13 hardcore survival knives
There is much debate regarding which and how many items should be included in a survival kit, but there is one item upon which everyone agrees – the knife. With so many uses – trapping, skinning and wood cutting, to name just a few – the survival knife is a vital component of a kit that one would carry in a wilderness environment or in an emergency situation.
A good knife can make the difference between surviving and not surviving. While every survivalist agrees that a knife is essential, there are many opinions about which is the best one for the variety of purposes that it may be called upon to serve. One knife might be right for a person with one set of skills, while another knife would be preferable for someone with different strengths.
The link below will direct you to a very informative article about survival knives. Not only does it communicate the most important characteristics that a survival knife should possess, but also provides a top five list of the best survival knives.
Hope you enjoy the article. Meet you on the other side.
http://dsc.discovery.com/adventure/top-5-survival-knives.html
It’s difficult to argue with the writer’s top five list, so we’ll leave that alone. But I’ve followed those five knives with another eight that I like.
- ESSE RC-5 – carbon steel blade; a saber grind keeps the blade thickness all the way to the point
- Scharade SCHF9 – large handle; great grip, even in wet conditions
- Ontario RAT 5 – easy to handle for small bush craft tasks; ideal for carving
- Gerber LMF II ASEK – all-purpose blade; positive response from U.S. soldiers
- Mora of Sweden Morakniv Companion MG Carbon Steel – perfect for hunting, fishing and camping
- Columbia River Knife and Tool’s 2013 Razel SS7 – can split a log and also cut rope, straps, wire and more
- Hawke’s Hellion – a nine-inch blade that does the work of a folding knife, a sheath knife and a hatchet
- Buck Hoodlum – light, 10-inch blade can handle big tasks and small.
Do you have a favorite that I haven’t included here? Let me know in the comments!
A good machete
Something like the champ is a bit much-but I like one with large & small blades, can & bottle openers,(which are also large & small screw drivers) awl, pliers & phillips screw driver.
I bought a Gerber LMF II ASEK for me, my son and my daughter. You can make tinder, kindling, baton fuel and cut anything you want with it including aircraft fuselage. Plus you can pound in tent stakes. I no longer carry a hatchet afield. It was designed for US Air Force. The sheath offers multiple carry options and the sharpener is integrated. The LMF coupled with a small Swiss army knife pretty much takes care of all cutting needs … for me anyway. But I agree with Tom when he said, “The best knife is the one you have when you need it.” Amen.
There are alot of excellent knife makers out there. The best one is the one that you have on you when you need it most. The one that you use, the one you are comfortable with.
I’m not a believer in a single, all purpose, survival ‘cutting tool,’ per say. I ended up with the fine edge Gerber StrongArm for a ‘tactical’ knife. My family’s ‘go bags’ all have a Morakniv. When practicing bushcraft, I take a Mora and either an inexpensive Condor Bushlore – a ‘best buy’ IMHO – or a Husqvarna carpenter’s axe.
I haven’t seen anone mention TOPS Knives. I find them to be a fantastic knife in the field. Thye are the most durable knife I’ve ever owned.
I ‘m partial to thier Steel Eagle 105 and the SXB.
Good subject
Treeman recon hunter (Jim Behring) pricy but a great knife.
Indeed a helpful post. I loved how you explained the qualitative knives. What you think about Fallkniven a1 knife?
The ‘discovery’ article recommends Coldsteel’s SRK, but does not mention anything of the steel or its quality offered in these knives: VG-1 San Mai III. Blades of this steel hold an edge better than any that I know ~ and are razor sharp! CS offers several knives in VG-1. I have a number of CS knives made from other steel, but the VG-1 with which I am familiar is the Military Classic that I own. It is a Randall 1 ‘knockoff;’ however, in this case the knockoff is quite likely superior to its predecessor. The Randall 1 is noted as the elite tactical knife first introduced in Vietnam.
I checked coldsteel.com to find the Military Classic, but couldn’t find it. However, as mentioned previously, there are several other VG-1 offerings. Ebay sellers usually have these knives at a much-reduced price from the CS website.
A Woodman’s Pal. A WWII survival/fighting knife and currently used by the forestry service. A must clearing brush, chopping and digging Look it up/
always carry EDC at least 3 blades
Have been making survival style blades and axes close to 35yrs. Check them out at mineralmountain.com
I carry an old Camillus folding hunter ( $21.95 when I bought this one ) . Razor sharp. Field dressed MANY deer. hogs. Cuts anything that comes in contact with the blade. Personal safety? That’s what guns are for. If your “enemy” is close enough to touch………so are you.
