| Author | Message | ||
     Ridenusa4l |
Hey guys Im in the market for a Large (7-9+in blade) survival knife with a max budget of around 200$ at the most. Right now im stuck between the Ka-Bar Becker BK-9 and the Tops Hawke's Hellion. BK-9 http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK9-Combat-Bow ie/dp/B001IPKL7I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top Hellion http://www.amazon.com/Tops-HKH-2020-Hawkes-Hellion -2020/dp/B004GI1O2K However I am open to ALL suggestion so please Chime in and I will appreciate any and all suggestions, tips, advice, etc... THANKS!! Jake | ||
| Sleez |
consider this one too; http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-E37S-N- Straight/dp/B001C2LGPI/ref=pd_cp_hi_3 | ||
| Ulynut |
I absolutely LOVE my Becker BK2. You'll never break it,it's big enough to split firewood, chop small branches, small and light enough to carry, and it's only 60 bucks. | ||
| Sleez |
another good sog choice; http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-Tools-S 10B-K/dp/B000IYFFC6/ref=pd_sim_hi_24 | ||
| Sleez |
i was also going to suggest the BK2, another great knife/value. | ||
| Scottorious |
For me the absolute FIRST thing I look at when I buy a knife is where I will use it. For all of my uses I don't need a stainless blade. That means I always go with a carbon steel blade. A forged blade beats a stamped blade in my opinion. I also like a knife with a more standard edge that could possibly be easily field sharpened. The Last knife I bought was before my deployment in 2008 and it is a RAT cutlery knife. The name has changed to ESEE knives but they are the same thing. I have the 4 inch model which would now be the ESEE-4. The thing is a beast, enough said. Its nothing really fancy, just a very solid indestructable knife. It holds an edge very well and I have never had any complaints. You dont get any really cool gadgets or gimmicks the knife just does work. ESEEknives.com | ||
| Thumper74 |
I really like the Cutco KaBar. I have their hunting knife as well. | ||
| Thumper74 |
http://www.cutco.com/products/product.jsp?itemGrou p=5725 check out the pommel on that! http://www.cutco.com/products/product.jsp?itemGrou p=5718 | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
Thumper Im really glad you brought up the Cutco hunting knife, i used to sell cutco and I would LOVE to get that DD edge and that...gotta see if i can still get that discount  Thanks guys! keep em comin! Jake | ||
| Vtpeg |
Anyone know about older knives? I came into a Marbles knife from a relative, and am trying to date it. Any help would be great. | ||
| Thumper74 |
Ridenusa4l, I've got the double D edge on the drop point hunting knife and like it a lot. The grip is perfect for me. | ||
| Nukeblue |
dang i gotta get one of those esee-4 knives! | ||
| P_squared |
What do you plan on using it for? If actual survival purposes, I'd recommend a good Bolo & a good utility knife. If you just want a "big" knife to carry around, can't go wrong with a good Ka-Bar (says the former Marine). | ||
| Mark61 |
Buy USA made! | ||
| Etennuly |
I don't know where you are planning to carry such a knife nowadays. I often carry a Bowie knife in my truck, so that when I am doing work with my tractor(mostly bush hogging lots or fields)I have it to carry. It has a 10" blade. I killed a black/yellow snake of some sort that was over nine feet long with it. My son saw it sticking up out of some deep grass in attack mode behind me. He yelled, I stepped my boot back into its face, stepped on it, and sliced it's head off with the Bowie. The 10 second scene had the hair on the back of my neck standing up for the whole day! Some time later a Sheriff's Deputy who was investigating an accident that had spilled into my yard, saw the Bowie in my truck as I was getting him a business card, and asked to see it. He said it was illegal to carry a knife with more than a five inch blade. I told him about my snake incident, and that a five incher would not have been in my favor. Hell, I have been carrying it for hunting for years. I have a Barlow two blade folding knife that I bought when I was a Scout, I carried that thing to school every day from fifth grade on. It was a normal thing to do back in the 60's and 70's. I used it in shop class frequently and in Votech classes. Funny how things have changed.....back then you could get into a knock down-drag out-cussing your mothers fight, bleeding out both nostrils and most of your knuckles.....no one ever pulled out their knives. Maybe it was because of the small town/everyone knew everyone atmosphere. I have a few other folding knives that I inherited from my dad and uncle. Somewhere I have a very good cammo diving knife, it's color pattern is so good I cannot find it. None of those blades are under five inches. The Deputy did tell me it was legal to carry a sword or a machetti......but not a knife over five inches.  The knife I have used the most in the past ten years is my fishing fillet knife. The rest of them collect a lot of dust between uses. It would make a hell of a defensive weapon. It is so sharp and flexible it could gut someone before they knew they were cut. But the damn blade is 8". I guess "carry" means different things in different places.  | ||
