There have recently been quite a few posts regarding various methods of cleaning knives, and it was noted that solvents and even hot water could be a problem on glues and plastics. Thread

There are all sorts of solvent resistant compounds out there; why, with all the choices of survival knives, would anyone choose to carry a knife that was lacked durability?

If I was stuck in a situation where I was having to cut a fiber/rubber fuel line (for instance) I certainly wouldn't want the primary tool to start falling apart.

Thoughts?

Most of my knives are not “survival” knives as such and are EDC for daily routine cutting tasks. As with most things in life, there are trade offs between cost, functionality, style, personal tastes and the ever present “cool” factor. Choosing knives, flashlights pens, watches, as well as a whole host of other gear are a matter of personal taste, available finances, need and the “ I want it factor”. We, as a group will likely never agree all the time (if ever) on what constitutes the “ best” of anything. All we can do is share our opinions and experiences, then allow the hearer/reader to make up their own mind.

Pete

None of my knives are “survival” knives and not one of them will ever be in a Rambo movie! But I can assure you that mine are more useful not only day in and day out but in a survival situation as well than any of the “survival” knives you normally see. Mine are not stirring sticks, pry bars, hammers or shovels but I can tell you that getting a little gasoline or other “normal” chemical that I would get on me is not going to make them fall apart.

I do not think cleaning a knife or any other piece of gear with a solvent is the same thing as getting some on the item during routine use.

I love SAKs; I have carried one and used them for going on 30+ years. For me they are reliable, useful, affordable have fixed numerous problems and have gotten me out of a lot tight spots. However, they do not dissemble nor do the scales stand up to certain solvents. These two detractions, (IMHO) are insufficient reasons neither to include them as EDC nor to use them as my primary means of repairing/fixing what life deals me. The benefits far outweigh the negative at least for me.

Just my 2 cents-
Pete

That is the reason I carry the older aluminum handled SAK’s that also incidentally also have thicker blades. I was just at Smokey Mountain Knife Works and they have several choices for this much more durable knife.

I guess I should not have used the term "survival knife"... I'm not thinking "boot dirk" or paratrooper knife. But I am thinking about the need for durability in a multi functional tool, at any given time (like a SAK or LM) ; you never know when the occasion may arise.

I understand it is personal preference, but, if you have an EDC, why not carry one of the same tools you would carry in a kit? Something with proven durability?

My personal preference? I will continue to stick with all durable components; no vulnerable plastic, no-glues, leave it in a bucket of solvent overnight, and it will perform as designed the next day.

I agree. If I can't rely on it in a survival situation then I'm not going to make it my EDC.

Why would you place your knife in a bucket of solvent overnight ???

If your get sticky gunk in the hinges, this is the only way to clean it properly.

I have carried a knife for years, cleaned hundreds if not thousands of ducks with my folders, as well as deer and fish and have always been able to clean them with a bit of dish detergent and hot water with a drip of ATF or CLP on the hinge.

I think a quality knife sticks out pretty quickly compared to some of the imported crap we see, and worrying about solvents dissolving the handles of you SAK is a bit overblown.