Long term grid down scenario, which folder do you choose?

[evolution80]

the extrema ratio rao comes to mind - i had it - gifted it to my uncle - he is 5,2feet full of muscle -trying to use heavy force for most jobs - so i figured the knife suits him - lol

funny it has been mentioned

extrema ratio side note: i sold my er harpoon 2 - and gifted the other folder the nemesis to my other uncle - all three werent particularly sharp from the factory but seemed very tough

i would even try prying open a manhole cover with the rao

 

[Mitchell Knives]

I'd be happy with one of the custom frame locks I make or a balisong.

 

[Charlie Mike]

I'd be happy with one of the custom frame locks I make or a balisong.

Have you made a balisong yet?

 

[uxo2]

I am somewhat surprised that half of the responses
some type of "fever dream" than actually answering the question.

I'm a fiction novelist and a military officer of nearly 20 years (active).

I wanted objective data from knife enthusiasts like you before I went out to conduct my real world research.



JLB

Looks like you got your answer..

I like your books.
Day by Day Armageddon

 

[Mitchell Knives]

Have you made a balisong yet?

I have a few balisong designs worked out, but haven't had time to build them yet.

I'll probably work on those after I finish a few projects I'm working on.

 

[Surfingringo]

I am somewhat surprised that half of the responses spent more energy labeling my post/question as "stupid" or some type of "fever dream" than actually answering the question. This is the most popular knife discussion forum on the internet, so I assumed that most people would respect the question and either abstain, or respond professionally.

Not that it really matters at all who I am, but I think it's germane that I tell you all why I asked the question. I'm a fiction novelist and a military officer of nearly 20 years (active). As I frequently write about characters put in bad situations, I came to this forum to conduct research with you. I didn't mention my reasoning in the original post, as I didn't want it to skew the data, but I guess that doesn't really matter considering the nature of many of the responses here. I've portrayed main characters in my novels carrying real world, personally tested blades put through harsh testing so that my writing remains accurate. I do the same thing with firearms.

The purpose of this posting was simple; I wanted objective data from knife enthusiasts like you before I went out to conduct my real world research. I like to portray knives and firearms accurately in my fiction as I feel it's in the best interest of those that love knives. I've mentioned great knife companies like Spyderco, and Fallen Oak Forge in previous published writings with the hope that I can convert non-knife enthusiasts to this side of the spectrum.

I'd like to thank some of you for providing value added responses. I'm not sure I'll keep monitoring this post. If you'd like to e-mail me to discuss this topic off the forum, please do so via contact"AT"JLBourne.com or send me a FB message via FB.com/OfficialJLBourne

Thanks.

JLB

In that case, I would think you would value all of the feedback...ESPECIALLY from those who read your op and took the time to point out some of your ideas that didn't quite stand up to scrutiny. I would think that might be some of the most valuable information gained from a writers standpoint. Glad you were able to get some good info.

Take care

 

[Quiet]

I am somewhat surprised that half of the responses spent more energy labeling my post/question as "stupid" or some type of "fever dream" than actually answering the question. This is the most popular knife discussion forum on the internet, so I assumed that most people would respect the question and either abstain, or respond professionally.

Not that it really matters at all who I am, but I think it's germane that I tell you all why I asked the question. I'm a fiction novelist and a military officer of nearly 20 years (active). As I frequently write about characters put in bad situations, I came to this forum to conduct research with you. I didn't mention my reasoning in the original post, as I didn't want it to skew the data, but I guess that doesn't really matter considering the nature of many of the responses here. I've portrayed main characters in my novels carrying real world, personally tested blades put through harsh testing so that my writing remains accurate. I do the same thing with firearms.

The purpose of this posting was simple; I wanted objective data from knife enthusiasts like you before I went out to conduct my real world research. I like to portray knives and firearms accurately in my fiction as I feel it's in the best interest of those that love knives. I've mentioned great knife companies like Spyderco, and Fallen Oak Forge in previous published writings with the hope that I can convert non-knife enthusiasts to this side of the spectrum.

I'd like to thank some of you for providing value added responses. I'm not sure I'll keep monitoring this post. If you'd like to e-mail me to discuss this topic off the forum, please do so via contact"AT"JLBourne.com or send me a FB message via FB.com/OfficialJLBourne

Thanks.

