I would agree with everything but the length. You can't process wood with a 4" blade. Unless you carry an ax or hatchet, you will need a large blade to process wood (chop, baton, shave) for a shelter or a fire. A 4" blade will wear you out.
TexasScout Noneofyourbusiness Agreed. I have a rat 3 (way too small), went to a BK9 (Aawesome knife but too long for anything othet than chopping), recently got an Esee 6 (mid size). I believe the Esee will be my go to blade, just under 6" cutting edge makes it a great all around 🔪.
Comes down to the correct material selection and technique..... I don't need anything thicker than two inched for any shelter. Nor do I need to process logs to make a fire.
I have the Cold Steel Master Hunter as well. I finally used it on a couple of deer and I like it. I also used my German Made Pohl Force Alpha 3 this season on a deer. It is the sharpest knife I have ever seen. It is a folder, but it is a brute. Made large enough for wearing gloves. I barely had to touch the pelt and it sliced through it like butter.
I've got the Gerber bear grylls knife with the serrated edge I find the serrated edge brilliant and it doesn't cut down the whittling with the straight blade part and sharpening the serrated edge is a piece of cake .
Cold Steel, Master Hunter I think is about the best all around for carry for hunting / survival , tuff, great steel and comfortable to use even when my hands are cold. I have two one from the 80's and a new one, which is better ??? , the carbon V . I think holds an edge a bit longer. but let me use the new one for 20 years and i'll tell you then
Have you ever even used a good folding knife? Even without a lock, you'd have to be a complete idiot to have one close up on your hand, and they do not fail unless you're dumb enough to try batoning with one. Of course, if yu have to baton with any blade, yu went into the woods unprepared. There is no such thing as one knife that can do everything, and as real frontiersmen learned long, long ago, without a good folding knife, a Stockman or Congress style, you can;t do numerous suvival tasks easily, nor any one of a dozen fireside tasks. You can get by with one knife for a hunting trip, but real survival means carrying a fixed blade, and a folding pocket knife. There are too darned many survival "experts" out there, and too darned few woodsmen.
I'm late to the party here, but I've not only batoned with the cold steel recon 1, but i've thrown it into a piece of lumber/log several times to demo how strong it really is. After you do something like that, it will have some play in it BEFORE closing it and opening it up again, but after redeploying it, there is no play, and the knife suffered absolutely no damage. That being said the recon 1 is far from my most expensive knife, but the point is not all knives are created equally, but if you know your stuff you can get use out of anything, even just a box cutter, and manage to not break it, you just have to know what it's limit is.
you can actully still baton with a folder if you dont lock the knife and let the handle hang and only use the blade to baton, not the greates but the idea is if thats all you have when all hell breaks loose on earth and your stranded 400 miles away then what ever you have on you will have to work
I use partially serrated edges on my knives quite often in my home area (south Florida) for cutting palm fronds, rope, or other fibrous materials. I agree that it's not especially useful to most people though. A folding saw would work for that as would a machete, but if I only have one knife with me for survival and shelter building it needs a partially serrated edge. Thanks for the video.
IamElmerJFudd The serrated edges are a specialty edge, and it works quite well for its intended, specific purpose. But I don't like serrations for overall use.
You're totally right, sir (actually i hoped to be the same ones that i was thinking). I used to like big bowie knives because they look cool, but now i preffer the little portable and strong knives.
Agreed with the serrated edge one. Serrated edges are great for the military where you want something like an aircrew escape knife, for cutting cord and cables, a pure survival knife for a woodsman should really be a reliable straight edge that can be sharpened easily.
RB M two folders (one small one with pliers), 2 lighters, matches, my wallet, a ferrocerium rod, a flashlight, sunglasses and a T-light candle. If I’m hunting or exploring, I’ll have the same EDC but with a fixed blade. Probably a mora or a gerber strongarm.
RB M that saying is a tired dead horse that everyone keeps beating and I don't think saying that accomplishes anything! Everyone knows in an emergency you would use whatever you have with you. So when someone asks what's the best survival knife? They are asking your opinion. So don't give them that bullshit line! --- Sam Adler
Thank you for the good advice. I went and bought a new survival knife and knew what to look for and got a great knife and a great deal and avoided all the pit falls the locals here fall into. I got a Gerber Moment Fixed Blade, full tang, nice handle and good price. Thanks again.
The the gerber knife "bear grills" is awesome. I have one and I've used it in the harshest of environments and the still hold very well. Just the right amount of carbon to steel ratio makes it a tough knife. Especially for chopping down wood, which happens often when trying to make spears or firewood/shelter. Don't hate on it.
I wouldn't trust my well-being to a mediocre knife, when you could get a good one for the same price. If you are looking for a lightweight knife for backpacking, get a Mora. They cost under $20, have excellent steel and a great design. The Bear Grylls knife I tested would let you down when you need it. It is junk.
heres an experiment for you. take the BG knife. put it outside in negative temps for a few hrs.then hit the side of the blade with something metal. with moderate force. gerber's steel is way too brittle and has too many impurities. it'll snap. best high carbon steel in all of China no doubt. you can get a mora for 20 bucks and it outclasses the BG knife everytime. also i believe BG himself uses a spyderco
I pretty much agree with everything you say about what is not useful in a knife. I do like a folder but carry that as backup, the bigger 'Opinel' knives are the best as a back up. You mention the locking collar for safety but there is more than that to an Opinel. The blade is carbon steel, easy to sharpen and has a nice 90 degree spine which makes great sparks from a ferro rod and can be used to scrape tinder off dry wood. So this makes a better back up blade than a stainless steel folder, if your main knife is lost or broken. Good vid.
For sure, I have two Opinels, a No. 8 and a No.12. The No. 12 goes with me every time I camp. My only complaint with these knives is that the handle swells in wet weather and I need to use the pliers on my Leatherman to pull it open sometimes. Apart from that it works better than many knives ten times the price.
In order from best to worst (from the ones you just stated): - Lock backs - Frame locks - Liner locks - Opinel lock. You're not the only one with experience with (all) those mechanisms. Have you ever tried to put some pressure on the spine of an Opinel blade? A good frame or liner lock will always outperform the lock of an Opinel.
Agree with you on all points that you discussed in your video but one thing I want to add to it is I prefer high carbon steel blades over stainless steel.
Good video. In my opinion there is no single knife that suits all my needs in the field. When I'm fishing, hiking, backpacking, etc., I carry a BK-7 and Mora robust. This combo gives me the flexibility to handle all my needs, while being light enough for long trips. I have a Ken Onion assist knife that I carry as my EDC knife. It's a folder, but well made for urban environments without attracting too much attention from co-workers.
I've been looking for that one "do-it-all" knife for years! I carry different knives based on what I'm doing and the anticipated uses that might come up.It gives me an excuse to have a wide selection!
my Ka-Bar, standard full size mil spec, have had it for years use it for everything, bush wacking, making fires pits, cutting apples, dressing fish etc, i would put my life on it
Very smart choices. I used to think that for camping I needed the biggest knife I could afford. Twenty-five years later, I've learned that you don't need to carry that much knife around with you just to go camping.
You made some very good points. It is good to hear opinions based on experience. I agree with you about hollow handles, folders, serrated edges and celebrity endorsed knives. Those are all deal breakers for me, but I'd have to add stainless steel to my list.
