Knife/Survival Knife Info.

[tonester]

i heard that swamp rat and scrapyard knives are kinda like the left over blanks and scraps from the busse factory.

[Blood Groove]

i heard that swamp rat and scrapyard knives are kinda like the left over blanks and scraps from the busse factory.

oh really? So they're kind of like Busse 2nds? Well that's kind of cool, I'd buy one of them over a Busse, just because of the price difference.

[Leighman]

oh really? So they're kind of like Busse 2nds? Well that's kind of cool, I'd buy one of them over a Busse, just because of the price difference.

No "seconds" of any sort to be sure, they are excellent blades and the prices they command (outside and most times ABOVE MSRP) speaks for itself.

There is almost a cult following with these "Bussekin" knives and that is not a slur, just the way it is (check out what the discontinued models are selling for on Ebay).

Example: How many knife companies can actually sell a knife without even offering a sheath and have no complaints from its customers?

I think the two companies morphed from Busse and early on they made knives/handles that were left over from (possibly discontinued) Busse offerings.

Swamprat/Scrapyard blades are 100% new and many designs/blade steels are separate from what Busse currently produces. No less tough, just different models.

Less expensive than Busse? Definitely. Lesser quality? Hardly.

To get the full history, I would check out both Swamprat/Scrapyard website/forums for details.

[Blood Groove]

No "seconds" of any sort to be sure, they are excellent blades and the prices they command (outside and most times ABOVE MSRP) speaks for itself.

There is almost a cult following with these "Bussekin" knives and that is not a slur, just the way it is (check out what the discontinued models are selling for on Ebay).

Example: How many knife companies can actually sell a knife without even offering a sheath and have no complaints from its customers?

I think the two companies morphed from Busse and early on they made knives/handles that were left over from (possibly discontinued) Busse offerings.

Swamprat/Scrapyard blades are 100% new and many designs/blade steels are separate from what Busse currently produces. No less tough, just different models.

Less expensive than Busse? Definitely. Lesser quality? Hardly.

To get the full history, I would check out both Swamprat/Scrapyard website/forums for details.

Busse really doesn't sell sheath with their knives? Wow. Well I have to start looking into swamp rat knives. I should get one. Heck if they're the same quality as a Busse and a cheaper price, I'd be crazy not to get one.

[chiye tanka]

BG, talk to Gray Wolf, he knows a lot about Swamp Rat knives.
Busse does have links to sheath makers on their site. I went with Okaden.

[Leighman]

Busse really doesn't sell sheath with their knives? Wow.

Some Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat models actually do come with a sheath but a lot of folks seem to go the custom route (leather and kydex).

Custom leather rigs can me made pretty stout these days but I prefer kydex for its durability and the minimal care that is required.

My Dumpster Mutt has a 5-ich blade that is right around .285 in thickness. Once the edge has been properly convexed, there are few outdoor tasks (big & small) that this knife cannot accomplish.

[sniperfx]

i have been in the market for a survival knife, such as a kbar, but dont want to spend alot. any thoughts on the matter?

[Pict]

www.ragweedforge.com

Look up the Frost's and KJ Eriksons Mora knives. I am partial to the 780 Triflex Craftsman and for around $10 you can't go wrong with anything on those pages. If you are really looking for a solid "user" knife for the bush pick one up and you will be happy.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6445/780jk7.jpg

I got turned on to Mora's a number of years ago and have almost 20 of them now. I always take one along to the bush no matter what else I carry and they get more actual use than any other blade I take out there aside from my machetes. They are the most bang for the buck in the knife world. Mac

[Tracker]

Stay away from bad brand names, carolina, winchester,... and dont go for anything like a military knife, they are one of the worst kinds of knives in a survival situation. (the knife in first blood)

But here are some things to consider
Weight
length
tang
# of uses

I would recommend something like a Gerber, buck, they have good steel and are very practical. Do you want fixed blade or a spring?

Also do you want to hunt with it? If so you may want one that you can throw or that is large.

[tonester]

i agree with pict, mora knives are very good for the price. if you want to spend some more money i would go with a ka-bar

[huntermj]

www.ragweedforge.com (http://www.ragweedforge.com)

Look up the Frost's and KJ Eriksons Mora knives. I am partial to the 780 Triflex Craftsman and for around $10 you can't go wrong with anything on those pages. If you are really looking for a solid "user" knife for the bush pick one up and you will be happy.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6445/780jk7.jpg

I got turned on to Mora's a number of years ago and have almost 20 of them now. I always take one along to the bush no matter what else I carry and they get more actual use than any other blade I take out there aside from my machetes. They are the most bang for the buck in the knife world. Mac



I have that very knife. Have had it for a few years now, holds a good edge and its the one i use for everything. Its a good all around knife. The sheave is now wrapped in snare wire, fishing line, masons line and sisal twine along with a mini fire steel and fish hooks and finally a lanyard with a small compass. No ones going to ow and ohh over it but its what works for me.

[klkak]

Just go buy a knife that you like and use it. If it don't work for you then put it away and buy another one and try it. Keep it up until you find the knife that is best for you.

While you are at it, take a look at this thread. This subject has been covered in depth.
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1297

[crashdive123]

Was going to give this one a day or two then move it.

[klkak]

Personally I don't like Mora knives. Every one I've owned has broken just back of the hilt where to tang ends. This has always happened in very cold weather but it still happened. Therefore I will never own another one.

[trax]

These words from a man who lives where it's a hundred below in the good weather...hmmmm....:D...gotta agree with your first post, though. I think for everyone here, any knife you have on you is a survival knife. When I was a kid, we managed pretty good out in the bush with some cheapa$$ed knives because that was all we could afford. Learn how to sharpen a knife if you don't know how, a small sharpening stone isn't going to make some huge weight difference to how much you're packing if you're out hiking somewhere and a dull knife is...a metal stick.

[crashdive123]

Did the metal break, or the epoxy (or whatever is used) give in the extreme cold?

[klkak]

These words from a man who lives where it's a hundred below in the good weather...hmmmm....:D...gotta agree with your first post, though. I think for everyone here, any knife you have on you is a survival knife. When I was a kid, we managed pretty good out in the bush with some cheapa$$ed knives because that was all we could afford. Learn how to sharpen a knife if you don't know how, a small sharpening stone isn't going to make some huge weight difference to how much you're packing if you're out hiking somewhere and a dull knife is...a metal stick.

Trax, I still have my first survival knife (a Barlow 2 bladed folder). I think my mom may have paid a dollar for it if that. It has good high carbon steel in the blade. I made it work cause it was all I had. When I was about ten I started also carrying a 6 or 7" butcher knife with me. It was better for gutting and skinning deer with. My Grandfather had made it from a crosscut saw blade. I wish I still had that one.

I now have a few very high quality knives so I don't have to mess around with cheap knives any more.

[klkak]

Did the metal break, or the epoxy (or whatever is used) give in the extreme cold?

No the metal did not break. The handle its self would crack or the glue would crack and the blade would come loose.

[Leighman]

Did the metal break, or the epoxy (or whatever is used) give in the extreme cold?

I've seen Moras under x-ray and the tang portion is pretty thin and somewhat short. Also, I do not know how they are encased within the plastic handles as they are absent of any pins.

The Mora 2000 appears to have to most substantial tang of them all.

I have 3-4 Moras and I like their lightweight and lack of expense but I consider them for cutting & slicing chores only.

For hacking/chopping/batoning I prefer a stiffer and thicker blade (RAT/Ontario/Scrapyard/Swamprat/Busse).

While a machete and/or camp axe is desireable, my own "carry always" kit (Blackhawk E&E bag) doesn't allow for the added weight or bulk of longer cutting/chopping tools.

Knives are as personal ( if not more so) than guns; you will get 1000 opinions.

That said, just about any Busse/Scrapyard/Swamprat is bulletproof. Not hype, just a simple fact. of couse, not everyone wants to fork over 100+ bucks for an outdoors blade.

For under $100, Onratio's RAT series are very tough and easy to sharpen in the field (1095 carbon).

[Leighman]

i have been in the market for a survival knife, such as a kbar, but dont want to spend alot. any thoughts on the matter?

While I am frugal as the next guy, I have learned to not scrimp on quality outdoor gear, ESPECIALLY knives. Right up there with your fire-making skills/tools is the ability to have a cutting tool that will not let you down!

You may want to check out Becker knives (now marketed by Ka-Bar). They are quite sturdy and very well constructed.

Many folks love the Ka-Bar/Pilot's Survival Knife (made under contract by Ontario/Camillus/Ka-Bar/Case/etc).

While they both have a rich history with our Armed Forces there are much better all-pupose field knives available in today's marketplace.

[Pict]

Klak,

I can see how a Mora could fail like that. I haven't had any cold cracking problems in Brazil! I didn't say they were the end all in knives but they are a good place to start for 95% of bush knife needs. They are the Bic lighter of knives. A Bic is GTG for 95% of what you need to light on fire. Mac

[Sarge47]

1st, I just moved your thread to the right place; it wasn't even in the right forum, & it's also in the "Knife Sticky".

2nd, You just asked a loaded question; 50 people will give you 50 different answers. So what you do is fill in the following blanks. AGE._____, $$____,
& Favorite brands____________. The reason I asked you age is I don't remember if you've posted it or not, but a knife I might reccommend to a teen might be a bit different than for an adult. Also, some states have age restrictions for knife purchases.

3rd, Cody Lundin also endorses the Mora knife. Stay out of Alaska, the artic, or you freezer & you should be alright.:cool:

[crashdive123]

Sniperfx - in the introduction you did, you said:
my friends and i go out for days with just the essentials and live off the land What kind of knife are you using now (if that is one of the essentials you take with you)?

[Sarge47]

Sniperfx - in the introduction you did, you said: What kind of knife are you using now (if that is one of the essentials you take with you)?
Good question, Crash; I just checked Mr. Fix's intro & he sounded like he was more experienced than I see here. Obviously never in the military or he would already have a preference. I'm guessing teens to early 20's or, if older, a very sheltered lifestyle...but then that's just me.:D

[Nativedude]

Eagle wrote: Hello Everyone,

I too have a survival kit problem. I have a master list that would probably fit into a small day pack. Lately though I have been developing a kit in a coffee can. I can describe it later if anyone is interested but on to my problem. It is what type of knife/tool should I put in the kit. I own a leatherman Wave that I carry all the time (even to church) and I have both wenger and victornx SAK(Both carry tidentical gear. Large lock blade, wood saw, philips and flathead drivers, awl). What are some of your opinions out there? Folding vs fixed? Multi tool (leatherman) vs Knife (SAK)?

I have used all of the knives that you described in your post. While they do all work, personally, I prefer a fixed blade knife over a folder. My favorite is the Swiss Mora S1 knife. I was introduced to this knife by Mors Kochanski.

It is small enough to carry anywhere without freaking people out, yet it is an incredibly strong and versatile knife. And I've used mine in Alaska in -40 degree weather and I've had no problem with it. The Mora SI is the best of the Mora line-up. All the others, IMHO, are not worth the $$.

