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The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Blades for Survival
- Thread starter golok
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2000
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- 554
Multi tool would have to be the Leatherman Wave although I've just started playing around with a Crunch and it has it's place as well.
Belt Knife I would have to go with an oldie but a goodie. I have an old Timberline Survival Hunter. It has about a 3 1/2 inch hollow ground blade that is mirror finished. The back of the blade has a saw back that is specifically designed to produce sawdust for tinder. It can also be used to cut and notch sticks for a deadfall etc. What do you do with the sawdust you ask??? Well the back of the sheath has a 2" sparking rod. It even has a notch at one end to facilitate removal. The back of the sheath also has a small arrowhead shaped razor blade. It could be used in several ways but the best way is to remove the slotted screws that hold the micarta slabs on to the tapered tang. Once you remove the handle slabs you will see that they are partially hollowed out and hold some goodies. A small 1/2" compass, a couple of fishing flies, some fishing line, some cord, and some snare wire. Quite a serious package.
As far as a chopper goes I would thing seriously about a Randall 14.
And of course I would have my Small Sebenza!!
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Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
Belt Knife I would have to go with an oldie but a goodie. I have an old Timberline Survival Hunter. It has about a 3 1/2 inch hollow ground blade that is mirror finished. The back of the blade has a saw back that is specifically designed to produce sawdust for tinder. It can also be used to cut and notch sticks for a deadfall etc. What do you do with the sawdust you ask??? Well the back of the sheath has a 2" sparking rod. It even has a notch at one end to facilitate removal. The back of the sheath also has a small arrowhead shaped razor blade. It could be used in several ways but the best way is to remove the slotted screws that hold the micarta slabs on to the tapered tang. Once you remove the handle slabs you will see that they are partially hollowed out and hold some goodies. A small 1/2" compass, a couple of fishing flies, some fishing line, some cord, and some snare wire. Quite a serious package.
As far as a chopper goes I would thing seriously about a Randall 14.
And of course I would have my Small Sebenza!!
------------------
Hoah! (Its an Army thing!)
Hoodoo,
Thank you for the information. It would be great to read a review on the 154CM Talon. I havent done a search but dont remember seeing any. Maybe, it is waiting for you ?
I am curious how comfortable the handle of the Talon is. The slabs do not seem to fully cover the tang at the index finger groove. Doesnt the tang carve into the index finger when the knife is grabbed hard?
Another question: how would the Busse Mean Street compare with the Talon?
Thanks again,
HM
Thank you for the information. It would be great to read a review on the 154CM Talon. I havent done a search but dont remember seeing any. Maybe, it is waiting for you ?
I am curious how comfortable the handle of the Talon is. The slabs do not seem to fully cover the tang at the index finger groove. Doesnt the tang carve into the index finger when the knife is grabbed hard?
Another question: how would the Busse Mean Street compare with the Talon?
Thanks again,
HM
Good points, HM. I haven't used the Talon yet except to shave some arm hair so I can't give you a report on that. I have been using a BM 721 for awhile now which has 154CM and I'm very happy with that steel.
As for the unsupported thumb ramp, I imagine that if you do a lot of heavy whittling, you would probably develop a hot spot there. I guess it depends on how conditioned your thumb is. But the thumb ramp is far more comfy than say a BM Nimravus and very similar in feel to folders like the Spyderco Wegner, BM AFCK, Sebenza, BM 721, and jillions of fixed blades. Most of my puukkos have thinner blades and the only place to put your thumb is right on the thin spine of the blade. Due to its lightness, a puukko has been my fixed blade of choice for many years for backpacking. The Talon, I think, is a little heavier but a better choice, due to the full tang and G10 scales. I don't have to worry about a tang breaking and the handle comiing off.
I do vaguely recall a post by someone complaining about the thumb ramp on a sebenza causing pain after heavy whittling (I believe the person was making walking sticks), so it is something to consider.
As for comparing the Talon 154CM to the Mean Street, the Talon is lighter and thinner. Therefore, I think it is a better choice for backpacking and field kitchen chores and slicing meat. I will also worry less about corrosion to the edge on long backpacking trips where you can be caught in the rain for days. I've had rust pit the edge of my Lean Mean Street after forgetting to wipe it dry after hunting in the rain one day. But a few swipes on the Sharpmaker took care of it. Also, I prefer uncoated blades to coated blades, especially for food prep, so the Talon wins here in my book.
