Help me find a small survival knife.

SpacemanSpiff23

SpacemanSpiff23

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
160
I've been thinking about getting a new knife, and I'm leaning toward a fixed blade. I'd like it too be...


- around $100

- 3"-4" blade length, maybe a little bigger, but not by much.

- Non tactical look. I'd like something that is modern looking, but not overly gaudy. Something simple, and elegant, that is still tough as nails.



Right now, my list includes the Bark River Highland Special, the RAT Cutlery RC-4, the Fallkniven F1, and that's about it. What else should I be looking at?
 
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Izula from RAT.

Blade is just shy of 3 inches, but man will this knife cut and hold its edge. This video shows a guy cutting a 2/4 in half and then shaving his arm hair after, without as much as wiping the knife off. If you watch both parts of the review, you'll find out that the reviewer first built a shelter out of it. Without touching it up he went on to cut the 2 x 4 in half. Then he did the arm shave.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSrlvqrZQKY

first part: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUpjruZK_fk&feature=related

This knife is definitely sheeple friendly. You have the option of cord wrapping it for a more tactical look, or you can make some custom scales for it relatively easily.
 
The Izula is a little small, and I'm not a huge fan of the handle style. I'd prefer something with a full size, comfortable handle.


I forgot about the Fallkniven F1. I had looked at it a while ago, but always thought that it was more expensive than it actually is. I will definitely add it to the list.
 
I would prefer a knife without openings in the handle. Never used such knives, but a handle that is closed seems more comfortable to me, especially if you will be using the knife for longer periods. For a modern looking survival knife, the Fällkniven F1 seems a good option to me.
 
Check out our makers sub forum.Several makers offer knives of the type you are looking for.

Two of mine,both by JK Handmade Knives (Stomper). Both were in your price range.

JK Hiker, I had Stomper make this with a 3 7/8" blade. O1 steel.

100_0812.jpg


My latest, and favorite by far, Stompers Anniversary EDC. I had this made with a 3" O1 blade.

100_0913.jpg
 
SpacemanSpiff23 said:
Non tactical look. I'd like something that is modern looking, but not overly gaudy. Something simple, and elegant, that is still tough as nails.
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Given your criteria, I would go with something from Bark River. Tough, elegant, and modern. I have a Canadian Special and it is a great knife. However, its styling is more classic than modern. You won't be disappointed in a Barkie.

I really like the Fallkniven F1, but with its rubber handle (synthetic whatever) I do not think it meets your requirements. If you can live with that kind of handle, Benchmade has some knives to consider which are the fixed Griptilian and Rant. Benchmade's Activator has a wood handle.
 
There are a lot of fine custom makers that populate BFC. Maybe check out some of their sites. Surprisingly, you can get an awful lot of knife for the money. Right now, my outdoor go-to knife is a Fiddleback Woodsman. Slightly higher than your budget and slightly bigger than what you are looking for. However, Andy makes them in all shapes and sizes. His blades hold an edge like crazy, sharpen up in no time at all, and his handles are to die for. "Like a glove" doesn't even begin to describe the comfort level.
 
Lots of good options. I agree about having a knife with real grips if you plan to actually use it regularly. I have a Highland Special, and it's great -- very tough, plenty big enough, and nicely made. I'd also consider some of the small builders - - browse that forum, and you'll find some beautiful handmade knives.
 
I would also highly recommend the Bark River Highland Special. Four inch blade, A-2 steel, wide selection of grips (I have one with the orange G-10). Excellent design for a small, all-around outdoor blade.

18HS_BlazeOranG10BlacLinSolPin.jpg


Great knife. :thumbup:
 
If you're considering the BRKT Highland special, I think you should take a look at the BRKT Gunny as well since it's in the same price range (albeit upper range).

IMG_4691.jpg


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I just got the Gunny myself, and so far it looks to be an excellent outdoor belt knife (what I think of when I hear "small survival knife"), might even be my favorite. I can't recommend it yet based on extended use, so do a bit more research on it first if it interests you. I have used its big brother, the Bravo-1, a bit more though and can tell you that it, too, would make an excellent knife if you don't mind the thickness. Though for .215" thick, it still slices very well. It sounds like it's out of your range though.

I see you already of two of these three listed already, and if you decide you have a little more to spend, also look at the Bravo-1.
IMG_3713.jpg



The Bravo-1 or the Gunny come out on top for me because I find their handles to be superbly comfortable.

ETA: I got my Bravo-1 and Gunny without the thumb-ramp, stock ones come with the ramp.

ETA2:
Forgot specs. These are straight off KnivesShipFree.

Overall Length: 8.4 Inches
Blade Length: 3.775 Inches
Blade Steel: A-2 @ 58rc
Blade thickness: .154 Inch
Weight: 5.625 Ounces
 
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Smaller than you mentioned but I really like the Bark River Little Creek.
Overall Length:5.5 Inches, Blade Length:2.65 Inches, Blade Steel: A-2

BA151MBC.jpg
 
Check out Pat Crawford's neck knives...

I have his Legionnaire and it is a fantastic little utility. Made from a single piece of beadblasted S30V.

Sharp as anything. I use mine in the kitchen a lot.
 
The Bark River Highland Special is a good choice. I like the orange G-10 for woods. You're less likely to misplace/loose your knife when you inevitably set it down in the woods. Bark River has a lot of good choices for general use fixed blade.

I generally feel a two or three blade approach is best for woods or survival. I would not be without a good Vic Swiss Army knife. The one hand treker is a good choice as it has the large blade and saw blade and minimalist in other stuff. Add a 12" machete like the Ontario and you have a reasonably good chopper that is still compact.

My woods knife other than when I'm hunting is a SOG Seal Pup Elite with the plain edge blade. It is in your size range but certainly not as handsome as the Bark River blades.
 
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22-rimfire said:
I generally feel a two or three blade approach is best for woods or survival. I would not be without a good Vic Swiss Army knife. The one hand treker is a good choice as it has the large blade and saw blade and minimalist in other stuff. Add a 12" machete like the Ontario and you have a reasonably good chopper that is still compact.
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Teague said:
Go with a KJ Eriksson Mora Carbon Knife 711 for $10.88
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I agree :thumbup:. If you wanted, you could get a Mora, a SAK, and a Machete or Fiskars hatchet for a good bit under $100 and have a very workable combo.
 
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