Smith and Wesson Rescue Marine alternatives?

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Feb 14, 2013
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5
Hello!

I'm looking for a pretty cheap (under £50, preferably around £30) beater knife for being out in the bush with, and right now most of my references have been in the direction of the S&W Rescue Marine (Seen here -http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Smith-&-Wesson-Knives/Rescue-Marine/p-92-189-7853/) because it can take a beating, and comes with a sheath and a small sharpening stone. After reading around I've found that it's a pretty even yes/no divide for this knife in particular, so rather than winging it and wasting my money I thought I'd get a final opinion from the ones in the know!

Bear in mind I'm not looking for something flashy, or anything that'll win a contest. Just a good sized (6in+) knife, with a sheath, that'll take some mild abuse!

Thanks a lot! :)

Dark
 
Reviews I've been reading look good, however I probably should have specified that I'd like a sheath that can be secured at the leg, too. A large problem with my current fixed blade is that sliding it out of the sheath tends to make it flex upwards and out because it's only secured at the belt.

If there's a different sheath that it would fit into, I'll buy one!

Thanks for the reply :)
 
I would suggest something like a large Mora or Leuko knife. Plenty of Bushcrafters get along fine out in the woods/fields and waterways with these simple in design, but high in performance knives.

Don't bother with the Glock knife. That is a knife designed so that 19-year old conscripts cant break them, they weren't designed for function.
 
I would suggest something like a large Mora or Leuko knife. Plenty of Bushcrafters get along fine out in the woods/fields and waterways with these simple in design, but high in performance knives.

Don't bother with the Glock knife. That is a knife designed so that 19-year old conscripts cant break them, they weren't designed for function.

What do you mean? Mine came reasonably sharp and with even bevels, it could probably be batoned through wood just fine. I have to agree with your recommendation of a Mora though, they are cheap little gems and a bit more designed for cutting than the feldmesser. Some of the offerings from ESSE and BRKT are worth looking into.
 
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Reviews I've been reading look good, however I probably should have specified that I'd like a sheath that can be secured at the leg, too. A large problem with my current fixed blade is that sliding it out of the sheath tends to make it flex upwards and out because it's only secured at the belt.

If there's a different sheath that it would fit into, I'll buy one!

Thanks for the reply :)
That seems more like the result of shoddy quality than a problem with belt-mounted sheaths in general. What's your current fixed blade?

Some of the offerings from ESSE and BRKT are worth looking into.
Not for under $75.

One more thing: Something that's $75, (approx. £50,) in the US would most likely be substantially more in the UK; knife prices are pretty ridiculous there. Have you taken this into account?
 
As a police officer here in the States I and many officers I know have tried S&W knives simply because of the price points. We were not impressed. I will not carry my folders as they are not mechanically safe. For a fixed blade, in a reasonable price I have found the Gerber LMF II to be an excellent choice.
 
What's your current fixed blade?

Some brandless chunk of Chinese steel with a nylon sheath. It was just under £10, and it's really bad.

I just like the added security of being able to secure it to the leg, too.

I'd like a Mora, but I'm looking for something I'll be able to split wood with, and the general consensus is that abusing a Mora like that can dislodge the blade from the handle, considering the fact that their blades aren't full-tang.
 
Something like a Mora Bushcraft should do just fine at splitting wood. Don't worry about it.
Also look at Schrade's catalog, pages 28-33; the Condor Varan, Kumunga, and Matagi; the Cold Steel SRK; and the SOG SEAL Team and Northwest Ranger.
These knives are all under $75 in the US, but again, they'll probably be more expensive in the UK.
 
I'm looking for a pretty cheap (under £50, preferably around £30) beater knife [...] Bear in mind I'm not looking for something flashy, or anything that'll win a contest. Just a good sized (6in+) knife, with a sheath, that'll take some mild abuse!

£30-£50 doesn't go as far as people might think...


Perhaps a Condor Varan?

http://www.heinnie.com/Varan/p-0-0-7162/

[youtube]3JFYXo7j5HU[/youtube]



Or maybe a CS Bushman?

http://www.heinnie.com/product.asp?P_ID=4586

[youtube]uaYKpyYh3gY[/youtube]
 
Reviews I've been reading look good, however I probably should have specified that I'd like a sheath that can be secured at the leg, too. A large problem with my current fixed blade is that sliding it out of the sheath tends to make it flex upwards and out because it's only secured at the belt.

If there's a different sheath that it would fit into, I'll buy one!

Thanks for the reply :)

why dont you just have a sheath made for you that does the belt and also straps to the leg???
 
probably be more expensive in the UK

Damn the UK. But that catalogue is awesome, thank you!

£30-£50 doesn't go as far as people might think...

I'm noticing that more every day! I don't physically have more money to spare though, so I'm trying not to be too picky!
 
why dont you just have a sheath made for you that does the belt and also straps to the leg???
Another thing to keep in mind, is that a lot of sheaths have drainage holes at the bottom. It wouldn't be too difficult to string some paracord through them and make yourself a makeshift leg strap.
The sheaths on the Schrades, SOGs, and Cold Steels I mentioned have this feature.
 
