Fixed blade Winkler vs Survive GSO

T

toade

Joined
Jan 11, 2005
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I'm looking to get a new fixed blade, around 4+ inches. Main use will be around the camp ground, hopefully some bushcraft and an all-around medium-sized survival knife.

Through my research the two that I seemed to gravitate towards were the Survive GSO 4.1, and the Winkler II Bushcraft. There are a lot of GSO lovers out there, but Winklers seem to be a rarer breed. I was hoping to hear from someone that owns both a GSO and a Winkler that could give their feedback and thoughts. I'm in the mindset of buy-once-cry-once, so while money is always a factor, I want to get the best knife.

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
I don't own both but I can tell you why I went with the GSO over the WII knives. Winkler knives are supposed to be great knives and seem to be harder to find on the secondary market. The main reason I went with the GSO is because I prefer CPM3V to 5160. 3v is a ton tougher, holds an edge better and is more stain resistant. The GSO 4.1 price was better too by half.

I don't think you can go wrong with either but the GSO is going to have the better steel. I bet the Winkler would be easier to sharpen but you'll have to do that more often. Best of luck with the search! Let us know what you buy.
 
If I could choose either it would be the Winkler hands down. Just my preference for the outdoors.
 
OBX351 said:
I don't own both but I can tell you why I went with the GSO over the WII knives. Winkler knives are supposed to be great knives and seem to be harder to find on the secondary market. The main reason I went with the GSO is because I prefer CPM3V to 5160. 3v is a ton tougher, holds an edge better and is more stain resistant. The GSO 4.1 price was better too by half.

I don't think you can go wrong with either but the GSO is going to have the better steel. I bet the Winkler would be easier to sharpen but you'll have to do that more often. Best of luck with the search! Let us know what you buy.
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Isn't he using 80CRV2 now?
 
I've had four GSO's and love them. I've gifted some to relatives. I have a GSO 3.5 in CPM-3V and am a BIG believer in that steel. I've watched Guy's videos and I'm a believer in his stuff.
No experience with Winkler. I read that some deployed soldiers like his battle knives...don't know. Winklers are very expensive and seem to have a good rep.
I don't think you'll go wrong with either knife, but one will cost you a lot more than the other. Not sure you'd ever notice the difference.
 
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I am a fan of Mr. Winkler's products. I do like the fact that you can sort of customize your GSO during the ordering process.

"best for your needs" is really up to you though, I would assume based on blade shape, grind, handle comfort, ease of maintenance (while out camping, I guess)
and affordability.

Based on these two pictures, it looks like there was a lot more attention paid into the handle area of the Winkler. It looks more rounded and a lot more comfortable.
The unique jimping is a nice touch, if you care about that, and I believe the extra "choil" type area will give you more security in wet conditions while working. Personally
I also prefer a flat grind. Also, an often overlooked feature is sheath quality. While googling images to find out what the GSO sheaths looked like I saw a lot of custom ones
leading me to believe that some guys aren't happy with the one that came with the knife. On the other hand, Winkler's sheaths are some of the best in the business in
my opinion. Felt lined kydex with a leather outer gives silent draw, is non-marring to the blade, which cheap kydex often mars a coated blade, and his sheaths are just
well thought out and very comfortable and versatile.
GEDC5795_zps6937ccdd.jpg

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survive-knives-fixed-m-390-brown-h-sheath-large.jpg

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Best of luck.
 
The tad version of Winkler's belt knife is made in 3v by the way and freaking rocks.
 
Never had a Winkler, but I own several GSOs and it's hard to imagine you'd be disappointed with a GSO 4.1
 
Sonnydaze said:
No experience with Winkler. I read that some deployed soldiers like his battle knives...don't know...
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It seems we hear that claim a lot about expensive/custom knives, yet the soldiers who post here often say a multi-tool is what is used. I've seen pics of ESEE's and Becker's in service, but can't recall many high-end customs. Maybe I missed the pics or they're carried by "special operators" who can't be mentioned or photographed:)
 
Thanks for all the feedback. Was still hoping to hear from someone with both. I bought a second-hand gso that is inbound, but after looking at that TAD Winkler knife in 3v, I'm back to looking at Winklers. I love the thought of knives that I can hand-down to my son, and the Winklers do seem to be a little more "special," especially with the maple handle. Although I get the feeling that the gso might be a better user.

Think I might have to get both and sell the one that doesn't speak to me. Now just the question of the belt, bushcraft or hunting. Decisions.
 
If money is of non-issue, go with the Winkler. I have his Striker. I have never used it but it's the most comfortable knife I have ever held in my hand. Also his sheath is just awesome!

I have not received my GSO yet.

spike14_bg.jpg
 
Love my Belt knife also and had a GSO. I think the GSO is a better overall outdoor blade. I'm curious about the Bushcraft model though.

Sounds like you are on the road to both! Really always the correct answer on BF! :D

If you get the Bushcraft, do a write up please. :thumbup:
 
The bushcraft is pretty rare. I think I want either maple or sculpted maple and don't think I'll be able to find the bushcraft in either.

Landshark, how do you like the sculpted handle? Any regrets getting that over the regular?

I'm pretty near a retailer, so might might need to make the drive and handle a few to see what I like. Though I won't be able to handle the bushcraft as only bladehq carries that.
 
Kind of town between maple or sculpted maple. I think sculpted gives it a little more character. Although, if only I could get one like bladegallery shows on their site, I'd go nonsculpted. The grain on that handle is gorgeous!
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The Winkler Bushcraft knives use 52100 (some are 80CRV2)which I much prefer to 3V it does everything 3V but you trade corrision resistance for ease of sharpening which to me is a great trade in an outdoors blade. Also the GSO is a production knife while the Winkler is basically a custom knife with the fit and finish being much higher on the Winkler.
 
My dad's got a GSO 4.1 in m390 and couldn't be happier with it! Well maybe if it was a 5.1 :D
We have had a lot of fun with it.
 
I own both the GSO 4.1 in 3v and 20cv and also a Winkler II Belt Knife. Not the Bushcraft which is a Blade HQ purchase only? Also the Bushcraft from date of manufacture is most likely NOT 80crV2.

Winkler Pro's:
1. Ergonomics are better
2. Flat grind and blade angle is better at slicing
3. A bit more heft to it.
4. 80crV2 is heat treated by Dan himself.
5. High quality leather sheath with felt lining.
6. Daniel Winkler is a Master Bladesmith and is registered with the ABS and one of the top 10 in the USA.
(#6 pretty much sums it up.)

Cons:
1. Non removable scales

GSO 4.1 Pros:
1. Lightweight
2. Inexpensive
3. PHT
4. 3v or 20cv
5. Removable Scales

Cons:
1. Long wait times and overpriced in the secondary markets.

My advice is to buy a Winkler and hang onto it for life. With proper care, you will be able to pass it on to other generations.





 
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jdk1 said:
It seems we hear that claim a lot about expensive/custom knives, yet the soldiers who post here often say a multi-tool is what is used. I've seen pics of ESEE's and Becker's in service, but can't recall many high-end customs. Maybe I missed the pics or they're carried by "special operators" who can't be mentioned or photographed:)
Click to expand...

I noticed that too. Maybe they're ceremonial gifts that don't get field time?
TheStupid said:
If money is of non-issue, go with the Winkler. I have his Striker. I have never used it but it's the most comfortable knife I have ever held in my hand. Also his sheath is just awesome!
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I've had a lot of knives "feel good" that were utterly horrible when used. Not saying the winkler is as I've never owned one but a great knife to one may not be great for another. What you cut and how you cut will differ from person to person. Get out there and use it! :D
 
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