New Bug Out Bag Knives

Have you used any of the knives in your existing BOBs? I would recommend getting some serious use on them to see what you like and don't like about the knives you already have. It's possible you already own the perfect knife for you and a duplicate would be best, or maybe you'll discover some particular feature that you must have/is a dealbreaker.

Without knowing your preferences my go-to suggestions would be a BK-9 (which you already have), or maybe a Cold Steel Gurkha Kukri for the large chopper. For the utility knife, maybe a Mora Bushcraft or other roughly 4" lightweight fixed blade. If you want some folding options the RAT I or Utilitac are solid budget knives, but if you don't like folders just avoid them and stick with what you do like.
 
what is your price range? I would say look at Fletcher knives Bush Operator XL II for a general knife.
or an ESEE six with a mora or multi tool.
 
It sounds to me like a sheath is as much a priority as the knife itself, so being that you specified that this is for a BOB, does it have to go inside the bag or can it mount externally? Since you're setting up this third BOB for someone other than yourself, are you selecting knives based on your personal preferences or more of a "one size fits most" approach?

If externally mounting a sheath is an option, consider something MOLLE compatible or capable of attaching to a backpack strap. I've found that the Bladetech Tek-Lok is great for attaching to either a belt or strap, and it's what I use in my hiking kit for carrying a Camillus Barbarian upside-down on a backpack shoulder strap. Although you mentioned not caring for folders, I've found a couple (Benchmade 275 Adamas and Ka-Bar Mule) with nice nylon MOLLE sheaths, although I use them for horizontal belt carry. Obviously, there are a lot of options for fixed blades with MOLLE sheaths, either nylon or Kydex; I like the Gerber Yari II for a mid-sized fixed blade that I can attach to a pack without being overly bulky. Of course, a little creativity with paracord can go a long way when attaching a sheath to a pack.
 
I know you use your knives. Many build these "bags" and never use the knives. Something like the inexpensive Kabar Dozier folding hunter is a good choice or the RATs in addition to a larger knife. But I would almost always have a Vic SAK included in any kind of grab and go bag. The BK-15 is another one that is very useful as a general purpose blade.
 
Bark River Bravo 1. If it's good enough for the Marine Force Recon, and the extensive money and testing they put into choosing it, then it's probably good enough for my bug out bag. It is also extremely comfortable (at least in my hands) and is beautiful to the eyes. Thing is a tank too
 
Three bug out bags? You have me intrigued. Just out of curiosity, what's your line of thinking? One at home, one in the car, and one at work? Multiple vehicles and one bag for each? If one is good then three are better?
 
Marbles/imacasa machete of your preferences da mora or pilot survival knife. Should be able to get with a mora for under 35$ shipped. Or with Pam for around 60$ shipped. Just an idea on a budget.
 
For kits I tend to go with knives that will perform well but aren't too expensive.

Moras and machetes (I live in a part of South America where machetes are more useful than axes) are obvious choices. They are lightweight, tough enough and do their job well. Because of their price and weight, you can usually afford to just toss a few extra ones in each kit. Honestly, having a good machete makes a second knife unnecessary (if you're used to doing everything with a machete).

I'm also rather fond of Becker knives, I always bring along a BK-9 or a Machax when I go on a long trip by car. I sometimes pair them up with a smaller fixed blade like a Becker Necker, but since I've always got 2 or three knives in my pockets it's not really necessary.

Finally, when there's no room for a machete or big chopper, I go for a Cold Steel Bushman. I bought a bunch of them with the old nylon sheath a while ago and they're actually pretty good knives. Single piece construction, thin carbon steel blade. I "tested" (i.e. beat the crap out) one of them and it did great, I managed to bend it a bit and roll the edge doing stupid stuff. It feels a lot like a cut down machete.
 
TheJeepster said:
I have never taken the Mora plunge but I may have to, everybody I hear that owns them say they really like them.

I wont buy anything from Marbles. If I found some new old stock Marble Ideals I would buy a few as I like the Ideal knife but new Marble is not my thing, not unless Mike Stewart starts making them but I do not know the 411 on that.

When I first got into knives the Marble Ideal was one of the first knives that really caught my attention.
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I only stated marbles machete because they are easily available with a decent sheath for 15-20$ and are made by imacasa( who also manufactures condor, and esee lite machete) so essentially same machete for much less $. my experience with mora's is that they perform wonderfully and are budget friendly.

for the imacasa/ marbles brand names the handle will more than likely need some elbow grease to make amazing but I do use mine as is without a problem. Hope this is helpful in some way and I do understand the hesitation on a current marbles product as they certainly are not what they used to be.
 
riversidedep said:
Three bug out bags? You have me intrigued. Just out of curiosity, what's your line of thinking? One at home, one in the car, and one at work? Multiple vehicles and one bag for each? If one is good then three are better?
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Maybe he gonna bug out after he bugs out from bugging out...
 
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