Reddit mentions: The best camping knives & tools

You're asking a very broad question while looking for specifics, making it very hard to pinpoint an answer. I'll give my advice on bug out bag items.

The bag itself - Should be a solid backpacking bag. Keep it light enough that it's manageable. For a very fit individual, the max weight should be your body weight divided by 3. Most of us are not that fit, so adjust accordingly. It should have hip support, well stitched straps, several compartments and a way to attach things to the outside (molle webbing, carabiner loops or exterior straps). Should be weatherproof.
Water - Depends entirely on your location. I live in Canada - Land of lakes and rivers. I wont need to carry a ton of water all the time. I've got a sawyer squeeze as my primary water filter. The collapsible water bottles it comes with work great for water storage as well. Wife and daughter carry a lifestraw as backups. We have some iodine drops as well.
As far as water carrying devices go, i find nalgene bottles work great. Theyre light and strong, and come in various sizes. A canteen is great if you want to use it to cook over a fire. Its not a bad idea either to have a large (5 litre+) collapsible water container. They're plastic and light. I havn't used mine extensively enough to recommend.
Sharp Things - I've got a Kabar as my primary fixed blade. It's tried and true. Good metal, full tang. I've got a leatherman wave multitool. Carry it everyday on my belt. Super handy. I should really add a 3-4" folding knife to my pack as sometimes the kabar is too big, and the multitool is hard to clean.
I also carry a Cold steel shovel. I looked into folding shovels, and they didnt seem reliable. Moving parts means they're more likely to fail. I haven't used this one extensively, but the few times i have tried it, its done an excellent job. If your pack's too heavy, put this one in your car.
Food - Your typical protein bars, dried rice/bean mix, snickers, small jar of PB, oatmeal and dehydrated fruit. A small bit of olive oil packs a ton of calories and adds flavour. It's good to have a small container of salt and pepper, or other spices to add flavour. You can grab MRE's or those mountainhouse dried meals, but theyre expensive. If you regularly buy pepperettes or jerkey, stick some in your bag and rotate it out when you buy it next. Multivitamins can keep you up if youre not getting a ton of food, but dont rely on them. Bring any meds you need, as well as tylenol or aspirin.
Hygiene - Pack a couple rolls of TP. Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant (chuck if too much weight), wash cloth, soap, soap for clothing, feminine products (if applicable), couple garbage bags (can separate dirty clothes), wet wipes, lip balm, hand sanitizer. Sun screen and bug spray in small bottles.
Clothing - Carry at least 7 pairs of good socks. Some warm ones if the location's cold. Extra shirts, underwear are essential. Pants/shorts and sweater are optional (besides whatever you're wearing). Stick your clothing in a waterproof sack. Try to keep only clean, dry clothes in there (no airflow + damp = mold).
-Paracord and rope
-Carabiners
-Sewing kit
-Tent patching kit (if you have a tent or a tarp)
-Tarp (who saw that coming). Doesn't have to be massive. Just know how to set it up to keep you dry.
-Fire Source. Have many. Lighters are cheap, stash away a bunch (7?). The lighter leash is awesome. You should be able to find that cheap at a corner store. Storm matches, for when its rainy. I think these are what I got. You can light them in any weather, put them under water, and they'll still be lit. Not a bad idea to carry regualr matches in a waterproof container. Firestarter packets are great. I just soak cotton balls in Vaseline. Flint and steel is cool, but only useful if youve exhausted all other fire starting methods.
-Super Glue
-Safety pins
-Zip ties
-Light. Hand crank flashlight is awesome. If you have a battery powered one, carry spare batteries. The mini maglite has a belt holster. Those small LED flashlights are great too. Grab a few glowsticks.
-fork and spoon
-emergency blanket or emergency sleeping bag. Only useful if you're SOL.
-poncho
-sleeping bag for your location. If its warm you don't need this. Can use a hammock or sleeping pad. Try and keep these small as they take up a ton of space.
-Compass. Useful if you have a map.
-Map of your location/where youre going.
-Signal mirror and a good whistle.
-Fishing supplies. I've got an emmrod. You can put a fairly small cheap reel on here. I've got the shimano ix2000. It casts a pretty good distance. Hooks, weights, bobs etc. Can all fit in small waterproof containers or camera film containers. Dont forget line! Mines already on the reel. A fishing vest gives you lots of little pockets to keep things in arms reach.
-First Aid kit. There's extensive lists online depending on how large you want it. Some gauze, band aids, polysporin, burn cream are a good start. Try and build it yourself, don't buy the gimmikey premade ones. Keep yours in a waterproof Tupperware container.
-Tiny roll of Gorilla Tape
-Games. Some dice and a deck of cards go a long way. Don't underestimate the value of laughter. If a sudden collapse ever happens, these might save you from depression.
-Headlamp. I've got this rayovac one (i think). Seems easy on batteries and has lasted a few camping trips. Haven't put serious use on it tho.
-Eating equipment. A mug and a small plate go a long way. A folding pan goes a long way, but is heavy. I would love to learn to use a pressure cooker over fires.
-Handkerchief or travel kleenex
-Bandanas. 3 of them.
-Bungee cords can be useful, but they run the risk of snapping and taking out an eye.
-Ziplock bags are handy. Keeps a lot of small things organized and dry.
-Pencils, Pens, notepad/book, sharpie.
-Hatchet is useful, but heavy. Take one if you can. The sven saw is awesome and hasn't broke on me yet.
-Spare pair of glasses (if applicable)
-Some sort of firearm is almost necessary. I don't have one yet, but i was planning on a 10/22 takedown. It's small and easy to pack. Bullets are light. If you need more stopping power than a .22, you're in a heap of trouble. Guns are not my specialty (can you guess), so ill leave it up to you
-In lieu of a firearm, you could grab a crossbow. If that's still too much, a good slingshot will do great.
-phone booklet and address's. In case your phone craps out and you cant charge it.
-A small windable clock is great. A solar watch is better. I think thats the one i have.

All this stuff is useless unless you know how to use it. Do your research, take some courses. Learn the necessary skills to survive, because that's what's really necessary. I like Les Stroud's (survivorman) book Survive!. Learn to tie knots, fish, hunt, forage, fight, build a fire in all conditions, etc.
If you have questions on the use of any of the above items, ask away. Any advice or suggestions, I welcome those too.

It's definitely enough for a nice knife, though you might want to go a bit higher for a great knife. The KaBar BK2 is actually designed with things like batoning (hammering the knife through wood as a kind of faux hatchet using another piece of wood against the blade of the knife as the hammer itself) or chopping. It's a bit over $60, currently available for $69 to be precise, but as long as you don't flat out abuse it (prying heavy things, for example) it'll serve you well and quite possibly for the rest of your natural life.

At a lower price, you can get the Condor Bushlore, which at $35 is a perfectly valid choice that will serve you well indeed.

For an even lower price yet, the Mora Heavy Companion is from one of those few cheaper knife companies that does incredible work. I wouldn't baton with it, honestly, but even if you did it'd probably hold up just fine.

At a more expensive range, the Ontario Rat-5 is an amazing bushcraft knife. The Fallkniven Pilot Survival Knife is also an amazing knife. The Benchmade Bone Collector is spectacular knife made in D2 tool steel, one of the better steels available at that price. Another amazing knife is the Spyderco Bushcraft made in O1 tool steel. Finally, the Benchmade 162 is a pretty amazing knife.

One thing you'll notice about all of these knives with the exception of the Pilot Survival knife and the BM 162 is that they're all carbon steel knives. Carbon steel is a lot tougher than stainless (with a few very, very rare exceptions I'd never trust a long knife to be stainless steel) with the trade off of being a lot more of a hassle to take care of, since it needs to be regularly cleaned and oiled.

If you want a fire starter, carry a magnesium fire starter. With the carbon steel knives, you can probably strike it against the back of the blade to create the sparks you'll want and if not (like with some of the coated ones) you'll be carrying the striker anyway.

For sharpening, you'll want to get a decent sharpening setup and start stropping. A couple of easy sharpening systems would be the superior Spyderco Sharpermaker (usually available on Amazon around the $50 mark) or the Lansky Sharpening system which while cheaper isn't as good. You could take the time to learn how to free hand it, but most casual users don't care that much because it takes a long time to get proficient at freehand sharpening. Stropping is running the blade against something like smooth leather (usually smooth leather, actually) to remove burrs along the blade of a knife made by use and sharpening and the restore a blade to a better edge without removing metal. Stropping allows for a level of sharpness unachievable by sharpening alone and extends a knife's lifetime by allowing sharpness to be achieved for longer without removing metal from the blade. To learn how to strop, watch videos on YouTube or check out guides from the sidebar of /r/knives.

Finally, if you want a whistle, just carry a whistle. If you want a mirror for signaling, carry a small signaling mirror or mirror polish the knife you buy (a process where you sand the blade with increasing grit level sandpaper until it shines like the sun and you can see yourself in the blade).

If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

I don't know too much about that backpack, so I can't comment, but you should be able to pickup a pack in that price range if you're just getting started.

water

A lifestraw will work, but essencially you need to go source to mouth, so if you need water for anything but drinking (i.e. for cooking) I don't know if the lifestraw will be best. Sure you can suck in, spit out, but there is a better solution: the sawyer mini is about the same price point: http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398890779&sr=8-1&keywords=sawyer+mini

meals

and that brings me to water for cooking. MREs are heavy, and while you won't be hiking far carrying that weight even for a short distance might not be the most fun (especially if you are saving money on your pack) - there a many commercially available freeze dried meals which are very light and you simply add boiling water to. Mountain house is the most common - http://www.amazon.com/MOUNTAIN-HOUSE-Beef-Stroganoff-4-80oz/dp/B0002YRNJK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398890892&sr=8-1&keywords=mountain+house

besides mountain house there is backpackers pantry (better IMO):
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=backpackers%20pantry&sprefix=backpacke%2Caps

and finally if you want to try some of the best I recommend packit gourmet:
http://www.packitgourmet.com/CookInBagMeals.html

clothes

wool is good because it keeps it's insulation warmth when wet. wool can be expensive though. If the weather is going to be good I'd recommend a couple quick drying shirts (which are pretty affordable)
http://www.amazon.com/Russell-Athletic-Sleeve-Dri-Power-3X-Large/dp/B00719Y8HO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891200&sr=8-3&keywords=quick+dry+shirt

and be prepared to own the worlds best pair of underwear - buy two pair wear one, wash one in a river:
http://www.amazon.com/ExOfficio-Give-N-Go-Boxer-Brief-Medium/dp/B001M0MN02/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891283&sr=8-1&keywords=exofficio+boxer+briefs

tools

this is probably one of the first things that gets "over packed" what to you anticipate needing a tool for? On the hand saw if you will be collecting fire wood there is a very nice lightweight handsaw that is perfect for backpacking, the Sven Saw:
http://www.amazon.com/SVEN-SAW-Sven-Saw-21/dp/B002J900EQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891413&sr=8-1&keywords=sven+saw

cookware

on cookware it all depends on what you'll be cooking. on a budget I'd recommend this cup:
http://www.amazon.com/GSI-Outdoors-Glacier-Stainless-Bottle/dp/B001LF3IB6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891523&sr=8-1&keywords=GSI+cup

and this stove:
http://www.amazon.com/Ultralight-Backpacking-Canister-Ignition-silvery/dp/B00ENDRORM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1398891563&sr=8-1&keywords=backpacking+stove

with that you'll be able to boil water for your freeze dried meals, make ramen, and you can also make hot drinks like tea.

Steel is steel mate. You can go with the expensive stuff, or with the cheap stuff - We're talking expensive at several hundred and cheap as under 20-50. I've seen 20 dollars knives made just as well as the 600 dollar knives, they just dont have the name brand. It's a chunk of steel, treated so it stands up to specific conditions and holds an edge better. It looks to be full tang - not sure what is up with the holes in the blade, or the design near the MT-5 logo. I found pictures online, looks like the steel comes out a bunch there? No idea what this design is or what purpose it could have - looks sketchy. And the holes in the blade...I mean I've seen the 5 dollar walmart knives with holes so you can create a makeshift spear but..Other then that, no idea why they are on this knife, and they cause more harm then good. You can use it for basic bushcrafting tasks but I'd be careful batoning, I've personally never heard of the brand - it could be name brand and be great, but it has some weird designs.

​

Really, steel is steel - all the fancy features cause more harm than good.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-4

That is a 12 dollar knife, and you really won't ever need more, but there are better options. The 12 dollar knife has a thinner blade and isn't suitable to as heavy duty work, but is a great beater knife for doing anything.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Survival-Starter-4-3-Inch/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-7

And their top of the line knives are

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Garberg-Carbon-Leather-Sheath/dp/B07B8SP4G9/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-10

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-M-12642-Stainless-Compatible-4-3-inch/dp/B01I1GITMA/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-12

There's a carbon version and stainless steel version. I'm gonna be honest...for the most part, they all do the same thing, but people want different things and fancier things - the garberg is the only full tang out of the bunch, but even their half tang knives are bulletproof, they hold up incredibly well and I've batoned with him countless times without issue. Mora, IMO makes the best knives - I have several other brands, and there are some I like better for ergonomics - but that's not the point, the point is any knife will work, steel is steel. Just find what you think looks and feels good, learn how to sharpen it and what you like, it depends on the what materials/types of trees you are working with, and what type of work you do. I prefer convex and Scandinavian grind (V Grind) knives, the Cudeman MT-5 looks to be a full flat grind - which I mean..AFIAK is mostly used in like chef knives and stuff, it's incredibly sharp but it's not durable, hitting hard objects is gonna cause knicks and it's gonna be brittle. This is all from experience, it's not like im an expert - but to be fair, I'd just keep trying different ones and see how you like it, but I wouldn't go spending crazy money, the $300 knives you see all the fancy bushcrafters use...these are what I call wall knives..They use them in the videos cause they look good but most people would just keep them at home and keep using their beater knives, because we are hard on our equipment and honestly, they work just as wall, all the fancy scalings and what not make them expensive, but they don't make them better.

TL;DR: Steel is steel. Get a cheap knife, in a better grind suited for the work your doing. All depends on what work you do, and what tress you have, soft woods, hard woods ETC.

​

Edit: Definately don't have to go with Mora, I've just always used them and they've done me well.

Firstly, some unsolicited advice. If there's a low chance of the knife getting confiscated for whatever reason, I'd say save up a little more scratch and get something a little nicer. Alright, now that I've said that, I'm going to assume that you're going to completely ignore it. (Which is fine.)

Ontario RAT 2 always comes highly recommended. You pretty much can't go wrong here. It is a liner lock, which will be a little easier to use one-handed than a lockback. Though maybe only if you're right handed.

I think if I were going for a Spyderco in that range, I'd go with the Ambitious instead. (Right under $30, blade is 2.25 inches.) Or, save up a few extra bucks and go with the Persistence (Just under $35, blade is 2.75 in). The Byrd line is designed by Spyderco, but made by other companies under Spyderco's direction. I'm sure they are a decent value, but if that's what you want, I think you'd probably be better off, and happier, saving your money and getting a Delica 4.

You may also want to look into the Buck Vantage. It's a flipper, so easy opening is there. I think it's a liner lock as well. The steel is okay, but expect to be sharpening it fairly often (maybe once a week if you want to keep it razor sharp).

