best survival folder

JasonG said:
Sorry to say, but if it's not axis, you will break your knife.
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You must keep reading over the part about disengaging the lock before batoning it. You don't NEED an axis lock, hell, you don't need any lock if you're smart about it.

JasonG said:
And people who suggested manix are crazy. You tube thesetwo videos please. Manix is awesome knife... but not strong enough for hard use.

Griptillian hard use test
SpyderCo manix hard use.
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Did you even watch the jankerson video that you say search for? Right in the first ten seconds a annotation comes up saying that the lock has been changed by Spyderco and it's no longer an issue; that video is 3 years old.


It's great you found a knife, or group of knives, you like sooo much! But to say that it's the only folder/locking mechanism that can handle outdoors use it just plain ignorant.

-sh00ter
 
ExtremAddiction said:
what about Extrema Ratio RAO?
i-qXGd5wM-XL.jpg

I am no expert , but this is one of toughest folders i have ever seen .
and it comes with sharpener .
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A 270 g (almost 10 ounces) folder with a 6 mm thick blade for use outdoors? Thanks but no thanks.

What I'd be most comfortable with would be a Spyderco Pacific Salt. Large, lightweight and corrosion resistant. The chippie looking plastic handles Spyderco uses are tough stuff, believe me. AFAIK, no one managed to break those FRN handles (they did however, broke the 3mm thick blades made of premium steel like S30V or S60V).

OTOH, I don't understand why you people pick batoning as the supreme test for a folder; if I were out there in the woods with only one knife and especially a folder I'd strongly advocate against batoning.
 
Planterz said:
But did they specify not a mulit-tool? If they didn't, go with a multi-tool. I'm guessing they specify "pocketknife" so people don't bring big honkin knives or machetes to hack away at everything. Enthusiasts like us can argue the difference between a multi-tool and a "pocketknife", but others probably don't bother making that distinction.
----

BTW, do they specify only one pocket knife? If not, compliment the MT/SAK with a "proper" pocket knife.

I'd also see if I could "get away" with having a Leatherman Squirt PS4 on your keychain, as well as other little gadgets like a AAA flashlight, ferro rod, a Peanut or Split Pea lighter. If you're allowed a flashlight, a headlamp is a great idea. A headlamp leaves you with both hands free, and you don't have to hold your light in your teeth.
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Planterz for the win!
 
Whatever you choose, put the folder and your keys on some para cord or a variation. If you keep them around your neck they wont get lost or left behind.
 
ExtremAddiction said:
what about Extrema Ratio RAO?
i-qXGd5wM-XL.jpg

I am no expert , but this is one of toughest folders i have ever seen .
and it comes with sharpener .
Click to expand...

It's heavy, the blade shape is terrible for utility purposes, the grind is just plain weird, the ergonomics of the RAO (as well as most Extrema Ratio knives) look uncomfortable to me, and the blade is way too darn thick.

To me it looks like a knife designed to achieve a certain look first and to perform for an experienced user of knives second. The icing on the cake is that on your website, it's $386.
 
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So much for the covert part of the covert wilderness ninja training. The first rule of ninja training is you don't let others know you're going into training :)


ExtremAddiction said:
what about Extrema Ratio RAO?
i-qXGd5wM-XL.jpg

I am no expert , but this is one of toughest folders i have ever seen .
and it comes with sharpener .
Click to expand...
 
Moses2792796 said:
I think people overstate the significance of a super-strong lock. Firstly you shouldn't need to abuse your blade if you're sensible and patient. Also if for some reason you do have to beat on the spine (batoning for example), just make sure the lock is disengaged whilst you do it so no force is transferred to the lock. The real question is why you would take a folder into a wilderness situation anyway.
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Because, if you read the OP again, you'll see that is the rules they are operating under. Folding knife only.
 
So from what I've seen, your best options are a: SAK with saw (Farmer?), perhaps a smaller SAK or MT on your keychain, and a folding saw. Why not bring all three? If they REALLY only allow ONE folding knife, multi-blade or tool is a must. Just bring your Leatherman or SAK.

If a single-bladed folding knife is necessary: Cold Steel Voyager, since you already own it, either an Opinel or a Douk Douk, which are great folders each in their own way and generally cost less than $20 a piece.
 
cbxer55 said:
Because, if you read the OP again, you'll see that is the rules they are operating under. Folding knife only.
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I think the requirements were a 'pocket knife'. If it were me I'd be tempted to grab an Izula (or something similar) and see if they objected.
 
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When I go into the woods for any period of time, I carry three knives. A fixed blade like a Bravo-1 or ESEE-4, a folder, typically my ZT 0551, and a SAK Trekker or Huntsman.
 
BTW, I'm just throwing this out for reference (not necessarily an option since I'd still go with the CS Voyagers).

Like the SAK, if you want to go the "Old School" or "classic" route, check out the EKA Swede folders.

As a sort of endorsement, Lofty Wiseman carried and used one for a long time (the Superswede 92).

Check out the reviews below. When the right tool is used by skilled hands. . .

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1050009-EKA-Swede-7-first-impressions

Here's Stefan Schmalhaus's recent review -

[youtube]o5at-e_Sqmo[/youtube]

The larger T8 is full flat ground with larger handles, again something you'll appreciate during prolonged use minimizing grip and wrist fatigue.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/965884-EKA-Nordic-T8
 
Adamas is what I'd choose. It will be difficult to find a " tougher" knife that's a folder, regardless of price. I am with the camp that's says batoning isn't a great idea with a folder, but still feel most comfortable with an AXIS if forced to use a folder.
 
I'm still not understanding what this "graduate school residency" is and why there are so many rules about what can be carried or even what the OP is going to be doing out in the woods. Is this some kind of survival challenge?
 
I'd reach for my SAK Farmer and ZT 0551, and try to get a clarification on the rules/requirements/stipulations to see if both could make it. I'd lean toward the farmer for the saw, but the ZT for just about everything else.
 
I'd choose a SAK. Perhaps a Vic Camper or Farmer. If SAKs are out, I'd just take a Case Sodbuster.

leatherbuster01.jpg


Good luck, OP! :)

-Brett
 
I have to defend RAO , ( I am not trying to make sale here )
If i were stuck in woods for a week I want my knife to be strong as possible , your life will depend on that tool .
You may go thru extreme situation, RAO or similar knife can be used and abused you can button with it ,you can pry and you not gonna break a tip , it gets you close to fixed blade .
and you can keep it on your belt not in the pocket .
.
speaking about zt0560.0561 , great knife I am not gonna argue , but try dropping it in the sand , once sand gets in BB its done . I have seen enough ball bearing distorted by sand and rust .
and one more thing I dont sale RAO for 386 , I have to put this price on my site. add it to the cart and see real price .
I understand what some people like to sharpen their skills and go in the woods with SAK , but if real SHTF situation happens do you really want SAK as your only knife ?
Just my point of view .

or maybe I just like my knives big and overbuild .


Sergey.
 
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