Survival / General use folder: Advice & Opinions ??

M

Mindz_I

Joined
Nov 6, 2002
Messages
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For a long time now i've been considering purchasing a good quality fixed blade knife for useage while hiking, camping etc.
However being a resident of the UK and with the current climate as it is, I really don't feel comfortable with the legallity of carrying a useably sized fixed blade knife for general field chores.
With these things in mind I belive that the best course of action is to purchase a good quality folder that will do the majority of the tasks required of a fixed blade, and leave the heavier work to my hatchet (a gerber jobbie).


The knife is not going to be used for any kind of hunting (bar occasionally gutting a few fish etc), with its primary usage being the daily tasks surrouding a camp site e.g. Food prep, shelter building, cutting materials etc.

As a final requirement I'd like the possiblity of an extremely secure sheath (After-market) possibly kydex or at least nylon fastening with a QR buckle as I don't relish loosing the prospect of loosing the knife. If at all possible (i'm not sure if it is), i'd like the possiblity of carrying the knife open in the sheath (must still be secure while in the field, to then be closed when travelling through areas where more discreet / socially acceptable carry was required.


Any reccomendations will be greatly appreciated.

So far (from browsing this forum and a few magazines / websites) i've come across;

-Al Mar Sere 2K

This seems to be an excellent knife by all accounts, though i'm a little curious / concerned about something I read on these forums saying that the knife fails something called the 'spine-whack test'??? Could anyone enlighten me as to what this test entails and how serious the implications of faliure of this test are on the usability / reliabilty of the knife.



-Spyderco, Bob lum tanto

For absolutley no reason other than that I had one a while ago (lost it) and absolutley loved the design of the knife. Only took it hiking once, subsequently loosing it and in doing so never really had a chance to put it under any kind of physical test.

Thinking about the knife, i'm pretty much sure it will fail to meet my requirements but I just liked the design so much (And was so gutted when i lost it) that I guess i'm hoping that someone will have a few good words to say about it :D



Thats about it :)

Any help / advice much appreciated
 
Welcome to the forums!

Both are great knives and would serve you sell. The SERE 2K might fail the spine whack test but I wouldn't let that stop you. All liner lock folders will eventually fail if you abuse them in that way. The spine whack test is simply wacking the back of the knife blade on something hard to see if the lock becomes disengaged. You can do it on the palm of your hand if you want to try it in a less destructive way. Doesn't mean much, although some folks here will argue this one until the cows come home.
 
The SERE 2K is an excellent choice. Very heavy duty, I can't see this failing a test with a hand wack. Maybe a crow bar wack. This knife has allot going for it.

VG 10 steel.
Smooth action.
Excellent fit and finish.
Ambidextrous. Dual thumbstuds w/ reversible clip.
Pocket clip for deep carry so it is not so easy to fall out of pocket. And a bit more discreet.
Not overly tactical.
Even the wife likes this one!

The only prob I would see with it is the tip up carry. Faster to deploy. But can open up when pulled out of the ol pocket.

If I were looking for a replacement it would have to be a Chinook.

Good luck choosing.


:)
 
So many options....

How about a Buck 110. CAn't seem to kill those very easily.

A Spyderco Endura od Military would be nice.

Good luck with your search
 
In my honest opinion Al-Mar SERE 2000 is not any good choice for general outdoors use. It is very well made, very rugged (I would dare to say it is even overbuilt) knife with decent lockup and comfortable handle. However the blade style with pretty narrow hollow grind and half-blade wide false edge is designed rather for stabbing than to be any decent cutter. I have deep cutting and slicing in my mind, food preparing for example.

SPYDERCO Lum Tanto is not good choice also for the same reasons, this blade style is not any good for utility tasks.

Think about SPYDERCO Military – my favorite outdoors and around household folder (it is certainly too big to carry it in urban environment). Please look here for more info.

BENCHMADE AFCK – no matter 800 classic or 806 axis would be my second choice following the Military pretty closely.
 
I would go with either the Spyderco Endura or Police model.
 
