admired the Cold Steel "Finnbear", although I never owned one..  Being of Scottish heritage, I consider it  a great challenge to find great buys at a low price !..   
   Another light, precise knife I have used and admired for many years is the AG Russell "woodswalker", handles like a surgical instrument. 
  I often buy some reasonably priced knives to hand out as gifts to outdoors/handyman inclined folks.  I was by AG Russell store about a month ago and picked up a couple woodswalkers (Japan)...an amazing buy @ $12.95  (add $10 for either sheath). Some friend or kind act will be getting a nice gift in the future !

[SHOOTALL]

I have been given several knives that fit your needs . Gerber has some , Benchmade has nice ones and several others. What I have found is a KABAR knife , the GI issue is a good knife, Easy to sharpen , Light for what it is. They are in several blade types , grip materials and lengths now with plastic or leather sheaths. They are cost effective also so you can have several . I got one about 33 years ago. It is with me alot ( before we could carry a gun it stayed with me in the truck all the time) . I got a spare just in case and it hasn't been needed .
Also in alot of catologues there are rough service knives , most times there are 4 or 5 shapes for blades . I have one that looks like a KABAR on steroids. It is one tuff knife . I think it would bend before breaking , a clear advantage in a survival situation.
You can go expensive or you can get a good knife at a fair price. Hey machine made knives today are quality knives at a fair price.

[ironglow]

I have been given several knives that fit your needs . Gerber has some , Benchmade has nice ones and several others. What I have found is a KABAR knife , the GI issue is a good knife, Easy to sharpen , Light for what it is. They are in several blade types , grip materials and lengths now with plastic or leather sheaths. They are cost effective also so you can have several . I got one about 33 years ago. It is with me alot ( before we could carry a gun it stayed with me in the truck all the time) . I got a spare just in case and it hasn't been needed .
Also in alot of catologues there are rough service knives , most times there are 4 or 5 shapes for blades . I have one that looks like a KABAR on steroids. It is one tuff knife . I think it would bend before breaking , a clear advantage in a survival situation.
You can go expensive or you can get a good knife at a fair price. Hey machine made knives today are quality knives at a fair price.

''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
 
  Yes, knives of today are probably better than ever..computer controlled operations can be monitored  more closely.
  Incidently, Ontario makes most of the blades for the Army and ALL the blades for the USMC...so the Marine Kabar..is technically, not a Kabar, but an Ontario..
  Kabar is owned and manufactured by Alcas..just about 20 miles further down the road from me , than is Ontario..
 
  Incidently; Ontario has a "survival system" called the ASEK (Aircraft Survival & Egress Knife).  Bob gave one to my grandson in 2005 as he was deployed to Iraq as a Spec Ops Marine.  It is more of a military survival system designed to initially carve one's way out of a wrecked chopper.  This is not the large size but more compact..  The old Air Force survival by Ontario is what I have for the purpose..  Below, an Ontario catalog, starting with the ASEK..this one from a store in Shreveport; enjoy;
 
  http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/asek-survival-knife-system/

[SHOOTALL]

Yep , both of my Kabars are from Ontario as were the rough service knives. They are just good knives at a good price .

[mcwoodduck]

  We're getting into the "good stuff" now guys,  Yep...the Ontario line is still made of 1095 steel..great knives which can also be "refashioned" into very useful shapes.  With just a bit of grinding effort, their 5" curved shinning knife can be styled into a pretty effective "Nessmuk".
  I have long admired the Cold Steel "Finnbear", although I never owned one..  Being of Scottish heritage, I consider it  a great challenge to find great buys at a low price !..   
   Another light, precise knife I have used and admired for many years is the AG Russell "woodswalker", handles like a surgical instrument. 
  I often buy some reasonably priced knives to hand out as gifts to outdoors/handyman inclined folks.  I was by AG Russell store about a month ago and picked up a couple woodswalkers (Japan)...an amazing buy @ $12.95  (add $10 for either sheath). Some friend or kind act will be getting a nice gift in the future !

Great little knife.
I have one and have handed out over a Dozen of them to friends during trips.
I call them personal steak knives but they work great for all little tasks.

[Victor3]

 These two have mostly taken the place of my pile of other knives for most practical uses. Spyderco Native and SOG Team Leader Survivor...
 

 
 The SOG is out of production, but still available new on ebay (with or without the saw, which works very well) for ~$65.
 
 They're my 'Glock knives.' 

[Bugflipper]

Those woods walkers are good little knives. I think they used to be $10, probably still the same. A whole lot of quality for the price.

[Empty Quiver]

 That new Ontario line was actually why I started this post. I stumbled on them looking at their machete lengths. Thought that there have to be others that have come along in the last ten years or so with a similar style knife. With the blade 1095 is all I have used for a survival type knife. If it's not coated or the coating wears I just force a patina with vinegar so it will be more rust resistant. I would imagine my old hickory kitchen knives are 1095 or very close. They can be ran through the dishwasher without problems with the patina on them. They just turned gray over time and have held up through 3 generations now. So I started using vinegar on all of the new carbon blade knives I get to speed up the protection.