Here's what mine looks like:
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/Nativedude1/jpeg_mora05_jpg-1.jpg

Been using it for about 8 years now. . .LOVE IT!!! :D

[klkak]

I have used all of the knives that you described in your post. While they do all work, personally, I prefer a fixed blade knife over a folder. My favorite is the Swiss Mora S1 knife. I was introduced to this knife by Mors Kochanski.

It is small enough to carry anywhere without freaking people out, yet it is an incredibly strong and versatile knife. And I've used mine in Alaska in -40 degree weather and I've had no problem with it. The Mora SI is the best of the Mora line-up. All the others, IMHO, are not worth the $$.

Here's what mine looks like:
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/Nativedude1/jpeg_mora05_jpg-1.jpg

Been using it for about 8 years now. . .LOVE IT!!! :D

It appears that knife has a wood handle. I imagine it will handle the cold better then the plastic handled ones I have used and eventually broke.

[rebel]

I have used all of the knives that you described in your post. While they do all work, personally, I prefer a fixed blade knife over a folder. My favorite is the Swiss Mora S1 knife. I was introduced to this knife by Mors Kochanski.

It is small enough to carry anywhere without freaking people out, yet it is an incredibly strong and versatile knife. And I've used mine in Alaska in -40 degree weather and I've had no problem with it. The Mora SI is the best of the Mora line-up. All the others, IMHO, are not worth the $$.

Here's what mine looks like:
http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff58/Nativedude1/jpeg_mora05_jpg-1.jpg

Been using it for about 8 years now. . .LOVE IT!!! :D


Is that the stainless or high carbon model?

[Nativedude]

My Mora is the laminated blade model.

[Vikrod]

http://www.coldsteel.com/fixed-blades-bushman.html VERY GOOD BLADE HERE <-- iwould recommend it if you dont have anything else you were already going to get.

Yes, I have used the Cold Steel "Bushman" for about a year, and it is the best survival knife you can buy for the money. It's only about $20.00 but will perform as well as any knife in the $1-200 range. It also comes with a sheath that has a pouch big enough to put a survival kit in. Also, the handle is hollow and a Swedish Firesteel fits perfectly in the handle without falling out or risk of damage. If you want proof of the Bushman's strength, watch the destruction test on www.knifetests.com

[crashdive123]

Vikrod, how about slicing on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

[vthompson]

To me, you should have a good fixed blade knife to keep in your kit for a number of reasons. It should be big and heavy enough to chop and split wood with and a number of other reasons.
My favorite knife is the Gerber LMF II A.S.E.K. Survival knife. These knives are awsome and they will take a lot of abuse from you. You can find them on the internet for $60.00 and they are worth every penny of it. Just my 2 cent's worth.

[joeblkwolf]

i have alot of knives tried, and tested alot outdoors even expensive ones, last year i got a frost hedgehog, heavy blade, good design, hasn't let me down yet, for uder 20 dollers, i love it, just pass'n on info for those that dont like to spend alot
http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=frost+hedgehog&SKU=FRC033B

[crashdive123]

i have alot of knives tried, and tested alot outdoors even expensive ones, last year i got a frost hedgehog, heavy blade, good design, hasn't let me down yet, for uder 20 dollers, i love it, just pass'n on info for those that dont like to spend alot
http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eCommerce/product.jsp?Mode=Text&SearchText=frost+hedgehog&SKU=FRC033B

Thanks Joeblkwolf - you probably know this already, but for anybody that doesn't....Frost Cutlery (maker of knife in the link) and Frosts (maker of the S1 Mora that is often talked about) are two very different companies.

[Deer Sniper]

Here is a 1985 Air Force pilot survival I have had since 86 ( Camillus Cutlery ) I have tried to kill. I have abused that knife with abandon, but it wont die. :)

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj301/norinko/100_2959-1.jpg

Here is that knife with two others.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj301/norinko/100_2957.jpg

I prefer the $5.95 s.m.k.w. I wrapped its scaleless grip with 550 cord. The other knife at the top is a Randall 14.

[SARKY]

Here is a 1985 Air Force pilot survival I have had since 86 ( Camillus Cutlery ) I have tried to kill ( If you dont believe be, look at it. the knife but it wont die. :)

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj301/norinko/100_2959.jpg

Here is that knife with two others.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj301/norinko/100_2957.jpg

I prefer the $5.95 s.m.k.w. I wrapped its scaleless grip with 550 cord. The other knife at the top is a Randall 14.

If you only knew how many of those we went through in the 5 years I was instructing at SERE School! Either the tip would snap or the blade would snap at the hilt.

[chiye tanka]

D.S. what is the bottom knife?

[Deer Sniper]

D.S. what is the bottom knife?

The knife on the bottom is a 440s blade with guard but no scales which I purchased at the Smokey Mountain Knife Works store years ago for $5.95. They had this blade in there catalog for years. It was just sitting in my case doing nothing so about two weeks ago I drilled a lanyard hole in the rear of the tang and wrapped the handle with 550 cord in a Japanese style pattern. The knife is obviously a second and has a very, very slight ( almost unnoticeable ) bend to the right, but is completely functional and I can tell it will become one of my favorites. The next project will be a sheath for this knife. Large, solid survival knife for less than $10. You cant beat that with a stick!

[Deer Sniper]

If you only knew how many of those we went through in the 5 years I was instructing at SERE School! Either the tip would snap or the blade would snap at the hilt.

Do you know if the Ontario Cutlery spec+ version with the molded handle is any better? I have thought about buying one for my collection.

[jawilliams0425]

Hello everyone, this is my first post. I carry a fixed blade knife and a folder when I am out. To me you can't beat a buck 110 folder and for a fixed blade the jokers wild. Some people baton with their knife and some use is as a knife. I do carry a folding saw with me. But that is my two cents.

[crashdive123]

Jawilliams0425 - why not make it a full nickle and head on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

[Ken]

Jawilliams0425 - why not make it a full nickle and head on over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks.

Ha! He logged out. Betcha' he'd have done an intro if I asked, Bugboy. :lol:

[Deer Sniper]

Here is the rest of my fixed blade collection.

http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj301/norinko/Knives.jpg

[crashdive123]

Those'll work.

[Deer Sniper]

I have to admit, I like having options. lol :)

Every knife in that pic except for the navy mk 3 I aquired for under $20. :)

[Deer Sniper]

Hey! Does anyone know where I can get a replacement retainer for that Eternal dive knife? You used to be able to pick one up in any dive shop, but no one seems to Carry them any more. The knife is still in production. By Valor now. They didn't even change the box. Another cool note about that knife- You used to get a G.I. Joe sized copy with the Frogman G.I.Joe back in the 70's. I guess I'm showing my age lol. :)

[crashdive123]

Garage sales, flea markets (but you will probably get a knife with it an have the same dilema) Somebody posted, and there are a few good videos on youtube about making your own kydex sheaths - could probably do something similar with plastic.

[Gray Wolf]

Interesting verity!

[Deer Sniper]

Interesting verity!

Most were just pieces that struck my fancy at the moment that I purchased them. The Randall was offered to me at a unbelievable deal ( $45 and the Isotoner driving gloves I was wearing at the moment ), The diving knives were for a specific purpose ( I scuba dive ), and the Schrade Walden skinner was my Grandfathers. :)

[Deer Sniper]

Garage sales, flea markets (but you will probably get a knife with it an have the same dilema) Somebody posted, and there are a few good videos on youtube about making your own kydex sheaths - could probably do something similar with plastic.

I have a new in box Valor incarnation of this knife I have never used. For $14.95 I bought another to keep in storage in case the knife was discontinued and my current one was broken etc. I think you are right about making a kydex sheath for it. I have been reading up on it and it seems easy to do though I haven't tried yet. When I do I will post pics.

[crashdive123]

Looking forward to them.

[chiangmaimav]

Does anyone know about USA Saber knives? I saw one here in a military surplus store. It has about a 4 inch blade. Most knives here of supposed named brands are counterfeit, but I think this one may be genuine. It is fairly cheap and is nice looking survival knife.

[crashdive123]

If you are talking about one of these (http://www.selfdefenseproducts.com/USA-Saber-Knife-p-17636.html) while they look interesting I do not think they are probably considered a "good" knife. Their own description says decent quality. But hey, for less than 8 bucks.....

[chiangmaimav]

Crashdive Thanks for photos, but the one for sale here is much smaller and has about a 4 inch blade and what looks like a rosewood handle.

[crashdive123]

If you like it, and since it costs under $10 what could you be out? Other than the $10.

[Deer Sniper]

Does anyone know about USA Saber knives? I saw one here in a military surplus store. It has about a 4 inch blade. Most knives here of supposed named brands are counterfeit, but I think this one may be genuine. It is fairly cheap and is nice looking survival knife.

Those are in the S.M.K.W. catalog all the time. I am sure that they are made in Asia somewhere so that one could easily be for real.

[tonester]

i got a surprise package in the mail yesterday. long story short, my birthday is 2/03/09 and my girlfriend got me a knife from Scrap Yard for my bday! and even better its the limited edition Muk with serial# 203 which is my bday! shes so amazing. this knife is really nice. the curves on the knife are beautiful and it balances in the hand very nice. its very sharp and probably has the most comfortable handle ive held. ill post some pics of it soon.

[crashdive123]

She sounds like a keeper. I'd hang onto the girlfriend too.

[chiye tanka]

That's great, can't wait to see the pics.

[Blood Groove]

Scrap yard knives are great. I'd like to get one sometime. Man that serial # Birthday thing is pure genius. That's awsome!

[crashdive123]

Scrap yard knives are great. I'd like to get one sometime. Man that serial # Birthday thing is pure genius. That's awsome!

First step is to find out if Tonestar's girlfriend has a friend.:)

[tonester]

First step is to find out if Tonestar's girlfriend has a friend.:)

haha, yup shes has friends...if you live in southern cali let me know and maybe we can arrange something haha

[crashdive123]

Somebody wanted to see the mods I did to my kukri (I based them on the info from the M40 site). The second pic shows the contents of the fire kit attached to the sheath.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Kukri001.jpg

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii67/crashdive123/Kukri003.jpg

[Ken]

Nice work, Crash! I guess you're the Modifying Moderator! :innocent:

[crashdive123]

That was my first attempt. I don't care for the way the sheath came out (Rick did one that looks like it came out better) I just picked up another kukri - I'll try something a little different this time.

[tonester]

heres a pic of the scrap yard muk.

[crashdive123]

Hey Tonester - if you ever decide that you don't want to keep her around, let me know ----- the knife, not the girl friend.:)

[Rick]

Yeah, I built a kurki and a machete using M40s instructions.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=319&d=1213097470

[RangerXanatos]

Where at did yall get those khuks and are they decent quality?

[Rick]

RX - It's been so long, I don't remember. You can check out M40s reviews though.

http://www.m4040.com/Knifemaking/REVIEWS/BladeEvals.htm

I'll look around and see if I can figured out where I ordered it. Yeah, it's good quality. I don't have any trouble with it at all. I got it pretty cheap, too. So even if I were to break it I won't be out much.

[crashdive123]

I picked them up at a local gun show. You couldn't hurt or break these if you tried - and yeah, they're a bit heavy. I've got a couple of others that look good, but are of lesser quality.