Another option is the Ka-Bar Dozier. It uses AUS-8A steel, which is pretty good for the price range (in my opinion). Thumb stud, lockback. This one's $20, so a little below your budget actually. Could use some of the money saved to get some sort of sharpening system (DMT Card maybe?)

Blue Ridge Zancudo, designed by the same people behind the RAT series. Pretty much the same idea, but I think the blade shape on the Zancudo is a little better if you need to be able to pierce things.

Last one, the Kershaw Shuffle. A little smaller, at 2.4 in blade length. But has a bottle opener, if you're into that sort of thing. Also, cheaper than any of the rest of the options here. I also think that this one probably has the best blade-shape, in my opinion. It's almost all belly.

Personally, I have found that having the longest knife you have is good, but a lot of the time most of that edge isn't put to good use. Sometimes it's too long, which makes it cumbersome. If you're mostly opening boxes and mail and stuff like that, something closer to a 2.5 inch blade might be more the ticket. I find that it makes it easier to make precise cuts.

For the record, I feel the same that the Cryo is too slippery - which is why I'm super glad Kershaw released a G10 version of it last year.

I also agree that the Tenacious is just a bit too big for EDC - and they do make the Persistence, which is a shrunken version of the Tenacious, with a 2.75 inch blade vs the Tenacious' 3-3/8 inch blade. If you wanna go even smaller, the Ambitious has a 2.25" blade. All 3 knives share a similar design (though the Ambitious is small enough that the proportions might look a little weird to some).

A few other knives of note that are standouts in the sub-$50 price range:

• CRKT Ripple - Ken Onion design with a more-traditional drop point blade, IKBS, 8Cr14MoV. Usually on most people's "Under $50" list.
  
  
• Kershaw Leek - Again, a little slippery and still Speedsafe but a slightly weaker torsion bar so not as forceful. Some people have issues with broken tips since they're a little thin, but this thing was the best under $50 when it came out.
  
  
• Ontario RAT 1 - At $25 this thing is a pretty great package, if not a little big. 3.5" blade, but it's AUS-8 if you don't like the 8Cr China steels (even if they are pretty similar).
  
  
• SOG Flash II - again, a 3.5 inch, AUS-8 blade. Assisted opening, but much less forceful than Speedsafe.
  
  
• The Kershaw Emerson CQC-6K has blown up since it's release and a lot of high speed low drag tactical types love it for EDC use. $25 makes it a pretty appealing choice and rock solid under $30.
  
  
• The Spyderco Delica 4 is just a touch over $50, averaging about $60, but it's also a go-to knife in the $50 for many people. VG-10 steel on this one is a big selling point.
  
  
• On the same hand, the Kershaw Blur is usually available for about $60, and for those looking for a big folder (seriously this thing is large) it's a great choice. Sandvik 14C28N as standard steel, also available with S30V for about $75.
  
  A few notes here
  
  
• You'll see a lot of sub $50 knives using 8Cr13MoV or 8Cr14MoV. The main difference is a little more Chromium in the 8Cr14MoV, leading to a little more corrosion resistance. A lot of people loved the Skyline, but there were a few issues with minor rust spots on the knives, leading to many companies switching to 8Cr14MoV for some of their knives (most of the budget Kershaws are 8Cr14MoV now).
  
  
• Kershaw has many many options for budget folders under $50, for all kinds of aesthetic tastes. The Chill, Thermite, Link, Oso Sweet, etc. I've owned a handful of Kershaws, and loved all of them, especially for the price.
  
  
• The 8Cr steels (13MoV and 14MoV) are pretty much on par with AUS-8, especially from CRKT, Spyderco, and Kershaw who all do a good job on their heat treats. There's a slight difference in hardness (3 to 4 HRC difference by most counts), but really they're nearly identical for all intents and purposes, mainly sharpening and edge retention. Some people just prefer AUS-8 because they don't like so called "China steel."
  
  
  ETA a few more links and some clarification of my still-awake-at-5am rambling.

First I'd make sure you both have all the clothing and footwear you need to be comfortable and the things you'd need for an urban day out (pack, water bottle, some snacks, etc.). Nothing ruins a day like an unexpected blister / rain shower that causes a chill / burned hand from a fire.

After that I'd consider basic survival needs and comforts that might be different in the woods. A small survival kit (and the knowledge required to use it), toilet paper, bug spray, gloves to protect your hands from heat and thorns, a tarp (which you already say you have) to escape the sun or rain, etc.. One suggestion I have that I don't see mentioned often is a lightweight foam kneeling pad. You can get them at the dollar stores in the gardening section usually and for the negligible weight and space they're worth having in my opinion. They are great for kneeling on (obviously), which you'll be doing a lot when practicing bushcraft skills like fire making, and they make a huge difference for the backside when sitting on ground / logs / rocks that are hard / wet / dirty.

With comfort and survival covered you can look at the real 'tools' of bushcraft. The most important thing, in my opinion, is a good knife for each of you. Soooo many projects / skills that are considered 'bushcraft' require / are made easier when you have a decent knife. You don't need to spend a lot (a Mora Companion is a great choice for under 10 dollars), just be sure to do your homework before spending money so you don't end up with something that looks cool but isn't practical for your bushcraft needs.

Beyond the knife I won't go into details about the rest of my suggestions but I think you'll find reasoning behind them fairly self-evident. I've been bushcrafting / camping / hunting for the better part of 2 decades now and all items I list below are all ones that I've personally used many, many times and wouldn't recommend if I didn't find them awesome and reliable. If you look into them further I think you'll find most / all are considered the best 'bang for your buck' option in their given class.


Mora Companion fixed blade knife - carbon or stainless doesn't matter, both are great: ~$12-15

Nalgene leak-proof water bottle - The cheaper HDPE bottle is actually better believe it or not: ~$5-8

Bahco Laplander folding saw - Silky saws are worth the upgrade price in my opinion but are definitely just a 'nice to have', considering Bahcos can't be beat for the price / function / reliability: ~$20-25

Sawyer Mini water filter - filters twice as good as the LifeStraw (0.1 vs 0.2 microns), lasts 10 times longer (100k vs 1k gallons), is much more versatile (you can screw the Sawyer onto a 2 litre coke bottle), and costs less to boot: ~$19

Fiskars X7 hatchet - I know you already have one bust I figured I'd mention it. For a bombproof, light weight, made in Finland hatchet it can't be beat for the price: ~$20-25

Tramontina 18" machete - great balance and blade, just sand or wrap the handle in some tape if yours isn't finished perfectly to avoid potential blisters (this is also where good gloves come in) - ~$15-18

Depends a lot on what your vision and current understanding of what "Bushcraft" is.

TL;DR: Start basic, check it's for you, be comfortable in a new learning journey.

The craft part of the word is important - it's about actually doing something, not just knowing and understanding the what and why. And certainly not about just possessing things and displaying them.

So - there are two aspects of this - you need to be comfortable "in the woods", and there's the creative aspect of doing and making "stuff" in that environment.

Being comfortable: It's important to be comfortable - otherwise the learning experience aspect is jeopardised. You'll see that some Bushcraft course providers have really minimal kit requirements on their courses, because they provide shelter, food and drink in order to get on with the particular skills they're teaching.

There's a really big marketing led "Leisure Camping" industry in the UK, with a lot of gear aimed at festival goers. If you're starting out on this journey, use all that to your advantage - get a basic tent (but one with a porch so you can sit outside, under cover, to make things and talk with others if you're at a communal event/course), sleeping bag, gas stove.

Pretty much everything else can - and I would suggest should - come from your normal, regular home kit. Perhaps the second-rate things that have been replaced, but not yet scrapped. If you lived with them once - you can do so again. This enables you to maintain home comforts and the security of being able to provide for particular personal necessities - diet, health, cultural etc. as a starting point, and then modify things as you learn more.


You'll find after a couple of outings why some things work "outside" and others just fail: Too heavy, too complicated, too dependent on other infrastructure after time (the gas stove for example).

Just make sure the basic Survival needs are met of:

// Protection / Water / Food / Fire / Navigation / Communication / First Aid, Medical, and Self Care / Illumination / Documentation and Information / Repair, Construction and Maintenance / Entertainment / Cash //

and you can support a good camping experience at the very least.

Turning to the craft - there's so much to observe, learn, understand and practice.

The activities you choose initially will reflect your existing abilities and interests, but some basic skills involve fire starting with just a spark or two - or an ember, careful precision woodworking with knife and small saw, and structure construction, that will likely require cordage and knowledge of knots.

So - a small starter kit specifically for the Craft:

• ferro-rod and scraper
  
• folding saw
  
• small fixed-blade knife - and the usual one suggested isn't too bad at all ... Be wary of UK knife law, especially if you are essentially "urban".
  
• big hank of paracord. At the beginning you don't need the more exotic types, and natural fiber alternatives may be something you come to appreciate later.
  
  
  EDIT: s/hunk/hank - the mind boggles as to a paracord "hunk". Perhaps best not to go there ...

Honestly Id go fixed blade and I'd get something decently sized, ive been looking at the Becker BK2 (you can find this for $50 a few other places)
http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK2-Campanion-Fixed/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1302310192&sr=8-1

Reason why is that its alot easier to work with wood, fixed blades are going to be alot stronger then any folding knife, its just all around going to be better for most situations.

Things to look for in a knife, well to start with you have to think about what you may use it for, is it a survival knife are you going to have to use it to work with wood, make fires, or maybe pitch up a shelter? Maybe just for cutting bandages, moleskin? Prepping food?
Alot of people will argue about the type of steel, stainless is supposed to be harder to sharpen but honestly its a some metal with a sharp edge pretty much anything will do, just watch out for the $5 wall mart knives, reading a few reviews will help.

Don't buy a kbar or something like that, anything that comes to a very sharp point is used for stabbing people, not for cutting stuff and I hope you dont plan on doing alot of that.

How thick the knife is, thicker blades tend to be better for prying or hacking stuff, but they will be heavier too.
Watch out for how the blade attaches to the handle, alot of knives skimp out on the steel and the blade is kind of just glued on or lightly bolted on and it makes them really flimsy. I know with the kbar the steel for the blade goes all the way back and the handle is bolted on to the steel for the blade, most non-cheap knives should be like this.
Blade length, longer blades will be better for hacking/chopping think mechette, but it will be more difficult to use them to cut smaller things like moleskin, bandages, or doing food prep.
well that's a few things to look at someone else suggested a SOG seal pup that's a good knife as well something else to look at. I probably wouldn't spend more then maybe $60-70 and avoid anything super cheap.

There is a lot wrong with this list, so I'm just going to work down it one by one with my thoughts on the matter.

USB flameless lighter? Why? That is going to be unreliable, at best. Throw a few BIC lighters and some stormproof matches in there and be done with it. IF you want to be fancy, get something built to be rugged, that will stand up to use in the field:

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Floating-Lighter/dp/B00C85NBA6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173178&sr=1-2&keywords=camping+lighter

Speaking of, I didn't see any sort of firestarting material. Warmth is going to be important, and you need as few steps as possible between you and fire. Get some quality firestarters. I am trying to keep all my links relevant from amazon.ca, so some of the brands I'm most familiar with aren't there. But these work well (though there are options from Wetfire and other brands that take up less space):

https://www.amazon.ca/Ultimate-Survival-Technologies-Fire-Stix/dp/B00C6SHODK/ref=sr_1_20?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173338&sr=1-20&keywords=emergency+fire+starter

What is with the mall-ninja "tactical" hatchet? That is a lot of weight and not a lot of utility. You'd be better served with a reliable and lightweight folding saw, and a good full-tang fixed-blade knife. Something like a 7 inch Corona saw:

https://www.amazon.ca/Corona-Cutting-Tools-RS-7041/dp/B00004R9YN/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173467&sr=1-1&keywords=corona+folding+saw

If you insist on carrying a hatchet (and their function in a bugout situation is debatable, especially for the weight) get something quality like an Estwing:

https://www.amazon.ca/Estwing-E24A-14-Inch-Sportmans-Sheath/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173510&sr=1-1&keywords=estwing+hatchet

Nothing wrong with duct tape, but you'd do well to wrap just maybe 3-4 meters of it around a small core (like from doggy waste bags, or even just around itself).

The self-crank radio/flashlight/phone charger is shit. You also don't need four lights, especially if all of them are crap. Buy one good flashlight, and maybe one good headlamp.

A flashlight like a Nitecore P12 or something that runs on an 18650 and offers long runtime would be ideal. If you buy a diffuser cap for it, you can replace the lantern. Pick up some spare, high quality 18650 cells, as well. The P12 has SOS and beacon modes, which will run for days at a time, in addition to a nice throw and excellent brightness on Medium and High.

https://www.amazon.ca/Nitecore-Flashlight-Lumens-Meters-Distance/dp/B00PQE1D2E/ref=sr_1_2?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173859&sr=1-2&keywords=nitecore+P12

As for headlamps, those don't need to be super bright. You want something with enough brightness and floodiness to work around camp. But ideally you also want a red-light or low-light mode for night time, when you don't need to destroy your night vision just because you need to take a piss or something.

https://www.amazon.ca/TACTIKKA-CONSTANT-LIGHTING-HEADLAMP-DESERT/dp/B00GCGIGHK/ref=sr_1_14?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482173989&sr=1-14&keywords=petzl+headlamp

The powerbank thing in the crank radio is crap, only 1000mah. Not enough to charge most modern smart phones even 25%. Figure that of that 1000mah, ~25% will be lost just due to inefficiency in the charging process. Get a 10,000mah or bigger high quality battery, with 2.1A ports, and be done with it:

https://www.amazon.ca/Anker-PowerCore-Portable-Ultra-Compact-High-speed-Charging-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482173708&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+usb+power+bank

Combine the money you'd spend on the shitty folding knife and the shitty Gerber multitool, and buy a proper multi-tool. You don't need two folding knives.

The Leatherman Wingman is a good value, though I prefer a nicer quality one like the Charge TTi, but at four times the price it may not be worth it just for an S30V blade.

https://www.amazon.ca/Leatherman-2996-831426-Wingman-Multi-Tool/dp/B005DI0XM4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482174264&sr=8-1&keywords=leatherman+wave

Ditch the camp toilet paper, that stuff is like wiping your ass with cardboard. Get some biodegradable camp wipes from an outdoor store. You can now use these to clean your ass, and they also are useful for wiping your hands, or taking whore baths.

Same with the camp soap. Are you bugging out or camping for a week? Nothing you are going to do in a bugout situation is going to necessitate body soap. Toothbrush, floss, deodorant.

Ditch the giant first aid kit full of crap you don't need. Those things are heavy and 80 of the 85 pieces are just different sized bitch stickers. Build your own first aid kit tailored around the likely injuries you would face: sprains, cuts, burns. Maybe throw some Quik Clot Z-pack gauze or a tourniquet (CAT or similar) in there for larger trauma, if that is a concern to you. Limit the bitch stickers to 5-10. All gauze, tape, trauma pads, alcohol wipes, tincture of iodine, moleskin for blisters, tweezers, surgical shears, gloves, maybe burn cream. Small containers of medications you might need: aspirin, antihistamines like Diphenhydramine, anti-diarrheals, etc.

