Looking to buy my first real survival knife, could use some input

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stoop14

Joined
Jan 13, 2009
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I always had knifes but never spent much like sub 20$ on them, anyways have some xmas money and want to get a nice survival knife in a oh crap moment stuck in the mountains. I've been looking at the Esee 6 and 5, but was wondering if there is something you guys might recommend more. Also straight blade or a straight/serrated? Thanks in advance guys cheers.
 
Get an ESEE and all is well.

ESEE-4, 5, 6 or the Junglas doesn't matter, you'll be very pleased with them all.
 
An ESEE is a good choice but there are many other brands as well as customs. Let me just say that if you have only ever spent less than $20 on a knife before then I will also guess that you don't use knives all that much. Buying an expensive knife without really developing the skills to make it useful is sort of like buying a toaster without having electricity.

I say, stick with your price point. Buy a mora allrounder ($17) and then a swiss army knife (e.g. victorinox farmer or one-hand treker). Spend some extra money on a book, like Bushcraft, and begin learning some knifework as it pertains to firecraft and shelter building. As you work through your skills you will begin to appreciate the things that your environment and your habits require the most in a knife. Build up from there.

Chances are, if you buy a fancy knife right now and you begin on the journey recommended above, you will abandon that initial knife choice for something different once you begin buying based on your experience.
 
How about a Mark Wohlwend Booshway !

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-08-10

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By pitdog2010 at 2010-10-21
 
Lots of people like the ESEE knives. I've owned all of them except the junglas and 5. I sold them all almost immediately. The handles don't work for me.
Most people will tell you that serrations aren't the best.
I really like BRKT knives. And cold steel Carbon V knives.
 
I'd do as Ken (Kgd) suggested. Get something cheap until you know what your feel for knives is. Everyone prefers different things. I love my ESEEs and customs, but they are not for everyone. Try out different blade shapes/designs and handle materials before you decide to spend a lot on a knife. It is best to know what you like before buying and expecting a lot, and then realizing it wasn't what you thought.

EDIT: Point proven. The guy above me didn't really like the ESEEs all that much, and I like them.
 
Mora Bushcraft Triflex
Becker BK2
Becker BK7
ESEE4
Kabar 1217
Condor Bushlore
Condor Rodan
Tramontina 14" Bush
Bahco 21" bow saw

Bushcraft by Mors Komchanski
Primitive Technology, a Book on Earth Skills by David Wescott

Good luck, and good hunting.

Moose
 
ESEE is outstanding - I don't think you will hear many speak ill of them. If you are looking at the 5, do yourself a favor and also have a look at the Becker BK-2. The steel is nearly identical as is the design (though you get grivory scales rather than micarta - I like that, some don't) for quite a bit less money.

BK-2 should set you back less than $60 depending on where you buy it and is apt to last longer than you and me combined.

I really like mine.

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Beckerhead #42
 
kgd said:
An ESEE is a good choice but there are many other brands as well as customs. Let me just say that if you have only ever spent less than $20 on a knife before then I will also guess that you don't use knives all that much. Buying an expensive knife without really developing the skills to make it useful is sort of like buying a toaster without having electricity.

I say, stick with your price point. Buy a mora allrounder ($17) and then a swiss army knife (e.g. victorinox farmer or one-hand treker). Spend some extra money on a book, like Bushcraft, and begin learning some knifework as it pertains to firecraft and shelter building. As you work through your skills you will begin to appreciate the things that your environment and your habits require the most in a knife. Build up from there.

Chances are, if you buy a fancy knife right now and you begin on the journey recommended above, you will abandon that initial knife choice for something different once you begin buying based on your experience.
Click to expand...

Based on my own experiences I think this is some solid advice.
 
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kgd said:
An ESEE is a good choice but there are many other brands as well as customs. Let me just say that if you have only ever spent less than $20 on a knife before then I will also guess that you don't use knives all that much. Buying an expensive knife without really developing the skills to make it useful is sort of like buying a toaster without having electricity.

I say, stick with your price point. Buy a mora allrounder ($17) and then a swiss army knife (e.g. victorinox farmer or one-hand treker). Spend some extra money on a book, like Bushcraft, and begin learning some knifework as it pertains to firecraft and shelter building. As you work through your skills you will begin to appreciate the things that your environment and your habits require the most in a knife. Build up from there.

