Hello Everyone,

Thanks to Para, I've been on a big knife kick for the past few weeks. I've bought and sold a few. I'm now concentrating on a good SHTF knife. I have it narrowed down to these three.

Question:
Which knife would you choose for SHTF?

Choices:
Ka-Bar USMC (1217)
ESEE 6
Fallkniven A1

 

If these were my only choices, it would be the K-Bar with the top edge sharpened (only recommended for a SHTF scenario).

Fallkniven. I would prefer the VG10 steel over 1095.

I also find the curve of the ESEE's handle just behind the finger guard to be too tight for the handle to be comfortable for my largish hands.

Ka-bar as that is what I'm most used to.

The new Marine Corps Ka-Bar bayonet is a great addition to my kit as I think it's more useful as a standalone blade than the M7 bayonet was.

Probably the Ka-Bar, and I intend to acquire one sooner rather than later. The knife I currently own that is sort of handling that hypothetical role is the Air Force survival knife, which is basically just a smaller Ka-Bar with a sawback. 1095 high carbon steel, same basic shape and design, just smaller.

I have the Kabar and it's a great knife but it's huge. The Esee is also a good option, but I'd take a look at the Esee 5 which has a thicker blade and may be the best true shtf knife of all time.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
I have the Kabar and it's a great knife but it's huge. The Esee is also a good option, but I'd take a look at the Esee 5 which has a thicker blade and may be the best true shtf knife of all time.

This. When I think of SHTF knives, the ESEE 5 comes right to mind. It is a sharpened pry bar and it's a beast. I like the others you listed, especially the Fallkniven, but you should take another look at the 5. I've never tried to break one, but I'm sure it's tougher than the 6. You'll want a smaller, lighter companion knife (folder?) for more delicate work, though.

A Ka-Bar has helped my family through SHTF for 80 years.

I'm going with the Kabar, but I'm a former Marine, so what would you expect...

However, A GOOD ONE! I've broken a few of the ones issued to me back in those days, and have shied away from them because. Over the past few years, knives, steel and knife makers have come a long way, and have built out of better steel.

I'm looking at a cold steel or a strider.

I voted Ka-Bar because you can buy two cheaply and still have one if you lose or break one. The Fallkniven would be my second choice.
Want to up your game, Ka-Bar wise? Get a Dogs Head Ka-Bar. Its the GI model on steroids.

quote:

Originally posted by YooperSigs:
I voted Ka-Bar because you can buy two cheaply and still have one if you lose or break one. The Fallkniven would be my second choice.
Want to up your game, Ka-Bar wise? Get a Dogs Head Ka-Bar. Its the GI model on steroids.

I was looking at those and saw something even better... Check out the new 1292 model.

I gotta say, I'm really surprised to see so little love for ESEE.

Without the specifics of your SHTF parameters, of the ones you listed, the Fallkniven, by a significant margin. The 1/4" VG10 + Kraton handles = high performance/low maintenance/comfortable use.

It's been a great 'all arounder' for a long time.




Link to original video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdDwLcSRaNU

$.02 worth.

Boss

Ka-Bar for me.

quote:

Originally posted by elberettas:
I gotta say, I'm really surprised to see so little love for ESEE.

I’d take a 6HM over the regular ESEE 6. I have a 3, and it’s darned near perfect for my field use... except for the choil. I’m almost ready to grind it off, but the main thing keeping me from doing so is that I really like the sheath system.

Not on the list, but for me it would be a Randall #18 or #14. Also, a Chris Reeve Pacific or 5.5" Aviator would be on my list.

I wouldn't feel bad with an Esee 4, it can do everything I have thrown at it.

Of that list the Fallkniven is IMHO the highest quality. My favorite overall knife price/performance is the Fallkniven F1. Might be a little smaller than what seem to feel necessary for SHTF but it's the most useful size knife for overall use.

I would add the Bark River Bravo series to the list. A little bit more money but lots of high end steels available and a GREAT feeling grip.

I've heard good things about Bark River. What would be considered their flagship or most popular knife? Also, what do you guys think of the Cold Steel SRK?

elberettsa, The Bravo 1 is definitely Bark River's Flagship/most popular knife. My Fav is the Bravo 1 the Bravo 2 is a little long for overall use. The Bravo 1 is skeletonized under the grip for best balance, it's worth reading the story about how it came about. It's a super popular knife for good reason - PERFORMANCE!

The Cold Steel SRK is a solid chunk of steel for the money. I'll never forget 20+ years ago when I pulled my SRK out to skin a deer with and my hunting buddies asked why the hell I was using a bayonet to skin my deer! LOL.

Ha! Ha! Dang, the Bravo 1 is really nice. I didn't realize there were so many variations of them.