Expensive but well made.
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Expensive but well made.
I have heard, but don't know how true it is. Some over our Vietnam Vets may know (Beerrunner where ya at?) that Turkish soldiers can't draw their knife without drawing blood, so if removing it from the sheath say even for sharpening the must at least make a small nick on themselves. Another vet told me that one. Kinda makes sense seeing how hard core the Turkish soldiers are. But who knows if it's a real tradition or superstition ?
What is a great overall survival knife? Something not to pricey.
Also, what purposes does a knife offer in the world of survival?
~Lupo
A great survival knife is the Coldsteel Bushman or the Ka-Bar USMC
The knife is one of the most important tools for survival, from making a shelter to getting food and firelighting you shiuld never got anywhere in the wilds without a decent blade
Lupo, you're 14 years old, right? So what we adults would use may not be what your parents would allow. What experience have you had with knives? Do you own any right now? Remember, a knife is not a toy and can cut you as well as anything else.:cool:
Lupo, there's been many threads posted on knives; here's one of them:
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...read.php?t=956
You need to start going through the various forums and check out all the threads relating to what your looking for instead of having us try and repeat it all here. I'll post more if/when I find them, OK?:cool:
Technically, any knife is a good survival knife so long as you know how to use it. That means don't try to pry with a thin knife like the Bushman and don't try to fillet using the thick SRK. Don't try to baton using a fillet knife and don't try to do serious work using your little Swiss Army multitool. I for one have a modified hacksaw blade in my survival tin which serves as steel for flint striking, wire cutting (duh), and the back is stone-honed to razor sharpness for multipurpose use. I also carry the semi-expensive Cold Steel CarbonV SRK and a $20 Winchester multitool from Walmart. My housemate and outdoor enthusiast friend found an old carbon steel kitchen knife in our basement workshop and uses that alongside his SRK. Many people here use a Mora for its quality craftsmanship and edge-holding qualities. Others use a machete or Tom Brown Tracker for its ruggedness and hacking/batoning ability.
While any knife can be used for a variety of purposes, make sure your knife suits the needs of your region. If you're in the jungle, a small knife and a machete might be better than a multitool and a 6" belt knife. Likewise if you're in the boreal forest, you'd probably want a thicker knife than a filleter, although you can still get along with it.
Since, according a previous response, you are 14 I'm going to assume you're not going to spend more than a week along in the bush so I'd say just pick up an el-cheapo Walmart-brand fixed blade. Take care of it and e sure to realize its weaknesses over brand name knives, and it'll serve you for years.
Good advice from Mitch, but get your parents permission 1st, OK? I'm going to be re-editing this post by adding threads on knives so keep referring back to it, OK? Here's the next one:
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...read.php?t=517 :cool:
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...read.php?t=146
http://www.wilderness-survival.net/f...hread.php?t=93
That should hold you for awhile.
They dont care bout me using knifes, long as I dont lose any fingers. I use them when me and my dad go hunting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge47
I think Im going to go with the Ka-bar USMC fullsize serrated knife. Thank you all for your inquires.
Now don't I feel like the fool! I thought you were serious when you asked our advice! If you already made up your mind then why did you bother?:confused:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lupo
1st of all the Full-sized Ka-bar USMC knife is designed by weight and length to be handled by a grown man who's been combat trained. It's no knife to be placed in the hands of a 14 year-old. As a matter-of-fact, here in America you have to be at least 16 to buy a knife. I would never allow my son to have that kind of a blade at your age.
2nd, I find it hard to believe that your parents would be that neglectful in watching out for their son who could do serious damage to himself with such a weapon, and that's exactly what it is, a weapon, not a survival knife.
3rd, if you studied the threads I posted you've seen that the experts here don't have much use for the serrated blade. Do me a favor and don't ask me for anymore advice unless you're going to listen, OK?:cool:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sarge47
I didn't want to go with the walmart type knife that someone recommended because, I just don't like walmart for some reason. And Tony UK recommended the Ka-Bar USMC so i looked into that and I liked it. So maybe i wont go with the serrated edge one. I am responsible enough to handle a knife properly sir. I understand that it is something to be treated with respect. And as for my parents, they trust me with a firearm, I after all took the class and passed. So why wouldn't they trust me with a knife. You make me seem like some stupid 14 year who is in the dark.