An excellent knife not mentioned, unless I missed it, is by Tops knives called the B.O.B. MSRP is high, but it can be found for much less on Amazon or GP Knives. Fantastic well designed and built for extreme use.
ravencrest tactical has some awesome knives. the company has only been around for a couple years and already police officers are grabbing them up. all American made. a bit pricey for some people but with a no questions lifetime warranty/ guarantee and a ton of styles(for knives anyway)
Not a survival knife, unless you need to kill someone but I cannot tell you how much I LOVE my new x-large cold steel espada. WOW!
http://www.coldsteel.com/espadaseries.html
I also have. K-bar, small gerber fighting knife as well as hatchet etc in bug out bag. Check out thhe espada though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgOYBu9tvgM
They put the KABAR with leather handle first. I prefer it with a synthetic handle. I also like the military M9 bayonet/knife.
I have to agree with a few. MTech is a great knife and you can’t beat the price. I also believe the sheath is great. Altoid tin with survival things, fire starter and I also carry a small MTech hatchet. Light weight and is super sharp for cutting tender or build shelter.
no mention of the parry blade survival knife, made in sheffield england by scorpion knives?
Thank you so much for this!!! Been looking for an xmas gift for my bf and this was a great starting point.
I’ve used knives by a company called mtech for years now at work. Different designs, have held up well for a knife I only paid $10 for. Plus most have a seatbelt cutter and glass break knot on one end. They have held up better than my Kershaw and buck. Added bonus I can get 3 or 4 or the price of 1 Kershaw. And if you lose it you still have 3 more…..
James makes a great point. (No pun intended)
MTech is by far one of the best values out there. Their “Xtreme” line especially. Tough and affordable is what you need when the SHTF. Being able to outfit the entire family for less than the cost of some of the “brand” knives, means alot these days. Being able to buy more for barter later on is even better! But the knife isonly half of the story. Some of MTech’s Xtreme models have great sheaths with a large pouch that fits an Altoids tin perfectly. This makes a huge difference when you want to make sure your knife can also keep a ferro rod, sharpener and some tinder on hand at all times. So even if your backpack goes floating downstream after you capsize, you can still build a fire to dry off and keep hypothermia away before you start trekking along hoping it washed up on your side of the creek. Can you tell why I love me some MTech Xtreme?
I’ve had 2 Buck Hoodlums and they both broke when it came time to get to work. The first warranted replacement went well but now has been months and have not seen the replacement, knife or refund.
A basic butcher knife from a dollar store could do providing you can sharpen it. A ‘V’ shaped sharpener from the camping store will provide an adequate edge to make any knife workable in post SHTF.
Bare minimum for survival, a .22 rifle, and a 12 ga. shotgun/ with assorted ammo. (bird shot, buck shot , and slugs. personal defense may suggest more. As for blades, Case has about everything a person might need, and no hassel getting an edge.
One of the middle-sized Swiss Army pocket knives, and another good folder, like a basic lineman knife go in the front pockets, the lineman to pry and work hard, and the Swiss steel for surgical purposes. There are several “kits” of the skinners/capers/boner knives that fit into one sheath that make good camp kits, and will handle nearly all of the chores around the camp from skinning and rendering the meat to carving and boning for the stew pot. A good Bowie style with a solid Krayton handle does double duty as a hacker land stabber for a fighting knife, and can be a real crusher with an exposed butt with a steel button in place. Lots of possibilities, but one can get by with one gun, but needs many cutting edges to survive. Keep up the good work.
Pictures of all knives would be helpful for those who are new at this..
what about making your own explo sives ,for ammunition, making your own cross bows and what is a good bow to have ,arrows?? when you want silence as a strategy,as kids we used ……
You might want to check out this one! Gil Hibben GH5025 Assault knife.
No one knife will do it all, efficiently, but if your bugout bag can handle it I’d suggest:
(1) a good-quality folder like Case,Buck or Camillus
(2) a mid-size non-folder, such as the USMC Ka-Bar
(3) a hefty near-machete like Hawke’s Hellion (mentioned above) for small firewood & clearing work.
And, needless to say, sharpening stone suitable for all your edged stuff.
Knives are a tough category to recommend the “best.” Just go for names you know and models that suit YOUR anticipated needs.
