Self-preservation is a subtle theme throughout this issue, so here we take a closer look at survival knives: our “SHTF” column elsewhere in this issue features two bizarre-looking survival blades, while this edition of “Unusual Suspects” focuses on the more conventional types.
After our rigorous (if unscientific) testing, we found that if a tool is marketed as a survival knife, it better meet three crucial criteria: have a stellar handle, be made of durable materials, and offer a sharp yet versatile blade. Among this bunch, there are no losers. All excel in certain aspects — the key is figuring out what aspects are most important to you and when. Once you do, no doubt one of these tools will make a home in your go bag. Turn the page to find out which one we'd bug-out with.
Make:
KA-BAR
Model:
Johnson Adventure Gamestalker
OAL:
8 inches
Blade Length:
4 inches
Blade Material:
440 stainless steel
Weight:
4 ounces
MSRP:
$66
URL:
www.kabar.com
Make:
Spyderco
Model:
Bushcraft
OAL:
8.75 inches
Blade Length:
4.10 inches
Blade Material:
O-1 tool steel
Weight:
7.8 ounces
MSRP:
$340
URL:
www.spyderco.com
Make:
Benchmade
Model:
162 Bushcrafter
OAL:
9.2 inches
Blade Length:
4.43 inches
Blade Material:
S30V
Weight:
7.72 ounces
MSRP:
$200
URL:
www.benchmade.com
Make:
Attleboro Knives
Model:
The Attleboro
OAL:
9.75 inches
Blade Length:
4.5 inches
Blade Material:
S35VN
Weight:
6.1 ounces
MSRP:
$350
URL:
www.attleboroknives.com
Make:
Camillus
Model:
Les Stroud SK Mountain Ultimate Survival Knife
OAL:
10 inches
Blade Length:
4.75 inches
Blade Material:
440 stainless steel
Weight:
8.2 ounces
MSRP:
$58
URL:
www.camillusknives.com
Make:
Gerber
Model:
Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Fixed Blade
OAL:
10 inches
Blade Length:
4.8 inches
Blade Material:
9Cr19MoV
Weight:
13.7 ounces
MSRP:
$105
URL:
www.gerbergear.com
Make:
Ontario Knife Company
Model:
Blackbird SK-5
OAL:
10 inches
Blade Length:
5 inches
Blade Material:
154CM
Weight:
8.4 ounces
MSRP:
$109
URL:
www.ontarioknife.com
411:
KA-BAR has a legacy of making quality blades that see real-world use. The Gamestalker is no exception. It's lightweight, versatile, and ideal for survivalists who can hunt; the blade shines best when field dressing. Made in the USA.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
As the name implies, the Bushcraft is meant for those who practice hunting, tracking, fire-crafting, and other wilderness skills. The blade is razor sharp and ridiculously tough, while the handle is finely crafted.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
The blade is made of S30V, a stainless steel that's uncommon for bushcrafting. Critics say it's hard to sharpen and doesn't spark as easily as high-car prism:class=”sidebar”bon steel to ignite kindling. But we found this U.S.-made knife to be a serious outdoor contender that's razor sharp and versatile.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
Les Stroud of Survivorman fame helped Camillus design this tool, and it shows in its high functionality. It comes with a fully-loaded sheath, which contains a mirror, a whistle, a fire-starter, an LED light, an integrated sharpener, some paracord, and a mini survival guide. Among the best of this bunch.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
Bear Grylls is a former SAS operator who became known for his Man vs. Wild TV show. Like Stroud, he also offers survival tools (via Gerber). This package comes with a whistle and a sheath, which contains a built-in fire-starter and an integrated sharpener. Fans of both Grylls and Gerber will no doubt fancy this package.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
When it comes to tools that save your life, looks can be deceiving. The Blackbird SK-5 appears to be a bland knife. Almost like a regular kitchen knife, but on a bit of Creatine. However, when you're stranded in the wilderness, looks won't get you by — the Blackbird SK-5 will. It's great for woodwork, hunting, self-defense, and filleting fish.
Pros:
Cons:
411:
It's a long-standing tradition that knife-makers sometimes create blades based on input from brave troops who seek improvements after having gone into harm's way. But the Attleboro was made to put the spotlight on one such soldier who never made it back: Master Sergeant William B. Hunt. As a member of the U.S. Army Special Forces during Operation Attleboro in the Vietnam War, he was a passenger on a resupply helicopter that was turned into a medevac due to heavy fighting. After helping evacuate the wounded, Hunt volunteered to stay behind to reinforce the remaining troops, saving several lives, but ultimately sacrificing his own. Unfortunately, his body was never recovered.
The folks at Attleboro Knives — all former military or outdoor junkies — named their first knife to honor Hunt and all of the Special Forces soldiers who died during this operation. Plus, Boots and Berets LLC has allocated a percentage of every sale of the knife to the Green Beret Foundation. The blade comes with a Kydex sheath (black or desert tan), as well as a commemorative coin and a certificate. The handle has a wrist lanyard and a beveled glass-breaker. Naturally, the Attleboro is made in the USA.
The Attleboro would be an asset for anyone surprised by an emergency situation, facing the perils of the great outdoors, or heading into harm's way.
Pros:
Cons:
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