Which knife (knives) do you recommend?

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Plainsman

Joined
Apr 5, 1999
Messages
1,160
Ok, I have read through all the threads on this forum and nobody has asked this question!
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I'd like to hear about knives in different categories.

1) Folders.
2) Fixed blades UNDER $50.
3) Fixed blades UNDER $100.
4) Fixed blades OVER $100.

Feel free to give your input on one or all the categories. I know many of us can't buy a $300 knife, hence the different price ranges.

THANKS for any input, it is MUCH APPRECIATED!



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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
This is a long, involved question -- LOL! I'm writing in a hurry here, so this rambles around a bit.

First off, forget rope-cutting tests, etc., etc., and listen to the people who've taken knives out into the enviroments and used them for real. That is the only test that applies! Ron lists knife companies whose products have proven themselves to him on his website. Jeff Randall does excellent reviews on his website. Greg will recommend what works a well from the standpoint of real dirt time.

For context, I'll state the enviroment here: if you're doing short term (one day to one month) expeditions in wooded areas in the contintental US, for $50-$100 knives, many of Cold Steel's fixed blades will serve you just fine. Two of them are the SRK or Recon Tanto even -- the armchair "blade profile purists" will condemn me for those two recommenrdations, but the two knives can pry and cut just fine for your short term wilderness needs. I've used them both -- no complaints. Cold Steel knives have been proven in harsher environments by Jeff Randall and Ron Hood. The SRK and Recon Tanto are in the $50ish range. The Bush Ranger is a good all-around knife, too, but scary for any prying -- it's a thinner stock knife.

Cold Steel is not your only choice, but just popped into my head first. Newt Livesay is making great knives that are less expensive than other customs, but are workhorses that will not fail you. Look at TOPS, too.

Get full tang or fully enclosed tang knives whenever possible and throw away any hollow handled, compass-assed knives you have. The only hollow handle knives that I've seen yet that are tough are Chris Reeves' stuff.

More expensive production fixed blades: I just got a Busse Basic #9, but haven't played with it yet, and also have a had a Trailmaster for awhile. Look at Himalayan Imports Khukuris for amazingly tough knives that will keep going for generations after you're long gone.

I have a Mission MPK titanium-alloy knife that works great for diving, and I even carry it on me while windsurfing: no corrosion at all, and tough lateral strength. Blade is softer but does rough cutting just fine as long as you know how to resharpen it.

What fixed blade knife have I most often brought with me though? My old 5" bladed Camillus USAF survival knife with the leather wrap handle and leather sheath: it was the first "big" knife I got as a teenager, and is still going strong!

I have some great custom blades, but don't usually bring them into the woods...LOL. They're too nice!!

Folders: a SAK of some sort or a good multitool (both with locking blades) make excellent folders. I have a Leatherman Wave and a fully loaded SAK (don't remember the model), and both are great. They work in the real world, and work well.

Also, carbon steel is my preference as opposed to stainless -- easier to get an edge back on it in the field. It won't rust if you take care of it.

Best,

Brian.
 
Ok Plainsman, since no one else has jumped on the thread yet, I'll offer up my uneducated opinions.

Folders: I like the Spyderco Military. It's big enough to do both small and large chores, I like a flat grind, it rides well in the pocket, and the action is smooth as silk even when it's dirty.

Sheath blades: Here's where we go off on a tangent. Kabar, TOPS, Fallkniven, Livesay, and many more make excellent pieces for me. Under 50 bucks, I'd go with a Kabar, probably the WartHog, under a 100 I'd go with a Fallkniven, over a hundred, definitley a Livesay or TOPS.

You left out the best of all 'Under 20 dollars' - Ontario machete rules this one, matter of fact may even rule some of the other ones also
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- Jeff



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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com

 
Thanks Brian.

As a post script to my reply, I forgot to mention Cold Steel as Brian did. Their SRK is a good little piece.

All of this depends also on what you're going to be doing. I know a lot of folks hate that remark.

In general, I'm more a fan of thinner knives that cut more efficiently than thicker knives. Sure, there's a lot to be said for awesome strength, but when it comes to slashing, skinning, and bushwhacking, thinner blades do better for me. - Jeff

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Randall's Adventure & Training
jeff@jungletraining.com

 
IMHO I have to say that if you are looking to cut back on the amount of money you are spending on gear, don't stint when it comes to your knife. That is one of the single most important things you need to have on you in a survival situation. The MOST important tool at your disposal is a focused and determined mind. Having said that, your wits and a sharp, sturdy blade can see you safely through a lot of adversity. As for myself, I carry two knives: an Emerson CQC7 pocket knife, and a good Nepalese Khukuri. A smaller sheath knife that I also thought very highly of was the SOG Ranger. The attraction of a good sharp Khukuri is the combination of chopping capability and lateral stress tolerance. Fine cutting with a Khukuri takes some serious practice, and even then I'm still miserable at it. The SOG lacks chopping power, but it is smaller, lighter, and very sharp. I liked it a lot, but somebody else decided that they liked it better that I did when I wasn't looking and walked off with it. At least they had good taste.

