I used to work on the road as an IBEW Wiremen. A Mora companion and a Leatherman Surge will cover 95% of normal needs. I second the Cold Steel folders. My edc is Code 4 in CTS-XHP.
For bushcraft Garberg, for food processing praxis, utility and small work Powerpint, and as a chopper, I have a former leafspring forged into a Bowie that measures 21 inches from tip to pommel by 1/4 inch thick and 2 and a half wide at the belly. At 3 pounds + with a convex grind, it can really hack.
#1 Spiderco para2 with the full serrated edge, for utility and food prep. (S45VN) #2 Mora Garberg for wood working. (Stainless steel) #3 Bark River Bravo1 for self-defense. (3V) #4 Lionsteel M4 for an all arounder. (M390) Love these types of videos!
@@MrGratefulEd The Mora Craftline robust is one of my favorite Moras and its only $16. thick, full tang, carbon steel, extremely tough. I was thinking about grinding the spine to a 90degree though. Bought two of them they were so cheap.
Large fixed blade belt knife, smaller bird and trout style fixed blade for skinning game, scandi woodcraft knife, camp/food prep, machete, axe. All basic bases covered with 6 tools.
Buck 110. Tops BOB. Bark River Bravo 1. Buck 124. All are reliable and easy to sharpen in the field. I also have a fero rod attached to each knife sheath, along with tinder. Thanks for another great video.
So happy the Recon 1 was in the list! Still remember when I first got into knives over 10yrs ago and saw your video on the Recon 1 and it ended up being my first knife and possibly my last. Have both the spear point and clip point in aus8 and now the tanto in s35vn. It’s the one knife I’ve never put away and just keeps on going. I think you made a great list as always, you are the best at what you do in my book.
One maker that comes to mind for 'apocalypse' fixed blades is Work Tuff Gear. Most are solid hard use designs and are well made. They have a wide enough range of offerings so everyone is bound to find something to suit. As for a folder, I agree the Cold Steel Recon 1 would be an excellent choice - a number of Cold Steel tri-ad lock folders would also make good alternatives. Love these theoreticals - mostly to listen to the reason behind the choices. Helps inform me on future purchases. Sharp blades all.
Since the war is tomorrow I have to choose the ones I have now...1. Lionsteel T5, 2. Lionsteel H2, 3. Tops Steel Eagle, 4. White River Ursus 45. Honorable mention is the Mora Garberg.
I like your approach of making every blade an all rounder but i will probably go the other route just to see how that works: 1. A medium to good quality Katana - anything starting from the high end Cold Steel series till some of the custom Japanese ones would work - this will be my #1 defense weapon (other than firearms). also, having training in using them for 7+ years helps :D. 2. TOPS Cuma Kage - my backup big blade that can also work as a very good wood splitter / makeshift machete. 3. WTG Puzon Wilderness Bowie (9") or TOPS Steel Eagle - my medium sized "survival" blade 4. Leatherman Surge. None of the Free series for this scenario because if the apocalypse comes in the form of a solar storm, all electromagnetic (and i assume even magnetic) equipment are screwed. So i will go with the Leatherman with the best scissors.
Thanks for this video! A few years ago, I gave away my Recon 1 drop point to a good buddy. Not even sure if it was 440 or Aus-8 but it had the super grippy G-10. It had been with me for almost 20 years (but hardly used so figured my friend would find it more useful). Importantly those versions had a very addictive crossbar style lock (probably not stronger than the current triads but nice to deploy and close one-handed gravity style). I realised with those locks, once deployed, you could rotate it a quarter turn and that would stop the crossbar from sliding and thus prevent accidental closing of the blade! Not sure if that is a feature of crossbar designs in general. Kind of miss it but I’ll definitely replace it soon with the latest versions.
My knives would be: TOPS Jackal survivor fixed blade Cold Steel Talwar XL for slashing Spyderco Military 2 for fine cutting and food prep Leatherman Supertool 300 Great video Aaron! 👍
Nice list, but mine is different. 1. Large kukri - open-minded on brand. 2. Original Benchmade Bushcrafter. I like it better than the new one. 3. Leatherman Surge 4. Lionsteel M7 or my custom Kephart with Micarta scales. Both are great knives making it difficult to pick one over the other.
Thanks for this fun thought experiment, Aaron. I keep promising to get my hands on a T5, and I think this is a not-so-gentle reminder why. For now, I'm going to post based on what I have, not what I want, and in consideration of my tropical rainforest environment. 1) Condor Terrachete - A machete is the #1 item in these parts. This one has reach, power, versatility, good ergos, and a great sheath. It even has a small Scandi-grind area near the handle for bushcrafty work. 2) Steel Will Atgonaut 810 - Imagine the Cold Steel SRK with tough-as-nails AUS-8, a great polymer sheath, and excellent ergos, but with a high flat grind, a thin slicey edge, a slight recurve to give it some belly, and a full finger choil. It's like a hunting knife and a field knife had a baby. 3) Mora Kansbol - a razor of a knife that can do very fine carving, food prep, and general camp tasks. Not as bombproof as the HD Companion, but it's Mora tough, almost weightless, and slices better than most kitchen knives. 4) Cold Steel XL Drop Point Voyager - versatility personified. It does everything from skinning game, to food prep, to wood working, to light machete work, all in a bomb-proof package that is also easy to carry. It's a do-all that I can always have on me.
This 'Apocalypse' theme could be a nice 'trigger' to make people think about what gear they would or should use, but only the inexperienced are not already using them. I mean whats the difference between a apocalyps and getting lost in a rain forest for instance? My categories are: pocket knife, small camp knife, short machete/big camp knife, multitool.
@@Arto257 To the inexperienced (or very experienced alike) I would suggest budget knives. The Mora companion is one of them and a also a Tramontina machete. Not a 200+ dollars ESEE or Lionsteel. The inexperienced can break a knife by doing stupid stuff or mess it up trying to field sharpen it. The very experienced you can basically give any knife and they make it work for them. The inexperienced can choose a knife because of how it looks also triggered by videos like this and many do. The knife maybe doesn't meet the purpose or doesn't fit their hand but it looks 'cool'. That's why I work with categories only.
I have my line up pretty well ready! My folder is my bench made barrage(I need a recon 1) big fixed is my cold steel gurka kukri plus in 3v piggybacked on that is my mora companion hd and my rounded fixed blade is my sf cold steel leatherneck! These are all great knives!!!
@@shiftsurvival7945 If that works for you tha's fine of course. I'm not saying they are bad blades at all. When it comes to Cold Steel my pick would be the Bushman. But what I pick depends on where I am or going. That's why I talk about categories and not specific knives.
My 2 large knife choices are Tops Storm Vector, Varuskateleka Skrama 240. Hon mention to Becker BK9. All of those are great for self defense and shelter building. Back that up with small lightweight fixies like Mora Bushcraft Black, or Jakari Pukko 110. I have 2 backcountry go bags set up with these blade combos. Really interested in your choices for the rest, like water purification, shelter, lighting, solar charger, fire starting, signaling, and especially 1st aid items.
