What exactly are these knives going to be doing in a survival situation?
~In almost any part of continental U.S., chopping down a tree will be low on the list of priorities. The largest tree you'll be attacking could be easily handled with a 4-5" blade and a baton.
~Splitting wood seems likely. Batoning can be used to make a bow drill set, prep firewood, and make tools like a digging stick.
~Carving wood is another likely task. Preparing traps, making a fire set, making a fish spear, all require both gross and fine carving abilities.
~Light-weight is good. In a survival situation you are likely to be moving around with little food, so ease of carry is important.
~Balanced against light-weight is the need for toughness; if you only have one knife, you don't want it breaking on you. In a survival situation you may have to use your knife for tasks you would generally use a tougher tool for.
~Ease of slicing bagels does not make my list for a 'survival' knife. It should be able to prepare food and game, but this shouldn't be it's specialty considering the other requirements.
Hate to say it, but it looks like Bear Grylls got at least one thing right! A 3.5-5 inch blade is probably best as it affords the toughness to take on larger tasks while remaining light and nimble. Those are my thoughts, anyway.
~In almost any part of continental U.S., chopping down a tree will be low on the list of priorities. The largest tree you'll be attacking could be easily handled with a 4-5" blade and a baton.
~Splitting wood seems likely. Batoning can be used to make a bow drill set, prep firewood, and make tools like a digging stick.
~Carving wood is another likely task. Preparing traps, making a fire set, making a fish spear, all require both gross and fine carving abilities.
~Light-weight is good. In a survival situation you are likely to be moving around with little food, so ease of carry is important.
~Balanced against light-weight is the need for toughness; if you only have one knife, you don't want it breaking on you. In a survival situation you may have to use your knife for tasks you would generally use a tougher tool for.
~Ease of slicing bagels does not make my list for a 'survival' knife. It should be able to prepare food and game, but this shouldn't be it's specialty considering the other requirements.
Hate to say it, but it looks like Bear Grylls got at least one thing right! A 3.5-5 inch blade is probably best as it affords the toughness to take on larger tasks while remaining light and nimble. Those are my thoughts, anyway.