Let's you & me clear the air on something right now, you're the one making yourself sound stupid! Tony UK is 20 years old and lives in Scotland. You say that you know how to treat a knife with respect and I believe you, but you're just not listening to the more experienced hands here. It's alright, you're going to do what you want anyway so don't bother asking me my advice in the future if you're not serious about listening. Wal-Mart also sells "Buck" Knives and I bought the Buck Special there for $35 and gave it to my son...when he reached the age of 21! Prior to that he carried the Victorionox Swiss Army Knife. (Folder). Being stupid is not listening to proper advice no matter how old you are. Being wise means you listen and follow the more experienced here. In my profession I work constantly with kids of all ages as a I drive both Transit and School Buses. I don't think you're stupid, just wrong. That's my opinion and do with it what you will.:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lupo
Well, I did not know he was the age of 20. I wouldnt know where to find that out even. He was not the only person who recommended it, I followed your first link and found a lot of Ka-bar lovers. As well with the second. So I thought that it could have been the way to go... guess I was wrong.
Listen, sorry if I'm a bit grumpy, but we get some real winners here from time to time and I didn't mean to take it out on you. Awhile back a couple of guys in their mid 20's tried to impress us here by telling us they were going out into the Manitoba, Canada wilderness during early winter for 30 days with nothing more than their knives and the clothes on their backs. We argued with them, begged, did everything we could think of to get them to reconsider, they didn't budge. They lasted 13 days and came home hungry, cold, and wet. I guess that's what I was re-acting to and I apologize if i came on strong.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lupo
I do understand you wanting a knife, so lets you & I talk about that for a minute. Are you looking for a knife just for Survival or for other things like hunting & fishing as well? I'd always prefer a "fixed-blade" over a folder if I were to only carry one, however I'd carry one of each at least; but then I'm 60 years old too. Rick suggested a Survival book by Cody Lundin titled: "98.6 Degrees: The Art Of Keeping Your A*S alive!" Not only is it a great book on Wilderness Survival, Cody has even responded back to this forum via e-mail to answer a question that Rick had about his book. He has a web-site
regarding his Survival School as well as some gear he offers for sale. It is his "PROFESSIONAL" opinion that the "Mora" knife is one of the best all-around" Survival knives made and he sells them from his web-site for around $20 ea.
I will admit that I don't own one at the present time but probably will pick one up in the future based on what others on this forum have said about them. If you want to see one Cody's Web-site is www.alssadventures.com. this may not be what you want, but I do recommend a "fixed-blade" knife with a good quality steel with a Rockwell Hardness rating between 52-54 and a "full-tang" construction. (Forget the "Rambo" hollow-handle jobs.) In you're case I think that a 4" blade is great for survival, hunting and fishing. I have a Buck Vanguard that has a rubberized handle that I love and it has a "drop-point" 4" blade. If you go any longer than that I'd say no more than 5" for now. Ka-Bar makes them a bit shorter, check these out if you like the brand.
http://www.tomarskabars.com/ShortKabarFighters.html
Whatever you do, don't rush into a knife purchase until you've thought it all through, ok?;)
What a trade of words between you two :D First off let me say that Lupo was very respectful through the whole conversation and that shows maturity (lets not get mad because he doesn't agree with our opinion), second I (and this is my opinion and you can get mad I could care less) don't think he's too young for a K-bar or a full size bowie if that is what he chooses, his parents (father most likely) must have taught him since they go hunting together, I taught my son from the age of 7 how to use a knife the proper way and at 9 gave hm his first one and at age fourteen taught him knife fighting techniques-skinning-throwing-and other skills, Lupo didn't come here to ask for our permission he came asking for a good knife. So I say the K-bar is a good choice but not mine. I prefer a plain basic knife like this:
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/44/knifeoe3.th.jpg
And I also carry a small patch knife. These are just my personal choices.
Good luck Lupo and choose your knives wisely.
