I am trying to decide on a blade to carry for not only general use, but one that would also be useful in survival situations. It would have to be a "legal" folder - ie: 4" or less, single edged and not an auto. I have read a number of reviews of "survival knives" of one sort or another. Most seem to have been written by knowledgeable folks and many include impressive looking field tests.I have also read with interest many of the postings on this forum - also from lots of guys who sound like they know what they are talking about. I am curious, however to hear about any actual use of a particular folder under real survival conditions. Has anyone HAD to use one to get out of a plane, build an emergency shelter, hunt for a meal, etc. Any feedback - positive or negative - on particular brands/models would be most appreciated. Thanks!
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Real experience using a blade?
- Thread starter maury
- Start date
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2000
- Messages
- 188
Used my Spyderco Rescue a bunch of times to cut thru seatbelts. (no problem) I even used it once to cut open the jacket of a gunshot victim,without cutting him. Never had to "survive" with it.
Closest thing to a survival situation has been on camping trips, mostly in Boy Scouts years ago. I still like to venture out, but I'm having trouble coaxing the wife to sleep somewhere away from home if there isn't room service or a hot tub.
No can opener in the cook kit was rather common, so we used the can opener on one of our Swiss Army Knives which usually worked better anyway. Having picked up a tick or two from time to time, it pays to have a Swiss Army Knife with tweezers, although I'd rather have a Sliver Gripper for such a task. ANY knife is invaluable for starting a fire (i.e. wood shaving tinder) and it can double as a piece o' steel for a flint to get a spark. Along with a Swiss Army Knife, I usually also had an inexpensive Buck lockblade. But most tasks were accomplished with the Swiss Army Knife. Today I rely upon a Leatherman Supertool for most tasks.
A knife has probably kept me from being hungry, cold and wet on several occasions, but more than likely it kept me from being hungrier, wetter and colder than I already was.
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Ken Grubb
Lacey, WA, USA
No can opener in the cook kit was rather common, so we used the can opener on one of our Swiss Army Knives which usually worked better anyway. Having picked up a tick or two from time to time, it pays to have a Swiss Army Knife with tweezers, although I'd rather have a Sliver Gripper for such a task. ANY knife is invaluable for starting a fire (i.e. wood shaving tinder) and it can double as a piece o' steel for a flint to get a spark. Along with a Swiss Army Knife, I usually also had an inexpensive Buck lockblade. But most tasks were accomplished with the Swiss Army Knife. Today I rely upon a Leatherman Supertool for most tasks.
A knife has probably kept me from being hungry, cold and wet on several occasions, but more than likely it kept me from being hungrier, wetter and colder than I already was.
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Ken Grubb
Lacey, WA, USA
Bill Siegle
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 3, 2000
- Messages
- 6,815
I like the Benchmade Axis lock knives and Cold Steel Voyager line for folder carry in the woods. I would suggest a fixed blade knife though if you're thinking of any type of real stress(inherently stronger). I once broke through ice and went in over my head at about -40(air temp).If I hadn't had a fixed blade(SOG Trident) to anchor in and pull myself out with, I might not have gotten out.Anyway, let us know what knife you choose.
SALTY
Gold Member
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2000
- Messages
- 5,803
Never used any of the below for survival but based upon my experiences with their use, you really could not do badly with (In price order):
1. Large Sebenza
2. AlMar SERE 2000
3. Buck 110
There are certainly others, but these have proven themselves.
1. Large Sebenza
2. AlMar SERE 2000
3. Buck 110
There are certainly others, but these have proven themselves.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2000
- Messages
- 14,444
There was an evaluation done by Chris Janowsky (founder of the World Survival Institute)in the July 1996 American Survival Guide magazine.
He tested numerous knives, both folders as well as fixed blades. He put them through some hellish exercises, in various climates, etc.
He came down to the AFCK and the Steel Heart II. Don't know if he will re-evaluate others soon, but this is a good starting place...
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Run and you only die tired....
The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.
He tested numerous knives, both folders as well as fixed blades. He put them through some hellish exercises, in various climates, etc.
He came down to the AFCK and the Steel Heart II. Don't know if he will re-evaluate others soon, but this is a good starting place...
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Run and you only die tired....
The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook.
thatmguy,
Mr. Janowsky still thinks highly of the Benchmade AFCK. He also recommends the CRKT Badger, and at $20 it's hard to argue. Busse Knives are still highly regarded outdoor tools, and that's no mirage. Mr. Janowsky designed the WSI Ranger Knife, built by Mike Fuller of TOPS.
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Ken Grubb
Lacey, WA, USA
Mr. Janowsky still thinks highly of the Benchmade AFCK. He also recommends the CRKT Badger, and at $20 it's hard to argue. Busse Knives are still highly regarded outdoor tools, and that's no mirage. Mr. Janowsky designed the WSI Ranger Knife, built by Mike Fuller of TOPS.
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Ken Grubb
Lacey, WA, USA