[RangerXanatos]

Ok, thanks!

[crashdive123]

RX - judging from the thickness of the blades (stamped India) I'd say they started out life as a truck leaf spring.

[RangerXanatos]

Ok. I read elsewhere that the place he got his modified khukuri from was no good. Just wanted to be sure.

[lsutigers1010]

hey guys here are some pics of my knives

scrap yard sod
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/campin019.jpg

brkt fox river
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/BRKT008.jpg

ontario rtak 2
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/campin010-1.jpg

sod&busse nmsfno
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/campin012.jpg

opinel #8 rocking a new pitina
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/pinta002.jpg
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/pinta003.jpg

my newely modded ontario air force survival knife
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/modedair011.jpg
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/airfuzz002.jpg

fiskars 14in hatchet
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/chop1001.jpg
only 20 chops per side
http://i434.photobucket.com/albums/qq64/lsutigers1010/chop1002.jpg

well thats it for now more later

[Rick]

Welcome to the forum. Nice pics. Why not chop and slice your way over to the Introduction section and tells about yourself.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[Ameriborn]

Hey Lsutiger1010 - Random from the chat :)

Are you going to be trying to get the new offering from Busse? The Killa Zilla? Or are you waiting for the next Scrap Yard?

[lsutigers1010]

Hey Lsutiger1010 - Random from the chat :)

Are you going to be trying to get the new offering from Busse? The Killa Zilla? Or are you waiting for the next Scrap Yard?

i wish but it is not in a 13 year old budget

[Deer Sniper]

Hey lsutiger! How did you do the patina on the Opinel? That looks way cool!!!! Almost looks like a blotch camo.

[Ameriborn]

i wish but it is not in a 13 year old budget

You got the NMSFNO :)

I can't get it either, so no hard feelings there.

I think my RC 5 and my custom Koyote will more than suffice.

[lsutigers1010]

Hey lsutiger! How did you do the patina on the Opinel? That looks way cool!!!! Almost looks like a blotch camo.

i used mustard & white vingar

[lsutigers1010]

You got the NMSFNO :)

I can't get it either, so no hard feelings there.

I think my RC 5 and my custom Koyote will more than suffice.

yea i got my nmsfno thanks to some christmass money i like the look of the rc-5 i want on bad

[NCO]

Nice to have some finnish quality tools out here! (that fiskars axe)
I usually handel pretty much everything with my fathers old "puukko". Local traditional knife. It is simple, easy to keep sharp and almost unbreacable. What else you can hope for. I can do everything from choping firewood to skinning game with it. And getting wood splinter (I don't know the proper word for a tiny bit of wood that usually ends up in your hand and is pain in the butt to get out) out my hand.

[crashdive123]

And getting wood splinter (I don't know the proper word for a tiny bit of wood that usually ends up in your hand and is pain in the butt to get out) out my hand.You got it right.

[Rick]

You got ALL of it right. It is a pain.

[NCO]

Nice to know that not everything goes bad...

[Goloth]

I've seen a lot of amazing knives over the years, I'll tell you what you obviously don't want, I mean, anybody who actually plans on surviving would know this I'd hope. What you don't want is an overly sized massive 'Rambo Knife' as they say. I will say, STAY AWAY, from anything with a blade longer than "8 1/2 inches. I bought a knife just today, Beautiful knife, made of 440 steel, which is a good important thing you also may want to look at for a knife, 420 steel tends to shatter and isn't the best idea if you plan on surviving in a rocky wilderness however, 440 steel is much harder and probably won't shatter and you won't have to repair it as often :smash:, there's lots of different grain and quality steel in 440 and 420, but the 440 is harder and more heavy duty, The knife I bought is pictured here, http://www.knifesearch.com/images/8838bb.jpg Beautiful, amazingly graceful survival knife, however, It IS mainly for looks, if you want an awesome survival knife though, I would go with something similar to that, big blades take too much time, and aren't very good for cutting things and constructing things. The problem with most survival knives is that they aren't the sturdiest things on earth sadly, the pin that locks them into the hollow handle, if knocked loose pretty much makes you fail right there. However, I would purchase a knife like the one I bought for a few reasons, the serration on the top is EXTREMELY important, you need to be able to cut things. The blade itself is fit enough for cutting small saplings, or maybe in defense of an animal attack, (now mind you, I don't expect to be fending off a bear, that would just be suicide. Unless you're bear grylls. naw just kidding.) But seriously, take a look at EVERY aspect of the knives you plan to buy people, if not, then you could end up with a piece of trash in a harsh situation. :cool2:

[Ken]

I've seen a lot of amazing knives over the years, I'll tell you what you obviously don't want.... :cool2:

Hey, Goloth! Why not cut your way over to an Introductions Thread and tell us a bit about yourself? http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[crashdive123]

Goloth - you and I must have a different idea of what constitutes a big blade. Oh yeah, and what Ken said. Oh - and - are you associated with knifesearch?

[Goloth]

No, I'm not, I just decided to buy that knife yesterday, I've got a couple survival knives, but I thought I was in need of a new one, I currently only have two survival knives, three foot long kunai knives, my katana, and my bamboo carved longbow, so I wanted a knew knife. Why did you want to know crash?

and @ Ken alright man, I'll hop on over there.

[crashdive123]

No, I'm not, I just decided to buy that knife yesterday, I've got a couple survival knives, but I thought I was in need of a new one, I currently only have two survival knives, three foot long kunai knives, my katana, and my bamboo carved longbow, so I wanted a knew knife. Why did you want to know crash?

and @ Ken alright man, I'll hop on over there.

I consider any blade over about 4 inches to be a big blade. But hey, that's just me. As to the question about the site, just checking, as you cannot post links to your own site unless they're in your signature.

[Goloth]

Really? I consider anything above eight because most of the blades I currently own are around six inches to a foot probably. I mean don't get me wrong, there's a lot of good knives out there that are smaller, when I was shopping for knives the other day I came across a beautiful survival knife, but the make was an extremely expensive company, the maker was SOG and the knife model was called 'Tigershark' Beautiful knife, but expensive as hell!

[crashdive123]

I'm not saying that I don't have large knives, just defining what a large knife is to me. For most wilderness chores a 3-1/2" or 4" blade is fine for me. I rarely only carry one, and usually have a saw and hatchet.

[danmc]

But seriously, take a look at EVERY aspect of the knives you plan to buy people, if not, then you could end up with a piece of trash in a harsh situation. :cool2:

I'd add the note that I think it's important to give your gear a workout in nicely controlled circumstances. For example, sit out on your patio and do some bushcraft stuff with your knife and see how it performs. If it breaks, well, go inside and take a nap on the couch or whatever instead of being out in the woods thinking "now what". Sort of like using the grill in your drive way to figure out that the sparker at the bottom of those plastic match boxes is for sparking with steel and not striking a match!

-Dan

[Goloth]

I'd add the note that I think it's important to give your gear a workout in nicely controlled circumstances. For example, sit out on your patio and do some bushcraft stuff with your knife and see how it performs. If it breaks, well, go inside and take a nap on the couch or whatever instead of being out in the woods thinking "now what". Sort of like using the grill in your drive way to figure out that the sparker at the bottom of those plastic match boxes is for sparking with steel and not striking a match! -
I agree 150% on that man. Great input. By the way... as long as I'm here, does anybody want to tell me if they think this knife was well worth the purchase? I know about blades, but I don't know everything, so anybody's input would be very appreciated. Thank you :D - The link, if you did not read my post above, is http://www.knifesearch.com/images/8838bb.jpg
if you want a link to the actual web page that it is on so you can review the details, it's this one
http://www.knifesearch.com/php/knifesearch.php?action=1&srchword=survival&page=6
It's the second knife down, has some details on the make etc.

[tennecedar]

What you don't want is an overly sized massive 'Rambo Knife'

That's exactly what the knife in that link is! A cheap copy of the original movie knife actually. Google Rambo Knife and see what comes up. Go back to the start of this thread and invest some time. I promise it will be worth it.

[crashdive123]

You've already bought it, so it really doesn't matter what I think....but since you asked. I think it is one of thos POS hollow handled knives that aren't worth more than about $5 or $10 bucks. You did ask.

[Ken]

By the way... as long as I'm here, does anybody want to tell me if they think this knife was well worth the purchase?

It cost you what, $15.95? That's like 3 Venti Ultra Supremo Fair Trade Mocha Java Caramel Sugar Free Gluten Free Lactose Free Extra Shot Lattes at Starbucks. Which would you rather have? Pretend it's a computer printer. When it breaks next week, just toss it.

[RangerXanatos]

I personally wouldn't trust it. I would get a more known name like Ka-Bar that wouldn't bust the bank.

[Goloth]

What you don't want is an overly sized massive 'Rambo Knife'

That's exactly what the knife in that link is! A cheap copy of the original movie knife actually. Google Rambo Knife and see what comes up. Go back to the start of this thread and invest some time. I promise it will be worth it.
I'm well aware of what the 'Rambo Knife' looks like, however, this is a very different knife, for a few reasons, the knife itself is made of a much harder steel, (fit for survival purposes), then the 'replica' failure knives, the knife Rambo uses, is also approximately a foot long blade. However, as I said, I enjoy your opinions on it. @ ken, I'd much rather have a knife then coffee. lol

[crashdive123]

I'm well aware of what the 'Rambo Knife' looks like, however, this is a very different knife, for a few reasons, the knife itself is made of a much harder steel, (fit for survival purposes), then the 'replica' failure knives, the knife Rambo uses, is also approximately a foot long blade. However, as I said, I enjoy your opinions on it. @ ken, I'd much rather have a knife then coffee. lol

How good do you think that knife would be a generating a spark with a piece of flint?

[Ken]

ken, I'd much rather have a knife then coffee. lol

No difference. You'd p*ss through both of them in about the same amount of time.

[Goloth]

How good do you think that knife would be a generating a spark with a piece of flint?
AHA! I have already given this thought, and I will buy a set of flint from my local army surplus store, which is small 'nough to fit in the hollowed handle. :D

[crashdive123]

AHA! I have already given this thought, and I will buy a set of flint from my local army surplus store, which is small 'nough to fit in the hollowed handle. :D

What will you use to strike that flint in order to make a spark? The back edge of the knife?

[RangerXanatos]

I don't think that it being 440 steel is going to be all that great for survival unless it is of thick stock. Atleast 1/4" if it's going to be that long. And a hollow handle means that it will probably break where the blade meets the handle. At $16 dollars, you're going to get a $16 dollar knife.

[Goloth]

What will you use to strike that flint in order to make a spark? The back edge of the knife?

Okay, you got me... lol I give up.

[tennecedar]

I'm well aware of what the 'Rambo Knife' looks like, however, this is a very different knife, for a few reasons, the knife itself is made of a much harder steel, (fit for survival purposes), then the 'replica' failure knives, the knife Rambo uses, is also approximately a foot long blade.

Here the real rambo knives from the first three movies. Look real close then look at yours.

[crashdive123]

Okay, you got me... lol I give up.

