Knife recommendation for jungle

I was born and raised in the Tropics, I think you'll need a hat, a mosquito net, a hammock, and the means to purify the water first (and a dictionary if you don't speak the language). I agree with Spyken almost 100% but I think that with some maintenance D2 (or any other steel) would survive, I'd be more concerned with wooden/leather handles not standing to the elements and the fauna than a little rust (almost everything rusts in tropical areas). In addition to the previously mentioned, Falkniven, SOG Field knife and AlMar SERE for stainless and BRK&T and Swamprat for carbon (bring CLP and Fritz).
Good Luck.
 
You are either a doctor or a missionary I would guess,that aside I have also been to the jungle for extended hikes and I would suggest to buy the best you can afford.Something with little upkeep in perhaps S30V,or a coated carbon blade,and definately a swiss army knife .Probably the best knife for the money,utilitarian all around dont care if you lose it or not would be a Ontario TAK.Or you may look at a RAT7 for the best survival type blade imo.Cold steel's SRK also comes to mind.I personally carry a Simonich Raven in S30V,I had to replace it once when in south America,so it was a costly lesson,I still would carry a blade of that price range though cause I'm a knife nut :D
 
I agree with many of the posts. I go for The Frosts Mora Military, a SAK like the backpacker or one handed trecker, a SAK Swisstool for in camp, and a Ontario Rat-7. In a few weeks, D2 versions of the Rat-7 and Tak knives will be released. D2 being more rust resistant, is also harder to field sharpen. The TAK in D2 might be just right since you did say 4".

Take a look at www.jungletraining.com

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Actually I'm not a missionary or a doctor, just a graduate student doing some research. I bought my hat already, but I'm still working on getting a water purification system, probably pick something up in the next couple weeks. I'm working on my spanish right now, but as far I know there isn't a dictionary available at the moment for the language the people I'll be working with speak. I know a missionary compiled one at some point, but it has been fairly difficult to locate. As far as mosquito nets are concerned, from what I've been told from previous people who have gone down to Bolivia your better off buying yours when you get there, as the quality is higher and the price is cheaper. When I was down there for about a month two years ago they seemed to work fairly well.

One thing about a knife is that I don't want to get something that looks like it could be a military issue type knife, as that may cause some unwanted attention.

Thank you for all your suggestions so far,
Anthroman
 
I think you made a wise comment about not wanting a military style knife.

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/e...t=&list=50&range=1&order=PriceAsc&SKU=FS760MG

As you can see, the SWAK is not very military looking and only $10 each. They also make a blue handled version that costs $9 each.

Knives are very personal so it's tough for us to know what you like and how you will be using your knife. Check out the rest of that website, they have many knives to choose from and they have good service.

Other good internet sources are 888knivesrus, AG Russell, Knifesite, Clinch Mountain and Knifeoutlet. I've ordered from all of these and have had good sevice.

Good luck and happy knife hunting,

Collecter
 
Get a Ka-Bar and a machete, and a SAK in the pocket. Not necessary to be expensive as long as they are tough and won't fail on you when u rely on them most. Jewelry or fancy quality won't really help u there. ;)
 
I've been in both Peruvian and Bolivian jungle. Very nasty condition, just remember to bring fire starter of some sort, a few hypodermic needles for infections (puss removal) It can get really wet and damp and no dry wood at times, so solid fuel may help. Also good bug repellent (milspec). Seek local formula as well!
I seconded Swamp Rat or Busse at the best of the jungle survival tools. I only have machettes, leatherman, and a cheap local blade over there. I had a few infection issues and do wish I have a needle around.
It was a damn hike up Lake Titikaka.
 
man! that's bad, bad, jungle for ya! Always pack : lights, large fixed blade, small fixed blade, good folder and a multi-tool.. You can also rig up yer own field survival kit.. Jungles are nasty places to leave yer knife and tools unattended..

Sam
 
I see that a link to Jeff Randall's site has already been provided. By all means, check it out. There's a lot of useful information there.
 
Why not a Tom Brown style tracker? Seems like it would come in handy in that enviroment.
 
If you're concerned about loss, you might want to consider lanyard / leash attachments. Y'know, 550 dummy cords. I've had plenty of things jump out of my pockets and walk away at the wrong time, nice to find them still attached when they're needed.
Good Luck and have fun!
 
Anthroman said:
Hello all,
I'm going to bolivia this year to stay for about a year in the rural jungle/rainforest area. I have a swiss army knife I am taking with me but I would also like to take a fixed bladed about 4'' in length. I was wondering if anyone would have any recommendations. The area I am working is along a river so there will be a fair amount of water travel involved and hiking about. Thank you.
Anthroman
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The suggested CS SRK is a good choice, tho' it is 6", not 5". A great knife for little money is the Becker Crewman ($40-50 range. You could buy two.). Dollar for dollar a very hard knife to beat.

Tho' longer than the 4" you're looking for it's a great value and doesn't look too military in the Desert Tan color. You know what's best for you, but a four inch knife seems just a bit too small to me, if I was to be in your situation.
 
Add another vote for the Cold Steel SRK... granted, it's not stainless, but it's a great knife...

Also, Ichor, I know you got one of those Swedish Utility Knives... how would you rate those for general cutting chores?
 
I gotta put a word in here for the Swamp Rat Howling Rat. ~4" blade, deep belly, good skinner, good kitchen knife. Black, but not really 'Military' looking. About the handiest blade shape around IMO. Yes, it will rust, but nothing bad. Check out the site www.swamprat.com and visit RatChat and ask around. If ya got the $$$$, the Busse Badger attacks in INFI. The later BA's and the Howling Rats have very similar profiles. Whatever you decide, buy the best you can afford.