That survival paracord bracelet thing is garbage. You already have 100ft of paracord in your list (which you could probably cut down to 50ft). You don't need some shitty firestarter, whistle, and compass thing. Buy a real lensatic sighting compass. Not going to do you much good without a map and the ability to understand it, anyway.

https://www.amazon.ca/UST-Survival-Essentials-Lensatic-Compass/dp/B005X1YI3Q/ref=sr_1_5?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174799&sr=1-5&keywords=compass

You have both a cookset AND a mug/pot. This is extra redundant and not needed in a bugout situation. Stick to food you don't have to prepare. Caloric density is your friend. Jerky, EPIC bars, Clif bars, etc.

If you need to boil water, use a single-wall metal canteen (NOT a thermos). Remove the plastic lid, fill with water, set in your fire. Widemouth canteens like those by Klean Kanteen are multi-purpose (multipurpose is your friend). You can sterilize water, you can cook and eat food out of it (because of the large opening), and you can fill with hot water, wrap in a sock, and warm your sleep system.

https://www.amazon.ca/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-Bottle-27-Ounce/dp/B0027W6WHE/ref=sr_1_sc_4?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482174908&sr=1-4-spell&keywords=klean+kanteen+widemouth

You don't need a can opener if you have a good multitool.

Lifestraws suck ass. They only work as a straw, and I am going to guess you don't want to get your water by drinking out of puddles exclusively. Get a Sawyer Squeeze mini filter. This can be used in-line with a hydration bladder, can be used like a Lifestraw, or can be used to filter an fill your water storage containers/bladder:

https://www.amazon.ca/Sawyer-Products-SP128-Filtration-System/dp/B00FA2RLX2/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175065&sr=1-1&keywords=sawyer+mini

One seriously lacking area for you is your sleep system. A tarp and a space blanket are not going to keep you functionally warm. You might survive a night, but you won't be useful the next day.

At the BARE minimum, you should get a good, reflective, breathable bivvy sack, like this one from SOL, AND a sleeping pad. A bivvy will reflect heat back onto you, helping with heat lost through convection, but no sleeping bag will help with heat lost through conduction (you touching the cold ground). That is why a sleeping pad is mandatory. I have used the Escape bivvy and the Klymit pad linked here together, and both kept me comfortably warm to about 50 degrees F. Below that, I've had to augment with base layers or jackets, and that still sucked. If you are hoping to sleep in below freezing temperatures, you'll need a properly sorted ultralight sleeping bag.

https://www.amazon.ca/Adventure-Medical-Kits-Escape-Bivvy/dp/B00EVGD0FQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175280&sr=1-1&keywords=SOL+escape

https://www.amazon.ca/Klymit-06SVGR01C-Camping-Mattress-Green-Grey/dp/B007RFG0NM/ref=sr_1_1?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1482175199&sr=1-1&keywords=sleep+pad

Other recommendations of mine would be to take survival, medical and foraging guides and put them on a smartphone, along with a GPS mapping software and pre-downloaded offline topographical maps at 1:24k resolution of your main bugout areas and 1:100k resolution elsewhere. Something like Gaia GPS for iOS or Backcountry Navigator Pro for Android:

If its a Wrangler and you have decent tires - ie Semi Aggressive All Terrains or Light Truck Tires and 31+ inches, I wouldn't even bother unless you really feel a lot of resistance. Pure road tires, definitely air down. On my LJ I have, it's stock with 31" Semi Aggressive AT tires and I almost never aired down in the 13 years I owned it. It's seen I don't know how many beach miles up and down the east coast. There was noticeable difference when I did air down though (less throttle needed, ran cooler), but it still did fine. If you do air down, about 15-18 PSI is where you want it, much lower and you risk the tire falling off the rim.

With the new Jeep in the pic, I didn't air down at all, the 35" tires treated the beach like it wasn't there. They were at 40 PSI and I will likely never air them down for the beach again. I probably could have gotten out there in 2WD on it's current setup.

Beach driving has a lot more to do with momentum management than most other factors. Airing down just helps that little bit more. If you are in loose sand, don't stop, keep it moving at a steady pace or even give it more speed before you hit the loose sand. That's the biggest factor when I watch people get stuck. They panic and slow down instead of keeping the vehicle moving. There is a really soft and torn up section where it's a turn to get to the ocean front and it's where everyone gets stuck cause they take it too slow and stop the car in the horribly loose sand, I pull people out of there all the time.

Some other Tips

• Bring a Shovel - useful for digging out - mostly to help non jeep owners get out ;) - I use a surplus army one but something like this - https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Entrenching-Tool-F08-N-Folding/dp/B0038A05X6/ref=sr_1_1?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1494981775&sr=1-1&keywords=folding+shovel
  
• one or two 2x6 boards 2-3 feet long - useful to put in front of tires to provide traction and lift the Jeep if you bog in the sand - also if you need to jack the Jeep for any reason it provides a platform. - Acquired at any Hardware store
  
• If you start to get stuck and are throwing sand/digging yourself in - STOP - Get out and assess your predicament. It's a lot easier to stick the boards in front of the tires when you aren't in sand up to your chassis. The deeper you go, the more sand YOU have to move out of the way.
  
• No winch would be needed, a tow strap is fine - I have spent summers with my tow strap pulling people out of the sand with the stock tow hooks on the front and back - https://www.amazon.com/Grip-Heavy-Duty-Tow-Strap/dp/B000I60HV8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1494981378&sr=8-5&keywords=tow+strap - $22 and great piece of mind - I don't use any metal hooks or d rings, it works fine without them for the beach
  
• If it's somewhat popular beach and you do get stuck, most any other Jeep owner would help you out. I do it all summer long for anyone I see stuck. It's actually a lot of fun to help recover vehicles and to see the look on peoples faces when they are relieved about what they are going to do. Don't be embarrassed about it, own it and learn from it, gotta get better somehow.
  
• Wash the undercarriage when you are done. The salt and sand will quickly rot you out.
  
  Trust me, it's not too difficult. Keep your momentum, if you do start to get stuck, don't make it worse, get out and use your tools to get you out or ask for help.
  
  Good luck! If you have other questions, id be glad to answer, PM me :) I expect to see pics!
  

In that case I was also thinking for a budget of $200 you could get him a nice fixed blade and a nice folding pocket knife. Without more details you may have to just go with your gut feeling on a couple of the more popular brands mentioned since they rarely fail to please. Fallkniven, Benchmade, Bark River, Buck..

The Buck 110 is always a well received pocket knife and I would happily receive any of their fixed hunting knives.

I've also read that Morakniv makes a great all around blade even for working with game. I love all the Mora's I own and the best thing about them is the price. You could add one of those in for only an extra 15 bucks and it may end up being a really well used knife he likes and can beat up using it for things he may not want to do with his nice pretty knife his wife got him. Just a possible thought there if you can't land that perfect single knife for him. A nice little folder, solid fixed blade that will last and he can admire, and an all around utility knife covering all 3 bases.

I have many kinds of knives, lots of "tactical" knives and many purely utilitarian knives, one or 2 survival knives. edit: [here is old pic of collection] (https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yOMApkrgJ-w/UPHWyQ5F7AI/AAAAAAAAAbQ/4a9gnq5rzMA/s640/2013-01-12%252014.33.15.jpg) I got the kershaw cryo and skyline and crkt m21 since then.

I have not but I have heard good things of them

A knife you have. and a strong knife with a good steel whether soft or hard (which ever you like better and is better for style of knife). there is a lot that goes into a survival knife so I will give some examples, [1] (http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-8628-RTAK-Knife-Green/dp/B001DZV3BG/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1375494728&sr=8-10&keywords=esee+6) [2] (http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK9-Combat-Bowie/dp/B001IPKL7I/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1375494759&sr=8-5&keywords=becker+knife) [3] (http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Master-Kraton-Handle/dp/B001PYUL0O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375494784&sr=8-1&keywords=cold+steel+trailmaster) [4] (http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Black-Kraton-Handle/dp/B0030DBGXY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1375494815&sr=8-2&keywords=cold+steel+srk).

I dont know much about leatherman to be honest. but for me I would go with the surge, but the super tool 300 looks much stronger and more heavy duty.

So sorry for how long this is... ☹️
1.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MY7PEIP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OUK5AbRGQZFYS
2.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FH2MXOG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_gSK5AbSHDCDQX
3.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BPXNT4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_GTK5AbCGJFNXW
4.) I want to gift https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015ORGFNE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_qWK5AbWACC624 to u/cera_cyanide cuz they’re super cute & made me giggle when I saw them
5.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0545477115/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DYK5Ab88FHE6P because it was my favorite book growing up & the story is so amazingly awesome & captivating!
6.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PCPCBVO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TsQ5Ab5VXF741
7.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P0YQYYW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_L0K5AbVK59RCQ Super cute!!
8.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00523M5MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_M2K5AbSYKVRDT I had a stuffed animal Gizmo as a child & this is just adorable!
9.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0047CG9F2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_53K5AbK5D5B99 It is just an adorable older movie (I wanted to link “Unacknowledged” but it wouldn’t let me.
10.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038A05X6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_iqL5AbB5AJQ2M useful for digging yet also sharp to stab zombies in the face with.
11.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0756692393/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G9K5AbJS3RVQS My son learned French in school & I would love to surprise him by being able to speak to him in French 🤓
12.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019FGCM00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hpL5Ab4XX7SZ3
13.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PYHLS3W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ibL5AbV9DFWV2
14.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BP9LFKV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_cNK5AbFK932E6
15.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TLXNLR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3cL5AbQRTTP8P
16.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VY3SSSI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4dL5AbZT81WEY
17.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076P9GWKD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ngL5AbW09YCMF I ALWAYS wanted a remote control car/truck growing up but I never got one ☹️
18.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0877798508/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_DoL5AbZ5SGMZJ
19.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H644BJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_RlL5Ab4R201E7 I love Loki sooooo much 😍 & I need a new purse 😂
20.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TKPIC9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3nL5AbNAY31QF

The formal training is known as SERE.

I haven't been through that program, but as a munitions tech I was lucky enough to be in a unit that supported EOD. EOD attracts a lot of guys that were previously special forces (Rangers, Green Berets, etc.). We got lots and lots of informal training from those guys, especially when doing range clearances (it's like a camping trip with explosions).

SERE's a bitch, so I'm pretty happy that I got to get all the cool survival training without all the mock POW camp stuff which borders on actual torture.

Anyway, EOD and SF guys tend to be very low-key and funny af, pretty much the opposite of Rambo wannabes. One of the things I learned is that all you really need is something to keep you warm and a good all-purpose knife.

So, I always have a space blanket and this Mora tucked away with my other gear.

Note that they are both bright orange. That's because A) I actually want my rescuers to find me and B) I want to be able to see my knife in the dark.

I also don't like walking down the trail looking like a shrub.

As has been posted alreadg I do like the Gerber LMF II, but another one to consider, and what I think i will be putting on my pack is the Becker BK2 Campanion. Or it's twin the Becker BK22. They are made in the USA by Kabar out of 1095 crovan steel. This knife is a beast for its size it is good for a chopper, but is still small enough to do delicate work.

https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Campanion-Fixed-Blade/dp/B001N1DPDE

https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Companion-Polyester-5-25-Inch/dp/B00BT49UVG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1504101875&sr=8-3&keywords=Becker+bk2

The only real difference in the two is the sheath. They are great knives straight out of the box, but with a few personalisations they get even better.

I'd be happy to elaborate on that here or by PM but, will not bore everyone here if not needed. If the BK2/22 isn't your particular ideal check out the rest of the Becker line. Ethan has designed many great knives something is sure to fit the bill.

If you really want a monster sized knife, sure. But I'd definitely get the carbon steel version that some others have suggested as well. It sounds like their quality isn't too bad.

However, I don't know if I'd really want to take something that huge hiking. Maybe SHTF-type hiking I suppose.

A couple of knives that I'd think would be similar priced or less (and have proven reputations) and would slightly more practically fall into the "only 1" category:

• Ka Bar Becker BK2
  
• Ka Bar Becker BK16
  
• Condor Bushlore - there are other Condor models that are great values as well, but might need a little touchup love.
  
• Morakniv - there is even one with a firesteel built into the handle
  
• ESEE 4 (this might be a tad more expensive)
  
• Ka Bar Becker BK7 or BK9 if you really want a huge knife, but I would definitely consider something smaller to piggyback on the sheath.
  
  Good luck regardless!

ESEE-4
Sturdy, perfect length, perfect thickness for batoning, easy to sharpen (1095 high carbon steel, has never rusted even though I live near the coast).
I recently found this knife, it's very cheap and it's metal composition is very similar to that of the ESEE-4 (1095 vs 1075), except that it has less carbon which means that it might be negligibly harder to sharpen but just like the ESEE-4 both are knives very resistant to chipping and this is an excellent quality for a knife that will be used for batoning. What I like about the Condor Sapien is that it is a little bit thinner and the scandi edge that comes with it makes it easier working with wood since that type of edge offers less resistance when cutting stuff.

Fallkniven knives are nice but rather overpriced and I am not such a big fan of laminated knives and stainless steels are usually prone to chipping and hard to sharpen if you use them often and don't give them their proper maintenance.

In my opinion you would be better off with a folding saw or a small axe, a bushcraft knife, and a multitool, the perfect triad.

.. in 2013, a few months after the divorce, about this time of year I bought myself a present that I am still very happy with. Everyone who see's them/uses them comments positively. I went back to my amazon cart and got exact links to the products to make sure I was describing exactly what I got.

I left most of my good kitchen knives behind when we separated, and needed to replace them. as a single guy, I have no use for "pretty" kitchen gadgets and what-nots. I also did not have thousands to spend on the things I needed, but I was adamant I wanted good stuff. Stylish is fine, but functionality trumps all.

on my list was two of these, (knife blocks)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004X6M97O/

8 of these (mora knives.. cheap but awesome)

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004ZAIXSC

and 8 of these - (kershaw knives - slightly more pricy, but damn good)

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009VC9YA

..
Of course, it could easily be halved by only picking one style of knife.. read the product reviews on your own. both of those are fine blades, regardless of pricing/marketing.

Best self gift to myself in years. Use them every day and love them.
oh yeah -- not affiliated with any of the above companies..

I was in a similar situation to yourself, once, where all I had was one of those yellow snap-off utility knives, and I figured that a rotary knife would work much better. On one hand, yes, a rotary knife does work better, but only on certain leathers, and even then only on long, straight cuts. I do not think it is really possible to do a curved cut with a rotary cutter. Just getting a nice fixed blade knife and keeping it sharp will work much better for you. As others have said, any rather long cuts, such as for making a strap, are best done with a strap cutter, rather than a rotary.

If you're concerned about the self-healing mat, you shouldn't really worry about it. All that the warning about fixed blades really means is that cuts with a fixed blade will not fully heal, compared to those of a rotary. They'll still partially heal, though, so you'll still be better off than if you had just used a non-healing board. I've personally used a number of different self-healing cutting boards over the years, at a number of price points, and even the $10 ones can handle a fixed blade a lot better than the warning would make you think.

Personally, I use a Mora 122 knife. It takes a while to get the hang of sharpening, since it is chisel ground, but it stays sharp for quite a long time. Because of the shape of the blade, it works really well for pretty much any cut, and does quite well around curves, since it is almost like a hawkbill knife. I also quite like that it doesn't curve up at the end, so you're able to start your cut exactly where you want to. When I'm prudent about sharpening and stropping, I can cut through 6-7 oz in one pass, easily.