Well, you talk about this great survival knife. In your first post you said that the hollow handled knives were weak, and you were right. You also said that it was made from 440 stainless (I have several of that same material). In another thread you said you hope to go into the wilderness with just a knife someday (after you learn a bit more). That might be a great adventure for you, and I wish you luck. In the things that you learn, you will probably find that 440 stainless and flint do not do a good job at making a spark. The knife you bought, although cool looking, is not a great knife in my opinion. Please hang around the forum, there is probably a lot you can learn. I know there is a lot I can learn as well.

[Goloth]

I'm well aware of what the 'Rambo Knife' looks like, however, this is a very different knife, for a few reasons, the knife itself is made of a much harder steel, (fit for survival purposes), then the 'replica' failure knives, the knife Rambo uses, is also approximately a foot long blade.

Here the real rambo knives from the first three movies. Look real close then look at yours.

Beautiful knives... shame they probably aren't any good anymore. Yeah, I know, mine looks like the knife from FB part two, which really doesn't matter much to me. I think it could last me in a survival situation, however, I ALWAYS have a backup plan. So either way, it's a nice knife to have in my own opinion.

[Goloth]

Well, you talk about this great survival knife. In your first post you said that the hollow handled knives were weak, and you were right. You also said that it was made from 440 stainless (I have several of that same material). In another thread you said you hope to go into the wilderness with just a knife someday (after you learn a bit more). That might be a great adventure for you, and I wish you luck. In the things that you learn, you will probably find that 440 stainless and flint do not do a good job at making a spark. The knife you bought, although cool looking, is not a great knife in my opinion. Please hang around the forum, there is probably a lot you can learn. I know there is a lot I can learn as well.

I will for sure, thank you.

[tennecedar]

I truly hope it serves you for years. Again, please go thru this thread and do some research. Don't take everything everybody has to say as the definitive truth. Look it up online or at the library. You be the judge. The men and women that have posted here have spent years if not decades gaining hands on experience. Knowledge is the only thing that will keep you alive in survival situation. Yours or your rescuers. All the nifty gadgets in the world mean squat without knowing how to use them and knowing they will do the job.

[Ken]

Klkak's Signature

1. If it's in your kit and you don't know how to use it....It's useless.
2. If you can't reach your kit when you need it....Its useless.

Every word is true.

[Gray Wolf]

Klkak's Signature

1. If it's in your kit and you don't know how to use it....It's useless.
2. If you can't reach your kit when you need it....Its useless.

Every word is true.

Amen! A lesson for all! For the new an old members...

[Goloth]

I wasn't going to say anything about this, however I was thinking about the army surplus store here and it popped into my head, about the 15 dollar for a 15 dollar knife thing, in other words (you get what you pay for) and what came to mind is, when you got a site that sells that many different kinds of knives, they usually get 80% of them on surplus, so they sell them for WAY LESSthen the knives would be otherwise. Just a thought, but that's about it for me for tonight.

[crashdive123]

Goloth - you do not have to spend a lot of money for a good knife that you can rely on. In this link (http://www.swedishknives.com/morakniv.htm) The top two knives are not expensive, but are very good quality knives. Another thing to remember is that just because a knife costs a lot does not make it a good knife.

[Kemperor]

I got a pretty decent Frosts of Mora knife for only $10. High carbon, red handle so I cna find it if I drop it. SHARP!

[Ameriborn]

You asked what we think, and I agree with Crash. It will break under any kind of hard use right where the handle meets the balde, due to there being no to tang. A hollow handle is a horrible knife, unless it is one solid piece of steel. (Cold Steel Bushman, Schrade Extreme Survival, CRK)

[Rick]

I wouldn't stake my life on the knife. But! If you like it then it's okay. Are there better knives out there. Yes. Are there better knives to be used for survival? Yes again. It's not something I'd carry, which is why I don't own one. But I don't have anything against hollow handled knives. As long as you understand the place where the tube and the blade are connected is a weak point then have fun.

Had you taken the time to read the thread you would have known what most think of that knife. But you didn't. You were quick to post something you were proud of then not particularly appreciative of the comments you received even though you asked for them.

Take a moment and read some of the threads. Take the time to educate yourself. That's what they are here for. That's what we are here for.

[Goloth]

You asked what we think, and I agree with Crash. It will break under any kind of hard use right where the handle meets the balde, due to there being no to tang. A hollow handle is a horrible knife, unless it is one solid piece of steel. (Cold Steel Bushman, Schrade Extreme Survival, CRK)

I said hollow-handle, but most survival knives made like that are half-tang my friend.

[Rick]

Exactly his point. That's why they break there. His post was valid.

[crashdive123]

I said hollow-handle, but most survival knives made like that are half-tang my friend.

...and with that, you just proved his point (or at least agreed with him). As Rick said - that's exactly the point. Here's a definition on tang that is applicable here:
Tang: is the part of the knife blade that extends into the handle. The strongest knives are fixed blade knives with a full tang that extends down the entire handle to the pommel. Half tang knives are cheaper and more likely to break under stress.

[tennecedar]

Golath, here's the site of a knife maker that produces quality hollow handle knives.
Check out what goes into making that design work and what steels are used. Then after you see the quality look at the price tags. I'm a metal fabricator. The tool steel/knife steel good knives are made from cost more than your knife did. Blank stock pieces. If you consider the time involved in polishing, assembling, sharpening, then packaging your knife and the labor costs involved, how much is the metal worth?

http://www.chrisreeve.com/

[Rick]

You all can bark about "quality" knives at $300-400 all you want. I will never own a knife that costs that much. In my mind, that's just nuts. I can own 10 or more good quality knives for that much. Quick, crab a paper bag! I'm hyperventilating.

[tennecedar]

I'm only talking about that specific design. I received one as a gift. that's the ONLY reason i have one. My day to day woods knife varies between a 50 year old Marble's or one of the other dozen's of knives I've picked up here and there. Mostly used knives and all under fifty bucks.

[danmc]

You all can bark about "quality" knives at $300-400 all you want. I will never own a knife that costs that much. In my mind, that's just nuts. I can own 10 or more good quality knives for that much. Quick, crab a paper bag! I'm hyperventilating.

I saw a review a year or two back for some titanium fishing pliers. They were in that price range ($300-$400). I'm thinking "yeah, I'll take those in a boat". A $10 pair that won't make me cry if I drop them in the lake is much better for me.

[loki]

I think the best survival knife is a fixed blade, about 4 1/2". If you're in a survival situation, you don't need a philips screwdriver and a pair of scissors...you need a blade that will handle all you can throw at it. I really like the Swiss Mora knives. They are super durable, keep a great edge, and are cheap. #1 survival knife, in my humble opinion!

This kind of depend on if you are surviving in an urban or wilderness setting. In an urban area a set of screwdrives and set of scissors might come in very handy such as opening some covers to get to an electrical panel to reroute power, or using the scissors to cut away clothing from an injured person. True a knife could be used to do that but the scissors dont require the force needed from a knife with the upward motion and there is less of a chance of a accidental puncture with scissors on an injured person.

[crashdive123]

Good points Loki - How about heading over to the Introduction section and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. You can find it here http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[loki]

The glock knifes are great, the handels and scaberd are made from the same pastic as their pistoles. It holds a good edge and they are cheap.

I too own a glock knife and while I think that it does ok at holding an edge I do think that the blade profile is to thick for most average chores such as cleaning fish and basic food prep. Try cleaning a hand size brim with it and you will learn to hate the knife.

[loki]

I'm just wondering... out of everyone here, what do you think is the best brand of knife? I already have several, mostly buck knives... I've heard leatherman is good... is that true? :confused:

I personally don't think any one brand is the best. Different knives for different applications and all makers have their ups and downs. I have over 20 knives from at least 8 different makers and I like them all for different things.

[lucznik]

...you will probably find that 440 stainless and flint do not do a good job at making a spark. Why do you think this? I have a few different knives of 440 stainless. I have experienced no problem getting a nice shower of sparks from them and a FireSteel.


I think the best survival knife is a fixed blade, about 4 1/2". If you're in a survival situation, you don't need a philips screwdriver and a pair of scissors... While I think I understand the point you are making, I'm not sure I totally agree with this. Of all the tools on my SAK (a Victorinox Fieldmaster), the scissors get the most used - even when camping/hiking/"surviving." It is actually amazing just how useful they are.

[lucznik]

You all can bark about "quality" knives at $300-400 all you want. I will never own a knife that costs that much. In my mind, that's just nuts. I can own 10 or more good quality knives for that much. Quick, crab a paper bag! I'm hyperventilating.


With this I totally agree . My most expensive knife (a rosewood handled Buck Alpha Hunter) retailed at about $70 (I paid $45). Most of my knives were considerably less expensive. I have yet to find anyone who could do anything more with their "quality," $300+ knives. In fact, most of these guys that I have met do such a poor job of keeping their knives properly sharpened that they couldn't do half of what I could.

As my dad likes to say, "you could ride bare-a$$ed to Boston on that blade!"

[crashdive123]

Why do you think this? I have a few different knives of 440 stainless. I have experienced no problem getting a nice shower of sparks from them and a FireSteel.

Make you a deal. You go to the introduction section and tell us a little about yourself - wilderness experience, general age, general location, etc. and I'll answer your question.

[lucznik]

Make you a deal. You go to the introduction section and tell us a little about yourself - wilderness experience, general age, general location, etc. and I'll answer your question. Do you know how much typing that requires??


O.K. done.

[crashdive123]

I guess it's time for me to pay up. Nice intro by the way.
Why do you think this? I have a few different knives of 440 stainless. I have experienced no problem getting a nice shower of sparks from them and a FireSteel. If you are getting a nice shower of sparks using your firesteel and a knife, I doubt that blade is made of 440 stainless steel. Stainless steel and a ferrocium rod will not produce a shower of sparks. Without getting too technical, stainless does not have the material in it to make it happen, while carbon steel does. There is also a high carbon stainless steel available. While 440 stainless does have a higher carbon content than some other stainless varieties, and you can get some sparks - a high carbon content blade (like 1095 carbon steel) will produce much more. Try this - use the back of your 440 stainless knife against your firesteel, and then use the back of a hacksaw blade. You should see a huge difference. If the knife you are using is producing a "shower of sparks" then my guess is that it isn't 440 stainless.

[tennecedar]

With this I totally agree . My most expensive knife (a rosewood handled Buck Alpha Hunter) retailed at about $70 (I paid $45). Most of my knives were considerably less expensive. I have yet to find anyone who could do anything more with their "quality," $300+ knives. In fact, most of these guys that I have met do such a poor job of keeping their knives properly sharpened that they couldn't do half of what I could.

As my dad likes to say, "you could ride bare-a$$ed to Boston on that blade!"

Since you mentioned the Alpha, here's mine. Oh, by the way mine's plenty sharp. All my knives will shave ya.

