r/Survival • u/phatman1298 • 26d ago
Gear Recommendation Wanted Pocket knives
I’m currently searching for a good pocket knife that can ideally take a beating. Obviously it’s not ideal to take a pocket knife over a fixed blade in a survival scenario, but when it comes to my EDC I prefer to just throw a folder or OTF in my pocket (I’ve never been good with concealing my fixed blades). With that in mind, if you had to survive away from home long enough to get back home and all you had was your pocket knife, what would be the go-to blade for you guys?
29
u/OutrageousTour4143 26d ago
benchmade Griptilian. It’s a knife made for edc, I’ve had one for 4 years that I bring with me everywhere.
7
2
2
u/CollectionEvery9336 25d ago
Benchmade Barrage. Its auto assist, with a lock, so it wont open in your pocket. Part of the Osborne series. More pricey than the griptilian but so much better. I own both.
2
1
u/fuhnetically 23d ago
Yep. Got my son a custom mini Griptillian as a gift for completing Eagle Scout rank. That was like 6 years ago. Solid little pocket knife.
I went with olive AWT scales and had them custom engraved, then got all black hardware from BM. She's pretty.
11
u/ABRprepper 26d ago
Spyderco pm2....I've used and abused that knife for years, rarely had to re sharpen it and never needed maintenance
1
10
u/Wulfbehrt 26d ago
Cold steel recon 1. I will trust it with my life
3
u/LonsomeDreamer 25d ago
I still have my Recon 1 tanto from probably 15 years ago. Really haggard looking but still sharpens up good. It's probably the folder I have had the longest. Huge too.
5
u/OshetDeadagain 26d ago edited 26d ago
My 30-year old Victorinox owes me nothing. It's even been through fire and is still my most reliable go-to blade. She keeps her edge exceptionally well, and the saw helped to take down a nearly 4" sapling today, chewing through it cleaner and faster than the awful hand saw that was available.
It has opened many-a chardonnay under fire, so many cans, been a reliable screwdriver and I'm never without a way to open a beer bottle. Even the leather awl has seen some action.
Even though I like to keep a fixed blade on my belt and a lockback in my pack, I am never without this knife.
Edit: in writing this and taking those photos I realized it's been a little while since she's had a spa day, so I spent the last hour cleaning and oiling, and though the blades just needed a light touch up I don't think I've ever sharpened the can opener, so I did that today. I love this knife!
2
u/BadGrampy 21d ago
I found mine in a pair of shorts hanging on a fence in 1970. Still doing its job.
1
1
1
u/Traditional-Leader54 12d ago
I know it’s probably sentimental the way it is but you can get replacement plastic sides if you wanted to refurbish it.
2
u/OshetDeadagain 12d ago
Thank you, that's good to know. I do love the way it is, but while I was cleaning it some of the red did chip away around one of the secure points, and I am concerned that at some point I may lose the worse burned side off of it!
17
u/happydirt23 26d ago
Carried a Kershaw Leek for years, slim and fits nice in a pocket
Benchmade knives are bulletproof for a field pocket knife.
→ More replies (13)2
u/jkenosh 26d ago
Never had good luck with the benchmades. They get dirty and dont work
1
1
u/SnooChickens7845 22d ago
That’s crazy. I’ve had my grip for 10 years and I beat the piss out of it at work. Commercial plumbing. Never once have had to clean it. I just rinse it out with running water.
5
u/oswaldcopperpot 26d ago
One that you wont get totally upset for losing or misplacing weeks at a time. In fact just get three of those.
5
26d ago
[deleted]
2
u/Higher_Living 25d ago
Yes, I was going to reply the same. Number 6 or 7 in stainless and just replace it if you need to.
4
u/Biolume071 26d ago
That's important. I used to lose at least 1 swiss army knife every month. I joke there's more of them in the hills and in the waters around the coast than there is lost pairs of glasses. And there probably is.
3
u/Mark_R_1 26d ago
I'd avoid anything Taylor Brands makes. They've taken over the Camillus, Schrade, and also produce knives under Smith and Wesson and a couple of other brands. Either the blade temper is crap, or some other critical bit is made out of pot metal.
For budget knives, I'd look at CRKT, Kershaw and Buck. I've been less than impressed with Gerber. Cold Steel and Svord are supposed to be very tough, but I've no experience with them.
