What knife would you use in a survival scenario?

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master_nylo

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If you were in a 72 hr+ off grid survival scenario what one knife would you trust to fill the role of a survival knife? To make kindling, to prepare food, make a spear, make a shelter or to battle a zombie (just kidding with that last part). I personally would trust the TOPS silent hero. Looking forward to hearing your feedback!
 
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Smaug said:
Easy decision for me:

Victorinox RangerGrip 79:
SAK_0_9563_MC__S1.jpg


Best outdoors knife ever made, IMHO:

  • Nice long saw; no need to abuse the blade by chopping
  • Nice long plain-edged blade; can even shank someone if needed, as it has that liner lock that's actuated by the shield button.
  • Can opener! This is CRITICAL in the type of survival scenario I envision.
  • Corkscrew for helping to untie knots
  • Bottle opener. Things are tough, I may only be able to find fancy bottled beer. Doubles as a light-duty pry bar.
  • Reamer is a nice semi-sharp pokey-pointy tool. Again, no need to abuse the blade.
  • Grippy in all situations.

I have an older Wenger version of this knife without the rubber insert molding. It's great. The saw will make a believer out of anyone with an open mind.
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RangerGrip paired with a big heavy wood chopper or hatchet if you needed a lot of firewood / shelter .

Or a grass machete in the jungle ?

If you know how , you can even do some sewing with the awl .
 
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Since you'll never know when you'll be in a "survival situation," I'll use whatever knife (or knives) thatI have available to me at the time.

The knives that I carry in my pocket on a daily basis would be much different if/when I am camping/backpacking; the latter being more typical of those associated w/"survival" use but since I usually backpack (not car camp) they would be lightweight and suitable for a variety of uses.
 
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Fixed, probably my Warpath Strategies Camp Chef. Of course it's one of a kind, but it could handle anything but stabbier type stuff.

Folder, Biryukov #7. 4.2" S390 laminate, thin full flat grind, lightweight, could probably use as a makeshift spear head.

Then probably the ubiquitous jarbenza for hunting bear.
 
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This is an old time favorite camping knife for me. The knife and sheath hold up to wet environments; I have a lot of that. it is large enough to be useful work yet lighter than the US counterparts. I also like that I can pound tent stakes with the pommel and pull them out with the muzzle ring. I usually pair it with a DMT sharpener and a Leatherman.

It is simple, it works, and if it falls overboard in a muck covered swamp you can resist the urge to go in after it.

n2s
 
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The one on me if it is a true survival situation, usually an Opinel or a SA, not sure I would have much choice in that situation. It is different if you have your chosen knives on a camping or hiking trip and then circumstances go south.
 
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Taking one I currently own, it would probably be my Ontario SP1, or my Ontario pilot's survival knife since that it what is was designed for. I don't plan on doing any heavy batonning so either should do fine for what I would use it for. Of course, if I am planning ahead I would also carry a small ax and a good saw as well, along with a solid folder for detailed work and as a backup to the main blade
 
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Reasonably small fixed blade right till you got to the build a shelter part. If: I have no saw, axe, hatchet or other tools then it’s got to be at least 6” with proven steel. Many many would do but I’d pick a Carothers SDFK, a Busse TGULB, Forsaken Gemini or new Hellrazor due to the lightening they have done while still maintaining strength and the performance they are capable of without failing on me. Any one of those would do. If I had other tools, I would go a bit smaller.
Truth is a Esee 6 with contoured micarta scales is perfectly capable, comfortable and cheaper.
 
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Since I’m probably not going to get to choose when this 72 hour survival experience begins I’ll not be able to pack for it so I’ll use what’s on me.
CRK Zaan or Inkosi depending on the day, A Mnandi , Malkoff E2S and a peak Eiger. Glock 19 with 15 round refill.

I’ll be ok.
 
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