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#63062 - 03/30/06 05:56 AM 5.25 blade long enough?
ianjbs Offline


Registered: 08/31/05
Posts: 24
I allready have a small benchmade folder, but need a larger knife for misc. tasks around camp and for general survivial purposes. I'm looking at the Becker Knife & tool companion, but was wondering if I should get something with a 6 or 7 " blade. I hear many conflicting opinions, and would like some advice on this. Thanks in advance for the help. --Ian [edit]-While I'm at it, are there any other knives along these lines that any of you would reccomend I look into which are not horrendously expensive?

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#63063 - 03/30/06 09:15 AM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
Tjin Offline
Pooh-Bah

Registered: 04/08/02
Posts: 1821
there are a lot of conflicting preferene because they are personal preference's.

Big knife: heavy and annoying to carry, but you will be able to chop.

Small knife: light and easy to carry, but you can only split wood with a baton.

cheap, light, small and good knife: Mora's.
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#63064 - 03/30/06 01:21 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
KG2V Offline

Veteran

Registered: 08/19/03
Posts: 1371
Loc: Queens, New York City
I've always thought you were better off with say a 3" blade pocket knife, and a hachet - aka the right tools for the job - and probably about the same weight
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73 de KG2V
You are what you do when it counts - The Masso
Homepage: http://www.thegallos.com
Blog: http://kg2v.blogspot.com

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#63065 - 03/30/06 02:26 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
Brangdon Offline
Veteran

Registered: 12/12/04
Posts: 1204
Loc: Nottingham, UK
Have you read the ETS Gear section on the subject?

This leads to my recommendation that a survival knife should have a blade at least four inches long, but no longer than six inches, or there about.

You need to read the whole thing to see why Doug says that.
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Quality is addictive.

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#63066 - 03/30/06 02:46 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
norad45 Offline
Veteran

Registered: 07/01/04
Posts: 1506
I decided on the BK10 Crewman rather than the Campanion. It's a bit less expensive and still quite stout, but not so stout that I can't use it for lighter tasks. The Campanion does look like it could dig a ditch though. <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> As far as blade length, I think that 5-6" is just about perfect, but you will get some debate about that I am sure.

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#63067 - 03/30/06 04:32 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
Craig_phx Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 04/05/05
Posts: 715
Loc: Phoenix, AZ


I am a Mora fan but I now prefer a different knife. I took a Cold Steel True Flight Thrower and modified it. It is made of Carbon V steel. It does everything I want my knife to do and is as indestructible as a knife can be.

I filed the black coating off the sides of the blade and kept filing until it was almost down to a zero grind. Then I put a normal edge on it. I replaced the green para-cord with extra heavy duty red and black boot lace. I did the wrap so that there is no knot on the blade end of the handle. I then put a very small piece of friction tape on the bottom of the choil. I took the sheath's belt loop and folded it over and pop riveted it in place. Now the knife sits higher and it is very flat so my hand and arm do not catch or rub against it.

This knife is a perfect, flat ground, wedge. It splits wood and cuts so smoothly I can't believe it. It cuts paper and cardboard very smoothly. The weight of the blade makes some cutting tasks very smooth and easy. The tip of the blade is very strong. It goes from full thickness to the point at a steep angle.

You can't hurt this knife! There is no handle to damage. If the cord gets damaged you can wrap a new one. It is a great field knife because you don't have to worry about it getting scratched or dinged. I have been shaving thin wood strips with it for ferro rod tinder. That takes a lot of hard gripping. It feels good in the hand. You have to hold it so your thumb and first finger are on the choil.

It is a mean wood splitting and cutting machine! <img src="/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
_________________________
Thermo-regulate, hydrate and communicate.

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#63068 - 03/30/06 05:22 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
ianjbs Offline


Registered: 08/31/05
Posts: 24
Thanks for the info, I'll be sure to read the section on knife recommendations. -Ian

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#63069 - 03/30/06 06:09 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
SARbound Offline
Addict

Registered: 06/08/05
Posts: 503
Loc: Quebec City, Canada
After many hours of research, I tend to second that.

A big knife is nice and fun, but I don't know it I would hike for many hours with a 12-15 oz. knife on my belt.

Something around 4" seems to be the most versatile blade length.
_________________________
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"The only easy day was yesterday."

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#63070 - 03/30/06 08:28 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
Craig_phx Offline
Old Hand

Registered: 04/05/05
Posts: 715
Loc: Phoenix, AZ
Bee,

I have read that a utility knife should have a blade length that is about the width of the palm of your hand.
_________________________
Thermo-regulate, hydrate and communicate.

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#63071 - 03/30/06 09:48 PM Re: 5.25 blade long enough?
7k7k99 Offline
Enthusiast

Registered: 06/01/05
Posts: 375
Loc: Ohio
I just picked up the new Benchmade CSK Combat Survival Knife 6" D2 and it is awesome! I think I finally found the perfect fixed blade for my survival kit. At least until Doug brings his fixed blade out!

http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM156BT

I like it a lot, comes with a great cordura sheath with extra pocket for sharpening stone, etc. Haven't used it yet, but can't wait!

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