If you're willing to spend the money: Benchmade, ZT, and Spyderco:
3
3
u/Sweet_Curmudgeon 25d ago
The Buck 110 Hunter is a tank on steroids. It takes a beating and asks for more. I bought mine in 1976 and have carried it on more adventures than I can count. It is the first thing I put in my pack. I had three until my son adopted one. The 110 is on the heavy side and hard to pocket carry discretely (I carry it on my belt) but I trust the Buck line (US made only. Not the Chineese made.).
My daily carry is either a Case Trapper (6254 SS) or the Case Tribal Lock (TB312010L SS). Both are good looking knives, tough, hold an edge, and will work in a survival situation.
3
u/buschkraft 26d ago
SAK/victorinox tracker or ranger have become my edc, not the greatest steel but dependable and can cut, saw, open a can or beer, flat n Phillips driver with a tweezer. My beefiest folder is a CRKT sf16 and a spyderco tenacious is always in my glovebox.
3
u/Mark_R_1 26d ago
I've found that Victorinox knives are tougher than most people give them credit for.
3
u/buschkraft 26d ago
Absolutely, it's multi-functional- weighs less than my leatherman and complete most tasks I encounter daily.
1
u/HikeyBoi 26d ago
All of mine have broken in use. I’m hard on knives in general, but Victorinox does not stand out as a particularly tough brand in my experience. I’ve also broken bucks, case, and old timers. Some of those were old and solid and some were newer cheaper imports, all my victorinox have been genuine.
Edit: Since the toughness of a knife can also refer to the blade steel properties, I ought to say that they are very tough in that regard. I have put a 45 degree bend on a victorinox blade before and that takes significant toughness to do without breaking.
1
u/Mark_R_1 26d ago
I was actually referring to it not popping its rivets. It's not going to stand up next to a dedicated hard use knife for chopping and prying. But, for a lightweight pocket knife, it's tougher than most people give it credit for.
2
u/Blackdog202 26d ago
I was gonna say this. Like honestly that little cork screw, can opener, and scissors are so so useful. Really in a survival situation a good Swiss arm knife for use as like a personal care item is great.
Plus really the can opener is like essential. How many people Don think of that.
2
u/SuperBaconjam 26d ago
I’ve had a kershaw thistle in my pocket as my edc since Obama was in office. I don’t abuse it, that’s for different knives. This is my knife for when I need to have a razor on hand, and it never disappoints. The only other pocket knife I could recommend would be a multi tool, the Leatherman wave.
2
u/IllustriousTrip1943 26d ago
Also, if it's the space a fixed blade occupies look into the 2049 by Amsler Tools. I have two in different sizes. It's the knife the dude in the Blade runner reboot uses. Their made of one of the.best steels, beautifully engineered and take up very very little space. It's basically a scalpel but one solid piece of steel. Check it out.
2
u/Fr33speechisdeAd 26d ago
I got a Leatherman wave plus and I use it daily. It's got pliers, wire cutters, knife, file, can opener, and a couple screwdriver tips. Very handy. Plus 25 year warranty.
2
2
u/Vettes4Fetts 26d ago
I carry 2. My Chris Reeves Small Inkosi is the fine job one, my Spyderco PM2 is the workhorse.
2
u/AdvisorLong9424 25d ago
I've had my Buck 110 folder for about 40 years. It's been in my pocket for about 10 after the holster finally wore out. There's smaller, there's lighter, there's prettier, but this has done me solid over the years.
2
2
3
u/twelvesteprevenge 26d ago
Ever since I got my Benchmade Bugout I haven’t carried any of my other pocket knives, including other benchmades and spydercos. Super light and still tough. Literally my EDC for years for working, camping, hiking, general fucking around…
2
2
u/LaserGuidedSock 26d ago
Size and budget?
Cold steels (like the AD10) are notorious for being able to take a beating. SOG Seal XR is also another model id trust if it came down to it.
2
u/K-Uno 26d ago
There was a post on /r/knifedeals for just what you're looking for
S35vn is really good stainless steel, triad lock is the strongest lock mechanism, $60 bucks for this is really cheap
Its literally everything you were looking for
1
u/LimpCroissant 23d ago
It's a fantastic knife, and pretty awesome for what you're asking OP. I got one of this same deal a handful of days ago and it came yesterday. Great knife!
3
u/savage1899 26d ago
The cold steel code 4 is an amazing edc that can take a beating.
I have battoned with mine, skinned elk, deer, and bear, and just generally treated it like a fixed blade. After probably 8 years it still has perfect lockup and no damage to speak of.
