Knife/Survival Knife Info. [Archive] - Page 2

Nativedude

11-17-2007, 09:58 PM

Man that yellow tape makes me think you have studied the 98.6 methods by Cody Lungren

The tape is not because of Cody Lundin, it is because, in the past, I have dropped my knife in the woods, especially in the fall, and it has taken valuable time to find it in amongst the leaves, brown grass, dirt, etc. I learned many years ago to mark the "dark" colored tools in my shoulder bag. I also use it a teaching guide for my students.

I never quite understood why anyone would buy and carry "camouflage" knives, binos, etc. with them? I know quite a few people who have lost these things simply by dropping them, and then they are not able to find them.

My knife is my most important tool when I'm in the bush and I value its worth. :)

On a second note; MedicineWolf is right. The chances of another attack are high! We the sheeple are to lazy and oblivious to the obvious!!

HOP

11-17-2007, 10:27 PM

Ge native dude thats the same reason that Cody marks his stuff with bright tape , go figure. The Security measures of the patriot act steming from 9/11 have not stopped or detered and teroist acts that we know of but gives false hope to many.

FVR

11-18-2007, 02:07 AM

The idea of camo is a marketing scheme played on the consumer by the likes of Bass Pro and many other mega outdoorsy stores.

It is more of a fashion statement now days than any thing else. Yeh, you think you are invisable to the animals, wow. Many hundreds of years have gone by, with many animals hunted and taken without the use of camo and carbon based non scent clothing.

Chaching............they gotcha by the drawers on this one.

Tactical Tom

11-18-2007, 05:09 AM

Ok guys -n- gals , I'm new to this forum but not to the outdoors. I carry 2 knives w/me at all times (Buck/Stryder 889 & SAK Soldier) & when I go into the bush I also have on my belt a BK-10 & Gerber multi-tool. On my day pack I have a CS kukri machete:D A good knife is priceless when your out w/ mothernature;) . To tell you the best to buy would only be my .02 , You need to go out & check out several different brands & models to see what fits our needs best. Good luck !

woodwose

11-18-2007, 07:49 AM

Hose Lobo, I saw your film on youtube. I like that. I have a machete and will sharpen it (if I can bend it) like that. I believe that you must be prepared when going into any wilderness area. If I am heading to an area that a machete is a good choice, I will take my machete. If I go into areas where a machete is not as practical, I will not take it.

Different knives for different purposes... some for multi-purposes. I carry a Camilus 'pilot' survival knife myself because it is practical and easy to handle for most of the purposes I use it for. If I am to do other types of work with a knife that needs to be a different type, I'll use that. Common Sense. Use what is useful to you I say and thank you for sharing that information on the machete.

HOP

11-18-2007, 02:20 PM

I like them Beckers i have tried to buy, trade or what ever for a BK5 Magnum Camp Knife but unless K-Bar starts to make them for Becker I am stuck out. I have a few Busse Combats I enjoy very much and really enjoy the SOG revolver as well . I have a beat up pited from rust and needing a handle Cammilus USMC that the piting is really bad but I can't seem to put it dawn I have desided to cary it any wayu 1095 steel going to put a rawhide handle on it . Some one gave me the knife in the condition and I concider it a treasure and it sure gets sharp pits and al.

Tactical Tom

11-29-2007, 01:34 AM

I like to carry a couple of different knives w/me:D
I can't go out the door without my SAK Soldier & either my Buck/Stryder 889 SBMF or my Spyderco Wegner. As for a fixed blade I have been packing a 5 1/2" blade (BK10) but now I'm going to pack a 7" (BK7) a little more chopping power. I also like to carry on my pack a CS kukri machete.

Rick

11-29-2007, 01:48 AM

Re: Semper's reference to the sharp rock. I saw a documentary a while back that compared a flint edge to a scalpel. (I hope I get this right on the numbers). They said the scalpel had a 7mm edge and the flint's was 3mm. Much sharper. I was a bit surprised.

Re: Hop's paperclip story. An old weapon that was used by ladies were long hat pins for the very reason he outlined.

FVR

11-29-2007, 03:26 AM

Here are my two favorites.

Beo will like these.

You can shave with either.

http://http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/FrankV/MVC-001S-3.jpg

corndog-44

12-09-2007, 09:23 PM

It is traditionally believed that the giving of a knife as a gift to a friend will cut or sever the relationship. To avoid such ill luck, the receiver should give a coin in return so as to "pay" for the gift. It is common to include a penny, often taped to the blade, with a knife given as a gift which the receiver is to return as "payment."

stompk

12-09-2007, 11:10 PM

"The Edge" sure was a good movie :-)

<wink>

Rick

12-09-2007, 11:22 PM

It is bad luck to close a pocket knife unless you were the one who opened it.

Knife falls, gentleman calls;
Fork falls, lady calls;
Spoon falls, baby calls.

It's bad luck to cross knives while seated at a table.

I'd really be interested in any superstitions that Sri Lanka might have regarding knives.

kid_couteau

12-10-2007, 12:05 AM

I have read that in some Polynesian areas if someone wants to see your knife you lay it on the ground and let them pick it up. Because to hand it to them is a challenge to a duel.

Kid

WildGoth

12-10-2007, 02:47 AM

so uh does that mean that we should add a penny to the knife being passed around

Nativedude

12-10-2007, 05:27 AM

so uh does that mean that we should add a penny to the knife being passed around

The tradition should be carried on! ;)

Jay

12-10-2007, 12:26 PM

Beowulf65

12-10-2007, 01:14 PM

I don't believe in superstition, one makes his own luck by his knowledge and skills, I do practice handing a knife to someone handle first.

Rick

12-10-2007, 01:20 PM

....he said as he rubbed his rabbit's foot and tossed salt across his shoulder.:D

trax

12-10-2007, 05:02 PM

In SL there are a couple of superstitons about knives, and these are practiced mostly by the older folks in the rural areas. (off the beaten track..so to speak)

You do not hand a knife or any other cutting implement to someone....you place it beside him and let him pick it up.

Any cutting impliment used for hunting or defense is always stored above head hight..(in the eves of the house above the doorframe or even hidden in the thach. (I'm inclined to beleive this was a commonsense thing to prevent children getting their hands on them and doing themselves an injury) It is paticularly true for swords. they are always placed above head height.

one should not sharpen a knife after dark. (I dont know why)

Apart from that I really dont know much about it. I'm due to start a new project in mid-january after the rains. I'll ask around.

All of those so called superstitions make sense. If you set the knife down and let the other person pick it up, reduces risk of gettting cut.

If you store the knives up high, reduces the risk of little children injuring themselves.

Sharpening a knife after dark is a bad idea if you're living by candle or lamplight, you could slice your own thumb off if it suddenly goes dark.

Superstitions and traditions often have such common sense beginnings that it's laughable. I heard a story about a lady who as a child used to watch her mother bake the Easter ham and every year her mother would whack a big chunk of the end of the ham before putting it in the pan. So when she grew up, she did the same thing. Her husband was watching her one year and asked her why she chopped one end off the ham like that and she replied "that's how I was taught to do it" But it started bothering her so she called her mom and asked her why she did it all those years. Her mom responded, "because the pan was too small for the meat."

FVR

12-11-2007, 02:00 AM

If you play with the knife, you're gonna get cut.

Oh, that's not superstition, just fact.

Gray Wolf

12-13-2007, 12:40 AM

I do practice handing a knife to someone handle first.

Beowulf, you are a trusting soul! I did that once with a brand new hunting knife, my friend was so enthused he grabbed it fast and pulled it sideways.... MEDIC :eek:

Rick

12-13-2007, 01:21 AM

Anyone ever play mumbly peg? Root! Root!

Nativedude

12-13-2007, 08:27 AM

Anyone ever play mumbly peg? Root! Root!

Huh??? :confused: I've never heard of it?!

Rick

12-13-2007, 12:31 PM

Oh, Native Dude. Have I got a game for you. It's a series of knife drops and throws ending in the loser having to dig a piece of wood out of the ground like a pig. There are all sorts of variations and scoring but here's a link to a pretty good explanation.

http://www.inquiry.net/outdoor/games/beard/mumbly_peg.htm

Our games were never this elaborate. They never went as long as the article describes. But we started out the same way and had several of the same ways of dropping a knife.

We played this quite a bit as a kid. I came up with a dirty face on more than one occasion. When we played, the winner would ask, "Do you want me to drive it in with two hits with my eyes open or three with 'em closed?" I always took the closed method and hoped to high heaven he missed every time.:D

Beowulf65

12-13-2007, 03:13 PM

Played a couple times i the Army, not since. And I only hand my knife to people I trust, not just anyone and then its sheathed when I do.

Rick

12-13-2007, 06:34 PM

Oh, I haven't played in years. 100 or so anyway. Great game for a bunch of kids.

Gray Wolf

12-16-2007, 06:50 PM

Has anyone ever used The Ritter RSK Mk3 fixed blade, or the RSK Mk1 folder? What was your opinion as far as quality vs cost?

RobertRogers

12-17-2007, 04:38 AM

Expensive but well made.

bladefrenzy

12-17-2007, 07:14 PM

I have heard, but don't know how true it is. Some over our Vietnam Vets may know (Beerrunner where ya at?) that Turkish soldiers can't draw their knife without drawing blood, so if removing it from the sheath say even for sharpening the must at least make a small nick on themselves. Another vet told me that one. Kinda makes sense seeing how hard core the Turkish soldiers are. But who knows if it's a real tradition or superstition ?

Lupo

12-27-2007, 04:54 AM

What is a great overall survival knife? Something not to pricey.

Also, what purposes does a knife offer in the world of survival?

