Can anyone recommend a really good survival knife and a tactical knife that are both highly resistant to corrosion?

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Heffeb said:
The way I equip myself and why aren't really relevant to this discussion, but if you need details, I will provide them. The survival knife will need to be a bit larger knife, with some wood processing. The tactical knife is for self-defense, medical emergency, utility tasks and smaller cutting tasks.
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So what size blades are you looking for, and what is the budget? Tactical knives are generally not small.
How soon do you need this? Lots of better blades you can't just order today and have them delivered in a day or so....
 
A Cold Steel Recon Scout in 3V just about fits both bills. I think 3V is technically not a "stainless" steel, but mine has cut a bunch of limes and such without much corrosion. It can be found for about $200 at popular retailers.
 
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Heffeb said:
Thanks! It's nice to know that there are people on this site who are actually passionate about knives, knowledgeable, and wish to help! My opinion of this site moves up a notch or two for a change! Thanks again!!
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Think nothing of it man. Its one of the only hobbys I enjoy. Like you, I sorta wanted a "do it all knife" and like you I picked up an esee 5. It was actually my first knife. But the TGULB was my grail knife and I've had absolutely no regrets picking one up. I will state they don't come with a sheathe, but David Brown of Buy Brown Ind has some lovely craftsmanship for a great price considering what you're getting. And he has all the Busse models on hand so no need to send it in for the mold. Cheers man. :)
 
Arathol said:
So what size blades are you looking for, and what is the budget? Tactical knives are generally not small.
How soon do you need this? Lots of better blades you can't just order today and have them delivered in a day or so....
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I used to own a Benchmade Nimravus - loved that knife but had to sell it. I certainly wouldn't call the Nimravus a large knife by any measure, but very much a tactical blade. I hated it that Benchmade discontinued this knife because when I went to buy another later on, I have not been able to find one.
 
If you are exposed to lots of salt water, possibly use it for diving, or wash up with ocean water, etc., start from looking for an LC200N (Spyderco?) or Magnacut knife (several makers, CPK is my favorite).

Then go from there.

"Tactical knife" is a polarizing subject here. In practice, of course, you are better off with a gun. But if you are talking west coast, that might not be an option. To me, "Tactical" means you need a comfortable reverse grip. Everything else, blade shape, etc., depends on your training.

Note that for around $300, you can have one of our makers make you a custom knife.
 
Just a comment about upkeep from a guy who is in rainy summers, and snow for 7 months per year. It is really easy to keep a silicone infused cloth in a ziplock bag to use at the end of the day to wipe down your blade (of whatever steel). Rinse off the knife with water if exposed to salt, blood, etc and wipe it down. Try to let sheaths dry out when possible. Obviously wipe off if using for food prep (or just use mineral or cooking oil or Pam).

Lots of knives would fit your needs- all based on preference of size, shape, steel, handle material, etc. In addition to CPK, Volunteer Knife and Busse mentioned already, some fantastic makers like CPE and David Mary are using Magnacut and can provide anything you might need. A Les George Magnate would fill lots of needs.

Good luck with your search.

Edited to add Architect Knives
 
Heffeb said:
This is the most cost efficient, practical and reasonable of the suggestions so far, but how does AUS 8 hold up in a really moist environment? I'm thinking the San Mai III may have better corrosion resistance. Your thoughts?
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Corrosion resistance is pretty good w/ AUS8-A, edge retention is low, but the corresponding ease of sharpening is decent. It is lower in cost, so replacement in case of loss or damage is cost effective.

San Mai is usually stainless steel sandwiching a carbon steel.
 
Heffeb said:
This is the most cost efficient, practical and reasonable of the suggestions so far, but how does AUS 8 hold up in a really moist environment? I'm thinking the San Mai III may have better corrosion resistance. Your thoughts?
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Believe Cold Steel's San Mai uses 420J2 for the outer layers, and at the time the SRK was offered in it, the core was either VG-1 (previous Japan version) or VG-10 (newer Taiwan version). So most of the blade should be more corrosion resistant than AUS8, but the edge would probably be about the same.
 
The TGLB is a great knife. But serious question, why not jus maintain the ESEE5 you have ? It’s not going to rust to dust or break etc. A ziplock baggy with a mineral oil soaked cloth and an occasional wipe and you would be good to go. I love knives and need little excuse for another of course.
 
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