Should i buy a new knife for survuval purposes?

G

Greevil Alcatraz

Joined
Apr 3, 2016
Messages
21
Hello everybody,
One year before, i have bought the Chris Reeve Green Beret 7 inch in s35vn steel, 55~57 RC. Unfortunately, i saw quite a lot of negative reviews about it because its price is fairly expensive but it broke easily compare to the others cbeaper knives.
I started to think if my Green Beret is capable for out door survival or not. So, i have begun searching for another knife for my anxiety of zombie apocalypse or wilderness survival. Finally, i have 2 new options.

1.KaBar's Bk22/Bk2
2.Miller brothers blades, MBB's m8 compact (this is the best one, but i cannot afford)

I dont really care about the price, because i wanted to buy only ONE capable blade for extreme situation then stop buying any others.
Here is the question...
Without considering their price, which one of them is the best in overall ability? (the Green Beret and the Bk22/Bk2)

Appreciate for reading or giving any useful comments!!!
 
To make sure I understand your situation:

- You purchased a CRK Green Beret about a year ago.
- You saw negative reviews, mentioning breakage of the Green Beret, and now doubt your choice.
- You want to buy another survival type knife, if - and only if - people confirm what you saw.
- You would like us to recommend the BK2, because you can't afford the MBB M8.

If the above is accurate, I would be happy to recommend the BK2.
(I will also recommend the MBB, since - despite saying you couldn't afford it - you said that you don't care about the price)

I cannot compare the Green Beret vs the BK2, because I have no experience with the Green Beret....I have also never tried to break a BK2. If, as your post seems to indicate, you already have a Green Beret and you don't really want to buy another knife - keep it and be happy with what you have. If you want to buy another knife, the BK2 is one of several good options...and relatively inexpensive if you want to consider it a standby for your Green Beret.

My recommendations?
- Remember that just about anything can be broken, if one tries hard enough.
- Don't decide your knife isn't good enough based on a destruction video - the things they do to knives are extreme, and you are unlikely to duplicate them.
- If you didn't see the "tests" that people are referencing, don't base decisions on them...unless it is made clear that the damage was intentional/unexpected, and the circumstances make that believable.
- Accept that "the zombie apocalypse" is a fantasy scenario. (I'm all for preparing; but there's no need to make such excuses...if you want a "survival knife", buy one. This is a site about knives - we aren't going to discourage you - we encourage people to buy knives. No explanations needed.

BTW - welcome to BladeForums
 
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Welcome to the forums.

Chris Reeve makes knives of exceptional quality so I wouldn't worry about your knife giving out under normal circumstances. Having said that, if you want one "do all" knife and don't care so much about budget I wouldn't choose either of the knives you mentioned. Not because they're bad - they're not at all - but because I think that for a price between the two you could get something better for you. My advice is go custom. There are plenty of makers here who work in super tough high performing steels like CPM3V and 80CrV2. A couple are finding new optimal heat treats for their chosen steel. There is also one slightly unhinged fellow (and I mean that in the best possible way) who is doing some very interesting things with titanium.
 
I would say that if your current knife does what you need it to do (if its a survival knife, you should be practicing those skills) Then keep it, and love it.

If it doesn't, then by describing what you'd like it to be better for, we can all help with that too.

But if you don't want to buy a whole bucket of knives, then you better get out now, because hanging out here will end up with you owning a couple of moras, a basket of opinels, some Beckers, a Busse, some bark rivers, a custom or two, maybe a production fiddleback, and a custom (there are a few other guys who also do both), some form of kephart, a nessmuck, a peanut, more spydercos that you can clip to a pocket, and enough Swiss army knives to have one of each implement. Its an illness and you will find nothing but enablers here my friend.

Read lots, there are many religions here and so you will find who has a biased opinion, and who's just blowing smoke, but at the end of the day, there is quite a good range of info here, and you'll be able to find the knife that fits you best, because thats the goal. The survival knife you can't stand is no survival knife at all. The one you have with you is.
 
