What folding knife is good in wilderness survival?

Regardless of where this forum resides by far my favorite larger folding knife is the Ritter RSK Mk1 by Benchmade. The size, blade shape, and handle shape/texture are exactly what I want, and the S30V blade is wonderfull.

I honestly can't imagine you'll find a better folder, especially for that money.

For a smaller carry (not really for survival) I like the Leatherman Micra.

A bit pricey, but CHris Reeve's Sebenza's can't be beat.

Why would you buy such an expensive knife? What are its advantages over a $50 knife with a similar shape and quality steel? My experience is limited, but I can't understand why the difference.

I just bought a Benchmade 710HS (plain edge, M2 steel, $130) which I love. It's smooth--like a fine tool, but I don't know that I'd prefer it in the field in a survival situation over something else that's half the price, or less.

What significant advantage does such an expensive knife as what Chris Reeves produces ($300+) have over a $50 knife? Is it the toy factor--mine is cooler than yours--or is the extra $250 worth the difference?

Well, since you didn't say a locking folder, like your other thread, I'm going to say a Swiss Army Knife (SAK). You want something with a woodsaw. A couple good choices are the Victorinox Farmer, any of the Victorinox lockblades, or a surplus Bundeswehr (German Army) knife.


Robert

Yes, life is too short. And I can afford it.

I bought a Benchmade Griptillian with the 3+ in blade. One handed opening and axis lock mechanism. I am not really a fan of folders for main knife chores, but this one is sturdy and well designed. Paid under $70 for it also! Basically the same as Doug's RSK but with the Spidermade hole in the blade for one handed opening. Cheers!

Like rodmeister said, why do these knives have to be so expensive? Isn't there some kind of folding knife that's good and only costs like $50?

I carry both a Wave and a Micra for everyday use. Being in NYC, I don't want to be stuck answering awkward questions about what I'm doing carrying anything more substantial than that. After all, the presumption here is if you're carrying a knife you're going to stab somebody - it's not like knives have any practical purpose after all... <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

But even then I find that the Micra is more "PHRASECENSOREDPOSTERSHOULDKNOWBETTER. friendly," more like a toy than something that could kill. So in mixed company I preferentially use the Micra.

The higher price is paying for high engineering tolerances, the axis locking mechanism and the best blade metal I've yet to see.

Here are my under $50 choices, but there are many:

(prices from knifecenter.com)
Opinel - $14
Gerber E-Z-Out - $27
Kershaw Ken Onion Vapor 2 - $30
Buck 110 - $40

Bettery yet, for $48 you can get a Becker Knife & Tool Crewman fixed blade - one heck of a survival knife. I wonder what a BK&T folder would look like??

I also like the Sebenza. You can disassemble it completely for cleaning and the titanium frame lock is pretty darn sturdy. Just read Doug Ritter's review.

That said, WSI offers the very inexpensive CRKT Badger or Rancher lockbacks as perfectly serviceable survival knives--and those guys are in Alaska! <img src="/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" />

One of my favourite arguments <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> When people become interested in our pursuit THE KNIFE sticks in the brain firmer than Excalibur in that stone. There are lots of decent knives under $50. All that money Chris Reeve loses can go to a quality sleeping bag and a whole rucksack of survival goodies. Folding knives have one very simple reason for carry. Either social circumstances, law and custom or simple convenience and ease of carry dictate a folder vs a fixed blade. So what we need to know is why,when and how you anticipate carying and using a folder?

RC:

The one you have on you when the excretement hits the oscillating blade.

Bountyhunter

I have lost to many knives to spend over $100. I am looking for one under $50 too.

After checking out hundreds of knives at this years Shot Show I was most impressed with the new Dozier designed folders by K-Bar. They are lightweight, have sturdy stainless D2 steel, a lanyard hole, one-hand opening and feel great in your hand. They can also be purchased for around $20.00. I showed 2 of the models to Doug while at the show and he was also impressed with their design and price. The model I was most impressed with was the KA4066, but there are several to choose from.

I have no dealings with K-Bar whatsoever, so this is not a sales pitch. Do a web search on "K-Bar Dozier knife" and you should find plenty of dealers selling them.

Take care, George

Matt
??? Time to invest in a lanyard ???

Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) makes great knives for reasonable prices. I have their Mirage (out of production now) and am on my second Mt. Shasta (an indestructible 2.5" folder, 'cause you can't carry anything longer in Chicago). You should be able to get a nice one for under $50 and may be able to pick up a couple on eBay for around there. Depends on what size and type steel you're looking for. www.crkt.com The A.G. Russell site lists them, too.

I would also recommend a KA-BAR Dozier if you are looking for a good folder costing less than $50. Although I believe the $20 Doziers are in fact AUS 8A and not D2, but that's still a great deal nonetheless.

Physics,

I do the same thing - the RSK stays hidden, and I only use my "toy" at work - the Leatherman Squirt. I once used my Wave to slice open a box, and my co-worker's eyes got real big. No need to draw unwanted attention.

I agree 100% and believe me I have tried them all. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

"...Swiss Army Knife (SAK). You want something with a woodsaw."

I have seen this comment before, and I wonder what you use the woodsaw for. Not for firewood, I don't think, because the blade is so short that most wood that you could cut you could break under your foot. There must be another use?

Sue

Good for making a more asthetically pleasing firboard and spindle... hehehahaha. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

That is the kicker. I had just removed it because it was frayed bad. Before I got a new one on, it disappeared. <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> My current EDC is a Spyderco 93mm Rescue. It is a little much for EDC but it is the only one I have.

BTW I have a loop on this knife! I have had it for many years now.

Best strategy is to pair a Swiss Army knife with a heavy duty folder like the classic Buck 110 or maybe a Spyderco Endura. Life's too short to skimp too much.