Here is a neat little knife for the survival tin. I had to order one.

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=686789

David Enoch

The knife looks good but is very expensive for what you are getting. It looks awkward to use and even slightly dangerous in use, although I would need to handle one to be sure of that. I just put one of these el cheapo knifes into my survival tin.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.19364

It would seem like an "el cheapo" folder would be just asking for trouble - considering its role is to get you through a survival situation. Being a Scout leader I see a lot of cheap folder breaking.

Just the other weekend a boy had brought along a nice looking REI-branded knife, and a screw came out and it kind of fell apart on him. I don't know who made it for REI, but I'd be hesitant about their knives. I just looked at their web site - there is only one REI knife - a mini-multi-tool I think that was the one that broke.

You might consider one of Doug's CRKT Mk5 fixed blade knives for only about $18 (they are pretty slick little knives - especially for the price) OR at least a higher quality folder.

On the other hand, if you already EDC a higher quality knife, and that is just a backup, then its probably just fine.

BTW, I'm not sure if you'd seen this picture on Doug's description for the Mk5, but I really like it:

Where do you find them for $18?

A.G. Russell. $17.95, plus shipping.

http://www.agrussell.com/product.asp?pn=CL-2380

Size comparison between the el cheapo Boker Sub $5 Subcom Copy and a Leatherman CX.

The el cheapo knife is actually pretty good for the price. The dimensions for the knife folded are 65mm x 35mm and 6mm thick with the back clip removed. It fits nicely into an Altoids tin. The blade is meant to be AUS8 steel and judging by the edge it takes I have no reason not to believe that it isn't. It certainly takes a better edge that the 420 steel blades found on the cheaper Leatherman tools. The frame lock certainly comparable to the Leatherman CX, although the el cheapo has less lateral side to side movement and a more secure feel.

The problem I have with the smaller fixed blade knifes designed to fit in an altoids tin is that they are getting to the point where very little can actually be achieved without over stressing the hands and ultimately could be cause injury through slippage. A smaller folder with a better grip may be preferred even though they ultimately might not be as tough or as lightweight.

http://www.agrussell.com

Last August I bought two for $17.95 each plus 8.95 for shipping.

Knifecenter (I've bought a bunch from them in years past) has them for that price.

Google shopping shows them for less, but not so sure about untried sellers. For a few bucks I'd stick with someone I know.

Sweet knife I will get me one of those.

litlefoot01
Life is what you make it so lets
make it right.

I'll second that. Those mini neck knives with skeleton handle tend to be useless for any real cutting. Poor ergonomy, thin grip, very awkward and uncomfortable to use for heavier cutting. Also, why all the tacticool jimping, notches and whatnot? Aside from making the grip a lot less comfortable, they just create more stress points where the steel is likely to break.

A small folder is better IME because you get a larger blade at the same size and the grip, while far from perfect, is usually still a major improvement over the plain steel skeleton handle. What benefits a miniature fixed blade offers in structural strength is limited by the amount of work you can accomplish. You won't be cutting anything substantial with a flimsy 1 1/2" blade. Your mileage may vary but in my expectations I don't see any serious use for a "survival" knife that can't even be used to cut small branches (e.g. sticks for shelter poles and the like) with some efficiency.

Thanks, for the $ looks like good for that kit.
I normally EDC a fodler anyway, and ni the woods fixed, so this is just in case I`m stripped of all those in some fall, etc.