Looking for a camping/survival or all-around knife

id say more like a rat rc-3 and a rat rc-6 really you would probably do best to have a combo like a rc-6 and a leatherman. i cant stress enough that multi-tools are probably the most useful knives in the world. whenever a soldier goes overseas the one knife he is probably gonna have is a multitool usually a gerber because they are issued but i perfer leathermans.
 
I rally like the feel of the thicker custom handles on the F1 (from JRE Industries).

The RAT-4 is very solid as well.

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Yeah, actually having the knife/tool on your person will do more good than not having it. Thats why I was attracted to the BK11. Its thin and light weight for the most part. So more chances of me carrying it. And is supposedly pretty strong, based on reviews, and your pics (thanks).

I have a saw on my Leatherman Wave. But I dont know if I'll ever saw a tree with it though.. haha..

I know Im most likely not going to need to chop a tree down. I think Ill survive just fine as there are other ways to doing stuff. But its good to know that I can chop logs if wanted to :)

*drool* Nice F1 and RC4
 
C_1 said:
So if you guys only had a choice of 2 knives, for: cutting, slashing, slicing, dicing, skinning, shaving, chopping, digging, smashing, camping, survival, defense, urban, woods, mountains, etc etc; what 2 knives would it be? (sounds like another good thread topic :) )
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My little JK handmade Knives Anniversary EDC and a Victorinox Hiker works for me.

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Here are my thoughts -

Buy yourself a Cold Steel SRK or Becker BK7. As mentioned above, something from the Ontario Spec Plus line would also work. If a Buck 119 makes for a much easier acquisition (ala Walmart) get one of those. I always opt for carbon steel over stainless; the Buck 119 is a proven user, though, so I can recommend it. The SOG knife would probably be fine, too.

Take the chosen knife on your camping trip and use the heck out of it. Really put it to work and discover what the knife can and can't do.

Any of the above-listed knives are inexpensive, tough as heck, and great for learning with. Finding the knife that best suits your needs is a learning process. Starting out with a knife that's known to be tough and reliable, yet doesn't cost too much money, is an excellent way of learning what your druthers are for a fixed blade, survival-oriented knife.

You need to discover what you, personally, will use this knife for. By using the kife, you'll learn what blade length will work best; what handle size, shape, and material you prefer; what sheath style you like; what steel functions best for you; and many other factors. Buying an inexpensive, yet solid, starter knife des many things:
-you have a tool that fits your needs now
-you learn on an inexpensive knife what you truly want in a field knife
-the first knife will serve as a back-up once you've decided on a longer-term, and probably more expensive, knife
-the money you save on this purchase can be put toward other uses

This is the process I used for buying a survival knife for myself. I first started with a loaned Cold Steel Bushman. I learned I like a knife with a thicker spine, pronounced forefinger guard, and non-round handle.
My first, purchased survival knife was a CS SRK. It filled the bill in all regards save its length. Through using it, I found I prefer a knife with an 8"+ blade. When a Greco Explorer became available for less than $100, I nabbed it and haven't been disappointed at all. Five years after buying it, it's still my one-and-only fixed blade, survival knife. The SRK goes on short trips and functions as a loaner.

Good luck in your choice, pick the one that appeals to you most, and enjoy this adventure!
 
C_1 said:
SPXTrader: You don't like RAT Cutlery knives? I heard nothing but good things about them. Do you have and use something else that you think is better? Perhaps a Bark River or Fallkniven? Or am I way off? Sorry, Im a newbie..
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Quite the opposite! I have a RC-3, 4, 5 and an Izula. All of them are great knives and I wouldn't trade any of them for any other fixed blade knife! :thumbup:

The point I was trying to make was that for general camping/hiking and deer skinning, the RC-5 is just too big of a knife. Think about squirrel hunting with a .50 BMG.

SPXTrader said:
Now if I wanted a knife to use should I survive Armageddon, or find myself nekkid and stranded on an uninhabited south Pacific island, it would be the RC-5. In my experience, the RC-5 is just too big and heavy for general camping/hiking applications.
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As HW said, the RC-5 was designed and conststructed to be a survival knife. And if I ever need one, its good to know I have one! The knife is a huge hunk of steel! :thumbup:

RAT PACK # 166!
 
1.) I don't know anyone that has an SRK and doesn't like it. May not be their favorite, but it works.
2.) If you really can't wait a little and pony up another $30 for an RC4, then try the Ontario Rat Tak-1 http://www.knivesshipfree.com/Ontario-Knife-R.A.T.-TAK-1-D2-Carbon-Steel-RAT
3.) Ontario Ranger knives have a wide selection.
4.) Ontario Spec Plus Quartermaster is a good size knife, or they make bigger ones if you prefer.

As much as I truly love my high-end knives, before I came to Blade forums, I got along just fine in the woods with:
1.) SAK/Boy Scout knife/Buck 110
2.) Ontario Spec Plus Marine fighting knife
3.) Estwing Sportsman's hatchet
4.) GI machete
 
Bravo 1 or Fallkniven F1
rat4...

but from the ones you listed id go for the Cold Steel SRK
 
I wanna watch someone snipe squirrels with a 50 cal :)

But back to knives. Yeah, I know that its based a lot on preference, and our individual needs. As much as I would like to start off with a F1 or RC4, but like Trout Tamer says, I kinda want to start off with something cheap, so I can learn.

I been doing a lot of research, and the ones I listed, are the ones I am somewhat interested in. I was hoping that once I post the list, a best of the best will emerge.

