Hello, Im new to bladeforums and this is my first post. I am looking for a survival blade that can be put through a lot of abuse and still be fully functional at the end of the day. Blade thickness would preferably be a quarter of an inch but recommendations can be a bit thinner if you think it would serve me well. Looking for a blade length of 5 inches at a minimum and 6 3/4 inches at the maximum. Id be using it for batoning, cutting, some chopping and if the need arises I dont want it to break when prying. Ive been thinking about getting the Esee 5 for a while and im sure a lot of you groan when hearing that because so many people talk about this knife but it does seem pretty good. But I have just started to come to the realization on how many other heavy duty survival knives are actually out there. Another knife I was looking at was the TOPS Black Rhino. Lastly, but not as important I want a knife where it comes ready to use out of the box meaning it has a good quality sheath that comes with it, dont have to change the handle (like the BK2) etc. If you can give me your recommendations and the reason as to why you recommend them then id be really appreciated. Please only recommend knives that you own or have owned in the past.
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Good Survival Knife
- Thread starter Phage
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Welcome..
Here are a list pf knives that's fit what you are looking for.
- Survive GSO 5 or 5.1 in 3V
- Fallkniven S1 or A1comes in VG10
- Swamp Rat Ratmandu in SR101 or Infi (These do not come with sheath, but you can often find them with sheaths on the for sale forum)
- Bark River 1.25, 1.5, or 2. Comes in A2 or 3V
I own at least one from each brand that I listed. I haven't used the GSO yet because I just bought the 5.1 yesterday. All are great knives, but the prices range from $150 for the Fallkniven S1 to $300 plus for the Ratmandu in Infi. You get into the Busse's than the prices go up even more.
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Here are a list pf knives that's fit what you are looking for.
- Survive GSO 5 or 5.1 in 3V
- Fallkniven S1 or A1comes in VG10
- Swamp Rat Ratmandu in SR101 or Infi (These do not come with sheath, but you can often find them with sheaths on the for sale forum)
- Bark River 1.25, 1.5, or 2. Comes in A2 or 3V
I own at least one from each brand that I listed. I haven't used the GSO yet because I just bought the 5.1 yesterday. All are great knives, but the prices range from $150 for the Fallkniven S1 to $300 plus for the Ratmandu in Infi. You get into the Busse's than the prices go up even more.
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Thanks for all the quick replies and options. Out of the options you guys threw out I really liked the GSO 5.1 with the CPM-3v steel as well as the Swamp Rat Ratmandu. Between those two knives do you have/know of any negatives or is one of those knives better in a specific task then the other? Also for anyone else seeing/reading this thread I am still open to suggestions 
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Thanks for all the quick replies and options. Out of the options you guys threw out I really liked the GSO 5.1 with the CPM-3v steel as well as the Swamp Rat Ratmandu. Between those two knives do you have/know of any negatives or is one of those knives better in a specific task then the other? Also for anyone else seeing/reading this thread I am still open to suggestions
The only one I can think of is that SR101 is much much more prone to rusting than CPM 3V. The Ratmandu will probably chop a little better, but I guess your intention won't be chopping considering your blade length limit.
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Bravo 1.5 in A2. Scary sharp, bulletproof tough and very easy to maintain in the field. After spending many thousands of dollars on knives over the past 35 years or so, this is the one that outperforms everything else I've ever tried. If I could only own one fixed blade, this would be it. If I could own two fixed blades, I'd own two of them so I had a spare....
The Scrapyard regulator looks like a great knife but the length is a bit to long for me.... Also... I think they are discontinued so finding one at a decent price might be difficult. I'll look into the Bravo 1.5 again though, it does seem like an awesome knife but I generally dont like wood handles. (not really sure why just never got into them) But I'll definitely keep it as an option. 
Just realized the Bravo 1.5 comes with other types of handles, sorry for my idiocy.
Just realized the Bravo 1.5 comes with other types of handles, sorry for my idiocy.
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I dont mind putting in the work to take care of the blade. Also, I plan to do a bit of chopping when the moment arises but im mostly looking to use the knife for backpacking and having it with me if Sh** were to hit the fan. Hence why I dont want it to long because I begin to start to leave the knife at camp once it begins to get big instead of having it on me because I find it a bit cumbersome.
