Selecting best length for survival fixed blade.

What blade length of survivalist fixed blade knife would you select?

  • Less than 3”

    Votes: 4 2.8%

  • 3”-3.5”

    Votes: 1 0.7%

  • 3.5”-4”

    Votes: 3 2.1%

  • 4”-4.5”

    Votes: 9 6.3%

  • 4.5”-5”

    Votes: 14 9.8%

  • 5”-6”

    Votes: 38 26.6%

  • 6”-8”

    Votes: 30 21.0%

  • Greater than 8”

    Votes: 44 30.8%
  • Total voters
    143
  • Poll closed .
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Of the ones I own, I would either choose my Dark Timber Honey Badger or a Busse TGULB. Both enough blade for about anything, and choils for choking up for finer tasks. If I was out a long time, I’d want the TGULB as it is easier to sharpen, but for short duration the HB. Both are phenomena knives and tough enough to handle whatever they need to.
 
Jsega51 said:
Currently a ‘16 Road Glide Special. When I am ready for another bike, I’ll probably just do engine work and a few other things. (My avatar is a pic of my ‘06 Night Train that is gone but not forgotten!)

I survived a weekend on a quick road trip in WV with this 4.5“ knife although I didn’t need to make a shelter, I had a tent with me.

YXlpek2.jpg
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Nice ride, got a decent Harley myself. I have the 16 Fatboy S and wife has an 07 nightster 1200.
https://flic.kr/p/2msYizP
 
TheArab said:
Who said size doesn't matter? Come read this thread🤪

But seriously, in my limited experience & in theory I guess, anything 16 cm+ should perform well if it's the only tool you have. 12 cm+ if you have an axe/hatchet/saw etc..

imo
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16 cm = 6” btw for ppl like me that can’t think in metric.

So, if you think a 6” blade should perform well, why would you ever feel the need to bring an “axe/hatchet/saw” anywhere??

All of those tools are designed to process/work wood much more efficiently than a small knife.

I love chopping with a 6” blade so I fully understand it can be done, but in an EXTENDED SURVIVAL scenario, there’s a good chance you’ll need/want to process a LOT of wood.

Why wouldn’t you want a big knife that could do this so much more efficiently??

Like this beauty that just showed up on my porch this morning:
Made by our own Bill Siegle Bill Siegle
0A514BAE-D32F-498C-B41A-60DFF60F82C6.jpeg49ED3807-28FE-4BD0-866A-26D295AE48E2.jpeg
 
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I love a 5.5" to 6" blade too. My daily cary is that length. I probably have posted hundreds of pictures here over the years of fixed blades from 3" to 13" that I use. They have their place, and if that was what I was stuck with I would be glad to have it. But, For the given scenerio, I'd grab me a 8" to 13" blade, all day!
 
scdub said:
16 cm = 6” btw for ppl like me that can’t think in metric.

So, if you think a 6” blade should perform well, why would you ever feel the need to bring an “axe/hatchet/saw” anywhere??

Why wouldn’t you want a big knife that could do this so much more efficiently??
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Hi,

That's not what I said.

I said an axe/hatchet/saw with a 12cm/ 4.7" + blade. Can probably do without those with a 16 cm / 6.3" + blade, depending on the knife, thickness, quality etc. & for sure, how challenging the situation is.

Why wouldn't I want a big knife like that? I very much would.

Congrats on that gorgeous knife.
 
TheArab said:
Hi,

That's not what I said.

I said an axe/hatchet/saw with a 12cm/ 4.7" + blade. Can probably do without those with a 16 cm / 6.3" + blade, depending on the knife, thickness, quality etc. & for sure, how challenging the situation is.

Why wouldn't I want a big knife like that? I very much would.

Congrats on that gorgeous knife.
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I apologize - I misunderstood.

I’d be fine with a 6” knife too - they can definitely get lots of work done…

And thanks! I almost can’t believe I got it - it’s amazing in hand. :D
 
studio said:
Mostly SAR types up here in the NW conifer woods with lots of rain and wet.
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SAR folks are definitely fun to hang around with, but they’re kinda apples and oranges to the OP’s scenario, at least in this county.

First, they’re not going out alone for an extended stay. They operate in teams, and their camps are often pretty temporary.

Second, they’re not arbitrarily prohibited from carrying a saw, machete, brush axe or whatever. Many places they’re not prohibited from carrying a pistol, if they do it discreetly. They can choose their tools for the job.

Thirdly, they are accepting the burden of care for some strangers who probably got in a bind by their own choices. This requires them to bring more shelter, fire, clothing, first aid, etc. than most rec users bring for themselves, and use them in a way that prioritizes the patient’s care.

It’s well worth studying how and why they operate, but it’s slightly different than your average wilderness expedition.

You’re absolutely right about other resources, quite important. Having a knife is a very good thing, but it’s not the only thing.

That’s sure a nice one, scdub. Hold on tight, no limp-wristing that baby.

Parker
 
I'm wondering who the 4 people are who selected less than 3in 😁

They said cluck harvesting dead standing wood, batoning wood larger than a thick sharpie, and who the hell needs to chop while staying extended periods of time in the wilderness. Maybe rural arctic people? Even they use large machete like knives to cut the blocks for an igloo LOL
 
shinyedges said:
I'm wondering who the 4 people are who selected less than 3in 😁

They said cluck harvesting dead standing wood, batoning wood larger than a thick sharpie, and who the hell needs to chop while staying extended periods of time in the wilderness. Maybe rural arctic people? Even they use large machete like knives to cut the blocks for an igloo LOL
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Who set up this wonk poll? Can't even view who voted for what?
 
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