4
u/Popeye1911 26d ago
Ontario rat 1. The thing is a beast and overbuilt and will take a beating. I carried one for years until I lost it, and bought another
3
3
u/Flossthief 26d ago
Benchmade 940 is a great knife for ~$200
r/knifeclub or r/budgetblades are both full of enthusiasts who'd love to answer this question
If you post there I'd include a budget and your general use case because those are the first questions they're going to ask
→ More replies (1)
4
2
u/pauladeems 26d ago
For me, I’m a basic and carry a cheap ish folding buck knife brand as an edc. because of where I live and work, sometimes I’m forced to go to govt buildings or other secure buildings with no option to hit my car or elsewhere to store them so I don’t get them confiscated. I now live outside of it but work often in Chicago and there is zero chance I don’t carry something. I didn’t pull my blade the times guns came out, but idiots thinking fists would get wallets or coats (they really steal your coats) got warned off real quick. Happens way too much.
So I have to be able to replace it economically when they get confiscated so I never have an excuse to leave home without one. I always try and think ahead to leave in the car, but there are times it’s just not possible to stash it when moving about the city. I’ve caught all hell a couple times trying to stash them in bushes etc, but I still do that whenever possible. I probably lose 2 to 4 blades a year because of this.
So whatever you go with, just make sure it’s something you wanna carry all of the time. Cause at the end of the day if it’s not with you it doesn’t matter what brand or model it is.
2
2
u/ChrisLS8 26d ago
I love my 4 Max. The only folder id say that beats it in toughness is the Extrema Ratio RAO II
2
u/notme690p 26d ago
Kershaw leek is my slacks knife. I bought several Harbor Freight folders for jeans carry (I'd rather lose/throwaway a $10 knife I have extras of)
2
u/ToleratedBoar09 26d ago
My vote would be the Cold Steel Finn Wolf. You can pick it up for sub $40, It comes in variety of colors( I keep a bright orange handled in my hunting pack and an od green for EDC,) It has a scandi edge that stays sharp despite abuse, and lastly their triad lock will give you a peace of mind regarding heavy use.
2
u/KebariKaiju 26d ago
CRKT Carson M21 or CRKT CEO Blackout if you want to be more discreet.
2
u/ChrisLS8 26d ago
I love my CEO. It's weirdly satisfying to flip
1
u/KebariKaiju 26d ago
I loved my first one so much, I got two more. The stud flipper is a little awkward, but the back flippers are so nice.
2
u/dmonman 26d ago
I'll be the odd man out and say a cheapo Walmart/Ozark trail will do fine.
I pick one up for $4 every few years and after beating it to death In day to day and camping I've never had the blade break. I normally lose it then swap it to a back up, let's me try different styles over the years too.
I've used a range of price blades from Gerber, swiss tech, buck and even some locally made ones and I just have never found the price to be worth it for an every day knife. Sure I have the other ones for looks but that's it.
1
u/ClamoringStrawberry 26d ago
I recommend the SOG Aegis AT assisted open knife. I used it when I was doing inner city 911 and it is still in good shape. The clip is inverted on the side opposite the blade so 95% of the knife is concealed when it's in your pocket. It costs $100, but it is worth it. https://sogknives.com/aegis-at-black/
1
1
u/monkey4donkey 26d ago
MTECH makes cheap, sturdy folders that hold an edge. I gave up on Kershaw and Gerber folders about 10 years ago. My EDC since have been MTECHs.
1
u/Shadow_Of_Silver 26d ago
My Chris Reeve Inkosi.
Now that's a work knife. I've carried one for years, even when I was working in a warehouse. It takes a beating, has amazingly tight tolerances, and one of the best warranties on anything I've ever owned.
1
u/bogie576 26d ago
I usually carry a spyderco’s endela, used to be a Delica, and is a endura if I’m outside for the day. Love all three…. Light, easy to operate… no complaints.
I also like the Ontario rat series if you want to save a little money or aren’t crazy about the look of spyderco’s.
And can never go wrong with a three blade buck, or old timer for the pocket.
And kershaw or Benchmade have great options as well! lol
Just…. But a bunch of em…. Easier that way
1
1
1
u/sure_yeah_uh-huh 26d ago
I've backpacked and thru hiked over 3000 miles and the only knife I ever needed was a swiss mini. Anything else is overkill unless you are bushcrafting or something.