I also believe the deep grooves in the scales of the Talon give a better grip. This is a feature I really like about the Talon: the deeply scored scales and filework create a knife you can hang on to. But the overall design of the Mean Street handle is one of the most comfy I've ever experienced I love the handle on the Mean Steet. You can really put some pressur on it.
The Mean Street has got to be one of the toughest knives ever made. It's something I do a lot of prying with. I wouldn't pry with a Talon. And of course, Infi is wonderful stuff. It holds an edge better than most steels yet sharpens easily. I think the Lean Mean Street is more comparable to the Talon. It's a better slicer than the Mean Street. Yet at 3/16" stock thickness, it will still send carrot slices skittering across the cutting board when you slice them. Thinner is still better but really, there is nothing like the Lean Mean Street. For backpacking, I will take the Talon, but if we are talking survival/primitive camping, I'll go for the Lean Mean Street. It's a knife I can abuse big time and it will hold an edge for a long time. But of course, the Talon is $99 and the Lean Mean Street was in the $250 range, if I remember right. Price has to be a consideration here. Also note that both the Mean Street and Lean Mean Street are out of production.
And I'm sure the same will be true for the Talon 154CM. Personally, I think Camillus is crazy if they don't maintain production of this great little fixed blade.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 04-08-2001).]
As for the unsupported thumb ramp, I imagine that if you do a lot of heavy whittling, you would probably develop a hot spot there. I guess it depends on how conditioned your thumb is. But the thumb ramp is far more comfy than say a BM Nimravus and very similar in feel to folders like the Spyderco Wegner, BM AFCK, Sebenza, BM 721, and jillions of fixed blades. Most of my puukkos have thinner blades and the only place to put your thumb is right on the thin spine of the blade. Due to its lightness, a puukko has been my fixed blade of choice for many years for backpacking. The Talon, I think, is a little heavier but a better choice, due to the full tang and G10 scales. I don't have to worry about a tang breaking and the handle comiing off.
I do vaguely recall a post by someone complaining about the thumb ramp on a sebenza causing pain after heavy whittling (I believe the person was making walking sticks), so it is something to consider.
As for comparing the Talon 154CM to the Mean Street, the Talon is lighter and thinner. Therefore, I think it is a better choice for backpacking and field kitchen chores and slicing meat. I will also worry less about corrosion to the edge on long backpacking trips where you can be caught in the rain for days. I've had rust pit the edge of my Lean Mean Street after forgetting to wipe it dry after hunting in the rain one day. But a few swipes on the Sharpmaker took care of it. Also, I prefer uncoated blades to coated blades, especially for food prep, so the Talon wins here in my book.
I also believe the deep grooves in the scales of the Talon give a better grip. This is a feature I really like about the Talon: the deeply scored scales and filework create a knife you can hang on to. But the overall design of the Mean Street handle is one of the most comfy I've ever experienced I love the handle on the Mean Steet. You can really put some pressur on it.
The Mean Street has got to be one of the toughest knives ever made. It's something I do a lot of prying with. I wouldn't pry with a Talon. And of course, Infi is wonderful stuff. It holds an edge better than most steels yet sharpens easily. I think the Lean Mean Street is more comparable to the Talon. It's a better slicer than the Mean Street. Yet at 3/16" stock thickness, it will still send carrot slices skittering across the cutting board when you slice them. Thinner is still better but really, there is nothing like the Lean Mean Street. For backpacking, I will take the Talon, but if we are talking survival/primitive camping, I'll go for the Lean Mean Street. It's a knife I can abuse big time and it will hold an edge for a long time. But of course, the Talon is $99 and the Lean Mean Street was in the $250 range, if I remember right. Price has to be a consideration here. Also note that both the Mean Street and Lean Mean Street are out of production.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 04-08-2001).]
- Joined
- May 20, 2000
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there is a guy name DAVE BECK of PA.he is a knife maker who made the famous TRACKER knife for TOM BROWN'S Tracker school. i don't know if he is still making knives but i made the mistake not buying one. i still have the catalog from 1992. it is a awesome knife with a piggy back blade for smaller jobs. ....CEYA ,,,CEYA KNIFE DEIGNZ
not2sharp
Platinum Member
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What kind of survival are we doing here?
If we are talking about an extended primitive stay in the wilderness (lets say Northern Canada or Siberia) I want to take an axe.
Also,
1) A medium size SAK (I'll pass on the multi-tool unless I have a bike or some other mechanical thing to maintain - too heavy, and too oriented towards the mechanical). A good little light weight tool box to improve the quality of life on the trail Something like the Rucksak.