~Lupo

Tony uk

12-27-2007, 05:03 AM

A great survival knife is the Coldsteel Bushman or the Ka-Bar USMC

The knife is one of the most important tools for survival, from making a shelter to getting food and firelighting you shiuld never got anywhere in the wilds without a decent blade

Sarge47

12-27-2007, 05:14 AM

Sarge47

12-27-2007, 05:32 AM

Lupo, there's been many threads posted on knives; here's one of them:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=956

You need to start going through the various forums and check out all the threads relating to what your looking for instead of having us try and repeat it all here. I'll post more if/when I find them, OK?:cool:

mitch.chesney

12-27-2007, 05:41 AM

Technically, any knife is a good survival knife so long as you know how to use it. That means don't try to pry with a thin knife like the Bushman and don't try to fillet using the thick SRK. Don't try to baton using a fillet knife and don't try to do serious work using your little Swiss Army multitool. I for one have a modified hacksaw blade in my survival tin which serves as steel for flint striking, wire cutting (duh), and the back is stone-honed to razor sharpness for multipurpose use. I also carry the semi-expensive Cold Steel CarbonV SRK and a $20 Winchester multitool from Walmart. My housemate and outdoor enthusiast friend found an old carbon steel kitchen knife in our basement workshop and uses that alongside his SRK. Many people here use a Mora for its quality craftsmanship and edge-holding qualities. Others use a machete or Tom Brown Tracker for its ruggedness and hacking/batoning ability.

While any knife can be used for a variety of purposes, make sure your knife suits the needs of your region. If you're in the jungle, a small knife and a machete might be better than a multitool and a 6" belt knife. Likewise if you're in the boreal forest, you'd probably want a thicker knife than a filleter, although you can still get along with it.

Since, according a previous response, you are 14 I'm going to assume you're not going to spend more than a week along in the bush so I'd say just pick up an el-cheapo Walmart-brand fixed blade. Take care of it and e sure to realize its weaknesses over brand name knives, and it'll serve you for years.

Sarge47

12-27-2007, 05:45 AM

Good advice from Mitch, but get your parents permission 1st, OK? I'm going to be re-editing this post by adding threads on knives so keep referring back to it, OK? Here's the next one:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=517 :cool:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=146

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93

That should hold you for awhile.

Lupo

12-28-2007, 03:25 AM

Lupo, you're 14 years old, right? So what we adults would use may not be what your parents would allow. What experience have you had with knives? Do you own any right now? Remember, a knife is not a toy and can cut you as well as anything else.:cool:

They dont care bout me using knifes, long as I dont lose any fingers. I use them when me and my dad go hunting.

I think Im going to go with the Ka-bar USMC fullsize serrated knife. Thank you all for your inquires.

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 05:22 AM

They dont care bout me using knifes, long as I dont lose any fingers. I use them when me and my dad go hunting.

I think Im going to go with the Ka-bar USMC fullsize serrated knife. Thank you all for your inquires.

Now don't I feel like the fool! I thought you were serious when you asked our advice! If you already made up your mind then why did you bother?:confused:
1st of all the Full-sized Ka-bar USMC knife is designed by weight and length to be handled by a grown man who's been combat trained. It's no knife to be placed in the hands of a 14 year-old. As a matter-of-fact, here in America you have to be at least 16 to buy a knife. I would never allow my son to have that kind of a blade at your age.
2nd, I find it hard to believe that your parents would be that neglectful in watching out for their son who could do serious damage to himself with such a weapon, and that's exactly what it is, a weapon, not a survival knife.
3rd, if you studied the threads I posted you've seen that the experts here don't have much use for the serrated blade. Do me a favor and don't ask me for anymore advice unless you're going to listen, OK?:cool:

Lupo

12-28-2007, 05:56 AM

Now don't I feel like the fool! I thought you were serious when you asked our advice! If you already made up your mind then why did you bother?:confused:
1st of all the Full-sized Ka-bar USMC knife is designed by weight and length to be handled by a grown man who's been combat trained. It's no knife to be placed in the hands of a 14 year-old. As a matter-of-fact, here in America you have to be at least 16 to buy a knife. I would never allow my son to have that kind of a blade at your age.
2nd, I find it hard to believe that your parents would be that neglectful in watching out for their son who could do serious damage to himself with such a weapon, and that's exactly what it is, a weapon, not a survival knife.
3rd, if you studied the threads I posted you've seen that the experts here don't have much use for the serrated blade. Do me a favor and don't ask me for anymore advice unless you're going to listen, OK?:cool:

I didn't want to go with the walmart type knife that someone recommended because, I just don't like walmart for some reason. And Tony UK recommended the Ka-Bar USMC so i looked into that and I liked it. So maybe i wont go with the serrated edge one. I am responsible enough to handle a knife properly sir. I understand that it is something to be treated with respect. And as for my parents, they trust me with a firearm, I after all took the class and passed. So why wouldn't they trust me with a knife. You make me seem like some stupid 14 year who is in the dark.

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 06:08 AM

I didn't want to go with the walmart type knife that someone recommended because, I just don't like walmart for some reason. And Tony UK recommended the Ka-Bar USMC so i looked into that and I liked it. So maybe i wont go with the serrated edge one. I am responsible enough to handle a knife properly sir. I understand that it is something to be treated with respect. And as for my parents, they trust me with a firearm, I after all took the class and passed. So why wouldn't they trust me with a knife. You make me seem like some stupid 14 year who is in the dark.

Let's you & me clear the air on something right now, you're the one making yourself sound stupid! Tony UK is 20 years old and lives in Scotland. You say that you know how to treat a knife with respect and I believe you, but you're just not listening to the more experienced hands here. It's alright, you're going to do what you want anyway so don't bother asking me my advice in the future if you're not serious about listening. Wal-Mart also sells "Buck" Knives and I bought the Buck Special there for $35 and gave it to my son...when he reached the age of 21! Prior to that he carried the Victorionox Swiss Army Knife. (Folder). Being stupid is not listening to proper advice no matter how old you are. Being wise means you listen and follow the more experienced here. In my profession I work constantly with kids of all ages as a I drive both Transit and School Buses. I don't think you're stupid, just wrong. That's my opinion and do with it what you will.:cool:

Lupo

12-28-2007, 06:13 AM

Well, I did not know he was the age of 20. I wouldnt know where to find that out even. He was not the only person who recommended it, I followed your first link and found a lot of Ka-bar lovers. As well with the second. So I thought that it could have been the way to go... guess I was wrong.

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 06:36 AM

Well, I did not know he was the age of 20. I wouldn't know where to find that out even. He was not the only person who recommended it, I followed your first link and found a lot of Ka-bar lovers. As well with the second. So I thought that it could have been the way to go... guess I was wrong.

Listen, sorry if I'm a bit grumpy, but we get some real winners here from time to time and I didn't mean to take it out on you. Awhile back a couple of guys in their mid 20's tried to impress us here by telling us they were going out into the Manitoba, Canada wilderness during early winter for 30 days with nothing more than their knives and the clothes on their backs. We argued with them, begged, did everything we could think of to get them to reconsider, they didn't budge. They lasted 13 days and came home hungry, cold, and wet. I guess that's what I was re-acting to and I apologize if i came on strong.

I do understand you wanting a knife, so lets you & I talk about that for a minute. Are you looking for a knife just for Survival or for other things like hunting & fishing as well? I'd always prefer a "fixed-blade" over a folder if I were to only carry one, however I'd carry one of each at least; but then I'm 60 years old too. Rick suggested a Survival book by Cody Lundin titled: "98.6 Degrees: The Art Of Keeping Your A*S alive!" Not only is it a great book on Wilderness Survival, Cody has even responded back to this forum via e-mail to answer a question that Rick had about his book. He has a web-site
regarding his Survival School as well as some gear he offers for sale. It is his "PROFESSIONAL" opinion that the "Mora" knife is one of the best all-around" Survival knives made and he sells them from his web-site for around $20 ea.
I will admit that I don't own one at the present time but probably will pick one up in the future based on what others on this forum have said about them. If you want to see one Cody's Web-site is www.alssadventures.com. this may not be what you want, but I do recommend a "fixed-blade" knife with a good quality steel with a Rockwell Hardness rating between 52-54 and a "full-tang" construction. (Forget the "Rambo" hollow-handle jobs.) In you're case I think that a 4" blade is great for survival, hunting and fishing. I have a Buck Vanguard that has a rubberized handle that I love and it has a "drop-point" 4" blade. If you go any longer than that I'd say no more than 5" for now. Ka-Bar makes them a bit shorter, check these out if you like the brand.

http://www.tomarskabars.com/ShortKabarFighters.html

Whatever you do, don't rush into a knife purchase until you've thought it all through, ok?;)

Beowulf65

12-28-2007, 01:07 PM

What a trade of words between you two :D First off let me say that Lupo was very respectful through the whole conversation and that shows maturity (lets not get mad because he doesn't agree with our opinion), second I (and this is my opinion and you can get mad I could care less) don't think he's too young for a K-bar or a full size bowie if that is what he chooses, his parents (father most likely) must have taught him since they go hunting together, I taught my son from the age of 7 how to use a knife the proper way and at 9 gave hm his first one and at age fourteen taught him knife fighting techniques-skinning-throwing-and other skills, Lupo didn't come here to ask for our permission he came asking for a good knife. So I say the K-bar is a good choice but not mine. I prefer a plain basic knife like this:
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/44/knifeoe3.th.jpg (http://img212.imageshack.us/my.php?image=knifeoe3.jpg)
And I also carry a small patch knife. These are just my personal choices.
Good luck Lupo and choose your knives wisely.
Beo,

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 02:15 PM

I apologized to young Lupo, alright? However as responsible adults we need to be careful in how we advise under-age minors,and as a law-enforcement officer I believe that you know that, right? I have no real idea what Lupo's situation is so I'm going to err on the side of caution. I do know that if my son was 14 and I found out that a bunch of "Survival" type adults were advising what I moght consider "weapons" I would remove him/her from this site. Also we get a lot of young ones asking our advice only to go ahead and do what they want to do anyway. Lupo did show maturity when he admitted that he may have been wrong and that says a lot to me, ok?:cool:

Beowulf65

12-28-2007, 02:24 PM

Tony uk

12-28-2007, 05:37 PM

lol Beowulf :)

Can i ask a smaller Q well this topic is changeing, Has anyone ever tryed the A-Frame shelter ? , If so can they suggest a good method of thatching it, I was going to put moss from bottom to top then cover with braches, But any of you guys have a better way ?