• ~$7-8 Sanrenmu 7010/710 - You can find these at Gearbest for cheap as hell when they have sales but they're absolutely $30 worth of knife
  
• ~$10-20 Opinel no.6-12 - Depends on blade size/steel/handle wood. #6 is under 3in blade if that kind of thing matters.
  
• ~$20 CRKT Drifter
  
• ~$20 Spyderco Byrd Cara Cara2
  
• ~$20-25 Ontario Rat II or Rat I
  
• ~$30 Victorinox Cadet Alox
  
• ~$30 Kershaw Cryo
  
• ~$35 CRKT Ripple
  
• ~$35 Spyderco Persistence
  
• ~$40 Kershaw Skyline - Often on sale in the ~$30 range
  
• ~$40 Kershaw Leek - Same sales as with the Skyline \^^
  
  Honorable Mention: Case knives. Traditional lockbacks. Hard as nails and pretty to boot. True pocket knives. Your grandfather (possibly great grandfather) had one. Good stuff the lot of them. $25-50 will get you a legacy knife that you can carry and use and then pass to your kid.
  
  You don't need to spend $200 to get a quality, durable, reliable knife. I've owned all of these knives at one time or another and loved every one of them. Sure they needed sharpening more often and sometimes something a little more drastic (Sanrenmus are often cheaper to replace than fix) but the value is insane. Plus, lets face facts; we're much more likely to break out our Cadet when we get box duty than our Sebenza.
  
  Knife enthusiasts (brothers) if there's a weighed and measured cheapo that I forgot, let me know.

So for shelter, I'd suggest this tarp. I also suggest checking out the forum that the tarp is from (www.bushcraftusa.com) because it's a forum all about bushcraft but has sub forums in ultralight and backpacking. The tarp is https://bushcraftoutfitters.com/coyote-tarp-10x10/ which is priced at $67. The reason I suggest this is because this tarp specifically, there's lots of way's to set it up. Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtHJm51NPY&t=


So for cooking, it's pretty simple. This video will show you what most bushcrafters use and the links that follow are the two items. I use it myself and in fact have two sets because of how much I enjoy it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00gwQ4z_nQQ&t and the following links for the items. https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=Ozark%20Trail%2018-Ounce%20Stainless%20Steel%20Cup
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Adventure-Camp-Cook-Set/16784406
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-9-5-Round-Frying-Pan/49332895


Hammocks are over rated, sleeping pads are a mess to figure out, get a cot. In fact, get this cot. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Super-Ultralight-Portable-Folding-Aluminium-alloy-Cot-Camping-Tent-Bed/112355265955?hash=item1a28e54da3:g:-PUAAOSwTM5Y365i:rk:2:pf:


And now you need a knife, saw, and hatchet right? Well let's tackle all three.
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_sp_web_6501052011
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540606867&sr=8-1&keywords=Bacho+Laplander
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-Inch-378501-1002/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540607032&sr=8-2&keywords=Fiskars+X7+Hatchet+14+Inch%2C+378501-1002
And as a added bonus here's a fire steel.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-x-2-5-Drilled-Ferrocerium-Ferro-Rod-Steel-Flint-Fire-Starter-w-Lanyard-Hole/131485475489?hash=item1e9d2522a1:rk:4:pf:


And finally to end it all, we have a sleeping bag. This one is well known in the world. Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree. It's a dry down bag which means it's made of down that can handle some moisture but still keep you warm. It's rated for 20 degree's. I'll post the same bag as well but is rated for 0 degrees'. It'll be more expensive but it'll let you stay warm during the winter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-20-Sleeping-Bag-20-Degree-Down/253894865275?epid=1152349824&hash=item3b1d50317b:m:mFpUvLXnvtZZETXdugDHwvw:rk:2:pf:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-0-Sleeping-Bag-0-Degree-Down/253375355468?epid=28012067594&hash=item3afe591a4c:m:mCrEnOYV72CJ257e08pGR4Q:rk:2:pf:


Check the sizes of the sleeping bag before you buy.


Also a pack, this one works as two in one. Really nice for a 60L https://outdoorvitals.com/products/rhyolite-60l-lightweight-internal-frame-backpack1
________________________________________

If you do plan on doing any winter camping, I'd edit a few things. One of them is I'd get the 0 Degree sleeping bag posted. Instead of the tarp I'd get this pup tent. https://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-Military-Issue-2-Man-Canvas-PUP-TENT-w-Poles-Stakes-Complete-VGC/392111853275?hash=item5b4bb00edb:g:JEQAAOSw~jJarA5E:rk:1:pf: Which comes with poles and stakes. I normally toss the poles and get some branches outside. I get four branches and make a bipod that I tie off on either end. That gives me more room inside the tent and less weight I have to carry on my person.


I'd still get the cot but I'd also include Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad to put on top of it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Therm-a-Rest-Z-Lite-Sol-Ultralight-Foam-Backpacking-Mattress/132801349129?epid=1900010560&hash=item1eeb93c609:rk:1:pf: as well as one of those super heavy duty emergency blankets. It's a reflective blanket but it's also the same thickness as some of those heat reflectors you use for a car windshield. Not those flimsy things you see "survivalists" use. Those placed on the cot, with that zero degree bag, and that shelter works amazingly. Just don't throw a heavy blanket on the sleeping bag and don't wear a lot of clothes in it either. That'll make everything for naught.
______________________________________
So with everything listed, the pack, cooking stuff, tools, cot, sleeping bag, and either the canvas shelter or tap, you'd be looking at around $560 assuming you got the 0 Degree Sleeping Bag instead of the 20 Degree. Which you really should. A 0 Degree is much better in my case.


Also if you do get a down sleeping bag, NEVER STORE IT IN THE COMPRESSED STATE!!! Always store it someplace with it out of it's bag. If you keep it compressed 24/7 until you use it, you'll destroy the down.

I've tried a LOT of different knives in a wide range of sizes and 4-5" seems to be ideal for me. I want a blade that's at least twice as long as the thickness of anything I'd try to baton and I don't really need to baton anything thicker than 2 inches. In my opinion, batoning is for making kindling and I use anything larger than 2" as fuel, not kindling.

Take a look at this picture for a second. That's a 20.8oz Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet and a 22.5oz Ontario RTAK II, after the same number of chops on the same log. The RTAK II is a BIG knife made for chopping wood but it can't even match the performance of a hatchet that is both smaller, lighter and 1/3 of the price.

You say hatchets are "specialized" tools as if they aren't capable of more than 1 or 2 things, but a good hatchet is one of the most versatile tools available. I carved my first bow drill kit with a Fiskars X7, in addition to chopping, limbing, splitting, carving feather sticks, etc.

I've had a KaBar Becker BK7, Ontario RAT 5, multiple machetes and other big knives but even though my BK7 chopped and split better than my current ESEE 4, it sucked at everything else and my $25 Fiskars X7 still chopped and split better. I've just never found big knives to be as useful as a good hatchet (or a folding saw) paired with a well made work knife, like an ESEE 4. That combo offers FAR more versatility, which saves you calories, for only a few more ounces and for the price difference, you can save weight elsewhere by splurging a little on Titanium cookware.

All that being said, if I could only take a knife with me, then I'd take a BK7 or an ESEE 6, but I'd still prefer a good hatchet over either of them.

The wire saws have a trick to using them---they're best not used as a pull saw, but a a blade to make a bow saw.

There is a better alternative in my view: a hand chain saw works quite well straight out of the box. Some pack down quite small too, though they're all going to be quite a bit heavier than the wire saws.

The above link shows the differences between the two types as well. The chain saws easily chew through a 6" log, the wire saws (or the one which isn't a toy) take a lot more fiddling to get to work and assume materials that may or may not be available.

However, if you have the space, I prefer a collapsible Swede saw. I've used the Sven saw for years and it's fantastic as a backpacking tool. Much better than the other two types in my opnion.

Let's see...

http://www.fedtacticaldirect.com/Kershaw-Camp-10-1077_p_49809.html

Kershaw Camp. Great kukri style blade on a budget that performs excellently.

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Kershaw-Cryo-Spring-Assisted--11101

Kershaw Cryo. Hinderer design for a cheap price! Small blade, but feels big in the hand. The Cryo 2, the larger version, will be coming out soon.

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Made-in-Sweden-511/dp/B004GAVOUU/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1372063610&sr=1-2&keywords=mora

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Companion-Heavy-Duty-Knife/dp/B009NZVZ3E/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1372063610&sr=1-3&keywords=mora

Moras. 1095 carbon steel, strong and used to do a lot of good things in the woods. Very tough, very sharp, very cheap.

At higher prices, the BK2

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK7-Combat-Utility/dp/B001IPMG8K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372063915&sr=8-2&keywords=bk2

http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-BK2-Campanion-Fixed/dp/B001N1DPDE


And of course, the tried and true classic Kabar

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-Short-USA-FightingUtility--16358

A few to get you started, though, with knives, you generally get what you pay for. Generally, you'll want to figure out exactly what you want in knives, especially in how you use them to find the best deals and blades.


Collecting knives is an expensive habit that ends up going into 500 dollars knives and 1k customs. ;) Budget and collecting don't mix!

$300-400 is plenty of budget. You should be able to get a reasonably durable knife, flashlight, and wallet for about $50 a piece.

You could get a Saddleback wallet, which have been popular on reddit. Many different sizes and layouts to choose from. The front pocket ID wallet is popular. I personally prefer Bifold wallets though.

Many of the flashlights suggested are $50 or less, such as the FourSevens Preon line.

After that, you just have the knife left, with about $70-$130 spent depending on your taste. You could get a perfectly acceptable knife from Kershaw or Spyderco for about $50. Any knife from either manufacturer in that price range should be satisfactory, though make sure to at least google a review of it first. I personally own a Kershaw Leek and while it is a good knife, I would not recommend it to you. It's rather delicate.

If you'd like to spend more on a knife, go for some of the more expensive Spyderco knives, or Benchmade. The Benchmade mini griptillian is one of the most highly reviewed modern pocket knives. many different handle colors, blade colors, and blade shapes are available. It's expensive, but you can even design your own.

By this point, you may have spent as little as $163, not factoring in shipping. If you're looking for a true survival knife you need a fixed blade. Folding knives are very helpful, but if you want a "stranded on a desert island" knife or a "lost in the woods, days from civilization" knife, you need fixed blade. The Becker Knife & Tool BK 2 (made by KA-bar) is a great example of such a knife. It's too big to carry on your belt daily without scaring people, but if you keep it in a bag or a car then it's fine. This thing is truly indestructible. The blade is a 1/4" thick. You could use it as a hammer.

Goshen? Ah, memories. Hello from a Philmont Staff alum.

I just bought a Mora from Amazon... it was cheap and seems to do the trick. But it's not full-tang. The Glock looks nice, and similar in style to a K-bar. You might want to look into Ontario Knifeworks stuff, including the RTAK II. It's a long beefy blade, which is great for the leverage required to baton thicker wood. Long enough to keep your hand away from the striking surface too. It would also serve well for debarking to prep for lashing semi-permanent tripods and survival shelters.

Hope you have a great summer dude. Teaching kids to shoot blackpowder and throw tomahawks at Philmont was probably the most fun job I've ever had... those kids look at you like some sort of super woodsman, which is a great feeling. Grow your beard for maximum mountain-manness!

It depends entirely on what you expect to do with the knife.

Food prep is a common task, which is best done with a small, slender fixed blade knife (folding knives are harder to keep clean - very important with food prep! - and slender blades cut food better than thick blades do). If the food prep knife is carried with the cooking gear, it does not require a belt sheath. A $9 victorinox paring knife is light and strong and would work fine for all but the largest jobs.

A saw or hatchet is far superior to a knife for preparing firewood, if that's going to be necessary.

General woodworking tasks - such as forming tent stakes, or notching wood to build a shelter or something like that - is best done with a thicker, stronger knife. A $20 stainless mora is very hard to beat for these sorts of tasks. If the hatchet/saw are lost, they can help with firewood prep, too.

See /r/Bushcraft for lots of helpful advice and knowledge.

$150 is plenty of budget for a good knife. This one is just slightly over that budget but will last you the rest of your life. It's kind of my dream survival knife.

The Fallkniven F1 is very popular as well and right in your price range.

Currently I use this knife which is also very good.

If you want to go a little less expensive still, Becker makes some good ones such as the Bk16. I know the Becker doesn't look anything like "hand made", but I have the BK2- I used paint remover to take the black coating off the blade, replaced the plastic handles with micarta and stained it to look more like wood, and built a leather sheath for it. It's a beautiful knife now. Too bad it's so goddamn heavy.

You could also go with something like the Mora bushcraft. I have that one also, very decent knife.

You could even just get a regular Mora or a Condor bushlore which are even more economical options.

I'll have to disagree here. The Mora Bushcraft Triflex is one of the finest blades I've used. It is light weight, yet, is extremely durable. It sharpens easily, holds and edge, and is about the right size for bushcraft in my hands.

I've used them to prep meat and vegetables, carve wood needles, baton firewood, cut cordage, fell tiny trees, and most other tasks one needs in the woods or at home. It is a joy to use.

I've used other brands at 20 times the price and have been left not nearly as satisfied.

Don't take for granted that you won't feel bad about really using this blade. At less than $30 you won't worry about replacing it (but you might never need to).

I've held and used the Mora Companion and the Mora HighQ Robust, I give them to folks that go into the woods with me as gifts. They are fine knives as well, with the same qualities as the Triflex.

If you are cheapo, grab one of these knives and try it. I'd bet most people like them.

As for the knife is not an axe part, we'll disagree there too. The Parang type machete, and other long knives of similar design is a type of tool used in many parts of the world. It can be used very skillfully for rather delicate tasks, such as food preparation, or it can be used to cut down a tree. In some areas that's all a person carries.

Firesteel, I'm with stupid_guy, hit Amazon: Light My Fire Scout has been working for me. I like that when it feels like you are holding it right, you are. Works good in the dark that way.

Guyot Stainless Steel Bottle, 32-Ounce

And one more thing you didn't ask for, but I love. And I like to spread the love:

GSI Halulite Ketalist

I've got a compass that I've used for 30 some years, but can't find it anywhere.

Let us know what you get and how much you like it after using it a bit! :-)

Knife: definitely something more beefy than the Leek (while it is a beautiful knife you may want something more rugged I like the Ontario rat 2 or the fixed blade Rat 3 I also like this gerber "survival knife"
Light: that's a great light good pick
Multitool: This gerber is my favorite, they've taken me through two deployments overseas and still run like a champ
Pen: Space pen for sure

Hello fellow VI runner,

For what my opinion matters, I pretty much always carry a knife of some kind when I’m trail running. Partially for the occasional bit of trail/woodwork that needs doing but also for the protective factor from cougars, and because I am a knife knerd too. Most of the folks I run with also carry a blade albeit almost all folding. I can’t comment much on their exact preferences.

In winter I tend towards fixed blade, either a Mora bushcraft (cheapish ) or a compact machete depending if I know trees and branches are down from storms and the like.

