(Budget) Survival Knife: SW okay?

M

Messerschneide

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Hi, I'm new and would have used the search function, but didn't find it.

I'm putting together a survival kit and would like to add a reliable survival knife. Nothing Rambo-style with an umbrella in the grip, but "survival" in the sense being a tool and a weapon at the same time.

Problem is, I'm on a budget. The blade doesn't have to be the best in the world because ideally I will never need it. But it shouldn't break or become dull after its first use either.

I consulted a couple of websites. This guy here recommends a Smith & Wesson Bullseye Ext. Ops Survival, which is very reasonably priced (http://www.knifehaggler.com/survivalcheap/survivalknivescheap.htm). The S&W series in general seems pretty affordable.

Would one of these make sense? Are there other products in the $30-40 range that you would recommend? The blade shouldn't be longer than 6" and a fixed blade is a must.

Thank you very much, I appreciate your input.
 
More suited to general purpose and bushcraft than as a weapon, but certainly a servicable weapon in a pinch (as would any pointy fixed blade) would be a Mora. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, and only cost around $12 on average.

Here's an excellent dealer for Mora's:

Ragweed Forge

P.S. With respect to the Smith and Wesson's, your mileage may vary, especially with respect to the performance of the blade steel. In my humble opinion, they are more for "show" than "go".
 
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Pick up a US made Pilots survival knife and thin the edge on it by either working it down to a scandi edge, or by convexing the edge. Mine was made by Camillus and it has served for a long time now. This is the military version. Watch out for pakistani or other copies get one of the U.S. made ones.
 
The Mora 2000 would be an ideal choice in your price range:

2000.jpg


For a few dollars more The Becker campanion knife would suit your needs -

http://www.lapolicegear.com/becker-knife-tool-campanion-knife.html
 
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I was just going to suggest the Pilot's Survival Knife as well. That's what's in my main survival bag that I hope to never need.

Here's the knife in question, although I don't know anything about this dealer:

Pilot's Survival Knife
 
You bet. The S&w are a real bargain. Most are 440 steel and all of the ones that I have tried, (many) were well worth the money and then some.
 
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I would agree with the other posts here, but to answer your question, I think smith and wesson knives are actually pretty good. obviously far from the best, but for the money (never pay msrp for those cause it's a total rip off) they are pretty good. I believe the steels are supposed to be 440c, but I can't confirm that. If it is, then it's pretty good.

Their folders tend to have rough tolerances and bladeplay, but the fixed blades should be good hard use knives.

I don't think this is the exact knife you're looking at, but here's an idea http://www.knifetests.com/SmithandWessonSRkniteTest.html (sorry if i'm not allowed to do that).
 
Hi,

As an inexpensive tool for your kit, Moras a very hard to beat for price and quality. Get several.

dalee
 
Dollar for dollar, the Cold Steel Bushman is a good, sturdy knife for $20.00. I have several and they work well.
 
I second the Pilots Survival knife suggestion. These are great economy budget priced knives and still a great value in the market. These can be found on ebay and other sources for anywhere from $29 for a factory blem model to $42 for a brand new one plus shipping. You might be interested to know that there are several from both Camillus and Ontario knives floating around out there all over at surplus dealers and sellers that were all new knives but old stock found in warehouses. Get you one of those old stock new models with the sheath and sharpening stone. They are super users with little bad you can say about them. I've used one as a tool box knife for in my car for many years. Most of these I've seen floating around are dated anywhere from 1975 to 1991 that are being seen. I snagged another of the Camillus models on ebay not long ago from 1984 and I kid you not it was brand new. These are 1095 steel blades, usually coated with a parkerized black finish and the perfect size for camping, back packs, or tool boxes. I have an Ontario model also and its virtually identical to the Camillus model other than a slight difference in the blood groove. Ontario is still in business and still makes these so you can actually find new ones from them dated closer to today also but I'd prefer the older ones. Some of the later Ontario knives have had some brittleness problems with heat treat issues so I'd go for the old stock.

Also as the last person suggested beware of the fakes. If it doesn't specifically say Camillus or Ontario on the pommel with a date just let it go.

STR
 
Another vote for these. Ive got one in my BOB that is just flat TUFF!. I ground the top of the guard off and left about half the bottom guard. Also reprofiled the edge. Makes it much more versatile--KV
 
+1 on the Becker*Campanion. That's one tough knife that can be had for less than $60 online. If you're betting your life, bet it on the Campanion.
 
I got this one a few yrs. ago at my local sporting goods store for $30 not counting the sheath. It's no Busse but it has never failed me.
028.jpg
 
Thanks for all the advice thus far. I will definitely look closer into those pilot knives. A cheap KA-BAR may also be within budget range.

As for the Smith & Wesson: it really seems to use 440C steel. Here are the data:


Smith & Wesson CKSUR2 Bullseye Ext. Ops Survival w/Dbl. Blood Groove, Kydex Features:
• Blade Detail: Plain
• Blade Length (inches): 6
• Blade Material: 440C, Black
• Carry System: Nylon Sheath
• Handle Material: Rubber
• Lock Style: N/A


• Overall Length (inches): 10.5
• Packaging: N/A
• Special Features: N/A
• Storage: N/A
• Made In: China
 
The S&W's are okay, but for about the same $$, you can get that Pilot's knife. (Most of the S&W fixed blades I've seen run $30.-40. minimum.) The Pilot's knife will be a life-long companion with very little maintenance. The Mora is good, so is the Becker Companion.

Some others, and all are in the $35-$45. range: Buck 119; Kabar small utility; SOG Field Pup; Gerber Prodigy; Kershaw Echo.

thx - cpr
 
A Mora 2000 and a Victorinox Farmer would put you ahead of the curve .

Chris
 
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