Chances are, if you buy a fancy knife right now and you begin on the journey recommended above, you will abandon that initial knife choice for something different once you begin buying based on your experience.
Click to expand...

very well said, great advice !!:thumbup:
 
What are you trying to survive?

Is it just a mishaps in the woods kind of thing, or is there going to be hand to hand combat with ninjas thrown in?

What kind of mountains? Meaning above or below the tree line?

If you romp places with lots of woods to use in wilderness survival, get yourself a good axe (meaning hatchet), and a good knife.

I prefer traditional axes, and I hate to admit it, but the Collins hatchet I picked up at Ace Hardware for $6 is one of the best I have. You'll need to rig a blade guard for it, as the rubber edge cover falls apart the second time you use it. But you can be resourceful and make one from cardboard and duct tape.

Then try a cheap knife. I like Puukko style knives, which Mora makes about the least expensive of that type you'll ever find.

Between those two, you'd just spent about $16 + tax.

The most expensive knife I'd get right now is a Swiss Army knife (the Victorinox Outrider being my favorite for all-round outdoor use). Maybe $30.

Then, save your money, and like KGD said, once you know your preferences and usage pattern, you can spend some real money on a really nice production or custom knife and/or axe.

I freely admit I'm one of the ones that chased after every "must have" expensive knife as soon as I got a job, and I've sold them all in the course of refining what I like.
 
many people like the ESEEs, and they also offer a pouch you can secure to the sheath of the 5 or 6, but also works on the 3 and 4 with a litle tweaking or 550 cord.

Becker is also a decent value for the money and you can get their aftermarket micarta handles.

Moras may be fine knives, but not quite what makes me confident in a "hard use" knife. i'd rather have something with a full tang. but they should be just fine for most utility use and the price is very reasonable.

for customs, the Booshway mentioned above, or the Hachula from Fletcher, or a number of other knives are available from some of the makers with subforums on here, or just the guys that sell in the makers' forum.

a lot of it depends on the area you're in, and what you'r doing there. different regions will have different tools work better than in other regions.
 
I would tend to agree with experimenting with the skills while using something along the lines of a mora or condor. Then you can upgrade to something more purpose driven for what you need. Otherwise if you have the cash and just love knives like a lot of us start off with some more along the lines of ESEE or BHK or a custom
 
stoop14 said:
I always had knifes but never spent much like sub 20$ on them, anyways have some xmas money and want to get a nice survival knife in a oh crap moment stuck in the mountains. I've been looking at the Esee 6 and 5, but was wondering if there is something you guys might recommend more. Also straight blade or a straight/serrated? Thanks in advance guys cheers.
Click to expand...

Buckle up, because your quest has just begun.
There are lots of good knives out there. One mans perfect survival knife may not be yours.
I'll almost guarantee you, that you'll buy a knife someone has recommended. It will be a good knife, capable of doing just about any job. But, to you, its just lacking something. That was my story anyway.
I started with a Sog Seal Pup, then a Gerber LMF, next Ranger RD6, Camillus pilots knife, Sog Field Pup, Mora 2000.
They are all good knives, but finding the one that suits YOUR needs, looks, handling, well thats the quest.
I live in Ohio, so for me, I have found that my Mora 2000, and Camillus Pilots knife suits me and my needs. Yours, I'm sure will be different.

Happy hunting :D And Welcome to the Best Forum Around.
 
moosez45 said:
Mora Bushcraft Triflex
Becker BK2
Becker BK7
ESEE4
Kabar 1217
Condor Bushlore
Condor Rodan
Tramontina 14" Bush
Bahco 21" bow saw

Bushcraft by Mors Komchanski
Primitive Technology, a Book on Earth Skills by David Wescott

Good luck, and good hunting.

Moose
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Moose has it all about covered..

I'd add the :

Kabar JAB Potbelly (my favorite I've had so far)
Condor Hudson Bay

:thumbup: on the Mora knives too. Can't be beat for the quality and value you get. Love them.
 
I love mora knives and keep them as back-up but I prefer a knife with a little more beef to it. My recommendations are the Becker BK2 or Cold Steel SRK. Both are good and there's absolutely no need to spend more than what either of these cost.

Good luck,
 
Check out Mark Wohlwend's SAR-5 ! I love mine !
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Mark makes some Sweet knives & is a great guy to boot ! :thumbup:
 
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