survival knife steel advice please

M

MilliePop

Joined
Aug 21, 2008
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I'm looking for steel recommendations for a fixed blade under 4" to stay legal to carry with me at all times since no one knows when a survival situation will arise. I prefer forged high carbon.

I'm looking at those japanese blue and white steels...any thoughts on those?

Any and all advice, recommendations and input is welcomed and appreciated. Thanks in advance.
 
Most survival knives are going to be Carbon due to the edge holding capacity, and the fact that most people just seem to prefer it.

But I gather by "steel" you're not talking the type of steel... you're talking a knife recommendation right?

When you say "steel". We say "give CPM 3V a shot, it's pretty nice".

If you're looking for a knife recommendation under 4", that's a different story.

I'd clear that up, and also tell us your price range.
 
wont matter much on a 4" blade, better too find a knife thats easy to carry concelled every day. or you can do what i do, and just carry a comfy folder.
 
Yes it has to be under 4" to stay legal where I'm at. Price is not really an issue since it'll be my main carry.

Any thoughts on 5160, 52100, or L6?

I may be looking to have it custom made since I have ideas the handle a manufacturer might not offer.
 
I understand! There are many knives and makers to choose from. Good luck.
 
There are stainless options out there. For real toughness look at Fallkniven. There are of course the perennial favorites, Rat Cutlery, Benchmade, Cold Steel. All have knives in that size range in Tool, Carbon, or Stainless.
 
There are also a lot of custome knife makers on here with some great designs, go over to the Wilderness & Survival Skills part of the forum & they can help you out !
 
MilliePop said:
Yes it has to be under 4" to stay legal where I'm at. Price is not really an issue since it'll be my main carry.

Any thoughts on 5160, 52100, or L6?

I may be looking to have it custom made since I have ideas the handle a manufacturer might not offer.
Click to expand...

5160 is one of my all time favorite steels for knives, as it's very tough, springy, not prone to chipping, and it takes and holds a good edge. You'll probably want to oil a knife made of 5160 from time to time, unless it's coated, to keep rust at bay, but unless you live near salt water or have really acidic sweat, it shouldn't be a problem.

1095 is very similar to 5160, except that is is slightly less tough and springy, but it holds an edge a slight bit longer.

As for the other two steels you mentioned, I don't know anything about them, so I can't help you there.

My recommendation for a take-anywhere, under 4 inch blade survival fixed blade would be the RAT Cutlery RC-3. It's made of 1095, with a coated 3.5 inch blade. It also comes in rather unique color schemes.:D

Also, since you said price was no concern, I'd take a look at a Busse Game Warden. It has a 3 inch blade, and comes in different thicknesses. As for the steel (INFI), there is none better as far as toughness goes.
 
Find the steel you want and make your own. Until you do that you'll never be happy. The next best suggestion would be to take a look at Bark Rivers, they have some beautiful combinations of wood and steel.
 
I would say a Busse - Game Warden or Active Duty.

Or look around for a Swamp Rat Howling Rat or Scrap Yard Yard Keeper. Great little blades!

Carbon steel blades are high maintenance...
 
Japanese "blue paper & white paper" wrapped steels aren't sold to US or other non-Japanese knifemakers. If you want either of these steels, you will have to buy a Japanese branded knife. The most common will be the Kanetsune-type blades unless you want a folder or plan to carry a a kitchen knife.

Your other options are limitless but you probably need to determine what you mostly want to use that fixed blade for. Cutting boxes, woodworking, hunting/skinning, fishing, etc. While there are general blades that will work well, there are optimal blades if you plan to specialize.

I would suggest you start looking at Bark River, Spyderco fixed blades, Fallkniven, Helle, Becker Knife & Tool, Ontario just to start. Also, you should go to the 'For Sale" section here to see if any customs catch your eye.
 
Busse Active Duty (AD), Meaner Street (MrS), or Game Warden (GW), depending on which blade profile and size appeals most to you, and then if you're not happy with the handle, customize it, or have it done.

My $.02
 
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