What's THE best survival knife?

[nevgriff64]

Very nice Gadski, where abouts did you purchase them from mate??

[See-Double-You]

Originally Posted by Shmerel

i just bought this


thanks for your help, guys.

Good choice.

[MOLAHS]

Originally Posted by Shmerel

Thanks.
When i held it, it was so nicely weighted, and a good size for me, that I just had to go with it. It will sit in my kit.
I also got this, for my hip belt (which I can also ride with), it carries a lifetime guarantee:

Now that is a real nice knife. Buck make some of the best.

[fish3006]

good choices, shmerel. that falkniven looks to be a dandy. one can "see"
the balance ...

[yondering]

Originally Posted by DiscoDino

I use the Ka-Bar Kukri when camping:

Me too. I carry this most times when I'm trail riding. It comes in very handy for clearing brush or fallen trees from the trail if necessary, and functions well as an axe or machete, but can also be used for smaller tasks.

Of course, I always have a smaller (3" blade) decent folding knife in my pocket, so that takes care of the more delicate chores. To be honest, I don't know how some people get through the day without needing a pocketknife.

[revitup]

If you want the best, bar none, there is no comparison, Buck 184. Big heavy, holds an edge, can take down trees.

[Guerrilla]

Originally Posted by Dirtysouth

I can't believe no one has mentioned a RAT knife. They have different sizes to pick from, depending on your definition of survival knife. They're also made it the USA.

My first choice too. I have their Izula and RC-4. No bells & whistles, just good design, quality materials and expert craftsmanship.

I don't really care where they're made, but I like that the guys there DO care. I don't believe you'll receive better customer service in any market, and their guarantee is solid (you break it, we'll send you another - no matter what).

Before designing knives the guys where (and still are) jungle survival instructors; they know what's important and what isn't when your life depends on your tools.

I'm also quite fond of Spyderco, both their products and just as a company. Sal & co. are some of the nicest, most innovative, generous, appreciative and responsive guys in the business.


Saying that, the Fällkniven F1 is a great knife. I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being disappointed with it!

One more tip regards the Swiss Army Knife/Leatherman route; I always keep a Victorinox SwissTool close to hand (their version of a Leatherman-style tool). I find the build-quality is better, and it's more functional than Leatherman made tools, plus (here at least) is was a lot cheaper.... the screwdrivers and knife-blade aren't as versatile as Leatherman's though, and it is a heavy bugger!

[AlanCT]

Originally Posted by Guerrilla

One more tip regards the Swiss Army Knife/Leatherman route; I always keep a Victorinox SwissTool close to hand (their version of a Leatherman-style tool). I find the build-quality is better, and it's more functional than Leatherman made tools, plus (here at least) is was a lot cheaper.... the screwdrivers and knife-blade aren't as versatile as Leatherman's though, and it is a heavy bugger!

My favorite multitool for the past several years has been the Victorinox Spirit. It has the same excellent build quality as the Swisstool, but is a bit more light and compact (but still very rugged). It has a very useful and sensible array of implements too.

For sheath knives, I have a fondness for Bark River products, but my current fave is a custom "Nessmuk" made by Shawn of SDS Knifeworks. I haven't tried a RAT yet, but I'd like to.

[tslewisz]

Originally Posted by AlanCT

... I have a fondness for Bark River products...

I just bought a Gunny with desert ironwood scales and mozaic pins. Weak moment.

[mcfear]

i cant believe that no one has mentioned the old timer knives. this is the one i have

http://www.knivesplus.com/oldtimerknifesc-165ot.html

a mate of mine when i was working in a cotton gin, had his oldtimer go through the gin. it jammed the cotton gin up cmpletely, did $30,000AU damage to the gin, and came out with about 1/4" of the tip broken off, and still had its edge.

bloody brilliant quality. very easy to sharpen with a wet stone and holds its edge well.

[fish3006]

yep, ol timer offers a lot of knife for the money. same for kershaw sheath knives, such as the ken onion echo. it is a fantastic skinning-work knife.

[ScottDill]

Don't know what makes it a survival knife, but the finest fixed blade that I have is a Randall. I have a Buxton Fighter that I picked up in Dallas from Buxton himself.

I don't have a picture of mine, but here's one form the web.



Randall's are pricey, but they've been making great knives for decades.

http://www.randallknives.com/

Also

[fish3006]

that's a nice bowie-style blade.

any puukko fans here? love the finnish approach to knife-making ...

[Guerrilla]

Originally Posted by mcfear

i cant believe that no one has mentioned the old timer knives. this is the one i have

http://www.knivesplus.com/oldtimerknifesc-165ot.html

a mate of mine when i was working in a cotton gin, had his oldtimer go through the gin. it jammed the cotton gin up cmpletely, did $30,000AU damage to the gin, and came out with about 1/4" of the tip broken off, and still had its edge.

bloody brilliant quality. very easy to sharpen with a wet stone and holds its edge well.

I believe the rights to the "Old Timer" name were transfered to another company a few years ago and their quality has since dropped somewhat... still perfectly good pocket knives, but I wouldn't expect too much from them.

[SteelRain]

A good blade is a good blade....

Just keep in mind that leather will prevent you from using your blade in a hurry if it is totally soaked. I watched one of my younger Marines struggle with that at SERE...