Like firearms, only one really is not ideal …. perhaps a .22 & a .357 as minimums. Knives will depend on your budget & whether you’re bugging out or staying in place to defend. Since I’m defending the farm, I have a large selection of firearms & edged weapons to choose from. Others will not be so fortunate, so should give their needs a LOT of thought.
I have a couple of Leatherman and a Benchmade Griptilian.
I also like the Carnivore by Camillus
Gerber Blades Bear Grylls Series Ultimate Fixed Blade
Open length: 10.0″
Blade Length: 4.8″
Weight: (with sheath): 14.7oz.
Weight (no sheath): 11.2oz.
A good machette
I have a homemade knife I purchased in the Maldives that has a turtle shell handle. I’ve used this knife for 30 years now and it has held up to a lot of abuse. I was able to find a sheath it fit that also holds a marlinspike that is 8 inches long. I think a marlinspike is often overlooked for most preppers but it can be an essential tool for rope/line handling.
I don’t know. That’s everything from a relatively short camp knife to a veritable machete. I would just go with something like a Cold Steel San Mai bowie and a Buck folder for all the small stuff. I still use a wicked looking Explorer (EdgeMark) that my dad used (I’m guessing the thing is pushing 50 years old now, but it’s still serviceable and tight) for gutting deer.
KaBar, Leather Grip. Mil. issue
The Mora’s are awesome little knives; I got 3 on Amazon for $27 (so I did not have to pay shipping). My friend had one and we field dressed 5 deer without having to sharpen it. That is what made me buy them, I’ve went through 3 buck knives before I got one deer fully processed before. The Mora’s are great and very, very sharp; spooky sharp. I am very careful with mine when I am using it just a touch and you are cut. Don’t leave them wet: high carbon steel = quick to rust.
which of these knives is the most bang for your buck & handleable for a woman
money is an issue
I hear you there. Most of these responses are by men. What to do if you are a women. Some women don’t have the strength nor the knowledge of the men when it comes to guns and knives. We need more responses geared for women. Please!?
The Morakniv listed (as are most of that brand) is relatively inexpensive (under $20), and on the small side compared to the others listed. It may not be up to some of the heavy chopping and abuse others are good for, but many people depend on them as their only knife.
I still have the “Leatherman” that was given to me at my ‘going away’ party from my job back in 1981. The blade is of good steel as it holds a good edge for a long time. I’ve used it to field dress and process a couple deer in my life. I do have other knives my favorite being my Boy Scouts Of America 4 1/2″ fixed blade. But, if I had to be left to my own devices, I’d choose my “Leatherman” multi-tool and my K-bar. I agree with Chuck and Lloyd. A hatchet would also be great to have on hand.
Those people out there who joke and ridicule the people who are prepared will be the first ones yelling for help in a crises.If you choose not to be prepared you had better be prepared to beg or do things you might be forced to do by others.
Don’t scoff and laugh. The world is not a walt disney fantasy and there are those out there just waiting to take advantage of the weak.
Leatherman stainless combination tool. SOG stainless recon 9″. High carbon machete w/serrated back. Swiss army w/3 blades stainless. 4″ Mossy oak folding skinner w/gut hook.
A good quality Folding stainless 8-10″ saw. Full length axe. Files and sharpening equipment.
Don’t forget the duct tape,fishing line and hooks,coil of rope,spool of twine,camp cup and frying pan and fire starting things.2 way communication,strong flashlight w/extra batteries. I hunt deer and moose and these along with other items go where I go.A good chunk of hardwood can be cut and used as a hammer. If you have to sleep in a tree because of predators the rope comes in handy. A sleeping bag and a light tarp in case you can’t make it out of the bush before dark. Bears and wolves will attack especially if they smell blood.A wild dog or coyote will also attack sometimes.
Keep your pack well balanced for easy carry.
No matter what knife you choose the most important thing is that you know how to handle it and you always carry a method of sharpening it. An unfamiliar knife or a dull knife will get you cut.
Good idea to carry first aid kit.
Excellent comment. It’s easy to get caught up in all the knives out there and forget that once you get it you WILL need to maintain it.
I agree with Chuck; you need more than one. For economy, it is hard to beat a K-Bar and swiss army knife. I may do overkill, but I like a knife belt with a Gerber Silver Trident (for lots of uses and a good self defense knife); a Kershaw D2 (for heavy duty hacking etc.); a Browning folder with a skinning blade, gut blade, and serrated blade (for all around camp use). Of course I also carry a swiss army knife in my pocket. You take these knives along with my scout size axe and Sven saw, and cutting just about anything becomes less of a problem.
