A little survival knife testing !

[OldPhysics]

In all honesty, I think they all performed enough alike that the proper choice is the one that feels best in hand.

I'm with CP. I think that, for their size, they are all pretty successful designs.

Of course, I too love my Chopweiler. But that's just my bias showing.

As to that Knatchet, doesn't Dylside make a pretty interesting version??!!!!

 

[akthor]

You definetely have to modify the edge of the tracker to get the best out of it, but once you do......... If you can find a used one for a decent price it's worth it.

I can chop and split wood more than easy enough for a camping/survival situation definetely carries easier than a knife/axe combo.

 

[canadiantrailman]

registered user

 

[pitdog]

I grew up close to where you live over in North Van. Maybe I am a bit old fashioned on my axe preference for this one. Every summer, I spent it in the woods with buddies building forts and lean-tos with axes. That was long before the tree-hugger days and it was common to drop a number of 2 - 3 " sized fir trees and consume them in the process of making a shelter, along with fire wood. (post script - note this area is now developed as residential but back then it was forest).

A 1" tree may be practical for the back part, but for the frame we always used 2-3" posts. If we wanted to build a bed off the ground supported by standing trees, we also used 2-3" posts. (note similar shelter built by Ray Mears). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6JksGtPBg8

I was merely saying the knives tested would have kept the average person chopping for quite some time to set up a formidable shelter, "if" that were the scenario. Here's a fairly good example of a poor fellow just giving up on chopping a tree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TVCTUwp99o&feature=related

For finer work, yes of course a blade of the OP's size works great, that's why I like my ESEE 4. Surprisingly enough, a tremendous amount of finer woodwork can also be achieved with an axe in the right hands.

Anyway, appreciate your points raised. BTW, if you want to do a great trek you should look into the Bowron Lakes canoe circuit up in northern BC by Barkerville. I had the opportunity to do that two summers in a row while living over there. It takes about 7 to 10 days of canoeing and portaging. A good place to have a knife and an axe.

http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/cariboo/trails/bowron.htm

Thanks for the reply and links buddy, I'll certainly look into that Canoe circuit !

 

[Horn Dog]

Those are all likely good survival knives. I think I'd choose the Chopweiler, probably because I have used one and have confidence in it. Thanks for the comparison.

 

[Havokk]

I have to say, I'm not sure I'd use the word "knife" to describe some of those tools.

How does carryng one of those compare to carrying a hatchet and a smaller knife?

Using a knife for chopping makes me remember a thread on here from last week, called something like "it's for cutting, dummy", where the author criticises anyone using a knife for anything other than cutting.

I'm not trying to hate on anyone, here. Please don't be offended. I'm interested in knowing why you'd carry one of these tools.

TIA
B

 

[DOC-CANADA]

I have to say, I'm not sure I'd use the word "knife" to describe some of those tools.

How does carryng one of those compare to carrying a hatchet and a smaller knife?

Using a knife for chopping makes me remember a thread on here from last week, called something like "it's for cutting, dummy", where the author criticises anyone using a knife for anything other than cutting.

I'm not trying to hate on anyone, here. Please don't be offended. I'm interested in knowing why you'd carry one of these tools.

TIA
B

I won't presume to answer for pitdog, but here's my 2 cents (Canadian ) worth. I've played in the woods for a few years and at one time used a hatchet. (Can't use an axe - herniated 4th-5th lumbar disc). I find a hatchet can be a very dangerous tool. There are many stories about people's hatchet glancing off something and chopping leg! This is particularly a consideration, when tired or stressed.

The benefit of a long-bladed knife is that it helps to contain the edge against the choppee (vodka-and-orange-speak) even if the 'chop' was not properly administered. For my purposes, this is a much safer choice. My tool du jour is a Becker Machax (20 oz.) and I find it does the job admirably.

If I had a good back, I'd definitely carry an axe in remote bush, but never a hatchet. Just my opinion, of course, but since I don't, a long bladed knife is my choice.

Oooops, need another drink.

Doc