I have two different but similar combos. They both work very well in any setting urban/rural/civilian/non civilian etc. However, they must be combined with other gear as well such as multitools and saws. Would love to see your take on a whole system, everything from knives to saws. Thanks for great videos and greetings from Sweden! For an urban/civilian setting Folder: Victorinox Trailmaster Medium blade/buschcraft: Mora Garberg Large blade: Peltonen M95 Sissipukko (Ranger) Chopper: Silky Nata Outback For an rural/non civilian setting Folder: Swiss Soldier's Knife 08 Medium blade/bushcraft: Mora Kansbol Large blade: Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 (With boltaron sheath) Chopper: Terävä Skrama 240
Here is my big 4 1. Fallkniven Modern Bowie 2. F1X Elmax 3. A1X Lam Cos 4. Council tool 36inch Jersey pattern felling axe Have all 4 and used all 4 on regular camping/hiking trips…. Never fails.
I love your content. Been a follower for awhile now. I’d love to see more of this type of content. Surprised you didn’t choose a fifth pick of a multitool for your belt. Survival, prep scenarios that come from actual use like yours is very valuable. Thanks for all you do.
1- Bark River mini Kephart 2- Origin Knives The Shirley 3- Dulo Knives Mahti Puukko 4- Origin knives Front Line Kukri Tracker Why should I get a folding knife if I intend to use it for 30 years? A fixed blade is more reliable. Of course, in real life, I would take a saw, an axe, a belt knife and a small knife.
Fun exercise! I think small to large, a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife such as the camper, Mora knife - companion or other, Kabar fighting knife, and a Tramontina machete. Nothing too exciting but all have been around a long time.
Love this exercise... except when I think surviving the apocalypse, Im thinking more self defense/offense. Probably go something like this: 1) My folder would be the SR1 in S35VN (or any one of my Cold Steel mega folders for that matter ) 2)My belt knife probably the Recon Scout in 3V 3) My big chopper/head splitter OKC Marine Raider. 4) and finally, my short sword (since I don't actually own a sword,) would be my Warcraft tanto.
My 4 blades of the apocalypse Exodus K&T Jackalope PBK Hunter EDC VERY GOOD knife co Huntsman and it’d be a toss up between my Von tempsky hawk or hardcore hammer survivalist. I feel like these would give me a good balance and utility.
Odd man out here: 1. buck 110 2. my own custom made combat/survival blade ( 10.5" o/a length ) 3. Sog hatchet 4. my own custom made EOD breaching tool ( made from a prybar [spring steel] ) 4a, worksharp guided field sharpener All my sheaths are my own custom made from leather. As for the zombies, they shall be dispatched by other means before they breach the inner perimeter. I'm 72 years old, ain't gonna be goin' hand-to-hand with no ZB's !
I live in the heart of Las Vegas, City Boy thru and thru, and from my experience in an Urban Environment, the best ones to carry are multi-tools. In a City, anything that can be scrounged up to make shelter or clothing or weapons, is easily available all around, and multi tools are a must! I carry a Victorinox One Handed Trekker, and I've used every tool in it from office tasks, to tasks out in the street. Same goes for my Leatherman P4, its small but so handy, I have no doubt that it would be invaluable to me in Post Apocalypse Las Vegas. My recent addition of the Leatherman T4 Free, is another one I would carry, perfect for jobs a bit too big for the P4, I have no doubt it would help me survive. As for longer blades, my edc folder is the 4 Max Scout, a huge blade, every time I've used it, it has never let me down, big and tough and sharp as hell! And I would carry my Cold Steel Barong Machete, as a practitioner of Filipino Combat Styles, that beautiful blade would help me against enemies both human and inhuman!
1. TOPS El Chete 2. ESEE 5 3. TOPS Brakimo 4. LEATHERMAN Charge Plus TTi (with bit driver and extra bits!) Excellent Video Aaron! Very fun watch and think about this! My 3 honorable mentions (that I might change my mind to) are: TOPS Yacare 10.0, LionSteel T5, and Mora Garberg (in carbon steel). This is really HARD TO DECIDE!!
Pocket knife for me would also be the Recon 1 with the spear point. I would also go with the Esee Junglas for the XL knife. In the 4.5 to 6.5 inch range i would have a hard time choosing. Ursus 45, Tops Silent Hero, Archirect 5.5 in cpm 3V. It's a difficult choice. And although i don't own one, the Mora is appealing for the reasons you stated.
Para 2 Salt in Magnacut and Gerber Strongman are the best combo I can think of. One stays sharp and is great for detail work, the other is crazy durable and can be beat on and then sharpened easily (even on a river stone). Then I am going with a Leatherman ARC for the all around usefulness. Final choice would be a Fällkniven MB for size, or a machete of some sort.
Howdy GT! Great overview ..have all except the Cold Steel but have plenty of their other models including the SRK. Love all the ESEE, Moras and Lionsteel models! Saddle up!
All great choices! But as a “big blade” collector who’s owned dozens of big camp knives, machetes, parangs, choppers, and kukris, etc., including the Junglas, I have to go with a Kukri in the third spot. The best values are from Condor, but my favorites are from Frank at Knives by Hand, Tora, and some old Himalayan Imports. They out cut the Junglas with a similar length blade but with better forward balance, and can still do all the same fine work if needed. They also are better for heavy wood chopping and are even more fearsome weapons. Instead of the Mora I like the Condor Terrasaur which might be even stronger. Can’t argue with the Lionsteel, although I would probably go with a Fallkniven A1 or S1, or a dressed up S1 the beautiful NL4. Great topic, thanks for another cool video! 👍
1. Folder- Benchmade Presidio 2 full size 2. Fixed- White River Firecraft FC5 3. Fixed- White River Ursus Cub 4. Fixed- White River M1 Backpacker Pro This is my list... Because it's the best of what I have 😂.... Ya, im a bit of a White River fan... 🤪
Mora Companion/HD and Tops Operator 7 for me. The Glock knife is right there but it's not as sharp from the factory. All three have great sheaths that you can take off and on easily and can deploy one handed. 95 percent of the time I'm doing something outdoors related, I've got the Companion on me.
I like your choices, Aaron. Love that Mora made the list but I’d choose the Garberg bc of the full tang. Also love that Esee Junglas made it. I need to get one but until then I’m loving my Esee Laser Strike. Very cool topic for this video.
Victorinox Huntsman w/firefly accessories, Leatherman Signal, Buck 119 and Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist. Yes, I’m a big fan of this style content.
Greetings from Finland. Really great idea in this video. Only fixed blades for apocalypse! 1) Becker BK-10 (updated with a kydex sheath and micarta handles) 2) Benchmade Bushcrafter 3) Terava Skrama 240 4) TOPS Mohawk Hunter
For the pocket a case stockman. Mora pro s for game and food prep. A kabar bk9 and a council tools 16 inch flying fox for wood work. ( which I don't think you've done a review on awesome bush tool) and finally a Benchmade 200 puukko in the pack as a backup.
You can do a small job with a big knife , but you can't do a big job with a small knife. I live by that motto. I own a junglas and love it ! For production knife that is. I've made customs of my own and I think the ultimate length for jungle style machete work is 16" blade Love the channel bro 👊.
Terävä skrama for a big one. Cold steel master hunter for all tasks in general. Tops el pionero for self defense and as a back up. And my trusted victorinox ranger grip as a folding knife. At this point, i've slept literally weeks in the woods with nothing than the vic ranger grip.
1. TOPS Machete 2. Becker BK9 3. Lionsteel T6 4. Cold Steel Bush Ranger There are many interesting thought experiments regarding prepping. What additional items should you have in your backpack when hiking in case you or somebody with you experiences an emergency of some kind and you need to go into survival mode for awhile? What would you want in a go bag in case the apocalypse (or civil unrest) happens on your way home from work? What should be in your bag if you had to leave your home on short notice because of forest fires, flooding or a hurricane?