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 06:57 PM

Relax bro, I didn't mean to upset you or anyone else. I know you apoligized and I think it was unwarrented for you to think you should have, I personally thik what you said was great. But I'd give advise because if they are gonna and really wanna do it anyway then at least they might do it correctly and not wrong. And I think you did a good job of setting boundries for him as is your job as an adult and our moderator.
And this thread should be spelled: Knives not knifes :D And is Beu a poke at PU? lol... jk

The typo regarding your name...oops. I apologized for my tone, not my viewpoint. Since Lupo admitted his humanity in the fact that he does not know more than ya'all, I wish to keep the doors of dialouge open. I also understand your point on "if they're going to do it anyway, teach them right and I really can't find an opposing answer for that except to say that Survival is "life or death", not some game we see on the Discovery Channel. When "Newbys" come to us claiming they want to learn then it becomes our responsibility, by virtue of offering them our advice, to teach them correctly, especially if they're a minor. I'm not to sure if that refutes your statement or strengthens it, however. I also liked another post of yours elsewhere on the "Rambo" thing. Hollywood has, in my opinion, screwed the image of "Survival" up for anyone not knowing how it's supposed to be done. The truth of the matter is that everything we see on the screen has been scripted. In a real situation the script's been thrown out the window! In his introdution Lupo admitted to two things, his age and his lack of knowledge in the area of Survival; then, like others before him jump right into "Knife choice". I don't think that's what he should be thinking about at all at this point; perhaps learning 1st aid. There is so much going through my head on this right now that I don't know if I can get it all down. So prepare for my next Thread: "The Wolf-Pack" Survival School!" :cool:

Lupo

12-28-2007, 08:04 PM

First Aid sounds hard. Would you recommend for me to bring a first aid kit into the woods or read a book and look for some fancy healing leaves or something like that.

Sarge47

12-28-2007, 08:09 PM

First Aid sounds hard. Would you recommend for me to bring a first aid kit into the woods or read a book and look for some fancy healing leaves or something like that.
I need to know 1st where abouts do you live, 2nd get into a program like the Boy Scouts or go to a chapter of the Red Cross and get some training. You need to know what to do BEFORE you get equipment as this will give you an idea of which equipment you will need and which you won't.:cool:

Rick

12-28-2007, 08:11 PM

Lupo - First aid is something you can benefit from your entire life no matter where you are. Check with your local hospital or Red Cross chapter and see if they offer a combined first aid, CPR, AED class. I just went out to my local hospital's home page and they offer:

Adult, Infant and Child CPR and AED Training for $45.00

Not only will you have some good sound general knowledge of first aid to take to the field with you but you'll also have that same knowledge should one of your parents or a sibling have an accident, choke, have a heart attack, break a bone, etc. And yes, you should have a good first aid kit with you at all times.

mitch.chesney

12-28-2007, 08:23 PM

I stopped about halfway down this long list of responses since my last post so I apologize in advance if you buried the hatchet.

Without a long-winded thesis:
1) The responsibility of how a child interacts with a knife, firearm, etc. lies, and always shall, with the parent. Even if Johnny Johnson, age 7, asks what should he consider to buy if he's getting into surviving, we as survival experts, NOT PARENTS, should do all we can to point him in the right direction. We should only consider his location, size (includes age I guess) and activities when recommending the proper knife. Let the parents worry about him purchasing and using the knife, it's at their discretion after all.

2) Lupo, don't get a giant KaBar. I have a Cold Steel SRK with a 6" blade and at times I'd rather opt for a 4 or 5". I can't imagine how a 7" would work for anything but batoning and Croc Dundee-style encounters. Remember, survival is not just who has the biggest knife. You need to do everything from carving a makeshift bowl to gutting a squirrel to cutting saplings. I did a review of the Bushman (with a similarly long and massive blade) and I couldn't find a use for it other than to cut and hack. It won't serve you very well in the bush in the long term.

3) Don't get serrated edges. There is no point. Not only are they next to impossible to sharpen (and impossible to while in the bush), they don't provide any reasonable effect other than looks. Again, Croc Dundee encounters.

mitch.chesney

12-28-2007, 08:35 PM

sh4d0wm4573ri7

12-28-2007, 11:13 PM

a good survival knife is one that you like made out of quality materials and able to do a multitude of tasks. As for age restriction that is obviously your parents decision , I have a 24 yr old boy a 14 year old boy and a 7 year old girl all of whom are accomplished rifle shooters and all but my daughter are very profficient with knife use . My daughter became a crack shot with a 22 at the ripe old age of 5 both boys have had their own knives and multitools since they were like 12 age is no way to gauge responsability it's a mere guideline my choice in survival knives : I own several , my favorites are the sog seal pup and the srk v carbon however I probably have about 30 different knives I like

Sarge47

12-29-2007, 12:00 AM

On a side note, Mors Kochanski (the most significant boreal forest survival expert in N America) says to only use a knife who's blade is only as long as your palm is wide. Likewise for the handle. He says it offers better control and a multitude of uses as compared with something smaller or larger. He also recommends no top or side guard on the knife, which allows you to move your hand up on the blade for more delicate work without having to navigate the guard. Bottom is still important as it prevents slips onto the edge.

Both posts were great advice, and yes, we buried the hatchet!:D I like Mors Kochanski and Cody Lundin seems to promote him as well. If you go to Cody's Web-site and click on the "store" icon you can see 2 different styles of Swedish Mora knives for $20 each. You can get up to two knives with an additional $5 shipping & handling. I like the one with the "rubberized" handle and will probably add it to my collection later.:cool:

Sarge47

12-29-2007, 12:17 AM

Rick that is great! You certainly are a man of many resources! I really like that "Flame Orange" one. It would be a lot harder to lose than the others!:cool:

Rick

12-29-2007, 12:28 AM

I actually did a post then deleted it. So I've put it back. Here's a link to Swedish knives that are pretty inexpensive. I think these are the same on Cody's page.

http://www.swedishknives.com/760craft.htm#The%20Clipper

Tony uk

12-29-2007, 01:16 AM

I thought Sarge was talking to thin air there :P

Thanks Rick Yo Da Man :D

Nativedude

12-29-2007, 04:32 AM

Here is a link to Frost knives. The Mora S1 is an excellent survival/outdoors knife. I have a couple of them and I really like them. ;)

http://www.swedishknives.com/760craft.htm#Classic%20Mora%20Knife

Nativedude

12-31-2007, 12:15 AM

Rick

12-31-2007, 12:40 AM

Well! If the little kid in you was alive and well a little face digging would be just the thing!

Borelli

12-31-2007, 04:54 AM

Today i learned that the only knife if any that shold be taken to a beach is a fixed blade...never take a folder

i look forward to this one being a good thread for all of us.

canid

12-31-2007, 05:21 AM

when i was about 4-5 l learned the hard way that a liner-lock folder can not [safely] be used to hold the bottom corner of an out-building door open in order to reach my hand inside. do not ask how this came up, i was four or five. all i can say is that what seemed like a good idea at the time left me with a scar most of the way around one of my fingers.

i wonder if my parents should have sued the manufacturer for not properly warning that the lock was not designed to actualy lock the blade open safely..?

mitch.chesney

12-31-2007, 05:55 AM

What not to do with knifes....

stab a baby?

Rick

12-31-2007, 07:28 AM

Mitch - Come here. (puts arm around shoulder and speaks in soft voice). Technically, that's correct but really, and I can't emphasis this enough. Really whacked out.

What not do do with knives...

Place them in your pocket before closing them. (It's a superstition or something about bad luck).

canid

12-31-2007, 07:35 AM

while it can be tempting, it should be common knowledge not to walk with a sheath knife in hand when it could just as well be resheathed and withdrawn as needed. simple safe practice that can avoid a lot of accidents some people think would never happen. i see too much of that.

tipacanoe

12-31-2007, 11:43 AM

Another thing not to do, is carry a fixed blade in the sheath, inside your open jacket while ice fishing. It's a long way down to the bottom of a 70' deep lake. The knife still there and it's a nice one.

canid

12-31-2007, 11:50 AM

ouch. Long Lake, Mi has one of my leatherman's

FVR

12-31-2007, 03:00 PM

While stripping deer leg sinew, put the knife down.

Unless you like an "ice pick" oh I mean "a knife in the forehead."

Close call.

flandersander

12-31-2007, 07:40 PM

How would you go about stripping deer leg sinew? Because i shot 3 deer this fall and wanted to try ussing sinew for a bowstring or fishing line and couldn't figure out how to turn the sinew into little fibers.

FVR

12-31-2007, 09:02 PM

Flandersander,

Break off the deer legs at the knees. You want the achilles tendon. Most times hunters who like to hang their deer from the hind legs, stick a stick between the tendons and the bone.

Quick cut through that soft skin, take the knife and pointing it away from you, slice as far as you can closest to the bone. Your knife will slowly gravitate up towards the skin. Turn leg around and do the same going the other way.

Pull the skin off the tendon, wala, you have deer leg sinew. Do not salt, stick out in the sun for a few days, in the cold or flies will leave you a present. Let it dry out.

12 sets of legs, wow, and Canadian deer, usually large, you have some good sinew.

You can also get back sinew, however I have not collected my own yet. Give me a minute and I will find you a link.

Going to take a little longer than I thought.

What you do, when you take the meat of the back of the deer, the white stuff you usually cut off, don't cut it, pull it the full length of the meat. It's tough, let dry same as the leg sinew.

I pref. using deer / elk (awsome) leg sinew for the backs of bows. I like the long thick strands (I keep them thick) of back sinew for hafting knife blades, hatchet heads, sewing, and the bigger projects. Back would be good for bowstrings as it's alot longer.