They also make it in 6 1/2". Look around. Just last week I bought the black parkerized one at 7 1/2" and he had a cool 6 1/2" inch in tan, which I almost bought it as well. I found a couple others. Might still be there...email him (Good, fast honest guy).
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1278009-Scrapyard-SOD-and-Regulators
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I can't tell you too much about the GSO 5.1 because it was shipped yesterday, so I have yet to handle it. What I know about it is what I've read and watched online. Thus far from my research it sounds like a great SHTF knife. I have used my Ratmandu and it's a great knife for nearly everything. It isn't the best slicer, but it'll get the job done. Granted if you are in a survival situation I don't think you'll care how pretty your trout looks after cleaning it
I usually carry a smaller knife as well like the Bark River Necker II in 3V on my backpacking trips. The one downside of the Ratmandu in SR101 is that it could rust, which is why many of them come coated. The coat doesn't allow you to use the spine on a ferro rod, which is a downside. However, my Bravo Necker II can do it or if I had too I'd use the blade. You do give up some of the workable blade because of the choil, which makes the actual blade length similar to the Bark River Bravo 1. The Ratmandu's are tanks and can pretty much go through anything you throw at them. I have the Bark River Bravo 1 in A2, 1LT in 3V, and 2 in A2. All three are great knives as well and I would say the 1LT is the best slicer of all of my knives. However, it's shorter and thinner than what you are looking for. The Bark River's are also excellent knives as well and I feel comfortable backpacking and hiking with them for regular camp chores and a SHTF event if I needed to use them.
Sorry, I don't have any experience with the TOPs brand knives.
It really comes down to personal preference and virtually all of the knives that have been mentioned will last and work in a SHTF situation. There are different steels and designs, but ultimately I expect my knives to work no matter which one I decide to bring with me. There is a ton of reviews, videos, and posts on various knives on the internet. All of us will have our favorites and opinions, but the some of the most popular are the ones that I've listed for the most part.
I can't tell you too much about the GSO 5.1 because it was shipped yesterday, so I have yet to handle it. What I know about it is what I've read and watched online. Thus far from my research it sounds like a great SHTF knife. I have used my Ratmandu and it's a great knife for nearly everything. It isn't the best slicer, but it'll get the job done. Granted if you are in a survival situation I don't think you'll care how pretty your trout looks after cleaning it
I have the Bark River Bravo 1 in A2, 1LT in 3V, and 2 in A2. All three are great knives as well and I would say the 1LT is the best slicer of all of my knives. However, it's shorter and thinner than what you are looking for. The Bark River's are also excellent knives as well and I feel comfortable backpacking and hiking with them for regular camp chores and a SHTF event if I needed to use them.
Sorry, I don't have any experience with the TOPs brand knives.
It really comes down to personal preference and virtually all of the knives that have been mentioned will last and work in a SHTF situation. There are different steels and designs, but ultimately I expect my knives to work no matter which one I decide to bring with me. There is a ton of reviews, videos, and posts on various knives on the internet. All of us will have our favorites and opinions, but the some of the most popular are the ones that I've listed for the most part.
Thanks for the great and speedy reply, im going to keep looking at reviews and discussions on all the knives listed so far in this thread but what really stands out for me right now is the GSO 5.1. It seems like an awesome knife with a great steel and strong kydex sheath which is what I was looking for. Once youve tested the GSO do you mind throwing out your opinion on how it compared to the Ratmandu? For anyone else reading this thread I am still open to any and all opinions as long as it fits the requirements stated in the first comment. Thanks for all the great replies and advice so far!!!
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Thanks for the great and speedy reply, im going to keep looking at reviews and discussions on all the knives listed so far in this thread but what really stands out for me right now is the GSO 5.1. It seems like an awesome knife with a great steel and strong kydex sheath which is what I was looking for. Once youve tested the GSO do you mind throwing out your opinion on how it compared to the Ratmandu? For anyone else reading this thread I am still open to any and all opinions as long as it fits the requirements stated in the first comment. Thanks for all the great replies and advice so far!!!
Definitely, I plan on trying it out when I get it this week
Your trip, your pack, your back, your call. I mean that.
