Survival Expert's Favorite Knife

[DancesWithKnives]

I went to a presentation by highly respected outdoor expert Chris Nyerges (www.christophernyerges.com) at the Adventurers' Club, Los Angeles (www.adventurersclub.org). Although he spoke mainly about edible wild plants, at the end of the show someone in the audience (ahem....) asked "What is your favorite wilderness and woodcraft knife?". A long list of followup questions on steel type, handle shape/composition, primary grind type, secondary bevels, sheath type, etc. was standing by.

The answer: Cold Steel Bushman! [So much for the followup questions....]

Although not an exotic knife likely to stimulate excitement in hardcore knife aficionados, it is certainly a practical, economical, and sturdy recommendation.

DWK

[DancesWithKnives]

If the Bushman is Chris' favorite, what's your fav? If you have a huge collection, feel free to name a few.

DWK

[tjhuels]

If the Bushman is Chris' favorite, what's your fav? If you have a huge collection, feel free to name a few.

DWK

The Marbles' Woodcraft is hard to beat, also the D H Russell/Grohmann belt knife. A Buck #105 is pretty good, too.

Tom
Minnesota

[swamp]

what are the characteristics of a good survival knife?

[Scout]

In a true survival situation....the knife you have with you will become your favorite.

With that said, I really like simple Mora's and have recently learned to enjoy a Gerber Rock. On the larger side, the Cold Steel SRK or the time tested Ka-bar fits nicely.

As far as characteristics of a good survival knife, some I like include:

Good edge holding ability
Ease of sharpening
Blade size of 4 to 8 inches (if it can't be a machete)
Full tang
Good non-slip handle material
Good extruded bolster to keep the hand from slipping down the blade

[DancesWithKnives]

I could not argue with an SRK. Very strong knife and the Carbon V version I have offers quite good edge retention. If I had a small hatchet or a machete with me, I might have a slight preference for the CS Master Hunter over the SRK. Its flat grind cuts a bit better and the shorter blade can sometimes be handier.

DWK

[Craig]

Spyderco Woodlander!

[DancesWithKnives]

I've had good results with Spydercos myself and there are several models I'd be comfortable with in the boonies. Probably not my Spydercard or Civilians, however.:wink:

DWK