Beo,
I apologized to young Lupo, alright? However as responsible adults we need to be careful in how we advise under-age minors,and as a law-enforcement officer I believe that you know that, right? I have no real idea what Lupo's situation is so I'm going to err on the side of caution. I do know that if my son was 14 and I found out that a bunch of "Survival" type adults were advising what I moght consider "weapons" I would remove him/her from this site. Also we get a lot of young ones asking our advice only to go ahead and do what they want to do anyway. Lupo did show maturity when he admitted that he may have been wrong and that says a lot to me, ok?:cool:
Relax bro, I didn't mean to upset you or anyone else. I know you apoligized and I think it was unwarrented for you to think you should have, I personally thik what you said was great. But I'd give advise because if they are gonna and really wanna do it anyway then at least they might do it correctly and not wrong. And I think you did a good job of setting boundries for him as is your job as an adult and our moderator.
And this thread should be spelled: Knives not knifes :D And is Beu a poke at PU? lol... jk
lol Beowulf :)
Can i ask a smaller Q well this topic is changeing, Has anyone ever tryed the A-Frame shelter ? , If so can they suggest a good method of thatching it, I was going to put moss from bottom to top then cover with braches, But any of you guys have a better way ?
The typo regarding your name...oops. I apologized for my tone, not my viewpoint. Since Lupo admitted his humanity in the fact that he does not know more than ya'all, I wish to keep the doors of dialouge open. I also understand your point on "if they're going to do it anyway, teach them right and I really can't find an opposing answer for that except to say that Survival is "life or death", not some game we see on the Discovery Channel. When "Newbys" come to us claiming they want to learn then it becomes our responsibility, by virtue of offering them our advice, to teach them correctly, especially if they're a minor. I'm not to sure if that refutes your statement or strengthens it, however. I also liked another post of yours elsewhere on the "Rambo" thing. Hollywood has, in my opinion, screwed the image of "Survival" up for anyone not knowing how it's supposed to be done. The truth of the matter is that everything we see on the screen has been scripted. In a real situation the script's been thrown out the window! In his introdution Lupo admitted to two things, his age and his lack of knowledge in the area of Survival; then, like others before him jump right into "Knife choice". I don't think that's what he should be thinking about at all at this point; perhaps learning 1st aid. There is so much going through my head on this right now that I don't know if I can get it all down. So prepare for my next Thread: "The Wolf-Pack" Survival School!" :cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Beowulf65
First Aid sounds hard. Would you recommend for me to bring a first aid kit into the woods or read a book and look for some fancy healing leaves or something like that.
I need to know 1st where abouts do you live, 2nd get into a program like the Boy Scouts or go to a chapter of the Red Cross and get some training. You need to know what to do BEFORE you get equipment as this will give you an idea of which equipment you will need and which you won't.:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by Lupo
Lupo - First aid is something you can benefit from your entire life no matter where you are. Check with your local hospital or Red Cross chapter and see if they offer a combined first aid, CPR, AED class. I just went out to my local hospital's home page and they offer:
Adult, Infant and Child CPR and AED Training for $45.00
Not only will you have some good sound general knowledge of first aid to take to the field with you but you'll also have that same knowledge should one of your parents or a sibling have an accident, choke, have a heart attack, break a bone, etc. And yes, you should have a good first aid kit with you at all times.
I stopped about halfway down this long list of responses since my last post so I apologize in advance if you buried the hatchet.
Without a long-winded thesis:
1) The responsibility of how a child interacts with a knife, firearm, etc. lies, and always shall, with the parent. Even if Johnny Johnson, age 7, asks what should he consider to buy if he's getting into surviving, we as survival experts, NOT PARENTS, should do all we can to point him in the right direction. We should only consider his location, size (includes age I guess) and activities when recommending the proper knife. Let the parents worry about him purchasing and using the knife, it's at their discretion after all.
