Backup survival folder

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LethaL_98

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Apr 28, 2011
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I currently have a Fallkniven F1 as my SHTF knife, now I'm looking at a backup folder in case I lose it or something. Price around $60-80. At present, my shortlist includes:

- Cold Steel AK-47, American Lawman and Recon 1
- Buck Vantage Force Pro
- KA-BAR Mule
- SOG Trident and Aegis

What takes priority in a survival knife - blade steel, lock or other features? E.g. the Buck has S30V steel but doesn't have the lock, aluminium pommel or lanyard hole on the AUS 8A AK-47. Is a drop point desirable over other shapes, and is a plain edge better than a combo edge?
 
I'm not into survival, but do enjoy camping and bushcraft. For me, in a (backup) folding knive for the outdoors the steel type isn't most important. The first think I look at are the handle and blade shape. The knife must be comfortable and easy to deploy and use. Maintenance is also something that interests me. Is it easy to clean and sharpen in the field?

My old EKA Swede 60 was my camping knife before I got into knives. It's easy to sharpen and can be taken apart with using a standard screw driver, like the one found on most Swiss army knives. So cleaning is easy too. The handle ergonomics aren't the best, but adequate and the blade shape is very functional. It doesn't have a one hand opening feature, but even with gloves or cold hands on you can easily open the knife.

eka.jpg


I don't know if a plain edge is better then a combo edge, but I prefer a plain edge. It has a longer cutting edge and a plain edge is easier to sharpen in the field. I've also never had the need for a serrated blade, but maybe that's also because I always carry a small foldable saw in the woods.

You could also consider getting a smaller fixed blade as a backup for your Fällkniven? A Mora for example, they're very affordable. Here in the Netherlands I can buy 2 or 3 Mora's for the price of a CS American Lawman.
 
I would rather take something like swiss army knife, or traditional multibladed slipjoints. Ever tried whittling with square handled modern folders? Not fun. Even better, I would rather buy small fixed blade. With all mechanisms comes danger of failure, especially in wilderness (dirt, cold, water etc).
 
The F1 does not need a backup. Yes, its THAT great and tough :D

That being said, imo you'd get more use out of a SAK, than an extra folder. An Endura is always nice to have though.
 
I agree with the others. I'd be looking at a SAK or multi-tool such as the Leatherman Wave if you don't already have one. Both give you a back up blade (or two) as well as other tools that can come in handy.

If you really want a dedicated folder then I'd also recommend the Spyderco Endura. And yes, the F1 is a great knife.
 
You cannot have a backup survival knife. You can only have one survival knife. Sorry, but that's the survival rules.

:D

(Vic Farmer or Vic Super Tinker depending on a rural or urban survival context. Or a multitool.)
 
LethaL_98 said:
What takes priority in a survival knife - blade steel, lock or other features? E.g. the Buck has S30V steel but doesn't have the lock, aluminium pommel or lanyard hole on the AUS 8A AK-47. Is a drop point desirable over other shapes, and is a plain edge better than a combo edge?
Click to expand...

To me, I think the most important factor is ergonomics. Followed by durability.

Out of the ones you listed, I like the Recon 1 the best
 
SAK Farmer without a doubt. The saw and awl are a great compliment to a fixed blade.
 
Well, in my opinion a SAK should serve as one of your main tools, not as a backup tool. :-) I carry a Victorinox Farmer or Huntsman in the pocket when I'm hiking and/or camping.
 
If you really like the F1 and you want something to replace it if it gets lost, etc, why not get another F1? Instead of spending money on a folder that might not be as good as the F1, you could just save that money and put it towards another F1.

If you've found your perfect knife, nothing will replace it better than another one just like it.
 
Well, I can tell you what I do carry: The EKA (Normark) Swede 92.

It's the top one in this photo:

2009_1024-Knife046.jpg


(See the rest of that photo spread here.)

I also have the EKA branded version of this knife, the Swede 92 (just like above but with black handle and EKA brand) and the wood-handled version, the Swede 82.

They're becoming kind of scarce, though, and I think they may be out of production. That would make me sad.

Notice the placement of the lock release: all the way back at the tail end of the handle. There is no grip what will accidentally release it (e.g. the infamous "gorilla grip"), and it's a really robust lock.

Another alternative is the other knife in that picture, also by EKA, the Nordic T8. Having put both of them through their paces, I have to say I still prefer the Swede 92 (or 82). (Another alternative by EKA is the SuperSwede, the forerunner to the Swede 92, and long since discontinued. They show up from time to time, though, and it's a heck of a knife. I have one that's my Jeep knife; it replaced a Buck 110.)

Now, if that is unavailable, there are a couple of very stout Spyderco offerings that would hold up nicely, and Buck makes the full-sized 110 Folding Hunter and the slightly smaller 112 Ranger. The Ranger is only available in 420HC (which is just fine for a blade steel), but the 110 is available through their custom program with upgraded steels, like S30V.

In each of our BoB configurations, we have a fixed blade, a single blade folder (Buck 110), a Leatherman Wave, and a small folder (can't remember if it's a SAK or a sodbuster).

For me, the only part of that which isn't redundant is the fixed blade, and if I have my truck, then I also have multiples of that.


Speaking of the truck . . .

Something else you might consider, if they're still available, is the Buck Revolution. I have a Buck Short Revolution in my truck. It's a plain edge, not serrated. Although this is technically a "folder," it's really a fixed blade & tang, with a handle that pivots to expose either the blade or the carabiner. It has a button lock that keeps it from opening accidentally, but the fundamental design of the knife won't let it close on your hand. I'm real happy with mine, and I would buy another plain edged version in a heartbeat. Somehow, though, all I've been seeing is the combo edge. The carabiner makes it easy to attach to your gear or hang from a belt loop. Robust little sucker. It would make a fine backup knife.

 
I don't believe that you'll need a full fledged "back up knife" to compliment your F1 they are very tough fixed blades that have a great reputation for quality and realiablilty. With that being said I imagine that you might get more use out of a folder that has a thin sharp blade profile that is suitable for lighter task. I think that if you're into modern folders that the Spyderco FFG Delica would be a wise choise or possibley a slipjoint of some sort like a Buck 301 or Case CV Stockman in the handle material of your choosing.
 
Svord Peasant knife. It has no lock to fail. Its the one folding knife I will baton. If the pivot pin breaks, you have an spare in the back. It weighs 2.5 oz and costs under $20. You can buy 2 and they will weigh as much as one overbuilt locking knife.
PK_orange.jpg
 
Thanks for all the info so far. By the way, do you guys prefer knives with more heft or lighter knives?
 
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