Hey guys, Cheers for the kind welcome :)

Seems the Sere was quite a good choice (though some don't seem as keen as others). I must say, I was a little worried that the tip was going to be too fine and break easily but from what I read elsewhere that didn't seem to be the case.

I've had a look at most of the others suggested and none really jump out at me bar the spyderco models.

I must say, i'm suprised the Eudora gets so readily suggested. While I know Spyderco are excellent cutlers and had previously been seriously considering the Eudora for this purpose, I had been put off by its somewhat cheap price tag and FRP scales. I noticed while browsing 1SKS whilst at work that the new run of Eudora's have VG-10 blades ?? With this in mind and its economical price tag i'm seriously considering the eudora as a contender :D
However i'm still somewhat concerned as to whether the construction (FRP grips, lock etc) would be up to the required task durability wise ? Can anyone shed any light on this (or at least give their opinion). :confused:


On another note, while browsing through all the suggestions i came across the "Buck Strider Solution Tactical Fixed Blade" (http://www.1sks.com/store/buck-strider-solution.html). While originally I was specifically looking for a folder, I really really like the look of this knife. Its not so large at to attract attention and seems a rather good utility shape for general field tasks. Anyone have offer any info (good n bad) on this knife ?


Cheers guys.
 
You mentioned that you already have a hatchet for chopping. What you might look for now is a good slicer. Many of the knives above, such as the Military, Endura, and Delica, would do a fine job for you. In fact, it sounds like you could afford both an Endura and a Delica, Endura for field use and Delica for town.

Another option to consider is a good multitool or Swiss Army Knife. Multifunctional, easy to field sharpen, and in the case of the SAK, good slicers. Take a look at the Victorinox FieldMaster or Pioneer models. Retailers in Europe seem to offer a wide selection of the Pioneers, which have sturdy Alox handles. If you prefer multitools, take a look at the Leatherman Juice line.
 
The Buck Strider with a spear point blade. Or, the TOPS CQT Magnum clip point would be an great choice. Both are very stout knives. If a pocket clip isn't required, I'd go with the TOPS. These knives are very heavy duty and well made.
 
Mindz_I,
You probably should decide what you finally need – good cutter or sharpened prybar, no matter folding or fixed blade. Especially taking into consideration you have mentioned that for heavier tasks you do have a hatchet...

Nothing wrong is with Buck – Strider Solution. Maybe with one exception – SPYDERCO Bill Moran Featherweight could perform all cutting tasks equally well or even better in half price and 1/3 of weight. Seems you have mentioned something about hiking or backpacking... ;)

Nothing wrong is with SPYDERCO Endura for these purposes, with no exceptions. Quite naturally it is far not as strong as Strider or SERE 2000 but it is more than adequately strong for the tasks you have mentioned, especially being supported with the hatchet.
It offers a lot of cutting power in thin, lightweight and easy to carry package. It is also very reasonably priced so you probably wouldn’t hesitate to put in into use and wouldn’t think about suicide in despair if you would lose or break it :)
 
Originally posted by tarsier
You mentioned that you already have a hatchet for chopping. What you might look for now is a good slicer. Many of the knives above, such as the Military, Endura, and Delica, would do a fine job for you.

In fact, it sounds like you could afford both an Endura and a Delica, Endura for field use and Delica for town.

Another option to consider is a good multitool or Swiss Army Knife. Multifunctional, easy to field sharpen, and in the case of the SAK, good slicers. Take a look at the Victorinox FieldMaster or Pioneer models. Retailers in Europe seem to offer a wide selection of the Pioneers, which have sturdy Alox handles. If you prefer multitools, take a look at the Leatherman Juice line.
Click to expand...


Yes true, you raise a very good point.

The more and more i consider it the more and more I'm liking the sound of the Eudora (cheap and effective), its just a shame they don't make them with more attractive scales. As while I do have faith in the blade, holding the lightweight clipits has never instilled me with confidence in their durability .

Out of interest what kind of edge would you reccomend for general camp usage of a Eudora ??


When hiking in the past I tend to carry;
Hatchet, Multi-tool / SAK (Victorinox Camper) and a CRKT Mirage (or lum tanto until i lost it :().