1. WTG Bear Claw 2. WTG Wolverine/Lionsteel KC-01/Lionsteel T5 3. TRC Polheim 4. Gerber center drive There are a ton of knives that would work imo. I believe I could remake this list like 10 times with different knives and still make it work and be happy but no mora's for me in any flavor or size. Had lots of them don't like them at all. Everything else in the video would definitely be on my list. Great video btw. Wouldn't mind more of these!
I have my Benchmade McHenry & Williams locking folder which I love, it feels rock solid when opened and could really replace my Mora. Recently got me an ESEE 6 as a potential belt/camp knife. If I could not load my forest axe and a bow saw I would be carrying a golok, mine has a 10inch blade which is a bit shorter than the Junglas. I also have a collapsible MFH, Max Fuchs buck saw. All of which I am glad I have but these days my poor health largely keeps me stuck at home... If I needed to though I have a bicycle and trailer so there would be a possibility to "get out of dodge" if it came down to the wire. Needs must right?
I love the Lionsteel T5, but for the all arounder I would take either a Carothers Performance Knives Basic Field Knife (BFK) or the Super Duty Field Knife (SDFK) either in 3V or Magnacut.
We'll be in trouble if this happen in an apocalypse cuz they fina be hunting us for food lmao of course cats will call the shots and boss around the dogs to farm us lol
My 2 cents on the mora, I brought it out just once. I was trying to carve off a chunk of fatwood and could feel the end of the tang flexing in my hand. I had the comfort of abandoning the task before the knife broke. I gave it away simply because I need a knife that will out pace me if the worst becomes reality. That said my 4 picks are 1) OTC Rat 1 because it is versatile but slim enough to hide. 2) in place of the mora I have a Brisa Ranger (?) In elmax steel with a scandi grind. It's expensive so as a cheaper substitute I'd go with a Cold Steel SRK-c. With cheap ones at $30 or 3V version around $90 they both are knives that are low profile but tough enough to do anything. 3) I have 2 large knives that come with me. The cold steel trailmaster or the OKC Woodsman. The woodsman has a choil and a spring steel blade that's pretty amazing, but the trailmaster is lighter and better suited to defense. 4) I have big and little knives covered, so my cold steel Recon Scout or Efengrow ef-143. Both can be intimidating but still be functional over a broad range of tasks. I should note that almost all of these have been modified so handles are fit to my hand, and blades are convex ground.
My backpack has a Gerber Strongarm Camp in green, a Ruike F118-G, and a Brusletto GRS Femund in green mountain camo. I would think this is a good "apocalypse" trio. There are better knives for sure, but with this in the pack, I think I will be set. The GRS Femund is an absolute beast, and a hidden gem in the knife world.
Thanks for your content. I decided to pick 4 from my stash, though there is at least one of your picks I would choose over my choice, maybe 2. Cold Steel Carbon V Trailmaster Cold Steel Carbon V SRK Buck Compadre Mora Bushcraft Black If one needs to be a folder, I'd take one of my Buck 110s or a Gerber Sportsman for pocket carry.
@@SupermanBB i actually liked his choices for the western ranges. I'm in North Georgia. I also limited myself to things I own. Gotta go with what works best for you, in the region your in.
Hi Aaron, I would go with the Cold Steel SR1 Lite and not with the Recon 1 because of the coating on the Recon 1. I don't know how the coating would interact with food! I would also take the T5 although I don't like the little coil at the beginning of the cutting blade. I would not take any of the Mora's, not robust enough for the apocalypse! The Garberg is very robust but it does not offer a finger guard and I don't like it's tactile feeling.I would not take the Strongarm, because it's grip is comfortable for long work only when you are wearing gloves! It also has a coating, which I don't know how it interacts with food! I would take the BETTER SRK with a very comfortable handle, which has been developed by Survival Lilly and it is called APO 1 S and you can buy it directly from her. It is made of AUS 8, an excellent japanese steel, very elastic, which has an acceptable edge retention but you can sharpen it easily in the field, even with river stones if you need to! Its cutting edge has a micro bevel, which is convex for additional strength! I know that a lot of Americans look down on the AUS 8 but it is not by accident that Kizlyar, a Russian manufacturer of heavy duty blades, uses AUS 8 for most of its blades.
Man...what a scenario! If I had the 4-Horsemen chasing me out of town and I actually made it to where I’m out of gas and ammo. My first thought goes to “I need to invest in a Cold Steel Warrior Katana”. Second would be my Cold Steel 12” 3V Warcraft Tanto. Then the fast in hand Cold Steel 3V SRK and lastly, the Cold Steel Recon 1...Once my heart rate went down and if I made it to some sort of safe haven, I’d be going dang, maybe I should have rethought this thing...LoL
1.) Opinel no. 12 for food prep - easy to sharpen, thin blade for very fine cuts, cheap as dirt, reliable locking mechanism 2.) Teräva Jääkäripuukko 140 for general tasks - A bit pricier than the Mora, but still very affordable, Skandi grind, nice grip, absolutely bulletproof 3.) A small Gransförs Axe for chopping - why use a knife for a task an axe is better suited for? 4.) APOC Survival Longsword for self defense - why bother with a knife, if you can use a sword? Its the end of the world anyway and the APOC swords are durable and quite cheap
The CS Recon 1 is my favorite knife of all time. I have all the versions but mainly use the XHP spear point for EDC and S35VN tanto half serrated for when I feel funky. I recently added custom handle scales for those two and they are heirlooms now.
No folder for me. Creely Mako in magnacut for pocket utility (my personal edc), Esee 6 for survival/woodscraft, Cold Steel Trailmaster in san mai 3 (have a couple tucked away) for bigger stuff and a leatherman wave. Moras are good, I have one in each vehicle and several scattered around my small ranch and in various bags but I've never used one that didn't feel cheap and flimsy. I have a Tkell Bushman on order but haven't tried it out yet, so it might get added to the list. Creely Beast would be high on the list from what I've seen, but don't have one of those yet either. Junglas could possibly be added but I haven't gotten around to getting one of those yet, the trailmaster is almost as hefty though.
😂 when you started to talk about the Gerber I was going, going gone. Then you redeemed yourself with the Lionsteel T5 one of the best tools out there 🥰 The only Gerber I like is the Principle 🤩
Interesting you spoke about the Morakniv Companion. There's three among my knives I own. The stainless is my kitchen knife I use daily. A carbon HD model is often on my belt when I venture into the woods. And the "Spark" just because it's different. 😏
Gotta give the Cold Steel Recon 1 two thumbs up! I had the aus8 version over a decade ago and it was still a beast. Built like a tank and extremely reliable
great picks! The only other chopper I might add (but it does NOT have a piercing tip) is the affordable Nata Tool (Silky makes one, but I'm sure other Japanese and non-Japanese companies have versions as well); a tremendous chopper (learned about it watching the Dutch Bushcraft guys who put it up against a custom 600 plus dollar knife and it held its own when it comes to chopping/batoning...at a much lower price: under 100$).
