Looking for some guidance: Hunting/Survival Knife

Joined
Oct 18, 2013
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39
Hello

I was looking for some guidance in purchasing a hunting/survival knife. The primary use would be hunting but if it can double as a survival knife all the better. I thought this process would be simple but all the different metals, price points, etc are just blowing my mind. I was hoping I could get a kickstart on what knives to look at so I can focus and narrow down my selection.

Here's what I'd like:
* Sub $100 or slightly over
* Strong enough to go through bone (just deer rib cage so nothing that crazy)
* Sharp
* Preferably retains edge and/or has some kind of lifetime sharpening service
* medium sized blade

I was looking at the Cutco 1769, SOG NW Ranger, or Fallkniven F1. I'm not sure if I'm even looking at decent blades or if I'm just lost in space.

Any advice or basic knife reading articles would be helpful.

Thanks
Sam
 
Becker BK-16, 17, or maybe 15
ESEE 4
Or put in a little extra coin and get a CG Swamprat Ratmanduex
 
Any of the blades you mentioned or were suggested will work. The Fallkniven F1 is probably the best of the three you mentioned. I think that Cutco is the only brand that offers sharpening service but you may need to send it out. Buy a less expensive knife and find someone, where you live, to sharpen it for you. Or even better-learn to sharpen it yourself. At the low end, a Mora or even a Green River Belt Knife will work well. Many use a 2 knife system. Let us know what you decide.
 
I'm curious about your need to cut bone/deer ribcage. The sternum is cartlidge. Most any sharp knife will do. I've done it with everything from a pocket knife to a Becker BK11... the little Necker knife. IMHO, just get a good quality hunting knife that fits your hand well and pleases your eye. Use it and learn what it can and can't do for you. Every hunter has his own favorite, or several that he rotates between. I could recommend my favorites, but really this is something you need to find on your own. And don't weigh too heavily on the "survival" bit. You can "survive" just fine with about any decent hunting knife made, even a lockback like the Buck 110 or Schrade LB-7. Good luck!
 
Under a hundred bucks? Cold Steel Master Hunter is a cool knife with good steel, a nice handle and great sheath.
Fallkniven F1 or S1 would be a step up.
 
Just beat my, Condor Bushlore with micarta handles, through 22" red oak split, but still wet(green) wood. I'm amazed. It held up fine, even through knots. I would have never done this with more expensive knives, Condor has made a good knife as far as mine.
 
I think you've started off on the right foot. the non-chinese SOGs are still very good, you might consider the Field pup as well, the falknivens that I've handled have been top notch.
I'd also suggest anything from Buck, ESEE (3 or 4), or Mora, or the Kabar/Becker "tweener" (bk15,bk16,bk17)
In fact a good starting point might be the Mora 2010, fairly cheap, very sturdy, and it will let you know what features/aspects you like/ don't like about knives.
Without knowing what area you hunt in, its hard to tell which other tool would be helpful for survival such as a hatchet, saw, small axe or machete.
Sorry, I have not helped with focusing down much. Maybe tell us what you already own, or have used, and what you like and don't like, and we can throw in some more guided advice?
 
Personal opinion here:

For hunting and practicing survival crafts I would go with a 3 to 3.5 inch blade.

For hunting and game processing specifically I have found a larger blade can be used for most chores, however I strugle with larger blades when doing the finer work.

Also, not a sharpened prybar. A good blade heat treated well can be ground thin and still take some neglect from the user with out any worries. Have a look at the ESEE 3 IMO.
 
Get the F-1 It's a great all around knife. :thumbup:
 
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2nd vote for a Buck 119.
I have many high price customs but I have never been without a Buck 119, never had one fail, great knife. Not too big, but good all around knife.
 
Have John here on the forums (JK Handmade knives) make you a knife, i'm sure he can make you one for a little over 100 that's worth every penny. I beat the crap out of mine and it's still brand new.
 
Check out the scrap yard knife works 411. It's a 4" blade made of sr101, which is 52100 with Jerry Busse heat treatment protocol.

It's $99 plus shipping. The steel is excellent... it will hold an edge for a very long time and take any use/abuse you can throw at it.

http://www.scrapyardknives.com/sykco-411/
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