You can get 15 to 20" back sinew real easy, leg is usuall max at 12", unless it's elk (awsome.)

After the sinew is dried, give me a shout and I'll go through how to pound off the shell, and start pulling apart. Ahhhh, just told ya. Use a wooden mallet to pound it, this breaks it down and then pull, pull, and pull. You can even if your fingers last, pull the shell apart as I have done in the past.

Earlier today, I was downstairs taking a tally of how much I have left. Few years back, during hunting season, I collected 300 deerlegs from the local processor.

It's a great trade item.

If you don't use your legs, let me know, I'll trade you something.

Random legs are fine, but when you make a bow, and the components have meaning, the bow has medicine.

carcajou garou

12-31-2007, 09:37 PM

Use the knife as a pry bar, most knives will fail either by breaking or bending (bending is better) I carry a small 8" flat pry bar as part of my repair kit.

Nativedude

01-01-2008, 12:33 AM

. . .Pick your nose or clean your ears with a Kukuri!! :eek:

Rick

01-01-2008, 12:47 AM

Pick someone elses nose or clean their ears with a Kukuri!!:eek:

Nativedude

01-01-2008, 01:08 AM

. . .OUCH!! :eek:

LMAO!!! :D :D

Nativedude

01-01-2008, 02:19 AM

Well! If the little kid in you was alive and well a little face digging would be just the thing!

There is only one place I like to go digging -- uhhh -- actually I should say -- exploring with my face. . .:D ;)

Rick

01-01-2008, 02:20 AM

It's a punny world isn't it?

Rick

01-01-2008, 02:29 AM

I just ran across this superstition. Never use a knife or scissors on New Years Day or you'll cut off your good fortune. What timing!

nell67

01-01-2008, 02:43 AM

There is only one place I like to go digging -- uhhh -- actually I should say -- exploring with my face. . .:D ;)
In a chocolate pie,eh Native Dude?:eek:

Nativedude

01-01-2008, 02:54 AM

In a chocolate pie,eh Native Dude?:eek:

"Y" pie. . .LMAO!! :D

nell67

01-01-2008, 03:00 AM

TISK TISK...:rolleyes:

Bladesypher

01-02-2008, 02:13 PM

Coming onto the subject of First aid, could anyone recommend sites to me for it? I can properly dress a wound, address a broken limb and I know the basics of CPR... anything else I could go over? Any sites to look at?
Cheers.

Rick

01-02-2008, 02:18 PM

You bet. Contact your local hospital or Red Cross and see if they offer a combination course for First Aid, Adult and Child CPR and AED training. The class is pretty common and runs around $45.00 US.

You can check out this site for a bunch of information on this subject including a number of links for online information and training.

http://safezonellc.com/personalzone1_3.html

Bladesypher

01-02-2008, 02:20 PM

I purchased a knife a month or so back, it has no brand but has served me extremely well. Its a 4" blade with a full tang and natural birch handle. It has no brand so it was only about $25 but its serrated, easy to handle and manageable, it cuts wood pretty damn well too. So I recommend something like that for your first knife. You could try something cheap yet effective such as this? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BN-Lock-Knife-Silver-Blade_W0QQitemZ150200167992QQihZ005QQcategoryZ7204 8QQcmdZViewItem (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BN-Lock-Knife-Silver-Blade_W0QQitemZ15020016799
2QQihZ005QQcategoryZ72048QQcmdZViewItem)
Its a lock blade so it wont close on your fingers. Ah well... my suggestion ;)

Rick

01-02-2008, 02:28 PM

Hey, Blade, the item is no longer on there.

Beowulf65

01-02-2008, 02:41 PM

Again knives are open to each individuals taste, and Rick is correct, and Mitch loved the post it was great. Does that sound wierd? What I just said. Dunno, anyway Lupo should get training from a school or as Sarge said the Boy Scouts, problem I had with the scouts is I didn't want all junk that comes with th Scouts just the wilderness survival, I just wanted to go out and learn it but I am from a different age group then Lupo so I think today the Scouts is a good bet. Since Lupo's father taught him hunting I (shouldn't do this) assume he can teach him some woodsy craft also, but then again he is here asking so I answered my own question didn't I. Lupo don't go by my knife, when in the wilds of the North American forests I travel really light and keep moving, but then again I have a number years experience doing this and the military taught me a crap load too. there should be groups in your area that get together and do camping and survival try looking them up as these are great resources for learning just like this forum is a really good one.
Beo,

Beowulf65

01-02-2008, 02:44 PM

That is this forum and site... wilderness-survival.net is the number site on the internet and is actually rated number one for wilderness survival and preparedness. Just wanted to put that out there.

Tony uk

01-02-2008, 05:06 PM

That is this forum and site... wilderness-survival.net is the number site on the internet and is actually rated number one for wilderness survival and preparedness. Just wanted to put that out there.

We should all get a bottle of bubbily to celebrate :D

For my first knife i had a small one with a 10cm blade which served me really well, i carry a small folder with about the same blade size and i use it for more jobs than my larger knife

mitch.chesney

01-03-2008, 12:42 AM

http://us.st11.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/swblades_1978_157683664

http://www.swblades.com/bllisukn15in.html

While it looks "cool" or "badass", this knife is possibly the worst example of a survival knife I could find. 16" stainless steel blade, hollow handle, giant serrations... can't think of anything more useless if you're fighting for your life against nature.

First things to look for when passing a "survival knife" off as a fake:

1) Length of Blade. Many manufacturers put gigantical blades on their knives so it looks more "survival-oriented". Do not be fooled. Anything greater than 7" that is not labeled a machete or kukri is useless. Bowies are made for fighting, swords are made for dueling... not surviving.
2) Serrations are stupid. Now, small kitchen-knife-type serrations like you see on some Ka-Bars aren't as bad as the ones on the knife above, but let's look at what serrations are for: Cutting by ripping. This is great on hard-crusted bread that you don't want to smush with a flat-edge, but in the bush there is no reason for serrations. Cutting wood? There are better ways to cut wood than with your knife. And how are you going to resharpen your serrated edges in the bush? Nope, eventually it'll become a smooth-ridged fish-scaler at best.
3) Hollow handles are for idiots. Not only do hollow handles usually mean it's not a full tang construction, but you'll probably get a knife where the blade is attached to the handle by a bolt or rivets. It'll break as soon as you whack something. Manufacturers will try to pack survival amenities into the handle such as a compass, matches, etc but you'll be sacrificing your only major tool for a simple carrying vessel.
4) Stainless steel and 'made in china'. DO NOT BUY STAINLESS STEEL KNIVES MADE IN CHINA. China has a notoriously bad reputation for inferior knife steel. Most of your kitchen knives are made in china and dull within a couple uses. They are soft and hardly hold an edge. Yes there are some exceptions but you're not going to find an exception on a $15 "ultimate survival knife" package. Likewise, it's very hard to strike a spark off stainless vs carbon steel.

So while you are looking around for a survival knife, you can knock off at least half the results of your google searches if they look like the one above.

Tony uk

01-03-2008, 01:01 AM

I was wondering why this site has that kinfe on it, i think that it would improve the site if we advertised a better knife.

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 02:02 AM

But I wanna be RAMBO!!!!:rolleyes: NOT!!!

mbarnatl

01-03-2008, 02:08 AM

But Sarge... it will go good with your RR survival necklace!:D

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 02:09 AM

But Sarge... it will go good with your RR survival necklace!:D

...Didn't think of that, but you're right of course....:rolleyes:

Tony uk

01-03-2008, 02:43 AM

Whats wrong with rambo, its because hes planning to outlive the 2nd iceage isnt it :p

That would be a good thing to try when camping, Ramboing for a day :D

"hey babey like my 10" knife, i can cut down small trees with this thing"

Smok

01-03-2008, 04:09 AM

:eek: Can you believe Rambo has a new movie coming out :D

Ole WV Coot

01-03-2008, 04:23 AM

Oh GREAT !!! I sure can relate to a strong, cool, tough lady-killer my age. It's about time we had a realistic movie for a change. Wonder if I can get a senior discount on tickets?:D I may get a good discount if everyone at the "home" goes on the courtesy bus.:)

Borelli

01-03-2008, 05:41 AM

ontario cutlery make some good knives do a search engine on them

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 10:21 AM

ontario cutlery make some good knives do a search engine on them

Ontario's been mentioned many times, but their knives are pretty expensive for the modest budget. The young man in question is only 14, that's why I was not reccommending certain products!:cool:

Borelli

01-03-2008, 06:51 PM

Ontario's been mentioned many times, but their knives are pretty expensive for the modest budget. The young man in question is only 14, that's why I was not reccommending certain products!:cool:

they are not too expensive....only if you consider 30 to 40 $ expesive for the SP2 AIR FORCE SURVIVAL MODEL with full tang construction to be expensive expecially when it has a flame retardant KYDEX handle, the knife includes one heck of a sheath on it.

If your looking for expensive knifes BENCHMADE is where to look

besides the point, the kid already made up his mind, i just wanted to add some good brands to the table

But yes some parents are just not too worried that their kid likes knifes....i know mine arent freaking out about it but that is because they know i take every precausion needed when handling a sharp knife. but then again i am a bit older than the young man that you where arguing with earlier in the thread.

but it is good that you express conscern for the fellow wolf pack members Sarge, i can respect you for that.

Rick

01-03-2008, 07:15 PM

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 07:25 PM

Let's do this. I'll make the movie and the money and you all can say what you want about me. Sly (that's what I call him when we're bumming around on the slopes in the Italian Alps). Anyway, Sly has done pretty good with those movies. Show me da money! You know what they say about a man with a big knife...you can be certain he has a big sheath.:rolleyes:

I hear this knife is so big he has a Humvee in the handle! :rolleyes: Also in May Indiana Jones is back on another adventure! It's the time of the sequels. In the next Rambo flick, Rambo V, I hear he has to rescue his fellow Nursing home residents from the bad food served in the cafeteria!:rolleyes:

Rick

01-03-2008, 07:27 PM

You are so bad..........