Under 6 inches, but beefy enough for just about any task is the Becker BK 2. Here in the US they can be found for less than 75 USD, not sure over there. Well worth the money and very reliable.
 
Oooo-kay... here're a few knives from U.S. dealers that ship internationally. Even with the cost of shipping, the cost will still, (most likely,) be less than ordering from one of the U.K. sites. Your options open up dramatically if you're willing to order from overseas.

A few things to keep in mind:
-If you want to learn anything more about the knives below, Google 'em. There'll probably be a review or two out there already.

-I'd highly recommend dropping the "has to be able to be attached to the leg" requirement. It's completely unnecessary when you have a sheath of any sort of quality, and sticking with it would eliminate some otherwise fantastic knives from the running. I can't emphasize this enough.

-KnifeCenter and Baryonyx both have virtually flawless feedback; you'll be safe ordering from either of them. However, Baryonyx offers a few things that KnifeCenter doesn't. They inspect every blade before it passes through their hands, so the chance of you getting a lemon is lowered drastically; and, they offer a "special grade" option. (Which is explained on their website.) The former is especially helpful, since returns would be a pretty big hassle for you, I'd imagine. But, ultimately, the decision between the two should come down to shipping costs.

-Sharpening a convex edge isn't difficult, and convex edges offer a lot of benefits to the user. But, if you feel strongly that you need a v-edged knife, ignore the Condor recommendations, and don't get the Special Grade option for the Svords. If you do decide to try a convex edge, spending a pound or so on the Special Grade option from Baryonyx would be well worth it.

-If you don't feel comfortable ordering from overseas, the Svord General Outdoors, Condor Rodan and Varan, and Boker TUF are available at Heinnie for under 50 pounds.

-If you're not willing to compromise on the whole "leg attachment" thing, the Schrade SCHF9 will be your best bet. (Unless it turns out that shipping's cheap enough that the Condor Toloza comes in at under 50 pounds.)

Schrade:
-SCHF9- This was actually designed by a member here. Great, tough knife for the price, and it meets all your requirements.
-F10- Not as good as the SCHF9 IMO, but it'll still do the job. Cheap stainless and a blade a bit less than 6", though.
-SCHF3N- Made out of cheap(er) steel, but it'll still work. Easily the best looking of the bunch, IMO. (Because it's a clone of a much more expensive knife.) Buying it is pretty much a victimless crime, but be aware that it's a stolen design. Meets all your requirements.

SOG:
-Forget SOG, there're better options out there.

Boker Plus:
-TUF- This one's probably too small for you, and it comes with a leather sheath, but it's one of the few good, affordable knives available at Heinnie's, so I figure it's worth a mention. Good quality and design.

Condor: Except for the Toloza and Garuda, these come with leather sheaths that you won't be able to rig a leg strap with. Or, it'll at least be more difficult, anyway.
-Varan- Tough as hell, good quality for the price. And ugly as hell, too. Pretty much the definition of a beater blade. Great knife. Also available at KnifeCenter.
-Rodan- Same as the Varan, but in a smaller size that's more capable of delicate work. Also available at KnifeCenter.
-Garuda & Toloza- These're the highest end knives mentioned so far. They might be too expensive once the shipping is factored in, but I think they're worth a mention anyway. The Garuda is a bit short at 5", but the Toloza sounds like it'd be pretty much perfect for you at 6". The Toloza is also available at KnifeCenter. They're both just as tough as the Rodan and Varan.

Svord: Same as Condor. Leather sheaths.
-Kiwi Trapper- More elegant, than most of the knives mentioned so far. Not sure if it'd really fall into the category of a "beater" blade, but it'd do fine in the role. Virtually indestructible handles, and L6 is tough steel.
-General Outdoors- Similar to the KT. Also available at KnifeCenter.
 
- Dan57

I cannot thank you enough! The amount of information and recommendation here is amazing! An average of £25 for shipping to the UK from knifecentre, but then their prices are incredible comparably.
really liking the Condor Varan. I suppose it's more my own experience of sheaths that's putting me off, but as I've said, I'm a total newbie in the knife world. The grind isn't something I have enough experience with to have a preference with, so that's not an issue yet at least!
Really liking the Schrade SCHF9 too!
I thought I was limited, and now I'm spoiled for choice!

Thanks again to everyone!
 
What do you mean? Mine came reasonably sharp and with even bevels, it could probably be batoned through wood just fine. I have to agree with your recommendation of a Mora though, they are cheap little gems and a bit more designed for cutting than the feldmesser. Some of the offerings from ESSE and BRKT are worth looking into.

"reasonably sharp" isn't a good expectation for a new knife. Batoning isn't either.

I think you are starting out in your knife collecting/knife using hobby, but Glock knives are not known for being great knives, good prybars perhaps, but not great knives. You'd need to spend a lot of time to re-profile the Glock blade to just get basic functionality out of one but it will never be a high-performance knife. For the cost, you can purchase multiples of Moras that will last you a lifetime.
 
I thought I was limited, and now I'm spoiled for choice!

Thanks again to everyone!
Glad I could help! Make sure to check with Baryonyx about shipping costs if you're planning on ordering the Varan. They're the best for Condors.
 
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