Pack knife suggestion...


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WarDoggy

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Knife and preparedness related, so I figured I throw this up here since it's really about the knife...

Looking for a knife to keep in my Emergency Go Bags (nicer way of saying BOBs). I was redoing some kit in one, and realized I didn't have a back up general purpose knife in any of my kits. I'm somewhat ashamed of the oversight.

Specs I'm looking for...
- 3.5-5" blade
- Good stainless steel (holds an edge and fairly easy to resharpen)
- Micarta or G10 handle
- Kydex sheath would be nice but not required.
- Like to keep the cost under/around a bill. Somewhat flexible if there is a great production knife or a good custom maker that runs over somewhat.

Not looking for a tactical sharpened prybar (have a real one on my bags), but a general 'bushcrafty' camping/hunting knife as a back up in case my everyday knife ain't around. The BHK Woodsman Pro would be almost ideal if were SS, and the Cold Steel SRK would be great if it weren't Cold Steel (I'm willing to hold my nose and get the SRK if it's just that good BTW). A SS Mora, great as they are, isn't quite robust enough for what I'm looking for.

SS *IS* a requirement, since they will live mostly in a pack and not get much maintenence.

Before I run drop some coin for a couple of Buck knives at SMKW, thought I'd ask for some other suggestions.

Many thanks folks.

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tad smaller than the 3.5" length and yeah the Boker Plus are asian made this might be an option thoughhttp://www.boker.de/us/fixed-blade-knife/boker-plus/outdoor-knife/02BO253.html, I got a few classic folders I'm testing atm and been pretty happy with them. Knife I got from bear and sons since been discontinued almost perfectly sounds like an ideal candidate for your intended use. It's a stainless version of the classic military survival knife with krayton handle. SOG field pup maybe or one the other ones along that line.
 
How about an Enzo Trapper or Camper model in D2? It's not stainless, but it's fairly low maintenance and should have no troubles being stored for long periods of time. They can be had in kit form in Micarta right at or under your price range.
 
Ontario Knife Blackbird SK-5 seems to fit your bill it is a bit over 100 bucks but it is a 5'' blade with 154cm Steel which is stainless.
 
I have a couple of kits that I rarely get into, except to keep them updated. One is in the airplane, the other in the boat. I wanted something in a quality stainless flavor for both kits that I didn't have to babysit. I chose the compact Fallkniven F1 for both kits (you can get 'em with Micarta scales and Zytel sheaths, too). The Fallkniven S1 would certainly do as well. Lots of good choices out there!
 
Falkkniven would be ideal if I was a more wealthy person that'd be my choice. Maybe Cold Steel SRK? I almost consider it in pry bar though league though.
 
something stainless by bark river knife and tool? convex edges are the bees knees
 
For around that price range I'd look at Entrek, and for a little more ESEE Knives is putting out a Stainless ESEE-4 (should be at SHOT2012 now). The four comes with a Kydex sheath and so does the Entrek though it's nowhere near as nice.

I have an Entrek Jag and like it alot but I'm looking at the Javelina right now. I end making alot of Kydex sheaths for customers looking to replace the factory ones.

Entrek Javelina:
en-javalina.jpg




Stainless ESEE-4:
164312_10150162739793312_547803311_8330386_4272238_n-460x275.jpg



Either one of these would serve you very well but if you can wait.... the stainless 4 is gonna start replacing some of your other go-to knives I bet. As they come now the coating really protects the knife pretty well too.


Eli
 
Excellent guys, much appreciated. I'm digging that SS ESEE-4. Been wanting a -4 for a while now, so if they're gonna be hitting the shelves soonish, that will probably the direction I go. That Javelina is looking pretty righteous too.



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You can't go wrong wrong with an ESEE, I can't say enough good things about their knives!
 
I'm not a huge fan of Gerber , but ironically my grab bags have a Prodigy in it. I have beat the heck out of mine with no fail , re-profiled the straight edge portion so it is razor sharp , and the serrations work great for non man-made materials like webbing and straps, plastic and such.

In an urban environment the window punch pommel may come handy as well.

I own a ton of Esee's, Beckers , and Fallknivens and I could use any one of those , but the Prodigys sit in my truck as well as my go bag. I tried to kill my first one and after all the abuse realized this is an awesome last-ditch knife.
It has a really good sheath system and I feel it's a great knife for under $60. Mine are Sandvik 12C27 steel.

( I'm still going to grab probably a half-dozen other knives as I head out the door , but the Gerbers stay in their place 24/7.)

