Survival Knives...

What qualifies a knife to be a “survival” knife. Blade length? Thickness? What are you looking for?
 
Condor Iron Path is a large chopper and has 5mm blade stock in carbon or stainless steel. (As has been confirmed in a recent thread, larger knives are better for survival ;)). Under $100 and you could chop down trees with it.

Please try out whatever you get alongside your Esse. See how they perform comparatively and post some pics…?
 
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Lasador said:
I'm in the market for a survival knife for under $100. Those persons who wish to opine on what they believe five (5) best survival knives for under $100.00, please do so. Here are some knives to start things off with: (1) Kabar Becker BK2 (can still be had for under $100, I believe); (2) Cold Steel SRK (San Mai steel); (3) Condor Rodan; (4) Gerber Strongarm; and (5) Schrade SCHF9. Obviously, this is not an inclusive list---it's just a starting point. Please keep the discussion on topic and don't forget the under $100 cap, although you're quite welcome to bring in any other knives that you think are worthy of the discussion. Thank you for your assistance in this endeavor.
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Do you own an esee 5 or not? What about all those cold steel folders you claim are the best?

Put an edge on that SOG pillar and you’re set.
 
I’m confused. For someone who already owns all the most underrated and best knives in the world, and has one of the worlds most extensive knife collections, why do you need a survival knife that’s less than $100? At any rate, I’d say the Mora Garberg gets more recommendations than any fixed blade I’ve ever seen and can be had in that price bracket.
 
I kinda use and like the 104 and 119 Bucks often. 104 comes in 5160 and if ya hunt ya can find a 119 in 5160 which makes for a very tough knife. course 420hc is plenty tough already and bonus of being stainless. good overall general use knives for outdoors tasks. not perfect but worth owning.

I also like the becker bk7 and bk9. good overall do anything knives outdoor wise.

you're asking survival but im talkin more outdoor stuff. which i guess translates a bit, but not perfectly.
 
Rich S said:
To me a survival knife is whatever knife you have when a survival situation occurs (which can't usually be predicted in advance).
So obey Rule #9 !
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That depends.

But if he is buying a survival knife now. He is by definition predicting a situation in advance.
 
jbmonkey said:
I kinda use and like the 104 and 119 Bucks often. 104 comes in 5160 and if ya hunt ya can find a 119 in 5160 which makes for a very tough knife. course 420hc is plenty tough already and bonus of being stainless. good overall general use knives for outdoors tasks. not perfect but worth owning.

I also like the becker bk7 and bk9. good overall do anything knives outdoor wise.

you're asking survival but im talkin more outdoor stuff. which i guess translates a bit, but not perfectly.
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I assume survival has more zombies.
 
Monofletch said:
Bear Grylls ULTIMATE Survival pro knife.

Ultimate survival knife!! (Says so in the name)


View attachment 1734268
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I actually like that knife. Especially the pro. Which you just can't get anymore.

I think that is one of the best designs for a grab and hope for the best knife.

Could use a little tinkering. Some fishing line or cord. Some water purification. But it just does so much, sort of ok. That it really would be a solid choice.
 
Drop bear said:
That depends.

But if he is buying a survival knife now. He is by definition predicting a situation in advance.
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Nope, not buying any "survival" knife. Been carrying the Vic Tinker model for about 30 years. No Rambo, etc. blades for me.
 
I would take a Gerber Strongarm over a Bear anything, tbh. The doodads and orange paint job don't make it any better than the Strongarm, which is a really good budget-friendly compromise for a sub $70 camp/hiking/survival knife.
 
Sure, it's a somewhat slow afternoon and I'll put in my two bits.

1. Becker BK2: I own one, but wouldn't ever actually carry it anywhere. It was one of the first "quality" fixed blades I ever bought. When I got it, and realized that it was boat anchor, and only brought a fivish inch blade to the table, it wasn't great. The BK9 is a superior knife, because at least you get some usable blade length along with the weight. Just a tad beyond your price range, but catching an auction for one under your budget limit is certainly possible.

2. Cold Steel SRK: I'd probably be in. These are great knives.

3. Condor Rodan: Seems like a decent knife, although that last quarter edge of the blade would absolutely be getting sharpened before I left home. I hate when makers do that.

4. Gerber Strongarm: Looks alright, I suppose. I'd rather have 1095 though.

5. Schrade SCHF9: I've got one, and it's a stout, heavy knife, but it's very thick, and might be difficult for a novice to sharpen, so I'd leave this one at home.

My suggestions:

ESEE 4: I've seen several in your price range, and they make excellent outdoors knives.
Buck: Buck makes several fixed blades of various sizes and models around your price point
TOPS: TOPS makes several fixed blades, though they tend to be 4 inches or under around your price point
Cold Steel: Master Hunter in 3V (just for grins)
Ontario Knives: Ontario has several that are actually below your budget, and are definitely worth checking out.

I can't really speak to specific models too much other than the ESEE, because virtually all of the fixed blades I would (and do) carry in the woods cost quite a bit more. No shame in having a budget, I'd just pick whatever fit my hand the best, and was a good balance of "cuts well" and decent materials. I don't tend to abuse my knives, so blade steel is probably a bit less important than ergos and grind for me.
 
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