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 07:41 PM

It might be best here if I explain myself a bit better. When I lived out in Colorado about 20 years back I went out to an area used my gun-owners to test-fire and sight-in their rifles, handguns, etc. A vehicle pulled up and a fellow got out with his 6 year old son, whom he then handed a 30-06 rifle to hold for him while he got more stuff out of the vehicle.:eek: He was teaching his young-un how to shoot. I was very impressed with the dicipline of the young boy as he held the rifle steady, shoulder rest on the ground, barrel pointing straight up, with his hand no where near the trigger, but holding it firmly by the front rest. Regardless, I would never tell anybody that it's okay for a 6-year old to be handed a real fire-arm, unloaded or not; that's not my place. The same is true with knives, especially ones with long blades. As my Blog states; I "err on the side of caution", and I'm always cautious when advising someone else's kid. Can you say "LAWSUIT"! How about "LIABILITY"! And finally, "PROSECUTION"! In my years working in the insurance field I can tell you that I've seen many cases go to court where the defendent had the law on their side, but lost anyway! We need to be very careful when advising anyone who's underage on anything that could get them hurt! Just my couple of pennies.:cool:

Rick

01-03-2008, 08:36 PM

I just bought a Spyderco Flatbyrd. Does anyone have one or the older Spydercard? If so, what do you think of it?

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=256

Bladesypher

01-03-2008, 08:46 PM

I just bought a Spyderco Flatbyrd. Does anyone have one or the older Spydercard? If so, what do you think of it?

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=256

I don't care much for knife with short thick blade and metal handles. It depends on what you need it for. I prefer a traditional birch handle with a 4"-5" blade with just over an inch thickness. It suits my needs for pretty much all survival or bushcraft tasks and it can be held on my person at all times in a sheath. I think the Spyderco would be good as a back-up light-weight knife for any jobs it would come in handy though. And its small so it's easy to carry. If I was to choose between the 4" birch handled blade I and the spyderco I would pick the birch handle one. just a personal preference. But I guess using a Spyderco has its advantages.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=168 looks nice.
What were you planning on using it for? :)

Rick

01-03-2008, 08:56 PM

I was planning to carry it in my wallet. If it turns out to be a little too thick then I'll drop it in my smaller survival kit. This isn't for a main knife.

Bladesypher

01-03-2008, 09:01 PM

I was planning to carry it in my wallet. If it turns out to be a little too thick then I'll drop it in my smaller survival kit. This isn't for a main knife.

Ah good. I dont think using only a knife like that would work out too well even for a week of light-weight camping.

What do you guys prefer? A metal handle or a natural handle eg: Antler/Horn/Wood.

Tony uk

01-03-2008, 09:44 PM

I needed rescueing from plane food they serve on Easy Jet :( Where was rambo then :@

Chinese knife steel is probily only a misture of lead and antifreeze

Tony uk

01-03-2008, 09:56 PM

I like a metal or rubber non-slip handel best but Wood handels are great also.

If you where looking to put something in your wallet try the Swiss Card

http://www.minitools.co.uk/index.htm?url=products/victorinox/index.htm

I dont carry one but it looks to be handey as a tool to have

Sarge47

01-03-2008, 11:46 PM

Rick

01-04-2008, 12:13 AM

Handles don't bother me one way or the other as long as they aren't square or have sharp corners on them. That can wear on your hand pretty quick. Rounded handles in just about any material is okay.

I poured through Build the Perfect Survival Kit and the author has a mini mini survival kit that he carries in his front pocket. He has a photon light, a whistle, a metal match and striker, a metal tube to carry fire starter and a mini multi tool on it. I thought that was pretty cool but the multi tool with everything else was a bit much for me in my front pocket, especially if it's the wifey and I going out to dinner. I didn't want any good lookin' (fill in your favorite hair color) walking up to me asking, "If that your survival kit or are you just glad to see me?" A guy could get into trouble, you know. Anywho, I opted for the Spyderco just because of the size.

RobertRogers

01-04-2008, 12:24 AM

Agreed it is NOT

Tony uk

01-04-2008, 12:27 AM

Why does everyone always pick on blonde people ?

Rick

01-04-2008, 12:34 AM

Is that better?

mbarnatl

01-04-2008, 12:47 AM

Has anyone used a Hoffman Harpoon (http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=82) or Hoffman Harpoon XL (http://www.topsknives.com/product_info.php?products_id=194). When I was looking through McCann's store I noticed it.

Rick

01-04-2008, 12:50 AM

Crazy! I was looking at those earlier today. Wicked looking. I don't own any and I don't think I would ever use them. If I were to make a spear it would be out of split wood for fishing or just sharp for jabbing.

Tony uk

01-04-2008, 12:53 AM

Is that better?

Lol Rick :p

Your like the site Billy Conely :D

mbarnatl

01-04-2008, 12:58 AM

That is what I said. I found McCann's site today and was going through the products he stands behind from his book. I don't remember this being in his book... so it kind of made me think why he is selling it in his store. I know he likes multi-use items... here is part of the description from the page:
It is useful as a small knife, or as a spear/harpoon. Designed to be attached to a shaft, it is traction coated 1095 carbon steel with a full tang. The handle is wrapped with OD green parachute cord, which can be used to attach it to a shaft.

Gray Wolf

01-04-2008, 05:04 AM

What is a great overall survival knife? Something not to pricey.
~Lupo

Lupo, a great knife, that won the Backpacker awards is the SOG Seal Pup FP3.
It has a 4" AUS 8 SS blade with a Kraton Handle and is lite (4.0 oz). It has as all SOG knives have, a LIFE Time Guarantee. You can find it on the Net for less than $40. It lists for a lot more ($60+). The nylon sheath has a multi- carry system.

Field Pup FP-3
The Field Pup is a beautiful knife with its high gloss satin finish, typically found only on expensive knives. It's the right size and weight, suitable for a variety of outdoor sporting tasks. It's comfortable to use with its slightly yielding Kraton molded handle that form fits the full tang blade. SOG's trademarked finger grips are combined with aggressive thumb notches on the back of the blade, making the Field Pup a real working knife. The blade is also protected by a nylon sheath.

The Field Pup is seen in the Prepared to Survive DVD, produced by Lifeview Outdoors. SOG was please to be a part of the production of this essential resource.

Blade Length 4"
Overall Length 8.5"
Weight 4.0 oz.
Edge Straight
Steel AUS 8
Handle Kraton
Finish Satin
Sheath Nylon

Sarge47

01-04-2008, 05:48 AM

AUS 8 is a very good quality steel, could you post a link Grey Wolf?:confused:

Gray Wolf

01-04-2008, 06:11 AM

Sarge47

01-04-2008, 06:17 AM

For you Sarge..... sure.

This is one of the best prices for the SOG FIELD PUP FP3 $32.47 (but check around), this one charges $7.95 (pretty standard) for shipping.

http://www.waltherprecision.com/item/36279_SOG_Knives_SOG_FP3____FIELD_PUP______SOG_Kni ves.aspx

It looks like a good investment for a survival knife, but not "sexy" enough for the "Know-nothing Nimrods" we get on here. Seems like the 1st question out of their mouths is about knife selection and they dash right off towards the big ones. oh well, I think it'd be a great knife for a Survival kit, meets all my criteria!:cool:

carpet_ninja

01-04-2008, 09:47 AM

thanks for this thread, i needed something like this.

oh, and i got a fire steel its one of those swiss light my fire army grade ones that last for 12000 strokes

Rick

01-04-2008, 12:09 PM

Gray Wolf

01-04-2008, 01:33 PM

Here is another review about the SOG Field Pup FP3 from Outdoors Magazine.

http://outdoors-magazine.com/spip.php?article200

Depending on where you buy it, some come with a black nylon sheath with snap-closure, protective insert, and extra outer pocket for carrying a whetstone, small map, multi-tool, or compass. Others sell it with a sturdy leather/Kydex sheath.

The Koda

01-05-2008, 05:01 PM

What do you look for in a high quality knife? What characteristics are necessary?

Rick

01-05-2008, 05:05 PM

See this thread:

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1297&highlight=survival+knife

mitch.chesney

01-06-2008, 03:04 AM

1. carbon steel
2. full tang construction
3. underside guard
4. within the 4-6" blade length range
5. NO serrations or hollow handle

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 04:41 AM

Are we doing this AGAIN?:confused: What's wrong with the other ten threads on the same subject?:cool:

mitch.chesney

01-06-2008, 04:45 AM

Came across this knife in a google search. Aside from being made of Aus 8 stainless (as opposed to good ol' carbon steel), this knife looks great! Should be among the top 5 for people considering their first survival knife.

4 3/4" blade
underside guard
about 1/6" thick blade
lightweight
SOG brand

http://www.bestknives.com/sogresere.html
http://www.britishblades.com/home/articles.php?action=show&showarticle=55

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 04:47 AM

Don't knock the Aus 8 SS, okay? My Ka-bar uses it!:cool:

WildGoth

01-06-2008, 07:34 AM

looking in a store that had a few knifes and looked in the survival knife section and saw a incrediabley small knife i mean the size of a double aa battery does anyone know the purpose of a knife this small i mean really

mitch.chesney

01-06-2008, 07:49 AM

probably to add to an emergency kit or a "pen knife" just for cheap, light, easy. I've seen a small switchblade knife, that was a giveaway at some advertising convention, in an emergency kit.

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:14 AM

My "Swiss Army Card" has a very small knife blade on it, but it could be of some use in an emergency.:cool:

Rick

01-06-2008, 12:00 PM

I have several pen knives. My Old Timer goes everywhere with me and it isn't much larger than a AA battery. A good utility knife for opening packages, cutting string and the 1001 other uses is just good to have around even if it isn't a survival situation.