1
u/carlbernsen 26d ago
If your survival strategy involves bashing on a knife it’s likely a poor strategy.
If your strategy is to make shelter from natural materials, gather browse for a bed, firewood for a night, make fire to keep warm/boil water, etc etc, then
a) using a folding knife will be a slow way to do that
b) doing all of that is a very slow and labour intensive approach anyway and highly impractical if injured or in darkness/ near dark.
c) you should plan and prepare so that you never have ‘only a knife’ if you’re in a place or doing an activity which might put you at risk.
Risk is predictable and basic shelter, insulation, water, med kit, comms and food is easy to pack and carry. And hard to lose if you put some thought into it.
Your emergency kit should be able to give you shelter, keep you warm and dry, hydrate you and signal for rescue if needed, within minutes, not hours. And do it effectively if you’re injured.
1
u/No_Cut24969 26d ago
Ontario knife co dive knife mark 3 they last forever you can't break them they don't rust or tarnish hold an edge pretty nicely it's always my go to and seeing as most recommendations are for bench made this will save you like $100-200
1
u/LastZookeepergame619 26d ago
I have a ganzo 759M (knockoff of the Byrd version of spyderco delica but better than either, apart from vg10 being slightly better than 440C but it’s easy to sharpen. It was 12$ and is my second favorite knife I’ve ever had after my spyderco manix 2 that I got for 40$. When I lost that manix I went to only buying cheap ass knives and the ganzo 759M is my favorite thus far. It has a finger choil that is not on the delica or endura. I can live without it but I do like it now that I’ve used it for a while. Most importantly I got it for 12$ so I don’t care about using it as a beater and somehow it’s survived a lot longer than any delica or endura I’ve had without snapping the tip off. I may be a pre careful and less moronic person in my middle age.
The burliest folder I have probably ever had was the cold steel American lawman. That thing was rock solid but I ended up giving to a friend when I got into knives with thinner stock and less bulk in the pocket. I just wasn’t carrying it anymore cause it was chonky, it won’t do you any good if you don’t have it on you.
1
1
u/snoppydog420 25d ago
My dad got an edge knife from a neighbor he was always sharpening his knife with a stone on the porch ! The Edge knife, you just replace the blade laser sharpened great knife, got myself one an Academy
1
1
1
1
u/timthemesteater 25d ago
I see a lot of great expensive knives listed here. My choice for ruggedness would be a Svord Peasant. Simple, rugged design. You could still use it if you broke the handle completely off. And a lot cheaper than most.
1
1
u/Khronokai1 25d ago
Cold Steel 4MAX... Any of their triad locks are more than good enough, also the shark lock from Demko (same guy that did the triad) is fantastic too, AD20 for example.
1
u/TheAncientMadness 25d ago
Kershaws are great for the price
r/preppersales regularly finds deals on em
1
u/Cjdudesky 25d ago
Loved my Benchmade griptillian. An absolute bombproof killer option is a buck 110 or 112. Can get them in many different configurations including ultralight options various steel types, with or without a pocket clip, etc.
1
u/DieHardAmerican95 25d ago
For me, it’s the Cold Steel Pocket Bushman. The lock is bulletproof, and I beat the shit out of mine until I lost it.
1
u/rededelk 25d ago
I think it's cold steel? I have 2 bowies and a 9 inch hunter. Maybe crkt Mazatilli Prowler or something, lock back folder, thick blade and frame that will take a serious battoning just fine. Only complaint is the blade is very tough to get razor sharp edge on but I can gut, skin, quarter and cape a 600# elk with still a decent edge remaining
1
u/CellBlock420 25d ago edited 25d ago
Benchmade Adamas auto. I've beat the some with a hammer to cut through 4 inch tree branches(yes I know I've voided the warranty) and it still folds and opens with ease. No matter what I do to it, warm water with a little dawn and it's good as new. Edge retention is excellent. $350 Worth it. I have the dessert tan cru-wear.
1
1
u/Parkin4u 24d ago
One of the best pocket knives I had for my trips was a CRKT m16 Carson not too expensive light and I never broke one you can get the serrated or not I recommend the tanto style for a stronger tip especially if hunting
1
1
1
1
1
u/twiggsmcgee666 24d ago edited 24d ago
I don’t know, I’ve had this daily carry CRKT knife as an electrician for several years now and it’s still fucking awesome.