In the summer months, I tend towards larger folding knives like a Spyderco PM2 or GB2. I use folders in the summer because it’s brighter and many more folks in the woods so the general risk is down and I don’t want to look like a sociopath running around with a sheathed knife when I bump into hikers and mountain bikers.

I appreciate the comment about the realism about taking on a cougar should it come to that. I hope we all stay safe out there while enjoying the trails.

The gerber prodigy is a very nice nice for the price:
http://smile.amazon.com/Gerber-Prodigy-Survival-Serrated-22-41121/dp/B000XH5H6W/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449118260&sr=8-1&keywords=gerber+prodigy
That would be your typical 'combat' knife, and the one I would recommend for this price range. My experience with it was stellar, but I never had a purpose for it so I sold mine.

My EDC knife is a SOG twitch 2:
http://smile.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-TWI12-CP-2-65-Inch/dp/B0009JXR8Y/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1449118357&sr=8-4&keywords=sog+twitch
This is a small flip knife, the steel is great. I would highly recommend this.

Your other option would be a morakniv
http://smile.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Tactical-4-3-Inch-Plastic/dp/B009O01H0Y/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449118465&sr=8-2&keywords=mora+tactical
I've never owned a mora, but I've heard great things about them. They make some cool bushcraft ones (linked) but their specialty is boot knives.

Overall I wouldn't worry too much about it, I'm a grunt and I've had tons of knives and multitools. A few such as the twitch passed the test of time, but far more often I had (foldeing) knives wear out due to grit, and so on. In the army I've been given and issued tons of knives, it's always nice getting a new one; they're not expected to be bifl.

The Skeletool doesn't really have any prying ability, but it IS a very cool tool with a few simple and basic funtions and is very lightweight. It would pair well with a Leatherman one piece tool, I'd suggest the Pirahna.

Both the Victorinox Swisstool Spirit and the Leatherman Wave and thier related counterparts have flathead drivers on them that are pretty thick and should support pretty heavy prying loads.

Both have Pliers with cutters, multiple drivers, (though the leatherman uses bits where as the Vic uses fixed drivers) pry bars, and knives and are fairly "average" in size.

Really these are the two best multitools in the world anyone, nothing exceeds these two IMO. You can't go wrong with either. If you need any info I own and carry both (and some others) and should be able to answer any questions if you have any!

Seriously consider an inexpensive Mora or two (I'd recommend the Mora 120 or Mora 122 or both) as a great starting place.

You won't know what you want until you noodle around a bit, so skip buying a great custom carving knife (though when you do, let me recommend Deepwoods Ventures as another solid option).

Play around with an inexpensive knife or two and figure out all the usual questions. What handle makes you happy? Are you a chip carver? What blade shape makes you happy? Is relief carving really your thing? Etc.

Also, don't let some random Internet nut try to tell you there are any hard and fast rules to how you should spend your time.

I wouldn't recommend a "titanium" knife, firstly because for $10, it's not titanium. It's probably some chinesium knife that won't hold an edge very well. Secondly I don't recall Camillus having a great reputation due to materials and QC.

If you're looking for a good budget knife, I know Ka-Bar and Becker make good ones, and if you can swing an Izula, that would be my choice. Here are some links. Izula Ka-Bar 1 Ka-Bar 2 Ka-Bar 3.

The reason I'm recommending Ka-Bar and ESEE is that they both use 1095 carbon steel which is an excellent choice in toughness and edge retention. I almost forgot Mora, a superb Swedish knife that is renowned for its steel and edge retention, and used worldwide by folks in the workforce and outdoors communities.

The ESEE and Ka-Bars will run you $40-$60, and the mora will run you about $15. You can get Moras and Izulas at Cabelas, but Amazon is also great. Good luck.

Personally, I look for steel to be suitable for the job above anything else. To me, any knife out in the bush is better than no knife and the last thing that you want is it to fail on you out in the middle of nowhere. I always look at the heat treat to see if it suits the proper intended usage of the blade, steel choice, etc.. I like to see a steel with a good ratio of toughness and wear resistance while also retaining an acceptable amount of corrosion resistance and sharpenability.

After that, I move on to the blade grind and shape. Scandi grind is probably my favorite for working with wood. Full Flat Grind is probably a close second. I want the blade to actually cut, so having a nice balance of thin behind the edge, while still retaining decent thickness and strength in other areas like the spine, swedge, tip, etc is important. Definitely a huge plus if the spine is 90 degrees and rough to give you the ability to scrape.

The handle is probably the last thing that I care about, but still important. I want it to fill my hand, but not be too thick or long. If you can work a finger choil in the design without sacrificing a lot of cutting edge, great, but it's not a necessity. I prefer there to be minimal finger guard, but I do like for a little something to be there and not just a straight, abrupt transition from handle to cutting edge.

FWIW, My usual bush knives vary from the Mora High Q Robust, to the Spyderco Mule Team in CPM 4V (or PSF27) for smaller blades, to the Cold Steel Bushman in 1095 (or SK5) or the Ontario RTAKII in 5160 for larger blades.

Recently I've started taking many of my friends out camping. Most of which have never been before. I'm planning on taking a group of people on a beginners backpacking trip up into the San Bernardino mountains, before it gets too cool.

I'd really like to introduce people to nature in a way they will enjoy. The Small Forest Axe by Gransfors Bruks is an excellent tool, in the perfect size, to help teach everyone how to properly wield an axe, chop wood, and in turn show them how to select trees and properly build a fire without cutting down green trees or starting a forest fire. Gransfors Bruks, in Sweden, makes some of the finest axes in the world, and carries with it a legacy of skilled woodsmen.

Being an Environmental Science major, focusing on ecological restoration of forested and wetland areas, I feel like I should help pass on my love for nature to those who are willing to learn.

Honestly? You're going to want to just go to a knife forum- this is a good example of one, or BladeForums.com is another- and just immerse yourself in it. Read posts, ask questions, salivate over knives, etc.

Here's a guide on knife grinds and the differences between them. Here's another.

Some good, popular companies for folding knives are Spyderco, Benchmade, Kershaw, and Cold Steel. All of these also make fixed blades, but only Cold Steel has anywhere near as many fixed blade designs available as they have folders.

Some popular companies for fixed blade knives are Ka-Bar, Morakniv, Ontario Knife Company, ESEE knives, BlackJack Knives and Fallkniven.

Any knives by any of those companies will likely be good, solid knives for whatever their intended purpose is- which brings us to another point, the intended purpose of a knife.

Different knives are obviously intended for different things, and a good knife for bushcraft might make an incredibly shitty one for cooking, with the While the Becker BK2 might happily slash apart a log or firewood, it's so fucking thick that it'll take a lot more work to push it through food, for example. Alternatively, while the Benchmade 530 is a great EDC knife that will happily cut food or cardboard all day, if you try its super-thing blade against wood or rope you'll be in for a bad time and might even need a new knife. Basically, there isn't really any knife that's "good" for everything. There are knives that are BAD for everything, but that's a different story entirely.

If you have any questions about anything I said, feel free to ask. Like I said- that's a good way to learn about knives.

Well, I don't know exactly what's meant by "survival knife", but I'll assume all around multitasking. My go to knife, if I have to pick one, is my mora. It's durably, easy to sharpen, keeps its edge, can handle a beating, and is conveniently sized. I use it for everything, and if I were to lose it, it's not so expensive that I'd feel a great loss. That said, were I to pick a single tool it would be either the coldsteel combat shovel, as its durable, cheap, and gets a surprisingly good edge or really any quality hatchet.

I value affordability in balance with quality, because while there are better knives on the market, they're a lot more expensive. For the value, I think the Mora Bushcraft is one of the best, but it all depends on what you like and need it for.

Morakniv makes some great budget fixed blades, some are quite small and most have a general utilitarian use. Here's a model for less than $17 and these have built a really good reputation for value and hard use.

However, maybe that isn't quite what you're looking for. Maybe you want something thicker, more substantial? Continuing with fixed blades is the ESEE 4P which before shipping is $99. Another option would be the Ontario Knife Company's RAT-7 for currently $63. Being an avid knife collector, I have maybe 150 total knives total. That said, I think if I had only 1 knife to take out with me and feel secure in doing so, the Kabar/Becker BK7 would be it. For ~$78 new on Amazon, it's just a big hunk of steel (1095 steel specifically) that can tear through almost anything you put in front of it from wood to meat to a car door panel lol. I would recommend looking into some customization for it for a couple for reasons. The black plastic handle scales that it comes with are not so great. This can be resolved by using a bike tire inner tube mod OR just grabbing those ~$40 micarta scales that the link suggests below the photos of the knife itself. The sheath is definitely serviceable for your needs, but you may eventually want to upgrade it to a kydex sheath, or even a leather one if you really like leather. Finally, the coating that's on all of the Becker knives has the benefit of protecting the blade very well but the cost is a lot of friction and eventually that coating will wear off and it'll look different. Many modders just strip that coating off and blue or force patina it and frequently oil after use. Or go the other route and spend hours up front polishing it to a mirror polish and now you have a knife that will look really Bowie-ish.

Buck or Locking Swiss Army Knife would be my go tos.

I also really like the Camillus 6.5 Ti Folding Rigging Knife which is currently selling for $21. I carried one regularly until I got a Boyes Boat folder, and I think it’s a great value.
(My Amazon Review: Perfect pocket knife for a sailor dreaming of the sea while toiling at a day job) Very pocketable. No clip but it’s lanyard/fob ready. Nice utility shape — No point on the blade so it’s not “stabby”. Blade locks in place and is safely released, even in rolling seas. Reasonable edge that holds well, particularly if you hone it to work, not to shave and it’s easily sharpened and maintained. I use the spike all the time. I know it won’t pass the sniff test of some here, but I carried it for years while far “superior” blades stayed home and it never failed me. I also like that it looks like a tool, not a tacticool weapon. (I have a few of those too but I prefer a lower profile EDC.)

A fixed blade would be perfect. Mora knives are excellent inexpensive knives that are quite commonly used for camping. They make some with wooden handles, composite handles, stainless blades, and carbon blades. My understanding is that their stainless blades don't hold an edge quite as well as their carbon blades, but carbon blades have the disadvantage of being susceptible to rust. So for an outdoor camping application where you're likely to be running around in dirt and mud and rain and lakes and streams and not likely to have a supply of rubbing alcohol, clean cloths, metal polish, and mineral oil, a stainless blade with composite handle would probably serve you best.

On the other hand, Cody London, that hippy dude from Dual Survival pretty much exclusively uses classic Moras with wooden handles and carbon blades. On the other other hand, he also doesn't wear pants or shoes.

Here are a few to look at.

Most of those pieces can be carved with a couple of decent knives
Here, I'm going to go against my best advice, but this can be found at Amazon:

Here is a Mora knife that can be used as a roughout knife that can be purchased at Amazon.

While this knife is OK for hacking away large amounts of wood (not my first choice by far), you really need a good detail knife. Here is one I highly recommend.

As far as the strop goes, save you money. A thin piece of leather glued to a 8" x 2" (+ or -) board will work just as well as anything you purchase.

If you're looking for a folding option, Fox and Emerson both make good knives, but they are expensive.

Cold Steel makes a relatively affordable fixed-blade option, but it's BIG. Fox and Emerson also make a fixed-blade options, but they are very expensive.

For a general use, fixed-blade option, I'd recommend something like the Mora Companion in stainless. It's boring next to any karambit or even your BG knife, but it will do the job of opening boxes and most routine cutting chores. For a folder, you simply cannot go wrong with a Victorinox.

I hope I didn't seem too condescending (that's where I talk down to you) in my first comment. Please feel free to ignore any smart-ass comments I may make and welcome to the club!

Edit: Karambits are simply not my style. I'm sure there are some other folks on /r/knifeclub that can offer more options than I on that subject.

I did a quick check on amazon and came up with three choices that seem decent


maxam sailors tool


Camillus


Oldtimer


I don't know maxam but it has a lot of good reviews on amazon. I do know Camillus and Old Timer though and they make good knives. Camillus would be the one I'd pick but I'd get a maxam too as back up since it's so cheap. Old timer knives are made by Schrade and they are usually good knives.


Hope this helped.

PS- Gerber quality has gone down over the last few years so I wouldn't recommend buying anything they are selling, but to each their own.

Look at the Kershaw Leek, its got a good 3 inch blade, it practically disappears in your pocket, is basically a modern gentlemen's folder, and can get it in several different colors. Its one of the most popular knives out there and is well made. Only thing to watch out for is the tip, its very thin and can break off if you try and use it as a pry bar. You can find the leek for about 40-60 bucks depending on the model.

Link - Kershaw Leek

If you're looking for something heavier duty, the Kershaw Blur or Freefall would be good buys. I use a freefall as one of my EDC knives and think its a great buy for the money. The blur is very well regarded as well, though I don't have experience with one myself.

Link for Blur

Link for Freefall

If you don't absolutely need the spring assist, another idea would be a Spyderco Delica 4, or perhaps a Spyderco Persistence if you want a little cheaper price. Both are solid knives for the money and aren't too bulky in the pocket. You can get the Delica in colors too!

Link for Delica 4

Link for Persistence

Others have mentioned it but the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 is widely loved as a survival/do everything knife.

If the BK2's blade is too big and heavy for you, you might consider its little brother the BK16.

Also consider one of the Scrapyard Knives like the 311, 411, or 511.

Good luck!

Vic Swisstool Spirit ,in my personal opinion, is the king of multitools. I absolutely adore mine. F&F is fantastic, tool selection is thoughtful, built very well, and I REALLY love that the tools are on the OUTSIDE of the handle so you don't have to open the pliers first.

I'm going to bust up the Leatherman love train and recommend the Victoronox SwissTools. You can check out the Spirit or the RS/Rescue Tool. While I love my Leatherman Surge, the fit and finish between it and my Swiss RS tool is night and day. My Surge is a beast of a tool the RS tool can keep up with no matter what I am using them for, the RS tool feels like a fine Swiss watch vs the Surge which feels like a finely crafted hammer.

Here's a few:

Becker BK-2 carbon steel, decently sized though maybe big by your definition. This knife will take anything you throw at it, comes with a sheath.

The ESEE Izula is also pretty popular around here, definitely a lot smaller.

Can we get specifics on:

Carbon/Stainless?

Approx length?

Price range?

These will help us figure out what would be ideal.

EDIT: clarity

I have two Leatherman tools. I have used them for over a decade and have never had any trouble with them. They are easy to sharpen and they don't have a single dot of rust on them. Every tool is going to have its limits. I wouldn't use the knife on a Leatherman as a crow bar. I have never heard anyone complain about their Leatherman.

I have seen many people complain about the Sven Saw. It seems to be high quality and the design is very convenient. However, because of its triangular design, it actually can only cut smaller branches. Perhaps you aren't intending to cut a 6 inch limb. Just know that anything thicker than probably 3 inches is probably a big pain to cut with the Sven. Also, from what I understand, the Sven Saw only takes Sven Saw Blades, which is an added inconvenience and expense.

I have a basic cheap bow saw (one piece, non foldable) that I think works great. Bonus is that you can, if needed, use it with standard hack saw blades.

I don't currently own a Mora knife, but they do seem to be universally loved. Please note however that there are several Mora knives that range from $8 to $18 (both stainless and non-stainless). They don't seem to be substantially different from the one you mentioned that is $65.

