Survival Knives

[JohnT]

Who's knowledgeable on the topic? I'd like to get a good knife for hiking and backpacking trips, but I've no idea what's good. I've checked out the Bear Grylls knives, but $36 or so doesn't seem like much for a good quality survival knife.

[ptrd]

Depends but I would suggest going to a gun show?

If not, I always buy crkt knives

[MikeC]

I wouldn't get the GB from Gerber I would look at Benchmade, kershaw, Spyderco or CRKT. Much better made knives however a more expensive alternatives.

[Kalrog]

If you are wanting something like a swiss army knife (the multi-purpose tool), I too like the Gerber options as well as the leatherman stuff.

If you really just want a good, stout knife, then I suggest CRKT (Columbia River Knife and Tool).

[JohnT]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at CRKT.

[RexGig]

I always thought Spyderco to be a very good combination of quality and value; a bit more expensive than the budget stuff, but worth it. On the small end, I will always own a small Victorinox Swiss Army Knife, and Spyderco fills the general purpose role. Though I am a fan of big blades from a collectible standpoint, on a practical level, I have never found one that totally makes me happy as a camp knife, and so I tend to believe in hatchets. Gransfors Bruks makes some truly excellent hatchets and axes.

[rph]

Strider Knives, Inc.
Not only are they tough, I think they still come with a lifetime warranty. They love to see their products used hard and, if you break it in an actual user situation (as in, not intentionally breaking it), they will fix it or replace it. They aren't cheap, but they are strong. And the warranty is for the knife, not the user. That being so, you can pick up a used knife and still have the full warranty.

I like CRKT and SPYDERCO, but I've broken my fair share of both.

Zero Tolerance is a great "cheaper" alternative. Their knives are designed by some of the best custom makers, then mass-produced for the cost savings. I don't think their warranty is as good as Strider, but they're less expensive and a portion of the profit goes to ... Wounded Warrior, if I remember correctly.

Strider and Ken Onion were behind Zero Tolerance from the beginning. Strider does a lot to support the.military and police.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by rph

Strider Knives, Inc.
Not only are they tough, I think they still come with a lifetime warranty. They love to see their products used hard and, if you break it in an actual user situation (as in, not intentionally breaking it), they will fix it or replace it. They aren't cheap, but they are strong. And the warranty is for the knife, not the user. That being so, you can pick up a used knife and still have the full warranty.

I like CRKT and SPYDERCO, but I've broken my fair share of both.

Zero Tolerance is a great "cheaper" alternative. Their knives are designed by some of the best custom makers, then mass-produced for the cost savings. I don't think their warranty is as good as Strider, but they're less expensive and a portion of the profit goes to ... Wounded Warrior, if I remember correctly.

Strider and Ken Onion were behind Zero Tolerance from the beginning. Strider does a lot to support the.military and police.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I'll look at the Strider too. Thanks.

[Jim Victory]

I actually collect, and use, knives and swords both manufactured and custom made. I have an extensive collection of fighting, hunting, and multifunctional knives/swords. Some of the better manufactured knives are by Kershaw, Buck, Gerber, SOG, Blackjack, and Cold Steel. I prefer the construction of the Cold Steel the best.

I also have a number of custom knives from various makers such as Bill Moran and Jim Crowell. These knives are hard to get and very expensive but the manufactured knives are just as good for daily use.

For camping and backpacking Kershaw makes a nice multipurpose knive with interchangeable blades. It has a nice working blade, skinner, fillet, and saw. Knives like the Victorinox are nice multipurpose knives but they lack the size necessary for heavy use.

I have always found a good camping knife the best all around for backpacking and hiking. I use a 10" Warner-Moran designed Rio Grande camping knife by Blackjack Knives. It is a forged carbon steel blade that holds an excellent edge under heavy use without the need to sharpen frequently unlike most stainless steel blades of today.

[RexGig]

Paul, it is good to see you posting in this thread. Paul can be considered an expert on knives, in my humble opinion.

Edited to add: Paul, do you have plans to go to the Blade Show this year?

[JohnT]

Originally Posted by Jim Victory

I actually collect, and use, knives and swords both manufactured and custom made. I have an extensive collection of fighting, hunting, and multifunctional knives/swords. Some of the better manufactured knives are by Kershaw, Buck, Gerber, SOG, Blackjack, and Cold Steel. I prefer the construction of the Cold Steel the best.

I also have a number of custom knives form various makers such as Bill Moran and Jim Crowell. These knives are hard to get and very expensive but the manufactured knives are just as good for daily use.

For camping and backpacking Kershaw makes a nice multipurpose knive with interchangeable blades. It has a nice working blade, skinner, fillet, and saw. Knives like the Victorinox are nice multipurpose knives but they lack the size necessary for heavy use.

I have always found a good camping knife the best all around for backpacking and hiking. I use a 10" Warner-Moran designed Rio Grande camping knife by Blackjack Knives. It is a forged carbon steel blade that holds an excellent edge under heavy use without the need to sharpen frequently unlike most stainless steel blades of today.

Thanks, Jim. It looks like I'll have a few to consider.

[rph]

I would love to...depends on the cash flow, though...

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

[rab3rd]

Wow, those Strider knives are nice. Pricy but nice. I really like the combat series...

[SCone]

Like this?

BushMonkey

[ronocnikral]

i'm sure the knife people won't like this, but this is someone who spends 15+ nights a year camping (and I'm not talking about a boy scout camp or near a car).

I'd rather have a leatherman than any fancy knife. Keep your blade sharp and care for it, and there is very little it can't do. Cutting off your arm included (not suggesting that someone who actually did this used a leatherman brand tool). I've found it to be my tool of choice in the backcountry. ymmv.