Suggestions for SHTF/BUG OUT knives - folder and fixed

ZDHart said:
OK... I'm considering two very popular fixed blades, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 @ about $67 and the ESEE 5 @ about $140.

These knives are comparable in blade length and are made of the same steel... so I was surprised to see the ESSE at twice the price. What makes the ESEE priced at $140 vs. the Becker BK2? Do you feel the ESEE 5 offers significantly better performance than the BK2? Worth twice the price?
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Add the micarta handles to the BK2, now you're getting close in price (I don't mind the grivory, however). Also, people swear by the ESEE warantee, but I find it hard to imagine a circumstance that would kill a BK2 and not an ESEE 5. They are both bomber knives. I'd go with something longer, personally. Like the Junglas, or even a machete (I love my machetes!), and sub in a small fixed blade like a Mora, Benchmade Rant, some kind of small game/food prep knife. Also, I think a light folding saw would come in real handy, save some chopping energy in a lot of cases. So here's my set up:

machete (12" Ontario or 18" barong)
Bahco Laplander saw
Mora Allround
Ritter Mini-grip

The only thing I would add to that list is a 24" axe, if it were winter and I was heading up to the mountains (a foolish enterprise in SHTF, but thought I'd give the axe a shout-out anyway).
 
Folders: So many good ones to choose from -- Ritter Griptilian comes to mind, so does the new ZT-0551 or 0550 when it's available. CRK Sebenza/Umnumzaan or Strider SMF or SnG if you have or can afford.

My preference here is for an affordable slicer which is why the Ritter Grip/RSK Mk 1 is first on my list. I'll likely have one folder in my pocket and another in my pack. Right now a ZT-0551 is in the pack.

Fixed: BK-7/9 with a nod to the Ka-Bar manufactured BK-9. If you can afford it, something from Fehrman or Koster in 3V would also be a great way to go.
 
raindog... I see the wisdom in your suggestions. If one knife only, perhaps the BK2 is it!

But if you can have a 10-12" small machette or light hatchet and a smaller, 3.5-4" knife, like the Izula or a good folder, you've got more suitable tools to the individual tasks at hand, as long as the added weight and additional item isn't a problem. I can see getting a 10" machette and a BK2 to have in addition to the many smaller folders I already have.

ras..... the 551 and 550 look like great knives! Are they likely to become available anytime soon?
 
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I'd go a lot cheaper for a 'Bug-Out Bag.' The knives should be packed in your kit and stay there until needed. I'd be too tempted to take out a fancier knife and use it elsewhere; risks not having the knife when/where you need it most.

A couple of folders I'd recommend are: Ontario RAT 1, Spyderco Resilience, SAK, large Opinel, and/or multi-tool. For the same price as a more expensive knife, you could afford to mix and match from these offerings and have more capability.

For a fixed blade, I'd opt for a machete as they typically are less expensive and very durable. If a machete isn't what you're looking for, I'd suggest a sturdy knife that costs less than $100: Mora and Ka-Bar/Becker spring immediately to mind. Food for thought--on the subject of fixed blades, I found this thread very interesting: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=832489

Good luck! :)

P.S. Don't forget to include some type of sharpening option!
 
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BluesStringer said:
It just never occurred to me that I could predetermine what kinds of events might lead to me having to struggle to survive, and I don't limit my preparations for such events to only those that will allow me to continue using my car. But to each his own. Best of luck.

Blues
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Well, ALL "Bug-out" bags carry that sort of thinking.
I don't bother with "Bug-out" bags anyway.
What'll I have ON me if the world goes to hell and I'm not at home? Probably one folding knife, some fire making device, little tinder, and a liter of water.
Maybe a book will be there as well.
And I'll end up surviving just fine...if I have to, I'll take the pack off the guy who had a heart attack from lugging around their 150 pound "meets all possible scenarios bug-out bag.":D
 
ZDHart said:
But if you can have a 10-12" small machette or light hatchet and a smaller, 3.5-4" knife, like the Izula or a good folder, you've got more suitable tools to the individual tasks at hand, as long as the added weight and additional item isn't a problem. I can see getting a 10" machette and a BK2 to have in addition to the many smaller folders I already have.
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Best part of it all is, that's a fairly cheap setup right there. 12" Tram machete: $7, Mora #1: $12, Rat 1 folder:$25. You have a nice BOB setup for just under $50. Add a Fiskars hatchet for another $25, and if you like, a gerber saw for $20, and you're still looking at under $100 easy.
 
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stabman said:
Well, ALL "Bug-out" bags carry that sort of thinking.
I don't bother with "Bug-out" bags anyway.
What'll I have ON me if the world goes to hell and I'm not at home? Probably one folding knife, some fire making device, little tinder, and a liter of water.
Maybe a book will be there as well.
And I'll end up surviving just fine...if I have to, I'll take the pack off the guy who had a heart attack from lugging around their 150 pound "meets all possible scenarios bug-out bag.":D
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My BOB is simple. First aid, fire starting, small tarp, extra flashlight and candle, water purification, knives, and ammo. Weight is around ten pounds. Not bad. I have a full disaster kit at home in a home depot bucket. Memphis is on a fault line that is overdue for activity.
 
If I were going hiking/camping, I'd carry a Buck 110 and maybe a Mora or a butcher knife. If I were to lose or break one, no big deal.

In a SHTF situation however, I'd carry my Lochsa, CR knives and my two customs. My reasoning is that in a SHTF, should I survive and get home my good knives (good anything) are likely to be gone. If I may be doomed, I might as well go out with a little style.
 
