Survival knives, big vs small

There is a big difference between intentionally walking into what might become a survival situation and having one happen due to unexpected events. I generally think in terms of the unexpected, but at the same time, what kind or size of knife am I most likey to have with me in this situation....4-6" fixed blade in the woods or a medium folder or two in a non-woods situation. If I am walking into a survival situation, I might carry a chain saw.... ridiculous, but I plan. Yeah, I like big knives, and when I carry them, they get in the way and seldom get used anyway. The vast majority of everything I cut in the woods is done with either a SAK or traditional slip joint. The other 10% we can discuss whether or not it justifies the weight and effort to carry the fixed blade at all, even a medium sized one. I would be perfectly content with my Blackjack 125 or BK-16 if I had it with me along with one of my favored SAKs.
 
Gray Wolf made me a +4" fixed blade in a Kydex sheath with Tek Lok that rides in my pack with a Bahco folding saw.
My EDC is a Victorinox OHT, I use the OHT all the time and it's perfect for my needs.
 
This is one of those issues
pretty much as you will
Would have with coke vs Pepsi.
I m thinking that there are several reasons that make folks choose shorter blade lengths.
It could be legal restrictions by default,
It could be cost considerations,
It could be individual design preferences of the day,
It could be the individual's physical limitations,
It could be determined by the type of forested or plantless environment
Which could make long cumbersome to lug around or practically unnecessary.
Weight issues and stock thickness for strength is a point for consideration.
I do think that should these physical issues be resolved by future technological advancements,
The use of Longer blades might see an increase.
Chopping with a short knife for now, could be supplanted with a pocket or folding saw.
But I really do think that the survivor's mindset will determine the best choice available for the individual.
Go with what makes you comfortable and empowered to face those wilderness challenges.
 
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I would worry less about the knife size. Looking more at durability, geometry, and sharpness.

I would concern myself more with the skill to use any of the above choices. Any knife in skilled hands will serve the purpose. Practice with both large and small. Just in case you find youself with something different that you intended.

I have some larger blades and like them a lot. But an ESEE-3 or F-1 size knife can do an amazing job in the woods.

Just like putting a Nascar driver in a Nissan Sentra and an average guy in a Race Car and heading out to the track. Most likely the Sentra will cross the line first.

Our society puts way too much emphasis on stuff and way too little on skills.
Pick the one you like and get intimate with it. It will serve you well.
 
One other thing that I feel is important.

Choose a knife with steel that can be field sharpened. And make sure you have something to sharpen it with you, the pack, or the knife. If something truly turns into a survival situation a leather strop is more tha worth its weight.
 
There really isn't a VS possible here.

For at least 2.5 million years the small edge has been favored by multiple species of fire controlling hominin. In the last 10,000 years here in the US I'm unaware of any native tribes that perished from lack of having a big knife. Thus I would be less inclined to believe there is any real validity to the large chopper knife in a real survival situation other than a comfort/morale item. People have survived despite the tool, but if it keeps you working and positive, use it!
 
B34NS said:
There really isn't a VS possible here.

For at least 2.5 million years the small edge has been favored by multiple species of fire controlling hominin. In the last 10,000 years here in the US I'm unaware of any native tribes that perished from lack of having a big knife. Thus I would be less inclined to believe there is any real validity to the large chopper knife in a real survival situation other than a comfort/morale item. People have survived despite the tool, but if it keeps you working and positive, use it!
Click to expand...

But, but, but... you always see Indians with big knifes in the movies. :D Rambo had a big knife. There is also the favored latin machete design by regular folks in South America who use the machete for everything from clearing a trail to cleaning a fish.

I think folks these days are just caught up with essentially combat designed knifes for survival because you just never know when you might just be in a combat situation.
 
Hahaha so true! WWRD? What Would Rambo do?!

Oh yea, that's a great point too, even though many native tribes survived countless millennia without, the introduction of these tools has forever changed their culture. Some of those kids in South America were only 8 or 9 with a big ol machete and with more proficiency than many culinary grads I've worked with.

I just wish people were more honest about having fun with big blades. Everyone tries to get so serious these days.
 
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