Need help choosing a Survival knife that fits these specifications!

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KevA

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Mar 5, 2014
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I'm not a knife expert so would like advice.

I am looking for a Survival knife to take with me during backcountry backpacking trips. Most trips last about 2 nights, occasionally 3.

The main purpose of the knife is batoning wood if I get stuck in wet weather and need a fire. I am not carrying a hatchet because of weight concerns.

Here is what I would like:

:thumbup: A THICK beastly tank of a knife. I'm thinking .20-.25 in thickness. I want to beat on this knife and abuse it and know it won't break. Plus I like thick knives I think they feel great and give me confidence.

:thumbup: I'd like the blade to be a min of 6 inches, but hopefully not longer than 8.

:thumbup: Drop point heavily prefered, as I am batoning.

:thumbup: I'd prefer a quality stainless steel, as my main use for it is in wet weather. I know most experts prefer carbon so prehaps you can change my mind on that one.

:thumbup: Common Man Priced. $50 - $130.

So far my two best contenders that I know about are:
1. The Becker BK2 (even though its a bit short for my taste and isn't stainless) but everyrone seems to love that knife so I'm considering it anyway.
2. SOG Force - (even though its a clip point, haven't heard much about it from people).



I'd love to hear your opinions on these knives and also suggestions for others. Also, am I totally nuts for wanting stainless steel? Will I regret that? Thanks in advance.
 
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You can't really go wrong with a Becker. You might also consider the Ontario RD line. They're not stainless but they are 1/4" thick 5160 spring steel and there are more sizes to choose from. 6,7, and 9" cutting edges all 1/4" thick. They are not really clip points. somewhere between a clip and a spear.
If by "wet weather" you mean sea water I don't know. Honestly my steel knowlege is nowhere near some of the others in these forums.
 
A lot of the bigger hard use knives on the market are not stainless steel. For one reason or another (which I'm sure someone can explain) it seems that most longer, thicker blades are made from 1095 or comparable steel, but that doesn't stop people from using them in the exact sorts of conditions you described. The Cold Steel SRK (San Mai steel version) comes to mind as a knife that would probably fit your needs, with the blade being 6" long and 3/16" thick. I have the AUS-8A steel version, and it really is a nice knife, and is just about the perfect size.
 
Sound like you need a Gerber LMF Infrantry 2! Those things are beasts! They are built to withstand anything. I love mine. They are hefty, fairly thick, holds an amazing edge and the sheath has a built in sharpener. Id pick one up if I were you!
 
I would probably do the Kabar Becker BK-2 (beastly) or BK-7. Take a look at the Condor line; perhaps the Rodan, Hudson Bay, or Woodslore. A medium sized knife is all you need for batonning. Chopping is another matter. You can accomplish all of what you want to do with a Ontario 12" machete for $20.
 
KevA said:
I am looking for a Survival knife to take with me during backcountry backpacking trips. Most trips last about 2 nights, occasionally 3.

The main purpose of the knife is batoning wood if I get stuck in wet weather and need a fire. I am not carrying a hatchet because of weight concerns.

Here is what I would like:

:thumbup: A THICK beastly tank of a knife. I'm thinking .20-.25 in thickness. I want to beat on this knife and abuse it and know it won't break. Plus I like thick knives I think they feel great and give me confidence.

:thumbup: I'd like the blade to be a min of 6 inches, but hopefully not longer than 8.
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Welcome! Get one of the Beckers or ESEEs that everyone will suggest. Excellent choices. If you are going to get yourself the Gerber LMF you might as well save the money, find a brick or rock, and throw it at the trees.

Quick questions:

1) This isn't really "survival," its just 2 day hiking trips, correct?
2) There are these "weather reports" these days. Have you checked them out? :D If you get "stuck" in rain in a planned 2 day trip, you might need more than a "survival" knife to make it. You should be expecting it. "What the?!? These woods have bears in them!"
3) If you are not carrying a hatchet due to weight concerns...then why are you carrying a "thick beastly tank" of a knife?
 
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marcinek said:
3) If you are not carrying a hatchet due to weight concerns...then why are you carrying a "thick beastly tank" of a knife?
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That. My knife setup for backpacking trips with short hikes consists of a SYKCO Mud Mutt (8 oz w/sheath) and a folder.
My knife setup for extended hikes on backpacking trips consists of a custom 5" slicer in M4 from Big Chris (6.5 oz w/sheath), a folder, and a necker.