2) A good fixed blade for 1001 common tasks that aren't quite large enough to require an axe. (too many good choices to name - I'll go with whatever best fits in or on the pack). Probably something in 6-8" and 1/4" blade stock. This one is an ever present companion for those day hikes away from camp.
3) A small hunting knife with a 3-4" blade to handle most of the preparation work at camp. I would prefer a small fixed blade like a Puuko or a Sharade Sharpfinger, but a reliable folding knife can fill in here (need I say Sebenza).
N2S
If we are talking about an extended primitive stay in the wilderness (lets say Northern Canada or Siberia) I want to take an axe.
Also,
1) A medium size SAK (I'll pass on the multi-tool unless I have a bike or some other mechanical thing to maintain - too heavy, and too oriented towards the mechanical). A good little light weight tool box to improve the quality of life on the trail Something like the Rucksak.
2) A good fixed blade for 1001 common tasks that aren't quite large enough to require an axe. (too many good choices to name - I'll go with whatever best fits in or on the pack). Probably something in 6-8" and 1/4" blade stock. This one is an ever present companion for those day hikes away from camp.
3) A small hunting knife with a 3-4" blade to handle most of the preparation work at camp. I would prefer a small fixed blade like a Puuko or a Sharade Sharpfinger, but a reliable folding knife can fill in here (need I say Sebenza).
N2S
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 6,104
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Hoodoo:
Owen, you're going to love that Talon. BTW, I'm envious of your Busse NO. That really is a great knife. It's on my list.
</font>
You were ABSOLUTELY correct about the Talon. It came a little while ago, and I've been playing with it. What an awesome little knife. This is probably the highest quality production fixed blade I have seen. I've never seen a better factory edge, either.
The only imperfections are that the scales are not perfectly symmetrical (the fit is perfect, though), and the serrations for thumb and forefinger, while straight, have slightly uneven grooves (a little bump on one side, so they look like little p's instead of l's). Nothing noticeable, and the knife is definitely a bargain. I'd had it for about five minutes, before I started thinking about ordering a second one. Should be a great companion piece for the Busse.
Ditched the pic for the sake of bandwidth.
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1483342&a=11175536&p=46252491&Sequence=0
One day I'm going to get the hang of this scanner, and get some decent scans!
btw, the Busse is nothing short of awesome, and since I don't do heavy chopping with a knife, I'm glad I didn't go with a SH or BM, tempting as they are. The balance is perfectly neutral (on the index finger), and the handle allows you to choke up or back without sacrificing comfort, to suit different tasks like fine cutting or chopping. I didn't like the looks of the E-handles from the pics, but there was some genius behind them. Equally comfortable and secure in three different grips-can't say I've seen another design like it.
[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 04-10-2001).]
[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 04-11-2001).]
LMAO. That's funny! I had the exact same experience.
BTW, that NO DOES look good. It's still on my list. I will probably buy one when Busse shows up here for a gun show. I'm in no hurry 'cause my Becker Companion kinda fills that niche but nevertheless, the NO is a winner. I love that size of blade for carrying during hunting. Not TOO big but big enough.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 04-10-2001).]
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2001
- Messages
- 1,236
maybe its my hand but chopping with the talon proved to be painful. Since the handle didn't cover the full tang. That being said its a great knife for the price its hard to beat unless you end up making one yourself.
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 6,104
Have we managed to get wayyy off-topic or what? Too late to stop, now, though.
Really? Just what were you chopping?
A 1/8" thick, 3.5" blade isn't what I'd call the ideal tool for attacking giant redwoods.
HM, I think I've seen a review or two of the talonite Talon in the reviews section, and you might find one with a search (I'll post a link if I see one-curious, too). Sounds like we're going to be getting some feedback from the 154CM version before long....
Ok, I did a search for Talon, subject only, in the reviews/testing forum, and got 39 threads. Several are about the Camillus Talon, and the rest make for some interesting reading-check it out.
Hoodoo,
I've got a great excuse for you to order a third one!
I remember reading that you use a Sebenza for dissections, and must note that the Talon is handier than a folder, easier to clean, and has more belly than a Sebenza (don't know how much that matters for what you're doing-just searching for another reason to spend your money!).
IMO, you need another one
Got to use mine a bit on some 1/4" cardboard (maybe 9-10 feet worth-I cut up a box), some paper-naturally, a couple of packages, and lots of hair! It was still shaving, but I put the strop to it anyway. Love to see those little hairs pop off.
[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 04-11-2001).]
Really? Just what were you chopping?
A 1/8" thick, 3.5" blade isn't what I'd call the ideal tool for attacking giant redwoods.