This is the Mora Bushcraft Survival knife you mentioned ($65):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Bushcraft-Survival-Stainless-Steel/dp/B005CAPU80


Different Mora knives are either non-stainless carbon steel or stainless. Also, the thickness of the blade varies. You can get the thicker stainless steel knife in the cheaper model ($14):

http://www.amazon.com/Lime-Green-Mora-Companion-Knife/dp/B00BU9ATS8/ref=pd_sim_sg_12

I'm sure you can find one without a lime green handle. There seem to be a thousand models of Mora knives.

Another example, slightly thinner but still stainless ($11):

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

This one is not stainless but the steel is even thicker than the one you mentioned ($40) if durability is your priority:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Sandvik-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B009O01H0Y/ref=pd_sim_sg_9

This last one is almost exactly the same as the knife you mentioned, except that it is $17 instead of $65:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

Perhaps the price of the one you mentioned is inflated because of the sheath, but the reviews rate that sheath badly. They mention the clip disconnecting unexpectedly and also it does seem like the sharpening stone and the fire steel to be a bit of a gimmick. Fire steels are like $3 at Walmart and maybe $5 if you want the bigger military style model. The sharpening stone attached to the sheath seems to be toy like and not really functional.


Another one that seems to be the same as yours without the gimmicky sheath ($38):

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Outdoor-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B003FYJU9A/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1376873143&sr=8-12&keywords=mora+knife+stainless+steel

There seems to be a huge variation of prices on Mora knives. The best ones seem to be the ones that are Stainless Steel and the thickness is around 0.1 or 0.098 inches.

I already own several high quality expensive knives, so I don't have a need to purchase the $65 range Mora knife. But the ones that are around $11 seem to be a great deal to use in situations where I might want to avoid damaging my expensive knife.

My favorite to purchase cheaply right now is:

http://www.amazon.com/Mora-Stainless-Steel-Camo-Knife/dp/B005K994QM/ref=pd_sim_sg_11

Because it has the hook at the front of the grip, which will help prevent your hands from slipping on to the cutting edge if you have to push into something. I think in survival situations, you hands may be tired, shaky, wet and dirty, which might make them prone to slipping. And of course, a survival situation is the absolute worst time to cut your hand.

Those are my 8 cents worth of contribution.

Mora Companion for fixed blade and the Opinel N 08 for a folder (could order them directly to your buddy's house to save some time).

Both have great quality, are very usable (cut well) and are amazing for the price.

Afterwards it would be cool to leave them in the woods with a note to a lucky finder or mail them to yourself back home.

Here are my personal essentials.

• Spyderco Delica 4: $60 VG-10 steel, comes in tons of colors
  
• Spyderco Endura 4: Larger version of Delica
  
• Morakniv Companion: $12-$20 A really awesome fixed blade, outperforms knives triple it's price.
  
• Victorinox Tinker: $20-25 classic swiss army knife, really great quality in general. Lots of tools but not too many so it's easily pocket carried.
  
• Victorinox Cadet: Smaller Swiss Army Knife, aluminum handles. Lots of colors.
  
• Kershaw Cryo, or Cryo 2: $20-40 steel frame lock, Hinderer design, good price, tons of colors. The Cryo 2 is the same as the Cryo just larger.
  
• Ontaro Rat 1 or 2: $25-30 Classically shaped folders with a very rugged build for a liner lock. The 2 is a smaller version of the 1.
  
  Also, you're going to want a sharpening system that works for you in the long run. I personally use the Spyderco Sharpmaker But there are tons of good sharpening options out there.
  
  P.S: You're going to get a lot of people hating on your Gerbers most likely, that's because they're honestly not worth it in the long run. They use very low quality steel for the price and they don't have the best quality control. I'm not saying your Gerbers are trash or anything. But they definitely won't last very long. Just about all of the knives I listed will last you a lifetime if you treat them right, and oil/sharpen them correctly.

So you seem pretty knowledgeable, and I trust your opinion. I’ve narrowed it down to 6 I’m choosing between, with some definitely more likely than others. Three are folders , and three are fixed . While I no longer trust MTech for folders, their blade kept decently well, and there’s not a lot of room for screws loosening on fixed blades. I also know Elk Ridge was never mentioned in the tread, but I’ve owned one fixed and one folder from them and they were both great knives, I have faith in the brand

Yes! The Alox Victorinox Cadet (where it has the metal case instead of plastic) is awesome. It's super thin too, it fits in my work dress pants pockets perfectly.

Twitch II is good.

So is the Skyline

But my favorite is still the Tenacious. What an awesome EDC knife that sucker is. The metal may not be the best, but it makes up for it in durability and it's so easy to sharpen. The knife is of excellent quality and for less than 30$. If you want a smaller blade, get the Persistence (I wouldn't, the Tenacious is the perfect size for me).

For a cheap brilliant bushcraft knife:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Tactical-4-3-Inch-Plastic/dp/B009O01H0Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422126084&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+bushcraft

For a cheap brilliant bushcraft knife in wet conditions:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Sandvik-Stainless-4-3-Inch/dp/B00B90H1T8/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1422126084&sr=8-4&keywords=mora+bushcraft


For a very cheap good bushcraft knife:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1422126275&sr=8-1&keywords=mora

For a very cheap good bushcraft knife in wet conditions:

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B005EOJAKI/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1422126315&sr=8-3&keywords=mora+orange

My boyfriend bought me a morakniv companion a few weeks back and I've never had a more multitasking blade. Though designed as an outdoorsman knife, theyre razor sharp but also light weight and the rubber handle makes them very comfortable to hold. Plus, they come in great plastic sheaths that make them convenient for camping trips or picnics. 1000% would recommend. This is the one I have http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BTJKB00?cache=686004116d7b72b4413c26fe29e01dc1&pi=SX200_QL40&qid=1407024182&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

the skyline is a great choice.
Spyderco persistance is another great choice. 29$ below.
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Persistence-C136GP-Plain-Knife/dp/B002IWWYS4
Are you primarily just interested in folders? if fixed blade knives appeal to you Becker bk14 is another wonderful knife for 34$
http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-BK14-Becker-Knife-Eskabar/dp/B004CIQY6K

I hope the statement I'm about to make isn't insulting to you, but have you considered buying a hatchet? I bought one recently and I enjoy using it for heavy duty tasks like chopping/batoning much more than big/thick knife I had been using.

Using the hatchet with gloves hurt my hand less than using the knife with gloves and batoning.

Edit: The hatchet in combination with the mora knives you already have should be the perfect combination. Buy a folding saw and you'll have the hold trinity of bushcraft/camping wood processing.

Pros: classic design with a lot of history behind it, fairly rugged, easy to sharpen, holds an edge, not too heavy, inexpensive, good for batoning wood, I've opened plenty of cans with mine

Cons: if you spend more money you can get a slightly better steel in some knives

This is the one I have.

Ka-Bar 2-1212-3 Black Fighting Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BSY9D0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_c2wNzbZPACSBG

A good alternative could be the Becker BK2 variant of the KABAR which is a little newer and more heavy duty. Better at batoning and holds up a little better. But to me it has more of a kitchen knife appearance instead of the traditional KABAR military/survival appearance.

Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dgrNzbTY2SGCD

Both are solid outdoors knives though.

I have one of these Ontario 499 Air Force Survival Knife, Black. Has served me well so far. Feels super sturdy in your hand. Has great reviews on Amazon if you don't want to take just my word for it.

http://www.amazon.com/M-Pro-Sided-Tactical-Cleaning-Black/dp/B002CTCFTQ/ref=sr_1_48?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410762717&sr=1-48&keywords=cleaning+kit

http://www.amazon.com/Hoppes-BoreSnake-Cleaner-Choose-Caliber/dp/B004DPJPV8/ref=pd_sim_sg_10?ie=UTF8&refRID=05M04WYT0TVAT23E7G6E

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-Micro-Tactical-Folder/dp/B006YBW82C/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410763379&sr=1-5&keywords=cold+steel+lawman

http://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-American-Lawman-Handle/dp/B0015U73I6/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-1&keywords=cold+steel+law+man

http://www.amazon.com/Leatherman-831548-Rebar-w-Standard/dp/B005KSWIBQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410764666&sr=1-2&keywords=leatherman+rebar

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WEG8P0/ref=twister_B007QOEXNI

http://www.amazon.com/Neutron-2C-Flood-Cree-Flashlight/dp/B004UH12W4/ref=sr_1_20?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410764914&sr=1-20&keywords=thrunite

http://www.amazon.com/Olight-Tactcial-Flashlight-Batteries-Lumentac/dp/B00KANR6KO/ref=sr_1_10?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410764992&sr=1-10&keywords=olight+m10

http://www.amazon.com/Winchester-Deluxe-Shooters-Bag-Holds/dp/B00EQ7U3KU/ref=sr_1_20?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1410763558&sr=1-20&keywords=range+bag

http://www.amazon.com/TekMat-11-Inch-17-Inch-Handgun-Cleaning/dp/B0036N9A3G/ref=sr_1_5?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-5&keywords=gun+mat

http://www.amazon.com/ATD-Tools-8760-Stainless-Magnetic/dp/B000OUZCUE/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1410764144&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=magnet+parts+bowl

Knives, cleaning gear, and flashlights are never unwelcome gifts for gun/weapon nerds. I linked you a bunch of decent tools that would make great gift ideas. Some more affordable than others. Get him a couple really nice things for like 40-50 each or a bunch of little affordable things and toss them in a 20 dollar range bag.

That's one of the things I looked at, but I'd prefer something a bit smaller, like the regular alox version. I would really like the bantam (alox, plastic), but it's also bigger/longer than I'd like. I might get the plastic one and see if I could somehow put on a custom handle, or even try to put on the handle from this knife, they look like they're about the same size

Depends on what you want to use it for.

The Canopy is thicker out to the tip, giving it more heft for chopping. It is, IMO, the better tool of the two. The Warrior is designed more as a fighter, and so has a lighter, more manoeuvrable (and more fragile) tip. The false edge on the spine isn't really ideal for work, but it'll still get the job done. Both are made from 8Cr13MoV, which is a pretty decent but not exceptional stainless. Overall, decent knives and reasonably priced at $40-50 (Amazon). Both are full tang AFAIK and so should be quite tough.

If you can afford to stretch to around $70, you might want to take a look at the Ka-Bar Becker BK9. Similar size (9 inch blade), full tang, thicker stock (.250 inches IIRC), and significantly better steel (1095). 1095 is a carbon steel, which means you have to be a little be more careful to avoid rust compared to 8Cr13MoV, but it's also quite a bit tougher.

If you mostly intend on doing more 'knife' tasks (slicing, cutting thin limbs, brush), the Canopy might be a slightly better choice, being the cheaper and lighter option. If you want a real chopper, I'd go with the Becker.

In that price range, from lowest to highest price, I found these in a quick search on Amazon:

• Spyderco Ambitious - 2.25" blade, $26.20
  
• Spyderco Tenacious - 3-3/8" blade, $30.13
  
• Spyderco Persistence - 2.75" blade, $31.89
  
• Spyderco Resilience - 4.25" blade, $42.87
  
  All of these use pretty much identical materials, and have identical features and quality. So go with whichever you like best.
  
  The steel used on these is middle of the road (the same as used in your Tremor), but overall quality is outstanding for the price. All around these will outperform and feel nicer than any Kershaws in the same price class, though I have nothing against Kershaw's better knives.

I just got one of these not too long ago and I like it.

It's kinda small in the hand but handles well, takes a ridiculous edge and holds it pretty good as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Camillus-Carbonitride-Titanium-Folding-6-5-Inch/dp/B005LHGBB4/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1416511635&sr=8-4&keywords=camillus+knives

I just picked up one of these little beauties. I wear it on my belt at work (butcher) when I need a quick blade and don't want to go into my pockets. May suit your needs, super comfortable to use and clean.

Edit: Although i'd bet your able to sharpen a knife or know someone who will, this little bastard was by far the sharpest knife out of the box I have ever bought.

I'm a fan of the Executive, which is very slim and has about a 2" main blade. It comes in black, too. If you want a bit more knife and don't mind losing the toothpick/tweezers and scissors, the Cadet is popular for good reason. Among the keychain size knives, my favorite is the Rambler, for packing all the most important (to me, anyway) tools into a very small package.

You can carry any size knife if there’s a legit reason if it’s not for self defence or concealed. I find fixed blade knives get dirty looks here in the city, but carry them fine in the woods. I carry a small folder (4” blade) clipped to the inside of my pocket in the city

If you want a recommendation, I’d get a mora companion. Great budget fixed blade and will do pretty much all you need to do.

https://www.amazon.ca/Morakniv-Companion-Tactical-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B005EOJAKI/ref=pd_sbs_468_t_0/140-6358220-6278246?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0156BBXA8&pd_rd_r=1efe136b-2181-4b2f-994c-20189f6c9d1f&pd_rd_w=uDSVH&pd_rd_wg=wpqEA&pf_rd_p=9926bb69-42b9-46e4-b788-f665992e326d&pf_rd_r=ZH55X8NBQ6QNY5WCS48M&refRID=ZH55X8NBQ6QNY5WCS48M&th=1

For a dose of irony, here's the less functional American knockoff.

PS I have genuine respect for our honorable military forces, and am sure I'll be corrected about how our shovel is superior.

I'm a fixed blade fan, though what's "EDC" for me (large knife in a belt sheath) isn't for most people. However, a full tang, fixed blade knife will always be more "indestructible" than a folder, so I stand by my opinions.

The KA-BAR BK series are extremely tough knives. My favorite is the BK-2: https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Becker-Campanion-Fixed-Blade/dp/B001N1DPDE/. This is about as close to "impossible to break" as you can get. It's a big, thick chunk of steel and I've used it for everything from cutting rope, splitting wood, removing tile and grout, and as a pry bar.

At about half the price is the Ontario 499: https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Force-Survival-Knife-Black/dp/B001CZDQPI/ It's smaller than the BKs and has a rough finish, but it's extremely tough. It has been indestructible as far as I can tell: I TRIED to break it by banging it into hard logs and carelessly batoning with it and it barely lost an edge. Great knife for the price.

I could give you some strong examples of folders, but I know other commenters on here will do way better than me on that.

It's going to be hard to find a good quality knife of that size with serrations.

My suggestion would be the Essee 4 https://www.amazon.com/ESEE-Sheath-Blades-Micarta-ESEE-4P-B/dp/B00UY4NS6K/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1527453497&sr=8-2&keywords=essee+4

Or a Kabar BK2 https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Campanion-Fixed-Blade/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=pd_sbs_200_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B001N1DPDE&pd_rd_r=FWQNG5WTZ9CEV0ZC6D3V&pd_rd_w=tjCQ6&pd_rd_wg=CtqJV&psc=1&refRID=FWQNG5WTZ9CEV0ZC6D3V


I would also suggest going to a brick and mortar store and handling each one to make sure they fit your hand well.

I prefer a Morakniv knife. They're usually about $12 to $25, go on sale often, and come with an excellent hard plastic sheath. They're light, durable, and simple. A friend of mine took one up the entire Appalachian Trail as his main trail knife in 2015; he loved it, never had a problem with it.

Great set. Though if you plan on using that saw often you may want to replace it with a higher quality model. It's a great bang for your buck saw, but in my experience it does not stand up to continued use well. I took mine to work (I work for a tree company) to test it out and it lost a few teeth/started to dull after only 10-15 cuts.