This was a really fun exercise! Love how many people are adding in their lists. Mine would probably go as follows just based on what I actually own 4max scout, mora bushcraft black, cold steel srk sk5, Ontario rat 7 adventure. Obviously there are probably a lot better options out there but this is what I have where it to happen today and I had no time to make upgrades. Also a lot of my stuff I like to consider how easy it will be to re sharpen in the elements without my fancy fixed angle sharpener. So I’ve purposefully avoided super steels, they just take too long to get an edge back on for me and who knows how dull/ banged up you might have to get your kit.
I have an idea that is very doable. A piece of wearable thin exoskeleton arm bar that can house a bowie knife and you can use your right hand for access. After taking the bowie knife off of the arm bar, it can be deploy as a 2 in 1 small lightweight buckler with a crossbow integrated together. Basically, within 2 seconds, you will have a bowie knife on your main hand and a half buckler shield half crossbow on your other hand. In summary, everyone is staying still until the police arrives. Can't run (at your mercy) or getting too close to you (a buckler and a shank is deadly.)
• The number 1 knife I would carry is the original COLD STEEL 'Bushman' Bowie that was manufactured up until the year 2015, because it is good quality, sharp steel & strong and can be used as a spear by attaching a wooden shovel handle to it, or a wooden broom handle to it. • The number 2 knife I would carry is the COLD STEEL 'Espada' size large. • The number 3 knife I would carry is the IMPERIAL M7 bayonet. This M7 blade gives you the same reach as a machete when attached to the barrel of an AR15 that has a bayonet lug. • The number 4 knife is the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife 'HIKER' ✅
My 4 knives in these categories and scenario would be: 1. ZT folder 2. Fox 3. Lion Steel T5 or 6. 4. Tops el chete or a sword to keep the distance from a zombie. Thanks for the true picks of yours. I agree on the T5 for sure. Esee junglas is fne. The first two won't be for me.
I have 3... A modified Cold Steel War Hawk that can't break ... Condor Plan A Bowie .... Cold Steel SR-1 Lite .... Runner ups : 5-11 tac tomahawk - Tops Tom Brown Tracker
1.) Some old serpentine grandpa pen knife kept lightsaber sharp. Perfect for splinters, minor surgery, very fine tasks. 2.) esee Izula 2 3.) esse 5 4.) Leatherman Wave
Thank you for the video. I was surprised you haven´t chosen any multitool - my choice is Leatherman Surge or Charge. Also, a more universal Victorinox Worchamp or Ruike L51/LD51 (lots of handy tools + very good folding knife blade). Have a great time:-) FM
Folder Zan Work knife bark river fox river ext 2 or bravo 1 Hunting/ protection crk green beret 7” Big boy 16” or bigger Tranontina or condor Argyll With honourable mention of a bench made meatcrafter or fillet knife
First and last Cold Steel I ever bought was a Recon, about 8 months ago. It wouldn't "snap" closed and always left the tip exposed and would even wiggle open. I wish I'd had the positive experience everyone else seems to.
If you want, you can put a choil on that Esee with a dremel set on lower speed to not change the heat treatment, although 1095 is pretty forgiving. That and/ or some elbow grease. Personally, I'd take the cold steel warcraft tanto in 3V if the SHTF. Mora is a great choice. Awesome knives with versatility. In the end, any knife you have will work. It's a matter of will to survive. 👍
In my gear right now I have 1. Off grid knives Rapid Fire. 2. Lions Steel T5. 3. Esse Junglas. 4. Bark River Trakker. I used to love cold steel but the metal is junk now, I literally snapped the blade on my Recon 1 in half….
love this guys opinion hes a user, not a reviewer
I used to work on the road as an IBEW Wiremen. A Mora companion and a Leatherman Surge will cover 95% of normal needs. I second the Cold Steel folders. My edc is Code 4 in CTS-XHP.
Why not a signal… it is the apocalypse
@mgautier88 i would definitely take the highest quality available. I have years with the Surge. Im not familiar with the signal.
IBEW guy here. Would never use a Leatherman in the field dude - it’s all metal LOL.
My Recon is in XHP.
@mikenormandy9250 some of us ibew guys are phone men and use a Leatherman daily
Cold Steel AD-10
Condor Terrasaur
Ka-Bar Becker BK-9
T Kell Mercenary
For bushcraft Garberg, for food processing praxis, utility and small work Powerpint, and as a chopper, I have a former leafspring forged into a Bowie that measures 21 inches from tip to pommel by 1/4 inch thick and 2 and a half wide at the belly. At 3 pounds + with a convex grind, it can really hack.
#1 Spiderco para2 with the full serrated edge, for utility and food prep. (S45VN)
#2 Mora Garberg for wood working. (Stainless steel)
#3 Bark River Bravo1 for self-defense. (3V)
#4 Lionsteel M4 for an all arounder. (M390)
Love these types of videos!
Fully agree that the full tang Garberg is the way to go for a Mora. I have a Kansbol which is a great food prep option.
@@MrGratefulEd The Mora Craftline robust is one of my favorite Moras and its only $16. thick, full tang, carbon steel, extremely tough. I was thinking about grinding the spine to a 90degree though. Bought two of them they were so cheap.
Serrations? Considering the resharpening process, I would skip on those.
@@Nachtmahr79 It's not that hard with a rod. And it stays sharp SO much longer.
Big up to the BRK bravo 1. It can do it all
A hip knife, a food prep knife, a wood prep and a sword.
Large fixed blade belt knife, smaller bird and trout style fixed blade for skinning game, scandi woodcraft knife, camp/food prep, machete, axe. All basic bases covered with 6 tools.
@@John5.56 I guess with a name like 5.56 you will not use a sword
@@Daniel.Liddicoat lol a machete can fill the same spot as a sword
Bravo Tope Recon, Benchmade Station knife, Condor Wayfinder and Landsknecht Emporium Gustave from your list of four
@@John5.56Earth Skills Knife, Ucon Hawk BTK by Allen Jensen and Lite Trekker
Buck 110. Tops BOB. Bark River Bravo 1. Buck 124. All are reliable and easy to sharpen in the field. I also have a fero rod attached to each knife sheath, along with tinder. Thanks for another great video.
wish they would make a cold steel recon auto or spring assist, even buck 110 makes an automatic
So happy the Recon 1 was in the list! Still remember when I first got into knives over 10yrs ago and saw your video on the Recon 1 and it ended up being my first knife and possibly my last. Have both the spear point and clip point in aus8 and now the tanto in s35vn. It’s the one knife I’ve never put away and just keeps on going. I think you made a great list as always, you are the best at what you do in my book.
One maker that comes to mind for 'apocalypse' fixed blades is Work Tuff Gear. Most are solid hard use designs and are well made. They have a wide enough range of offerings so everyone is bound to find something to suit. As for a folder, I agree the Cold Steel Recon 1 would be an excellent choice - a number of Cold Steel tri-ad lock folders would also make good alternatives. Love these theoreticals - mostly to listen to the reason behind the choices. Helps inform me on future purchases. Sharp blades all.
YES! Nomad EDC and Kodiak in 6Amax!
I regret not getting a few before their price exceeded my desire for one.
1. Espada XL
2. CS 5Max
3. OKC SP10 Bowie
4. WTG Hemlock Ares
So glad i got the xhp recon 1 drop point when I first got into folders. I've put that thing through hell and it keeps on truckin
Since the war is tomorrow I have to choose the ones I have now...1. Lionsteel T5, 2. Lionsteel H2, 3. Tops Steel Eagle, 4. White River Ursus 45. Honorable mention is the Mora Garberg.