Rick

01-06-2008, 12:24 PM

That's one that is discussed in Build the Perfect Survival Kit. He considers it an important multi-use tool.

RobertRogers

01-06-2008, 07:59 PM

I'm not too keen on those little saws, rather prefer a simple fixed.

RobertRogers

01-06-2008, 08:00 PM

Yep, they have their places. Even a small one can be just what you need when there is nothing else available.

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:04 PM

I agree RR, Right On!

RobertRogers

01-06-2008, 08:09 PM

Serrations can have their place, though.

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:11 PM

Serrations can have their place, though.

We don't need another thread on this topic, it's been done to death!:cool:

Rick

01-06-2008, 08:12 PM

Why don't you move it to one of the other threads. In fact, consolidating them might not be a bad idea.

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:13 PM

Why don't you move it to one of the other threads. In fact, consolidating them might not be a bad idea.

I seem to be having a problem doing that.:confused:

Rick

01-06-2008, 08:21 PM

In the admin section click Threads and Post then Move. You'll have a menu to select the post. The move button is at the bottom. Or.... just delete the whole thread. There really isn't much in it that needs to be moved.

Rick

01-06-2008, 08:25 PM

Mitch posted a nice write up on it. "It's a bit shorter than a Lapplander but I never found that to be a problem."

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:40 PM

Okay, I just merged 5 knife threads and will be adding the newest one to it
1 I'm getting the hang of it!:D

Sarge47

01-06-2008, 08:42 PM

I've got it! Just figured it out!:D

Robbie Roberson

01-08-2008, 04:23 AM

Hello, I never did see the rules of this forum so I hope I don't break one on my first post. :o

The SOG Hunter Revolver is my baby :p.........I carry it every where and it has performed some pretty amazing things for me in the last four years since it came out.

Thanks guys for the kind words and mentions of the SOG Revolver knife.

Mitch.chesney, I really like your blog !

Robbie Roberson.;)

mitch.chesney

01-08-2008, 06:37 AM

Thanks Robbie. Always enjoy to hear from people who read it.

Proud American

01-14-2008, 03:21 AM

Alrighty, every one says that knifes are all opinions and everyone has theres, but what knife does that guy use? So I did an hour long search and compiled a list, this is no where complete but I tried to get info. Bassicly this list is to help those of us who have been through these knife post one toooooo many time(not me reffering to). So basicly the hope I have for this list is look at the list, find the person that you think knows somthin and see what hes got. also look at some of the oter knies out there. If I Screwed up please tell me and if you want to add your humble opinion do so. Drum roll please!

Remy: Ka –Bar and Ontario Rat
Beowulf: Home made knives, has no problem with machine made knives though.
NorthWindTrails: Ka-Bar, and second choice A 4-1/2 inch full tang fixed blade sheath knife of good carbon steel
Sarge47: Buck Vangaurd, likes it because it better then Ka-Bar cause of its better size makes it more practical. Still likes the Ka-Bar and the Rat-7 cause they are
good quality knives. No problem with the Buck Vangaurd 119/120.
List of knives Sarge wants as of 12-28-2007
1.) A very good quality "Ghurka" knife.
2.) Gerber LMF II
3.) Swedish Mora knife
4.) Camillus Air Force Survival knife.
5.) Ontario's RAT 7, preferably with D2 steel.
6.) Ontario's R--Tac II.
Robbie Roberson: best survival knife the one you have!
Scott: Likes a moderate size blade of 4-4.5in. Baught a Buck 119, thought it was to large for his taste at 6in. Lives the Vanguard.
FVR: Ka-Bar, Marine pride loves it, does a lot of things with it.
NativeDude: likes Frost Mora Model S1, cause of its small size and that it holds its balde well.
Fog Harbor: Ka-Bar Kukri, heavy enoughf to use as a hatchet.
Volwest: Machete.
Robneville73: Ka-Bar Kukri, use as a machete but thinks more versatile, also uses it as a large fixed balde cause of its light weight.
Kufitar; As a Scandinavian likes a puukko knife.
Marcraft: has a kuukuri machete
Flandersander: Ka-Bar 12’ machete.
Kid: aitor jungle king 2, but its hard to find, so look for Sper-X-suvivor( when googled did not find it but found jungle king)
LarryB: carries CASE 223-5 Belt knife, SAK, and a Buck lock-back folder.
Yooper14: (Only post) likes fixed blade 41/2in. likes Swiss Mora
Woodland: Spyderco Delica
Danoon: Kershaw D2, and a Ka-Bar
HOP: 2 Bushman Knives,
Woodwose: ‘pilot’ survivlal knife, 6 in blade made by Camillus.
Smok: Cold Steele Bushman
Dilligaf2u2: Frost Mora
Rick: pocket knife, ancient Japanese full tang, and khurki(modified)

OBTW I gleened this info from your post guys it should be accurate(hopefully)

Nativedude

01-14-2008, 03:29 AM

Drrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. . .rump. . . .ump!! Nice work Proud!! ;)

Your info about my knife preference is correct!! :cool:

Proud American

01-14-2008, 03:37 AM

Thanks, would you add anything to your list

Nativedude

01-14-2008, 03:59 AM

Thanks, would you add anything to your list

My Schrade knife was my main knife for 28 years, but they no longer make it so I retired it last year. It is now my back-up knife. Same size as my Mora. It's made of 1095 high carbon steel and hold an edge very well!

Sarge47

01-14-2008, 04:35 AM

I have the Buck Vanguard as a ""Back-up" Knife, my favorite is my Ka-Bar "Bull-Dozier".

http://www.tomarskabars.com/1275_INFO.html

My post on the Vanguard was giving it the "props" I felt that it deserved. I also own a Buck 120/General. It's a bit longer than the 119 and you can only buy it, as far as I know, from Cabela's.:cool: That's for the Record, but great job, Proud, it must of took you awhile to compile all that info.:eek:

WildGoth

01-14-2008, 05:02 AM

my knife buck all the way current knife short nighthawk http://www.buckknives.com/catalog/detail/430/234

Smok

01-14-2008, 06:25 AM

That took you some time to do But that is not my main knifes . I feel honored just to be named in the pack

Robbie Roberson

01-14-2008, 06:28 AM

The best survival knife is the one you have with you.

I always have my SOG Hunter Revolver.

I put a link but removed it because it might be considered advertising since I invented it........(smile)

Robbie Roberson.

Rick

01-14-2008, 10:46 AM

Nice job, Proud. Looks like Ka-Bar might have a slight edge (no pun intended this time) but there are all makes and models listed.

Proud American

01-15-2008, 12:10 AM

Smok i got your knife post i think in a post about axes or somthin.

Nice knife Sarge, i am lookin to buy a knife( hence the search)

robie you said that before, also showing us your knife I dont think would be breaking rules as your not selling them. Beowulf shows his knifes that are homemade by friends. Meaning id love to see your knife! Send me it in a pm if thats okay?

Proud American

01-15-2008, 12:23 AM

Alrighty Ive made this list a blog and have edited it with your updates. Now it will be easy to refrence new people to the list also you can pm me if you want to update the blog

Robbie Roberson

01-15-2008, 12:49 AM

I really should not post a link since it could be considered advertising in my situation.

Robbie Roberson.;)

Proud American

01-15-2008, 01:41 AM

Well now I see why you hesitated your knife is a full blown by able product! Im inpressed but yeah that is against the rules but I asked. Im inpressed though still.

Robbie Roberson

01-15-2008, 01:51 AM

Lets get back to the topic. (grin) I carry two types of knives for survival (for now), a folder and a straight.
The folder is a CRKT m-16 and the straight is a SOG Hunter Revolver.

Robbie Roberson.

FVR

01-15-2008, 02:59 AM

Actually, I have 4 preferred knives; Kabar MKII, New Gen. Kabar, a homemade Bowie that is basically a Kabar with an antler handle and the last is my pioneer knife. It's a large steak knife made out of an old file.

First Pic, Beo style knives.http://http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/FrankV/MVC-001S-3.jpg

Then the Kabars.http://http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v171/FrankV/Kabars.jpg

All 4 of them, at 15 paces can hit the bull and all are kept shaving sharp. But hey, I don't shave.

I am very comfy with large knives.

Aurelius95

01-15-2008, 01:23 PM

FVR- Happy Birthday! By the way, I like the steak knife! Nicely done.

FVR

01-16-2008, 01:15 AM

Thanks. I did not make that steak knife, mine did not turn out as purty, but I use it often at work.

Sam

01-20-2008, 06:23 AM

Isn't the best knife the one you have at the time? ;)

Sam

01-20-2008, 07:39 AM

Can we skip the Poli-sci, conspiracy stuff here. Please

Sam

01-20-2008, 07:56 AM

Take the best advice, find what fits your hands, and needs. The rest is experience.

canid

01-20-2008, 09:27 AM

exactly. the good advice that keeps getting swept under the rug in this thread.

the ultimate knife is the one that allows you to do, with your hands what you actually need to do with a knife.

Assassin Pilot

01-27-2008, 06:13 PM

http://images.cdmazika.com/files/n2jkzzng4mjm2jixevzm.jpg (http://images.cdmazika.com/)

I got this as a Birthday gift when I was like.... 8? I barely actually use it, it's more of a "show" knife than anything (its very very sharp, but I prefer keeping it on my counter so when my friends come over they can be amazed :D )

Smok

01-28-2008, 04:57 AM

Assassin Pilot... Do you know the history of that knife ??

Kemperor

01-28-2008, 06:56 AM

My bladed gear, for now anyways, consists of a Cold Steel Magnum Khukri, a Frost fixed blade (not sure what model, but it's full tang and has a finger ring built into the blade at the base of the handle. Rather nice and very sturdy), a cheaper skinner with similar ring, and a small hunting knife. I'm not sure what brand, they're pretty cheap and made from so tough of steel that they're hard to keep sharp. So, those two will be replaced.

