Need a Survival knife

[sonOraven]

Hey all, just wanted to see how you guys were doing? And to see if you can help me out with picking a fixed blade survival knife???!!? :confused: Me and my dad were thinking about the Becker Crewman BK10 Combat/Utility Knife!!!! I was also thinking of Chris Reeves Skinner knife. But just thought I would come to the :spyder: family, for your guys' expert advice. :confused: HELP!!!!!!!!! :confused: :eek:

THANKS
&
GODBLESS
-Erik

[silverback]

Try to get a Perrin bowie if you want to stick with Spyderco, of course!

Apart from that, how about the "german expedition knife" from Puma in Solingen? It's expensive, but very reliable. :)
Just one sharpened piece of steel, blade is 17cm, take a look:

[Outlaw]

Checkout Ontario Knife's TAK line at http://www.ontarioknife.com/
Mine is in D2 & is shavin' sharp! (with a little help from :spyder: 's sharpmaker

[DAYWALKER]

Aloha sonOraven,

I like the looks of Outlaw's knife a lot. :D

I second something from either BRKT or Ontario. They are not that expensive and if made from 1095, they are very forgiving and easily maintained in the field.

I personally carry an Ontario RTAK in my vehicle...the big brother to Outlaw's TAK. This is a big knife, therefore, if you could be a bit more specific in terms of "survival", I am pretty sure we can help you narrow things down a bit.

God bless and take care :cool:

[Vincent]

I dont think you can do anybetter than a Busse combat or swamprat if you are looking for a cheaper option.

i dont think there is a stronger knife availible with a better warrenty.

[deeker]

How 'bout that big hawkbill that Ceya made?? That ought to be all the survival one could handle. :eek:

It had good reviews, is it going to be produced?

[Irish Lager]

I dont think you can do anybetter than a Busse combat or swamprat if you are looking for a cheaper option.

i dont think there is a stronger knife availible with a better warrenty.

agreed,
i think a swamprat is a great choice for a survival knife and you can get most at a great price and have a perfect warrenty to back it up. I would say the camp tramp would be a great choice for survival needs, but i guess the real ? would be what size blade are you thinking?
J

[Hillbilly]

Busse Battle Mistress

[WOTANSON1]

Tops makes some great knives, coated 1095 carbon steel, very easy to sharpen, quick rub down with a Tuf cloth and you're ready to go.
Rob

[Jimd]

All the blades mentioned so far are great ones.
I assume for "survival" you mean taking to the woods for an extended period, and you're looking for a "do-all" knife.

Aside from brand names (I'll throw Strider into the mix, just to confuse you even more), you're looking for a knife on the larger side. I'd say 4" fixed blade would be minimum (although more blade would be an advantage). I'd also say that 10" inches wouldn't be too much blade.

The reason for a large blade is that you'll want to gather wood for fire/shelter. Some of that wood might need to be split for the fire. Also, poles will need to be cut for shelter and other tasks.

Although we don't normally want to do it with our knives, in an extreme condition like survival, prying might be a necessity. In short, you want a knife that can take gross abuse and keep on tickin'. Far as I can tell, all the knives listed so far would be pretty good for all of that. I haven't used all of them, but read the reviews, and they all have what you're looking for in a knife; decent blade length, strength, good steel, and a drop-point design. For survival, I'd stay away from tantos, as the drop-point is a much better all-around working design.

And finally, I'm not a one-knife guy. I'd always have a few knives with me, such as smaller blades to complement and back up the large fixed blade.
Good luck.

[Ted]

Have a look at the Fallkniven F1 - very strong and versatile. Full tang, 4mm thick, convex edge. Throws and incredibale amount of sparks from a firesteel. More then any knife I've ever used. Best knife I've used for camping & bushcraft.

[CKE]

I will confuse you even more by saying custom/handmade. Strider, Busse, Swamprat are all amazing. There is nothing like a quality handmade piece though. They can be had for cheaper than the first two I mentioned and around the same price as a Swamprat with less wait(unless the wait times for SR are not like they used to be)
Oh, I checked out the Fosters line too while on holidays and they are well built production knives. BK&T are solid performers too. Good luck and let us know how you make out!!!!

Take Care
Craig

[Rainy County]

Look at the Al Mar Sere Operator with Sawback! It has a 5 inch s30v blade and for survival the saw on the back of the blade should come in handy. :)

[Jimd]

I have to admit, I'm rather partial to my Strider EB-LS. Flat-ground blade is very sharp, and its 1/4-inch thickness makes it **** tough to break. The handle design allows the user to choke down, gaining a few extra inches of reach, which enhances its chopping ability. This knife's weight also lends itself to being a good chopper.

I've used it to cut firewood, and then shaved fuzz sticks and kindling with it, both of which are major survival concerns, as everyone needs heat to survive in colder climates.