Need help choosing survival knife

You've already mentioned how you've considered a machete and rejected it, but I can't help but ask you to reconsider. They are SO cheap that you can easily afford to get a small one and still have money for whatever knife you want. They are the Mora knives of the chopping world. Actually, a nice Mora knife and a small machete would probably be all you need practically anywhere in the world, and both together would cost you less than $40.
 
Fallkniven F1
I may be in the minority with this, but I actually like the zytel sheath that came with mine. :thumbup:
 
Honestly, for a thru-hike on the magnitude of the AT/PCT/CDT, an Izula w/scales is probably all you'll want to carry. For example, when i'm in the mountains, *every* ounce counts - i'm just that lazy. I don't wanna lug anything superfluous 'cause i'm going up and only up. The same is true w/a thru-hike.

In fact, the current 'lite-is-right'/go-lite craze was kicked off by big-trail thru-hikers. After awhile, 10 days or so depending on the person, the honeymoon is *over*!!! After that everything gets scrutinized for it's use frequency. If i don't use something daily, it better have a real good reason to be in my pack. Otherwise, it gets DX'ed.
 
I've hiked for over two weeks with a 50lb pack. I don't mind the weight of a knife that doesnt even weigh a pound. I already have a nice multitool.
 
Any other suggestions or does the esee still seem to be a good choice? Also whats a lightweight way to sharpen in the field.
 
For sharpening, DMT Diafold.

You can get them in a number of grit combinations, and you use WATER, not oil (oil will mess them up), so you don't have to carry oil with you, either.
They are plastic with a thin metal strip with embedded diamonds of various grits.

FW.jpg
 
Im reminded of a time on Springer Mountain when I was watching two GUNG HO people off to hike the AT.

My buddy looked at me and said " I just want to walk behind them and pick up everything they discard".

Im not suggesting you would be like that, but for through hiking on the AT I dont think you will need a big HEAVY 6 inch fixed blade.

I would suggest the RAT (ESEE) RC4 at the most... RC3 would probably do everything you need it to on the AT.

Heck, I bet an Izula with a multitool would do what you needed.

(a small sharpener would be a good thing to carry!) I have a nice EZ Lap diamond stone I carry on long hikes.
 
Jeff S1 said:
Fallkniven F1
I may be in the minority with this, but I actually like the zytel sheath that came with mine. :thumbup:
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i like the zytel sheath as well :D


as for field sharpening? if you are going with a convex blade a small bit of leather and honing compound is all you need.


if you're going with anything else? the dmt diafold or the fallkniven dc4 would be my choice.


again i'd like to cast my vote for a fallkniven f1 with perhaps a machete for SHTF kinda scenario but if you're looking for a bigger fixed blade maybe you could consider a becker bk-7


BK7%20MED.JPG
 
I vote for an ESEE-3 and a nice folding saw. Do you really want to be chopping wood when it's much easier to saw? The weight would be about equal to a big knife and and I think this combo will be more useful. Or, go cheaper and get a Condor Nessmuk, especially if you'll be using it for mainly food prep. This is where Nessmuks excel.
 
How about a USMC Ka-Bar paired with a victorinox soldier, or a leatherman blast? That combo would be all you need.

What I would do is pick up one of these: http://www.machetespecialists.com/tr14bomawiha.html, one of these: http://www.orionknives.com/clippointwood.html, and then this for sharpening, coarse and fine: http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/DMT-4-Dia-Sharp-Diamond-Stone-P319C24.aspx.

That's just what I would do. If you are looking for just one knife to do it all, chop, baton, carve and just use for cutting, I would go with the Esee-6. I think you should bring a folding knife though or a multi -tool.
 
Mr Patti said:
Hi I'm going to be thru hiking the appalachian trail and I'm in the market for a high quality fixed blade knife. I'm looking for something in the 6" - 7" range. The knife needs to hold an edge well since I'll be in the wilderness making sharpening opportunities rare. The knife obviously needs to be very tough as well as being able to handle some moisture. Knives I've been considering are the ESEE 6, KA-BAR Becker BK7, and the Buck 119 special. The pricetag on the ESEE 6 is the highest I'll spend so please don't recommend anything over $140 or so.

Thanks everyone.
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In your size and price range, I'd go with the ESEE-6
 
I agree with the previous people who said with what you want to get an ESEE 6. It will do just about all you would want it to.
 
Seems like I'll be getting the esee 6 then. Just to clear things up. I already have a really nice leatherman multitool and am not interested in carrying a machete. Please don't tell me I can't handle the weight. An extra pound on my belt isn't going to make or break things. I routinely hike with a pack that weights about 50lbs.
 
Mr Patti said:
Seems like I'll be getting the esee 6 then. Just to clear things up. I already have a really nice leatherman multitool and am not interested in carrying a machete. Please don't tell me I can't handle the weight. An extra pound on my belt isn't going to make or break things. I routinely hike with a pack that weights about 50lbs.
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Good for you sticking to your guns...er...knives! Please post up and let us know how it's going. I will be very interested in this as I want to do this someday!
 
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