Need help looking for a Hunting/Survival knife

[PatrickKnight]

Also, I am tired of all this ESSE vs Fallkniven vs Bark River vs ...

IMO ESSE is not in the same league with those manufacturers.

Here is why

1. uses low end steel that will rust fast
2. coated in backed epoxy which renders it useless if you try to throw off sparks from fero road (unless you use edge which is not advisable in survival situation)
3. because of coating and geometry it is not effective in wood splitting or game prep
4. one can probably overcome the first 3 negatives but ESSE has the most uncomfortable handle I have ever seen on a knife. It is boxy and will rip off you skin with prolonged use.

I have never got an ESEE with a bad heat treat, the same can not be said for the Bravo 1 I owned. Now I will say that Bark River sent me a new knife which was sold off because for $250 bucks you should not have to worry if a maker will get the heat treat right.

 

[Brisket]

ridnovir's suggested F1 and Bravo 1 are excellent options for a single knife solution. I have both and recommend them highly. For those that don't like the Fallkniven handles, there are other options. Here is a Fallkniven H1 with a Bark River canvas Micarta handle.

 

[Wolf Trait]

I really do like the Bravo 1. It's very sharp, has good grip, Not to big and not to small. It also looks quite nice as well. I also like Brisket's post about the Fallkniven H1. Sort of like a mix between the F1 and Bravo 1. I like it.