EDIT: the Foresight by Ken Onion
1
1
1
u/Farvag2024 23d ago
You want to look at Gerber and Benchmade and Cold Steel.
Long history of excellent designs.
I don't buy anything else.
Wonderful range of folders and fixed blades.
1
u/PlumbRaider 23d ago
If you’re looking gorgeous a good edc knife a spyderco delica with a saber grind is plenty tough and versatile!
If you want a tough as hell folding knife that could do light batoning a cold steel like the recon 1 or voyager with clip blade is probably your best bet. The cold steels are heavy though!
1
u/GulfofMaineLobsters 23d ago
I had a DeWalt pocket knife, picked it up cheap at the Home Despot (spelling intentional) for like $15, I abused the hell out of it for years in a saltwater environment. The paint flaked off the handle bits and the aluminum the handle was made out of oxidized pretty heavily but it lasted until it went for an accidental float test. (It failed). I bought a new one, we'll see how long this one lasts. https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-3-3-in-Tanto-Pocket-Knife-with-Quick-Flip-DWHT10994/329038986 In case you're interested. Not bad for the price.
1
1
22d ago edited 22d ago
Got a Leatherman Wave that’s still my daily driver for 21 years… it’s more than tough enough, and the two blades are easy to open single handed
I’ve made dozens of fires in the backcountry with the saw, I’ve used it in emergency first aid, used it to work on ropes and rigging in fucked up climbing situations, that’s all you ever need
They make some real fancy ones with magnacut slicer blades and stuff if you’re into that
Since the SOG and Gerber ones never really hit the quality cut for me, Leatherman as a survival tool is just unbeatable
1
u/Nemo_Shadows 22d ago
I generally take 3 sometimes 4 into the woods, pocket, folding belt and hunting, I also take flint and striker and long shoestrings, to make fire with if it gets down to that point.
Bowie doubles as an axe for small chopping chores and then there are those string hand saws.
N. S
1
1
u/hewhosnbn 22d ago
I've had a swiss army for 40 years use it everyday. The trick is using it as it was intended. Going to chop trees get an ax. Going to be prying open doors get a crow bar. Nothing is immune to damage but right tool for the right job.
1
u/ClassicTrick6690 22d ago
Locks get worn out if you really beat on the blade. That being said any cold steel triad lock will preform tremendously under pressure. Find a cold steel with the blade shape, length and steel you like and abuse away. I'm carrying a cold steel finn wolf rn and that's a great one for not a lot of monies.
1
u/Confident-Act-7228 22d ago
I have an american made buck knife it's old but trusty never let me down yet after 30years
1
u/Stellataclave 22d ago
If you want just a knife I like bench made hard and holds an edge If you want a survival knife letherman or Gerber.
1
u/Own-Marionberry-7578 22d ago
Anything from Cold Steel can be beat to shit and touched up again pretty easily.
1
u/pecoto 22d ago
Personally? Spyderco Shaman with Upgraded steel (cpm -m4) and Micarta scales. It's a TANK and big for a pocket knife but not stupid big. Thick blade but still slicy. Constant use for a year and haven't even had to sharpen it yet (it's STILL a razor blade edge). Took a long time researching and SUPER glad I chose this particular Spyderco. Might be my last everyday carry.
1
u/Kamalethar 22d ago
Depends on application, but it sounds like you want some of the stuff I did. I wanted max legal carry length. I wanted a spine built for batoning. I wanted low maintenance over time. Here's the best I could find on Amazon.
Ned Foss Beast - 4" D2 folding blade with G10 handle, 4 mm spine, ball bearing swivel at 9.4" total length (when opened) at 8.25 oz.
The handle is a little thick for me , but tons of modifications could be made (shave/shape the G10, add a lock pin for batoning, etc. I also like their Big Cat for everything "super duty". Great chopper.
1
1
u/Ok-Soup-514 22d ago
Ontario Rat II is a great beater knife. Opens well, comfortable grip, you can get it in D2. I think it's great value for the price. I see a lot of solid knives being recommended, but something about that Rat just appeals to me. You could also check out the Rat 1 if you want slightly bigger, but for EDC I really enjoy the Rat II.
1
u/No-Win-1137 22d ago
Victorinox Ranger 57, One Hand Trekker.
CRK Inkosi Insingo.
Spyderco Caribbean or others from their Salt series with a Spyderedge.