The Swiss Army knife is handy only because of its various features, but I’m not impressed with the toughness of the blades, on either Wenger or the other brand. I’d much rather have a Leatherman to depend on, even though the “handle” is often even more awkward than the Swiss models.
As i see it, The work of a Knife is just that. I like a bread and butter knife my self. Oneida makes several that come to mind. But if you leave it on the edge of a hot pan it will slice cold butter like no other knife in the world! And it makes it hard to pick up the pad of butter even with clean fingers! Oh yea one other knife everyone left out is the Steak Knife!! This is a must, I think any knife that holds a razor edge will work in this case unless its machete length!!
I spent 10 years in the Military, And used all the knifes you listed, But I found the best knife for the money, it’s a 8 inch stainless survival with a aluminium handle with a built in compass fishing line & hook & sewing kit with buttons & matches lanyard & sheath. You can find it at HarborFrieght.com for $9.49 on sale item #90714 , I personally replaced the rubber o ring with a thicker one to improve the water seal . Also I added a magnesium fire starter kit also found at harborfreight for 4.99 a must for wet weather
Generally these cheapie “survival knives” are absolutely worthless, and I’ve never personally seen one I would bother with at any price.
The “toys in the handle” thing is pointless, since that stuff can be easily carried in a little kit, leaving you a FULL, strong handle.
BUy a name-brand hunting knife or USMC Ka-bar (indestructible), and stick a REAL “toybox” in a tiny Tupperware or similar waterproof container — since you really need more fishing gear than what’s in that handle anyhow, and ditto for firestarting. A couple of BIC lighters & a mag-stroker covers anything & won’t be used up in a few days.
For ten bucks you can buy a quality compass rather than the cheap toy on most of those Asian-made survival toys.
one of those flexable ‘cable’ saws is worth having. makes no nosie in use ,weighs almost nothing and will cut,wood bone and metal if you get the right one. Saves the edge on your knife
I agree — and it’s useful for dressing game, cutting limbs for campsites, and is even a great garotte — though pretty messy.
Should be in everyone’s little waterproof “toybox” in the bugout bag.
The Buck Path Finder is my favorite because his knife takes an edge very well and remains sharp after “buttoning” and carving even very hard woods.
Leatherman has a series of pocket knives with up to 21 tools.
http://www.leatherman.com
I’ve had my Grayman warrior 5.5 for a couple of years it’s a hard core tool a little on the heavy side but my kinda knife Semper Fi my friends
The Buck Original Rambo #1 knife. FROM the first Rambo Movie.
The Buck model may be OK, but all the other “licensed copies” were pure junk as FUNCATIONAL tools, according to every review I’ve seen. The tangs break under real stress.
Just one more reason to avoid any hollow-handle knife and stick to a strong, name-brand, full-tang hunting-type knife like the USMC Ka-bar or similar design for mid=sized camp chores, or gutting the occasional critter (regardless of number of legs).
What kind of moron carries A knife in their survival kit? You need at least 2. One should be for general use and usable as a skinner. Serrated edges are good for certain things, but difficult to sharpen by hand, so be sure your knife has a non-serrated blade on at least one side. Save the serrated side for cutting joints on game, heavy rope etc. This should be a 6″-8″ blade. The second should be heavier, with a thick blade and designed, preferably, for both stabbing and chopping. Something tough enough to act a a back-up for a broken machete or axe, useful for chopping small limbs or heavy vines for use. This should also make a good fighting knife, so balance is important. This one in the 8″ to 12″ range, but choose the size you are comfortable using, not just the largest one you can find. And to save some wear and tear on both a simple pocket knife is a good idea. Something like the Swiss Army knife is perfect for small jobs and has multiple uses. Leatherman or similar are also good, but I’ve found many of them have a tendency to break too easily. But as long as it’s kept for only light work it should be fine. And AS important as you choice in knives is to learn how to sharpen them properly and to care for and repair them if necessary. The best knife in the world is scrap in the hands of who doesn’t know how ti use and maintain it.
I also have to agree with Daniel Gray. The Leatherman is one of the most versatile knives, but it does have it’s limitations, just as all knives do.
I always liked the old military issue 6″ leather handle with bolt& leather sheath, that was standard issue for all Navy flight personnel. Love that knife. Much better than the web sheaths of today.