The BK2 is closer to a pound (16 oz) with it's sheath. Ask yourself what you'll actually need on a backpacking trip.
 
Don't kid yourself. The becker and knives of this size weigh as much or more as a hatchet. The becker is what 15 ounces? Then you add a sheath which is another 5 ounces or so. That's as much as a hatchet.

If you get caught in a rainstorm I would suggest putting a tarp up and maybe throwing on an insulating layer with a rain shell on top. Heck since you're backpacking you can even just get into your sleeping bag on your sleeping mat under your tarp/tent and take a nap. ;) You can split wood with a mora at 4 ounces including sheath but if you WANT a big knife I hear condor's hudson bay is pretty nice.
 
You want to carry a 6-8" long blade that is 1/4" thick because of "weight concerns"? :rolleyes:

For backpacking, look to a Fiskars hatchet and a SAK...
-Weighs the same as many 6" long x 1/4" thick blades
-Chops better than a large fixed blade
-SAK offers greater utility than a single fixed blade
-Can purchase both for about $60

Lots of backpackers make due with just a SAK classic- I don't prescribe to that level of crazy ounce counting, but a SAK and an IZULA or Mora will pretty much cover your bases for most any backpacking scenario (and weigh a whole lot less than a hatchet OR giant fixed blade).
 
I use my Ontario Blackbird for batoning, and it has proven to be a very hefty, high function knife for me. It's only a 5" blade, but the longer the blade the harder it is to do certain tasks, so for me it's been the perfect size. It does use 154CM stainless. It just feels good in the hand. The spine is flat and has nice edge for striking flint.
 
I really would go with the Bk-2 in that price range or go with an Esee 6. I would also consider Scrapyard as they have a 711 in the price range, so scrapyard, Esee or Kabar, the Kabar will be the most inexpensive and still be good quality.
 
Slightly on the expensive side, but on the exchange I'm sure you could score a deal on a falkniven A1. Laminated vg10 stainless. .25 blade thickness. Around 6 inches. And batons great for its weight.
 
marcinek said:
Quick questions:

1) This isn't really "survival," its just 2 day hiking trips, correct?
2) There are these "weather reports" these days. Have you checked them out? :D If you get "stuck" in rain in a planned 2 day trip, you might need more than a "survival" knife to make it. You should be expecting it. "What the?!? These woods have bears in them!"
3) If you are not carrying a hatchet due to weight concerns...then why are you carrying a "thick beastly tank" of a knife?
Click to expand...

I'd be glad to answer your questions:

1. Incorrect. Thats like saying my chef knife isn't really a "Chef's knife" if I am not a Chef. Survival is a class of knives used by many manufacturers. Also, with poor enough planning even a 2 hour walk in the woods can certainly become a survival situation!

2. Ha! I do always look at those things called "weather reports". I won't go out in a hurricane but I am not going to give up on my 3 day vacation for a couple hours a rain. I'll hole up under my tarp for a few hours. The problem is, after it passes the ground will still all be wet and I will need to split some wood for a fire. Thats why I asked for advice on a good knife!

3. This is something I thought VERY much about. I currently own the friskars 14" camp axe and have taken it on trips in the past. I am looking to cut some weight from my kit. The Axe weighs 2lbs, the beastly knives weigh 1.b. That 1 pound, combined with some other cuts in my pack will add up to 5lbs cut out of my pack. This next hike is going to be straight uphill the first two days so that 5lbs will make a big difference. My pack is heavy! As for an even lighter knife? Well I already said why not. Thick knives give me more confidence as I am already giving up my hatchet so I'd at least like a really heavy workhorse knife. I think its a good compromise.


:D Thanks for all the great suggestions everyone! This is a tough & important decision for me so all your input is greatly appreciated.
 
Get yourself a small folding saw (like a Silky Pocket Boy) along with your knife. Good for dead stuff and cutting stakes. I always will carry a pocket knife (usually a Vic SAK) in addition to a fixed blade. Honestly, I seldom need a fixed blade for anything when you get down to it. If you want a fixed blade, I think you can get by with a nice sturdy 4" knife such as the Kabar Becker BK-16 or even a BK-14/BK-24 unless you're trying to split 8-12" logs. The SOG Seal Pup Elite or Northwest Ranger would work well too. There are many many choices. You really don't need a big fixed blade. But, I know how it is, so get a nice fixed blade you like and use it.
 
