of those who EDC a knife(in general; not just on this site), the majority seem to carry a folder rather than a FB. so that's what we'd have if we were thrown into the thicket with just what's in our pockets.
what folding knife would you trust to hold up to demands if TSHTF?
I EDC the
Mini Doug Ritter RSK Mk1 - also known as the Rittergrip. I work in an office environment and have to balance the size and form factor with the realistic nature of the need. For example, a fixed blade is simply not acceptable in my work environment (just a fact - don't go nuts over that one). I have both and have carried both, but I find the mini to be much more pocket-friendly than the full size.
The other reality is that in the middle of a VERY large suburban area I simply won't be dropped in a thicket. Regardless, even when camping locally, a folder and a small saw (Silky) can take me a VERY long way.
When camping & hiking I carry the
full size RSK Mk1 since I like how it handles much better. The larger handle fits nicely in my hand. I don't necessarily sense that the full size is any tougher than the mini though.
what type of blade, lock, etc. would be best for this kind of (ab)use?
First, let me say that carrying a "survival kit" my view is that it needs to be ultra small, easy to carry, and includes just the basics to get you through the 72 hours or so it might take for rescue. For more about that philosophy see
outdoorsafe.com Under that situation, a good folder (RSK Mk1) is sufficient to supply me with firewood and to help me provide shelter.
Second, when outdoors, I don't bring just one tool. I'll ALWAYS have a saw and usually an axe with me. I simply don't abuse my knife. The thing that seems to get the most abuse is my hands. To deal with that in the last few years I've taken to bringing leather gloves along rather than dealing with the cuts, scrapes, & burns that come with playing outdoors.
To more directly answer your post: I prefer mid-length (4-5") thinnish drop point blades. There are some very nice locks out there. I really like the axis lock on the Mk1. I also hear good things about frame locks. I would avoid liner locks.
I also prefer a folder with a lanyard hole sized for paracord. When camping I ALWAYS fasten my folder to a belt loop with a fairly long paracord lanyard - sized so that if dropped the knife won't quite hit the ground. Its just a safety measure so I can't loose me precious Rittergrip.
preferably from 1st hand experience, be it from controlled testing or real-world SHTF situation.
I've carried the Rittergrips for quite a few years now, including the mini, full size, and fixed. I think I like the fixed blade the best of the three. It is the best camp knife I've owned. I camp a lot in all sorts of places & weather. They've done everything I expect of them and more. I don't abuse them. I don't use a folder as an axe, pry bar, or screwdriver - to me that would be foolish. Its not uncommon for me to use no tools when gathering firewood. If I can break it down to size - it goes into the fire. On longer trips I might saw up larger wood.
The good news is that through proper planning I've never been in a SHTF situation. I gear up to meet the needs of my activities. I carry a PLB in areas that might not have a cell phone signal. I carry map/compass/GPS in areas that are not vividly familiar to me. I've had fellow campers get real sick and I've had them get hurt bad enough to head to the hospital, but life & limb have never really been in danger.
Ken