Silky makes great pruning saws, though more expensive ($40~). That type of saw is mostly suited to cutting green wood, however. If you plan on using it mostly for dead stuff (firewood) it may be worth investing in something like a bowsaw that is designed with that purpose in mind.

Disclaimer: I have no personal experience with that particular bowsaw and cannot personally attest to it's quality. Though it does seem well regarded.

Edit: That knife seems nice, but from what I can tell it is not made of high carbon steel so it cannot be used for firestarting on it's own. It may be worth investing in something cheap like a Mora so that you may use it with a flint

I know I'm a bit late so you won't see this until you get back (I hope XD). But best of luck! Here's my item: http://www.amazon.com/Military-Original-E-Tool-Entrenching-Shovel/dp/B004SOPJG4/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3CKIQVW8MLIVH&coliid=I1HW25ENVN2G09.

Mora knives have always served me very well as outdoors knives.

they might look cheap, but they have great steel, and have really held up (I typically buy the stainless version like this one)

https://smile.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466474771&sr=8-1&keywords=stainless+mora

Well, for a low budget you can't beat the ontario rat 1.

Not bashing cheap beater knives, but the one you're using is a classic 'tacticool mall knife', stick as much stuff on it as you can and put a semper fi in the name. Done! If that's what you like, fine but they're not known for their high quality. Pretty much everything you get will be an upgrade.

Maybe also take a look at these

• Kershaw Cryo
  
  
• Spyderco persistence

2 knives will work. The first one needs to be burly, easily sharpened, and one that you don't mind beating up. Doesn't need to look like crocodile dundees knife. Personally I like the ontario aircrew survival knife. It's affordable, durable, and comes with a good leather sheath and sharpening stone. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZDQPI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The other essential is a multi-tool. Either the basic Gerber or Leatherman will do. https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-MP600-Multi-Plier-Needle-47550/dp/B000VORS1E/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2ATZ9E2OJ54M9&keywords=gerber+mp600&qid=1569727801&s=gateway&sprefix=gerber+mp%2Caps%2C243&sr=8-1

I was going to link you to /r/CCW but it sounds like your too young to carry a gun or a knife depending on what state you live in.

My advice to you is to carry a decent fixed blade knife on your belt that can easily be removed from the sheath until you are old enough for a gun. I know it sounds a bit extreme to some but its something that you should consider especially knowing that there are predators in your area.

It doesn't mean you have to stab someone, I actually had an instance where 3 homeless men tried to corner me at my car after I went fishing, they left after I had moved my shirt to the side showing my knife, never even took it from the sheath.

In terms of legally carrying a knife, comply with your local laws but also keep in mind that if the police see you with a fishing pole, tackle box, and any knife that doesn't look like a fucking Rambo knife on your belt... they probably wont glance twice at you. my suggestion
morakniv

Remember, the people that do this are cowards, they may hate you but they probably don't hate you enough to get stabbed.

or just carry pepper spray if you like.

In terms of them having a gun you are pretty much shit out of luck after they get the drop on you, at that point just give them what they want, if they hit you just go fetal and protect your head/neck and scream to attract attention.

The best thing for this is situational awareness, if you see a group of people or even a single person that makes you uncomfortable don't feel bad about going somewhere else, your personal safety isn't worth making some random guy/girl a little mad because you crossed the street.

best of luck to you bud, hope you heal quickly.

http://ecosknives.com/zen3/ These are hand made. Mine have come sharp. In fact I just got 2 new ones for my birthday.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B00BTJKB00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412718972&sr=8-1&keywords=mora These are great for the money.

http://www.anzaknives.com/ These are made from files

Do you have a picture of what you like?

try r/knives

The Victorinox Swisstool Spirit has the tools you're looking for and has a serrated knife instead of a straight edge blade, so that might better compliment your regular knife. If I recall correctly, the pliers are shaped a little more bluntly than leatherman pliers and they have a more ergonomic handle. Might be better suited for your purposes.

• jumper cables
  
  
• tire plug kit with reamer and plug tool
  
  
• roadside flares
  
  
• extra jacket, hat and gloves
  
  
• spare shoes (depending on season, might be boots, sandals, sneaks, whatever)
  
  
• NOLs basecamp 1st aid kit equivalent
  
  
• leather work gloves
  
  
• Victorinox Rescue tool
  
  
• Safety glasses (tinted doubles as sunglasses)
  
  
• Sven Folding saw
  
  
• CS shovel
  
  
• camp hatchet
  
  
• roll toilet paper in gallon ziploc bag
  
  
• puck style axe sharpener
  
  
• extra garbage bags
  
  
• assorted zip ties
  
  
• 50' 3/8" rope
  
  
• rachet tiedowns
  
  
• assorted bungie cords
  
  
• 8'x 10' tarp (need to replace)
  
  
• wool army blanket
  
  
• waiter's friend corkscrew ( cuz the stinking expensive Vic Rescue tool doesn't have this important function!)
  
  

I would recommend a Ka-Bar Becker BK-2 Campanion (of course) and a Kershaw Skyline, if you're interested in a folder. Total for less than $100.
(BK-2 Abuse links.) Those two sets of tests should be more than enough evidence for the Campanion's awesomeness. It's $62 on Amazon.
The Kershaw Skyline gets great reviews. Amazon has them for $34.

EDIT: Added all the links, and decided to provide an actually comprehensive and helpful comment.

Just for the record, I wasn't able to find one of these for sale anywhere, but if you are looking for something similar in the way of a production knife, I would recommend the Ontario RTAK-II or ESEE Junglas.

Not taking anything away from Mr. Gossman and his awesome blades, but not everyone can afford $500-600 for a knife even if it were possible to locate one for sale.

I recommend adding an entrenching tool to your trunk for moving snow in slide-off conditions from in front of your tires. Also can chip ice in parking lots or driveways if stuck.

Add cheap work gloves in case you normally wear decent gloves which you don't want to mess up.

More for comfort, but hand warmers are cheap on Amazon and can add comfort if the shovel fails.

My wife has to bring a go-girl when we go camping. She swears by it. As a man, I would have to advise bringing some type of blade. I would suggest a fixed one not a folder in case you need to split wood etc. An affordable but capable option is the KaBar Becker. It should last you a long time and is very versatile. Have fun!

This is a great knife, great steel, and very affordable. I keep in in my GHB, a Morikniv:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BTJKB00/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you're looking to do bushcraft tasks, it'd be better for you to get a knife, saw, and a hatchet so you have all the tools you need for manipulating wood and natural cordage. If you're trying to stay under $100, I'd recommend...

Knife - Mora Bushcraft Black

Saw - Bahco Laplander

Axe/Hatchet - Cold Steel Trail Boss

This will bring you in right at 100 dollars I think and give you a great starting set of tools for bush/field-craft.

There are other options in each of these categories that could combine to keep you under 100. I can list some of those, too, if these don't meet your needs. But, this will definitely do any bushcraft task you can think of.

If you do get the Cold Steel Trail Boss, take some time and thin the cheeks a bit and put a bit of a thinner convex edge on it. You'll be shocked at the results. Trust me.

Thanks!

Is this the Mora Knife you are suggesting:

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Stainless-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1499099295&sr=8-2&keywords=mora%2Bknife&th=1

Is a multi-tool even necessary then?

Also, based on what you said, and based on the fact I'll be hiking for a week, do you think it would be better if I just carried the titanium bowls, or would the kit be better?

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

If I win, I'd go for an Alox Cadet in red

• Sawyer Mini Water Filter
  
  
• Ferrocerium Rod
  
  
• Morakniv Companion
  
  
• Cotton Bandanna
  
  
• Reusable Mylar Blanket
  
  
• SAK Classic
  
  
• AMK Trauma Pack
  
  
• Signal Mirror
  
  
• Compass
  
  These are just suggestions, I'm sure there are cheaper or better quality alternatives to these, but it's a good start.
  
  Also, you're a cool brother.

I have several KA-BARs and love them all.

I love this one for camping: https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Combat-Bowie-Fixed/dp/B001IPKL7I

This one is always in my car (next to a small KA-BAR tanto, and SOG hatchet): https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-200038-BK3-Becker-Tool/dp/B001IPILMA

I've been putting together a birthday/Christmas gift list...

• Outlier Nycos
  
• Taylor Stitch Townsend denim
  
• Booze (Bulleit Bourbon)
  
• Wool socks
  
• Gift cards to BB, J. Crew
  
• Kiva microloan (try it free!)
  
• A decent camp knife
  
• Cast-iron frying pan
  
• Good kitchen tongs
  
• Paracord
  
• Any hobby stuff - for me it's ski goggles, ski lessons, firearms course fees, rifle locker, etc.

If it helps, here were my requirements when selecting one, in no order:

• Folding, for convenience;
  
• Secure lock for the blade;
  
• Easy one-handed opening. None of those little fingernail slot things;
  
• Blade approximately 3" long. Much less and it isn't useful; much more and it's considered a weapon in some places;
  
• Blade part straight and part serrated, for versatility;
  
• Marlinspike;
  
• Good value / relatively inexpensive. I can't spend my hard-earned money on a mother-of-pearl inlay or whatever, though spending extra for quality construction, good steel, etc. is worth it;
  
• Rugged construction, as I need to be able to trust my core gear without question;
  
• Lanyard loop placed where I can open either the blade or the spike and use them naturally without interference from the lanyard;
  
  Based on this, I selected the the Myerchin P300. I've used it for about four years now, sailing 100 to 130 days per year. This thing is rugged and well built. The pliers seemed like a gimmick at first but I have used them so many times, usually when I don't expect to need them (otherwise I would be carrying the right pliers for the job), and they're just the right size for a lot of tasks.
  
  The Boye is my second choice, but at over four times the price I think I would be kicking myself if I lost it or saw it washed overboard.
  
  My third choice is the Camillus rigging knife. The construction just doesn't feel as rugged to me as the Myerchin, though I haven't really given it a fair shake.

Thank you so much! Is this the pocket knife you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-53044-Cadet-Black-Swiss/dp/B000WEG8PA/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1369709094&sr=8-3&keywords=Victorinox+Cadet


I am happy to hear the pen is working well for you!

I like that these gifts are quality items and "general purpose", and by that I just mean that they are accessible to most people. Let's face it: those who want niche high end gear will be purchasing that themselves because they'll know exactly what they are looking for. This is the sort of stuff that almost anyone would be pleased with.

Here are a few random things off the top of my head I might add:
Mora Knife - $15.
Casio Pathfinder watch - $40
Light Tripod and phone mount $22 + $15 (added these because a lot of people use their phones as cameras out there
[Constellation Playing cards]( Night Sky Playing Cards https://www.amazon.com/dp/1591932424/) - $6
Anker 10,000 mah battery pack - $26
Chill-Its Cooling Towel - $8
Nite Ize S-Biner - $4

My bother owns this Estwing axe and we've used it for a good 5 years of chopping wood each winter and its been solid, it has a great blade if you have a good grinder.

A little out of your price range, but they're sold on Amazon (watch out for counterfeits though) is the Esee knives. They are crazy tough and have the best warranty of any knife maker I've seen and if you find a way to break it they'll send a new one, even if it was on purpose. The model number dictates the size of the blade like the Izula 2 has 2 inch blade, Esee 3 has 3 inch blade etc.
edit: the Esee knives are basically made of diamonds and the Ontario Rat 3 is a very similar knife more in your price range.
Ontario Rat 3
Esee 3

As far as axes or hatchets go, the best you'll find are generally hand-made and typically aren't any cheaper than $100. The Fiskars will work just fine for standard home use, however.

+1 for ESEE knives, they are fantastic products. If you want a cheaper full-tang fixed blade knife that can hold its own against ESEE or other very expensive knives, check out any of the Becker BK knives, made by Ka-Bar.

I had a Cold Steel Kukri (which isn't very good, if you're looking for a solid, inexpensive Kukri, get the Ka-Bar) and once I got my Becker BK9 I never pick it up anymore. The BK9 is smaller than a Kukri, but still has plenty of chopping power and weight behind it. The 1095 steel holds an edge very well. I've done some chopping where I was regularly hitting dirt and rocks, and the edge was still hair-shaving sharp when I was done. Throw in some Micarta Handles and a Kydex Sheath and your knife is going to last a very long time.

In general, the more you spend on a knife or axe, the better it's going to be. Obviously there are exceptions, but cheap knives are cheap because they usually use cheap steel, cheap coatings, they aren't full tang, and a number of other features that you'll only find in the $50-$70 range.

The Becker BK-2 is a fine beater of knife for your first decent quality fixed-blade. Great size, great price.

Edit: If you really want something "cool-looking" but still functional, the new Becker BK-5 could fit the bill.

I'm a big fan of http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Laminated-2-4-Inch/dp/B004URTI4I/ref=sr_1_7?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1453580923&sr=1-7&keywords=morakniv for most carving. The shorter blade means the control is closer to your hand, which is good for "not cutting the shit out of yourself". A longer blade would be better for stripping bark and trimming branches, but less for fine work.

For $50, you can get a good knife from Glock, and that would leave you with enough money to get another one if you wanted.
YOu could also go with the Becker BK2
I also have good experiences with this

Though this may be a little smaller than what you're looking for, my favorite fixed blade right now is the Dajo Survivor

There are a ton of axes out there that fit your profile straight out of the box. You're just looking for a European style forest axe.

This is your best "budget" option.

These

are

some

... pricier options.

Don't ruin a perfectly fine American axe trying to replicate a European axe. There's no reason for it.

As for whether your design is good for "camp tasks," well, that depends. You'd need to define some things.

1. What kind of camping? Are you driving out or hiking? If you're driving out, don't fuck around. Bring a full sized axe.
   
   
2. What kind of "camp tasks" are you going to be doing? If you're just going to be limbing for smaller firewood, then even a hatchet will do you well. If you're going to be felling, bucking and splitting whole trees, then car or hike you're better off with a full sized axe. Bucking is a ton of work and a heavier axe helps the tool do the work rather than your arms. If you watch this dude's axe content, you'll see that even he (who prefers smaller axes) does note that you really have to whip smaller axes to get the same effect as a larger axe.
   
   
3. What kind of wood are you working with? If you're working with tough hardwoods, American axes are made to deal with that type of wood better than European/Scandinavian axes that are mostly tooled towards pines and other soft woods.
   
   
4. How much experience do you have with using axes? American axe patterns tend to be a little more forgiving of bad technique since they're bulkier and often not hardened quite as much. (They're still heat treated, but a softer edge is easier to sharpen though it does dull faster.) European axes tend to be a bit harder, but that means they're harder to sharpen and if you chip them (say, on an overstrike or an imperfection in the tree) they're much harder to work out.

Victorinox Cadet, same answer I always give to this question. Small but useful and universally nonthreatening. Plus it never hurts to have a bottle opener and a few screwdrivers with you as well. [Under 30$ also] (https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-53044-Cadet-Black-Swiss/dp/B000WEG8PA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1468775396&sr=8-1&keywords=victorinox+cadet)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005EOJAKI/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480392972&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=morakniv+orange&dpPl=1&dpID=318P1p3HPhL&ref=plSrch

This is a perfect knife for any hunter, I guarantee you. Blaze orange will help find it after you do it, and cheap enough to replace readily. Most gunsmiths/jewelers will even engrave it for you at a small fee.