JLB

Of what value is writing realistically about guns and knives, when you have your characters placed against an entirely unrealistic backdrop? What possible scenario would result in there somehow not being anything but folders left, and needing to use them to pry up a manhole cover? Any scene you write where that happens is going to be automatic BS. If I were to read a scene in a book where "Jim, stranded far from his loved ones, decides (inexplicably) to take a shortcut through the sewers. So, he flips out his Spyderco Endura 4 and jams the tip into the seam. An instant of effort, the 200lb. pig-iron disk flips into the air and lands 15 feet away. Jim is gone down the rabbit-hole before the sound can alert the roving mutant gang to his presence! Tonight...Jim dines in HELL." that's completely going to ruin it for me.

I mean, come on.

 

[rajincagin]

Maybe if you don't like the thread, don't participate. That's too easy though, like Mr. Spark says, "haters gonna hate", it is inevitable.

 

[G.Moll]

I would want something simple, easy to maintain, and with minimal parts. Any of the ZT frame or liner locks would probably be the move. If I wasnt going frame lock id go axis lock, and have either the Adamas or 950 Rift. The Omega springs would be my only concern.

 

[G.Moll]

I'm going to be weird and say Svord Peasant knife for me. Can't imagine it wearing out, and it's not impossible to learn to open it with one hand. Not much maintenance required, other than keeping the blade oiled, which could prove to be unreasonable. Cheap too. L6 tool steel is quite easy to sharpen, and tough enough to not worry about chipping.

I read this shortly after I replied to this thread. I think this would be a grear choice if you just needed a cutting tool. Unbreakable "lock", super easy to maintain (heck you could carve yourself a pair of extra handle slabs if youre good) and a simple steel thats easy to sharpen.

 

[LittleMountain]

If I could take any folder, even if I don't currently own one, it would be a Case Trapper in amber bone. I like the look, I like the feel, and it works well. Keeps an edge for a long time with the use I put my knives through. It is also light, no lock to worry about failing, and comes with two blades. But that is just my opinion, I do not baton with folding knives (or even fixed blades for that matter) and I do not pry with them and while the thought of using a folder as a weapon does not sound likely in this situation, I figure these old slip joint knives have been used as such in the past by cowboys and outlaws alike.

 

[uxo2]

Of what value is writing realistically about guns and knives, when you have your characters placed against an entirely unrealistic backdrop?


What possible scenario would result in there somehow not being anything but folders left, and needing to use them to pry up a manhole cover?


If I were to read a scene in a book where "Jim, stranded far from his loved ones, decides (inexplicably) to take a shortcut through the sewers. So, he flips out his Spyderco Endura 4 and jams the tip into the seam. An instant of effort, the 200lb. pig-iron disk flips into the air and lands 15 feet away. Jim is gone down the rabbit-hole before the sound can alert the roving mutant gang to his presence! Tonight...Jim dines in HELL." that's completely going to ruin it for me.

I mean, come on.

At least you were nice about it.

 

[crb2126]

My answer is a simple one since I only own a Todd Begg Bodega I guess that's the one I would use. They would be many tools available in a situation like that so I doubt I would have to pry open any doors with my knife when there would be better things laying around I could use so my knife would be saved for cutting only like it was intended.

 

[Quiet]

At least you were nice about it.

Well, the problem with survival fiction is that it always assumes that people are able to get to their preps/supplies/etc. In reality, scenarios that preppers (and others who enjoy apocalyptic disaster porn/fantasy) envision would, in actuality catch them (and everyone else) entirely by surprise, leaving them stranded with only what they have with them. Thing is, most people who consider themselves preppers are going to have a decent amount of supplies within reach, which would invalidate OP's question in any case.

Lastly, the thing to remember is that absurd questions like "What if you only had a folder to survive a longterm OMG apocalypse Walking Dead scenario!" are absurd because they still put the main emphasis on gear. Gear is actually only about 10% of the equation. Skills, mindset, and courage are worth vastly more than the best folding knife ever made. I don't care if you could use it to benchpress a car. Truth is, it doesn't matter what knife you have. Problem is, most people who post up questions like the OP* still think of survival or being prepared as "Well, I've got this huge pile of stuff from awesomesurvivalpreps.com and a maxed credit card, I am totally set! Check out this sweet knife! Check out this awesome pack! See that? I paid $500 for this tent. Neat, right?" Because it's super easy to just buy stuff, but not easy at all to actually learn, practice, and grow a useful skillset.

Ok, I'm merely sermonizing at this point. Sorry 'bout that. Also, understand, I'm not trying to trash talk the OP here. I'm merely trying to explain the reasons why he's getting some of the answers he's gotten, which clearly were not what he was looking for. "What folder for this insanely specific situation!" is not a realistic question. :thumbup:





*NOT saying the OP is like this, just many people I've seen in my personal experiences

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Analyzing complex scenarios can often be done by breaking down the situation into separate parts, assigning each to a team, and combining their conclusions at the end.