My particular Apache Dawn is such a thirsty, powerful cutter that after being so tough, it'd be hard to leave behind
I like your approach of making every blade an all rounder but i will probably go the other route just to see how that works:
1. A medium to good quality Katana - anything starting from the high end Cold Steel series till some of the custom Japanese ones would work - this will be my #1 defense weapon (other than firearms). also, having training in using them for 7+ years helps :D.
2. TOPS Cuma Kage - my backup big blade that can also work as a very good wood splitter / makeshift machete.
3. WTG Puzon Wilderness Bowie (9") or TOPS Steel Eagle - my medium sized "survival" blade
4. Leatherman Surge. None of the Free series for this scenario because if the apocalypse comes in the form of a solar storm, all electromagnetic (and i assume even magnetic) equipment are screwed. So i will go with the Leatherman with the best scissors.
I started collecting in the early '90's and AUS-8 was a very popular steel and I still use many of them with good results today!!
I’d take my Dad’s WWII Army issue machete, my Winkler Belt Knife, my Lionsteel T5, and my Socom Bravo folder. I might add my Estwing hatchet.
Thanks for this video!
A few years ago, I gave away my Recon 1 drop point to a good buddy. Not even sure if it was 440 or Aus-8 but it had the super grippy G-10.
It had been with me for almost 20 years (but hardly used so figured my friend would find it more useful).
Importantly those versions had a very addictive crossbar style lock (probably not stronger than the current triads but nice to deploy and close one-handed gravity style).
I realised with those locks, once deployed, you could rotate it a quarter turn and that would stop the crossbar from sliding and thus prevent accidental closing of the blade! Not sure if that is a feature of crossbar designs in general.
Kind of miss it but I’ll definitely replace it soon with the latest versions.
Funny...I have the Lionsteel T5 and have been calling it my "Apocalypse Knife" ...good choice!
1.tops prather bowie 2 spyderco manix xl 3 cold steel recon 1 4 gerber 600 milti tool. I have these and use them all the time. Great vid dude
1. Kershaw Camp 10
2. Cold Steel SRK
3. Gerber Strongarm
4. SOG Seal Pup
+1 on the SRK. I have one of the original Carbon V SRKs.
I'm going with the SRK-C.
My knives would be:
TOPS Jackal survivor fixed blade
Cold Steel Talwar XL for slashing
Spyderco Military 2 for fine cutting and food prep
Leatherman Supertool 300
Great video Aaron! 👍
Nice list, but mine is different.
1. Large kukri - open-minded on brand.
2. Original Benchmade Bushcrafter. I like it better than the new one.
3. Leatherman Surge
4. Lionsteel M7 or my custom Kephart with Micarta scales. Both are great knives making it difficult to pick one over the other.
Thanks for this fun thought experiment, Aaron. I keep promising to get my hands on a T5, and I think this is a not-so-gentle reminder why. For now, I'm going to post based on what I have, not what I want, and in consideration of my tropical rainforest environment.
1) Condor Terrachete - A machete is the #1 item in these parts. This one has reach, power, versatility, good ergos, and a great sheath. It even has a small Scandi-grind area near the handle for bushcrafty work.
2) Steel Will Atgonaut 810 - Imagine the Cold Steel SRK with tough-as-nails AUS-8, a great polymer sheath, and excellent ergos, but with a high flat grind, a thin slicey edge, a slight recurve to give it some belly, and a full finger choil. It's like a hunting knife and a field knife had a baby.
3) Mora Kansbol - a razor of a knife that can do very fine carving, food prep, and general camp tasks. Not as bombproof as the HD Companion, but it's Mora tough, almost weightless, and slices better than most kitchen knives.
4) Cold Steel XL Drop Point Voyager - versatility personified. It does everything from skinning game, to food prep, to wood working, to light machete work, all in a bomb-proof package that is also easy to carry. It's a do-all that I can always have on me.
This 'Apocalypse' theme could be a nice 'trigger' to make people think about what gear they would or should use, but only the inexperienced are not already using them. I mean whats the difference between a apocalyps and getting lost in a rain forest for instance? My categories are: pocket knife, small camp knife, short machete/big camp knife, multitool.
For the inexperienced to become experienced, they have to start somewhere. That's what videos like this are for.
This is masturbatory. A knife is a knife. Hopefully, you have a decent one. The tools don't do the work.
@@Arto257 To the inexperienced (or very experienced alike) I would suggest budget knives. The Mora companion is one of them and a also a Tramontina machete. Not a 200+ dollars ESEE or Lionsteel. The inexperienced can break a knife by doing stupid stuff or mess it up trying to field sharpen it. The very experienced you can basically give any knife and they make it work for them. The inexperienced can choose a knife because of how it looks also triggered by videos like this and many do. The knife maybe doesn't meet the purpose or doesn't fit their hand but it looks 'cool'. That's why I work with categories only.
I have my line up pretty well ready! My folder is my bench made barrage(I need a recon 1) big fixed is my cold steel gurka kukri plus in 3v piggybacked on that is my mora companion hd and my rounded fixed blade is my sf cold steel leatherneck! These are all great knives!!!
@@shiftsurvival7945 If that works for you tha's fine of course. I'm not saying they are bad blades at all. When it comes to Cold Steel my pick would be the Bushman. But what I pick depends on where I am or going. That's why I talk about categories and not specific knives.
My 2 large knife choices are Tops Storm Vector, Varuskateleka Skrama 240. Hon mention to Becker BK9. All of those are great for self defense and shelter building. Back that up with small lightweight fixies like Mora Bushcraft Black, or Jakari Pukko 110.
I have 2 backcountry go bags set up with these blade combos.
Really interested in your choices for the rest, like water purification, shelter, lighting, solar charger, fire starting, signaling, and especially 1st aid items.
1. Tops El Chete
2. Cold Steel Trailmaster
3. Bark River Aurora
4. Spyderco Manix 2
Love my El Chete!!!
I'm right with you on the Aurora. One of my favorite bush knives. 😉
+1 on the Trailmaster. I have several in the original Carbon V. Ditto the SRK.
Svord von tempsky bowie
Absolutely a great list
Esee 4
Esee Junglas
Hardcore Hammers Survivalist
Leatherman Surge (or rebar/supertool 300)
Already own
I have two different but similar combos. They both work very well in any setting urban/rural/civilian/non civilian etc. However, they must be combined with other gear as well such as multitools and saws. Would love to see your take on a whole system, everything from knives to saws.
Thanks for great videos and greetings from Sweden!
For an urban/civilian setting
Folder: Victorinox Trailmaster
Medium blade/buschcraft: Mora Garberg
Large blade: Peltonen M95 Sissipukko (Ranger)
Chopper: Silky Nata Outback
For an rural/non civilian setting
Folder: Swiss Soldier's Knife 08
Medium blade/bushcraft: Mora Kansbol
Large blade: Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140 (With boltaron sheath)
Chopper: Terävä Skrama 240
Here is my big 4
1. Fallkniven Modern Bowie
2. F1X Elmax
3. A1X Lam Cos
4. Council tool 36inch Jersey pattern felling axe
Have all 4 and used all 4 on regular camping/hiking trips…. Never fails.
I love your content. Been a follower for awhile now. I’d love to see more of this type of content. Surprised you didn’t choose a fifth pick of a multitool for your belt. Survival, prep scenarios that come from actual use like yours is very valuable. Thanks for all you do.