The BK-2 is insanely heavy. I wouldn't want to lug it around with me. A folding saw such as the Bahco Laplander is the way to go. Then carry a mid-sized knife such as an ESEE-4, or one of the Becker 'Tweeners' - the BK-16 would most likely be the one for you. Any of the Fallkniven knives F1/S1/A1 would also be excellent.
 
KevA said:
1. Incorrect. Thats like saying my chef knife isn't really a "Chef's knife" if I am not a Chef. Survival is a class of knives used by many manufacturers. Also, with poor enough planning even a 2 hour walk in the woods can certainly become a survival situation!
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Actually, "survival" is just a word made up by knife marketing departments to cash in on the TV survival guru thing. You are just going out and enjoying some outdoor recreation for a couple days. Which is great. Most "survival" knives are not built for what you are doing. They are not built for much of anything, actually.

Also, it's important to keep in mind, that, if one has planned so poorly that their 2 hour walk turns life and death...then 1) they probably forgot their "survival" knife; and 2) it probably wouldn't have saved them anyway.

KevA said:
2. Ha! I do always look at those things called "weather reports". I won't go out in a hurricane but I am not going to give up on my 3 day vacation for a couple hours a rain. I'll hole up under my tarp for a few hours. The problem is, after it passes the ground will still all be wet and I will need to split some wood for a fire. Thats why I asked for advice on a good knife!
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Good to hear that you don't get "stuck" in wet weather, as you said in your original post. You should know what weather to expect.

Me, I'd go pretty much with what 22-rimfire (or ozgooner) just suggested. Not entirely sure why all this lumber needs to be split. Seems like everyone is always hiking in a place with no small dead branches, and just big, square cut logs. Strange woods.
 
Think about your "survival" needs when backpacking-

-I'd assume you are carrying some form of water purification (tablets or filter - which all weigh less than a big knife) so there shouldn't be a need for fire to boil water, besides, drinking hot water sucks.
-You're already carrying a tarp to provide you with shelter so you don't need a big knife for shelter building
-I would think you'd be smart enough to carry food if you are going into the woods for 2-3 days along with some way of cooking it (stove or small twiggy fire)

To my mind this all means that you MIGHT only need a fire for cooking food or purifying water- in which case you can bring a whole lot of homemade or store bought firestarters (pjcb's, firestraws, etc.) for the weight of a massive knife that'll be more than capable of starting a fire if "the ground is wet".

In the 17 years I've been backpacking we never "needed" a fire. It's always for fun, practice and atmosphere. I carry a SAK and an Izula. My buddy brings his Busse. He usually packs about 10 lbs more gear than I do. At the end of the day guess who makes the fire? Yup, the guy with the Izula who isn't exhausted from lugging a monster knife around and it ALWAYS works just fine, regardless of the weather! If you WANT to bring the big knife for fun or if you think it's cool then I don't think anyone here (of all places) is in any position to comment on that! Just don't think you NEED to lug a crazy huge knife around with you to be prepared, comfortable and have a good time!
 
Starting a fire in wet weather. I need to practice that, but usually have tinder with me (dry) and a variety of firestarters. Heck, I've even considered taking a small bottle of kerosene with me since I almost always have some in my garage. How's that for using "natural" materials? :D

I agree with what Chris said above. I carry a GSI stainless cup with me even on dayhikes just in case I need to boil some water, don't feel like bending down at a spring, or making some soup to sip on.
 
You may, or not, want to ask yourself "Where am I going?" "What am I most likely to need." Be realistic, ask what you're going to really use this thing for and how will it help you in an emergency. In a real emergency, where you are in imminent danger, where you are most likely injured or sick, I can almost guarantee you that smacking a glorified wedge through a stump isn't going to be real high up on your priority list, even if you're still physically able to do it.

As far as camp chores go, my Cold Steel tomahawk is way lighter than most thicker knives, chops better, splits better, and comes with a hammer, (very useful for tent stakes and such).

My point is, what you think you want may not be your best bet to really enjoy your time outdoors and probably won't be as big of an asset as you think it will if you get into trouble.
 
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