What I'm going to be adding to my gear is a pair of Valiant Co. Golok Kembars that fit into the same sheath with one another(like butterfly swords), a Cold Steel SK-5 Gurkha Khukri, a Cold Steel Bird and Trout knife to replace my cheap skinner, a Cold Steel Finn Bear, a Finn Wolf(new for 2008) One of which will replace my cheap hunter, then the other for backup. Then I'll cap it all off with a Cold Steel Rajah folder(also new for 2008) which is a khukri folder.

I'm quite a fan of Cold Steel, if you aren't able to tell. I'd also like to mention that they now make "Survival" sheaths for their Latin style machetes, which would fit any other brands machete of the same shape as long as the blades are 18" or 24" I'm a pretty fit individual, and if I'm going out anywhere, my tools are the most important to me, so the added weight from carrying 8-10 blades is not a hassle for me. Shoot, I'm only 23.

Assassin Pilot

01-28-2008, 06:25 PM

Assassin Pilot... Do you know the history of that knife ??

No I do not. Please do tell. I thought it was just any regular Marttiini knife that my grandma got me. No one told me it was special :eek:

EDIT:
it is this knife btw: http://www.marttiini.fi/puukot/shop/english/prod.asp?ContID=224

Beowulf65

01-28-2008, 06:36 PM

Right on about my style of knife, FVR those knives rock, don't forget I go nowhere without my hawk either. :D And there is none up on the knife preference of Traxx.
Ahh FVR wanna sell the top one :D

hermitman

01-30-2008, 12:04 AM

Im in between knives right now latley I have been using my colt commbat commander.

Smok

01-30-2008, 05:23 AM

AP ...That is not what I meant by history . I meant the Puukot as that is what the knife is called and it has quite a history and you being from Finland I would thank you of all of us on here would now about it . But I am sorry that you do not , they're some great story's

Beowulf65

01-30-2008, 02:17 PM

Here try this.
http://www.puukkoknife.com/
Here's a tid bit on them.
Puukkojunkkari (name for 19th century thugs in South Ostrobothnia) is a family business in Finland's "puukko making capitol", Kauhava. They take a great pride of their name and honor Ostrobothnia's long history of knife making. The Finnish sheath-knife and its use were traditionally associated with the customs of communities. It became almost a national symbol during the Second World War, when the knife industry flourished. The Härmä (South Ostrobothnian) puukko knife is an important element of local history. The Härmä knife was associated with the history of the "häjyt" or "puukkojunkkarit" (troublemakers) of Härmä, knife fights and the heyday of knife-bearing thugs around the middle of the 19th century. During its history, the Härmä knife has evolved from a utility knife to a gift item and collectible. Its reputation has partly been maintained by the symbolic values attached to it. The Härmä knife was once regarded as the weapon of the häjyt, but also as a symbol of the home region and the spirit of South Ostrobothnia. Today It is the hunting and carving knife of choice for many Finns in this historic area. South Ostrobothnians are still known of their self-motivation, pride and self-determination along with their craftsmanship. Leuku is a Finnish word for a knife used mostly by Lapland (Northern Finland) people, Sámi. It is a very versatile knife, developed from the needs of the reindeer herder-lifestyle of the Sámi people. They are all-purpose knives rather than woodworking knives. The handles are typical of those used in the far North. They provide a solid grip for the draw strokes that are favored where the hands are often gloved, or stiff with cold. The wide flat pommel allows the use of the second hand to apply force to the point. The sheaths take almost the entire handle, which is a reflection of how serious a lost leuku can be in the wilderness.

Smok

01-31-2008, 04:11 AM

In World War II the Germans leaned to fear the knife as will.. A small group of men cross country skied I do not know how many miles and killed many Germans with just the Pukka ..I wish I could remember more of the story but I was schooled in the USA so that is all you get

RobertRogers

02-01-2008, 02:33 PM

Yes indeed, very good selections

Assassin Pilot

02-01-2008, 08:33 PM

Wow, I never knew about the history of the knife like that. I knew knives were used in Finland a lot during WWII, but I didn't know that they were used as a primary weapon. I've heard stories of people using molotov-cocktails to stop tanks and shotguns as sniper rifles, but never of people using the knife to kill.

btw guys, "puukko" means "knife" in Finnish. People don't associate it w/ any brand (just like how Americans no longer associate "band-aid" with the brand). Yeah

Rick

02-01-2008, 08:47 PM

trax

02-02-2008, 12:08 AM

Equally confused...is this thread about knives? Cuz I was just wondering if anyone heard from kid coteau lately...that guy had some pretty kick a@@ knives and a few new people have been asking....

Assassin Pilot

02-02-2008, 12:30 AM

Okay, I'm confused again. Finland sided with the Germans in WWII. They fought WITH the axis against Russia in the Continuation War (their term not mine). Are you talking about Lapland? The Lapland War only lasted 7 months during late 44, early 45.

There were 3 wars Finland was in during WWII:
1st Winter War (finn vs ussr)
2nd Constitutional War (finn + nazi vs ussr)
3rd Lapland War (finn vs nazi)

So Finland fought on all sides at one point, including the neutral side :rolleyes:

trax

02-02-2008, 12:59 AM

must be a real bi*ch fighting on the neutral side...threaten everyone equally? beat yourself up?...how does that work?

Assassin Pilot

02-02-2008, 02:11 AM

Well I don't mean literally fighting, but I mean basically saying "whoever enters this country gets F'ed in the A"

chopp29

02-06-2008, 03:50 AM

Anyone who knows what they are talking about will tell you that a good survival knife is the single most important peice of survival gear you can purchase. Although the knife you bought looks nice it would not be a knife that I would have purchased. Like many other things the more you pay the better you will get. Out of any peice of survival gear that you buy, I would suggest you spend the most on a good survival knife, and if you are on a budget, then I suggest you save untill you can afford a good knife. There are many good knives out there. I just purchased a Buck Strider Solution model 888 for $230. It is a very strong solid knife. Another good knife is the RAT-5. RAT makes numerous models. Also keep in mind that you dont want anything to big. 4 to 6 inches is the perfect blade length. You also want to make sure your knife has whats called a full tang. This basically means that the blade and handle is one solid peice and the blabe is not attached to the handle. With a full tang, if your handle ever breaks, the knife is still useable, you can wrap twine, are tape around the tang. And with this said you also want to stay away from knives with hollow handles. As far as blades go,there are two main types of steel used in making high quality survival knives:

Stainless Steel knife blades are rust resistant and work especially well in wet environments. They require less care than the carbon steel knives. Drawbacks to using stainless steel in knives is that they tend to be more expensive, are more difficult to sharpen, and may not hold an edge as well.
Carbon Steel knife blades will rust if not used regularly or coated. Many feel carbon bladed knives hold an edge better than their stainless steel counterparts. I also suggest to stick to a plain edge, serrations are harder to sharpen in a survival situation, where as a plain edge can be sharpened if need be on a stone are peice of concrete. Some other good canidates are the Buck 119 Special (which is only about $50), the SOG knives are good, the Buck Night Hawk and there are many many more. But like I said before, my top 2 favs are the Buck Strider Solution, and the RAT-5. Incase you are anyone else is wondering I am new to this forum, but have been using knives for many years. I have been in the Army for 9 years, and I am an avid outdoorsman and survivalist. Hope this helps out. Good luck and have fun!

Rick

02-06-2008, 03:59 AM

Sorry, Chop, I don't agree on your price = quality theory. Do a search on here and you'll find a LOT of excellent knives that are very inexpensive. You can pick up a Frost Knife by Mora for less than $20 bucks and you couldn't find a much better knife. The same is true with other survival gear. I just paid less than $2.00 for my metal match and the list goes on. If you like those knives then more power to you. But $230 will buy my pack and gear and all of it will be high quality.

chopp29

02-06-2008, 04:20 AM

Everyone is entitled tp there opinion. An this particular post as far as money equals quality I stated was for the knife. I agree with you as far as there is plenty of other gear out there as far as packs and flashlights etc, that you can get for bargin deals. And I didnt say that the only good knives are $230. I simply stated and feel strongly from experiance that when buying a knife, being that it is the most important peice of survival gear you will ever own, that the more you spend, the higher quality you will get. The Buck Solution was my personal preference, but as you stated there are less expensive options out there. When it comes down to it, its what ever the individual feels comfortable with.

Ole WV Coot

02-06-2008, 05:00 AM

I can't pass this one up. That knife is a piece of junk for anything except maybe throwing. It's being sold for it's "MEAN" appearance and you can't buy a decent piece of steel for $10. I know my opinion don't mean much but like the ole saying " To each his own said the Farmer as he kissed his pig" buy whatever turns you on and what works for you. I have several knives and three goodies from that little skirmish in the '60s, EK edge & 1/2, USMC K-Bar and Gerber Mark I. Two fighters and the K-Bar for everything else. But I ALWAYS carry a SAK & a SOG Flash II. Save your money and look for a name brand for utility with about a 4"blade. Like I said, I don't think you've handled enough steel yet.

pgvoutdoors

02-06-2008, 06:11 AM

Maxam Knives are cheap collectible knives, Not work knives. Sorry. Luckily you can find many good knives at reasonable prices out there. Good Luck....

Rick

02-06-2008, 12:38 PM

Chop - Now don't take offense. I did say you were entitled to your opinion. Whatever works for you, works. I just don't want some of the younger or less experienced folks on here to think they have to pay top dollar for good steel. That's all. Everyone on here believes it's the second most important thing you can have (your brain is number one) but we're in your corner on the equipment part.

Here's another post on knives and Mitch did a great write up.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1430

That's the way it works around here. If folks don't agree they say so. You should have seen them jump on me about the twinkie survival food.......