ZDHart said:
OK... I'm considering two very popular fixed blades, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 @ about $67 and the ESEE 5 @ about $140.

These knives are comparable in blade length and are made of the same steel... so I was surprised to see the ESSE at twice the price. What makes the ESEE priced at $140 vs. the Becker BK2? Do you feel the ESEE 5 offers significantly better performance than the BK2? Worth twice the price?
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On the CRKS website they have a BK2 with micarta handles and a decent kydex sheath for $130. They also have a ESEE-5 for $144.

What I'm saying is, if you're comparing apples to apples, there isn't much of a difference in price.
 
My bugout bag contains a Cold Steel Rajah and a Ka-Bar Large and Heavy Bowie. You might also consider a CS OSS or a Recon Scout. The CS Spartan also is a very strong knife (folder). It's undoubtedly the strongest folder made and is as strong as many fixed blade knives.

CSRajahI_3.jpg


The CS Rajah

BuckAlaskan.jpg


The Buck Alaskan with an S30V blade.

images


Ka-Bar Large and Heavy Bowie.
 
ZDHart said:
OK... I'm considering two very popular fixed blades, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 @ about $67 and the ESEE 5 @ about $140.

These knives are comparable in blade length and are made of the same steel... so I was surprised to see the ESSE at twice the price. What makes the ESEE priced at $140 vs. the Becker BK2? Do you feel the ESEE 5 offers significantly better performance than the BK2? Worth twice the price?
Click to expand...

Not in my book, as evidenced by one BK9 and two BK2's in my bug-out inventory.

Nothing against ESEE over here. I'm a value shopper though and Mr. Becker's designs have never let me down or left me feeling over-charged.

Blues
 
Folder: ZT 200, ZT 550, Strider SMF, Spyderco Tuff (once its released)
Fixed: ESEE RC 5, BK 2, Busse Tank Buster (or any busse really) Swamprat RMD, Koster Survivor
 
ZDHart said:
OK... I'm considering two very popular fixed blades, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 @ about $67 and the ESEE 5 @ about $140.

These knives are comparable in blade length and are made of the same steel... so I was surprised to see the ESSE at twice the price. What makes the ESEE priced at $140 vs. the Becker BK2? Do you feel the ESEE 5 offers significantly better performance than the BK2? Worth twice the price?
Click to expand...

I had both and now only have the BK2. Warranty is awesome on the ESEEs and I love the micarta. But the handle shape on the 5 ruined it for me. I have mentioned this before, during heavy chopping the 5 will need to be regripped constantly. The bottom of the handle does not support the hand like the BK2 does. I dont hate nor love the BK2 plastic handle...you do feel some shock but it can chop better using a three finger grip and in general it isnt as blocky of a grip as the 5 is. You could get some micarta scales for it but the do cost around 35-40 bucks. They are nice and really make the BK2 shine!! If the 5 had a better handle shape that works better for chopping such as supporting the butt of the hand better I wouldnt have considered the BK2. But for the money the BK2 is a great blade and performs extremely well! I actually like it better then my old 5.
 
I decided to go with a BK7 for the larger camp/survival applications and a ZT 0200 for convenient carry for somewhat lighter duties.

I already have an assortment of various smaller Spyderco G10 models, Kershaw OSO, and Benchmades to choose from for pocket folders.

I do still want to get a small fixed blade and I'm waiting for the Izula II kit to become available again... or perhaps I should go with the Becker Necker instead?
 
For me I'd say what I have on me when I'm out and about now.

I haven't got a BOB, but I keep a 35L backpack packed at all times with my basic bushcraft gear in. I could call it a BOB, but I don't as I use it all the time.

So my choice of blade would be for fixed an Enzo Trapper O1 and folder would be a Enzo Birk (a really solid folder with a scandi grind). I'd also take my possibles pouch too so I'd have either a SAK Camper or Farmer, normally the camper as it's smaller, it dosen't matter that the camper dose't have an awl as I keep an awl as part of my basic kit.

In my bag I have the propper tools for the job too. For fire wood I have a laplander folding saw and GB hatchet, those two together beat any big knife. and if I need to dig a hole I have a folding spade, I've filed the edge so it cuts through roots when digging fire pits.

I also always have my Leatherman Kick on my belt (as it's a UK legal carry option) so I have a blade there, but I mainly use it for the pliers.
 
I keep a CS Pocket Bushman in mine. It's a big folder with a stong lock and it was not expensive. Plenty of fixed knives next to the bag: CS Recon Scout, CS SRK, HEST fixed, K-Bar. I always have a couple of good folders, a good multi-tool and an Izula on me.
 
For a folder, I'm going to have my EDC with me regardless; if I'm in the shower or something and not carrying a knife, I'm likely at home, or else I'm away from my bug-out bag anyways. I'll probably get myself a ZT at some point here to try out.

Fixed blades, on the other hand, are another story. I'd likely bring one of my HI khukuri, since they are amazing choppers, and would be very useful in a wide variety of survival situations, and probably my Bark River Aurora also. I don't know that I would want to carry any of my Kabar knives. Just don't strike me as being terrifically durable, having already bent the guard and the tip on the Marine knife, and not even from particularly hard use.

My preferences as far as hard-use fixed blades would be, in order:

Himalayan Imports
ESEE
Busse or Scrapyard
Bark River

Sounds like you can't go wrong with ZT, but I'm thinking my Ritter Grip or Manix 2 will be good enough for things that I can't use a fixed blade for.
 
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