Recommendation? Best Survival Knife

I think the concept of 'survival knife' is sometimes made way too complicated. A simple, small fixed blade, one that you are comfortable using, is the answer - that's my opinion, of course. My personal favorite is an old U.S. Schrade PH-1 'Pro-Hunter'. I also recommend the Mora Companion, and Mora now makes heavier-duty models too.

As far as larger knives goes, the (Camillus) Becker BK-7 has been my go-to outdoors beater knife for almost everything in the last 10+ years: camping, yard work, storm recovery, teaching Scouts some simple usage techniques for camping & hiking, etc. I simply can't kill it. I switched out the cap screws for standard slotted screws, so I can remove the scales with my SAK screwdriver. (All I keep in the hollow scales is a few waterproof matches.)

However, while it definitely would serve well as a 'survival' knife, it isn't my first choice, because it's not with me all the time. As stated earlier, the best 'survival knife' is the one you have with you when you need it. For me, it would most likely be that old U.S. Schrade PH-1 or, knowing my generally unfavorable luck, it might only be a mid-sized traditional pattern like a serpentine Stockman, or Victorinox SAK that I happen to have in my pocket when things suddenly go south.

~Chris
 
The Bark River/Vehement MACV-SOG knives I picked up were as an investment. The unusual ones sold out in about an hour. I just happened to find out about the sale and called Bark River just as they were making delivery to the two distributors. They sold on average for 350, the Elder Burl being priced higher.

Any idea where the best place to sell them would be...how long I would have to hold on to them? I only opened the boxes for the purpose of inspection and that is where they still reside. How can I figure out how much they might sell for in the future. Yes, they are production knives but the first MACV-SOGs replicas to be made in the states.
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/new-members-please-read-this-what-is-my-knife-worth.904093/

If you don't want to click through the link, here is an excerpt:
"In order to curtail potential abuse of membership privileges associated with the forums, questions regarding valuation of knives and collections are limited to those with a membership level which permits selling on this site. Accordingly, registered and basic members may not start or post in threads with such requests whether with the intent to sell or for informational purposes only. This rule applies throughout the site."

Also, buying knives as an investment is pretty unreliable.
 
The Syderco Aqua Salt (also serrated) is what I carry in my hiking backpack. Another good choice is a Fallkniven F1 or one of the perennially underrated offerings from Entrek. My Entrek Javalina is essentially a handmade custom knife at a factory knife price.
 
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abbydaddy said:
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/new-members-please-read-this-what-is-my-knife-worth.904093/

If you don't want to click through the link, here is an excerpt:
"In order to curtail potential abuse of membership privileges associated with the forums, questions regarding valuation of knives and collections are limited to those with a membership level which permits selling on this site. Accordingly, registered and basic members may not start or post in threads with such requests whether with the intent to sell or for informational purposes only. This rule applies throughout the site."

Also, buying knives as an investment is pretty unreliable.
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Thanks....I was not aware of that requirement. I am aware that it is risky. I also happened to like the knives.
 
ThePeacent said:
If that's really what you're looking for, I'll throw the odd one out here (based on the other recommendations I see) and tell you to get an Spyderco Aqua Salt. Here's why:

· H1 steel won't ever rust, no matter what. Leave it in the rain, cross a river with it, use it as a kitchen knife and leave it wet and dirty for days...

· H1 steel won't chip, it might bend but you won't be taking out chunks of it, no matter if you baton with it, stab or pry.

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· Serrated blade makes H1 extremely tough and holds a sharp and nice edge for long, while being easy to resharpen even though the serrated pattern (croc sticks, sharpmaker, tapered rocks...)
· Coated/non coated versions can be found

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· Grip is excellent, thin (for inconspicuous and easy carry on belt, IWB or wherever) but has an excellent pattern for maximum purchase even when wet, with or without gloves, and has a lanyard hole
· It's nimble, fast and lightweight, with a partial but sturdy tang and very solid construction
· Sheath has great retention, diverse mounting options and multiple carry positions, clips easy to any belt or bag and is barely noticeable, making it ideal for day-long carry, sitting etc. in my experience

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all from one of the best companies out there, under $100 in some stores and dealers and most importantly a blade that's easy to get used to and soon carries comfortably and nicely so that it can be always by your side when needed
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I bought the non serrated. Any feedback if the serrated is the preferred blade if you are gutting fish or cutting bait.
 
Davor said:
I bought the non serrated. Any feedback if the serrated is the preferred blade if you are gutting fish or cutting bait.
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:cool::thumbsup::thumbsup: Yours should work just fine and be easier to sharpen . Serrated is great for really tough and fibrous material , but can be tricky to sharpen .

Sadly , ThePeacent was harassed and finally banned from this forum . :(
 
DocJD said:
:cool::thumbsup::thumbsup: Yours should work just fine and be easier to sharpen . Serrated is great for really tough and fibrous material , but can be tricky to sharpen .

Sadly , ThePeacent was harassed and finally banned from this forum . :(
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He was banned for reasons that aren't "sad". You know where to go to talk about such claims.

Agreed that serrated works well on fibrous material. I use my serrated knives for yard work all the time.
 
I appreciate the reply even though it's older. I bought this spiderco for a boat owner and friend who had lousy knives and he really enjoye this one and used it weekly in a salt water environment. I think it's an underrated fixed blade and I was happy to see it back in production. I purchased it in 2017.
 
craytab said:
He was banned for reasons that aren't "sad". You know where to go to talk about such claims.

Agreed that serrated works well on fibrous material. I use my serrated knives for yard work all the time.
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I was saddened by the loss of ThePeacent , because I much enjoyed his posts . My emotions are not within your power to dictate . I think you know where you can go with that notion . Now I just feel mainly ...nauseous .

Spyderco serrations can at least be sharpened adequately on their Sharpmaker . Cold Steel serrations are very tedious to sharpen , which makes me reluctant to actually use them . They are viciously effective from the factory .
 
Davor said:
I bought the non serrated. Any feedback if the serrated is the preferred blade if you are gutting fish or cutting bait.
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Serrated is always "preferred" if one cannot or does not want to maintain their edge.

If you can or do maintain your edge, if you want to talk "fish" look at Japanese chefs knives. No serrations. Of course you are not going to have a survival sushi knife, you get the point! :)
 
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