[lucznik]

I guess it's time for me to pay up. Nice intro by the way. If you are getting a nice shower of sparks using your firesteel and a knife, I doubt that blade is made of 440 stainless steel. Stainless steel and a ferrocium rod will not produce a shower of sparks. Without getting too technical, stainless does not have the material in it to make it happen, while carbon steel does. There is also a high carbon stainless steel available. While 440 stainless does have a higher carbon content than some other stainless varieties, and you can get some sparks - a high carbon content blade (like 1095 carbon steel) will produce much more. Try this - use the back of your 440 stainless knife against your firesteel, and then use the back of a hacksaw blade. You should see a huge difference. If the knife you are using is producing a "shower of sparks" then my guess is that it isn't 440 stainless.
I'm using two knives to test this. The first is a the little green handled lockback that I recieved as a door prize at the Ducks Unlimited banquet. It has "440 STAINLESS" laser engraved on the side of the blade. The second is the little all-stainless skeletonized knife which has "STAINLESS STEEL 440" stamped into the side of the blade. I am using a FireSteel from www.firesteels.com. I get a similar amount of sparks from the knives as I get from the FireSteel Striker that came with the FireSteel. I suppose it is possible that both of these knives could be mis-marked, though I would be a bit surprised.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/lucznik/knives.jpg

I think the critical matter is the sharpness of the back edge. If it is rounded at all, it doesn't want to work. But as long as it has a good, flat edge you can get sparks pretty easily.

[lucznik]

Since you mentioned the Alpha, here's mine. Oh, by the way mine's plenty sharp. All my knives will shave ya.

Very nice. Here is mine. Actually, I have another as well. It is the rubber handled one like yours, only mine has the guthook - which, incidentally, I really don't like.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/lucznik/AlphaHunter.jpg

Since we've been discussing getting sparks from a knife I will throw in here that the one problem I have had with this particular Alpha Hunter is the fact that the back edge of the blade has been quite well rounded. As a result, I cannot get sparks using this knife unless I use the actual blade - which I am loathe to do. This isn't a huge problem as the striker that came with my FireSteel is always attached to it, but I would like for this utility to be part of my knife's abilities. My rubber-handled Alpha Hunter does not have this same rounding of the back edge and so I can get sparks from it just fine.

When I get a chance I will probably try to file down a small portion of the back edge to get a area conducive to spark throwing as otherwise this is my favorite knife.

[Sarge47]

I'm using two knives to test this. The first is a the little green handled lockback that I recieved as a door prize at the Ducks Unlimited banquet. It has "440 STAINLESS" laser engraved on the side of the blade. The second is the little all-stainless skeletonized knife which has "STAINLESS STEEL 440" stamped into the side of the blade. I am using a FireSteel from www.firesteels.com (http://www.firesteels.com). I get a similar amount of sparks from the knives as I get from the FireSteel Striker that came with the FireSteel. I suppose it is possible that both of these knives could be mis-marked, though I would be a bit surprised.

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j104/lucznik/knives.jpg

I think the critical matter is the sharpness of the back edge. If it is rounded at all, it doesn't want to work. But as long as it has a good, flat edge you can get sparks pretty easily.What make is the smaller knife, Luc., & where is it made? Some companies, like Buck for instance, add carbonto the stainless steel, which is why Buck advertises their steel as 420HC; the initials stand for the added carbon content.:cool2:

[lucznik]

The short answer is - I don't know.

The Ducks Unlimited knife has "PRC" (I'm guessing People's Republic of China) laser engraved on the opposite side of the blade. The belt/pocket clip also has the brand name "GunHunter" in the plastic.

The smaller knife was purchased in an auto parts store in Salt Lake City, Utah about 8 or so years ago. It has no brand name nor does it have a "made in ___" stamp anywhere on it.

[Alpine_Sapper]

When I get a chance I will probably try to file down a small portion of the back edge to get a area conducive to spark throwing as otherwise this is my favorite knife.

Why not just try a different area of the knife, such as the flat area between the lanyard hole at the back of the handle and the grooves on the back?

[lucznik]

Why not just try a different area of the knife, such as the flat area between the lanyard hole at the back of the handle and the grooves on the back? Good suggestion, but I already have.

In fact, I've tried using every part of this knife. The blade works great, but I'm not keen on damaging the blade in that way. All the remaining edges on the knife have been very nicely rounded, which makes the knife look great and even feel better in the hand, but which also makes it impossible to get any sparks.

BTW, when I went home for lunch (I live right across the street from my hospital) I found another knife that is labeled as 440 Steel. This one is a First Production Run, Taylor Cutlery, Smith&Wesson "ExtremeOps" tactical folder. I tried it and it too is able to produce a good quantity of sparks from the FireSteel.

I know that you need high carbon steel to get sparks from a traditional flint and steel rig like those used by Mountain Man reenactors. However, in this case, it is the flint that is actually shaving tiny particles off the steel and igniting them by friction. It is the exact opposite with modern Metal Matches, Swedish Firesteels, and the like. The blade is shaving small bits off the "flint" and igniting them into sparks. Those sparks are also much hotter than the sparks from the traditional flint and steel set.

[NCO]

I got a pretty decent Frosts of Mora knife for only $10. High carbon, red handle so I cna find it if I drop it. SHARP!

I would toss the Mora out to the trash can at sight. Mora has one big issue, and that is that the core of the blade is MUCH harder than the outer layers, meaning it is sharp AT FIRST and stays sharp, AT FIRST, but after couble of sharpenings you'll notice that the soft outer layers are wearing down MUCH faster than the hard core. This results you having over extended "edge" of the knife(junk) and it wont cut nearly as well as it used to. Mora is ment to be a disposable and cheap tool, not a knife.

If you want a really good fixed blade knife go with one of these:

Marttiini Big Game Martef:
http://www.varuste.net/tuotekuvat2/701.jpg

Marttiini Skinner Martef:
http://www.varuste.net/tuotekuvat2/698.jpg

Iisakki Järvenpää Koira(Hound):
http://www.healfishing.com/kauppa/images/iisakki/koira2.jpg

This next one is so old that it deasn't even have any fancy name (couldn't find one), but it is also made by Iisakki Järvenpää:
http://www.lappeenranta.fi/images/20080114103544.jpg

[lucznik]

NCO,

Like Kemperor, I also had one of those $10.00, red-handled Moras. However, I too through it out, though not for the reasons you gave. I just found that my hand slipped on the minimalist handle too much which caused me to almost slice off a finger.

[loki]

i like the martini big game martef

[crashdive123]

Lucznik - all I can say about the sparks you are throwing off with your knife and flint is that if it works for you, then it works for me. I'll venture a guess though, that if you try a high carbon content metal against it, like a hacksaw blade (flat edge) you will see a difference.

[NCO]

NCO,

Like Kemperor, I also had one of those $10.00, red-handled Moras. However, I too through it out, though not for the reasons you gave. I just found that my hand slipped on the minimalist handle too much which caused me to almost slice off a finger.

You pay $10.00 for a Mora.... I bought one for 2,40e... That is like $5.00...
"The slipping is not the knife's fault, it's the user's" -My dad used to say this to me when I was a kid and tried to learn to use puukko properly. I think I was like three or four years old when I got my first puukko... OH, those innocent times... :angel:

[Rick]

NCO, I think you described the laminated blade. Mora also makes Stainless, Carbon steel and Triflex. I do agree with you, however, that Mora is a tool. All knives are tools. I wouldn't try to judge it against a Ka-Bar for example. They are meant to fill different niches.

Your Marttiini costs eight times as much so I would expect it to be eight times better.:whistling:

[lucznik]

Lucznik - all I can say about the sparks you are throwing off with your knife and flint is that if it works for you, then it works for me. I'll venture a guess though, that if you try a high carbon content metal against it, like a hacksaw blade (flat edge) you will see a difference.

I'll try that at my first opportunity.

[Ameriborn]

I know some people who have sharpened a Mora plenty of times and they are still as sharp as ever. Moras are great items, and if you want to dispose of them, send them my way, I will be more than happy :D

[Alpine_Sapper]

"The slipping is not the knife's fault, it's the user's" -My dad used to say this to me when I was a kid and tried to learn to use puukko properly.

Sure, the slipping may be the users fault, not the knife's, but, if it had a proper handle, it wouldn't be an issue. So, who's fault is it? The manufacturer. Doesn't mean I'm going to by a $10 knife that will cause me to slice my hand open, when i can pay $10 for one that has a proper guard.

[Rick]

Like everything else, it depends on the model. Some Moras have single and double guards, some don't have any.

[crashdive123]

They do sell the little red handled Mora with a double finger guard for about three bucks more.

Edit: Yep, what he said.

[Alpine_Sapper]

sure. I'm not adverse to the mora, I just don't really like knives without guards. Just my preference.

[Rick]

I'm the same. I have this premonition of my hand sliding across that razor steel. Just me but....ouch!

[Ken]

A few years back, the small supermarket down the street had some really fresh oysters just come in. I had 'em wrap up about two dozen and then realized that I hadn't used or even seen my oyster knife in years. The store had a few cheap ones on the rack, so I tossed one in the cart. The owner, a friend of mine, laughed and told me to be careful 'cause they were sharp. Of course, I had to respond that I had shucked thousands of clams, scallops and oysters over the years without a nick on me. When I got home, I pulled the knife out of the plastic and cardboard package and realized just what a cheap piece of junk it was. No big deal, right? On my first oyster, I sliced a nice chunk right off of one of my fingers. Took about two months for that piece to fill back in. Only then did I return to that store........:blushing:

[Rick]

Seems like I posted this before but...I had a buddy that was sitting on top of an empty 50 gallon drum. He had a straight blade in a sheath on his hip. He messed around until he turned the barrel over. He fell backwards, the knife fell out of the sheath and landed on the ground point up. he ran it into his thigh. It wasn't protuding through but it had poked a hole in the top and was still in the back of his thigh to the hilt. He turned out okay with some clean up and stitches but you just never know.

[Ken]

We should start a thread showing our battle scars. I've got more stitches in me than a patchwork quilt. If I could only figure out how to use that new camera. No worries. I'll ask one of the kids to teach me - or to take the pics for me. Next, how do I post those FULL SIZED pics instead of those crappy little boxes? I've read the instructions posted here, but I'm slipping toward the age where technology is passing me up.

[Rick]

No thanks. There's parts of me that even I won't look at.

[RangerXanatos]

We should start a thread showing our battle scars. I've got more stitches in me than a patchwork quilt. If I could only figure out how to use that new camera. No worries. I'll ask one of the kids to teach me - or to take the pics for me. Next, how do I post those FULL SIZED pics instead of those crappy little boxes? I've read the instructions posted here, but I'm slipping toward the age where technology is passing me up.

If you are easily disturbed by blood, skip this post.
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On Christmas afternoon, my friend was struck by stupid and I had to take him to the ER. He decided to swing a machete the wrong direction on a fallen tree we had already chopped up and proceeded to cut himself right below the knee.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Cuts/DSCF0718.jpg

The reason it looks so bloody right there is because we had to walk up a steep hill and to the house. Part of the way was driven in a truck but the part we had to walk was about 1/5 of a mile.