| Aesquire |
depending on perceived need a Woodsman's Pal is pretty darn good for most camp use. http://www.woodmanspal.com/ Skinning, fish filleting, other cooking chores would need a different tool. The classic K-bar works. Proven for decades. Most important is fit to YOUR hand and your use needs. I find tubular hollow handle "survival" knives mostly junk. Some stuff from overseas is ok, most is dreck. Steel has to be the right alloy, with the right heat treatment, and full tang on anything not used for kitchen chores. I also favor a tanto point ( tough and useful ) and a grip that is non slip when wet with sweat, blood or ice water. If self defense is a priority, I look to axes and larger blades, ( machete, sword ) but that is my training. For daggers, I prefer a Fairbairn design. It's design is proven for thousands of years. A medieval knight or Spec Ops warrior in the Rockpile would find it equally useful. Not so good at brush clearing. One size fits all doesn't really apply here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairbairn-Sykes_Fight ing_Knife | ||
| Thumper74 |
As far as carrying a bigger knife, a horizontal sheath from kydex works works on the small of your back. | ||
| Aesquire |
Vtpeg, http://www.marblesknives.com/ Some real nice high quality stuff there. the gun sight Marbles company has been around a long time and has a great rep. A lot of game, from rabbit to rhino has been got with Marbles sights. I didn't research used prices, or collectability. I have issues, ( ironic humor and unamused disgust... both with smirk ) with the whole collector stuff to make money thing. Other people may have the knack, but I'm hopeless. ( see Simpsons reference to "original packaging" jokes. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treehouse_of_Horror_X ) An older piece of gear with family history, now, that's just cool. Even if you don't care for the sentimental value & sell it to someone who really wants it, it is s bit of the glorious, hand made/industrial revolution past that can enrich your life just as an artifact to contemplate. ( or just a cool thing to pull out... "this is Uncle Bob's knife, worth a jillion dollars to a collector, neat huh?" ) Ridenusa4l, I'm not sure what your perceived need is. Camping? Zombie apocalypse preparation? ( ironic playful or joking excuse to prep for civil unrest ) Urban defense by counter intimidation? Rambo, First Blood survival practice? Just want a Crocodile Dundee moment toy? Serious martial art tool? We could give more focused advice with more info on desire. a few random thoughts. "a Sword never runs out of ammo." ( after a while the arms get tired... practice helps ) "Archers, you can run, but you'll just die tired" ( not at all on topic, but a favorite t-shirt ) | ||
| Old_guy |
http://www.coldsteel.com/recontanto.html Kinda partial to Cold Steel knives myself. I have this one its a sweet knife. | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
I will be using the knife for camping mainly, I would like a really good knife that I KNOW will last and be able to do what is required for survival if needed, split logs, widdle, self defense from animals and people, i would like a knife where i could feel comfortable having when i go camping and/or out in the wilderness. I would appreciate a rock solid warranty for lifetime or greater (which is why I am REALLY leaning toward the Cutco/Kabar since i used to work for them anyway) Keep em coming! money is getting tight now but i would sure like to know my options and insight of those around me with experience before i go dropping some cash on knife...I have a decently sized knife collection, but to be honest they are all cheap for the most part and I would really like to have a properly nice knife that i would not be afraid to use, due to faulty manufacturing. THANK YOU ALL!! Jake | ||
| 99savage |
I will be using the knife for camping mainly, I would like a really good knife that I KNOW will last and be able to do what is required for survival if needed, split logs, widdle, self defense from animals and people, i would like a knife where i could feel comfortable having when i go camping and/or out in the wilderness. What you want is a Gurkha knife * Enough heft to split most anything * Sharpens with a file * Can use the flat to drive tent stakes * Will double as an entrenching tool, a poor one, but better than carrying a shovel too * Comfortable enough carry, tuck between belt & jeans but do not hook on belt (no big knife is a comfortable carry) * Durable sheath, that you will not stick the knife thru & w/ pleasantly rounded edges * Aside from a broadsword about the best choice possible against large animals + Heap plenty intimidating looking for defense against humans - and - * Best of all <$50 - Paid $19.98 for mine 30 years ago - Check Amazon, they have gangs & gangs of them Your choice but I consider carbon steel MUCH preferable to stainless Just did some internet checking & there are some cheezy ones out there - You want one w/ a blade AT LEAST 3/16" THICK + w/ wood handles  (Message edited by 99Savage on August 11, 2012) | ||
