Need help with survival knife.

Svord Kiwi range, plastic handles
http://www.svord.com/index.php?id_category=27&controller=category

Economy range, partial tangs
http://www.svord.com/index.php?id_category=21&controller=category

Prices
https://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/...um=brandspages&utm_campaign=Svord Knives&s=57

Farmers
Svord%20Farmer's%20Knife%20-%205%20Inch%20Blade%20Model%20FK2%20copy.jpg
 
Selkirk is a well done piece in 420HC.

Gerber Strongarm is another option in this steel. I think it's worth a look.

Buck is made in China, Strongarm is made in USA if that matters at all.

Mora Pro S works for $15 as well.

Actually plenty of variety to look at in this price range if you care to click a few links.
 
diverg said:
My nephew has requested a fixed blade survival knife as a Christmas gift. He is visiting my sister so I have a few days to get one. I do not know that much about knifes much less survival knifes. I've tried to do some research, but it seems to be overwhelming information. I don't have a huge budget. Maybe up to $50 so I know that will not buy a top of the line knife. So what should I look for with this budget? Any recommendations? If its a good value I may be willing to spend more. Maybe up to $75.

Are there any features I should look at and or avoid?
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Condor knives are a great value. You can snag a pretty cheap one on Amazon.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk
 
I know this is above my preferred price, but what do you think of the Kabar fighting/utility knife or its shorter 5 inch brother as a survival knife??
 
"Survival knife" to me means whatever knife I have on me.

But "survival knife" to most people means "big fixed blade." With this in mind, I'd probably get him an Ontario 498.

Edit: just saw your blade length range. I'll switch my vote to the Selkirk.
 
diverg said:
I know this is above my preferred price, but what do you think of the Kabar fighting/utility knife or its shorter 5 inch brother as a survival knife??
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I've got both, the full size I'd say would be fine, the short Ka-Bars are 3/4 the size of the regular, including the handle, which feels to thin to me. The Ka-Bar f/u has a reputation that has been well earned.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
I've got both, the full size I'd say would be fine, the short Ka-Bars are 3/4 the size of the regular, including the handle, which feels to thin to me. The Ka-Bar f/u has a reputation that has been well earned.
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It has great reviews for function and has a cool factor and history.
 
So I sent him a text message of several links on survival knifes. His reply is the USMC Kabar knife caught his interest. At least its got great reviews. Might have to spring for it now. LOL!
 
Derzelas said:
Good for him then :) You just have to "spring" for it
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He's a good kid. I don't get to do much with him, and I do have the money so I'll probably splurge and get it. Planning on taking him hunting for the last day of deer season this Sunday so hopefully I can get it in time. Just wish he was getting back from visiting his mom(my sister) early Saturday instead of late Saturday night.

Is there a particular model to get. I want the full size straight edge, but I keep on seeing different model numbers for what looks to be the same knife. Is a straight edge the best way to go vs the combo straight serrated? Should I stay with the traditional leather handle or go for the Kraton handle. We live in Texas so its a humid climate.
 
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A knife intended to be, in part, a weapon or to cut through the side of an aircraft, givens up something in the way of utility as a camp/hunting tool. Also, the Ka-Bar has a 7" blade. That's long for a kid.
 
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. In the end, I allowed him to choose what he wanted. He liked the Kabar, and after making sure his dad was ok with this knife I purchased it. Should have it on Thursday. Its the Folaige Green with serrated edge and Kraton handle.

I know it is hard to tell inflection and tone on text messages, but I sense he really likes this gift already.
 
diverg said:
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. In the end, I allowed him to choose what he wanted. He liked the Kabar, and after making sure his dad was ok with this knife I purchased it. Should have it on Thursday. Its the Folaige Green with serrated edge and Kraton handle.

I know it is hard to tell inflection and tone on text messages, but I sense he really likes this gift already.
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Nice, I've got the same one in a plain edge. It should serve him well. The sheaths that come with those are great to, VERY solid retention between the places the guard snaps into, plus the handle strap, and just about unlimited options for attaching it to belts, packs etc..

Hope he likes it!
 
diverg said:
Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. In the end, I allowed him to choose what he wanted. He liked the Kabar, and after making sure his dad was ok with this knife I purchased it. Should have it on Thursday. Its the Folaige Green with serrated edge and Kraton handle.

I know it is hard to tell inflection and tone on text messages, but I sense he really likes this gift already.
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Congrats on the Ka Bar selection. You dodged a bullet on all those Schrade suggestions. Imperial Schrade has been defunct since 7/2004. Those things bearing the name today are imposters.
 
I asked his mom(my sister) if he told her and she thought he liked it. I told her he has already thank me several times. Her response was that he is a man of few words(true) and if he has thanked me several times already he likes it. Now the wait for him to get back to Texas s I can give it to him.
 
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