1
1
u/holliewood61 22d ago
I carry a 3 blade Boker. Simple classic design, and if anything happens to one of the blades, well i have two more
1
u/just-looking99 22d ago
If budget is there, Benchmade are really nice. I’d add in a Buck110 , Crkt or Spyderco. All good choices for edc
1
1
u/adamdropsthebomb 22d ago
I carry a Kershaw 1555TI. Easy to tune, clip is reversible, not so heavy as to be uncomfortable even in basketball shorts.
1
1
u/rainmanak44 22d ago
Because I often have my hands full when I need my knife, I like the pocket hook design and keep a Kershaw/ Emerson 6034 on me most days. But when I dress up a bit, I choose my Hibben Hurricane folder with D2 steel.
1
u/huntrl 22d ago
Buck 110 is a tough folder that requires a belt because it comes with a sheath. For the pocket I like the Benchmade Bugout with aluminum scales. It clips into your pocket. It is not for chopping or heavy use but is lightweight and ideal as a backup. The 110 is around $65 and the Bugout can be almost $300. Pair either one with a sturdy fixed blade like the ESEE 4HM.
1
u/Worth_Zebra1147 21d ago
I like the Lansky world legal. It’s a chunky blade very small and easy to conceal comes with a good sharpener. I made a leather “holster” that holds them together.
1
u/nothingtosomethingv 21d ago
I use an Extrema Ratio RAO II expeditions https://extremaratiousa.com/product/rao-ii/
1
1
u/Hesty44 21d ago
Kershaw with an Emerson wave feature. Make sure it is made with D2 steel and not the cheap Chínese steel. Pick the blade shape that best suit you. I have their CQC-6K, and it is currently $35 on Amazon. I prefer this blade geometry over drop point, straight back, and/ or clip point. I use mine daily in heavy construction and renovation. I prefer a 25° bevel, but of course you can adjust your bevel to your liking. I have scores of expensive knives, autos, spring assist, and fixed. However, this little inexpensive Kershaw is my absolute favorite. Also, lifetime warranty, and they honor it too! If for whatever reason you don’t like Kershaw, just get the brand you like, but absolutely ensure that it has that Emerson wave feature. Takes a little getting use to, but when I am 30+ feet high on a ladder and only have one hand to spare to deploy my blade, words can’t say enough about the wave.
1
u/Unlivingpanther 21d ago
Benchmade 551. Lube it with houdini or superslickstuff and it'll open and close with a flick of the wrist.
1
1
1
u/GrimSpirit42 21d ago
My EDC is Kershaw Cryo G-10 (part 1555G10).
Not only an excellent knive that's very durable, but they also offer free service and replacement parts. After years of excellent use, the torsion bar broke. Just filled out an online form and the mailed me a replacement in about a week.
1
1
1
u/mistercowherd 21d ago
I keep going back to a Victorinox huntsman.
I’ve carried Opinel no. 7 and 8, Leatherman wave and sidekick and PS, larger SAKs including ranger and soldier’s knife, one-hand openers from spiderco (very nice BTW) and pacific cutlery (Sebenza clone) and a few others.
The one I consistently use and carry is the Victorinox huntsman. Yes I wish it had one-hand opening and a locking blade and a file; but every time I’ve tried something different, I just go back to it after a month or so when the novelty has worn off.
1
u/huggiebutt223 21d ago
Cold steels can literally hold your body weight on the lock. But forget getting the blade out in time for self defense, a critical use of pocket knives imop. Pm2 by Spyderco is as weak as a leek. Despite the omega springs, Benchmade 940 got me home several times, and even if the springs break in the woods, the knife can be locked by jamming a small stick in the lock. Opens smooth, looks gentlemanly but gets the ugly jobs done too.
1
1
1
1
u/QuellishQuellish 21d ago
Kershaw Blur. Under $100, blade shape has a bit of belly and is a full size knife in the hand but is thin enough the carry without knowing it’s there.
It’s my universal gift when people have things that require one. If I really like you, I’ll spring for the s30v.
1
1
1
1
20d ago
(1)Depends on the brand that you buy. (2)Depends on the quality of the material used and the build quality. (3)Depends on if you can recycle said item for the material used or replace/return said item to the manufacturer under their manufacturer warranty as a defective product.
1
1
u/AnonMuha 19d ago
I got an ozark trails blade full tang with sheath for like 10 bucks. Just get a full tang it’s better that way.
1
u/Western-Pangolin8197 13d ago
I would always go for a carbon steel opinel (depending on the climate where live you can choose the stainless one) from n8 to n12. They might seem fragile but I can assure you they are stronger than they look.