2) Lupo, don't get a giant KaBar. I have a Cold Steel SRK with a 6" blade and at times I'd rather opt for a 4 or 5". I can't imagine how a 7" would work for anything but batoning and Croc Dundee-style encounters. Remember, survival is not just who has the biggest knife. You need to do everything from carving a makeshift bowl to gutting a squirrel to cutting saplings. I did a review of the Bushman (with a similarly long and massive blade) and I couldn't find a use for it other than to cut and hack. It won't serve you very well in the bush in the long term.
3) Don't get serrated edges. There is no point. Not only are they next to impossible to sharpen (and impossible to while in the bush), they don't provide any reasonable effect other than looks. Again, Croc Dundee encounters.
On a side note, Mors Kochanski (the most significant boreal forest survival expert in N America) says to only use a knife who's blade is only as long as your palm is wide. Likewise for the handle. He says it offers better control and a multitude of uses as compared with something smaller or larger. He also recommends no top or side guard on the knife, which allows you to move your hand up on the blade for more delicate work without having to navigate the guard. Bottom is still important as it prevents slips onto the edge.
a good survival knife is one that you like made out of quality materials and able to do a multitude of tasks. As for age restriction that is obviously your parents decision , I have a 24 yr old boy a 14 year old boy and a 7 year old girl all of whom are accomplished rifle shooters and all but my daughter are very profficient with knife use . My daughter became a crack shot with a 22 at the ripe old age of 5 both boys have had their own knives and multitools since they were like 12 age is no way to gauge responsability it's a mere guideline my choice in survival knives : I own several , my favorites are the sog seal pup and the srk v carbon however I probably have about 30 different knives I like
Both posts were great advice, and yes, we buried the hatchet!:D I like Mors Kochanski and Cody Lundin seems to promote him as well. If you go to Cody's Web-site and click on the "store" icon you can see 2 different styles of Swedish Mora knives for $20 each. You can get up to two knives with an additional $5 shipping & handling. I like the one with the "rubberized" handle and will probably add it to my collection later.:cool:Quote:
Originally Posted by mitch.chesney
Rick that is great! You certainly are a man of many resources! I really like that "Flame Orange" one. It would be a lot harder to lose than the others!:cool:
I actually did a post then deleted it. So I've put it back. Here's a link to Swedish knives that are pretty inexpensive. I think these are the same on Cody's page.
http://www.swedishknives.com/760craft.htm#The%20Clipper
I thought Sarge was talking to thin air there :P
Thanks Rick Yo Da Man :D
Here is a link to Frost knives. The Mora S1 is an excellent survival/outdoors knife. I have a couple of them and I really like them. ;)
http://www.swedishknives.com/760craf...20Mora%20Knife
Sounds like fun. . .uhhhhhh. . .yeah!!?? :confused: :eek:Quote:
Originally Posted by Rick
Well! If the little kid in you was alive and well a little face digging would be just the thing!
Today i learned that the only knife if any that shold be taken to a beach is a fixed blade...never take a folder
i look forward to this one being a good thread for all of us.
when i was about 4-5 l learned the hard way that a liner-lock folder can not [safely] be used to hold the bottom corner of an out-building door open in order to reach my hand inside. do not ask how this came up, i was four or five. all i can say is that what seemed like a good idea at the time left me with a scar most of the way around one of my fingers.
i wonder if my parents should have sued the manufacturer for not properly warning that the lock was not designed to actualy lock the blade open safely..?
What not to do with knifes....
stab a baby?
Mitch - Come here. (puts arm around shoulder and speaks in soft voice). Technically, that's correct but really, and I can't emphasis this enough. Really whacked out.
What not do do with knives...
Place them in your pocket before closing them. (It's a superstition or something about bad luck).
while it can be tempting, it should be common knowledge not to walk with a sheath knife in hand when it could just as well be resheathed and withdrawn as needed. simple safe practice that can avoid a lot of accidents some people think would never happen. i see too much of that.
Another thing not to do, is carry a fixed blade in the sheath, inside your open jacket while ice fishing. It's a long way down to the bottom of a 70' deep lake. The knife still there and it's a nice one.
ouch. Long Lake, Mi has one of my leatherman's
While stripping deer leg sinew, put the knife down.
Unless you like an "ice pick" oh I mean "a knife in the forehead."
Close call.