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When the chips are down, the buffalo is empty.

 
I'm almost afraid to post anything here :>) I mean this is the BladeForums isn't it. Lots of loyalty here...lots of knife makers here and when Brian makes a post long enoug to require me to take a potty break...I know I am treading on thin water if I post my true feelings. Oh well....perhaps I will get an opportunity to try some of the knives made here....:>) yeah...that's it...send me knives to try :>)))))) this is getting better...

Folder:

I have to admit that I have a US (silver) folding blade knife. Issued to me when I began my training as a USAF survival instructor. I love it. I have a cool red braid that I made on a dark cold night... It takes a quick edge and does the job. I get it real sharp before I go to the woods and then hone (sp) it with a diamond after each use. I never use the blade to strike my metal match. The best part is that if I lost it...I could replace it for about $12 (I haven't lost this one yet).

Recently the owner of Benchmade knives gave me a folder (I think it costs about $145). I don't know what it is called but it is their most recent model that allows for one hand opening. it is nice and very sharp. I like it alot and will probably start using it. I have not tested it in the woods yet.

My Fixed blade....
I carry two types, medium and large:

The cheap USAF survival knife (medium). I can beat the heck out of it. I have had it for a long time. I think it costs about $35

I also have the 9" anaconda (large) that Ron Hood sells. It is a nice knife with a great edge on it. I have taken it to the field 2 times. I find the handle a little small for my hands but I have beat the heck out it and it has held to the test. I think it retails for around $300

My favorite big knife (large) is something I have used for many years. A bolo. Bought in the phillipines for $10. The untempered truck spring blade takes a great beating. Problems: it dents and needs to be shappened often. I like the way it feels in my hand and I like the balance of the blade. After 12 years, the handle has finally broke. Anyone have something a design like this that they would like me to test :>)))))?

My advice on this subject is to listen to the experts (they know alot more about knives then I do) and get what you feel you can afford. take care of it and it will last a long time.

Don't buy the best, most expensive one right off the bat...this is a mistake some people make and it ends up just like the treadmill they just had to have.

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Greg Davenport
http://www.ssurvival.com
Are You Ready For The Challenge?
Are You Ready To Learn The Art Of Wilderness Survival?

[This message has been edited by Greg Davenport (edited 04 December 1999).]
 
For me the locale plays a big part in my selection. Bushwacking is out in most of the National Forests and for the most part is unnecessary. Here in Idaho, if I think I'm going to need to bushwack, I walk around. Nothing cuts through Hawthorn like a chain saw
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For general stuff... The SAK Rucksack model does it all for me. I can make anything I need with it. There are other knives that have similar features. One knife? that's it. I haven't been in a knife fight since 84'(I used a chain anyway) so I don't need a fighter.

Get to carry a big knife, Yahoody! I have a LOT of big knives and they all will work. I've distilled my needs down to what we designed into the Anaconda (Greg... ya doofus, I have thicker handle scales for the knife, I'll send you some!)or the Simonich Nordooh. The Busse BM is a good knife too.

I'd ride with Randall on the Ontario. For an inexpensive blade they hold up well and chop like any good knife. As does almost anything by Cold Steel.

I brought nine of the CS Bushmasters into the Indians in Peru. A year later they were still using them daily! I couldn't believe it.

Ron




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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
WOW!
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Thank you gentlemen for such a wonderful set of replies to my questions! I value each and every one as we have individuals knowledgeable in two areas: knives and survival.

I currently have many "working" knives. I keep two USAF survival knives for backup for the "unknown" one of which is a Camillus. Yes, these are for "short term" survival work. For hunting, skinning, camp chores I have my favorites, but NONE would worry me if I lost one.

Loss is one of the reasons I put the different price categories. If I owned a $300 knife I'd be SO WORRIED about losing it, that I'd probably never carry it. However, a less expensive knife would always be on me when I needed it as they are now. I usually more than one all the time.

From what I have read here, I'm in ok shape, but I do have a wish list that some of you have hit.

I will look at getting a KABAR and/or an SRK and possibly another CS, such as their LTC Kukri or Trailmaster one day.

Thanks for all the input, it is much appreciated!
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Plainsman :)
primitiveguy@hotmail.com


 
Man! I don't know what has gotten into me. For the last 11 months I've been carrying my Simonich Talonite Kanji. It is one of the most versatile blades I own. I've taken it to the Amazon, to the high winter mountains, cleaned Elk and deer and 1 bear with it. I whittled a cord of wood and cleaned my toenails. I forgot it 'cause it's with me so much I just forget I own it.

