Looking for a knife that I can use for most things

[John A. Larsen]

One thing you will notice is universal knife designs have been around for a very long time, in some cases for centuries. You can see how similar their design is. Here is the Finnish Puukko it has been in use in Finland, and especially by the Sámi of Northern Finland since the 12th Century. This example is an issue Puukko for the Finnish Army. A version of the Puukko is on the list of equipment authorized for US Special forces for Arctic use.

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Where did you get the information that this knife is issued to the Finnish Military? It is made in China, and is not a puukko style knife. Puukkos are carried by Finns, this is more like a Leuku carried by the Sami. Sportsmans Guide sells this and a larger version (longer blade) again made in China. Also interested in the puukko authorized for U.S. Special Forces for Arctic use. Thanks. John

 

[ElementalBreakdown]

Did anyone mention ka-bar? They are under $100 and if it's a fixed blade you're after they were issued to many militaries so shouldn't seem completely wacky like the fantasy knife posted.
But a small folder from civivi should do "most things".

 

[captaincalamari]

The knife in your picture is the 'Daryl Dixon Walking Dead knife'. Easily found on the bay and most say they are 'custom, handmade of D2 Steel in Pakistan'. Any knife made in Pakistan is suspect and regarded as junk by most knife guys, especially here on Blade Forums. Mystery steel, dubious heat treat, if any, and plywood handles. That knife is a wall hanger or for cosplay.

Yeah Ive found like 9 of them, however only 2 are allowed in the Uk despite being the same thing, and the cheapest is £150

 

[captaincalamari]

Did anyone mention ka-bar? They are under $100 and if it's a fixed blade you're after they were issued to many militaries so shouldn't seem completely wacky like the fantasy knife posted.
But a small folder from civivi should do "most things".

Despite what everyone else said this is basically what I was looking for, and now Im thinking of getting one, thank you

 

[transmaster]

Despite what everyone else said this is basically what I was looking for, and now Im thinking of getting one, thank you

The Kar-Bar is a very good utility knife.

The knife in your picture is the 'Daryl Dixon Walking Dead knife'. Easily found on the bay and most say they are 'custom, handmade of D2 Steel in Pakistan'. Any knife made in Pakistan is suspect and regarded as junk by most knife guys, especially here on Blade Forums. Mystery steel, dubious heat treat, if any, and plywood handles. That knife is a wall hanger or for cosplay.

You can watch these Pakistani knives being made on YouTube. They are mostly made out of old truck leaf spring steel 5160,

5160 vs. 1095: Which Steel Is Better For Knife Making?

The type of steel best for your knife will depend largely on what type of knife you’re trying to create. When it comes to making swords and survival knives, 5160 steel is better than 1095 carbon steel, as it’s tougher and easier to sharpen. It’s also flexible, which is a plus for sword makers.

www.redlabelabrasives.com

 

[draggat]

The Kar-Bar is a very good utility knife.

You can watch these Pakistani knives being made on YouTube. They are mostly made out of old truck leaf spring steel 5160,

5160 vs. 1095: Which Steel Is Better For Knife Making?

The type of steel best for your knife will depend largely on what type of knife you’re trying to create. When it comes to making swords and survival knives, 5160 steel is better than 1095 carbon steel, as it’s tougher and easier to sharpen. It’s also flexible, which is a plus for sword makers.

www.redlabelabrasives.com

Kabar knives are good. No worries there.

Regarding Pakistani knives that's a BIG maybe. I will completely admit to ignorance, but I do know that Pakistan is not a historical place of knife manufacturing and is known for blatant rip off low quality knives. Personally, I refuse to buy them and my knowledge comes from others who have. The reports are overwhelmingly in favor that they are

 

[ElementalBreakdown]

I see you can get one from Hennie Haynes (sp?) but they are $170. I think if you are careful you should be able to pick up a decent military one on Ebay for half that.
If you want MagnaCut or something, then maybe I would pay that but otherwise Camillus and many other companies have been making these over 50 years with millions of copies and should be well under $100- IF you can sharpen. If you can't sharpen and have no interest in learning, maybe stick to new.

It's also an iconic design that thousands of different companies have copied, so do your homework before buying.

This was my first fixed blade, and the preferred fixed blade of choice for the Vietnam vets I shared hunting camp with as a kid. First knife I "properly" sharpened, first knife I fully butchered a deer with.
Balanced enough to stick in the dartboard (or more usually the cabin wall) when thrown from 10 feet.

Make sure you get one with a full tang (don't be tempted by the ones that unscrew at the pommel to stash stuff).

I'm happy that you found my suggestion helpful, don't hesitate to ask if you have any further questions about a specific piece you are looking at.

I still have my first ka-bar for sentimental reasons, it's a stacked leather pommel /leather sheath version by Camillus with the Marines logo stamped on it. Black coated blade. It still has a home in my secondary hunting gear.

My primary now is a Gerber LMF 2.
Only because I can hang it vertically from my pack strap and if I need a knife in my hand NOW it's as easy as grabbing my left shoulder and yanking down- and it clicks back into the MOLLE sheath just as fast.

For the past decade or so, I can afford to carry whatever I want- but choose the Gerber LMF 2 when packing /hunting because it's a tool, not a toy.

 

[RocketFoot]

Did anyone mention Cold Steel? Cold Steel has a plethora of all purpose and capable knives!

 

[GPyro]

I think the most versatile cutting tool is a cordless sawzall.
It will cut more things than anything mentioned here.
The blades are replaceable. Plus there are material specific blades as well.
I used it to carve the thanksgiving turkey and field process game.


Pair it with a Buck 110 and you're prepared for anything.

 

[ElementalBreakdown]

I would stay away from Cold Steel - even in the USA places like Amazon are selling stuff with terrible, uneven grinds, sheaths that don't fit properly, etc.
I love my Black Bear Classic, but it's vintage. Everything made since they sold out to whatever company owns them now is barely above mall ninja quality, and no one that picks up the phone has a clue what we care about.
I went through 3 layers of people before anyone even knew the product line (was looking for a sheath for a 2nd BB Classic I picked up for my buddy), and it seems as if they are just going through the motions and running on fumes at this point.
Notice their subforum here has gone unmanned for years. Not sure they are even paid supporters anymore.

The final straw for me was a Tai Pan that would not come out or go back into the sheath without significant force, with all 4 edges ground completely differently, none of them well.