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Picture of elberettas
posted
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

 
 
Posts: 1955 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: July 02, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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If these were my only choices, it would be the K-Bar with the top edge sharpened (only recommended for a SHTF scenario).



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Posts: 173 | Location: Manassas, VA | Registered: May 02, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Little ray
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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.




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Posts: 53116 | Location: Texas | Registered: February 10, 2004Reply With QuoteReport This Post
Not as lean, not as mean,
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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.




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Posts: 3352 | Location: Southern Maine | Registered: February 10, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.


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Posts: 17041 | Location: Sonoran Desert | Registered: February 10, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.



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Posts: 12740 | Location: Central Florida | Registered: November 02, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.
 
Posts: 2686 | Registered: November 02, 2009Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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A Ka-Bar has helped my family through SHTF for 80 years.
 
Posts: 1088 | Location: New Mexico | Registered: November 04, 2003Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.


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Posts: 8313 | Location: Attempting to keep the noise down around Midway Airport | Registered: February 14, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.


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Posts: 15987 | Location: Marquette MI | Registered: July 08, 2014Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.
 
Posts: 1955 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: July 02, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.




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Posts: 4991 | Location: In the arena... | Registered: December 18, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Ka-Bar for me.
 
Posts: 1949 | Location: Northern Virginia/Buggs Island, Boydton Va. | Registered: July 13, 2011Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.
 
Posts: 839 | Location: America's High-Five | Registered: December 22, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
LIBERTATEM DEFENDIMUS
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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.
 
Posts: 5415 | Registered: October 18, 2002Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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I wouldn't feel bad with an Esee 4, it can do everything I have thrown at it.


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Posts: 3636 | Location: Winston Salem, N.C. | Registered: May 30, 2005Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.


Remember, this is all supposed to be for fun...................
 
Posts: 4123 | Registered: April 06, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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?
 
Posts: 1955 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: July 02, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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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.


Remember, this is all supposed to be for fun...................
 
Posts: 4123 | Registered: April 06, 2007Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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Ha! Ha! Dang, the Bravo 1 is really nice. I didn't realize there were so many variations of them.
 
Posts: 1955 | Location: San Diego, CA | Registered: July 02, 2008Reply With QuoteReport This Post
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