1- Bark River mini Kephart
2- Origin Knives The Shirley
3- Dulo Knives Mahti Puukko
4- Origin knives Front Line Kukri Tracker
Why should I get a folding knife if I intend to use it for 30 years? A fixed blade is more reliable. Of course, in real life, I would take a saw, an axe, a belt knife and a small knife.
Fun exercise! I think small to large, a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife such as the camper, Mora knife - companion or other, Kabar fighting knife, and a Tramontina machete. Nothing too exciting but all have been around a long time.
I like your way of thinking. Yeah close to my choices and I have them all except the Mora companion. Probably my next knife.
@billwright9256 You should pick one up, it's surprising how good a knife it is for $12 to $15
1- cold steel- bush ranger
2- mora- garber
3- Tops- El Chete
4- William Colins- The Fieldlore
Anyone who is aware of William Collins knows his knives are some of the best you could get your hands on.
Love this exercise... except when I think surviving the apocalypse, Im thinking more self defense/offense. Probably go something like this:
1) My folder would be the SR1 in S35VN (or any one of my Cold Steel mega folders for that matter )
2)My belt knife probably the Recon Scout in 3V
3) My big chopper/head splitter OKC Marine Raider.
4) and finally, my short sword (since I don't actually own a sword,) would be my Warcraft tanto.
I would consider a good Khukri in the Junglas spot.
My 4 blades of the apocalypse
Exodus K&T Jackalope
PBK Hunter EDC
VERY GOOD knife co Huntsman
and it’d be a toss up between my Von tempsky hawk or hardcore hammer survivalist. I feel like these would give me a good balance and utility.
Love the concept and would love more videos like this 👍🏼
Odd man out here:
1. buck 110
2. my own custom made combat/survival blade ( 10.5" o/a length )
3. Sog hatchet
4. my own custom made EOD breaching tool ( made from a prybar [spring steel] )
4a, worksharp guided field sharpener
All my sheaths are my own custom made from leather.
As for the zombies, they shall be dispatched by other means before they breach the inner perimeter. I'm 72 years old, ain't gonna be goin' hand-to-hand with no ZB's !
If you don't get a chance to forge one check the esse junglas 2
can you forge a one piece double edge knuckle duster trench knife with skull crusher spike pommel
I knew you would pick the T5. I have one myself and I love it.
Lol I guested that one too! And without cheating.
I live in the heart of Las Vegas, City Boy thru and thru, and from my experience in an Urban Environment, the best ones to carry are multi-tools. In a City, anything that can be scrounged up to make shelter or clothing or weapons, is easily available all around, and multi tools are a must! I carry a Victorinox One Handed Trekker, and I've used every tool in it from office tasks, to tasks out in the street. Same goes for my Leatherman P4, its small but so handy, I have no doubt that it would be invaluable to me in Post Apocalypse Las Vegas. My recent addition of the Leatherman T4 Free, is another one I would carry, perfect for jobs a bit too big for the P4, I have no doubt it would help me survive. As for longer blades, my edc folder is the 4 Max Scout, a huge blade, every time I've used it, it has never let me down, big and tough and sharp as hell! And I would carry my Cold Steel Barong Machete, as a practitioner of Filipino Combat Styles, that beautiful blade would help me against enemies both human and inhuman!
Leatherman Wave
Becker bk16
ESEE Junglas
Estwing 14” axe
This was a fun video! I’d like more like this 👍
The esee 6 is the best "all rounder" that I own. Paired with my leatherman, it can accomplish most tasks.
@@yeegan69 agreed!
1. TOPS El Chete
2. ESEE 5
3. TOPS Brakimo
4. LEATHERMAN Charge Plus TTi (with bit driver and extra bits!)
Excellent Video Aaron! Very fun watch and think about this! My 3 honorable mentions (that I might change my mind to) are: TOPS Yacare 10.0, LionSteel T5, and Mora Garberg (in carbon steel). This is really HARD TO DECIDE!!
Pocket knife for me would also be the Recon 1 with the spear point. I would also go with the Esee Junglas for the XL knife. In the 4.5 to 6.5 inch range i would have a hard time choosing. Ursus 45, Tops Silent Hero, Archirect 5.5 in cpm 3V. It's a difficult choice. And although i don't own one, the Mora is appealing for the reasons you stated.
Para 2 Salt in Magnacut and Gerber Strongman are the best combo I can think of. One stays sharp and is great for detail work, the other is crazy durable and can be beat on and then sharpened easily (even on a river stone). Then I am going with a Leatherman ARC for the all around usefulness. Final choice would be a Fällkniven MB for size, or a machete of some sort.
What about the Gerber strongarm? I'm sure the Strongman is a great knife but....😂 Sorry I couldn't help myself.
@@Woodzy-5326 Dang auto correct. Fair comment.
@@BenKickert sorry I wasn't trying to be a jerk, I figured that's what happened. I just read it and it made me laugh. No harm intended.
Howdy GT! Great overview ..have all except the Cold Steel but have plenty of their other models including the SRK. Love all the ESEE, Moras and Lionsteel models! Saddle up!
1. Gerber 06 Auto (3.7")
2. Kabar Jarosz Turok (6.25")
3. Hogue EX-F01 (7")
4. Tops SXB Skullcrusher (9.25")
Honorable mentions
1. Benchmade Nimravus (4.54")
2. Kabar Becker BK2 Campanion (5.25")
3. Gerber Principle (3.10")
4. Hogue X5 Spear Point (4")
All great choices! But as a “big blade” collector who’s owned dozens of big camp knives, machetes, parangs, choppers, and kukris, etc., including the Junglas, I have to go with a Kukri in the third spot. The best values are from Condor, but my favorites are from Frank at Knives by Hand, Tora, and some old Himalayan Imports. They out cut the Junglas with a similar length blade but with better forward balance, and can still do all the same fine work if needed. They also are better for heavy wood chopping and are even more fearsome weapons.
Instead of the Mora I like the Condor Terrasaur which might be even stronger. Can’t argue with the Lionsteel, although I would probably go with a Fallkniven A1 or S1, or a dressed up S1 the beautiful NL4.
Great topic, thanks for another cool video! 👍
1. Folder- Benchmade Presidio 2 full size
2. Fixed- White River Firecraft FC5
3. Fixed- White River Ursus Cub
4. Fixed- White River M1 Backpacker Pro
This is my list... Because it's the best of what I have 😂.... Ya, im a bit of a White River fan... 🤪
Esse Junglas (original)
Mora Garberg (stainless)
Esse 5
Esse 6
Mora Companion/HD and Tops Operator 7 for me. The Glock knife is right there but it's not as sharp from the factory. All three have great sheaths that you can take off and on easily and can deploy one handed. 95 percent of the time I'm doing something outdoors related, I've got the Companion on me.
I like your choices, Aaron. Love that Mora made the list but I’d choose the Garberg bc of the full tang. Also love that Esee Junglas made it. I need to get one but until then I’m loving my Esee Laser Strike. Very cool topic for this video.
Victorinox Huntsman w/firefly accessories, Leatherman Signal, Buck 119 and Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist.
Yes, I’m a big fan of this style content.
Greetings from Finland. Really great idea in this video.
Only fixed blades for apocalypse!
1) Becker BK-10 (updated with a kydex sheath and micarta handles)
2) Benchmade Bushcrafter
3) Terava Skrama 240
4) TOPS Mohawk Hunter
Thanks Aaron for a fun video.