| Tbolt98 |
I have a Cold Steel Recon Tanto and also a Cold Steel ODA that I love! USA made Carbon V blade that holds a great edge. But i also like that they were gifted to me by the man that designed them!  | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Gurkha knife is called a "Kukri". (Message edited by Mr_grumpy on August 12, 2012) | ||
| P_squared |
Again, Bolo style for the heavy work (brush clearing, chopping, digging, etc.) http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/168 or http://www.kabar.com/knives/detail/9 And a good "utility" knife (leatherman, gerber, etc.) for everything else. You want a heavy blade, designed & weighted correctly for the heavy work. You want more "utility" in doing fine work. Ergo you actually want 2 different tools. You'll never find a single "survival knife" that is good at everything. This is just my own opinion based on 2 different S.E.R.E. courses and having used both a single knife (USMC KABAR) in 1 course vs. a Bolo & Leatherman in the other. YMMV | ||
| Desmo900 |
check out this site. low cost hand made bush knives. http://mlknives.com/huntingbowiescamp.htm | ||
| Aesquire |
 In total agreement with the utility of a brush knife and detail blade.. A Woodsmans Pal or a tomahawk is my choice for those. ( too many years cutting campfire wood with a 6th century Viking battleaxe... ) For a carry blade, fixed handle, full tang sheath knife...The choice I leave to you and the experts here. I like too many kinds to have a favorite. As the tool most involved with the hand, and it's fit to the job, what kind of handle you favor must be decided. Actually holding a knife is pretty needful for final say. Feel is quite important. .....As to style, shape.. Opinions? The Leatherman is a must even without a blade. Tools, ugh, ugh, ugh. | ||
| Aesquire |
http://www.fine-tools.com/grans.htm Close to mine.. mine was hand forged in Dansville NY and has a longer, turned handle & a back spike "can opener". Golly they have nice tools.... | ||
| Ridenusa4l |
also since we are on this topic, what would be the best knife sharpener for quick, precise, easy, and reliable use? Thanks again!! Jake | ||
| Aesquire |
Diamond, a bit longer than hand size. Bigger if you have the bench space. That's my opinion. Fits quick, easy and reliable... easy? any stone takes some practice, since actual technique is needed. ( not hard to learn, but a stone can dull a good knife in seconds, if used wrong ) Others will seriously disagree, with many favoring the classic oil and Arkansas stones. http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/sharpening_stone _materials.aspx In a manual "sharpener" according to America's Test Kitchen. For cheap & easy, ( and assuming you are not going to sharpen a Japanese high end chef's knife ) the Accusharp Knife and Tool sharpener, gets the nod... I've been meaning to get one... about $10. http://www.accusharp.com/products/001/index.html The Chefs Choice model 4623 Angle select http://www.chefschoice.com/page2b.html gets the best review for asian & Euro style edges. Worth a read... ( at least the free part shown here ) http://www.cooksillustrated.com/equipment/overview .asp?docid=14677&extcode=M**ASCA00 I really Don't like the "2 sticks at an angle in a block of wood" sharpeners. Like a stone, bad technique ruins a blade, unlike a stone it's not nearly as easy as it seems and doing it exactly right is, IMHO lots harder. YMMV. For electrics, the Chef's Choice models usually show up well. Since you can go over $400 on some of the pro models, I suggest you get more opinions, and carefully consider your actual needs. Are you going to be sharpening the knives for a major hotel chain? Go big or stay home. Touching up the family gear, and keeping them nice, the $80 model is just fine... ( the $10 manual one just makes more sense, to me. ) | ||
| 99savage |
also since we are on this topic, what would be the best knife sharpener for quick, precise, easy, and reliable use? Thanks again!! Jake The tasks you said you wanted a knife for are ugly tasks the will play hob with the best cutlery. For those tasks you want a blade that can be sharpened with a file. - Bolo - Gurkha - Both will do fine; I like the Gurkha as the sheath has a place to tuck a small file. - Ax probably do the job too but have not carried one since loosing my elderly cruiser ax (and then getting the Gurkha) As for my self, 90% if the time rake only a very short, multi-purpose, carbon steel, skeleton knife. - Sometimes on belt, Sometimes in sock. - Keep a 2 sided whetstone in pocket. - The other 10% of the time, when primitive camping take the Gurkha tucked in the backpack/tail bag. All big knives are uncomfortable to carry, ones with hilts doubly so. Leatherman too heavy, too uncomfortable to bother taking out of the tankbag |