My ditch knife choice IS NOT the same as what I use on bushcraft hikes.
 
Ironically, a buddy just suggested a Gerber LMF II. ;) I'm far from being a Gerber-lover myself, but you do bring up a good point about the difference between an everyday field knife, and an 'oh frak' knife. I hate serrated blades with a passion, but I can see the utility of them when things get sideways. Hmmm...

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I'd go with the Falkniven F1. If you shop around you can find them for around 120 and they are absolutely cutting machines. By far the best all around knife I've ever handled. They are also the definition of no maintenance and hold an edge for a very, very long time.
 
For something to keep in a BOB that's a good quality but at a price that is easy to take, you can't beat a SS Mora.

If you're into customs or higher-end knives, the Mora is ideal - it's not a knife that you'll pull out of the BOB and use often and thereby take a chance of forgetting to put it back when done but it's a good enough knife in a situation where you'll use your BOB. It's a good knife and it will be in your BOB when you need it.

Does that make sense?
 
If you have the pack lying about "just in case" then you should get two or three Mora knives in each. They are great cutters and almost disposable.
To remedy the fact that they are usable for batoning and useless for chopping you should get a hoof knife per pack.
Mora makes them too and they look nothing like a knife but more like something tussed up in a prison. It is a flat piece of metal with a piece sharpened a bit. You can baton on it. http://www.moraofsweden.se/index.php?cid=304&id=&ssel=20&lng=2
 
I have this really bizarre Bear and Sons "foldaway fixed blade" that has a steel blade cover/sheath that folds back and snaps over the handle. The handle has a bottle opener and wrench slots cut out of it. Pretty kewl!

PMZ
 
Gents, I appreciate the suggestions and recommendations, but let me clear something up.

I have a SS Clipper in my bushcraft pack right now that I use occasionally as a back-up/fine tasks knife. I'm well aware of the value of them, and there's a thread around here where I beat on one and post about my surprise at the quality. I'm familiar, and like the Mora's.

It is, however, not what I am looking for. Surprisingly stout as they are, they are not rugged enough for what I'm looking for. Something along the line of that SS ESEE is about ideal, but some of the Gerber offerings are looking better and better.

Thanks.:D

Godspeed, that shameless plug prolly got ya some bidness homie.;) Have a knife or two that are crying out for some kydex, and I like the stuff you showed. Won't be right away, but I'll be in touch dude.

Appreciate all the help folks.

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I like that SS Esee also, I'm not sure but I know many of the items debuted at the SHOT show take quite a while to get out there. I'm still waiting on release of a couple Kershaws that were at last years show.
 
GODSPEED, may I ask what the pouch is on your sheaths and where to get them?
 
I would have to say ESEE, I have had a 3 in my bag for 2 yrs, it does not get any maintenance any shows little to no sign of oxidation. I have a 2yr old so use on the knife is minimal right now.
 
What is wrong with the CS SRK? I also recommend the Ontario Blackbird SK-5. It is one of my favorite knives. Also on the ESEE, you may want to get the 5 because I have found the handle on the 4 is too small.

Hope you get what your after man. : )
 
Sorry guys,
Looks like I broke a rule by posting those pics.... I'll be "upgrading" my account immediately and as soon as it is I'll repost them.

Thanks for the compliments and the pouch is an ESEE-Acc Pouch, I carry these but again I need to fix my account first.

I apologize to all of you for the offense.

Thanks,

Eli
 
Solphilos said:
How about an Enzo Trapper or Camper model in D2? It's not stainless, but it's fairly low maintenance and should have no troubles being stored for long periods of time. They can be had in kit form in Micarta right at or under your price range.
Click to expand...

Enzo does make one or two Trapper models in stainless. Unfortunately, Bensbackwoods.com, the American dealer doesn't sell them. You can however buy them directly from Brisa.

https://www.brisa.fi/portal/index.p...d=product_info&cPath=119_113&products_id=1292
 
_Plainsman said:
What is wrong with the CS SRK? I also recommend the Ontario Blackbird SK-5. It is one of my favorite knives. Also on the ESEE, you may want to get the 5 because I have found the handle on the 4 is too small.

Hope you get what your after man. : )
Click to expand...

Not so much the SRK, but the company. I have some dislike for certain 'aspects' of CS as a company. Don't want to start a mudfest here, and I'm trying stay polite and within forum guidelines, so I'll leave it at that.:D

I do kinda like that SK-5. I might just get a couple different knives and spread the love around some. Gotta be fair and all.;)

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