Leon Pantenburg If you already have a hollow handle knife, what will you carry in that space? Here's some suggestions: www.survivalcommonsense.com/what-items-to-put-in-your-hollow-handle-survival-knifefeed/
Another perspective on hollow handle knives. If something happens to the handle, you're screwed. You can wrap a full tang until you are able to re-scale it. Also, I would be real leery of strapping a hollow handle to a stick for an emergency boar issue here in Texas. Miss and hit a rock you risk failure at the weak point. There are a TON of ideas and methods out there now to carry whatever you can fit into that hollow handle.
Get a Mora. They cost under $20 and are perfect for small game processing. Also, I use my pocket knife frequently for rabbits and squirrels. I like the three-blade Stockman style, and find myself using the spey and big blade most often.
Pappaws wisdom rocks. With what I learned from him I can hand sharpen a convex edged khukuri from dull to frog hair but the WorkSharp KOE just does it faster
One of the best knives I've ever owned is a Gerber Gator lock blade. I still have it and use it; it's probably close to 20 years old now. I think it was less than $50 too. I agree though if I was going to go with a knife to save my life I would pick a fixed blade also.
The SRK is a great blade at the price. I prefer the new plain edge Gerber Strongarm for bushcrafty stuff. I use my SRK as a dive knife, which is what it was designed for.
Yeah I think I still like my buck 110 it's a folder I know but I have done so much with it and it hasn't let me down at all still looks great and is still solid and tight.
I EDC'd a Buck model 371 folder for years. Finally retired it when I started hunting the Idaho backcountry and bought a Cold Steel SRK. survivalcommonsense.com/best-survival-knife-cold-steel-srk/
Good points made indeed. I however always carry 3 cutting implements / tools when back-packing for a few days in the wilderness: a knife (Becker BK7, with the sheath containing a Mora blade and Swedish fire steel), a multi-tool (Leatherman Wave) and a compact axe (SchradeSCAXE2). In that order. Not that heavy a burden to carry for five days if your survival might depend on it. If I had to limit myself to only one "survival knife" it would be the Becker BK9; you can do anything with that beast. IMHO. Thanks for the video.
I always carry three, also: Swiss Army Classic, Mora and either a fillet or hunting knife, depending on the activity. These cover the bases well for me.
I love Mora's, and I do have the BG knife. I found I did not like the serated edge however, so I carfully ground it off, and now it's a decent knife. The main thing I like about it is the grippy handle, but that's about it. A Scandi grind would have made it better, maybe. As far as a full on, full tang survival knife, I decided to not play the guess game with knives, and designed and made my own. It's the shape I like, it's contoured like I like, and most of all, I made it. I put a scandi grind on it, and it's a bit longer than a Mora. I used modest white oak scales. I say, if you can build your own, that's the way to go, because you can build/design exactly what you like. As far as carbon steel and stainless. I like carbon steel, hands down. BUT, here recently, I'm starting to think an extra stainless steel knife to carry, may be good for all around normal tasks, and is easy to sharpen. But with only one knife, it would have to be carbon steel. Well made video.
Greetings From Nova Scotia Canada & I almost could've bet $100 You would've had the Cold Steel SRK & I was right !! I got the SRK & I plan to have that knife for LIFE & I also got the Mora Garberg Stainless. I agree on ALL your points here, especially the serrated edge, I SO HATE them edge & never plan to have one period !! 💯👍👌
I grew up on Iowa farms but now live in Chicago but still carry and collect knives. I prefer full tang blades too but carry folding knives in the City.
I agree with your views on knives so naturally I liked it! I really like big knives but when your backpack it heavy you really don't want a Junglas on your side, One thing that I do like: a thick spine. 2 mm is fine and the Robust from Mora with a 3.2 mm spine can take some serious hits...But I it when they are over 4 mm The Bravo1 is still one of my favorites
savagex466 I am saying that because I have a Junglas...and trust me: if you are going backpacking you do not want that baby in your pack. It is uncomfortable on your hip. A good knife...very capable and tons of fun...last weekend I chopped wood with it for about 30 minutes! Love it!...but you don't want to carry that with a 3 day backpack uphill...Or at least: I don't want to!
SpartanJohns To eatch there own I guse ... whats a little bit of extra wieght for the safty and to have the assurance of a working tool that will not break due to it being "lighter" im skinny and I will always carry a big knife and 1lb axe from here to China lol your up shitt creek with no padel if your gear fails you. Im stoked on the Tops Armageddon :) what tools to you prefer ? Im open to all ideas and thx for your input :) ( me. one 8 to 10 inch blade, 1lb axe head 14-16 inch long handle ) swiss army knife or multi tool a saw is lighter then the axe i know but you cant really sharpen saw blade and a axe is more usefull
savagex466 I am not a big fan of axes. Maybe it is because I do not have very much experience with them. I think that axes are very capable tools in the right hands. But I still preffer a 10 inch blade. My favorite production big knife is the Junglas. I like it, carry it, test it as often as I can. I like to pair it with a Mora or something that has a fine edge(2 bevel edges are great for fine carving, which I enjoy) and I also like to have a Victorinox(Rucksak or Hercules(this one has scissors and pliers)) because I dol think that a small saw blade is very practical. I would carry my Laplander and my Bravo 1 if I would have to be careful of weight and still want a reliable blade...But, I guess, to each his own.... If I was to go out in the woods an only have a Mora Robust, I would not consider myself ill equipped knife-wise.
Hello from Kentucky land between the lakes. Thank you for an Awsome video review on knives. I agree 100 % on likes and dislikes on survival knives. My favorite survival knife I carry in the woods is a Gerber prodigy and a buck 110 folder for backup knife. Thank you for sharing and God bless 🇺🇸 may God wach over you and your family and free from covid 19. Crazy times were living in today.
Very good info that everyone should know. WELL DONE! 1st, a hollow handle knife has very little connecting the handle to the blade, it will fail very easy. 2nd, why by a serrated blade that you have to carry different tools to sharpen it with. In a survival situation a smooth blade can be resharpened on a smooth flat river rock (in a pinch) or or one small wet stone and they are easier on a fire starter than serrated. 3rd Anyone ever watch B.G.'s so called survival showe's? Those things will get people INTO trouble more then they will help and the knives are no better. I carry a T.O.P.'s B.O.B knife here in colorado. A little more expensive but I got what I paid for. I also never leave my house without my leatherman. Perfect combo.
You mentioned you think people carry knives that are too long, but if I was going to carry only one knife, I'd take one that was a bit longer so I could use it for decent batoning, which might be needed in an emergency situation. If batoning wood definitely won't be necessary, a shorter knife will be fine, of course.
I love folders, and have two on my person as I type this. IMO a folder is an inferior survival knife when compared to a rigid blade. I love Cold Steel products, and know they make a superior folder. But there are other reasons I don't like folders as survival knives. There is always the potential for any lock blade mechanism to fail, and I don't like how the hair, scales or gunk get in the hinge or the handle well of a folder. Thanks for your input!
Yes, you are right on that point. I had tried using folders on prying open the durian fruit where a fixed knife would perform better. Getting parts of the fruit stuck inside folders is a pain to clean.
you would use the serrated edge for rope vine cutting and a saw in a jam when working on a boat smooth knives can get you killed if you get tangled in a linre
I also agree the hollow handle was a goofy Hollywood thing but the rest of the knife was sound. The template for the infamous "Rambo" knife was the Aitor Oso Negro which was one of the survival knives of the Spanish Army at the time.