Beowulf65

02-06-2008, 01:51 PM

I have to agree with OleWVCoot on this one, as I read a review on that knife and it said:
There is a problem with the deep checkering on the grip as it is easily contaminated with food and can be difficult to clean, it does however give a very secure grip even when lubricated with fats and oils. For carving woods, the thin edge of the Solution readily makes deep slices and is easily controlable to allow shallow shaping cuts. It was also used for light batoning and it worked ok however the boxy handle was very uncomfortable and vibrations from impacts made heavy batoning quickly nonfunctional.
On harder woods there were durability issues. The solution was chopped into 5/8" thick birch, and torqued to the side which left a huge piece of the edge in the wood. This was repeated breaking out another large pice. The penetration into the wood was fairly low, as the handle ergonomic issues prevented serious swings. For similar reasoning it wasn't heavy torque, just wrist rotation. The Solution was then batoned into a spruce log and walked on. with 1.5" of the blade in the wood it easily took 200 lbs on the handle. However a light pop from a hammer to loosen it and the blade broke in half and another piece broke out of the edge up by the handle, not in the impact area, just from the vibration in the blade. Cutting a variety of light materials like bubble wrap, plastics, paper and fabrics, the Solution was very efficient as these materials are too flimsy to exert any pressure on a blade so as long as it is sharp it will cut that class of material well. However on thick cardboard and other binding materials the blade would wedge readily due to the sabre grind, on such materials a higher grind would be more efficient, however it still outperforms blades like the Camp Tramp which while having a higher grind has a thicker edge.
The Solution was used to dig a hole in rocky soil large enough to fit a one gallon bucket. The edge chipped readily in rock contacts, about 0.5 millimeters deep, three large visible chips, the tip also fractured, lost about a millimeter. No fine cutting ability was left on the edge used to dig, the Solution could not even score ropes for example. This was semi-stressful digging, initially using the knife as pick and shovel, but as the hole progressed more as a pick with the off hand removing the debris. It was not going really light trying to concentrate impacts on the spine, which make it easy on the knife but hard on the user, but nor was it raising the knife up and slamming it hard like a pick, it was more poking than actual stabbing as would be done with an actual pick.
It took 10 minutes to fully resharpen the blade. The edge was reset with an x-coarse waterstone (7.5 minutes), then honed on a 1000 and then microbeveled on a Sharpmaker to a hair popping level of sharpness. The chips were not removed, this would have lost too much metal, the rest of the edge was just brought back to full sharpness. The tip was also still damaged, penetration was 58 +/- 5 on phonebook, less than half of optimal. It would require the removal another half a millimeter of edge to bring the tip back in line, too much material wasted, it would be more sensible to sweep the edge up.
Much of the promotion for this knife is centered on extreme toughness "where failure is not an option", however this really isn't a sharpened prybar kind of knife. The blade steel, ATS-34, is a high carbon, high alloy stainless steel, and is uniformly heat treated 59-61 HRC. The steel has good corrosion resistance, high abrasion resistance, high strength, however low ductility and low impact toughness. It is difficult to bend but will snap under a low flex, and will deform very little before it chips. The the Solution has a decently thin and acute edge and thus cuts well for shallow work, it compares for example to some of the better Spyderco folders in this regard. However the efficient cutting edge also leads to a low durablity, combined with the brittle steel leads to chipping readily on significant impacts and blowouts of the primary grind possible even in moderate wood working. This is more of a skinner than a tactical utility blade.
Source: Blade Magazine
You pay $230 for that... pfffffft please. No thanks I'll keep my handmade hunter its tested, tried, and proven.
Beo,

Rick

02-06-2008, 01:51 PM

PGV - I'm confused. Where did Maxam come in?

Beowulf65

02-06-2008, 02:30 PM

Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I still say knife choice is all the individual preference of the person. What works for me might not be what most want, but I do say spending $230 on a knife is ridonkuless.

Tony uk

02-07-2008, 04:48 PM

The coldsteel bushman is only about 29.99 (On their site, still got p&p.....) and it is one the the best survival knifes made for that price, For a knife that i would use i would look to spend Max 70 to 80 on one, any higher and it a waste of good money for other gear

Mora knifes are the cheapest ones ive seen, But for their price they last for years with no ill-faults, Im sure there is a link on this site

jimkho

02-09-2008, 07:56 PM

If your really want one knife to depend upon it's th eTom Brown Tracker (got mine from TOPS knives) in my opinion. A little heavy but it can do a lot of things well.

Rick

02-09-2008, 07:58 PM

Hey, jimkho. Care to go over to the introductions page and introduce yourself? Thanks.

jimkho

02-10-2008, 03:02 PM

You mean your mother hasn't told you about me yet?

Tony uk

02-10-2008, 03:08 PM

You mean your mother hasn't told you about me yet?

I hope your jokeing jimkho, Because that wasnt very funny

Rick

02-10-2008, 03:09 PM

Okay....No, But I'll be sure to ask her, though. The rest of the folks on here might like to know something about you.

chopp29

02-17-2008, 11:28 PM

hey Rick and everyone else no offense taken at all, Like I said Im new to the whole forum thing and just by reading all yall post I can tell yall are some pretty good guys. I do agree that a younger guy starting out on a budget does not need to go out and buy a $230. But like you said to each his own. Me personally I have the money, I have everything else I need for now anyway, And the Buck solution Is a very solid knife. I know alot of people had somehting to say about me spending $230 on a knife when there are ones for $20. But can anyone out there honestly tell me that if you were dropped off in the middle of no mans land with nothing but a knife, and you had a choice to pick from a well made quality $230 knife are a $20 knife, which would you trust with your life......Thats all I was saying

Rick

02-18-2008, 07:30 PM

Well, I've made no secret of it. I carry a cheap Japanese stainless for a lot of years. It works, that's all I care about. I love it even if it is ugly.

Ole WV Coot

02-18-2008, 08:17 PM

I have dropped more than a few dollars on knives that were only good to clean my nails with. I bought whole display cases years ago of Case XX in and around DC. Some hardware stores I had to pay half in advance to get them to take all the XX knives out of their case and replace them with the same knife that had the USA on them. They thought I wasn't all there, but try buying those mint XX Case stags now. Buy what you like, I like a good knife and have lots that never have or will be used or sharpened.:D:D

Rick

02-19-2008, 01:57 AM

Hey, Chopp - No offense taken. You can buy whatever makes your heart happy. I've worked with guys just like you. They would rather drop 200 bucks on a knife that breath for ten more minutes (well, almost). That's what made them happy. Same for guns. My wife's cousin's husband (I sure hope I got that right) has a complete arsenal. Literally anything and everything you could ever imagine from muzzle loader to single shot to semi to full auto. Sniper rifles across the board including a .50. Walking into his "safe room" is like walking into some weapons museum. Tens of thousands of dollars of guns (maybe more, I don't know). I don't understand that either but it makes him happy and his wife doesn't care so who I am to harp?

Beowulf65

02-19-2008, 05:19 PM

Chopps, never worry bro, we rant and rage on here all the time, but we're still e-friends. And every opinion is important and needed as thats what keeps us so strong pulling people to the site and teaching and learning. Personally I think knife choice is a personal preference by each individual. I have spent some bucks on some knives, traded and swapped some knives, and even been at shooting matches for knives. Some I use some I don't. Peronal choice bro. As long as you like it and are comfortable with it then by all means carry it.

chopp29

02-19-2008, 11:20 PM

I agree you guys rock...........

Lost Lebowski

02-22-2008, 10:28 PM

There are a lot of crappy knives listed here. I have read and researched as much as I could about meatallurgy, steels, and bladesmithing. (yeah I'm OCD)Also I have used, really used, dozens of different blades. Here are my 2 cents...
Serrated blades are best for marine aplications such as diving or sea kyaking where cutting cord, rope and monofilaments are a must
For Bushcraft serrated blades suck
Learning to properly sharpen a blade is easy
Buy a tiny diamond/ceramic wet stone
knives marketed as "Survival knives" are ****. (Hollow handle types)
No serious hunter or suvivalist carries a Bowie knife
A fixed blade between 3.5-4.5 inches is the most useful
Buy only full tang knives
Blade thickness should be a minimum of 3/16"
Handle material musn't become slippery when wet
No double edged blades..safety and for batoning
440c ss is for marine aplications
Cowry X is the best blade steel in human history RC hardness = 64!
Laminated VG 10 RC ~60is the less expensive alternative, plaine VG 10 RC 58-59next then D2 tool steel and 1080 tool steel

And Finally FallKniven makes the best production knives in the world. The F1 with micarta handle is the best knife I have ever owned and I own several expensive custom knives. It's totally hand made and perfectly balanced and only Fallkniven makes laminateds VG-10

We shed light it's up to others to listen

Lost Lebowski

02-22-2008, 10:37 PM

P.S. I also Always bring a small SAK like the victorinox climber for the tools and as a back up...almost no added weight.

Everyone has there own preferences but my bullets are the basics for choosing your primary sharp.

Beowulf65

02-22-2008, 10:47 PM

And those are your chpoices, having been a Ranger in the military and hunting since I was sperm cell I tend to disagree with you on that, and you cannot tell anyone what is best but what is your choice. Your thoughts and opinions are welcome here but they are just that, your choices, thoughts, and opinions. Do not make me give you to Remy to play with, he would eat you alive.
Now be a good newbie and go say hi in the introductions section.

Lost Lebowski

02-23-2008, 02:22 PM

I can do that. I would add though, while these are my opinions, they are also the consensus opinion of MOST of what you will find on this subject online and with survival schools. "survival knives" like the Rambo knife are fine if you are military. Military survival knives must double as a weapon. Finally ANY knife will do in a survival situation, but, this is not all subjective for instance... a curved or sheep foot serrated blade is best for cutting rope or cord...this is fact and any head to head comparison will always prove this, Laminated VG 10 has chemical and physical properties that have proven superior to 440c, Sandvik, etc in the lab wether or not small theoretical advantages translate to improved performance is debatable of course. If you'd like to carry a rambo sword in the field feel free to do so. I will introduce myself as suggested. I maybe a "newbie" to you, but not to our nations wilderness.