1. El Chete
2. Mora Garberg
3. Multibladed Pocketknife
4. Rex Applegate double edged or variant of it.
For the pocket a case stockman. Mora pro s for game and food prep. A kabar bk9 and a council tools 16 inch flying fox for wood work. ( which I don't think you've done a review on awesome bush tool) and finally a Benchmade 200 puukko in the pack as a backup.
You can do a small job with a big knife , but you can't do a big job with a small knife. I live by that motto. I own a junglas and love it ! For production knife that is. I've made customs of my own and I think the ultimate length for jungle style machete work is 16" blade
Love the channel bro 👊.
The Junglas is a monster...and nothing but reliable!!
Terävä skrama for a big one.
Cold steel master hunter for all tasks in general.
Tops el pionero for self defense and as a back up.
And my trusted victorinox ranger grip as a folding knife.
At this point, i've slept literally weeks in the woods with nothing than the vic ranger grip.
The terava skrama and El Pionero are great choices!
1. TOPS Machete
2. Becker BK9
3. Lionsteel T6
4. Cold Steel Bush Ranger
There are many interesting thought experiments regarding prepping. What additional items should you have in your backpack when hiking in case you or somebody with you experiences an emergency of some kind and you need to go into survival mode for awhile? What would you want in a go bag in case the apocalypse (or civil unrest) happens on your way home from work? What should be in your bag if you had to leave your home on short notice because of forest fires, flooding or a hurricane?
1) Recon 1
2) Tops El Chete
3) Leatherman Surge
4) A Box Cutter with a box of blades
exactly. box cutters are overlooked.
I actually just bought a SOG compact box cutter today. Feels amazing
1. WTG Bear Claw
2. WTG Wolverine/Lionsteel KC-01/Lionsteel T5
3. TRC Polheim
4. Gerber center drive
There are a ton of knives that would work imo. I believe I could remake this list like 10 times with different knives and still make it work and be happy but no mora's for me in any flavor or size. Had lots of them don't like them at all. Everything else in the video would definitely be on my list. Great video btw. Wouldn't mind more of these!
I have my Benchmade McHenry & Williams locking folder which I love, it feels rock solid when opened and could really replace my Mora. Recently got me an ESEE 6 as a potential belt/camp knife. If I could not load my forest axe and a bow saw I would be carrying a golok, mine has a 10inch blade which is a bit shorter than the Junglas. I also have a collapsible MFH, Max Fuchs buck saw. All of which I am glad I have but these days my poor health largely keeps me stuck at home... If I needed to though I have a bicycle and trailer so there would be a possibility to "get out of dodge" if it came down to the wire. Needs must right?
I love the Lionsteel T5, but for the all arounder I would take either a Carothers Performance Knives Basic Field Knife (BFK) or the Super Duty Field Knife (SDFK) either in 3V or Magnacut.
Cats and dogs living together.
We'll be in trouble if this happen in an apocalypse cuz they fina be hunting us for food lmao of course cats will call the shots and boss around the dogs to farm us lol
Just don't pull the lever!
@@theroguetomato5362 Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together... MASS HYSTERIA!
My 2 cents on the mora, I brought it out just once. I was trying to carve off a chunk of fatwood and could feel the end of the tang flexing in my hand. I had the comfort of abandoning the task before the knife broke. I gave it away simply because I need a knife that will out pace me if the worst becomes reality. That said my 4 picks are 1) OTC Rat 1 because it is versatile but slim enough to hide. 2) in place of the mora I have a Brisa Ranger (?) In elmax steel with a scandi grind. It's expensive so as a cheaper substitute I'd go with a Cold Steel SRK-c. With cheap ones at $30 or 3V version around $90 they both are knives that are low profile but tough enough to do anything. 3) I have 2 large knives that come with me. The cold steel trailmaster or the OKC Woodsman. The woodsman has a choil and a spring steel blade that's pretty amazing, but the trailmaster is lighter and better suited to defense. 4) I have big and little knives covered, so my cold steel Recon Scout or Efengrow ef-143. Both can be intimidating but still be functional over a broad range of tasks. I should note that almost all of these have been modified so handles are fit to my hand, and blades are convex ground.
My backpack has a Gerber Strongarm Camp in green, a Ruike F118-G, and a Brusletto GRS Femund in green mountain camo. I would think this is a good "apocalypse" trio.
There are better knives for sure, but with this in the pack, I think I will be set.
The GRS Femund is an absolute beast, and a hidden gem in the knife world.
For me the list would be:
Folder: titanium 20cv demko ad20.5
Small fixed: ANV P200 N690
Big chopper: Esee 6
Tool: Leatherman surge
The RMJ SHRIKE Tactical, Tomahawk. The Tops wild pig hunter. The Tops Kuma KAGE. And the RMJ tactical up close and personal. 2:34
Thanks for your content. I decided to pick 4 from my stash, though there is at least one of your picks I would choose over my choice, maybe 2.
Cold Steel Carbon V Trailmaster
Cold Steel Carbon V SRK
Buck Compadre
Mora Bushcraft Black
If one needs to be a folder, I'd take one of my Buck 110s or a Gerber Sportsman for pocket carry.
1. Condor K-Tac kukri
2. LTWK "GNS" saber grind
3. Benchmade "Super Freak"
4. Leatherman Surge
Really solid choices. You should’ve made this video 😂
@@SupermanBB i actually liked his choices for the western ranges. I'm in North Georgia. I also limited myself to things I own. Gotta go with what works best for you, in the region your in.
Hi Aaron, I would go with the Cold Steel SR1 Lite and not with the Recon 1 because of the coating on the Recon 1. I don't know how the coating would interact with food! I would also take the T5 although I don't like the little coil at the beginning of the cutting blade. I would not take any of the Mora's, not robust enough for the apocalypse! The Garberg is very robust but it does not offer a finger guard and I don't like it's tactile feeling.I would not take the Strongarm, because it's grip is comfortable for long work only when you are wearing gloves! It also has a coating, which I don't know how it interacts with food! I would take the BETTER SRK with a very comfortable handle, which has been developed by Survival Lilly and it is called APO 1 S and you can buy it directly from her. It is made of AUS 8, an excellent japanese steel, very elastic, which has an acceptable edge retention but you can sharpen it easily in the field, even with river stones if you need to! Its cutting edge has a micro bevel, which is convex for additional strength! I know that a lot of Americans look down on the AUS 8 but it is not by accident that Kizlyar, a Russian manufacturer of heavy duty blades, uses AUS 8 for most of its blades.
EDC: Demco AD20.5 in CPM 20cv
Fighting: Gurkha Kukri Plus in CPM 3V
Bushcraft: Architect AK8 in Magnacut
Trade: Large Sabenza
1. Kershaw Link in magnacut
2. Bark River Bravo 1 in CPM 3V
3. Survive GSO 5.1 in magnacut
4. ESEE Jungalas 2 in 1095
1) Becker BK9 w/ Micarta scales
2) Joker Ember w/ Firesteel
3) Esee 5 or Becker BK2
4) Leatherman Charge Plus TTI
I use a mora bushcraft as my everyday work horse with a companion in every pack, nook, and cranny. Great choices!