Rob
 
MelancholyMutt said:
Add another vote for the Cold Steel SRK... granted, it's not stainless, but it's a great knife...

Also, Ichor, I know you got one of those Swedish Utility Knives... how would you rate those for general cutting chores?
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The SRK is a good knife. In a jungle situation I would expect to be using my knife numerous times each day. I always carry one of those red "neckerchiefs" in my pocket..... a quick wipe and on to the next task. At the end of the day examine your edge for rust (shouldn't have to worry about the epoxy coated blade). When camping, or whatever, I keep that little sample bottle that Miltech sent me handy. I put one drop on my forefinger, rub it against my thumb.......hold the edge between you thumb and forefinger and put a nice little coat on the edge. That's good until tomorrow.

Yeah, Mutt. I still have that little Swedish military issue knife by Frost's(thanks). Cuts like a striped assed ape. Takes an edge in seconds. Thin enough for any kitchen duty, but not at all fragile. This is not a pry bar, but is strong and stands up well under batoning for kindling. The handle and sheath seem impervious to everything. This little Swedish knife , and an SRK or Becker Crewman would provide all anyone would need in a short knife. The added bonus is that you could easily carry both as the Swedish knife is feather light. At $10-15 each.....heck, take 5 and if one breaks throw it away. I think you'd probably come back from your year long expedition with all five in working order. Save the SRK, Becker or Swamprat for the really nasty jobs.

BTW, speaking of Swedish knives, someome mentioned the Eriksson Mora 2000. I also have one of these and love it. At around $30 it does everything that most other Swedish knives do but comes with a nice shiny, better finished blade, a great sheath, and a handle that is rather soft to the touch and, in my experience, doesn't slip in the hand under most circumstances. It has a nice swept up tip that, tho' it's not a trailing edge, works almost as well. Takes as sharp an edge as anything I've ever handled and is also light as a feather. My 2 cents. YMMV.
 
Anthroman,
I think you are going to have a great adventure. Be sure to take your malaria medicine. I spent 6 months in the jungles of Thailand and even though I took Larium religously I contracted malaria 4 months after getting back in the states. I will tell you the knives I took with me and what I would change.
When I went to Thailand I took a SAK soldier, SOG tomcat, Kabar, and a spyderco sharpmaker. These knives all worked very well. I picked up a machete in country. Even though the Kabar was carbon steel I didn't really have any serious problems with rust. The leather handle did get moldy a couple of times but was easily cleaned off with no damage.

What would I change? I think you are wise to avoid military looking knives. Even though the Kabar served well I think I would leave it behind if going again.
First off I would not change my SAK soldier, unless I wanted a SAK with sissors. Don't get a SAK with "all the bells and whistles" as they get to big to easily carry and are too hard to hold.
I would take a medium sized folder with a clip instead of the SOG tomcat. Something like the Spyderco Delica or even better the Spyderco Calypso Jr. if you can find one. I would get a straight edge, but if you think you need serations no more than 50% serrated.
The next knife I would add would be a leatherman supertool. These little babies are sooo useful. Don't leave home without one. Get the supertool, it hase several useful tools, and blades and they all lock!
I would also take a dozen SAK paring knives, at $5.00 each they offer alot of cutting ability for little money. I would have kydex neck sheaths made for 2 of the SAK paring knives. These knives are so light you will hardly know they are around your neck until you need it. You can also trade some or give them away as gifts if you need to.
I would also take one or two carbon steel Frosts with the red/black injection molded handle. I would get custom kydex sheaths for these as the sheaths that come with them are not so good. At approx. $10.00 you have to cut costs somewhere. Get the sheaths with tec-loks and you can remove them when needed and wear around your neck if desired as these knives are very light weight also.
I would take a spyderco sharpmaker and a DMT double sided diamond folding hones. I would get the one with fine grit on one side and coarse grit on the other side. These two items will keep all of your knives cutting well, with the exception of your machete. When you buy your machete buy a small file to keep it sharp.
I would also buy a small climbing type backpack to take along, and one or two led flashlights. I took along a very expensive water filter and never used it. We cought water off the roofs of our huts for drinking. I would also put together a compact medical kit to take along. I would include water purification tablets, immodium AD, tylenol, ibuprofen, bandaids, steristrips, silk medical tape, small amount of duct tape, neosporine ointment, benadryl, and any perscription medications that you take. A couple of jars of peanut butter will go a long way. I would also take as many long paperback books as I could. One year is a long time and jungle time is at different "slower" pace. I would also arange for some friends/family to send you some care packages every couple of months. Trail mix with m&ms, batteries, more reading matterial and news from the states will be appreciated. Culture shock is for real. You will get it twice, the first time will be when you go to the jungle, the second time will be when you go back home after a year. Have fun and be safe. Sorry to ramble so long.

Tom
 
Tom, you wouldn't bring any of your knives? :D

seriously, what were you doing in Thailand for so long? :confused:

anyways, yes - those SAK paring knives are really good - that's what I meant when I said bring a kitchen knife that everyone can use and abuse...
 
spyken,
Of course I would take some of my knives, but I get a really good discount. :D When I went to Thailand I was on a limited budget and would assume that anthroman would also be on a limited budget. Most of the knives that I picked were down right inexpensive, not cheap quality though. They will make good barter items when you are getting ready to return to civilization, or in an emergency.

I was in Thailand doing missionary/volunteer work after I got out of nursing school. A friend and I had planned on working in a jungle clinic. It was on the border of Burma and Thailand. I ended up teaching in a school. We were in the middle of nowhere. Had a really good time. Eye opening experience.

The SAK cut way beyond anything you would believe. They are very thin and have great edge geometry so they cut well even when they are dull. They also sharpen very easily. You really will want to take a dozen of these and a couple kydex neck sheaths.

Tom
 
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