But for me, I see these 2 things as very different. When I'm backpacking, I rely on a tarp for shelter and stove for cooking. I don't process wood for shelter and only occasionally and on specific locations do I take a folding wood stove. Generally I just don't burn wood. Much less impact for the next person and honestly, I hate getting somewhere and finding mucked up fire scars.
For backpacking, I carry this.
Outdoor Carry by Pinnah, on FlickrI do have some fixed blade and find them to be fun and use them when I can justify them. But generally, this combination covers all I realistically need in the woods.
When I do carry a fixed blade, I prefer something with a thinner sabre grind like this old Schrade H-15. It still batons wood that I'm going to split with a knife but is infinitely better at food prep which, honestly, what I use a knife for more.
I understand the fun of bashing stuff with a burly knife but I've come to regard that as recreational wood processing. Sort of like blowing stuff up with firecrackers. It's fun and all for a while, but I go into the woods to enjoy the woods and I get bored sitting around camp banging on knives. If I had to replace my old Schrade, I would get one of the thinner Mora companions. For my purposes, more than enough and I honestly find my Companion HD too thick.
Your trip, your pack, your back, your call. I mean that.
But for me, I see these 2 things as very different. When I'm backpacking, I rely on a tarp for shelter and stove for cooking. I don't process wood for shelter and only occasionally and on specific locations do I take a folding wood stove. Generally I just don't burn wood. Much less impact for the next person and honestly, I hate getting somewhere and finding mucked up fire scars.
For backpacking, I carry this.
I do have some fixed blade and find them to be fun and use them when I can justify them. But generally, this combination covers all I realistically need in the woods.
When I do carry a fixed blade, I prefer something with a thinner sabre grind like this old Schrade H-15. It still batons wood that I'm going to split with a knife but is infinitely better at food prep which, honestly, what I use a knife for more.
I understand the fun of bashing stuff with a burly knife but I've come to regard that as recreational wood processing. Sort of like blowing stuff up with firecrackers. It's fun and all for a while, but I go into the woods to enjoy the woods and I get bored sitting around camp banging on knives. If I had to replace my old Schrade, I would get one of the thinner Mora companions. For my purposes, more than enough and I honestly find my Companion HD too thick.
Your reasoning makes a lot of sense and in reality that's all i most likely would need. (nice setup by the way) But the thing is by nature I always like to be prepared for the worst. I always have extra food, clothes, fuel and in this case a heavy duty survival knife that can take anything that is thrown at it and more. (Especially since I hate carrying hatchets and saws) So in all, you are right. I probably wont need it. But if the moment arises were I do for some reason have to baton tons of thick wood or chop or pry. Then i'll be prepared.... hopefully
But it's always nice to see other opinions and I am beginning to realize that 1/4 of an inch thrown in at the start of this thread is a bit excessive. 3/16 seems to be more then enough and in reality more practical.
Charr
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If you're willing to spend a little more, look into Blackheart custom knives. Rich makes some of the best custom fixed blades I have ever seen or used, and by far the most comfortable.
Right now most are in A2, but I have never found someone who can pull as much performance out of A2 as Rich can, and his 3V versions of some knives should be coming soon.
I've got a Pike in 3V coming soon, and hopefully I can get a Gunner 10 in 3V when he does this soon, so I can stop stealing my cousin's A2 Gunner
Right now most are in A2, but I have never found someone who can pull as much performance out of A2 as Rich can, and his 3V versions of some knives should be coming soon.
I've got a Pike in 3V coming soon, and hopefully I can get a Gunner 10 in 3V when he does this soon, so I can stop stealing my cousin's A2 Gunner
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I have used my opinel to baton small pieces of wood to get at the dry stuff in the center. After all that is the reason to baton wood with a knife.
As my granddad used to tell "the better you are with your tools, the less of em you need."
As my granddad used to tell "the better you are with your tools, the less of em you need."
If you're willing to spend a little more, look into Blackheart custom knives. Rich makes some of the best custom fixed blades I have ever seen or used, and by far the most comfortable.
Right now most are in A2, but I have never found someone who can pull as much performance out of A2 as Rich can, and his 3V versions of some knives should be coming soon.
I've got a Pike in 3V coming soon, and hopefully I can get a Gunner 10 in 3V when he does this soon, so I can stop stealing my cousin's A2 Gunner
Looks like awesome knives, especially the Gunner 10. But its getting a bit to costly.