HM, I think I've seen a review or two of the talonite Talon in the reviews section, and you might find one with a search (I'll post a link if I see one-curious, too). Sounds like we're going to be getting some feedback from the 154CM version before long....
Ok, I did a search for Talon, subject only, in the reviews/testing forum, and got 39 threads. Several are about the Camillus Talon, and the rest make for some interesting reading-check it out.
Hoodoo,
I've got a great excuse for you to order a third one!
I remember reading that you use a Sebenza for dissections, and must note that the Talon is handier than a folder, easier to clean, and has more belly than a Sebenza (don't know how much that matters for what you're doing-just searching for another reason to spend your money!).
IMO, you need another one
Got to use mine a bit on some 1/4" cardboard (maybe 9-10 feet worth-I cut up a box), some paper-naturally, a couple of packages, and lots of hair! It was still shaving, but I put the strop to it anyway. Love to see those little hairs pop off.
[This message has been edited by OwenM (edited 04-11-2001).]
<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by OwenM:
Hoodoo,
I've got a great excuse for you to order a third one!
I remember reading that you use a Sebenza for dissections, and must note that the Talon is handier than a folder, easier to clean, and has more belly than a Sebenza (don't know how much that matters for what you're doing-just searching for another reason to spend your money!).
IMO, you need another one</font>
Hmmmm....you've got me thinking...
I was also thinking that hannibal might be chopping up some liver to go with his fava beans.
------------------
Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2001
- Messages
- 313
Wow! Poor little ol' innocent me! I joined the forum for the wilderness / outdoor wisdom to be gleaned. I never dreamed that people talked with such great passion about knives, except my good friend Joe. (joha.com)
You all have my utmost respect and awe. It's almost like a code: Hoodoo mentions one knife and everybody telekinetically knows exactly what he means, like there's almost a hidden meaning.
Hey, has anybody out there heard of Buck, Schrader or Old Timer?! If I was lost in the above situation I'd have my choice of my day-to-day pocket knife (Schrader), my Sunday-go-to-meetin' pocket knife (also Schrader?), and some obscure hatchet I bought at Wal Mart or Rite Aid.
Gotta love it - you guys really know your stuff!
You all have my utmost respect and awe. It's almost like a code: Hoodoo mentions one knife and everybody telekinetically knows exactly what he means, like there's almost a hidden meaning.
Hey, has anybody out there heard of Buck, Schrader or Old Timer?! If I was lost in the above situation I'd have my choice of my day-to-day pocket knife (Schrader), my Sunday-go-to-meetin' pocket knife (also Schrader?), and some obscure hatchet I bought at Wal Mart or Rite Aid.
Gotta love it - you guys really know your stuff!
Hi coyotlviejo,
Hope you enjoy this forum as much as the rest of us.
It's the best one here, ya know.
So which obscure knife were you referring to that I mentioned?
Actually, one of the neat things about BladeForums is the learning curve. There is a tremendous amount of information that flows through all these forums and you owe it to yourself to browse through the archives using the search function. You will soon learn that those obscure knives are well-known by most here. We have lots of makers and manufacturers here that keep us up-to-date on the latest and greatest knives so we are often discussing new knives long before they are ever released to the general public. One of the funny things is to read in a popular knife magazine about some "brand new" knife knowing that it was discussed here 6 mos earlier.
The Talon, for instance, has been out for awhile but the Talon 154CM is NEW and was created primarily for us forumites (at least I think that was the case). So the manufacturers and makers do nice things here for us here. I often marvel at their generosity. Oh yeah, I should mention the dealers. They do a great job as well. We are very lucky indeed to have this forum and be able to communicate with some of the top knifemakers and manufacturers in the world and also be appreciated as customers.
So kick back and enjoy the ride. In only a short while you will become telikinetically connected as well.
Boy, this thread sure has drifted a lot.
But it's a good drift isn't it?
------------------
Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
Hope you enjoy this forum as much as the rest of us.
So which obscure knife were you referring to that I mentioned?
Actually, one of the neat things about BladeForums is the learning curve. There is a tremendous amount of information that flows through all these forums and you owe it to yourself to browse through the archives using the search function. You will soon learn that those obscure knives are well-known by most here. We have lots of makers and manufacturers here that keep us up-to-date on the latest and greatest knives so we are often discussing new knives long before they are ever released to the general public. One of the funny things is to read in a popular knife magazine about some "brand new" knife knowing that it was discussed here 6 mos earlier.