Karl I already have the little knife figured out. Just looking for a big one.    I do like the bird and trout knives though, very versatile. My favorite little knife is a mora carbon clipper. They are a super sharp, tough little knife for about $15 or less. I think the last one I got was $8 shipped on sale.
http://www.survivalcommonsense.com/2011/05/10/moro-survival-knife-reviewfeed/


The larger knife I don't expect to get a lot of precision out of. But I would expect it to be more than just a sharp wedge. That's a little bit of an exaggeration, but I had problems with simple things like making triggers for traps. So I always ended up using the little knife. Skinning deer was about all it did well with that was kind of light work. But there again the little knife was thinner so it did better at that too.


 Let's put the cap at $125. Most likely there will be several under $60 though since most of them are probably cheaper 1095 and not made out of a super steel. I won't be carrying this knife. It will stay in the vehicle on a get home bag. I carry a M.O.D. auto for daily and a RAT-5 on the duty bag.


Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Sounds like you have knives covered quite well. You have found the large knives are pretty useless as knives and also useless as machetes. Lets assume what you want is some sort of short sword, something for those meat filled boots.   You don't even plan on carrying this thing?


 Might I suggest you look at the surrounding vegetation and choose either a good tomahawk / hatchet, or a machete.  With this and a Leatherman tool in the trunk you would have nearly any situation covered. The always present folder on your person, a small toolkit and blade for mechanical breakdowns, and a tool to expedite shelter building or good reach and lethality, come what may.

[finisher]

There were similar laws regarding blade length in California where I once lived. Believe it or not though, the police really didn't look twice at you as long as your folder was clearly visible, even with a pocket clip and that was in the "toilet" of LA.
I think the guys suggesting a two knife combo are right on as one must always have a back up and it gives you a wider utility option.
 
Never considered the idea of a light hatchet for carry but thinking about it, it does have its merrit.
 
I also agree with what some of the gentlemen said about large knives, falling somewhere between a utility knife and a machete. When you move up to this weight catagory you are now carrying more of a field TOOL for hacking and building shelters and the like. Any other purpose for thick, heavy knives like Trail Masters dont' go beyond filleting people.
 
You may find a good compromise in weight, balance and size in the Cold Steel Recon Scout. They are easily modified and will last a couple of lifetimes.  You can go even lighter with their Carbon V Bush Master (not Bushman) or their Master Hunter. Pair one of those with a good folder and your pretty much covered.
 
Although I prefer carbon steel blades, for a folder I went with a Cold Steel Gunsite (if you can find one and they can be pricey at around $80.00 new) w/ a 4.25 with the half serrated blade and a snake head tanto point(very utility). It is slim, light weight, quick opening, durable, and Cold Steel's lock up is second to none. I was never one for serrated blades either but I have found that they are good in a pinch as you will see them packed by anyone who works with lines and riggings.
 
I haven't heard anyone bring up Tops Tracker knives (also very pricey). Held one once and it felt good and looked versatile. They come in three size options. Haven't heard any comment on them though.

[teamnelson]

For $125, I'd encourage you to go custom - I can point you to 1/2 dozen fellas that make knives one at a time that'll do what you're asking and then some for that price. I found myself in the same predicament this time last year, and someone suggested I make my own. Have you given that a thought?

I've made a dozen now, well 11 and 12 is 95% there:


3/16" Aldo's 1095, about 9" long, about 5" of it is blade, and a little over 4 is handle. Koa from a friends yard in HI. Steel tubing, G10 black spacers. Made a leather holster for it. Sort of a scandi-convex grind. My son asked for a bigger one (I made him a 3 finger a few months back) so this'll be his when its finished. My knives are crude compared to what you'll  find for $125 on the custom market, and it'll be a one of a kind.

The other option is a SpyderCo mule blank, and you put the scales on yourself.

[Bugflipper]

A get home bag is kind of like a bug out bag. I have a usmc 2 day assault pack in the vehicle. Food, water, shelter, clothing, fire starting defense and so on to make it home if on foot. For now I have a rat-7 on the side of it until I find a knife I want. By not carrying I mean it is not going to be carried daily. Just part of a kit. BTW there is a leatherman in it as well. condor knife has some interesting designs but have no experience with 1075. I realize the carbon content would be lower, but the trade would be a stronger steel I think? Will have to research it a little more. Not really in a hurry to make a decision and open to suggestions as always.

Area is eastern hardwoods. Not really dense undergrowth. Just oak and hickory stands with understory saplings. I have a quality hatchet/prybar/hammer in there as well. That's why I don't need a super thick knife for batoning. Would just be a waste of energy. I just want one that can do common wilderness survival tasks effectively. Just in case in the extremely rare event I even had to use it, I couldn't make it home within a week or so.

