Cheaper Alternative to Chris Reeve Knife for Car

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rodmeister

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Feb 12, 2000
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I'm augmenting my survival kit for my car, partly in response to 9/11. Living in L.A, AKA "Shaky Town," home of two riots, and possible terrorist target,I've alway kept flashlights, lighters, water bottles, a Leatherman Wave, etc, in my car. I want a smallish, 3"-5," fixed blade knife to compliment my Wave, but refuse to keep my CRK Aviator in my car as a permanent part of my kit. It's too nice (and expensive) as a "leave and forget" car knife, though I take the Aviator along for long trips.

Any suggestions for a cheaper (about $100) fixed blade I can "keep and forget" in my car?
 
I keep a $20 Ontario Machete in my car with a folding shovel. That's bigger than you want but it is a good trunk tool. I carry my kit with me as I go so my Sable is along where I am and is with me when I'm out of the car. I didn't buy it to leave at home. The Sebbie is always in my pocket. As I fly almost every day and the possibility of ending up in the wilderness is there, I want the very best to be with me.

Are you looking for a knife that is sort of like your Aviator?

Check out this Outdoor Survival Form:

Outdoor Survival Forum


These guys know a lot about many different styles of blades and you will get many good answers there.

Good luck.
 
As much as I dislike BM, the M2 Nimravious is a very fine knife for the money... its no CRK though... Its my current med camp knife till I replace it with a Sable 4 etc.
 
The BM Nimravus is the knife I was using before the Sable. I actually like the smaller Nimravus Cub a little better. It makes a good companion to a Sable but I prefer a Sebbie for that role.

The big Nimravus needs a good reprofile before it will cut well. Just spend twice as much and get an extra CRK one piece and you'll have a knife that works like it's supposed to right out of the box.
 
The SOG Seal Pup is a nice one. Tough, light, and inexpensive. And it has a great sheath. It does all the harder stuff I wouldnt do with my Sebenza of other folding knives.
 
My main objection to keeping the Aviator permanently in my car kit is I can't play with it, or use it for household chores without going to the garage. I've looked at cheaper knives: the Doziers' look like quality for the money.

I realized that in an emergency, a tough, dependable, unfailing knife like a CR One-Piece would help alleviate some of the anxiety. I don't want to be in a dangerous situation with second-rate knife, with the added worry of it failing me. In a life or death situation I'd feel more secure, even if it is a false sense of security, with the best knife.

So... I decided to leave my Aviator in my car (with a button compass and small magnesium fire starter in the handle), and buy a silver coated CR Mountaineer for me to play with and use around the house.

But now, I have to decide whether to get the 4" which is more compact and easier to handle, or the 5 1/2" which might be more useful in heavy-duty survival situations.

Why does life have to be so hard? Always having to make hard decisions? ;)
 
Excellent choice! I really like the looks of the Mountaineer too. Which one are you going for, the large or the small one?

I have been thinking about a small one myself for backpacking and hiking/fishing expeditions. I want to handle a small one soon to make a final decision.
 
The 4" Mountaineer looks identical to the Aviator except for the sawback and the upper guard. I've always liked the clean aesthetics of the single-guard Mountaineer. In fact, I asked Chris Reeve Knives about removing the top guard on the Aviator, but was told it couldn't be done economically. The 4" Mountaineer should feel like my Aviator, which is very convenient and handy.

Another idea: could a sawback be placed on the Mountaineer. I like the idea of an extra function on my knife. But would it ruin the aesthetic appeal of the Mountaineer?

I've never owned a larger knife so I don't know how a 5 1/2" Mountaineer would handle in comparison. Any comments from owners of both 4" and 5 1/2" One Pieces?
 
Then again... The 5 1/2 Special Edition Aviator looks good. Or the new Green Beret Knife...Or the Mark VI...or the Sable series...
Aaaaggggggggghhhh! I can't decide, and I refuse take the "easy" way out by buy them all!
 
Take a look at John Greco's knives....reasonably priced, stout, great bang for the buck IMO.
Jim
 
Originally posted by martin j
If you're going to buy more CRK fix blades then why not buy a second Aviator? :)
Click to expand...

I don't like owning two identical things when the money could go for something different. I might be talked into the 5 1/2" Special Edition Aviator or a silver-coated or camo version.
 
I like the 4" Mountaineer too. It is all business. The lack of a saw and a top guard will give you some extra functions like pushing your blade through some tough cuts while using the rounded spine. Choking up will be easier without the top guard.

I really like that choice.
 
I just looking at the Greco website and wow they are amazingly cheap for the quality!

Still prefer a CRK, but a great beater or back up if anyone can not afford a CRK.

The folders don't impress me though.

Hope I'm not out of line posting this here?:confused:
 
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