You seem to want a new knife. The BK-2 and BK-10 are very capable outdoor knives. However, they are not my cup of tea in the knife world. I want something either bigger or smaller in general. Think combinations of cutting tools for your apocalypse; big knife, folding saw, smaller knife, hatchet, axe.... that sort of thing. The Green Beret should be plenty of knife.
 
hhmoore said:
To make sure I understand your situation:

- You purchased a CRK Green Beret about a year ago.
- You saw negative reviews, mentioning breakage of the Green Beret, and now doubt your choice.
- You want to buy another survival type knife, if - and only if - people confirm what you saw.
- You would like us to recommend the BK2, because you can't afford the MBB M8.

If the above is accurate, I would be happy to recommend the BK2.
(I will also recommend the MBB, since - despite saying you couldn't afford it - you said that you don't care about the price)

I cannot compare the Green Beret vs the BK2, because I have no experience with the Green Beret....I have also never tried to break a BK2. If, as your post seems to indicate, you already have a Green Beret and you don't really want to buy another knife - keep it and be happy with what you have. If you want to buy another knife, the BK2 is one of several good options...and relatively inexpensive if you want to consider it a standby for your Green Beret.

My recommendations?
- Remember that just about anything can be broken, if one tries hard enough.
- Don't decide your knife isn't good enough based on a destruction video - the things they do to knives are extreme, and you are unlikely to duplicate them.
- If you didn't see the "tests" that people are referencing, don't base decisions on them...unless it is made clear that the damage was intentional/unexpected, and the circumstances make that believable.
- Accept that "the zombie apocalypse" is a fantasy scenario. (I'm all for preparing; but there's no need to make such excuses...if you want a "survival knife", buy one. This is a site about knives - we aren't going to discourage you - we encourage people to buy knives. No explanations needed.

BTW - welcome to BladeForums
Click to expand...

hhmoore,
You understand my situation accurately! Thank you for understanding.
Yup, everything have its breaking point. I have already learnt that, but i need time to accept it. Therefore, i havent (dare not to) use my Lovely Green Beret since i bought it, and i dont have any opportunity to use it since i live in Hong Kong. So i keep my Green Beret in my DIY vacuum container with a fire steel rod and some cotton too.
Besides, i hope that i have a knife which is ready and in perfect shape to encounter any disaster, no matter man-made or natural disaster.
Sometimes, i am so worry to touch the blade itself to avoid getting it dull, no matter just a light touch.
Anyway, after reading your opinion, i desided to love my Green Beret even more and not buying BK2, for now...
Thank you for your life lesson, i mean so much..
 
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Chris Larrikin said:
Welcome to the forums.

Chris Reeve makes knives of exceptional quality so I wouldn't worry about your knife giving out under normal circumstances. Having said that, if you want one "do all" knife and don't care so much about budget I wouldn't choose either of the knives you mentioned. Not because they're bad - they're not at all - but because I think that for a price between the two you could get something better for you. My advice is go custom. There are plenty of makers here who work in super tough high performing steels like CPM3V and 80CrV2. A couple are finding new optimal heat treats for their chosen steel. There is also one slightly unhinged fellow (and I mean that in the best possible way) who is doing some very interesting things with titanium.
Click to expand...

I am glad to hear that Chris Reeve makes exceptional blades, your words comfort me. Did you use and Chris Reeve's products before?
How do you define "normal"? I have little outdoor experience.. Do you think batoning a 3 inch log against the grain with 7 inch blade like Green Beret is nromal?
I live in Hong Kong, as here dont have any custom knife makers. I would like to do so!
I bought my Green Beret for future unknown emergency situation, i dare not to use and risk to scratch it. Beside, Hong Kong is quiet a humid city, s35vn is a stainless steel which serves one of the purpose.

Thank you for your reply!
 
gadgetgeek said:
I would say that if your current knife does what you need it to do (if its a survival knife, you should be practicing those skills) Then keep it, and love it.

