What to Get?

J

Johnnycake

Joined
Dec 6, 2010
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I am wondering what kind of survival knife to get. Is folding okay? Should I get stainless or carbon steel? I want it to hold an edge, but still be rugged.
 
Carbon steel is probably the best option for a Large Survival knife. 1095 Steel is a good choice. It is very rugged and holds an edge for a decent amount of time. Fixed blade is your only choice here. Folders have there place but for a survival knife, Fixed blades are the best. ESEE 6 would be a great all round survival knife. Becker knife and tool is another good choice. Check out the ESEE forum and watch some youtube reviews on ESEE ( Formerly RAT Cutlery ) knives.
 
MrBladedude has the right idea. You want tough steel for a survival knife and that often compromises long edge retention and corrosion resistance. But successful outdoor experts and survival experts have been using the carbon steels and high carbon alloys for a long time with success. Today's blade coatings on the better commonly available production knives such as ESEE and KaBar/Becker these days makes them almost care free compared to yesteryear.

For strict survival puproses, the best bet is a good fixed blade. The blade length is subjective but I believe it should be long enough to effectively baton at least.
 
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Throw in a Victorinox Farmer, Camper, Huntsman, Ruckscack, or Outrider anyway. Super versatile and much better to saw with one of these than hack away at larger pieces of wood with a 3-5in. fixed blade. It can just be your back-up at the least.
 
Welcome.
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Much to learn? Then this is the place. . . .
 
You will probably eventually get more than one knife once you get bitten by the bug.

I got along fine with just a SAK (swiss army knife) for many years while I was younger. A good basic model such as the climber, huntsman or outrider will address 90% of your outdoor needs. If you were to go with a fixed blade a Buck 119 would be a good start, or a ESSE 6 or Fallkniven F1 or S1 if you wanted to spend a few more dollars.
 
A lot of this depends on exactly what you expect from your knife. What jobs do you want it to do, where are you planning on carrying it.

For the sort of thing most people picture when they hear the words "survival knife" you would do quite well with anything that strikes your fancy from Becker or ESEE.

While folding knives are not generally tough enough to stand up to the heavier more abusive uses like splitting wood they have their place. A good swiss army knife (one with a saw and awl IMHO) will serve you well, but it should probably be paired with a fixed blade. Trekker, Huntsman, Farmer, Fieldmaster would be good models to look at.
 
Johnnycake said:
I am wondering what kind of survival knife to get. Is folding okay? Should I get stainless or carbon steel? I want it to hold an edge, but still be rugged.
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Joben said:
A lot of this depends on exactly what you expect from your knife. What jobs do you want it to do, where are you planning on carrying it.

For the sort of thing most people picture when they hear the words "survival knife" you would do quite well with anything that strikes your fancy from Becker or ESEE.

While folding knives are not generally tough enough to stand up to the heavier more abusive uses like splitting wood they have their place. A good swiss army knife (one with a saw and awl IMHO) will serve you well, but it should probably be paired with a fixed blade. Trekker, Huntsman, Farmer, Fieldmaster would be good models to look at.
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I agree with Joben. The term "survival knife" covers a lot of turf.
To get a better answer, provide more information:
- How much into survival planning are you? How are you planning to use this?
- Is this going to be used on a regular basis or is this "just in case"?
- In what type of terrain are you thinking about? knives optimal for deserts and knives optimal for swamps are different.

BTW, We have a Wilderness and Survival Skills Forum. A bit of reading there might not be amiss.
BladeForums.com > Community Discussion Forums > Activities, Training & Skills Development > Wilderness & Survival Skills
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=692

Welcome to BladeForums!
 
Have a look at the Becker BK-2. That's a knife that does what you need outdoors, is tough enough and won't require a second mortgage on your house. You can get one around $60 and it will last longer than you will if you don't do something silly like throw it.

It's tough enough for bigger stuff and nimble enough for smaller.

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Beckerhead #42
 
Wow, an actual what to buy thread without every stinkin model of Spyderco suggested!!!


Sorry, sarcasm mode off now. No more posting after tequila! :D
 
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