Mr Thomas, again 99% agreed, with the concept of 2 is one, one is none, you notice I carry 3, two of which are indeed fixed blades. I don't beat on a knife, period. Nothing is wrong with batoning shake wood, but any bigger and you need purpose built tools IMHO. The CS TRIAD lock under lab testing conditions can take up to 600 lbs in the very large models. Now, I'm not gonna skin an elk, pig, even a deer, with a dad blasted Espada XL, but if you gotta, you gotta. I've been a CS USER AND COLLECTOR since 1987, and I've never had a failure under common sense conditions...BUT....I'm no fanboy, a vid is a vid and a lab is a lab. Right now, I love the screaming hell outa me some ESEE, and I want a DuStar model 1 so bad I can see myself honing one on a ceramic rod while I'm watching a movie! Love the old BUCKs and even CASE. You simply cannot beat the ESEE WARRANTY. You usually will never have to do so w/ a CS FIXED blade. And that Victorinox pro hunter is a whiz bang of a knife. I'm just saying if you want a folder that is practically 1000% flipping guaranteed never to fold up on you when you're knee deep in a Spider Bull Elk in the PNW, I would suggest a CS TRIAD lock variant
Overall a good multi-purpose knife in a survival situation I would think would be more of like a Bowie knife design I'm with you I don't like folding knives and I like a Full Tang in the handle
Yes, you are right, but there are sam minor thing i disagree. Opinel is peace of jung. The wood swells even in rainy weather. The blade rust before your eyes. The 4" blade is handy, but for survival knife is it not enough versatile. Serrated blade are easy to sharp, you just have to learn it.
Good tips. I agree with your points. There are way too many knives with serrated edges IMO. I'm not sure what practical uses it has apart from cutting rope, it shortens the usable edge of the knife and, as you said, is hard to sharpen. I suppose its a trendy aesthetic thing.
+Asgeir Serrated edges, and choils, IMHO, don't add anything to a blade, and reduce the usable edge. There are fads in everything, including knife designs.
On one of the Stroud or Grylls knife boxes it has a picture of him holding some other random knife. I think it was actually a knife from a different manufacturer. And this is the photo they use for the guy on his OWN knife box. That should tell you something about what he thinks of that knife.
Although I hate Bear Grylls with a passion, those gerber knives are actually pretty good. They have high carbon steel, a thick spine, a good sized 6" blade, full tang, comfortable, a good sheath, and come reasonably sharp. My buddy has one and we've used it to split wood when we forget our hatchets and I cannot imagine that thing breaking.
Noticed that one of your positive choices included a Mora, which violated one of your principles: "only full tang blades". Yes, I know they're a good inexpensive option; I have a couple myself, but most are only a "rat-tail".
I liked your video, but there are hollow handle survival knives I could trust my life on them, my Buckmaster #184 service issue, my Buckmaster service issu Boker Aparro, my Randall #18, and my Izmash NV 1-01, I have others, but questionable, but I do agree with most of your opinions, Thanx
But not ideal at all. I know how strong the Tri-add is, however it is not going to compare to the strength of a .2 inch think piece of steel. More so the actual handle strength with out the tang. Most cold steel folders can handle some extreme abuse in an emergency, but they will only handle so well over time.
i agree with everything but the length issue. for hunting 4-5 inches is perfect, but if im going into the woods and doing heavy fire/shelter craft, i want at least a 7 inch blade.
I don't like blades with gut hooks on them, either, but the do come in handy for Hooking the gut and pulling it out of the animal without actually field dressing it, NOT for opening the abdomen. They're a gut HOOK, not an abdomen opener. I use them the same way on a deer that I use the gut hook on a pocket knife on a dove or a quail.
I'm a true believer of carrying multiple knives that will cover all of your needs. What you don't want to carry on your body keep in your pack. Remember to always bring a means in which to sharpen your knives in the field as well.
Do your research on the Schrade schf1. It's a continuous hollow knife without screw handle attachment. There is a you tube demonstration. This guy extremely beat out his knife and I'm totally convinced. I'm getting one soon.
I have Mora Outdoor 2000. And skilled knife sharpener (who does it for living) told me, that i have chosen knife with a realy good steel (Swedish, no wonder there). Some say that Companion is better, buy i dont see the point of changing it.
I agree with pretty much all that you said...except the bit about the serrations on a blade. I have knives with and without serrations. They are useful if you know what you are doing, and they can be very effective. They also sell a sharpener tool made to sharpen the serrations. They have a use and a purpose.
+Jake Beijen The serration makes cutting rope quicker and easier, or other really tough things like thick nylon webbing, especially if you don't keep your edge sharp. A plain edge properly sharpened will do just great, though. The serrations make rough cuts easier when you don't take care of your edge, but like SCS said, they're more of a hindrance than a help.
Jake Beijen By the way - Ka-Bar is a very good choice. A Schrade or Ka-Bar is what I almost always carried growing up and going on scouting trips in the Rockies. Very good knives. Speaking of Ka-Bar, they also now make the Becker line. The BK 16 is a short Becker, I'd say it's probably even a better choice because the Becker handle is better. Either is a very good user, though.
I like half serrated edges because it is good for cutting rope sticks ect I have both bear grylls ultimate survival knives fine edge and serrated I like the serrated for the extra cutting power but I don't like carving with it I prefer to carve with the fine edge but the fine edge the fine edge it does not have the extra cutting power I think the bear grylls ultimate knife is not bad but the gerber lmf II is the best survival knife around
Personally I do not like any of the Bear Grylls line, just out of what you get for the money, and the quality for the money. I also do not like serrated edge (nor do just about any out doorsman I know) for a well done edge can do just as well and better in any task. But all of that aside for it is more just personal opinion.. but you said the Gerber LMF II is the best around. Sure you can argue it is the best in that price range, not in my opinion, but sure it can be argued. But saying a sub $100 made in a factory knife is the best (implying raw performance) is just not possible. Look up the Blackheart Gunner 12 a $450 custom, and still tell me that the Gerber will out do it. Or even the $160 Swamp Rat Ratmandu.
Bears knife gets lot of hate but I must say I like it. Blade design looks very good and so does the handle. It has bright colors. I see no reason why the fulltang model wouldnt be good. Softer steel is a preference thing.
I saw videos saying that lanyards on a knife can snag on something and pull the knife out of the sheath thus making it dangerous. I saw many of your knives have lanyards on them.
I'll second that remark! Unless Gerber is explicit about the type of steel they are using, I avoid it. And even then, their heat treatment seems to be sub par.
I personally don't know much about steel grades. I do own a BG Ultimate Survivor Pro. I'd love to see you put it to a test against another great non-celeb knife.
On a side note, that is NOT what a gut hook is for, even though it seems ninety percent of those on UA-cam think it is. There's a reason it's called a GUT HOOK, and not a "hide slicer". You use it to hook the gut, not to slice the skin. A gut hook is not for making an initial incisions. Doesn't anyone wonder why gut hooks always come dull? A gut hook if reaching through a small incision, HOOKING the animal's intestine, and pulling it out through that very small incision. It can also be used through the rectum.
opinoms are an old geat knife, and a gut hook is ridiculous in deed, i agreed with everything yo said, i will alwayss keep a moa as one of my 2 or maybe 3 camp +survival knife, even camping can become a survival situation. a like the custom scandi knive Lt Write makes nice ones and ML knives make baeutiful pure american frontier style knives
Well, as a survival/tactical knife collector and knife user, I still think they are pretty darn cool. Even if they are a niche item. If you stck with the reputable makers you will be guaranteed a strong knife. Martin Knives and Chris Reeve are two who make a bombproof blade. All knives can fail. Check out the knifetests/com channel here on youtube, and watch him beat up the $50 Schrade Extreme Survival knife. It takes one hell of a beating, and never breaks at the hollow handle.