The wound.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Cuts/DSCF0719.jpg


Getting the stitches.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Cuts/DSCF0732.jpg

And all 5 stitches.
http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Cuts/DSCF0735.jpg


A careless mistake can befall us all…

Daniel

[CanSurviveIt]

My belief is that you need two knives. One, a folding knife that stays in your pocket. This is used for emergencies, and for eating etc and as a skinning knife. The second, is a good sheath knife. It should be a fairly thick blade, should be a 5" or longer blade and hold a good edge. This is your working blade. It is used with a "wood hammer" (tree branch) to split wood, chop down smaller tree's, cut kindling, skin animals, basically, it is a do all knife. Most people buy a knife that has a thinner blade, and this is a mistake. Also, avoid saw back knives. They tend to "hang up" when stuck into things and are difficult to remove. And as noted, if you have a thick bladed knife, you can use it to chop or whittle thru neede items rather than trying to saw with a poor quality saw edge.

[crashdive123]

Hey CanSurviveIt - I believe you forgot an introduction. You can find it here http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[Rick]

My belief is you could cut your way over to the Introductions section and tell us a bit about yourself.

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

Oh, as for the knives, if that's what you like, then fine.

[Rick]

We posted together.

[crashdive123]

Great minds think alike.

[miaborris19]

If you found yourself in a survival situation, which blade/s would you want with you?

To those who already have these, which have you found the best, most reliable and most durable? Please don't point me to a Rambo special off ebay which falls apart in 5 minutes.

I suppose we could look at axes/machetes as well as knives,a young tree takes a while to hack down with even the best hunting knife!

I'm guessing most would idealy want about 3 with them. Axe/machete for the big stuff, decent large knife capable of skinning and stuff and a smaller blade for the more menial blade tasks.

Any recommendations?


[URL="http://******************[/URL]

[Rick]

Which one would I want? The one I have with me.

You can't post your link in the body of your message. I assume you are affiliated with them.

In any case, why not cut yourself a path to our Introduction section and tells us something about yourself?

http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[NCO]

NCO, I think you described the laminated blade. Mora also makes Stainless, Carbon steel and Triflex. I do agree with you, however, that Mora is a tool. All knives are tools. I wouldn't try to judge it against a Ka-Bar for example. They are meant to fill different niches.

I cannot claim that I have tried out every type of mora there is. I even suspect that they sell some models there that arn't sold here, cause their bad reputation in finland.
For that every knife is a tool I must disagree. Most Finns(those living in rural areas) view a good puukko like Japanese view a katana. It is more than just a tool. Like katana is more than just a weapon. Puukko is still just piece of steel and wood bond together, but also something else. A very good puukko can be two - three generations old, keeping its edge and moving from father to son. Puukko is the ultimate tool, (the ultimate weapon as well) the only tool that you can trust 100%.

[Rick]

Sweden(I'm not rasist, but I don't generally like them, or more spesificly their culture...)

You wouldn't be just a tad bit prejudice, would you? Mora=Sweden, Puuko=Finland.:innocent:

Oh, well. You like Puuko, the next guy likes Ka-Bar and Rambo likes...well...Rambo knives.

[NCO]

You wouldn't be just a tad bit prejudice, would you? Mora=Sweden, Puuko=Finland.:innocent:

Oh, well. You like Puuko, the next guy likes Ka-Bar and Rambo likes...well...Rambo knives.


Of course I am prejudice(like 96% of us), thats the whole point!:tongue_smilie:

My heart is breaking! You misspelled the holy puuKKo!!!:smash:

[crashdive123]

NCO said: For that every knife is a tool I must disagree. and then
NCO said: Puukko is the ultimate tool Are you starting to argue with yourself or is it that some tools are better than others?

[NCO]

You must give me that I don't have the neccesary vocabularity to properly express myself. I'm not writing in my native language. As I said, it is not JUST a tool...

[tennecedar]

Puukko is the ultimate tool, (the ultimate weapon as well) the only tool that you can trust 100%.



I was in the butcher shop the other day picking up a few things. Above the cutting table was a rack with 20-30 knives in it. It seamed some had similar designs but no two were identical. This shop is a second generation establishment. They know their business well. It seams to me if a butcher would have so many blades just for cutting meats, there is no holy grail, do everything perfectly, wonder knife. Most any cutting chore can be accomplished with nearly any blade. Some perform better than others. If there were one knife in the world that performed every task perfectly, there wouldn't be so many knife companies. I choose to carry more than one. Sometimes as many as four. All for a different use.

[NCO]

It is not so much about the knife, but the user. Of cource certain designs work better in certain situations. The puukko is almost an institution in finland. What I described you earlier is the deeper meaning the puukko has to most finns. I do not claim that it would actually preform any better at given tasks than another knife, just that it is generally concidered as supreme form of knife, in finland. Remember that in addition to personal differences, I also live in complately different culture and thus see certain things from very different point of view. When I write here I try to be as general as possible in order to avoid misunderstandings, but sometimes the basic nature of a finn kicks in...

[Rick]

NCO, you do just fine for not using your native language. You should read my Finnish. What am I saying? You couldn't read my Finnish. No one could.

[RangerXanatos]

This next one is so old that it deasn't even have any fancy name (couldn't find one), but it is also made by Iisakki Järvenpää:
http://www.lappeenranta.fi/images/20080114103544.jpg

Looks kinda like one of mine.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Blades/DSCF1284.jpg


There's some etching on the blade but I can't read it.

http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u3/rangerxanatos/Blades/DSCF1285.jpg

[loki]

www.ragweedforge.com

Look up the Frost's and KJ Eriksons Mora knives. I am partial to the 780 Triflex Craftsman and for around $10 you can't go wrong with anything on those pages. If you are really looking for a solid "user" knife for the bush pick one up and you will be happy.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/6445/780jk7.jpg

I got turned on to Mora's a number of years ago and have almost 20 of them now. I always take one along to the bush no matter what else I carry and they get more actual use than any other blade I take out there aside from my machetes. They are the most bang for the buck in the knife world. Mac

I actually own three moras a clipper in carbon and a swedish army knife and morakniv scout in stainless. I like them all with the clipper being my favorite. I use them a lot around the house and in the kitchen but none have seen any real hard use. How do these knives hold up over a period of time. I read somewhere else that these knives were meant to be disposable and the more you sharpen the less they will hold an edge. I do not have any of the laminated versions so maybe that does not apply to me because I have actually seen the opposite at least with my clipper. When I first got it came shaving sharp but it would not hold an edge to save its life, I was almost ready to discard when I came across an article saying you had to get down to the good metal. After a few more shapenings I did notice an increase in edge retention. While it is no super steel by far I find for utility and kitchen work cutting up meat and vegetable it works great. I just wondered what kind of life expectancy should I get out of one if I chose to use it in a wilderness camping setting.

[loki]

Really? I consider anything above eight because most of the blades I currently own are around six inches to a foot probably. I mean don't get me wrong, there's a lot of good knives out there that are smaller, when I was shopping for knives the other day I came across a beautiful survival knife, but the make was an extremely expensive company, the maker was SOG and the knife model was called 'Tigershark' Beautiful knife, but expensive as hell!

Well you think that is big try me being at work one day and I wipped out my trusty SAK trekker with the locking blade and a clients response was wow thats a big knife. I was really surprised and while perfectly legal in my area I decided to put it up and try to change the subject. People who are afraid of knives tend to blow citings way out of porportion when they want to. I was just amazed at what people are afraid or think is a large knife sometime. I have even had people say man what are you doing with that rambo knife it I take out my CRKT M16-13M to cut some rope.

[NCO]

When I first got it came shaving sharp but it would not hold an edge to save its life, I was almost ready to discard when I came across an article saying you had to get down to the good metal. After a few more shapenings I did notice an increase in edge retention.

That is exactly how it works. That is also the mai flaw of the knife. In time you'll notice that the harder core metal will not wear evenly with the outer soft metal. This will result you having a knife that is sharpened to wrong angle and thus not working as id should. You can save the situation by filing down the hard metel, but it is very time consuming and carefull work.


I just wondered what kind of life expectancy should I get out of one if I chose to use it in a wilderness camping setting.

I would give it two to four years until what I described above will prove an issue.


EDIT:
There's some etching on the blade but I can't read it.
Nice puukko you got there! Whats on the blade, can't say. I don't think it is finnish, thats for sure. "Tuuihava": Thats what it looks like to me.

[Gray Wolf]

Looks kinda like one of mine.

There's some etching on the blade but I can't read it.

RX, where did you find that Puukko?

[Ameriborn]

If you go to BF you will see that Moras are being batoned, and put through paces like a regular knife. Some people have sharpened them a tremendous amount of times and they work just fine. They are not "Cheap" in quality, at all. They out-perform many knives at 5 even ten times the cost.

[RangerXanatos]

RX, where did you find that Puukko?

It was a gift to me that came from my grandmother that said some one else in the family gave to her a long time ago. She said it came from Alaska and was well over 50 years old. Don't know how much truth is in all of that though...

[Goloth]

Well you think that is big try me being at work one day and I wipped out my trusty SAK trekker with the locking blade and a clients response was wow thats a big knife. I was really surprised and while perfectly legal in my area I decided to put it up and try to change the subject. People who are afraid of knives tend to blow citings way out of porportion when they want to. I was just amazed at what people are afraid or think is a large knife sometime. I have even had people say man what are you doing with that rambo knife it I take out my CRKT M16-13M to cut some rope.

I live in Phoenix, Arizona. So most of the people here carry some sort of weapon anyway, not a lot of us are too intimidated by knives, unless you're around a person who's a bit crazy at times, such as myself. I mean, guns are legal to carry here, without a permit, as long as they're in a holster, so as you can imagine, there are a lot of people who carry that kind of stuff 'round. That SAK knife, I looked it up, only looks around five to six inches at the most, good looking knife though I will say, but that's kinda sad that people got freaked out by it.

[Sam]

I cannot claim that I have tried out every type of mora there is. I even suspect that they sell some models there that arn't sold here, cause their bad reputation in finland.
For that every knife is a tool I must disagree. Most Finns(those living in rural areas) view a good puukko like Japanese view a katana. It is more than just a tool. Like katana is more than just a weapon. Puukko is still just piece of steel and wood bond together, but also something else. A very good puukko can be two - three generations old, keeping its edge and moving from father to son. Puukko is the ultimate tool, (the ultimate weapon as well) the only tool that you can trust 100%.

There are several cultures that value one form of blade or another. I personally
like the Becker BK-10 air crew knife. I own several different knives and I seem to lean toward the bowie style blades.
-Sam

[tonester]

i have a few leather sheaths that i really like. i was wondering what is a good way to keep them in top condition? is there any kind of oil or treatment that you guys recommend?

[crashdive123]

i have a few leather sheaths that i really like. i was wondering what is a good way to keep them in top condition? is there any kind of oil or treatment that you guys recommend?

I use a light coating of neatsfoot oil. Just be careful not to use too much or do it too often - leather will become very soft if you do.

[Rick]

About the only thing I use on leather is Nikwax or Granger's leather conditioner.

[tonester]

thanks guys. would i be able to pick any of that stuff up at home depot or walmart?

[crashdive123]

I get mine at sporting goods stores. I use the same stuff that I used to condition a baseball glove - many years ago.