Is the sog force a notable survival knife
I have to add one that was left out by both you and the linked article. The Becker BK-2, a.k.a. the Becker Train Wrecker, the knife that could “field strip a Buick”. Not to take anything away from Jeff Randall and Co., because ESEE knives have a great rep, but Ethan Becker’s designs were there first. The BK-2 before the ESEE 5, the BK-9 before the Junglas, the Patrol Machete before the Lite Machete (though they are somewhat different animals), the Becker Necker before the Izula, and so on…
Dear Santa….I want 10 of each. Make it 20. Do you have one like Rambo used? I may need a sewing kit.
I definitely agree with the Schrade SCHF9. Great low cost option. Under $40.00. 1095 carbon steel, full tang, flat grind. It’s a big chunk of steel, really heavy duty. I did a video review of this knife on youtube. Check it out at http://www.youtube/equip4survival.com
Yes as I have worked with boy scouts for over 40 years and each year we make our own.
usally from concrete saw blades. They cut the shape and finsh the blade. we collect deer and elk antlers after the rutt for handles
Question? How do you transport a knife in your checked in luggage at the airport without it being stolen by a “baggage handler’? I’ll be traveling to Costa Rica and can’t bring one of my guns since I’m not a citizen. Hiking in the jungles I want some protection. Any advice for safely concealing the knife in my luggage, which I’ll have to check in since they won’t allow a knife in carry on luggage.
Knives are allowed in checked baggage so long as they are wrapped so security doesn’t stab themselves while rifling through your clothes. (sigh)
Many countries do have issues with items being stolen by airport staff, so hiding your knife is a good idea. I like a fake shaving cream container (the bottom unscrews on it and I found it at a “smoking supply” store) for watches and pocketknives – your knife might fit into something like that. If the knife is noticeably large, you could try boxing and gift wrapping it to “mi abuela” – even crooks in Costa Rica love their grandmother.
My personal choice is the cold steel bushman.
Dale,
Please check out my FAQ and my YouTube channel for slower instructions and diagrams. http://www.power4patriots.com/support_technical.php
You left out the best knife for the money, one that is proven for many year and endorsed by the US Government. It is the Air Force and Navy survivl knife. No bells and whistles just a knife that does it all and does it well.
Yes, an excellent choice & you can often find used ones VERY cheap on eBay. I got about five of them to leave in various sheds & barns so I’d always have one handy. They may not look pretty but a good sharpening will turn almost any of them into good tools.
I prefer the Ka-Bar for most camp chores, but the AF survival knife has a great butt for small hammering jobs. I used to always carry a few dozen nails to make shelters from pine boughs, and it was very handy to hammer with, compared to a rock.
As Leo says, you should have several available. Depending on situation. I like Cold steel. A trail master(9″blade) if you only have one. A recon scout(same w/7″blade) if room for two. A leatherman(various)and a Spyderco native for the pocket. All have excellent steel and are easy to sharpen.
Knives are like screwdrivers. You need the right one for the job. Multiples. My previous comment was about the ONE knife used for survival. Puukko — there are a few sizes but 4″ blade is best. That said, my favorite camp knife for baton action, etc, is the BKT 11 inch blade.
Correction on my comment on the Gerber LMF II ASEK. It is a great choice. The picture showed that stupid Bear Gryllis knife and I had that in mind. It was the Gerber Bear Gryllis knife that is junk.
Puukko knives from Finland. Carbon steel and made for bushcraft. THE best.
I have several knives from Finland and Germany, they hold there edge very long. But once the edge is dull you are done. For me, a good knife is one which is easy to sharpen without any special angle fixtures for diamond stones, or honing stones…I don’t have time for that. Knives should be sold with instructions on how and what to use for correct resharpening. What I see is, the harder the steel the more difficult to sharpen, which is a problem. There should be a column teaching about knife sharpening for every particular grade of steel. I bought approx. $100 worth of sharpening items, but once at home I say: I have no time for this.
For survival gear I recommend a billhook. Kellham Knives sells them, made in Finland.
Love the Schrade SCHF9.
I totally agee with the Leatherman multi tool. Not really the scope of the blog. They are talking knives.
Buck Master is not a good choice because it is not a full tang knife. You pry with it and it will break. The blade and handle are attache with a nut and bolt.