I've used and carried knives all of my life. I always take quality over quantity. I've also learned no one knife does everything well, but a keen edge and good steel will get just about any job done with the correct amount of effort. I've learned that a knife is not an hatchet or ax. I've learned knifes do not make good hammers, nor do they excel at being pry-bars. If I could have only one knife to wander the wild, I think I'd take the approach our ancestors did and pick the best I could afford and chose one with a 6" to 7" blade. Most frontier folk carried a butcher knife. Nothing worse than needing more length and not having it, after all you can always choke up on it for smaller tasks.
I found out when I went over seas to Afghanistan that I really like multi tools. we where issued the gurber gator and they where ok when ever I broke one i could go and get anther one from supply. I broke 4 over seas none the less i like having a multi tool. if you find some of their older tools they where made better as of lately it almost looks like something from china. i bought a leatherman wave the function is a lot better and i have not broke it yet. it is also a more versatile tool
Nice reviews....the hollow handle knives....useless invention. Serated edges...I have a Gerber LMF II...great knife, and I've used it a lot, but....wouldn't be my first choice. The serated edges are great for making fine tinder for fires, other than that.... A Smith's pocket sharpener is small and has a diamond rod...works great for sharpening the serated part, but.... My favorite knife( so far ) is a Yarara tonto blade, 6 1/2" blade...tough knife and very comfortable to use. I have a couple Moras as back up blades, which happen to be my usual carry around the house( I live in the boonies)...enjoyed the video, and I agree on everything you don't want in a survival knife.
Smart discussion on the "don'ts', however, once you use the term "survival", vs. say, bush-craft or woodsman, I think the short knives are the wrong advice. They should certainly be there with you, but for "survival", which automatically implies substantial wood-processing, you need the big blade.
That's why you should never go out in a cold area without an axe (). I belive the term 'survival knife' is dangerous because it implies that a knife is all you need and no knife will keep you alive in freezing temperatures for that long. I personally prefer a 10cm (4") scandi knife for most KNIFE JOBS but suppling fire wood in cold temperatures for more than a few hours is not a knife job at all.
When it comes to wood gathering, I prefer a good saw over an axe or hatchet. Here's why: www.survivalcommonsense.com/choose-an-axe-or-saw-for-your-survival-kitfeed/ But your point is well-taken. No knife, in and of itself, can insure your survival. While big game hunting, I carry a saw, skinning knife and Mora-style knife. These work well.
i found that i like multi tool when i was over seas in Afghanistan. i liked the gurber even after i broke 2 of them. but after the 4th i still carried one but was not pleased with it. i ended up buying a leatherman wave is a more versatile tool and i have not broke it yet. i think gurbur is junk
I've been told there is a lot of knock off Bear Grylls gear turning up so another reason not to pay silly money for this item when there are better knives for less. I think bush crafting gear in general has become way too faddish, especially knives and ultimately a brand name isn't going to get you out of a tricky situation if you don't learn the skills to go with it. I used a 4.5 inch no name, full tang blade for rougher tasks, a Victorinox butcher knife for game, a hatchet for processing wood and some sort of pruning/carpet cutter/electricians hooked folding knife in my pocket for years and had no problems with them. I do like the look of the Mora's though as they remind me of the Victorinox.
I wish more knives came in a scandi grind, they are by far the easiest to sharpen in the field.... and I mean sharpen not hone. I have used emery cloth to sharpen my mora... it isn't the best tool for the job and it takes a bit but if it is all you got....
+Chad Bell yeah you're right, but I like handle scales because it's a lot more comfortable when doing tasks like chopping. I also have a neck knife that has a skeleton handle
Not to be to critical but I would take the BG knife over that sad looking butter knife ayou ate on love with any day. That thing doesnt look like it has any sort of POMMEL. The finger guards are almost non existent and the handle looks pretty basic. I've used the BG knife quite alot in many situations and it's as tough as any knife out there. Very well designed and thought out. I too could ditch the serrated part of the blade I would agree. However you couldn't have used the BG much bc if you had you would realize it is a very very good and well constructed well thought out knife and sheath.
What is so bad about serrations they stay sharp way longer with the right tool u can sharpen it no problem (smiths pocket pal) and they saw and cut rope way better also why does everyone hate on the BG knife for one thing
Probably what he mentioned where it takes up space from the sharp edge. When the serrated edge is on the other side it's not so bad, but then you don't have a good spot on it for your thumb.
I would agree with everything but the length. You can't process wood with a 4" blade. Unless you carry an ax or hatchet, you will need a large blade to process wood (chop, baton, shave) for a shelter or a fire. A 4" blade will wear you out.
TexasScout Noneofyourbusiness Agreed. I have a rat 3 (way too small), went to a BK9 (Aawesome knife but too long for anything othet than chopping), recently got an Esee 6 (mid size). I believe the Esee will be my go to blade, just under 6" cutting edge makes it a great all around 🔪.
Comes down to the correct material selection and technique..... I don't need anything thicker than two inched for any shelter. Nor do I need to process logs to make a fire.
Average flipper i got one its great and not expensive! Comes with sharpener and fire starter.
For christs sake man, use an axe or muscle. Depending on the branch you can just break it with your foot or hands, or buy a $30 axe.
I have the Cold Steel Master Hunter as well. I finally used it on a couple of deer and I like it. I also used my German Made Pohl Force Alpha 3 this season on a deer. It is the sharpest knife I have ever seen. It is a folder, but it is a brute. Made large enough for wearing gloves. I barely had to touch the pelt and it sliced through it like butter.
I've got the Gerber bear grylls knife with the serrated edge I find the serrated edge brilliant and it doesn't cut down the whittling with the straight blade part and sharpening the serrated edge is a piece of cake .
I've had good luck with some serrated knives. Done right, serrations can be very useful and easily sharpened when needed.
Cold Steel, Master Hunter I think is about the best all around for carry for
hunting / survival , tuff, great steel and comfortable to use even when my hands are cold. I have two one from the 80's and a new one, which is better ??? ,
the carbon V . I think holds an edge a bit longer. but let me use the new one for 20 years and i'll tell you then
Looking forward to your report!
Have you ever even used a good folding knife? Even without a lock, you'd have to be a complete idiot to have one close up on your hand, and they do not fail unless you're dumb enough to try batoning with one. Of course, if yu have to baton with any blade, yu went into the woods unprepared.
There is no such thing as one knife that can do everything, and as real frontiersmen learned long, long ago, without a good folding knife, a Stockman or Congress style, you can;t do numerous suvival tasks easily, nor any one of a dozen fireside tasks. You can get by with one knife for a hunting trip, but real survival means carrying a fixed blade, and a folding pocket knife.
There are too darned many survival "experts" out there, and too darned few woodsmen.
I trust the lock on my cold steel recon 1!
I'm late to the party here, but I've not only batoned with the cold steel recon 1, but i've thrown it into a piece of lumber/log several times to demo how strong it really is. After you do something like that, it will have some play in it BEFORE closing it and opening it up again, but after redeploying it, there is no play, and the knife suffered absolutely no damage. That being said the recon 1 is far from my most expensive knife, but the point is not all knives are created equally, but if you know your stuff you can get use out of anything, even just a box cutter, and manage to not break it, you just have to know what it's limit is.
you can actully still baton with a folder if you dont lock the knife and let the handle hang and only use the blade to baton, not the greates but the idea is if thats all you have when all hell breaks loose on earth and your stranded 400 miles away then what ever you have on you will have to work
I would go with my esse 6 from knife connection. Upgraded every part. Awesome knife.