So this is what I have with me usually when going to work. Which is a 1h journey by high speed train, crossing an international border.

• The large knife is a Spyderco Native.
  
• And there is another Spyderco hiding in there too.
  
• The tiny flashlight is a Lenser K1
  
• The small flashlight is, I think, a Fenix
  
• 16 GB Thumbdrive
  
• iPhone 5S
  
• Beyerdynamic iDX 160 iE earbuds
  
• eVic Supreme eCigarette with a Nautilus Aspire tank
  
• A Schneider eXtra Document Pigment Pen
  
• A lightning cable
  
• Victorinox SwissTool Spirit III
  
• CRKT Eat N Tool
  
• Leatherman Squirt PS4
  
• A Victorinox quick-release key ring, released
  
• NiteIze key holder, keys, car key
  
• Bellroy Wallet
  
• Plasters Travel Kit
  
• Passport
  
• Maxpedition Pouch (and another, the MaxPedition EDC not shown)
  
  Link to highres picture What addition would compliment this EDC?

Morakniv has a similar one as well: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/B004URTI4I/ref=pd_aw_sim_200_13?ie=UTF8&dpID=31Gga046jdL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL115_SR115%2C115_&refRID=1X281FHCXH57XZHEGAN1

A friend of mine has this one I believe, and really likes it.

Get him something like this. Nice and light/easy to handle.

In all seriousness though, some kind of Victorinox would be good, maybe the Classic

I was going to say Esee is a good starting point. My personal favorite are Survive! knives. https://surviveknives.com/

They're just very hard to get.

From more mass-produced stuff on the lower end:

https://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-Becker-Combat-Bowie-Fixed/dp/B001IPKL7I/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=BK-9&qid=1565302535&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.amazon.com/KA-BAR-Becker-Campanion-Fixed-Blade/dp/B001N1DPDE/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=BK-9&qid=1565302535&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-8604-RAT-7-Knife-Tan/dp/B0013AW8D8/ref=sr_1_30?crid=18LHTWFQCW6Y3&keywords=rat+knife+ontario&qid=1565302569&s=gateway&sprefix=rat+knife%2Caps%2C211&sr=8-30

https://www.amazon.com/TOPS-Knives-Brothers-Bushcraft-Handle/dp/B004GAM1UC?ref_=bl_dp_s_web_9741493011

Higher end is a toss up between a lot of small batch and completely custom-made knives.

I go here for most of my knife info: https://www.bladeforums.com/

)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000WEG8P0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1493772836&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=alox+cadet&dpPl=1&dpID=41QSWA8-7LL&ref=plSrch I would love to have a classic alox cadet this is very nice of you to do a give away

I've had the Estwing Camper's Axe for camping and hiking for years. Take it on 10-15 mile hikes, I like it because it's full tang metal, a little heavy, but i've broken other hickory handled axes.

To be fair, you can get by just as well with the Sven Saw, as long as you have access to lots of different kinds of wood. It goes through leg-sized logs very well. I still take the axe on trips because I like the added exercise and feel of chopping stuff.

If I know I am going to be in a survival situation?

Phone + Battery, 50 Flares, vehicle with a full tank of gas would be my top 3.

More serious you say? Just limiting myself to ordering online, mostly amazon -

1. Warbonnet hammock and tarp
   
   
2. Sawyer water filter
   
   
3. 1,000 feet of 750 cord
   
   
4. 50 bic lighters
   
   
5. 12 Months supply of food
   
   
6. Heavy knife
   
   
7. Light cheap knife
   
   
8. Any expensive sleeping bag
   
   
9. Cell phone, including my favorite RPG games.
   
   
10. Solar recharger
    
    
    

• Assumes I am stranded in the forest of the Northwest United States.
  
  
  Given a more specific survival situation, a budget, weight limit or other constraints, I may adjust my list accordingly.
  
  

If you need more of a multi-tool, the Leatherman Skeletool is awesome.

If you're just looking for a blade, the Kershaw Cryo is a really solid knife for the price (currently around $23). Because it's all metal, it has some weight to it, but I really like it and it's currently in my EDC.

If you want multifunction but not a large multitool, the Victorinox Swiss Army Cadet is stylish, lightweight, and very functional.

The second is an Air Force survival knife. They're a good deal, full tang 1095 for ~$45 at most Army/Navy surplus stores. I used one for two years and it held up great.

Personally a budget spyderco.

see

persistance

Or

Tenacious


With a mini swiss.

See.

Small Swiss

Is acceptable for most applications, a larger multi tool is good for in the car or around the house though.

I seriously can not possibly say enough good things about my spyderco tenacious. Get one, or another in the budget line (persistence, resilience)

Can't go wrong with a Mora. Good size, good sheath, good steel, cheap as dirt.

I cut a considerable amount of wood for carving and I never found one of those pulls saws to be better than the worst bow saw I ever used. The knife saws are alright, but again the bow saw tops them.

I eventually went with this: https://www.amazon.com/SVEN-SAW-Sven-Saw-21/dp/B002J900EQ/ It has worked amazingly well.

How about a subscription?

This book is useful for practically any sailor.

A marlin spike is cool as well.

If I knew more about the type of sailing she did (racing, cruising, day sailing), I could offer more refined ideas.

I had been making photo albums but just started a YouTube channel. My friend was nice enough to let me borrow his GoPro and mounts but most of the time I record with my phone (also have another camera but it's a bit broken and can only take pictures). Part of what I'm ordering from amazon is a new monopod/tripod/selfie stick which I'm very much in need of at the moment since my videos are a bit shaky.

Haven't gotten around to do any solo 2 day trips yet (most of the time I'd be with a group and there would be designated campsites to fill up water at) but if I was going out with no means to fill up I'd take anywhere from 4-6 liters of water. The climate here is very hot and there is no such thing as bringing too much water. If there was a water source I could potentially allow myself to bring less since I could boil any water I find.

Amazon list:
-5.11 Rush 72 55L backpack
-Mora Companion (stainless steel)
-Bahco Laplander
-Headlamp
-Jetboil 10in frying pan
-Whetstone

All together that weighs 7.9 pounds and at some point I'd like to get a sleeping pad and tarp bringing it up to ten pounds (not including food, water, and other supplies which might get me to around 15-20 pounds depending on the duration of my outings).

As for the grill it's just a makeshift one. Four tent pegs and a small grate.

You have fishing line, hooks and lead but no knife. I see a multi tool but I think it’s worth the weight to add a fixed blade knife. It’s useful for preparing fish, cutting wood, and so much more.

Watch this or one like it to drop in price (CamelCamelCamel) like it does a few times a year:
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BTJKB00/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_vvAPBbJBENH05

This. What I think I'm seeing is a carving kit assembled to do woodblock print carving (they use linoleum because it's softer and more consistent than wood. carefully cut away negative space, roll with ink, make a woodblock print)

I agree you need a sturdier fixed blade knife if you want to whittle/carve larger things. I really like a flat-edged blade...almost exactly like this one Honestly this knife can do almost anything that a whole set of chisels and v-tools can do, just a little slower. (although a v-tool is awesome for details/lines and chisels can be nice for weird nooks and carving details in hair sometimes)

Hah, funny you linked the EAB Pocket Knife - I actually found one of those (Or something comparable?) in my things from when I was in boyscouts and I laughed at how small it was and almost threw it out.

I am very tempted to just go rambo and buy a Ka-bar but I probably won't. Lower price will make it disposable and hopefully I won't ever have to use it anyway. Thinking the same way as you, quality...but functionally a waste of money

What are your thoughts on this one? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ZAIXSC/?coliid=I2WSGFIH1CDNP4&colid=ZZRP77UIJCYE&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it I Found it in another thread highly recommended and it's cheap. If not, will probably get one of the first two you linked.

Good point, like this one???

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Original-E-Tool-Entrenching-Shovel/dp/B004SOPJG4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1398090412&sr=1-1&keywords=us+military+shovel

Hands fucking down the Ontario RAT-3

(http://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-8630-RAT-3/dp/B001DZV3C0)

I have this knife and it is a Military grade survival knife. It's virtually indestructible. It packs small, sits nice and tight on your hip, isn't vary heavy, and has all features for bushcrafting/survival, and batoning wood. For 70$ you can't go wrong. The Army boys have even picked this knife up as a on hand self-defense weapon in the field. Jump on youtube and watch a review. This is a going to be a heavy duty tool in your kit, you want to get it right the first time.

Good old Victorinox! I carry a Victorinox Cadet or a Bantam as an everyday pocketknife. I like the Compact for camping.

The Morakniv brand of knives are extremely high quality for the price.

I have a stainless, a carbon steel and a coated carbon steel. I like the coated the most, but when I got some rust on my carbon, I took it off with steel wool and 'blued' it under my gas range. It's now exotic iridescent blue and purple colors, but it doesn't rust anymore. I didn't care because it cost me 12 dollars.

The coated was around 40 dollars I think...I use this one primarily when hiking, mushroom hunting or wildcrafting / digging in dirt. It's great. It's orders of magnitude a better, lighter, sturdier, handier knife than any of the clunky US marine, bowie, gerbie, honking, boneheaded bad designed knifes out of the US; also with swedish quality steel and lower price.

Ive used these for cooking, gardening and foraging / whittling / and bushcraft. I cannot say better things about Morakniv. Sure, there may be better knives but not for the price.

>Nothing is ever sold at the msrp unless it is enforced in some way. It'll probably cost about the same or a bit more than a Bushcraft Black.

I agree, for any readers interested in the numbers, the MSRP on the Bushcraft Black carbon steel is $79.99 and is currently going for $57 on Amazon. That's 29% off MSRP.

I bought the Victorinox Spirit and I love it.

This exact model, came with the belt pouch too.

SOG Entrenching Tool F08-N - Folding Shovel, High Carbon Steel

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0038A05X6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_ib8Kyb5SCR12B

Similar to the style used in the army. Any folding style like this. You can unfold it into an L shape to use it as a hoe or as a seat (to rest a cheek on when doing your "business" in the woods. Or just use it straight like a normal shovel the it folds into a small package about the size of a thick notebook for hauling.

In that pricerange I'd spend the extra $10-$15 and get a Becker BK2 instead. Everyone that uses them seems to love them. I don't use one personally because it seems a little oversized, but I've handled them and they have really solid construction.

If you want my tool recommendations, personally, I use the ESEE-4, Gransfors-Bruks Wildlife Hatchet and Tramontina 24" Machete combo. Three tools to do just about anything.

Can't go wrong with a Morakniv Companion. Only $15. I love mine.

Well, there's this :)

You might want to look at the Becker BK2 for a little more money.

All 3 of your items seem like winners but here are some other options:

Leatherman 831195 Squirt PS4 Black Keychain Tool with Plier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032Y2OT6/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_ipLOub1HMS951

Leatherman 831925 Juice S2 Multitool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JJY4ZZO/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_YqLOub1KN62CQ

Nitecore Tube 45 Lumens Blue USB Rechargeable Key Chain Flashlight with Lumen Tactical Keychain Light https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OY9TH16/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_isLOub1Z83R8W

Victorinox Swiss Army Signature Lite Pocket Knife, Sapphire https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001Y7XR3K/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_UtLOub1FPPN01

Foursevens Atom AL Stainles Steel Finish / Cool White LED; 1xCR123A; 110 Lumens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HDP0JQ0/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5uLOub0F2HBEK

Spyderco Persistence C136GP Plain Edge Knife, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002IWWYS4/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_5wLOub1Q2CA1D

Cold Steel Tuff Lite Plain Edge Folder Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YBW6MY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_UxLOub0PWZ3YF

thanks!

whats difference between bushcraft black and the survival? looks like its the same knife but $12 more for the sheath with firestarter and sharperner. worth it?

$36 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFI8TOA

vs

$24 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009O01H0Y

Here's a link. Handly little knife. I've been a fan of Camillus since my stepdad gave me his old Navy knife (Like this one). I do a bit of knotting in my spare time so the marlin spike does get used for its intended purpose as well as whatever else it seems good for at the time heh.

Best $20 you can spend, IMO. Portable and heavy duty:

https://www.amazon.com/SOG-Entrenching-Tool-F08-N-Folding/dp/B0038A05X6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1542031084&sr=8-3&keywords=collapsible+shovel

Wetterling axes are good and so are the Husqvarna axes. However I would go with a Gränsfors Bruks Small Forest Axe.

I would not pay extra for a Les Stroud branded axe. Wetterling axes are good enough on their own.

Dude he didn't ask how to actually learn to do something himself, just help him out.

Here's a nice axe within your price range.

I'd say he wants this. Classic design meant for both "tactical" needs and survival needs. Plus most military guys think they look pretty cool.

How does that cost 35 USD in the US and freakin' 67 EUR (= 75 USD !!!) in Europe?!

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00BNQR4SG/

I've got an Ontario RTAK-II. It's only a 10 inch blade, but it's been pretty handy.

Ontario Knife 1086284 Co RTAK-II Knife https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DZV3BG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_RdvTBbRN65Y6A

Cutting things can be done in probably an infinite number of ways, so it's really about having the right tool for the job. You could thicken the blade, sure, but that makes cutting with the knife harder. This is why kitchen knives are thin in the first place. Buy a Becker BKII (a ~$100 knife) or some other glorified crowbar and you won't have this problem, you'll have others.

I have this guy, I really like it. Small and good for unjamming ropes and cutting them if you need to in a hurry

http://www.amazon.com/Camillus-Carbonitride-Titanium-Folding-6-5-Inch/dp/B005LHGBB4/

Go with Amazon. You're buying from the same company for a much cheaper price.

The Blackbird SK-5 is a good choice. It's just the right size, fairly affordable (~$120), and has a full tang blade for batoning wood.

Here's a great video on what you should be looking for and why.

The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 would be a more affordable option ~$75.

Nice, I've got this

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002J900EQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only think I don't like is the size. I wish I got the smaller version (15 inch I think). Might sell mine on craigslist and get it though

here are a few recommendations not on the list at a slightly lower price point:

Condor Tool & Knife, Crotalus Knife

Condor Tool & Knife, Hudson Bay

Condor Tool & Knife, Stratos

Glock Field Knife

Morakniv Bushcraft Black

Morakniv Bushcraft Pathfinder


Here are some other brands at similar price points to the ones you had listed ($100 - $200) SOG Knives, TOPS Knives, Bark River Knives

Just checked out the Campanion on Amazon. Currently listed around $80 with free shipping. Get it now.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/ol/B001N1DPDE/ref=mw_dp_olp?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Ok one thing about knives is that they are tools and just like tools you get what you pay for. I camp and hunt quite a bit and these two will be all you need. The BK9 for chopping, cutting, hacking, spliting, hammering, and all other sorts of camping needs. Use the Remora if you need to skin something or do some fine wood work such as notch making or anything else of the sort.

Sorry, patriot. Should be eaten with one of these for added freedom:

http://www.amazon.com/Military-Original-E-Tool-Entrenching-Shovel/dp/B004SOPJG4/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1369456926&sr=1-2&keywords=folding+shovel

All the mora talk inspired me to hit up amazon.

www.amazon.com/dp/B009O01H0Y

aaaaaaaaaaand added to wishlist.