Ideally You should carry two in a survival situation-A large bowie & a Swiss army knife will pretty much cover all the bases. Something like the Cold Steel Laredo is awesome, but as a knife lover I must admit I never use mine-its just too beautiful & expensive.Great collector’s item though. (believe Me in a real survival situation I’d damn sure use it!) Great less expensive choices would be the Ka-Bar big brother or Becker combat bowie. A bowie can be used as a machete & hatchet as well as a knife & would also be very effective in a defensive situation. A good Swiss army knife can take care of endless tasks. Something like the champ is a bit much-but I like one with large & small blades, can & bottle openers,(which are also large & small screw drivers) awl, pliers & phillips screw driver. Such a knife can even be used for emergency firearm repair. If I could only carry one it would be a stout 4 or 5 inch fixed blade such as the Becker companion.
Are you kidding me?? The toolbox in a pocket (Leatherman) is not even mentioned? And there is no mention of the absolute best survival knife in the world bar none, and that is the Cold Steel Survival knife? A knife that can actually punch THROUGH a car door and in the very next second after you pull it out, cut through a free hanging 1 and 1/2inch rope??!! A knife that can cut bones up to 2 inches thick? And you dont mention either one?
That means the you have here list isnt worth the power to be used for bathroom tissue.
Although I am a big fan of Gerber, I completely disagree with the Gerber LMF II ASEK. tt’s part plastic. I had a friend hammering on the end which you are suppose to be able to do and the plastic cracked. It’s junk. I sure would not want to have to depend on it as my only knife.
Being a tree farmer, I’m often in the woods. When on the farm I carry a Custom made fixed blade Burnley knife with micarta handles with a sharpened swage, a Tramolina 18″ machete, and a basic Leatherman multi-tool. On a fire scene I carry a Boker Top Lock and a small fire Axe made by TOPS. In my truck I carry a 20″ Ontario machete, a tomahawk, and my Snow and Nealley double bit felling axe. My jump kit has a Lairson camp knife (blade 9″)and a Gerber multi-tool. In town I carry a Schatt and Morgan English jack and a Buck Rush with an ATS-34 steel blade (yes, they made this in the first year of production).
What about the famous Bowie Knife in which histry has proven to be useful and deadly?
Bowie is more of a style than an actual knife, and its size & details have varied so much over the years that it’s not even very descriptive
I keep my K-Bar from Veitnam around ,,,jim
Although illegal in New York State to carry on the streets, (4″ is the max.). I prefer the KA-BAR 7″ fighting knife. It’s a high quality, well built knife that is suited to handle many tasks. Including Zombie extermination…LoL. Any way I have three bug out bags and all of them carry a USMC KA-BAY sheathed and located on the left strap of each A.L.I.C.E. pack.
The Ontario Knife Co. 499 Air Force Survival Knife is my favorite. It was what I was issued in the Navy and I still have it. It is a tough no nonsense knife.
Featuresinclude:
•Sawteeth on spine
•Steel butt cap
•Leather sheath with
sharpening stone and tie down cord.
Specifications
Blade Steel 1095carbonsteel
Blade Length 5 inches
Blade Thickness .1875
Overall 9.5 inches
Handle Material Natural leather handle
Blade Color Zinc phosphate finish (black)
How about The Buck Master
It was too heavy for my taste. Borrowed one once at a campout and never bothered again. Decent quality … though I always distrust a hollow handle for taking really serious stress.
Buy a FULL-TANG knife and keep the fishing, first aid & firestarting stuff in a separate waterproof container, like a small Tupperware. That way you can actually carry enough fishing tackle, matches (or BIC lighters), etc. so you won’t run out in a matter of days.
What good is a knife that is illegal under the PRC (People’s Republic of California) penile code? It subjects the carrier to immediate arrest and guantanimzation.
I presently carry a German army knife. I keep it razor sharp, as I use it to scrape oboe reeds, but in the woods it has done some amazing things with wood. It is barely legal to carry. I understand that they were too good, so they were discontinued. However, there is a better heavier version with a locking blade called a “Mauser”.
My first knife was a Cub Scout knife when I was about 10. It was great because it had a locking blade that would not close on your finger if you used it to bore a hole. Alas, all locking blades are now illlegal in some European countries, even for Cub Scouts. I cringe in terror that a knife-crazed cub scout might assault me at any time. Homeland security needs to shut them all down!
On the other hand, my whole elementary school was illegal. Not only was every kid expected to have a pocket knife to avoid trips to the pencil sharpener, but we were taught to sing actual christian Christmas songs about Jesus, Mary, and we did not have Kwanzaa in those terrible dark days of 1953.
That’s a really great list of knives. I have the Morakniv Companion MG and I can HIGHLY recommend it as a sturdy and reliable knife for a survival kit.