I use partially serrated edges on my knives quite often in my home area (south Florida) for cutting palm fronds, rope, or other fibrous materials. I agree that it's not especially useful to most people though. A folding saw would work for that as would a machete, but if I only have one knife with me for survival and shelter building it needs a partially serrated edge. Thanks for the video.
IamElmerJFudd The serrated edges are a specialty edge, and it works quite well for its intended, specific purpose. But I don't like serrations for overall use.
You're totally right, sir (actually i hoped to be the same ones that i was thinking). I used to like big bowie knives because they look cool, but now i preffer the little portable and strong knives.
The les stroud article is great. It holds up against a kabar Becker B2, gerber lmf 2, and many more top of the line knives.
Agreed with the serrated edge one.
Serrated edges are great for the military where you want something like an aircrew escape knife, for cutting cord and cables, a pure survival knife for a woodsman should really be a reliable straight edge that can be sharpened easily.
The serrated edge is a specialty grind that does its special job well. It's not an edge for a survival knife.
The best knife is the one you have with you when you need it. :-)
+RB M carry every day..usually a junk folder i dont mind using,breaking or having to make gone..for some reason
RB M two folders (one small one with pliers), 2 lighters, matches, my wallet, a ferrocerium rod, a flashlight, sunglasses and a T-light candle. If I’m hunting or exploring, I’ll have the same EDC but with a fixed blade. Probably a mora or a gerber strongarm.
This is why you should always carry a good knife.
RB M that saying is a tired dead horse that everyone keeps beating and I don't think saying that accomplishes anything! Everyone knows in an emergency you would use whatever you have with you. So when someone asks what's the best survival knife? They are asking your opinion. So don't give them that bullshit line! --- Sam Adler
Thank you for the good advice. I went and bought a new survival knife and knew what to look for and got a great knife and a great deal and avoided all the pit falls the locals here fall into. I got a Gerber Moment Fixed Blade, full tang, nice handle and good price. Thanks again.
Happy to be of assistance. Let me know how that knife works out for you!
The the gerber knife "bear grills" is awesome. I have one and I've used it in the harshest of environments and the still hold very well. Just the right amount of carbon to steel ratio makes it a tough knife. Especially for chopping down wood, which happens often when trying to make spears or firewood/shelter. Don't hate on it.
The Bear Grylls knife is junk. The blade won't hold an edge.
SurvivalCommonSense That's too bad. My brother got me one from Christmas. I feel bad for him since he spent $48 on it.
I wouldn't trust my well-being to a mediocre knife, when you could get a good one for the same price. If you are looking for a lightweight knife for backpacking, get a Mora. They cost under $20, have excellent steel and a great design. The Bear Grylls knife I tested would let you down when you need it. It is junk.
What environments? Where?
heres an experiment for you. take the BG knife. put it outside in negative temps for a few hrs.then hit the side of the blade with something metal. with moderate force. gerber's steel is way too brittle and has too many impurities. it'll snap. best high carbon steel in all of China no doubt. you can get a mora for 20 bucks and it outclasses the BG knife everytime. also i believe BG himself uses a spyderco
I pretty much agree with everything you say about what is not useful in a knife. I do like a folder but carry that as backup, the bigger 'Opinel' knives are the best as a back up. You mention the locking collar for safety but there is more than that to an Opinel. The blade is carbon steel, easy to sharpen and has a nice 90 degree spine which makes great sparks from a ferro rod and can be used to scrape tinder off dry wood. So this makes a better back up blade than a stainless steel folder, if your main knife is lost or broken. Good vid.
The Opinel is one of the more under-appreciated knives on the market. When it comes to bang for the buck the Opinel really gives ROI.
For sure, I have two Opinels, a No. 8 and a No.12. The No. 12 goes with me every time I camp. My only complaint with these knives is that the handle swells in wet weather and I need to use the pliers on my Leatherman to pull it open sometimes. Apart from that it works better than many knives ten times the price.
In order from best to worst (from the ones you just stated):
- Lock backs
- Frame locks
- Liner locks
- Opinel lock.
You're not the only one with experience with (all) those mechanisms. Have you ever tried to put some pressure on the spine of an Opinel blade? A good frame or liner lock will always outperform the lock of an Opinel.
Agree with you on all points that you discussed in your video but one thing I want to add to it is I prefer high carbon steel blades over stainless steel.
Different steels work better for different tasks. I like high carbon steel.
The Wave Blade at your Leatherman is called a bone saw. So i think its for break up the coat from the rabbit incl. the lower legbones for example.
Good video.
In my opinion there is no single knife that suits all my needs in the field. When I'm fishing, hiking, backpacking, etc., I carry a BK-7 and Mora robust. This combo gives me the flexibility to handle all my needs, while being light enough for long trips. I have a Ken Onion assist knife that I carry as my EDC knife. It's a folder, but well made for urban environments without attracting too much attention from co-workers.
I've been looking for that one "do-it-all" knife for years! I carry different knives based on what I'm doing and the anticipated uses that might come up.It gives me an excuse to have a wide selection!
my Ka-Bar, standard full size mil spec, have had it for years use it for everything, bush wacking, making fires pits, cutting apples, dressing fish etc, i would put my life on it
Very smart choices. I used to think that for camping I needed the biggest knife I could afford. Twenty-five years later, I've learned that you don't need to carry that much knife around with you just to go camping.
You made some very good points. It is good to hear opinions based on experience. I agree with you about hollow handles, folders, serrated edges and celebrity endorsed knives. Those are all deal breakers for me, but I'd have to add stainless steel to my list.
Some stainless steel I don't like, but I've got a couple of good blades that are stainless.
Leon Pantenburg
If you already have a hollow handle knife, what will you carry in that space? Here's some suggestions: www.survivalcommonsense.com/what-items-to-put-in-your-hollow-handle-survival-knifefeed/
Another perspective on hollow handle knives. If something happens to the handle, you're screwed. You can wrap a full tang until you are able to re-scale it. Also, I would be real leery of strapping a hollow handle to a stick for an emergency boar issue here in Texas. Miss and hit a rock you risk failure at the weak point. There are a TON of ideas and methods out there now to carry whatever you can fit into that hollow handle.
Get a Mora. They cost under $20 and are perfect for small game processing. Also, I use my pocket knife frequently for rabbits and squirrels. I like the three-blade Stockman style, and find myself using the spey and big blade most often.
Pappaws wisdom rocks. With what I learned from him I can hand sharpen a convex edged khukuri from dull to frog hair but the WorkSharp KOE just does it faster
One of the best knives I've ever owned is a Gerber Gator lock blade. I still have it and use it; it's probably close to 20 years old now. I think it was less than $50 too.
I agree though if I was going to go with a knife to save my life I would pick a fixed blade also.
The SRK is a great blade at the price. I prefer the new plain edge Gerber Strongarm for bushcrafty stuff. I use my SRK as a dive knife, which is what it was designed for.
I've heard good things about the bk2, from people whose opinions I respect. I have not personally had a chance to try one.
Yeah I think I still like my buck 110 it's a folder I know but I have done so much with it and it hasn't let me down at all still looks great and is still solid and tight.
I EDC'd a Buck model 371 folder for years. Finally retired it when I started hunting the Idaho backcountry and bought a Cold Steel SRK. survivalcommonsense.com/best-survival-knife-cold-steel-srk/
i have to agree with the simple one-piece-full-tang-blade advice. the simplest tools always works the best in the worst of times.
