Surefire EW-05 for deployment - Opinions

[Rick in AZ]

I am looking at a Surefire EW-05 for a probable government sponsored vacation next year. For its intended purpose it looks about right: healthy serrations to aid in cutting synthetic materials, app. 4" blade, exposed steel at the butt of the handle for pounding something or breaking glass, a coating to provide some rust resistance, and hopefully it is strong enough for some prying if necessary. I've never used 3v but from everything I have read here it is strong and has good edge retention. I will have a folder for mundane day to day use and from previous experience I would say that the odds of needing to do bushcraft tasks are extraordinarily slim so the reported difficulty in sharpening 3v and the serrations won't be a problem.

Does anyone have any opinions about the EW-05 or recommendations for something better in the same price range with the same features that is fairly readily available? I definitely don't want anything much larger or heavier.

 

[Buffalohump]

I've always liked the look of it, almost bought one once but didnt pull the trigger. Its pricey and I am not a fan of part serrated knives.

I would also take a look at the Fehrman line-up (Peacemaker). They also use CPM-3V and by all accounts are fine knives in every respect.

Also consider Swamp Rat. The HRLM is a fine little knife with great ergos and extremely tough steel.