If it doesn't, then by describing what you'd like it to be better for, we can all help with that too.

But if you don't want to buy a whole bucket of knives, then you better get out now, because hanging out here will end up with you owning a couple of moras, a basket of opinels, some Beckers, a Busse, some bark rivers, a custom or two, maybe a production fiddleback, and a custom (there are a few other guys who also do both), some form of kephart, a nessmuck, a peanut, more spydercos that you can clip to a pocket, and enough Swiss army knives to have one of each implement. Its an illness and you will find nothing but enablers here my friend.

Read lots, there are many religions here and so you will find who has a biased opinion, and who's just blowing smoke, but at the end of the day, there is quite a good range of info here, and you'll be able to find the knife that fits you best, because thats the goal. The survival knife you can't stand is no survival knife at all. The one you have with you is.
Click to expand...

I have always wanted to practice my out door skills, like bushcrafting. But Hong Kong, the place i live, isnt a good place for me to practice since Hong Kong have very little space for outdoor camping. I cannot chop down any standing threes here, not even a dead trees, i can only practice my outdoor skill by using rotten wood.

I think i need to train myself hard in order to use a great knife!

I was that kind of person who keep buying knives, although they were fake china made knives. I didnt know they were fake, as the moment i knew they were fake kinves which made from china, i put them into one of my drawer. Since then, i haven't thouch them anymore. ((but i found some of them hold its edge quite well after days of shavings on wood.

Thank you for your reply!
 
A 7" blade is that in between size that might allow you to do many things, but none especially conveniently overall. But for one knife, a 7" blade is not a bad choice. In Hong Kong, your biggest danger might well be people and a 7" works for that if you have some skills. Take for example the Kabar Becker BK-7..... many don't prefer it because they feel the BK-9 feels about the same on your belt and allows for a more efficient chopper, can be used for smaller tasks with practice. Folks that lean toward the more flexible tasks tend to go in the 4-5" blade length range, but not good choppers. The BK-2 allows for some chopping (not great but it chops), but where it excels in in toughness and potential prying or doing things that are generally not particularly knife tasks because of its strength at 1/4" bar stock. I chose the BK-7 for my "big" all arounder knife as it can be used for combat if necessary. It was designed as a replacement for the traditional Kabar USMC knife and is essentially a utility knife.

I think you are okay for your likely apocalypse which since it is a very populated place, you will be dealing with people more than someone who "heads for the woods". I purchased a Blackjack 1-7 (7" blade) for a similar kind of situation that in my case is never likely to happen. But I like the knife and that's why I bought it. It is a carbon steel like the Beckers and will rust more easily than a stainless steel.
 
Don't baton, and you should be fine with what you have.
Note: I am "old school" and firmly believe in "the proper tool for the job." A knife is designed as a cutting tool. It was never designed or intended to split wood. An axe, maul, and/or wedge is the proper tool for splitting wood.
IMHO, batoning is severe knife abuse. Amazingly, Cold Steel agrees. They have on their packaging and paperwork (quote) "ANY KNIFE CAN BREAK IF SUBJECTED TO ENOUGH ABUSE ... PLEASE DO NOT USE OUR KNIVES OR SWORDS FOR BATONING ... (end quote)
 
Nah, baton away. Just don't be silly and try to baton a big soaked knot filled piece of hard wood.

The CRK green beret is a sweet blade

You don't need to buy a new knife.

But everyone loves a new knife ;)
 
To answer the thread title, I wouldn't buy another survival knife without a plan to learn the survival skills to go with it. Take the same care you would have spent on researching a new knife and plan a trip to the woods to try fire making and the like.

After you've tried using the skills, you'll know if the CRK is right for you or not. I'll bet things like serrations, handle comfort, edge geometry, ease of sharpening, and blade length will factor into your judgment more than chopping a cinder block. Then you will know exactly what features to look for in a replacement.