Good points made indeed. I however always carry 3 cutting implements / tools when back-packing for a few days in the wilderness: a knife (Becker BK7, with the sheath containing a Mora blade and Swedish fire steel), a multi-tool (Leatherman Wave) and a compact axe (SchradeSCAXE2). In that order. Not that heavy a burden to carry for five days if your survival might depend on it. If I had to limit myself to only one "survival knife" it would be the Becker BK9; you can do anything with that beast. IMHO. Thanks for the video.
I always carry three, also: Swiss Army Classic, Mora and either a fillet or hunting knife, depending on the activity. These cover the bases well for me.
I love Mora's, and I do have the BG knife. I found I did not like the serated edge however, so I carfully ground it off, and now it's a decent knife. The main thing I like about it is the grippy handle, but that's about it. A Scandi grind would have made it better, maybe.
As far as a full on, full tang survival knife, I decided to not play the guess game with knives, and designed and made my own. It's the shape I like, it's contoured like I like, and most of all, I made it. I put a scandi grind on it, and it's a bit longer than a Mora. I used modest white oak scales. I say, if you can build your own, that's the way to go, because you can build/design exactly what you like.
As far as carbon steel and stainless. I like carbon steel, hands down. BUT, here recently, I'm starting to think an extra stainless steel knife to carry, may be good for all around normal tasks, and is easy to sharpen. But with only one knife, it would have to be carbon steel.
Well made video.
Greetings From Nova Scotia Canada & I almost could've bet $100
You would've had the Cold Steel SRK & I was right !!
I got the SRK & I plan to have that knife for LIFE & I also got the Mora Garberg Stainless.
I agree on ALL your points here, especially the serrated edge, I SO HATE them edge & never plan to have one period !!
💯👍👌
I grew up on Iowa farms but now live in Chicago but still carry and collect knives. I prefer full tang blades too but carry folding knives in the City.
I've been carrying pocket knives for 50 years. On the farm, I used a medium-sized Stockman, and it worked for just about everything.
I agree with your views on knives so naturally I liked it!
I really like big knives but when your backpack it heavy you really don't want a Junglas on your side,
One thing that I do like: a thick spine. 2 mm is fine and the Robust from Mora with a 3.2 mm spine can take some serious hits...But I it when they are over 4 mm
The Bravo1 is still one of my favorites
Hell no ! You want a Big Knife ! Just like the Junglas ! its not just a knife its a tool my friend :) and its better for self defence as well
savagex466 I am saying that because I have a Junglas...and trust me: if you are going backpacking you do not want that baby in your pack. It is uncomfortable on your hip.
A good knife...very capable and tons of fun...last weekend I chopped wood with it for about 30 minutes! Love it!...but you don't want to carry that with a 3 day backpack uphill...Or at least: I don't want to!
I like big knives, too. I frequently carry a machete for building snow shelters.
SpartanJohns
To eatch there own I guse ... whats a little bit of extra wieght for the safty and to have the assurance of a working tool that will not break due to it being "lighter" im skinny and I will always carry a big knife and 1lb axe from here to China lol your up shitt creek with no padel if your gear fails you. Im stoked on the Tops Armageddon :) what tools to you prefer ? Im open to all ideas and thx for your input :) ( me. one 8 to 10 inch blade, 1lb axe head 14-16 inch long handle ) swiss army knife or multi tool a saw is lighter then the axe i know but you cant really sharpen saw blade and a axe is more usefull
savagex466 I am not a big fan of axes. Maybe it is because I do not have very much experience with them. I think that axes are very capable tools in the right hands. But I still preffer a 10 inch blade. My favorite production big knife is the Junglas. I like it, carry it, test it as often as I can. I like to pair it with a Mora or something that has a fine edge(2 bevel edges are great for fine carving, which I enjoy) and I also like to have a Victorinox(Rucksak or Hercules(this one has scissors and pliers)) because I dol think that a small saw blade is very practical. I would carry my Laplander and my Bravo 1 if I would have to be careful of weight and still want a reliable blade...But, I guess, to each his own....
If I was to go out in the woods an only have a Mora Robust, I would not consider myself ill equipped knife-wise.
I have just purchased the cold steel SRK in San Mai III steel.
Hello from Kentucky land between the lakes. Thank you for an Awsome video review on knives. I agree 100 % on likes and dislikes on survival knives.
My favorite survival knife I carry in the woods is a Gerber prodigy and a buck 110 folder for backup knife. Thank you for sharing and God bless 🇺🇸 may God wach over you and your family and free from covid 19. Crazy times were living in today.
Thanks - glad you enjoy the video. We are indeed living in strange times, and staying prepared for bad stuff in the future is just common sense!
Very good info that everyone should know. WELL DONE! 1st, a hollow handle knife has very little connecting the handle to the blade, it will fail very easy. 2nd, why by a serrated blade that you have to carry different tools to sharpen it with. In a survival situation a smooth blade can be resharpened on a smooth flat river rock (in a pinch) or or one small wet stone and they are easier on a fire starter than serrated. 3rd Anyone ever watch B.G.'s so called survival showe's? Those things will get people INTO trouble more then they will help and the knives are no better. I carry a T.O.P.'s B.O.B knife here in colorado. A little more expensive but I got what I paid for. I also never leave my house without my leatherman. Perfect combo.
You mentioned you think people carry knives that are too long, but if I was going to carry only one knife, I'd take one that was a bit longer so I could use it for decent batoning, which might be needed in an emergency situation.
If batoning wood definitely won't be necessary, a shorter knife will be fine, of course.
How big is the wood that you typically split?
I love folders, and have two on my person as I type this. IMO a folder is an inferior survival knife when compared to a rigid blade. I love Cold Steel products, and know they make a superior folder. But there are other reasons I don't like folders as survival knives. There is always the potential for any lock blade mechanism to fail, and I don't like how the hair, scales or gunk get in the hinge or the handle well of a folder. Thanks for your input!
Yes, you are right on that point. I had tried using folders on prying open the durian fruit where a fixed knife would perform better. Getting parts of the fruit stuck inside folders is a pain to clean.
you would use the serrated edge for rope vine cutting and a saw in a jam
when working on a boat smooth knives can get you killed if you get tangled in a linre
three Buck 184, I think, was the hallow knife. it's the whole knife including the handle was 1 piece. basically just a novelty.
Extremely informative video and comment section as well. Awesome vid.
Thanks!
I also agree the hollow handle was a goofy Hollywood thing but the rest of the knife was sound. The template for the infamous "Rambo" knife was the Aitor Oso Negro which was one of the survival knives of the Spanish Army at the time.
Good to know.
Nice vid, I'm a knife lover, from Iowa.
Mr Thomas, again 99% agreed, with the concept of 2 is one, one is none, you notice I carry 3, two of which are indeed fixed blades. I don't beat on a knife, period. Nothing is wrong with batoning shake wood, but any bigger and you need purpose built tools IMHO. The CS TRIAD lock under lab testing conditions can take up to 600 lbs in the very large models. Now, I'm not gonna skin an elk, pig, even a deer, with a dad blasted Espada XL, but if you gotta, you gotta. I've been a CS USER AND COLLECTOR since 1987, and I've never had a failure under common sense conditions...BUT....I'm no fanboy, a vid is a vid and a lab is a lab. Right now, I love the screaming hell outa me some ESEE, and I want a DuStar model 1 so bad I can see myself honing one on a ceramic rod while I'm watching a movie! Love the old BUCKs and even CASE. You simply cannot beat the ESEE WARRANTY. You usually will never have to do so w/ a CS FIXED blade. And that Victorinox pro hunter is a whiz bang of a knife. I'm just saying if you want a folder that is practically 1000% flipping guaranteed never to fold up on you when you're knee deep in a Spider Bull Elk in the PNW, I would suggest a CS TRIAD lock variant
Overall a good multi-purpose knife in a survival situation I would think would be more of like a Bowie knife design I'm with you I don't like folding knives and I like a Full Tang in the handle
Yes, you are right, but there are sam minor thing i disagree.
