Knife suggestions needed??

M

mash22

Joined
Dec 20, 2004
Messages
9
I am very new to the knife world. I have decided to get a good knife that I can use for hiking, camping, mountaineering and also for rescue purposes. I fly gliders and there is always a possibility that I might land out in a middle of a field or mountains.

I was first looking at a cheap Gerber but have decided to spend some more and get a high quality, strong, all purpose survival knife that keeps its edge and stays sharp after heavy use.

I was looking at the CRKT summit series (Denali), Convergence, or the Hammond ABC Operator. However after reading some of the posts here about these knives, I am not sure if these are good quality.

I would like a folding knife with a clip but I am also open to a fixed blade if the sheet is not too big. I am looking to spend up to $100 and I think a 3 – 4 inch blade would be enough.

Please let me know based on your experience what knife or manufactures are a good choice?


Thanks
 
For a fixed blade I would recommend a spyderco temperance.
http://www.newgraham.com/fixed_temp.htm

The cutting edge is 4 1/8" which is more than you're looking for but its always better to have more than you think you need:D.
As for a folder there seems to be a griptillian for every purpose out now. If you don't have one yet get one! You won't regret it.
 
Benchmade Ritter RSK grip or mini grip. Exceptional blade geometry, S30V steel, easy opening and closing one-handed (either left or right handed). Very durable.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

I think you'd be better served by a fixed blade for the serious outdoor work you have in mind. Take a look at these Spyderco choices: Bill Moran Drop Point, Temperance Fixed Blade, and especially the Fred Perrin Clip Point Bowie.

For a folder the Endura has a great reputation for reliablity.
 
Thanks for some of the suggestions.

Should get a combo edge or just a fine edge?

I am thinking that a combo edge might have some more uses?

Are Spyderco much better quality then CRKT?

Sorry if the questions are too stupid.
 
I am admittedly prejudiced, :) , but the RSK Mk1 was designed for both utility and survival by a pilot and has proven very popular with pilots. Combined with my Pocket Survival Pak and a pocket shelter, you'd be set for most any survival encounter you might experience. While a fixed balde does have a ultimate strength advantage, most pilots find that carrying a folder is simply less hassle and considerably more comfortable than carrying a fixed blade and that 99.9% of the time, it will suffice quite nicely. The RSK will perform equal to blades costing 2 or 3 times as much and I think you will find it has received good mention here and elsewhere.

http://www.aeromedix.com/?_siteid=a...6e241a96ce88aee2b&action=mfr&mfrid=dougritter

Any questions, just holler.

Doug Ritter
www.dougritter.com
www.equipped.org
 
3-4" blade, under $100?...The Benchmade 556 Mini-Griptilian or full-sized 551 Griptilian would be 2 excellent choices.
 
Just like Dan said,
The Benchmade 551 Griptilian cannot be beat.

I don't think you will be disappointed.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I prefer Spyderco over CRKT. Benchmade is always good and their Griptilian comes in many versions -- different blades, sizes, and colors. Very strong and a great grip, of course :D

For a great inexpensive backup, take a look at this Gerber River Shorty. This one is a personal favorite of mine for times when I don't want to risk an expensive knife, but I want an indestructible blade. You can clip the sheath on a belt or hang it from your neck. The knife ratchets into place.

Get a primary blade with a plain edge. Ordinarily you don't need serrations. They excel at starting a cut in fibrous materials -- rope or cardboard -- but otherwise they are a pain to maintain and don't shave materials as well as a plain edge. The Gerber makes a good chute or rafting or dive knife, so the serrations are appropriate there.
 
mash22 said:
Sorry if the questions are too stupid.
Click to expand...
We love questions. Without new guys asking questions, we'd have no one else to talk to but people we've already talked to and that gets old :D

"The only stupid question is the one you never asked."
 
Thanks everyone for your suggestions. It looks like the best choice for outdoors/survival situations is between these knives.

Spyderco - Bill Moran Drop Point, Temperance Fixed Blade, and especially the Fred Perrin Clip Point Bowie.

Benchmade 551 Griptillian and Doug Ritter MK1.

It is good to hear from folks that have used these knives and have experience. I will now have to go see if I can find them in the local shops to see which one feels the best.

If there are any other options feel free to comment.
Thanks again.
 
mash22 said:
Thanks for some of the suggestions.

Should get a combo edge or just a fine edge?

I am thinking that a combo edge might have some more uses?

Are Spyderco much better quality then CRKT?

Sorry if the questions are too stupid.
Click to expand...

I am surprised that no one talked about the TAK-1 from ontario.
Action gear Tak-1
 
Gotta throw the Spyderco Military into the mix. It's right at the $100 point, and is a heckuva cutter.
 
Spyderco Military, but use it in your pocket but with a long string and a little carabiner fixed to your belt; so u wont drop it should u land in a tree and had to cut yourself free. u need a one hand opener and i would suggest to stay away from a fixed blade. Should u land hard or crash the sheath itself could do some pretty good damage.Even if your blade doesn't perforate the sheath itself. Get a long enough string that u can retrieve it with both hands and that it actually reaches your harness from both sides, should u break one of your arms. i would also suggest to make a little survival kit with a foil thermoblanket, a flashlight, a firestarter, a sunmirror, and some First aid kit.. If u drop in some flares u will have a lot of worries less.
 
For a fixed blade, check out the Benchmade 220 Resistor. You can find it for under $100 and it meets all your criteria.
http://www.benchmade.com/products/product_detail.aspx?model=220

For a folder, the BM/Ritter RSK and the Spyderco Stretch fit your budget and will serve you well. I don't like combo edges because serrations are more difficult to maintain in the long run, but I think combo vs. plain edge is more personal preference than anything else.
 
If worrying about getting cut with the sheath, why not then get a dive knife and strap it to your leg? It has a strong blade, a light weight handle and also locks into the sheath so its not easily lost. Also it may have a blunted or squared point which could help with any digging that might be needed. Just a thought.

I'd say otherise get both a fixed blade survival knife and a folder with a clip. One or both of the knives could have serrations, especially the fixed blade along the spine, which could be used to saw 1" branches for shelter or a fire.
I'd also say get a fanny pack with some emergency survival gear in it: space blanket, magnesium stick or steel wool and 9v battery (capped), compass, a couple of small 'biners', small 2 cell 'AA' flashlight, GPS, tinderbox, munchies, water bottle and water purification tablets.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top