I have found what I believe might be the perfect PSK knife. It's the Gerber "Ridge Knife". Picture at: http://www.equipped.org/pp/pic852.htm

It's AUS-6 all "stainless" steel construction, black Teflon coated, one-hand opening, with a mid-frame blade lock mechanism. The aspect that wasn't mentioned in the 2002 Shot Show review of this knife (or at least the model that I found; the belt clip looks a little different than the pic) is that it's only 3 INCHES LONG closed with a 2 inch blade length. It weighs only 1.4 oz.

It is available in plain-edge blade, or 50% serrated. I chose the half serrated model (mistake?), for the extra cutting power. I believe that if the belt clip which is fastened with 2 tiny socket-head bolts is removed with a hex key, this knife would have one of the slimmest profiles available. The lanyard hole allows the belt clip to be removed without losing much functionality. For smaller size one could even file off the lanyard hole.
Run
ps- I found mine at Walmart for $17, and seems to be high quality <img src="images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Ah, another knife post to generate a mass response and get our thoughts off the latest threat of disease, world terror and the rapidly approaching doom of Monday <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. Just what is it we are cutting with these small PSK blades, be they razors,x-acto blades or small folders? Are they a substitute for that dedicated sheath knife on belt or neck lanyard, or a complimentary tool? The US military has the S/S utility knife. Woodsmen and riders the stockman or trapper folders. Seamen the small sheepsfoot,marlinspike and shackle combinations and just about everybody the Swiss Army Knife or multitool. Your knife is well made and certainly emminently packable in the PSK. My concerns are the Tanto point. You need a spear or drop point to easily shave fuzz sticks for firemaking ( the curve toward the point provides the thin curling cut.) Hopefully the wire in the PSK has trapped lots of rabbits and birds for our aluminum foil cooking pot <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. While you can skin both barehanded, disjointing and gutting becomes a mess without a proper blade.The pointed tanto is just begging to puncture internal organs best left unviolated. It is a superb drilling point. The serrations are a PITA to sharpen without a proper hone. They do provide superb ripping power for line. For $17 you did well. I would rather have any small folder of quality than a razor blade. Those are for suicide when the last Lifeboat match breaks, the button compass bubble freezes the needle and you no longer recognise the face in your signalling mirror <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />.

Chris,
Thanks for the information, and the hilarious way it was presented. I forgot to ask about the intended purpose of the tanto-shaped blade. I don't believe they make a different blade shape for this model, but I asked the clerk for it anyway.

>>>> another knife post to generate a mass response <<
It was an honest post! LOL

>>>> Are they a substitute for that dedicated sheath knife on belt or neck lanyard? <<
In my PSK, YES!

>>>> The serrations are a PITA to sharpen without a proper hone. <<
I gambled that if the extra cutting power of a 50% serrated blade in the PSK got me home, I could sharpen it then. <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

>>>> the button compass bubble freezes the needle <<
Gerber Ridge Knife, $17; razor blade backups, $2; Peyser-SGI NATO brass escape compass (dry), PRICELESS hehe

>>>> Your knife is well made and certainly emminently packable in the PSK [ed] For $17 you did well <<

Thank you very much for the pat on the back, Chris. I'm a newbie here, and I love positive feedback. I thought it made a really good PSK knife. You rock, and this forum rocks.
Yours,
Run

ps- if anyone thinks this is a kiss-ass post, you're right. It's ok, though.....I have triple antibiotic cream in my PSK. <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The perfect survival knife is usually the knife you have with you in a survival situation. If you feel you won't have another knife with you than you may just have bought your perfect survival knife. However in the mean time you might want to consider looking into buying another knife or two and use this knife as a back up. Doug has some great info on this site about knives.

http://www.equipped.org/devices4.htm

adam said "The perfect survival knife is usually the knife you have with you in a survival situation..."

That goes for the perfect firearm too.

Adam,
Thanks for the link, I have already studied the information well. I have just purchased my first fixed blade knife, but it will never see EDC, so my PSK blade will be crucial. I think it may be the perfect survival knife! It's the Ontario SP-25 Spec Plus USN-2, an updated version of the AF survival knife. PIC

Ok, maybe not the "perfect" survival knife, with multi-pocket sheath, and a blade that will clear out jungle undergrowth, but I'm pleased! I see in the Shot Show report they have a newer, improved line than the Spec Plus, but they dont include a lanyard hole. I only like this knife better than the original AF knife in that the sheath is ballistic cloth instead of leather, which I understand will rust a carbon steel blade if neglected (been there). I really like the Kraton rubber handle as well.
Run
ps- I've been a backpacker for years, and only carried a cheap SAK copy, and never ever used it <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Blueflame,

>>>> "the perfect survival knife is usually the knife you have with you in a survival situation..." [ed] "That goes for the perfect firearm too " <<

That's a tough one, since i usually don't carry everyday. I suppose for most, that would be a compact pistol, not the best survival tool (depending on where you are of course <img src="images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />). I know this is hotly debated, but when I travel in the mountains, or any long drive, my perfect firearm will be the Springfield M6 rifle/shotgun over/under (respectively) in stainless. I keep a brick of .22's, some .410 slugs, and some .410 birdshot with me, and it resides in a fitted hardcase.

I lost the link, but there's a web page that describes how to "survivalize" the M6 with paracord handgrips, lanyard for the takedown pin, an empty .410 husk mini survival kit to fit in the ammo storage buttstock, etc. I've been trying to locate a source for .410 aerial flares. Springfield used to sell them but they are now a discontinued item. I found a place online that specializes mainly in novelty 12 guage rounds that sells them, but I can't get them to answer their phone! Are the .410 flares even worth finding?

Thanks for any help,
Run

ps- Sorry if I'm starting to sound like the survival version of Martha Stewart with all of the "the perfect" this, and "the perfect" that. <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Everybody wants to do a K.I.S.S. Looks like Gerber got around the patent by moving the lock to the center, but what is the "ridge" about?

I've carried a "Sampson's K.I.S.S." (a bit larger) for some time, and it's done well, but it recently annoyed me by coming open a bit in my pocket and putting a nice, neat little half-inch gash in my trousers leg. I could have lived without that.

In two of my "Altoids"-size kits I'm carrying Gerber LST knives without the clip. They actually fit without even going diagonally.

Of course, Doug had to pipe up about the "Equipped" Sebenza just when I was fishing around for a new EDC knife. I have reservations... I don't know about the new steel, but I know Chris Reeve knives in the past weren't known for high corrosion resistance, and since I'm playing more around salt water lately, I've been thinking about the Mission Titanium folder instead... though what I really need is something very FLAT for inconspicuous ("executive") EDC carry. Mutter, mutter....

Sorry, did not mean to imply everyone should carry. My point is, what you have with you and you are familiar with, is the "best" at the time.

Ah yes backpacking one of my favorite past times.....I agree that most of the time I never use a blade while backpacking so I usually don't carry much in the way of blades. But a good locking folder could be an invaluable tool when needed.

I think most people don’t pack knives in their PSK. They tend to (me included) carry a knife separate from the kit but part of the kit. When I venture into the woods I always take the least amount of gear needed to safely see me through my journey. On a day hike I have more “survival gear” then on a backpacking trip unless I’m planning an extended trip in a remote area.

I think your right that a big fixed blade knife won’t see much in the way of EDC but a 3-4” folder can easily be carried in a pocket.