[gcrank1]

Take a look at the classic Deweese, make or commision one, or find a modern knife that has similar size/attributes.

[T.R.]

Schrade Golden Spike is a KEEPER!  But I wouldn't chop with it.  Get a small saw or hatchet for that work.
 
TR
 

 

[Joel]

Pretty much any fairly light, good quality knives work.  By that I mean a decent sheath knife and a good pocket knife with at least a couple of blades.  That, and a chopped down machete or light "pocket axe" have worked for a lot of really experienced woodsman for a lot of years.  Far as I can tell there are no such things as "survival" knives; just survival people.  If you can't utilize the environment around you to provide simple shelter(I don't have any experience in the desert), food, fire, tools(prybars, hammers etc) all the knives you can carry won't help much.  Far as I"m concerned it's a BS term.  The longest hikes I go on last 4 days, and I carry whatever one of my sheath knives, in 154CM or D-2, I'm in the mood to carry, and a SAK; usually the Super Tinkerer.  Those and either my old Plumb Boy Scout axe or an Incolma machete I've cut down to a 12 inch blade(depending on pack weight/time of year) have provided all the "tools" I've needed...the "tools" in my head show how to use the tools on my belt.  In the "old days", from the pics I've seen, the men would lug along a mid sized Hudson Bay axe or something similar; even though it was horribly heavy by today's amateur criteria.  They knew it was a far more important tool then a wee belt knife.  But that was the days when they'd go out and stay out for a good while.

[cwlongshot]

Schrade Golden Spike is a KEEPER!  But I wouldn't chop with it.  Get a small saw or hatchet for that work.
 
TR
 

 

I also like these. As long as we are talking the older Elenville NY Schrade knives.

CW

[Ranger99]

answering that question is opening a
3xl can of worms. . . .


i can tell you what i have in the
vehicle
e-tool
"kabar"(ontario marine combat)
cold steel latin machete
estwing hatchet




i've been lookin for excaliber or the
holy grail all my adult life, and i
can tell you it doesn't exist.


i've had randall-mades, expensive
hand-mades, cheap overseas made
i'm sure, by semi-slave labor,
i've yet to find the do-all


if you were to ask me which i would
pick out of all i have, it would have
to be a grohmann #4 survival, or a
murphy-herter's improved bowie.


i use the estwing hatchet even though
i have some really nice hickory-handled
hatchets because i've been in a tight
where i didn't have the luxury of replacing
a broken handle, or tightening a loose one.


the cold steel latin machete,. . . . .well
i'll just say it-  i've got a old collins, an ontario,
and a cold steel. the cold steel just out-cuts
and out-works the others. i've used 'em limbing
trees, clearing fence rows, and trimming hedges
here at the house. flat out-performs the others.


just depends on the job you expect out of your
blade.


since i've stuck my foot in, i'll say this too.
if you want a spear, use your knife to whittle
a spear with a point on it, not for a point.
if you think you need to throw your knife to
protect yourself, buy a .45 auto.
knives are for cutting things.


of course, you should always have a pocket knife.


good luck

[gcrank1]

In that contest it is hard to beat the Nessmuk Triad, a pocket folder (I like a Stockman), a larger skinner (or belt knife you like), and a dbl.bit hand axe (or hatchet, machete, etc.).
A pack saw is mighty nice too, a handfull of nails, baling wire, duct tape..................

[Bugflipper]

I really don't think anyone could say that a person's knife selection is wrong. It all boils down to personal preference. In the old days in America a fellow may have only had one knife. It may have been a butcher type knife for the house. It performed everything he needed. When I think of a settler or mountain man a green river type knife comes to mind. I'm sure some people were able to trade for or buy a more expensive knife. But often they just made due with what they had, the cheapest, most prevalent mass produced product available.


I don't care for upward swept patterns, as they are not efficient. Not saying there is anything wrong with them, just for me they don't seem as efficient at cutting. It seems like I have to put more force to get the same results. I favor recurve styles, where the material being cut is fed into the blade. The problem is there aren't a whole lot of them. And usually they are really big knives. I usually just settle for a straight blade and drop point. Even though I'm not gaining any cutting ability, I'm not giving any up either.
Here is what I've been trying out lately in the woods. http://www.ontario-knife-store.com/night-stalker-6-knife/ It's not perfect either, but it's been doing pretty good.
I'm not done looking, it's been going on for 15-20 years and no doubt others will see this thread and it may help them as well, so please keep giving input. There aren't any wrong answers because it just boils down to what you like to carry for a do it all knife in the woods.
Thanks

[SHOOTALL]

I watched an old gentalman clean fish , he was the fastest I have ever seen. He used a old butcher knife and fileted each one no matter size. Sometimes its what you are used to !