Suggestions for bug out bag blades?

I think you’re on the right track with the mora companion. Great knife especially for that price range. Easy to sharpen, very light weight and surprisingly study knives.

Since these are for a bug out bag, consider squaring off the spine of the knife with a file, that way you can use it to strike a ferro rod (which is presumably also in said bug out bag. And edc for that matter)

 

I agree wholeheartedly with the Mora choice. Everyone in my family has one in a different color. Great knife great sheath inexpensive. Can’t be beat at the price.

I made big out bags for my family about ten years ago. I had enough unused knives that I didn’t purchase any. Include a knife with a can opener too. A multitool would be best.

 

Terävä Jääkäripuukko 110 or Terävä Minipuukko.

 

It's about $5 over your $40 limit, but my suggestion is the Kabar Becker BK14 (1095CV steel)

I have the BK24 which is the same knife in D2 and I trust it fully. A great knife, reasonable size, and will do whatever you need. If you don't like the coating it's easy to strip, and if you give it a good patina I haven't had any real rust concerns with my other stripped Beckers in 1095cv.

 

If my 10 year old is with me he has his flouresent green mora with him. It clips to anything from a belt to a pair of sweat pants. I feel it’s a safe option. The sheath is pretty stout. So I’m not worried about him getting stabbed through the sheath. Also I don’t have to worry about it closing on his fingers.

Your wife deserves a BK 62 Kephart.

 

Mora is probably the way to go with the price.
BladeHQ has some nice package deals:
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Craft-Knife-Mutli-Pack-Set--78020
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Morakniv-Outdoor-Knife-Mutli-Pack--75687

Maybe get one of the above plus this and end up with a lightweight hatchet.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Mora-of-Sweden-Outdoor-Kit-Orange-w--21009

Buck might have a couple options too, but no experience with these models.
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-BuckLite-Max-II-Small-Fixed--79561
https://www.bladehq.com/item--Buck-Omni-Hunter-10PT-Knife-Black--15708

 

Yyou could get the Morakniv Kansbol for under forty bucks. It has a few features you don’t get on the Companion, like an ambidextrous sheath and a 90-degree spine. Dunno if the differences make it worth twice the price. It is hard to fault the Companion for your purpose, but the Kansbol would be my choice for my own bag.

 

Definitely place a Mora in each kit. This keeps things within reasonable limits of the budget. Good functional knifes also. There will be other stuff included that is not a knife and that costs $ too.

 

The Mora light my fire set looks like a winner too.

 

What can I say that hasn't already said about a Mora? Pair it with a Swiss Army Knife.

 

Another vote for a Mora. Inexpensive, light, and surprisingly tough.

The Terävä Jääkäripuukko 110 is another great choice.

 

Who could argue with the Mora. Great choice and a great knife. The ESEE Izula 2 is probably my most used fixed blade and it is fantastic. Full retail is above the price point you wanted, but you can often find them slightly used for 40-ish. Same with Ontario Rat 3, also a great knife for the price.

 

As mentioned, a SAK might be a good choice too and for me would depend on the preferences of the people receiving the kits. I personally would rather have a SAK than a Mora.

 

Everyone else has had good suggestions, I'm just curious what knife you put in yours?

 

I agree with morakniv post. They are useful. Affordable and if they get messed up or lost you dont cry yourself to sleep. They are great quality

 

I’m kinda going against the grain a bit, but I’d recommend a Tramontina machete (12 inch or 18 inch) rather than a knife.

It can still be used to whittle, slice, food prep, etc. But can also serve as a hot plate, defensive weapon, brush clearing, fire prod, and light baton work. It also has the ability to be used as a spring to make noose traps for small game.

Just a thought. Good luck in your search!

 

Mora. And a couple of BiC lighters -- forget the ferro rod.

 

You're going to need to buy them bright colored cordage or they'll lose that too

Then you can just wrap some around the bk14's handle

Tie dye handle visibility > mora's