Originally posted by Sergiusz Mitin
Mindz_I,
You probably should decide what you finally need – good cutter or sharpened prybar, no matter folding or fixed blade. Especially taking into consideration you have mentioned that for heavier tasks you do have a hatchet...

Nothing wrong is with Buck – Strider Solution. Maybe with one exception – SPYDERCO Bill Moran Featherweight could perform all cutting tasks equally well or even better in half price and 1/3 of weight. Seems you have mentioned something about hiking or backpacking... ;)

Nothing wrong is with SPYDERCO Endura for these purposes, with no exceptions. Quite naturally it is far not as strong as Strider or SERE 2000 but it is more than adequately strong for the tasks you have mentioned, especially being supported with the hatchet.
It offers a lot of cutting power in thin, lightweight and easy to carry package. It is also very reasonably priced so you probably wouldn’t hesitate to put in into use and wouldn’t think about suicide in despair if you would lose or break it :)
Click to expand...


Aye, Once again bloomin' good points.

All in all I guess what i want is sheer cutting power :) but durable enough that the knife will last me a good long while, and isn't going to break under routine (and not so routine) Camp chores. This said i suppose if the knife is cheap it won't be such a large effort to replace it should it become erepairably damaged.


Thanks alot guys, very helpful and rather insightfull comments that are exactly what I'm looking for.

Please keep 'em coming :)
 
Originally posted by Mindz_I
I'm liking the sound of the Eudora (cheap and effective), its just a shame they don't make them with more attractive scales.
Click to expand...

I prefer the SS scales myself and think it looks great. I would also say a BM AFCK is another great knife that would be well suited.
 
Welcome to the forums !:D
I hope you enjoy your stay as much as I have these past few years. My suggestion for a hard use folder that will never fail is one of the Strider folders, either the AR or GB. I happen to have gotten the GB about a year ago and can not say enough good about it!! The Strider people are great also. Your knife comes with a warrenty that beats/ or matches anyones out there. I do not think that you would need it though. The knives are tanks as far as build goes, and lend an air of confidence in their use whenever taken out and handled.
I have gotten about 15 different folders over the past two years from some great makers (Microtech, Camillus,CRKT,REKAT,BM) to name a few. All of them have proven to be fine knives, BUT, the Strider is in my pocket as I type this and usually is. Many of the knives mentioned here will serve you as well as you could ask for, so in the long run it will be a matter of what feels the best to you and what you find you have the most confidence in. Good luck in your search. It is a fun time!!:D ;)
 
Originally posted by TheBadGuy
I prefer the SS scales myself and think it looks great. I would also say a BM AFCK is another great knife that would be well suited.
Click to expand...


Hmmmm i've never been a fan of plain SS scales. While they do have a solid reassuring feeling when you hold them, and look rather fetching I always really really cringe when i drop them :S expecting all kinds of damage when i pick em up :(
 
Well price wasn't mentioned...so....I hate to be the one to mention this...but as far as fitting your requirements...darn its tough actually typing this out....a Sebenza sounds like what you need...there I said it
 
Aye,

Oh for a Sebenza :(


I'd really really love one, but there's no way on earth i could justify the expence.

If i could carry it day in day out without any fear of any legal issues then i'd have one in a shot. However for the amount of time i'd be carrying the blade I really can't justify the extra cash :(

Ho hum :(

:'(
 
Well many hearty thanks to the people who posted on this thread for the great input and excellent advice.

Considering all the points raised and the excellent reccomendations I've finally settled on a Spyderco Eurdora and the effective and economical package that it offers.


and finally one very newbie question;


What edge would you reccomend for the tasks i've described ?



Thanks once again guys.
 
The plain edge is certainly more versatile and far easier to resharpen in field conditions though serrated one sometimes cuts more efficiently. For outdoor/survival use I would definitely go with the plain edge.
 
Congrats on the Endura. It was my first real knife, I have used it hard for over five years and not a single problem. The perfect companion for the Endura is the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204. Then you can keep that baby hair poppin sharp.
 
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