Man...what a scenario! If I had the 4-Horsemen chasing me out of town and I actually made it to where I’m out of gas and ammo. My first thought goes to “I need to invest in a Cold Steel Warrior Katana”. Second would be my Cold Steel 12” 3V Warcraft Tanto. Then the fast in hand Cold Steel 3V SRK and lastly, the Cold Steel Recon 1...Once my heart rate went down and if I made it to some sort of safe haven, I’d be going dang, maybe I should have rethought this thing...LoL
Like the recon drop point 👍🏽
1.) Opinel no. 12 for food prep - easy to sharpen, thin blade for very fine cuts, cheap as dirt, reliable locking mechanism
2.) Teräva Jääkäripuukko 140 for general tasks - A bit pricier than the Mora, but still very affordable, Skandi grind, nice grip, absolutely bulletproof
3.) A small Gransförs Axe for chopping - why use a knife for a task an axe is better suited for?
4.) APOC Survival Longsword for self defense - why bother with a knife, if you can use a sword? Its the end of the world anyway and the APOC swords are durable and quite cheap
The CS Recon 1 is my favorite knife of all time. I have all the versions but mainly use the XHP spear point for EDC and S35VN tanto half serrated for when I feel funky.
I recently added custom handle scales for those two and they are heirlooms now.
For my list:
1. Cold Steel Recon 1 (folder and EDC)
2. Cold Steel SR1 (folder survival, anything knife)
3. ESEE Junglas (fixed chopper/utility)
4. Dulo DBK Scandy K390 (fixed scandy for woodwork)
No folder for me. Creely Mako in magnacut for pocket utility (my personal edc), Esee 6 for survival/woodscraft, Cold Steel Trailmaster in san mai 3 (have a couple tucked away) for bigger stuff and a leatherman wave. Moras are good, I have one in each vehicle and several scattered around my small ranch and in various bags but I've never used one that didn't feel cheap and flimsy.
I have a Tkell Bushman on order but haven't tried it out yet, so it might get added to the list. Creely Beast would be high on the list from what I've seen, but don't have one of those yet either. Junglas could possibly be added but I haven't gotten around to getting one of those yet, the trailmaster is almost as hefty though.
😂 when you started to talk about the Gerber I was going, going gone. Then you redeemed yourself with the Lionsteel T5 one of the best tools out there 🥰
The only Gerber I like is the Principle 🤩
I admit I’ve been looking very serious at the Lions Steel model , I like everything about the design and grind !
Interesting you spoke about the Morakniv Companion. There's three among my knives I own. The stainless is my kitchen knife I use daily. A carbon HD model is often on my belt when I venture into the woods. And the "Spark" just because it's different. 😏
Leatherman Surge, Ontario SP10, Joker Nomad, Condor Bushlore.
Great video. Exploring other gear for these situations would be fun
#1 Benchmade Presidio
#2 Tops Frog Market Special for Food
#3 Esee 5 its just an absolute BEAST
#4 Lionsteel T5 is with me every single day
Gotta give the Cold Steel Recon 1 two thumbs up! I had the aus8 version over a decade ago and it was still a beast. Built like a tank and extremely reliable
great picks! The only other chopper I might add (but it does NOT have a piercing tip) is the affordable Nata Tool (Silky makes one, but I'm sure other Japanese and non-Japanese companies have versions as well); a tremendous chopper (learned about it watching the Dutch Bushcraft guys who put it up against a custom 600 plus dollar knife and it held its own when it comes to chopping/batoning...at a much lower price: under 100$).
This was a really fun exercise! Love how many people are adding in their lists. Mine would probably go as follows just based on what I actually own 4max scout, mora bushcraft black, cold steel srk sk5, Ontario rat 7 adventure. Obviously there are probably a lot better options out there but this is what I have where it to happen today and I had no time to make upgrades. Also a lot of my stuff I like to consider how easy it will be to re sharpen in the elements without my fancy fixed angle sharpener. So I’ve purposefully avoided super steels, they just take too long to get an edge back on for me and who knows how dull/ banged up you might have to get your kit.
I have an idea that is very doable. A piece of wearable thin exoskeleton arm bar that can house a bowie knife and you can use your right hand for access. After taking the bowie knife off of the arm bar, it can be deploy as a 2 in 1 small lightweight buckler with a crossbow integrated together. Basically, within 2 seconds, you will have a bowie knife on your main hand and a half buckler shield half crossbow on your other hand.
In summary, everyone is staying still until the police arrives. Can't run (at your mercy) or getting too close to you (a buckler and a shank is deadly.)
My zombie apocalypse knives for Florida would be my Victorinox Camper, PKS Camp&Trail, Randall #16, and my Tramonita 12" Machete.
I love my Mora floating regular blade. It has a very similar blade to a companion with a floating cork handle.
• The number 1 knife I would carry is the original COLD STEEL 'Bushman' Bowie that was manufactured up until the year 2015, because it is good quality, sharp steel & strong and can be used as a spear by attaching a wooden shovel handle to it, or a wooden broom handle to it.
• The number 2 knife I would carry is the COLD STEEL 'Espada' size large.
• The number 3 knife I would carry is the IMPERIAL M7 bayonet. This M7 blade gives you the same reach as a machete when attached to the barrel of an AR15 that has a bayonet lug.
• The number 4 knife is the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife 'HIKER' ✅
My 4 knives in these categories and scenario would be:
1. ZT folder
2. Fox
3. Lion Steel T5 or 6.
4. Tops el chete or a sword to keep the distance from a zombie.
Thanks for the true picks of yours. I agree on the T5 for sure. Esee junglas is fne. The first two won't be for me.
I have 3... A modified Cold Steel War Hawk that can't break ... Condor Plan A Bowie .... Cold Steel SR-1 Lite
....
Runner ups : 5-11 tac tomahawk - Tops Tom Brown Tracker
1.) Some old serpentine grandpa pen knife kept lightsaber sharp. Perfect for splinters, minor surgery, very fine tasks.
2.) esee Izula 2
3.) esse 5
4.) Leatherman Wave
I agree with all except the esee, I would take the spartan blades kukri. I would also take the benchade adamas pocket knife in cruwear.
Thank you for the video. I was surprised you haven´t chosen any multitool - my choice is Leatherman Surge or Charge. Also, a more universal Victorinox Worchamp or Ruike L51/LD51 (lots of handy tools + very good folding knife blade). Have a great time:-) FM
Folder Zan
Work knife bark river fox river ext 2 or bravo 1
Hunting/ protection crk green beret 7”
Big boy 16” or bigger Tranontina or condor Argyll
With honourable mention of a bench made meatcrafter or fillet knife
1)LionSteel T5
2)Sog Pillar
3)CS SRK in CPM3V
4)CS Recon Scout in CPM3V
First and last Cold Steel I ever bought was a Recon, about 8 months ago. It wouldn't "snap" closed and always left the tip exposed and would even wiggle open. I wish I'd had the positive experience everyone else seems to.
If you want, you can put a choil on that Esee with a dremel set on lower speed to not change the heat treatment, although 1095 is pretty forgiving. That and/ or some elbow grease. Personally, I'd take the cold steel warcraft tanto in 3V if the SHTF. Mora is a great choice. Awesome knives with versatility. In the end, any knife you have will work. It's a matter of will to survive. 👍
In my gear right now I have 1. Off grid knives Rapid Fire. 2. Lions Steel T5. 3. Esse Junglas. 4. Bark River Trakker.
I used to love cold steel but the metal is junk now, I literally snapped the blade on my Recon 1 in half….