SHTF knife

[VIPER]

What would your ideal shtf knife look like? What blade length and shape and thickness,what handle shape and material,what other special features would be helpful? Just curious what everyone thinks and you never know I may just build one. :cool:

[610Alpha]

I saw this phrase on the net somewhere: "A big knife can do everything a little knife can but a little knife can't do everything a big knife can"

[WILL]

Just like guns, there's not one knife that can do it all. For me, the best knife for the money I've found for general camp/survival use is this...

http://www.knifecenter.com/item/ON9447BM/Ontario-Ranger-Bush-Series-Afghan-Knife-5-inch-Blade-Black-Micarta-Handles

[VIPER]

I know one knife can't do it all or knife building would be much easier.;) I was just wondering if any certain features would outdo others for this type of knife. Besides how boring would just one of each be whether Gun or knife.

[WILL]

I know one knife can't do it all or knife building would be much easier.;) I was just wondering if any certain features would outdo others for this type of knife. Besides how boring would just one of each be whether Gun or knife.

Everybody's different. For a camp/GP survival knife I prefer a coated, plain edged, carbon steel blade. It takes and holds an edge best. I like a 5-6 inch blade, finding that size large enough to baton with but still small enough to do detail work. I don't care for leather sheaths, prefering kydex with a retention snap. Their just tougher and easier to maintain IMHO. I also find 1/4 inch thick blades unecessarily heavy and too bulky for alot of the chores I use a knife for. YMMV

[610Alpha]

Kukri is my choice...

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

First off, "which knife...." question is like asking "which gun...." You will get many opinions and only you can make the decision on what is right for you. Hear is my two cents.

ESEE-6 is a good all around knife for SHTF. You can choke up on it and do fine work, or use it as a chopper or baton with it and if needed could be used as a defensive blade. It can be sharpened easily in the field if you know what you are doing. It is very well balanced and ESEE knives are guaranteed for LIFE of the blade. It can be passed on to children and grandchildren and still be guaranteed.



[URL="http://www.eseeknives.com/rc-6.htm"Randall's Adventure & Training

[VIPER]

I am not asking which knife or brands. I am wondering what characteristics about a knife would someone want compiled into their ideal knife for shtf.I think this would be like breeding a kitchen (camp) knife with a survival knife with a dash of fighter for good measure.:cool:

[blackhawk]

something to skin with,chop wood,procetion. thick and sharp long enough to do all that just my wish list. that is what i keep trying to make.

[EX121]

I think Blackhawk is on the right track, in define what you want the knife too do. So split small fire wood, clean & skin game, cut up meat, be able to stab & slash, and most important of a size that makes it easy to carry. So a 4/5 inch blade, flat grind, my favorite shape is like a french butcher knife, with a thick spine, full tang overall lenght 7/8 inches.

[blackhawk]

EX121 you said what i was thinking. PLUS AT A GOOD PRICE!!!!

[610Alpha]

something to skin with,chop wood,procetion. thick and sharp long enough to do all that just my wish list. that is what i keep trying to make.

I am using a Khukuri seen here http://www.sarcoinc.com/bayo-kukris.html Item BAY044 -- Military 12 inch Khukuri

I am modifying them by redoing the handles and sheath...the blades are dull when they come but that is easy enough to fix.

[Patriotic Sheepdog]

Again, there are many knives to choose from. Characteristics that I would look for in a knife that I would want for SHTF (which I guess would mean long term survival, without Rule of Law, and no means of resupply in the known future).

1. Blade length between 5-7 inches.
2. Choil and jimping to allow more detail work.
3. Carbon steel. This steel is strong and easily sharpened. It holds it edge well. Downside, it can rust but a drop of oil every now and then would solve this problem.
4. Micarta handle or any handle that would be easy to hold when the hands are wet, dry or covered in blood.
5. I like Flat grind on blade. This is usually less prone to chipping.
6. Blade thickness 3/16" to 1/4" to allow for prying.
7. Must be able to perform many tasks well.
8. Laynard hole. I don't want to lose my blade WTSHTF.
9. Drop point blade as it allows many tasks. Spear point is not bad either and may be better for stabbing.
10. Dedicated area to strike a fire steel other than the blade edge.
11. Full tang. Not a little sliver of metal running through the handle, but a full slab of metal that will withstand hard use.
12. Fixed blade.
13. Well balanced.

Tasks I would want the knife to do well:
1. Fine work for making snares, trimming/skinning game and fish.
2. Breaking nuts, digging plants, etc.
3. Baton
4. Chopping wood
5. Long enough to be used for a defensive blade if needed.
6. Prying
7. Drilling
8. Slicing meat, chopping leafy plants, preparing food.
9. Cutting cloth, and rope.

There are many blades out there that can be good blades for SHTF. ESEE, Becker, K-Bar, Ontario, Blackbird SK-5, Cold Steel to just name a few. There are many other knife manufacturers that make good blades as well. Look at what you most likely need in your idea of SHTF and hold it. If you like it, buy it and start using it. But...remember you get what you pay for. This is a blade you will be depending upon for your survival. Choose wisely.

[VIPER]

Very well thought out reply sheepdog.I must add I like the mental image I have of this knife.I think a drop point with a swedge on the spine would be stabby and yet handle camp chores well.I totally agree on the dedicated fire striker area other than the edge and have incorporated it into a survival proto that benchmade has right now.Might be time to get out the sketch pad.:cool:

[protus]

Take my bk7 make it one to two inches shorter ..cut a echelons on the top side for bone etching and firesteel...swap out the plastic handles formicarta.thar would primly be the best of all worlds.then Shaun I think a more military clipper is s good knife lol