[Rick]

You won't find Nikwax or Grangers at Home Depot and I've never looked at Wally World. You can buy either one on line at just about any outdoor shop. REI, Altrec, Marmot Mountain, just to name a few.

[graffixx808]

hmmm- i've had the gerber lmf asek-2 for about 7 months now sweet as hell. but if you can't afford that try it's little brother- the gerber prodigy nice knife also. i've never had any problems with gerber knives.some have i guees. the first knife i mentioned is i think the perfect "survival" knife. and get a good multi-tool to go qwith it-- you will be set..

[kx250kev]

Have one of the original Becker Combat Bowie's and love it! Incredible chopping power.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/VAL737-1.html
Also have the BK-7, nice.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/58638-1.html
Glad Becker is back in business! I HIGHLY recommend both these full tang knives, but for rounding up fire wood, the Combat Bowie wins every time. Made in the USA too!

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Boy when you asked that question it sure was a doozy,everyone has their opinion you would've got less replies if you had asked "how to cook a steak" LOL A good quality knife is my reply. although I would have to go with FVR on the Ka-Bar, I used it in the military and for price/quality/dependability it is hard to beat when it comes to fixed blades.I have used a case stockman to skin and gut a deer so know that for that small is sometimes better. but for the butchering the Ka-Bar works well.
think of what use(s) a knife will be used for, and what style would suit the task(s) at hand.After that is considered go for the best quality you can REASONABLY afford.Why spend $100 when $50 is just as good if not as pretty and flashy. Today a lot of knives are like fishing lures they catch the money better than the fish.LOL

[skully]

A multi-bladed penknife is useful,but if you can carry only one knife choose somthing stronger, a general purpose blade that will do all likely tasks efficiently and comfortably, from cutting trees to skinnig animals and preparing food. some have built in compasses or hollow handles for carrying a kit, but any advantages are offset by the fact that such handles may break or the compass lose its accuracy. An ideal knife is the parang these knifes have three different edges the last 5 cm of the blabe is good for skining, the middle 15 cm of the blade is good for heavy duty work such as chopping, and the lower 10 cm of the blade near the handle is good for carving and delicate work. The curved blade enables maximum effort to be applied when cutting timber and the blade arrives before the knuckles, offering protection. the sheath must have positive fastenings to keep the blade secure and also a loop for fixing to a belt some sheathes have a pocket on the front for a sharpining stone.

[Rick]

Oh, please!! Let's not get started on the perfect knife again. We've been through this a zillion times. There is NO perfect knife. Try the Search button, Skully. There are so many threads on knives. Try this thread. It runs on forever.

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

[crashdive123]

http://williamthecoroner.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/istock_can-of-worms.jpg

[Rick]

Yeah, that's the one!!

[skully]

Oh, please!! Let's not get started on the perfect knife again. We've been through this a zillion times. There is NO perfect knife. Try the Search button, Skully. There are so many threads on knives. Try this thread. It runs on forever.

I did not say anywhere in that post about perfect knifes im giving my experinced opinion on knifes thats all.

[Rick]

I understand that and I'm glad your opinion is experienced. All I'm suggesting is you try doing a search on a subject before you post on it. We've had extremely long threads on knives. Everyone has a differing opinion on them. And if you're going to post someone else's words, please be so kind as to give them credit. Otherwise it's called plagiarism!!!!

I'm sure John Wiseman would appreciate being credited for his work....

http://books.google.com/books?id=YJ7CQfQvlEsC&pg=PA12&lpg=PA12&dq=A+multi-bladed+penknife+is+useful,but+if+you+can+carry+onl y+one+knife+choose+somthing+stronger,+a+general+pu rpose+blade+that+will+do+all+likely+tasks+efficien tly+and+comfortably,&source=bl&ots=xCwq3AvQEp&sig=QV97wYam0R0zxu7tE0P1sJbOZ7A&hl=en&ei=_7iCSsiYNobwMdng0aUL&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I have the answer for the perfect knife!!!
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The one that works best for you!!! :innocent::clap:

[skully]

[QUOTE=Rick;143273]I understand that and I'm glad your opinion is experienced. All I'm suggesting is you try doing a search on a subject before you post on it. We've had extremely long threads on knives. Everyone has a differing opinion on them. And if you're going to post someone else's words, please be so kind as to give them credit. Otherwise it's called plagiarism!!!!

I'm sure John Wiseman would appreciate being credited for his work....

Look i was trained by british special forces (sas) they follow this book in alot of situations i was handed this book when i completed my advanced training I agree with you when you say everyone has a different opinion my opinion just happens to be the same as john "lofty" wiseman but those writings are his and i apoligize for anyone i angerd.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Oh it's alright Skully, it's just that everyone that has been here for a while has seen some of this stuff said over and over and over again.That's why Rick suggested going and doing a search. I've only been here a month or so and it's about the 3rd or 4th time this kinda' thing has popped up. I was just TRYING to be funny so don't take offense with what I said please. My personal opinion on knives (nobody asked me) is that a knife is a TOOL and just as I wouldn't trust a mechanic who was going to fix my car wit two crescent wrenches,(It can probably be done) as being knowledgable. I don't place too much emphasis on the Perfect knife ideology, Every knife has a purpose and was designed for that purpose. I would think a surgeon trying to perform surgery with a 12" bowie was an idiot,and the same for a camper trying to chop a log with a scalpel. Most everyone here has been here longer than I, so if I've heard it 3-4 times imagine how many times They have heard it. Relax your in good company here. Sit down have a cup of tea or coffee and check out the site is all they are really trying to say.

[Ken]

I have a question. Can anyone recommend the best spoon? :innocent:



http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/11/21/spoons-01_WKjga_6648.jpg

[pocomoonskyeyes]

The one that fits your mouth?:innocent:

Ok 2D2K THERE'S YOUR SET UP YOU OWE ME ONE!!!

Ken you left the barn door open on that one, sorry:blushing:

[crashdive123]

Skully, you didn't anger anybody. Having experience with a tool and passing along a review of that tool is great, and everybody appreciates the sharing of that experience. Where the rub sometimes comes in is when people are quoting words from another source and leading viewers to think that they are their words. I'm not doubting your experience, but your words might lend a little more credibility to your position if they were yours and not quoted from a book or website. I would love to hear about your experiences with this tool. What you personally liked about it, any drawbacks, etc. Your experience and reviews of performance probably were not identical to John Wiseman. We now know his views, what about yours?

[Ken]

The one that fits your mouth?:innocent:

Ok 2D2K THERE'S YOUR SET UP YOU OWE ME ONE!!!

Ken you left the barn door open on that one, sorry:blushing:

Nice, 2dumb would have just walked by and not even noticed.

http://ajfarms.org/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/OpenDoorBarn.JPG

[Rick]

Crash covered the points. It's easy to claim to be a survival expert. Anyone can do it. Even me. But when you post someone else's write up verbatim it leads the reader to believe you just might be a 14 year old trying to look cool....or rad....or whatever it is these days. Whether you are a survival expert or not isn't for me to question. Frankly, I could care less, but your credibility is tainted when you start posting that way.

[skully]

Skully, you didn't anger anybody. Having experience with a tool and passing along a review of that tool is great, and everybody appreciates the sharing of that experience. Where the rub sometimes comes in is when people are quoting words from another source and leading viewers to think that they are their words. I'm not doubting your experience, but your words might lend a little more credibility to your position if they were yours and not quoted from a book or website. I would love to hear about your experiences with this tool. What you personally liked about it, any drawbacks, etc. Your experience and reviews of performance probably were not identical to John Wiseman. We now know his views, what about yours?

my experiences have left me with one less finger I was attempting to cut a orange in half but was talking to someone at the time and not paying attetion i cut 3 quaters of my left index finger off i was rushed to hospitol but they said that my detached finger was dead and they could not do anything

[Ken]

Skully, you didn't anger anybody. Having experience with a tool and passing along a review of that tool is great, and everybody appreciates the sharing of that experience. Where the rub sometimes comes in is when people are quoting words from another source and leading viewers to think that they are their words. I'm not doubting your experience, but your words might lend a little more credibility to your position if they were yours and not quoted from a book or website. I would love to hear about your experiences with this tool. What you personally liked about it, any drawbacks, etc. Your experience and reviews of performance probably were not identical to John Wiseman. We now know his views, what about yours?

my experiences have left me with one less finger I was attempting to cut a orange in half but was talking to someone at the time and not paying attetion i cut 3 quaters of my left index finger off i was rushed to hospitol but they said that my detached finger was dead and they could not do anything


Really? Honest? :innocent:

[Rick]

Okay. Enough. This is such BS! I'm calling you out, son. High noon on the streets. I sure hope you're a faster draw than me but the undertaker is already measuring you up.

1. What outfit did you serve with in SAS? I'd like to know the time frame as well. Only a slug or a little kid would profess to be ex military when he wasn't. Totally bad form!

2.Were you high at the time you cut your finger off. 'Cause the pain usually prevents me from cutting all the way through the bone. Part way, maybe. But never all the way.

3. You must have waited an awfully long time to get to the hospital for your finger to die like that. You know, they can transplant your big toe onto your finger, now.

4. Can you say poser?

[Ken]

http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs019.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs019.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs019.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs019.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-signs019.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org)

[skully]

1. What outfit did you serve with in SAS? I'd like to know the time frame as well. Only a slug or a little kid would profess to be ex military when he wasn't. Totally bad form!.
Ok first of all i did not say i served in the military my dad and 2 uncles served in the military i have been trained by them since i was 9
2.Were you high at the time you cut your finger off. 'Cause the pain usually prevents me from cutting all the way through the bone. Part way, maybe. But never all the way.
I applyed full pressure on the slice when i did that
3. You must have waited an awfully long time to get to the hospital for your finger to die like that. You know, they can transplant your big toe onto your finger, now.
I live in swanview the closest hospital is in the city wich is a day away
4. Can you say poser? POSER?

[Ken]

1. What outfit did you serve with in SAS? I'd like to know the time frame as well. Only a slug or a little kid would profess to be ex military when he wasn't. Totally bad form!.
Ok first of all i did say i served in the military my dad and 2 uncles served in the military i have been trained by them since i was 9
2.Were you high at the time you cut your finger off. 'Cause the pain usually prevents me from cutting all the way through the bone. Part way, maybe. But never all the way.
I applyed full pressure on the slice when i did that
3. You must have waited an awfully long time to get to the hospital for your finger to die like that. You know, they can transplant your big toe onto your finger, now.
I live in swanview the closest hospital is in the city wich is a day away
4. Can you say poser? POSER?

*User Control Panel. Edit Ignore List........* :sneaky2:

[Rick]

The most important thing about telling a lie is remembering you told it. Go back and read your answer in post 8. Naw, I'll save you the trouble.


Look i was trained by british special forces (sas) they follow this book in alot of situations i was handed this book when i completed my advanced training

So now we know you're a kid. Stop trying to impress. It really isn't necessary. Just read through the posts and try to learn something. Then, maybe, with a lot of experience, you'll become a survival expert.

