Outdoor/EDC/Survival blades

Discussion in 'Outdoor World' started by fraggler, Jul 23, 2020.

  1. Bobcat

    Bobcat Friend

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    Well, that's really the problem; it's one of those things where you get one and then see something that might be a little bit better but lacks in certain aspects when you use it so then you go for a hipper expensive upgrade.... Any of this sound familiar? :)
     
  2. Bobcat

    Bobcat Friend

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    Here's some pictures. This are the ZT (Zero Tolerance) blades.
    [​IMG]

    This is the Pallas from Spartan
    [​IMG]

    And the Ronin
    [​IMG]

    All of these are made of premium steels. That's important; lesser steels aren't as tough and won't hold edges as well.
     
  3. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    Here is a good article on some of the most common blade steels - like the knives themselves, they have different strengths/weaknesses. Some for corrosion resistance, some for edge retention, some for toughness/durability. You want to match the steel to the use.

    Like most things in life, it's rare to have a steel that excels in all aspects - its all about the trade-offs.
     
  4. fraggler

    fraggler A Happy & Busy Life

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    So I got two Mora Companions - one stainless, the other carbon (and thicker). Wanted to get a feel for budget blades and use them to practice some bushcraft techniques before committing to something nicer. I hope this is like getting a Fulla 2 as opposed to a Topping to start off the journey. I appreciate all the help.
     
  5. yotacowboy

    yotacowboy McRibs Kind of Guy

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    So this is gonna sound kinda silly, but depending on how much you cook, finding your steel preference for different tasks is easiest in the kitchen. Most of us are used to garbage SS kitchen knives. knowing how to care for a kitchen knife is really no different than a camp or "bushcraft" utility knife. If you go carbon for a kitchen knife and get a whetstone kit, you'll have everything you need to keep a carbon utility knife in happy shape. And if you're still interested in cutting off your foot while chopping firewood, a set of whetstones (and flat files) will take any old shitty $9 hatchet from Walmart to psycho axe killer level-97 in an afternoon. A real sharp axe is a truly frightening tool.
     
  6. e.schell

    e.schell Friend

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    Mine is a Benchmade Nakamura 484. M390 blade holds an edge like a mofo and incredibly rust resistant.

    Benchmade and Spyderco FTW.

    [​IMG]
     
  7. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    Just got my new EDC knife: A Zero Tolerance 0562 Hinderer in carbon fiber. My previous is a Spyderco tenacious, a well-made Chinese blade with tight tolerances. IMG_20200729_125319.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

  8. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    Ok, so I've been on a knife kick lately.
    I ordered this Benchmade custom shop Mini Crooked River. Feel free to let me know what you think of this design/rendering. bmk-cr-knife-stacked.png
     
  9. GoodEnoughGear

    GoodEnoughGear Evil Dr. Shultz‎

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    I like the look of that a lot. I'm generally leery of DLC type coatings on anything, but that just looks right.
     
  10. will_f

    will_f Friend

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    I really like ZT knives. No nonsense, well made, good steel, looks good, not crazy expensive, USA made.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2020
  11. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    Yeah, I like it a lot. The flipping action on it is crazy good. It can be a little heavy in the pocket, so some kind of sheath would be a good accessory. And yes, the fit and finish on it is impeccable.
     
  12. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    That S35vn steel is good stuff. A slight bump in edge retention from s30v.
     
  13. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    Thanks! My trusty Spyderco Tenacious had a black polymer coated blade. I've never had one with a DLC coating so that will be interesting to test the longevity. I did the mock-up with satin finish as well, and it just didn't look as cohesive.
     
  14. Mithrandir41

    Mithrandir41 Friend

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    My new Benchmade Mini Crooked River came in:
    IMG_20200818_161228.jpg IMG_20200818_161321.jpg IMG_20200818_161402.jpg
     
  15. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

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    Just got a new Benchmade today as well. Pretty basic Mini Griptilian, it is a good size for regular pocket carry. Went for the CPM-M4 steel. It's not stainless, so looking forward to seeing how it holds up corrosion wise. I look after my blades though so I don't think it will be a problem.

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Aug 19, 2020
  16. Olloop

    Olloop New

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    You could try to combine both a hatchet and a camping knife that could be sturdy enough to chop a branch for a campfire or even to build shelter.
    I mean something not sharp but rather bulky and heavy to chop and split things in the woods.

    https://wildproofgear.com/best-survival-knife/
    ESEE 6, JEO-TEC and Ka-Bar knives would be a perfect fit and you don’t need to look for additional space.
    It is if you want a real knife that will last a lifetime, keep working after a real abuse, cut your way through the wilderness almost like a miniature machette, baton wood like an axe and look good enough after all of this.

    I am a frequent backpacker and these are my knives of choice.
    When I go backpacking I take a Fallkniven S1 instead.
     
  17. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Have a standard size Doug Ritter Griptilian made of M390. Really wish I would have got the Ritter mini-grip with M390 instead... Can't find the CPM M4 mini grip anywhere right now either.

    Have carried a D2 mini-grip w/ a black blade about 95% of the time for the last few years, but it's not very fun to sharpen and the blade/knife itself is thicker than I'd like. Swapped out the grips for dark brown micarta grips and the clip for the same one used on the Crooked River (as well as many others) pictured above. No rust or other environmentally induced issues in southern CA.

    Have a dozen or so other knives, but most were purchased before I realized that something mini-grip sized is my favorite EDC carry size. Actually kind of want to sell most of them, but that's a diff story.

    Which brings me to my next question - where do most of you buy/sell used pocket knives? I see 2 bigger online forums, but both require paid memberships to sell and it doesn't look like there is any kind of real protection or even an itrader type system on either site.
     
  18. Kernel Kurtz

    Kernel Kurtz Friend

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    I'm quite happy with my mini-grip so far. The M4 steel holds an edge like crazy. It is tough to sharpen, but I have a Work Sharp system that makes it easier. For the most part I just touch it up regularly rather than letting it get too dull. I use it every day for typical urban ninja stuff - opening boxes and letters, cutting zip ties, cleaning vape bowls, etc Definitely my best EDC so far, and it is just the right size for pocket carry. I took the clip off as I never use it.

    Can't speak to buying and selling used knives as I've never done so. Will put in a good word for https://houseofknives.ca/ for Canadian friends though. Always happy dealing with them.
     
  19. dasman66

    dasman66 Self proclaimed lazy ass - friend

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    My EDC varies between a Hogue Dour Ritter mini-grip (20cv), a TRM Neutron 2 (also 20cv), and a small Civivi McKenna (D2).

    The Hogue is my weekend/around the house knife... I love that knife. Super sharp, holds an edge, easy to sharpen, fits great in the hand and I love the blade shape... it's the knife I use for "heavier" household/workshop urban warrior use.

    The other two I typically carry at work (the McKenna is the most discreet, so it gets more carry time... but I like the Neutron much better from a cutting standpoint).
     
  20. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Didn’t know the Doug Ritter knives are done by Hogue now. How does the locking / open / closing mechanism compare the the BM one if you’re familiar with those? Have the springs worn out - had 2 sets of springs for the mini grip break relatively quickly (<1yr, although free replacement if you mail to BM) but the current set has been good for over 3 or 4 years now.
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2021

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