Opinel is peace of jung. The wood swells even in rainy weather. The blade rust before your eyes.
The 4" blade is handy, but for survival knife is it not enough versatile.
Serrated blade are easy to sharp, you just have to learn it.
Good tips. I agree with your points. There are way too many knives with serrated edges IMO. I'm not sure what practical uses it has apart from cutting rope, it shortens the usable edge of the knife and, as you said, is hard to sharpen. I suppose its a trendy aesthetic thing.
+Asgeir Serrated edges, and choils, IMHO, don't add anything to a blade, and reduce the usable edge. There are fads in everything, including knife designs.
On one of the Stroud or Grylls knife boxes it has a picture of him holding some other random knife. I think it was actually a knife from a different manufacturer. And this is the photo they use for the guy on his OWN knife box. That should tell you something about what he thinks of that knife.
Yeah.
Solid advice and common sense. I need to get a Cold Steel SRK.
Todd S Obviously, I love my SRK. Today, there are a lot of similar knives of equal quality.
Currently carrying an ESEE knife and love it
I have an ESEE-3 and also love it. I would like it more if it didn't have a choil.
I have a bg knife and it works incredibly it has orange parcord going in and out of it
Although I hate Bear Grylls with a passion, those gerber knives are actually pretty good. They have high carbon steel, a thick spine, a good sized 6" blade, full tang, comfortable, a good sheath, and come reasonably sharp. My buddy has one and we've used it to split wood when we forget our hatchets and I cannot imagine that thing breaking.
I think Gerber has reacted to public opinion and improved the knives.
Survival Common Sense Most likely. Although I've heard that the steel itself is brittle, I think they've thickened the blade to combat this.
Noticed that one of your positive choices included a Mora, which violated one of your principles: "only full tang blades". Yes, I know they're a good inexpensive option; I have a couple myself, but most are only a "rat-tail".
The current knife I am looking at is completely different than anything you described here. Farson tool by freedmont knives.
I liked your video, but there are hollow handle survival knives I could trust my life on them, my Buckmaster #184 service issue, my Buckmaster service issu Boker Aparro, my Randall #18, and my Izmash NV 1-01, I have others, but questionable, but I do agree with most of your opinions, Thanx
A folder like the cold steel spartan with the trilock system almost becomes a fixed blade when open. It's big enough so that you can baton with it.
But not ideal at all. I know how strong the Tri-add is, however it is not going to compare to the strength of a .2 inch think piece of steel. More so the actual handle strength with out the tang. Most cold steel folders can handle some extreme abuse in an emergency, but they will only handle so well over time.
i agree with everything but the length issue. for hunting 4-5 inches is perfect, but if im going into the woods and doing heavy fire/shelter craft, i want at least a 7 inch blade.
Or a machete. There's no perfect knife for all circumstances.
I don't like blades with gut hooks on them, either, but the do come in handy for Hooking the gut and pulling it out of the animal without actually field dressing it, NOT for opening the abdomen. They're a gut HOOK, not an abdomen opener. I use them the same way on a deer that I use the gut hook on a pocket knife on a dove or a quail.
Yes I know but that is a new development and I'm not sure that it's even on sale yet.
listed as "9Cr19MoV" which translate as some where betweeb 440B and 440C stainless steel
I'm a true believer of carrying multiple knives that will cover all of your needs. What you don't want to carry on your body keep in your pack. Remember to always bring a means in which to sharpen your knives in the field as well.
Good points.
Do your research on the Schrade schf1. It's a continuous hollow knife without screw handle attachment. There is a you tube demonstration. This guy extremely beat out his knife and I'm totally convinced. I'm getting one soon.
Agree Cold steel is Most Excellent knives well done vid TY
I use the gut hook for rope / paracord and in some instances if I want small shavings of wood from a twig.
I don't use a gut hook for anything.
Haha. I got to agree with you that they can pose a danger. I have a folding one so I guess the point is concealed a little more.
I think a five inch blade is about max for a working knife. Also, beware of rubber handle
inserts. They tend to get gummy.
I have Mora Outdoor 2000. And skilled knife sharpener (who does it for living) told me, that i have chosen knife with a realy good steel (Swedish, no wonder there). Some say that Companion is better, buy i dont see the point of changing it.
I agree with pretty much all that you said...except the bit about the serrations on a blade. I have knives with and without serrations. They are useful if you know what you are doing, and they can be very effective. They also sell a sharpener tool made to sharpen the serrations. They have a use and a purpose.
+Gunslinger Survival One question what is the serration used for?
+Gunslinger Survival Because I'm going to buy a short black Kar bar but not sure whether to go for the serration or not.
+Jake Beijen The serration makes cutting rope quicker and easier, or other really tough things like thick nylon webbing, especially if you don't keep your edge sharp. A plain edge properly sharpened will do just great, though. The serrations make rough cuts easier when you don't take care of your edge, but like SCS said, they're more of a hindrance than a help.
Thanks
Jake Beijen By the way - Ka-Bar is a very good choice. A Schrade or Ka-Bar is what I almost always carried growing up and going on scouting trips in the Rockies. Very good knives. Speaking of Ka-Bar, they also now make the Becker line. The BK 16 is a short Becker, I'd say it's probably even a better choice because the Becker handle is better. Either is a very good user, though.
Yeah, it's good to have a mark-off list today. Funny that the Grylls sells so much.
I've been extremely pleased with my Fällkniven F1 w/zytel sheath.
The video started out with bad audio, but you nipped that in the bud. Thanks.
I like the openel. I just wish they made one with a front finger guard.
I like half serrated edges because it is good for cutting rope sticks ect I have both bear grylls ultimate survival knives fine edge and serrated I like the serrated for the extra cutting power but I don't like carving with it I prefer to carve with the fine edge but the fine edge the fine edge it does not have the extra cutting power I think the bear grylls ultimate knife is not bad but the gerber lmf II is the best survival knife around
Personally I do not like any of the Bear Grylls line, just out of what you get for the money, and the quality for the money. I also do not like serrated edge (nor do just about any out doorsman I know) for a well done edge can do just as well and better in any task.
But all of that aside for it is more just personal opinion.. but you said the Gerber LMF II is the best around. Sure you can argue it is the best in that price range, not in my opinion, but sure it can be argued. But saying a sub $100 made in a factory knife is the best (implying raw performance) is just not possible. Look up the Blackheart Gunner 12 a $450 custom, and still tell me that the Gerber will out do it. Or even the $160 Swamp Rat Ratmandu.
Bears knife gets lot of hate but I must say I like it. Blade design looks very good and so does the handle. It has bright colors. I see no reason why the fulltang model wouldnt be good. Softer steel is a preference thing.
I like the design. I don't like the steel.
cool vid bro, I totally dig your approach, style and even most of your opinions, just found ya, just subbed.
I saw videos saying that lanyards on a knife can snag on something and pull the knife out of the sheath thus making it dangerous. I saw many of your knives have lanyards on them.