I've been down this path myself, and am much happier for two reasons. First, I know I can get by with pretty much any knife for lots of skills. Second, I know why I prefer certain knives over others.
 
I am a firm believer of the old adage that "Two is one and one is none" when it comes to emergency gear. A second knife to compliment the one you have could be a good thing. Pick something that will expand your abilities. A good small folder to compliment your 7 inch Green Beret, for example. Maybe an Alox SAK or quality multi-tool.
 
afishhunter said:
Don't baton, and you should be fine with what you have.
Note: I am "old school" and firmly believe in "the proper tool for the job." A knife is designed as a cutting tool. It was never designed or intended to split wood. An axe, maul, and/or wedge is the proper tool for splitting wood.
IMHO, batoning is severe knife abuse. Amazingly, Cold Steel agrees. They have on their packaging and paperwork (quote) "ANY KNIFE CAN BREAK IF SUBJECTED TO ENOUGH ABUSE ... PLEASE DO NOT USE OUR KNIVES OR SWORDS FOR BATONING ... (end quote)
Click to expand...

Anyone can point out what can a 7 inch Green Beret do, other then cutting.
If my 7 inch Green Beret is not even recommended to baton a 3 inch in diameter log, what else can it do other then cutting?
Would it be reasonable to baton a 2 or 1 inch wood by using a 7 inch blade?
 
DeadboxHero said:
Nah, baton away. Just don't be silly and try to baton a big soaked knot filled piece of hard wood.

The CRK green beret is a sweet blade

You don't need to buy a new knife.

But everyone loves a new knife ;)
Click to expand...

I know :) the Green Beret is a lovable blade, and i am trying to discover what it can do without breaking it.
So, how small does the wood have to be reasonable for a 7 inch Green Beret? 2 inch in diameter?
 
Chris Reeve makes nice knives.

There have been reported failures from shock with CR fixed blades. Noss has broken a few, and I have to say, watching how fast they break, compared to many other knives, both more expensive, and much much less, I thing there is a shock fracture issue there.

I would not be comfortable cross batoning with these CR fixed blades.

I have a lot of fixed blades both more expensive and less that I would not hesitate to cross baton through a big log.

You mentioned Miller Brothers, and their knife would likely handle all the abuse you could give it. They make tough spring steel knives. They don't warranty against abuse, however. They warranty damage on a case by case basis.

Busse, Swamprat, Scrapyard knives, all three from the same "family" of knives. Forever warranty. If you manage to break one, they will give you shop credit for the purchase price, if they are no longer making that model. If you break one doing some thing stupid, they will cover it. As long as you did not do it intentionally (like cutting it with a torch).

The good thing about the CR line of fixed blades is that they have good resale value.

I don't like the proud tang design. It feels fine in hand when holding, but when chopping it transfers shock.

Battonning is a hot topic for contention. I have knives that will handle it fine, all day every day, and have a warranty to back it up.

I have a lot of knives I would not consider doing this with.
 
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Dangerously said:
To answer the thread title, I wouldn't buy another survival knife without a plan to learn the survival skills to go with it. Take the same care you would have spent on researching a new knife and plan a trip to the woods to try fire making and the like.

After you've tried using the skills, you'll know if the CRK is right for you or not. I'll bet things like serrations, handle comfort, edge geometry, ease of sharpening, and blade length will factor into your judgment more than chopping a cinder block. Then you will know exactly what features to look for in a replacement.

I've been down this path myself, and am much happier for two reasons. First, I know I can get by with pretty much any knife for lots of skills. Second, I know why I prefer certain knives over others.
Click to expand...

Umm, i have to be sorry that i have bought a fake version of the 7 inch Green Beret and i have done a lot of practice with it.
The fake Green Beret have the exact length in total, length of serrations, length of balde, length of hendle, number of serrations and the POB. With the fake Green Beret, i think i can have a almost real simulation of using the real Green Beret.
I am sorry that i bought the fake version, but i am also happy because i dont need to risk breaking the Real one!
 
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