General purpose survival blades

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sgtmike88

Joined
Oct 15, 2000
Messages
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I grew up in upstate NY and was taught hunting, fishing, and general survival skills by my Uncles, who were Adirondack guides in years past. Both of them favored knives with blades ranging from 3 - 4" and usually in carbon steel. They always told me not to bother with anything bigger, so I usually bought and carried knives within that size range.

Lately, I've purchased some blades which are quite a bit larger than I'm accustomed to and I'm having a great deal of difficulty with using them. I guess old habits are hard to break. I really prefer and love to use smaller blades.

Today, my girlfriend and I went for a ride through some of Pennsylvania's beautiful north central mountain area, when what to my wondering eyes did appear but a Gander Mountain retail store outside of Williamsport. (I was like a kid in a candy store.) Upon checking out their knife section, I found a Canadian Grohmann #3 Military Knife that I fell in love with and subsequently bought. This knife seems like it's going to be a great general purpose / survival blade. Its factory edge is absolutely the sharpest I've ever seen and the odd shaped handle is pretty comfortable in a variety of grips. I think this one's to be ranked right up there with my SAK Soldier and Swedish Firesteel as far as form and function go.

Does anyone else have experience with these knives? Also, what's your favorite g.p. survival blade(s)?

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It's not the pace of life that concerns me, It's the sudden stop at the end.

[This message has been edited by sgtmike88 (edited 04-22-2001).]
 
I'm afraid I've no experience with a Grohmann.

As far as my favorite general purpose blade, I've downsized considerably. My current main blade is 3.5", which is just right for good control. While I should be using my best knife (Falkniven WM1 with micarta handles), I can't bring myself to tarnish the mint perfect factory condition it's in. So I'm still using my cheap dependable BM Eclipse. I'm going to have to buy another WM1 with Kraton handles so I have a fixed blade user...

I actually started with bery big blades. The big ones are still oodles of fun to carry, though. Me chop. Me chop with BIG knife!
 
Great pick! I have sung Grohmann's praises many times. The Camper is my favorite. I believe the knife you have is similar to the Boat knife. Grohmann's knives are one of the best deal's in full-tang fixed blades on the market, imo.

You can also get Grohmann's in carbon steel from Marshman Brothers.
http://www.marshmanbrothers.com/dh_russell.htm

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
i think that in north america most of the guides/ trapppers/hunters that i know use a combo of a medium or large ax and small knife, compared to other parts of the world where a machete is the tool of choice. i think it has to do with the expectations of what is required of a tool, usually in north america you dont have to chop your way through the bush to get somewhere, unlike the tropics where you need to make your own trail through softer vegatation.

i too was tought that a 3" to 4" knife was the most usefull by my uncles and father, but this was always accompanied by an ax for heavy work. the concept of a large knife being the primary chopper is most likely used so that you can carry one tool instead of two. i still carry a small knife and an ax to most places. i agree old habits die hard. hard to beat a good sharp ax for cutting ability on large wood. and it saves your knife edge for finer work.

alex
 
I find that my 4.5" blade Benchmade Nimravus makes a good survival blade. I would generally also be carrying a 3" (approximately) folder for delicate work. I think the biggest knife I would carry for survival use would probably be around 6" blade length. The next size up would be to carry something big, designed for chopping, which I don't really consider a knife, any more than I would call a sword a knife. Knives are for cutting. Something designed for chopping, even if vaguely knife-shaped, I don't want to call a 'knife.' Same goes for swords - they're designed for swords-type use (can't think of a good term). Even if they occasionally look like large knives, they aren't.

Personally, though, I would rather carry a saw than a chopping blade for that type of work. They are far easier to use when injured, and run less risk of causing accidental injury. I'd rather carry a few smaller knives and a saw, than give it all up for one large blade. The large blade simply cannot be used effectively for delicate work.

--JB

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e_utopia@hotmail.com
 
Yeah, I have a #3 also and I absolutely love it. But, I prefer a slightly larger knife for outside camping/hiking use so the #3 is used in the kitchen. It's absolutely the most used knife there. The odd shaped handle fits my hand perfectly. The blade shape works for everything from slicing dicing to fine boning type work. Thumb ridges help when hands are wet. It also takes and keeps a great edge. Doesn't hurt that the wood handles are beautiful and the price is great too.
Good purchase.
Lenny
 
I don't have one yet, but will someday. For sure will buy from Marshman too. That is if they're the company in nearby Edmonds.

Unfortunately, that purchase is still well down the road. Too many others I want more. I intend to buy the #4 Survival.

Guess this kind of reminds me of the thread on the fantasy assault knife, but know I've read that the Grohmann #1 has been exhibited in the Modern Art gallery in NYC. So maybe they aren't actually funny looking. I think someone had a very good idea and successfully ran with it. Much better than the 99 thousandth bowie imitation, I think.


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Asi es la vida

Bugs
 
e utopia, Your points on the utility of a saw are correct, but it is pretty hard to split stumps to get to dry wood after 4 days of rain with one. THis, too, can be useful.
 
Sgt...
I can,t say enough about the Grohmann #3 boat knife. And, your uncles were right on the money about blade length, although I don't do well with blades less than about 4". Mine has sliced, chopped, field dressed, opened packages, made shavings, and marshmellow sticks, and is such a breeze to carry. i carry a length of para chord with it, and use it to turn it into an around camp neck knife.
A Grohmann, and a good hand axe, and most of your cutting needs in the woods is done..
Regards..RAvenn in Ky


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Age, and treachery , will always win out over youth and skill!
 
Where I hike in the Appalachins we have thorn bushes. Sometimes I shove or beat them aside with my staff, but really the best tool i have found for dealing with them is a large sharp knife; lighter and sharper than a machete much lighter than the axe i take for camping, and that stays in camp. The best I have found is my father's Dexter, carbon blade, butcher knives but my cs bushman works well. On the other hand my cabbage knife made and handed down to me from my grandfather does light chopping, thorn clearing, carving and draw knife work so i guess it is best overall. It looks about like a 9 inch busse Dpoint in profile.

[This message has been edited by ohoisin (edited 04-24-2001).]
 
I thought that Gander Mountain went out of business? if not does this store have a web, address do you have it??
 
Gander Mountain (I think) filed bankruptcy about 4 years ago but remained in business. We have two around here, one of which just opened about two weeks ago. Don't know their website but I'm sure a quick internet search would turn it up if they have one.

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Hoodoo

I get some pleasure from finding a relentlessly peaceful use for a combative looking knife.
JKM
 
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