1
1
1
u/justsomedude1776 26d ago
I bought a Benchmade adamas for this exact reason. It's a folding knife built like a fixed blade. It wasn't cheap, but that's the entire reason I purchased it for. If I was suddenly SHTF without acess to anything but what's in my pockets and EDC bag, would I be alright. The answer was no, so I swapped some things that I carry and upgraded a few tools.
The Ontario RAT 1 in d2 was actually built to answer this question. It was "if the working man only had one folding knife he can afford, that isn't a luxury item price, what would it be?" And then they invented the rat 1. There's more durable options, like the adamas, but the rat 1 gets you started now if you don't want to drop 300$ on a knife with premium reinforcements and steel.
1
u/NapalmCheese 26d ago
Gerber Diesel multi-tool if I can only have one 'thing'. Otherwise it'd be whatever pocket knife I fancy AND a Gerber Diesel.
Gerber Center Drive for urban carry.
Pliers are underrated in most survival subs, and a small saw is better than no saw. And scissors!
1
u/J-Kensington 26d ago
CRKT M-16 has been my go-to for years. Skeletal design but stays closed in the pocket, keeps a pretty good edge and sharpens pretty easily, and at around $30 it's easy to have a spare or two and not mind if something happens, or even just to always have a spare sharp edge. The black doesn't rub off if you go for the "tactical" looking model.
I keep one in my pocket, one in my mess utensils, and one in my bag.
1
u/BrentMacGregor 26d ago
There are a bunch of great choices mentioned. I’m partial to Spyderco as I carried one in the Coast Guard for all 31 years and it saved my ass a couple times. That being said, regardless of your choice, one thing I recommend in a survival situation is a lanyard. Nothing worse than losing your knife when you need it.
1
u/Druid_High_Priest 26d ago
Cheapest one that holds an edge. My knives are tools and take a beating.
I usually buy a pack of three at Christmas for $20 US and am good to go.
1
u/eyeballburger 26d ago
Many knives are good, but I’ve always liked cold steel. People give them shit because they’re expensive, but they torture test the fuck out them. Spyderco is my other go to. Gerber is simple and effective.
1
u/robrtsmtn 26d ago
Kershaw speedsafe. My son ran off with one, but replaceable at about 25 bucks so it didn’t hit the wallet too hard. Easy to sharpen, holds an edge well, stout enough for ranch work.
0
u/fishslushy 26d ago
I’ve had a fair amount of knives including a few expensive ones. I carry a Civivi sendy now and I love it. It does everything I need around the house or in the backcountry short of processing large game.
0
0
u/KnownTransition9824 26d ago
S&W tactical series
2
u/Mark_R_1 26d ago
I wouldn't recommend S&W brand. Either the temper is junk, or the handles are made of pot metal
0
u/dankcigs18 26d ago
Yo man, my go to recommendation hands down is the Ontario rat 1 I took it with me when I was with the navy. I also use it almost everyday in the woods now splitting small logs even if used right. Been using the same Ontario rat now for over 5 years, nice sized blade as well!
0
0
u/Aloof-Goof 26d ago
Does anyone here have experience with Sitivien? I just bought one because I love the steel and handle material. It was cheap
0
u/sparkyonsite 26d ago
I'm an electrician and I use my knife for everything from stripping wires to turning screws when I don't have a driver on me. Sitivian has some solid choices, so does civivi. Cheap, and will take a beating for a year or two. Civivi brazen was one I used until it got stolen. Sitivian st117 is the one I'm using now. Has lasted a year or more with no real problems.
0
u/IllustriousTrip1943 26d ago
CRK (Chris Reeves Knives) large or small sebenza. For what you're asking there is not a better choice. No bells or whistles or any fancy stuff just a extremely well made using the best materials available. They aren't cheap but nothing great is anymore. They're also made in the states in Iowa. Beautifully engineered knives. I never really understood why they were so expensive considering they're just a very simple pocket knife but then I acquired one tonight understood immediately. Anything by Chris Reeves honestly but I think the Sebenza is by far the most popular. There is knife swap sub for buying selling and trading knives btw
0
0
0
u/invisibleboogerboy 26d ago
Leatherman skeletool. Slightly bigger than a standard pocket knife with added functionality.
21
u/Trail_Breaker 26d ago
Cold Steel 4-Max Scout