If there was mention of 3.5 inch blade then I must have misses it. Yes, I am saying that. A fixed blade tends to have better handle design and a hilt. Also at 3.5 you are getting into belt carry range. Rarely have I made a blade that small, hideouts and sleeve blades being the rare exception. A five inch blade would have gone deeper and would have made a larger wound channel. This is of course merely my humble opinion. Thenks for responding.

This seems to be a widely held opinion, and one I agree with.

I rotate several knives to compliment my Wave which is my EDC everywhere I can carry a larger 'knife'. In the rotation is usually one of the following:

1. Buck 119 Special - belt
2. Western W 36 - belt
3. Ka-Bar Becker BK-7 - on pack
4. Ontario CT-1 - on pack
5. Mora 840 MG Clipper - belt

It's kind of like Survival Musical Chairs....which one will I have when the music stops?

Glad you responded to my little wise a$$ comment. Actually, Lake Superior is considerably more hazardous to shipping than the West Coast. Some years ago I spent a memorable three weeks investigating various shipwrecks around Isle Royale - a pretty deadly place.

We now return you to the thread....

Yes, and sorry I used the term "the Big One" when addressing an esteemed member from the West Coast.

I don't think a day goes by that I don't use my knife. Things must be totally different where you live. A good knife is one of the most useful things anyone could own.

If there are no places to make a fire or shelter in Uk green spaces, just where are all those UK guys on Youtube that are doing so making fire and shelter?

I think quick joey small has a point about the UK , but my 2cents worth -

I carry a penknife (SAK, UKPK or something similar) daily, and frequently use it - but usually for opening parcels and pulling staples and the like.

The 'wilderness' in the UK is on a differnt scale to the US - you can die of hypothermia on a hillside easily enough, but you are rarely many miles from civilisation of some kind. Lots of Bushcraft enthusiasts, who get landowner permission to chop trees and build shelters and the like.

But in the UK a survival bag and a whistle are the primary survival tools (this may be equally true in a lot of places if we are honest)

In the UK - A knife for camping? Absolutely, but it will mostly be for food prep and little tasks. A knife for edc? Absolutely, but it had better fit in a small pocket and not lock. A knife for self-defence? Absolutley not. A knife for the zombie apocalypse? Absolutely,but let's remember we're just having fun with it ;-)

Finally got some time to look over this thread.

I've been looking for a good fixed blade, so thanks for all the ideas.

Here in Colorado critter attacks in the wilderness are rare, but we do have a fair amount of mountain lions, bears, moose, elk, coyotes and ill-intentioned humans. Thankfully my main use of knives on the trail hasn't involved defense but more mundane tasks, such as:

--whittling tinder sticks, marshmallow sticks, extra tent pegs
--prepping camp food
--cutting string or rope
--carving hiking sticks

That said, it'd be nice to have a fixed blade, as it'd be easier to clean/maintain, as well as quicker access in the event of an emergency. (Try opening a basic SAK with numb, icy fingers. Ugh.)

A sawing capability would be nice, as well.

I'd suggest that you carry a multitool as your backup blade and primary saw, or if you need more than that a separate saw, like one of the folding Gerbers.

My favorite Survival knife is a Charlie Ridge (Mark Wohlwend)Survival Knife made from 5160 steel. It's a large knife with a 6" blade but handles well. I have a pouch on the sheath for a Multi-Tool and usually carry a Swiss Tool in the pouch and also a fire steel.


For daily carry I wear a Becker Necker neck knife and carry a Leatherman Wave.




David Enoch