In a case like this, asking which folder you would take and how it would meet a variety of challenges, is not ruling out other gear. It is finding if a folder is a good choice to add to the final kit. This is not unrealistic, especially since many of us carry a folder regularly anyway. 'your survival knife is the knife you have with you when you find yourself in a survival situation.'

No need to intrude other kit possibilities at this point. Let the other teams -- or the next discussion -- deal with them. Intruding other possibilities in a snide remark is really poor form.

 

[fetzer85]

Lastly, the thing to remember is that absurd questions like "What if you only had a folder to survive a longterm OMG apocalypse Walking Dead scenario!" are absurd because they still put the main emphasis on gear. Gear is actually only about 10% of the equation. Skills, mindset, and courage are worth vastly more than the best folding knife ever made. I don't care if you could use it to benchpress a car. Truth is, it doesn't matter what knife you have. Problem is, most people who post up questions like the OP* still think of survival or being prepared as "Well, I've got this huge pile of stuff from awesomesurvivalpreps.com and a maxed credit card, I am totally set! Check out this sweet knife! Check out this awesome pack! See that? I paid $500 for this tent. Neat, right?" Because it's super easy to just buy stuff, but not easy at all to actually learn, practice, and grow a useful skillset.

That's a beautiful paragraph my friend...honestly, very profound. :thumbup:

 

[JNewell]

Training and mindset are irrelevant. Buying gear is all that matters, it is like having the silver bullets at a vampire convention. Knowing how to make do and how to use what you've got isn't needed. I know these things are true because I read them on the internet.



:thumbdn:

Well, the problem with survival fiction is that it always assumes that people are able to get to their preps/supplies/etc. In reality, scenarios that preppers (and others who enjoy apocalyptic disaster porn/fantasy) envision would, in actuality catch them (and everyone else) entirely by surprise, leaving them stranded with only what they have with them. Thing is, most people who consider themselves preppers are going to have a decent amount of supplies within reach, which would invalidate OP's question in any case.

Lastly, the thing to remember is that absurd questions like "What if you only had a folder to survive a longterm OMG apocalypse Walking Dead scenario!" are absurd because they still put the main emphasis on gear. Gear is actually only about 10% of the equation. Skills, mindset, and courage are worth vastly more than the best folding knife ever made. I don't care if you could use it to benchpress a car. Truth is, it doesn't matter what knife you have. Problem is, most people who post up questions like the OP* still think of survival or being prepared as "Well, I've got this huge pile of stuff from awesomesurvivalpreps.com and a maxed credit card, I am totally set! Check out this sweet knife! Check out this awesome pack! See that? I paid $500 for this tent. Neat, right?" Because it's super easy to just buy stuff, but not easy at all to actually learn, practice, and grow a useful skillset.

Ok, I'm merely sermonizing at this point. Sorry 'bout that. Also, understand, I'm not trying to trash talk the OP here. I'm merely trying to explain the reasons why he's getting some of the answers he's gotten, which clearly were not what he was looking for. "What folder for this insanely specific situation!" is not a realistic question. :thumbup:





*NOT saying the OP is like this, just many people I've seen in my personal experiences

 

[RetiredGuns]

Yeah, most of the zombies are killed with sharpened sticks, hammers and a parking sign! The knife is used to open a can of peaches.

 

[fetzer85]

Yeah, most of the zombies are killed with sharpened sticks, hammers and a parking sign! The knife is used to open a can of peaches.

I thought it was amusing how easily & accurately she could swing that sign around. If I could just find a folding parking sign to fit in my pack...

 

[marcinek]

Analyzing complex scenarios can often be done by breaking down the situation into separate parts, assigning each to a team, and combining their conclusions at the end.

True, in some situations. But in others the taking each factor out of context and trying to combine them in the end turns into a jumbled, incoherent mess.

Isolating a folder like was done here is like asking what the best tire is without knowing what kind of vehicle it is going on.

It didn't help that the premise of the whole thread was convoluted and arcane at best. I'm not sure how we are "unprofessional" for finding it so. (One would think an professional author would want to be straightforward and clear in their language. )

Anyway, seems to me the whole thread would have went perfectly smoothly if we were all just asked for our favorite rugged, low-maintenance folder. But, I'm an editor, not an author.

And I'm still sticking with the Leatherman even if it was never verified that it fit the author's premise.

(And I'd still like to know why the heck I'm going down in the sewers.)