[Ken]

http://www.istockphoto.com/file_thumbview_approve/5482990/2/istockphoto_5482990-young-boy-playing-soldier.jpg

[tonester]

I have a question. Can anyone recommend the best spoon? :innocent:



http://www.instablogsimages.com/images/2008/11/21/spoons-01_WKjga_6648.jpg

lol, good stuff

[SARKY]

My name for people like this is "Turd Burglar", as they will take others people work (good or bad) and claim it for their own.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

Well Ken, I don't care what anyone says ...HONESTY is the best policy. Some may have Noticed that I'm on here a lot. Well truth is I lost my job due to MY doing something stupid at work. My unemployment benefits were denied as a result,but I appealed. When I had my hearing I told the truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth ... Believe it or not it worked!!! The referee decided that even though I had done something stupid, and admitted it, my employer had slightly exaggerated the circumstances AND that I shouldn't have been fired in the first place!! So I get my benefits anyway. Now rumor has it (and that's all it is, is RUMOR) that the supervisor responsible may be in a little trouble himself because of this, and it was overheard that they may EVEN offer me my job back! We'll see. I'm not counting on it though.
Hey skully this is something I wrote in another thread just take a look at it and see if it can help you out any. Seems like folks are getting a little hot about it. and in reality it ain't worth it you can confess if it applies to you and we can all go from there,OK?

[Jonesy]

What pisses me off is the limited time I have to read the forums during my lunch break and then half way through the thread it turns out to be a "poser" or other useless A$$ Hat.

[Sarge47]

Attention troops, private Skully's very well-written, "expert, knife thread has been moved to it's proper place; over to the Survival knife "sticky"! Why, you ask? Simple, because we don't have a "Numpty" sticky...or one for horse-poop! (no smilies for BS.) :knight: :sneaky2: :cool2:

[finallyME]

Man...61 pages for a knife question. It took me a while to get through them all. Ok, so I actually only read about 1/4. :offtopic::airhorn::offtopic:
:taz::tank::banana::gunsmilie::rambo::surrender: :saberbattle::drunk:
:censored::6::hammer::fishface::chair::band:

Alright, I am done. I really don't have anything to add. Just saying it took me awhile to read it all.

[2dumb2kwit]

The one that fits your mouth?:innocent:

Ok 2D2K THERE'S YOUR SET UP YOU OWE ME ONE!!!

Ken you left the barn door open on that one, sorry:blushing:

I got here, a little late......well....how about this?:innocent:

[youbroughtfood...?]

as i am no expert on metals but im in the market for a couple good blades to put in the pack. saw this one in cheaper than dirt, any comments?
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/VAL730-1.html

[crashdive123]

It's a solid beast. Becker makes good stuff. Not really my cup of tea, but if it's the kind of tool you want........

[Sarge47]

as i am no expert on metals but im in the market for a couple good blades to put in the pack. saw this one in cheaper than dirt, any comments?
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/VAL730-1.htmlSeems a bit pricey, check out the same blade here: http://www.tomarskabars.com/BK-3_INFO.html :cool2:

[tonester]

i got a becker bk-7 a few weeks ago and that this is a beast. the sheath isnt all that great but its usable. anything becker makes is awesome.

[youbroughtfood...?]

the bk-3 is a bit less and about identical. good looking out and thanks for the help guys. and this may be objective but what is the best steel/material that a blade should be constructed of. ive seen earlier posts saying carbon steel?

[COWBOYSURVIVAL]

Carbon Steel

[crashdive123]

the bk-3 is a bit less and about identical. good looking out and thanks for the help guys. and this may be objective but what is the best steel/material that a blade should be constructed of. ive seen earlier posts saying carbon steel?

A lot of it will depend on the environment that I'm in. While I'm out in the woods, I like a carbon steel blade as CS said. Fairly easy to sharpen, can use it with your ferrocium (fire steel) or natural flint to make a spark. An extremely wet environment - Stainless has some advantages - although with proper care, the carbon steel is managable.

[Sarge47]

If you're in a wet/damp environment D-2 steel is stainless & will resist rust better than the 1095 Carbon or the 440 Carbon. It also is stronger so it holds an edge longer, the downside is that it's harder to sharpen and costs more. :cool2:

[panch0]

There is a knifemaker iI know about and he makes knives out of A2 toolsteel and they are tough knives from what I have heard. They are called Horton Knives and the motto is "built for bad times. They look tough too. A2 is a good steel and is supposed to be a little more rust resistant than d2. D2 is some good tough stuff though.

[tonester]

There is a knifemaker iI know about and he makes knives out of A2 toolsteel and they are tough knives from what I have heard. They are called Horton Knives and the motto is "built for bad times. They look tough too. A2 is a good steel and is supposed to be a little more rust resistant than d2. D2 is some good tough stuff though.

i saw his knives on knifeforums. they look really tough. the only ones i saw were a wharncliff design. does he have a website or anything pancho?

[panch0]

I sent you a pm with a link.

[Survival Guy 10]

just to start off i beat the #@*$ out of my knives i had a buck nighthawk the longest one it was great for the money i payed about 65 for it and it was great until it came out of the sheath soo now i have a ka bar united states marine core edition it is great i know i use my knives to cut down trees big ones i used that ka bar to split a hickory stick to do that i had to beat the knife with a hammer it is holding up great

[crashdive123]

just to start off .....

Actually, starting off here (http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14) with an Introduction would be more appropriate.

[Rick]

YBF - You can check prices of just about anything at The Find. Just type in what you want and it will give you a list of stores and the prices they charge for that product.

http://www.thefind.com

[old soldier]

I use the Case knife with sheath on the bottom all the time hunting and in the woods, it's the 3rd sheath,for almost 50 yrs and carry the jack knife just below the green handled one all the time plus use it on rabbits and squirrels


http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/ac108/Kaydave/IMGA0906.jpg

[Ole WV Coot]

This is my personal opinion only. Any combination tool is a little of this, little of that and a whole lot of nothing. I have never seen a combination tool that will do the work of separate tools. Want a knife? Get a good one. Need to chop get a hatchet. In other words the right tool for the job, don't like combinations.

[Eu_citzen]

When out in the woods, which I am often as a prospector I always carry 2 knives.
One large for tasks where the smaller ones are to slow or out of some other reason not suitable.

And one smaller for finer tasks where the larger is to cumbersome to use.

A pocket knife like the swiss army knife is good as a smaller addition.
As my large knife I use a kukri, excellent cutting/chopping power.
See below.
http://eucitzen.bilddagboken.se/p/show.html?id=418603253&directlink=1

I must admit having a weakness for larger knives, not for show off but I just like 'em.
Otherwise I like Linton knives to.

Heres another shot of the Kurki:
http://eucitzen.bilddagboken.se/p/show.html?id=419370396&directlink=1

[crashdive123]

Hey Eu - how about slicing your way on over to the Introduction and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

[Eu_citzen]

Hey Eu - how about slicing your way on over to the Introduction and tell us a bit about yourself. Thanks. http://www.wilderness-survival.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=14

I was working on it before but a "time out" occurred. Sheesh.:smash:
Damn! Forgot that me was baking.. I'll re-write it soon.

[Stony]

I said it before and I say it again:
nothing beats a Victorinox Back-Packer lock blade.

[sthrnstrong]

just to start off i beat the #@*$ out of my knives i had a buck nighthawk the longest one it was great for the money i payed about 65 for it and it was great until it came out of the sheath soo now i have a ka bar united states marine core edition it is great i know i use my knives to cut down trees big ones i used that ka bar to split a hickory stick to do that i had to beat the knife with a hammer it is holding up great


Might be just me, but I do find it offensive when someone doesn't spell "United States Marine Corps" correctly. But hey thats just me being a Marine. Semper Fi

[RangerXanatos]

Might be just me, but I do find it offensive when someone doesn't spell "United States Marine Corps" correctly. But hey thats just me being a Marine. Semper Fi

Sorry, you feel offended. But please keep in mind that he is 13.

[sthrnstrong]

LOL. Guess I really need to start checking profiles before I speak.

Btw. RangerXantos whereabouts are in NE Georgia. I around Forsyth for about 15yrs. Got a bunch of buddies around Winder area.

[RangerXanatos]

LOL. Guess I really need to start checking profiles before I speak.

Btw. RangerXantos whereabouts are in NE Georgia. I around Forsyth for about 15yrs. Got a bunch of buddies around Winder area.

The way he tries, I think it would be easy to confuse him with someone older.

I'm a little North East from Winder in Elberton. I spend a lot of time in Athens, Hartwell, Lavonia, and a couple of places in South Carolina that border Georgia. So I see a lot of cars with a Winder tag.

[Dross]

OK SO until the knife making chops have come of age, I am in the market for a new Bushcraft/Trail knife. The budget is a problem. I'm broke and baby food takes priority over knives (thought the wife got me a new Machete for Christmas YAY!!!)
I need a camp and trail knife, so a lot of wood use, no skinning, but plenty of splitting small kindling. I really like the Ray Mears style of bushcraft knives, I just can't pay the price. anyone know of something in the family at least. I've thought about puukkos and Mora's (can't beat the price) but I want a full tang, not a stick tang. I want to try and stay under $50.oo
Any suggestions?

[crashdive123]

For that money there are more choices than you can shake a leather sheath at. Pawn shops, yard sales, gun shows can all be sources of experienced knives. Walmart has several that fit your criteria. There are some very good knives that can be had for under $50.

[tonester]

i would check out Cold Steel. they a variety of blades to choose from all at different prices. i have the SRK which is a really tough blade and comes with a great sheath all for around 60-70$ if you look good.

another bang for the buck knife would be a ka-bar. i bought two for my brothers both under 50$. those are some hard working blades and they too come with good sheaths.

[Dross]

Ok so I've been doing some home work towards what I need and want, found a couple in my price range, D2 tool steel or Damascus. I've read that Damascus is really just two blended tool steels, so as for the steel does anyone have an opinoin in this case?

[crashdive123]

Damascus steel, when welded (heated in forge, and beat into one piece) properly can be very tough. Done improperly it can fall apart, break, etc. There is a guy in the knife club that I joined that makes damascus steel. Some members have said the quality is lacking. I belive that many (not all) that purchase a damasucs steel knife are reluctant to use it and would rather display it.

[pocomoonskyeyes]

I have a Damascus steel knife,which I used to carry all the time. It is a very tough little knife. That was my problem it was too small for most of the uses I would need it for in the bush.I have folders that have larger blades. I replaced it with an excellent little O-1 carbon steel knife,that is a very good knife.
Really it is all a matter of preference, There is no such thing as a "Perfect knife",it is as elusive as a Unicorn. Each knife has it's benefits and it's downfalls,due to design or composition of materials. My suggestion would be to go with a medium size knife of proven design and materials.

Damascus is tough, it is beautiful,it is hard,it combines the properties of two steels and can be one of the best knives you will ever own.... If it is properly made. However you could also find a knife made from a single type of steel that will perform as well,without the price tag that comes along with Damascus. Really the choice is yours. Find some info on the different types of knife steels,and go with what suits your needs/preferences,in a proven design.

I know this sounds like a "Cop-out" answer. But really it is the best advice that I can give you on the selection of any knife you ever look at. Choose a steel that's properties suit your needs, in a proven design.