Best easy to pack survival knife

freq18hz

freq18hz

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Mar 4, 2010
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I'm looking for the best all around, easy to pack, always there survival knife. I have a few knives already. I am looking at purchasing:

RAT/ESEE Cutlery Izula - worried about rust, size?
Fallkniven F1 - too heavy/big to realistically pack ALL the time?
Ritter RSK folding griptilian (S30v, or M4) chipping, folder strength?


Benchmade combo griptilian 154cm - already own
Benchmade mini griptilian D2 - already own
Benchmade mini griptilian 154cm combo - already own
Spyderco delica - already own
CRKT M16-10kz EDC - already own

Any opinions?


-Freq
 
izula is indeed small...but it is a very capable little knife...very stong and lightweight...as far as rust...a tiny bit of oil on the edge every now and then and you should be good to go:thumbup:
 
Check out the Fallkniven S1.

google the term Fallkniven S1 and you will find many excellent reviews , some by folks who really know what they are talking about in terms of a 'wilderness knife'. As far as my thoughts on the S1 as a survival knife , stainless has several advantages over carbon steel , top most of which is you dont need to worry about it near as much when corrosion/rust is a concern. The VG10 is a proven steel that takes a keen edge and holds it , sharpening is not near a pain in the butt as it would be with shmancier steels and the edge holding is negligible in comparison so those higher end steels. It's a preferential trade off , ease of maintaining versus slightly longer edge holding ability. The S1 is very grip friendly , big enough to do whatever task you may need and then some , the price is well worth it considering there are knives that cost much more that do not offer anything else in terms of capability.

Last but certainly not least is that this knife is approved for use by our USMC and USN, I do not think just any old knife would meet the criteria for possible use by our troops.


Tostig

p.s. by the way this great knife is just a hair over a hundred bucks , not a bad price for a lifetime friend.
 
The Fallkniven S1 is an extremely practical Knife. I have an A1 also , but the S1 is the more "handier" of the two. It has replaced my SRK as my general purpose bush knife. That knife gets sick sharp !!
 
the F1 is almost light enough to be an EDC. its not too large either. it fits into cargo pockets fairly well. i carried it in a jaket pocket for about a month. no trouble at all. its still my favoutrite fixed blade. its the most comfortable grip.

the Izula is small and capable but I find it a bit scary since my hand feels like it will slip down the handle onto the blade at times. i may ery the new handles they have for sale at some point, but so far its been cord-wrapping.
 
ESEE is supposed to be coming out with a stainless (440c, maybe?) Izula later this year.
a low cost option would be a stainless Mora or Swedish military knife.
 
Why the F1 or the Izula your comparing a neck knife to a medium fixed blade. I think the ESEE-4 or 3 is a more direct comparison.

Id get a rat for their design and ease of sharpening. When im out doors chances are i have a rat with me.
 
Go with the Izula AND get the stainless version and the folder. Then get the F1 and all the rest. I know my list keeps growing. Don't cut one out, just prioritize the list :D
 
Iboschi said:
Go with the Izula AND get the stainless version and the folder.
Click to expand...

As far as I know, and I'm pretty familiar with ESEE., there is no stainless version and the folder isn't in production yet. BUT, get the Izula anyway. I've had mine for over a year now and haven't seen so much as a spot of rust. I live in Missouri and the summers are pretty humid here and all is well thus far.
 
For the price, there's no reason not to own at least one Mora. Their stainless is good if rust is an issue. I have both stainless and carbon Moras, and can't tell much difference in edge-holding or ease of sharpening. My latest (and new favorite) is the 546 (stainless) with olive green handle. It was a mere $12 and weighs about 3 ounces. If the best survival knife is the one you have with you, then buy half a dozen and stash them in your vehicles, boat, packs, etc. You'll always have a very capable knife.
 
Another vote for the Fallkniven F1. It can handle just about anything you throw at it
and it's a relatively compact carry - especially in the Zytel (rather than leather) sheath.
 
dinozzo said:
izula is indeed small...but it is a very capable little knife...very stong and lightweight...as far as rust...a tiny bit of oil on the edge every now and then and you should be good to go:thumbup:
Click to expand...

This.

Also, the F1 doesn't seem particularly large. It's not like you're lugging around an A1 or an ESEE-5 or something.
 
The Mora's knives are always in my pack or on my bike,very good little knives.

my favorite is the discontinued 510 but i'll buy the #1 as remplacement.

I have a Fällkniven F1 & A1 but i find the Mora's work a way better for finer tasks.
I don't see why someone could not survive with a $10 Mora knives they are great cutters and they work well for skinning,cutting meat.

A knife capable of chopping is not necessary for making a shelter.

I buy knives because i like it but for real purpose i would only need a Mora or any cheap well made scandi knives.

An easier to find Buck knife would do it to.
 
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freq18hz said:
I'm looking for the best all around, easy to pack, always there survival knife.
Click to expand...

100_1461.jpg
 
The above pic of the SAK makes me want to kick myself. I first suggested a Mora, but think any SAK with a saw would work equally as well. Everyone needs at least one Mora. Everyone needs at least one SAK w/saw.
 
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