And so far, it sounds like, I might have to start off with a CS SRK, or Becker BK7, and work my way up.

So.. lets say I wanted to cover all my bases but with the minimum number of tools. Would these be suffient?

-folding pocket knife (2-4")
-fixed blade knife (3-4")
-fixed blade knife (5"+)
-axe
-machete (14"+)
-Leatherman/Gerber multi-tool or Vic SAK
 
Are you hiking in or driving in? Your list looks a little heavy for hiking!

I've gotten away with a cheap folding saw, a decent fixed 4" fixed blade and a multi-tool. As your post drifts more toward camping, I'd suggest you check out this sub forum here. There is a sticky at the top of the page, and a lot of guys there that can help you better than I can.

Once you get a better feel for how you want to proceed, I think you'll begin to see the advantages and disadvantages of each piece of gear, and how each type of knife fits in to the big picture.

Squirrels and 700 gr. bullets don't get along too well! :p
 
Well, we're going to be driving in, setting up camp, then we're go hiking. Im not going to carry all of that, maybe just the multi-tool and a 5"+ knife, or a pocket knife and 3-4" knife? I dont know. Haha..

Either way, I have a Leatherman Wave, a Kershaw Leek, and soon a KaBar Dozier folder that I can take. I dont have a heavy duty fixed blade knife yet. Thats why I started this post. But I think Imma get the CS SRK or the Becker BK7 and see what happens.. However, they are both pretty big, and lugging it around while hiking will suck..
 
Where do you live?

IMO, to cover all your bases, you can get by with:
SAK (the saw is far better than on any multitool, except maybe a Victorinox MT), I prefer the Rucksack or Outrider -- you get the longest saw and locking blade, and enough tools, but not too many.

A fixed blade 5" or under.

A chopper.
This can be a hatchet, a machete, a kukri, a long knife, whatever works for you best.

There really isn't a whole lot in the way of hard rules on what you need. You have to figure out what you want/need to do, and how you want to do it. Some people like to do almost everything with a tiny knife, some people can do just about everything with their hatchet.

I'll warn you right now, though, if you hang around this forum, you'll probably never find your "perfect" setup, there will always be something new you "have" to try.
 
Teague: How do you like the Spec Plus 5? Do you use it a lot? Thoughts..
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It is just as good, if not better than any knife mentioned here. It performs with the best. I have several Spec Plus knives. I know there are some who won't buy Ontario knives because of the RAT controversy. But, if you can look beyond that, and try some of their knives, you won't be disappointed. I own 5 or 6 six of them now, and I've given many away as gifts. So far, no complaints. I really like the SP6.

Here's some good reviews:

Ontario SP5: Big Blade Mojo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6QmT4CnMwo&feature=channel_page

Becker Survival Knives: Gone But Not Forgotten

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UURmbD_hVO8&feature=channel_page

Ontario SP10 Marine Raider: I'm a Raider Fan Now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URWO7rceBnE&feature=channel_page
 
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Fallkniven S1 hasn't been mentioned. The Forest knife is one of my oldest knives and still one of my favorites for all around camping, survival and bushcraft.

Whoops, I missed that this knife was out of your price range. A good one thats cheaper is the Benchmade Rant Drop point.
 
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Before I became 'enlightened', ie, bought a bunch of BRK&T, Marbles, etc knives - including a RAT RC-5, I was happy with a pocket knife and either a Western hunting knife (Green Stamp purchase - lost during a movenearly four decades back!) or my late dad's old WWII KaBar, which he carried in the So. Pacific. It, and either a SAK or a Buck slippie or 110, were all I had - and all I needed.

Starting out today, I'd consider a SAK, like a Vic 'Farmer', or a Buck 110 ($27 @ WallyWorld), along with either a Buck 119 ($34 at WallyWorld) or even a KaBar USMC 'utility/fighting knife'. Amazon has some decent SAKs, too - many with 'free' shipping, if over $25. Start with something basic and functional - you can upgrade when you better know what you want. Heck, 'just' a Buck 110 is one heck of a camping/hiking/survival knife! And, the Buck 119 - Discovery's 'Survivorman', Les Stroud, often carried one on his sojourns - catch the reruns.

Good luck.

Stainz
 
I am not knowledgable concening a lot of the knives you list, but I have been very pleased with my SOG Seal Pup Elite (plain edge). It is my woods knife along with a SAK.
 
50 cal and Barnes Varmit 'exploding' bullets difinitely dont mix with squirrels :)

Too bad I live in the great People's Republic of Kalifornia. Haha. Can't buy 50 cal guns or 'exploding' bullets here..

I thought Benchmade CSK II's were suppose to be good. Maybe NutNFancy got one of them bad ones out of the batch or something.

The more research I do on the Cold Steel SRK, the more I like it.

I think my Leatherman multi-tool, the KaBar Dozier folding knife, and another knife will do.

So I narrowed down my choices:

1. Cold Steel SRK - Carbon V ($70)
2. KaBar Becker BK11 ($40) and an axe (make/model?)
3. Kabar Becker BK7 or BK9 ($80)

Which option should I go with?

Anybody find any of these knives for cheaper? Link or website please. Thanks!
 
If you think the RC5 is too big for daily backpacking and camping use think again, I have a RC5 on order to replace the seven inch Kabar I've been carrying for close to three years. and it's' OAL is almost 3 inches more than the RC5. An RC5 and a thin blade for slicing and skinning would be perfect
 
you can't spot on here but it's easy to find all of those cheaper. The bk7/9 come with a bk13, which is a pretty sweet deal.
 
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