Not my experience at all. Lanyards can be very useful: survivalcommonsense.com/best-survival-knife-guide-five-reasons-use-lanyard-knife/
I'll second that remark! Unless Gerber is explicit about the type of steel they are using, I avoid it. And even then, their heat treatment seems to be sub par.
I personally don't know much about steel grades. I do own a BG Ultimate Survivor Pro. I'd love to see you put it to a test against another great non-celeb knife.
Could happen...
On a side note, that is NOT what a gut hook is for, even though it seems ninety percent of those on UA-cam think it is. There's a reason it's called a GUT HOOK, and not a "hide slicer". You use it to hook the gut, not to slice the skin.
A gut hook is not for making an initial incisions. Doesn't anyone wonder why gut hooks always come dull? A gut hook if reaching through a small incision, HOOKING the animal's intestine, and pulling it out through that very small incision. It can also be used through the rectum.
I've never seen one used that way.
opinoms are an old geat knife, and a gut hook is ridiculous in deed, i agreed with everything yo said, i will alwayss keep a moa as one of my 2 or maybe 3 camp +survival knife, even camping can become a survival situation. a like the custom scandi knive Lt Write makes nice ones and ML knives make baeutiful pure american frontier style knives
Well, as a survival/tactical knife collector and knife user, I still think they are pretty darn cool. Even if they are a niche item. If you stck with the reputable makers you will be guaranteed a strong knife. Martin Knives and Chris Reeve are two who make a bombproof blade. All knives can fail. Check out the knifetests/com channel here on youtube, and watch him beat up the $50 Schrade Extreme Survival knife. It takes one hell of a beating, and never breaks at the hollow handle.
I've used and carried knives all of my life. I always take quality over quantity. I've also learned no one knife does everything well, but a keen edge and good steel will get just about any job done with the correct amount of effort. I've learned that a knife is not an hatchet or ax. I've learned knifes do not make good hammers, nor do they excel at being pry-bars.
If I could have only one knife to wander the wild, I think I'd take the approach our ancestors did and pick the best I could afford and chose one with a 6" to 7" blade. Most frontier folk carried a butcher knife. Nothing worse than needing more length and not having it, after all you can always choke up on it for smaller tasks.
Good points. The standard knife the mountain men carried was a butcher knife with a thin blade, and they worked very well for them.
I found out when I went over seas to Afghanistan that I really like multi tools. we where issued the gurber gator and they where ok when ever I broke one i could go and get anther one from supply. I broke 4 over seas none the less i like having a multi tool. if you find some of their older tools they where made better as of lately it almost looks like something from china. i bought a leatherman wave the function is a lot better and i have not broke it yet. it is also a more versatile tool
Nice reviews....the hollow handle knives....useless invention. Serated edges...I have a Gerber LMF II...great knife, and I've used it a lot, but....wouldn't be my first choice. The serated edges are great for making fine tinder for fires, other than that.... A Smith's pocket sharpener is small and has a diamond rod...works great for sharpening the serated part, but.... My favorite knife( so far ) is a Yarara tonto blade, 6 1/2" blade...tough knife and very comfortable to use. I have a couple Moras as back up blades, which happen to be my usual carry around the house( I live in the boonies)...enjoyed the video, and I agree on everything you don't want in a survival knife.
SRK is a beast for sure. At least the the $100 + ones with good steel. not the new $30 ones.
Smart discussion on the "don'ts', however, once you use the term "survival", vs. say, bush-craft or woodsman, I think the short knives are the wrong advice. They should certainly be there with you, but for "survival", which automatically implies substantial wood-processing, you need the big blade.
Could be. But I haven't had a problem processing wood with a four-inch blade. Check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/N9n2l636LLw/v-deo.html
Thanks for the response, I'll check the vid. But, "could be", was my whole point.
Point taken - thanks for the feedback!
That's why you should never go out in a cold area without an axe (). I belive the term 'survival knife' is dangerous because it implies that a knife is all you need and no knife will keep you alive in freezing temperatures for that long. I personally prefer a 10cm (4") scandi knife for most KNIFE JOBS but suppling fire wood in cold temperatures for more than a few hours is not a knife job at all.
When it comes to wood gathering, I prefer a good saw over an axe or hatchet. Here's why: www.survivalcommonsense.com/choose-an-axe-or-saw-for-your-survival-kitfeed/
But your point is well-taken. No knife, in and of itself, can insure your survival. While big game hunting, I carry a saw, skinning knife and Mora-style knife. These work well.
what about the crkt m16 that has a double safety to make it a fixed and folding
Just stumbled over this video. Just stopping to say thanks.
I appreciate you watching!
i found that i like multi tool when i was over seas in Afghanistan. i liked the gurber even after i broke 2 of them. but after the 4th i still carried one but was not pleased with it. i ended up buying a leatherman wave is a more versatile tool and i have not broke it yet. i think gurbur is junk
I've been told there is a lot of knock off Bear Grylls gear turning up so another reason not to pay silly money for this item when there are better knives for less. I think bush crafting gear in general has become way too faddish, especially knives and ultimately a brand name isn't going to get you out of a tricky situation if you don't learn the skills to go with it. I used a 4.5 inch no name, full tang blade for rougher tasks, a Victorinox butcher knife for game, a hatchet for processing wood and some sort of pruning/carpet cutter/electricians hooked folding knife in my pocket for years and had no problems with them. I do like the look of the Mora's though as they remind me of the Victorinox.
jelkel25 I would avoid anything with the BG logo.
+Survival Common Sense acually it GB and it stand for gerber
V- victini If you can't understand something, don't comment on it.
Sorry?
I wish more knives came in a scandi grind, they are by far the easiest to sharpen in the field.... and I mean sharpen not hone. I have used emery cloth to sharpen my mora... it isn't the best tool for the job and it takes a bit but if it is all you got....
I found that cold steel master hunter for $18 at a flea market. At the time I wasnt into knives that much, but I regret not buying it.
That would have been a good deal. I like the Master hunter: survivalcommonsense.com/best-hunting-knife-cold-steel-master-hunter-review/
Survival Common Sense ikr. I feel sooo stupid for not buying it.
Bear grylls and les stroud knives are bad or great, but they are good. But they are great STARTER knives
I use a kbar and it works well for me
I like a 5-7 inch plain edge with the full dang being visible, so no wrapped handle.
Me too but I like 4 to 6 inches
+Chad Bell yeah you're right, but I like handle scales because it's a lot more comfortable when doing tasks like chopping. I also have a neck knife that has a skeleton handle
The thing I look for in a good survival knife is it’s ability to spread butter on my toast.
Good solid advice.
Not to be to critical but I would take the BG knife over that sad looking butter knife ayou ate on love with any day.
That thing doesnt look like it has any sort of POMMEL. The finger guards are almost non existent and the handle looks pretty basic.
I've used the BG knife quite alot in many situations and it's as tough as any knife out there. Very well designed and thought out. I too could ditch the serrated part of the blade I would agree. However you couldn't have used the BG much bc if you had you would realize it is a very very good and well constructed well thought out knife and sheath.
Unless the BG knife quality has substantially improved, I reiterate: Junk.
What is so bad about serrations they stay sharp way longer with the right tool u can sharpen it no problem (smiths pocket pal) and they saw and cut rope way better also why does everyone hate on the BG knife for one thing
Probably what he mentioned where it takes up space from the sharp edge. When the serrated edge is on the other side it's not so bad, but then you don't have a good spot on it for your thumb.