Sounds like I am slightly ahead of you on this search - and certainly no expert compared to many here
Taking your requirements for a serrated back - Sog do some good ones that way
As you know most hunting survival knives are mostly single edged - soemtimes but not often with partial serration. That way users can put the hand on the back of the blade for more control or leverage or baton wood (not often necessary here in Oz).
Have look here particularly a the link below especially the page on "how to choose a survival knife". You might also find the review of the Rambo 4 knife interesting
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/blades-and-knives/
I have gone the Fallkniven F1 and S1 route but also have a cammilus Ka bar and cold steel bushman and a few others. Bark River amongst others are also very attratctive
If you really want a knife to hack with you could get a ka bar or cold steel bushman and put serrations on the back. In terms of steel and temper they may not be quite as good as some of the others - but all knives need sharpening anyway and hunters generally carry steels often diamond.
At one level I quite like the Cold Steel Bushman it is so gloriously primitive but still apparently holds a reasonable edge and is easy to sharpen. It would certainly stirr many others with more expensive knives ...and you can throw it and abuse the crap out of it. If it does get lost or broken or worn through massive abuse who cares - It is incredibly cheap. Just oil it once in a while to keep rust away. Though I would probably get an a better sheath if I was going to use it regularly though - there are many after market makers - from leather to Kydex. I see the Kabar and ka bar gen 2 as being further progressions along this spectrum - and as they are lengthened versions of a hunting knife - regonising that they are fighting/larger camp knife in style...and obviously do very well for many people.
My .02 - have fun and enjoy the journey - and let us know where it takes you
Taking your requirements for a serrated back - Sog do some good ones that way
As you know most hunting survival knives are mostly single edged - soemtimes but not often with partial serration. That way users can put the hand on the back of the blade for more control or leverage or baton wood (not often necessary here in Oz).
Have look here particularly a the link below especially the page on "how to choose a survival knife". You might also find the review of the Rambo 4 knife interesting
http://www.survivaltopics.com/survival/blades-and-knives/
I have gone the Fallkniven F1 and S1 route but also have a cammilus Ka bar and cold steel bushman and a few others. Bark River amongst others are also very attratctive
If you really want a knife to hack with you could get a ka bar or cold steel bushman and put serrations on the back. In terms of steel and temper they may not be quite as good as some of the others - but all knives need sharpening anyway and hunters generally carry steels often diamond.
At one level I quite like the Cold Steel Bushman it is so gloriously primitive but still apparently holds a reasonable edge and is easy to sharpen. It would certainly stirr many others with more expensive knives ...and you can throw it and abuse the crap out of it. If it does get lost or broken or worn through massive abuse who cares - It is incredibly cheap. Just oil it once in a while to keep rust away. Though I would probably get an a better sheath if I was going to use it regularly though - there are many after market makers - from leather to Kydex. I see the Kabar and ka bar gen 2 as being further progressions along this spectrum - and as they are lengthened versions of a hunting knife - regonising that they are fighting/larger camp knife in style...and obviously do very well for many people.
My .02 - have fun and enjoy the journey - and let us know where it takes you
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