Ron

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Learn Life Extension at:

http://www.survival.com ]
 
folders: A Chris Reeves sebenza or a large AFCK or large Opinel
Fixed blades under 50$: Glock Survival or Muelay Ranger
Fixed blades under 100$: CS light gurka kukri or CS Bush Ranger
Fixed blades over 100$: CS traimaster, Busse nr.9 , Reeves Projects and my favourite:
J. Tanazaque's knives.

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This one is a toughie, there are so many good knives out there, so little time to use them all.
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Ok, here is a short, far from comprehensive list. All are personal opinion only from my experiences.

Folders - What to get

Myerco Bolt Action Drop Point - good solid
lock. Good blade shape for general
useage. Slight wedge shape of handle
growing thicker towards the blade
helps seat blade in hand for thrusts.

Opinel - Good solid blade designs. Solid
lock. KISS simple design.

Spyderco Jess Horn - Solid back lock.
Slim blade profile. Wickedly sharp.

Camillus Large Two Blade Trapper with dual locks.

SAK Tinker or Rucksack - I do not need a cork screw and the philips comes in handy.

Folders - what not to get

Any folder with a Walker/Liner Lock, including the expensive well made models. This is simply personal, having been bit by several and knowing several others who have been bit. They are not ambedextriuos, not for left handers, unless designed for lefties, in which case the right hand will press the wrongway upon the liner. This is one reason they are now offering a second lock to lock the liner lock. No thanks.


Fixed Blades.

Kabar Marine Utility - Excellant large blade for the price. You will not be afraid to beat it, come on we all do it now and again, like you would with an expensive custom. Plus you can buy several so you are not without.

Marbles Expert and Trailmakers - Good blades, well designed, near custom for a cheaper price. The Largest trailmaker with a 10 inch blade is a pack knife not a belt knife. But does it work hard.

Newt Livesays Wicked knives - numerous models, excellant prices. Great little neck knives too, along with loarger working pieces.

Bud Neely (sp) Pez Pabh (SP) I forget how to spell it but it stays tucked in my leather jacket at all times. Wickedly sharp hideout protection and utility blade.


Fixed blade to stay away from - British Survival Knife, the only knife I can say I was totally disappointed in. It is basically a semisharp prybar. No useful utility here, and the thickness and blade geometry make for a terrbile cutting instrument.


I am sure others will disagree, but these are my choices. Some of them.
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[This message has been edited by MichLee (edited 07 December 1999).]

[This message has been edited by MichLee (edited 07 December 1999).]
 
I would be interested to know if there are any other UK residents on the forum, and what they carry.

I do have a fixed blade knife, but hardly ever carry it as if I got stopped while carrying it, I would be arrested. It`s not a risk I want to take. If I`m on a camp then I sometimes take it. The problem is that I get used to using my Opinel all the time.
Personally I carry a folder or 2. I always have my Opinel, and sometimes a SAK. I don`t like the multiple leaf versions though. Mine is a 3 leaf version.
 
I can't add to much to this thread that hasn't already been said but here is my .02. I have a Himalayan Imports 15" Ang Kohla khurkri. It is virtually unbreakable, takes and holds a great edge, has an unconditional lifetime warrenty and is just an awesome blade. It is big and hefty and is an incredible chopper/splitter. I have tried to break mine and have been unsuccessful. (Bill Martino, the seller, encourages this type of testing of his knives) With this knife, a medium sized skinning knife and my Spyderco Wegner I feel ready for just about anything. (I haven't seen a SAK rucksack model but would like too and will probably add it to the lineup.)

Mike
 
DOH!!! Thank you for saying that!

I pulled a Ron!
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I live with my Khukuris from HI every day, and so forgot about them, too!

I have (or have had) the 15" Ang Khola, the 20" Ang Khola, the 20" Sirupati, and the 16" Gangaola.

Tough knives, or swords, or drawknives, or hatchets, or hammers, or prybars (whatever you need 'em to do, they do beautifully!).
They are some of my very favorite knives in the world!

Best,

Brian.
 
As a UK resident and european canoeist and walker I carry the following cutlery when canoeing (no weight restrictions - Old Town Canoe),

- Big knife, MOD Wilkie,on pack, for hammer, axe, machete, pry bar, entrenching tool you name it. Big, ugly, indestructable and cheap, if you keep the right company...

- Belt knife Fallkniven F1 teflon coated, durable, sharp and just about the right size for everything, including not frightening the horses.

- Back up folder (you're gonna hate me) cheap copy of Gerber Applegate Fairburn, Far East. Light, sharp, quick and probably a better lock than the Gerber if what I read on this forum is true. If I lose it it won't spoil my weekend, plenty more where they came from.

When walking I forget the Wilkie and pocket the Fallkniven F1.
I don't count SAK's and multitools as knives.

Iain

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"I'm arm'd with more than complete steel - The justice of my quarrel." Christopher Marlowe
 
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