The Talon, for instance, has been out for awhile but the Talon 154CM is NEW and was created primarily for us forumites (at least I think that was the case). So the manufacturers and makers do nice things here for us here. I often marvel at their generosity. Oh yeah, I should mention the dealers. They do a great job as well. We are very lucky indeed to have this forum and be able to communicate with some of the top knifemakers and manufacturers in the world and also be appreciated as customers.
So kick back and enjoy the ride. In only a short while you will become telikinetically connected as well.
Boy, this thread sure has drifted a lot.
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
This will sound wierd since I own a thousand pounds of good steel but if I had to pick only one knife...
I'd take my SAK Rucksack model.
Everything else I need I can make out there.
If you've seen our videos you know why
Ron
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Learn Life Extension at:
http://www.survival.com ]
I'd take my SAK Rucksack model.
Everything else I need I can make out there.
If you've seen our videos you know why
Ron
------------------
Learn Life Extension at:
http://www.survival.com ]
- Joined
- Oct 26, 2000
- Messages
- 6,104
Welcome to the forums
You stumbled onto a "clique". You'll find lots of different groups on BFC. Collectors, users, people who are loyal to individual brands, hunters, outdoorsmen, etc. Each group has its own set of criteria, and beliefs about knives and their purposes. Even though we all love knives, we form little cluster groups of people with similar interests, and sometimes go to war with other groups with opposing interests. Since we're not allowed to kill each other, or even be too mean, there is never a clear winner
Many a harsh email has been fired across the lines, I'm sure, but it's really like a large family. Everybody's related and connected, because of the interest they do have in common (uh, knives), but there are always little squabbles going on. Sibling rivalry, if you will. There are even a few red-headed stepchildren that consistently open mouth/insert foot, and are spanked just as consistently (you'll see).
In spite of all that, most people are here to learn, or to share with others, and the forums are very entertaining and informative.
I've come into contact with a bunch of great people here, and been fortunate to do business with some of them (buying their cool stuff!). It's really surprising how much you can enjoy interacting with other people who you have never met, and probably never will.
There is alot of interesting stuff here. Using the search function, particularly in manufacturer's forums and the reviews/testing forum for a topic or item that interests you, will probably give you more info than you ever needed.
Like Hoodoo said, there's a learning curve. It'll get easier to find what you're looking for, and after reading some of the discussions, names will get familiar (that's good, 'cause it'll help you remember who's full of it, and who's not
Have fun!
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2001
- Messages
- 313
And to think that I only joined to glean wilderness knowledge. I tend to be a "chip your own knife out of native stone" type, but I think I feel the steel comin' on! Watch out world - or at least watch out wife - this could get addictive really fast.
But in case my primitive ways prevail, I still enjoy all the other topics, too. You're right - this is a good forum. I can tell that there's a certain connectivity among the members.
I would post some comment about my favorite knives so that my comments are in keeping with the topic, but alas, what more can be said about my Schrades? Sorry folks. I'll try to stay in line from now on. Thanks for welcoming me into a great forum.
But in case my primitive ways prevail, I still enjoy all the other topics, too. You're right - this is a good forum. I can tell that there's a certain connectivity among the members.
I would post some comment about my favorite knives so that my comments are in keeping with the topic, but alas, what more can be said about my Schrades? Sorry folks. I'll try to stay in line from now on. Thanks for welcoming me into a great forum.
If you think I turn my nose up at Schrades, think again oh wiley coyotlviejo. I have many Schrades and and enjoy them all. My #1 whittler is a Schrade 340T. I give you exhibit A: Dang! Somehow I must have deleted that image. It had the balls and chain along with the knife. Oh well, here's the balls and chain sans the Schrade:
I have a nice little rooster I carved with it but I can't scan an image of that. When I get my digital camera I will take a pic of the little guy.
And here's two Schrades for not a lot of money that you can have some fun with:
And a few weeks ago I got a very nice kydex sheath for my Schrade Sharpfinger (and it fits my Schrade Wolverine as well)...and so on and so forth.
BTW, I think the Schrade Sharpfinger would be an excellent small "survival knife."
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Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 04-12-2001).]
I have a nice little rooster I carved with it but I can't scan an image of that. When I get my digital camera I will take a pic of the little guy.
And here's two Schrades for not a lot of money that you can have some fun with:
And a few weeks ago I got a very nice kydex sheath for my Schrade Sharpfinger (and it fits my Schrade Wolverine as well)...and so on and so forth.
BTW, I think the Schrade Sharpfinger would be an excellent small "survival knife."
------------------
Hoodoo
I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
[This message has been edited by Hoodoo (edited 04-12-2001).]