How To Pick the Right Survival Knife!

[@robertzehl911]

How do I order your wilderness bowie

[@3riverblades]

Go to the website www.3riverblades.com

[@qontoh2s872]

My favorite knife is my Ka Bar USMC. Good enough for my uncle to carry through Vietnam. He gifted it to me when I was fourteen. I'm fifty two now, still as sharp as the day I got it. Second fav is my Schrade Old Timer. Those two and an ancient roofing axe I've had for decades serve me well.

[@kendreahaig326]

Hi

[@ronmartin3755]

My survival knife has beena Cattaraugus 225Q for over 50 years! I know it is a WWI era made knife but it has always been the best knife I have ever used in mountains, deserts, regular terrain and even the water.

[@BushCampingTools]

0:34-0:36, your key word and that's why I'm a subber to your channel. Honest advice!

[@kageorochi18]

The Cold Steel SRK is a full tang handle. I have a few Cold Steel knives, incloding the SRK and I'm overall very happy with them.

[@robertalford1321]

Yep, all those Cold Steel knives are full tang.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

I have the SRK in SK5, Recon Tanto and Warcraft Tanto. I've had them for years and use them in various kits and bags and they seen a ton of use and are still holding strong. They are beasts, though the SRK and Recon Tanto are more combat knives than bushcraft or survival knives.

[@kageorochi18]

@@henryvandeventer2457 They'll still work as suvival knives though. Especially the SRK, it's such a basic blade shape that it lends itself to a whole host of task, and having something is better than nothing.

[@henryvandeventer2457]

@@kageorochi18 Definitely. I love my SRK. It's an awesome all purpose workhorse. It's a beast that will handle almost anything you throw at it. The Recon Tanto is definitely more a tactical combat knife, though it does perform well as a survival knife.

[@killainmaccallan4700]

@@henryvandeventer2457 Gotta agree on that, I have the Recon Tanto, used it mostly for woodsplitting, I do think the tip of the Tanto is stronger than the SRK, but I still want the SRK too. Jammer genoeg kan je ze in dit land buiten je tuin etc niet echt gebruiken zonder geklaag van mensen etc, als ik een vast mes draag buiten huis is het een Brisa/Enzo Necker met curly birch handvat en een lederen hoes, maar feitelijk mag het onder normale omstandigheden niet. (denk dat je nederlands bent dus vandaar het einde) Groeten kerel!

[@CV-lm7ir]

Awesome video! I normally carry a fixed blade, tomahawk and a solid folder when in the field. It may be overkill but it makes me happy ;)

[@dannycurtis2591]

CV. The perfect trifecta, especially the tomahawk!!! A "war face"😡, maniacally screaming and swinging a tomahawk🪓 can take the fight right out of an enemy, or at LEAST make them "re-think" their strategy,🤔 😱 HAHAHAAAAA!!!😆 😜 😉

[@juanedoses8715]

@2y3 keeeeeel!!!!

[@brandyhouston2105]

Damn right, I'm a man I can handle the weight. What's that quick sand? we'll fucking pull me out...

[@danielslater4092]

Length cutoff for me personally is 10 inches for a main knife, and 6 inches for a backup knife. From a few veterans that I've met the "one is none, two is one" still sticks with me

[@جاسمحمد-ه4ز]

ارغبنيم

[@glennluces2784]

Its not the knife...the brand,the expensive ones,its the person handling the knife that counts most..

[@freedumbfree2055]

I carry a full Tang 5-in handle 5-in Ozark trail blade that I have been caring for 12 years. I purchased the blade from Walmart when Walmart actually gave a damn about providing good quality products, the Ozark trail was the best. It stays Sharp for quite a while it came with a crappy sheath I made one out of leather with a f ferrisarium rod holder. I recommend this knife because it holds a good edge and does everything I need it to do. Bushcraft, woodworking, skinning animals, batoning I have even used it for small emergency surgery.

[@chasebrown1857]

I bought one similar about a month ago it had a Paracord handle

[@stuartmarkman769]

I have a Western model 49 Bowie with a 9.75 in blade that will cut ,slice, and destroy anything it touches. A heavy knife but a life saver.

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

I have a KA-BAR. An authentic American one from NY.

[@axeldeboer9817]

Yes i got the BK7 and BK2 great knifes . 🧡

[@USMC6976]

@@axeldeboer9817 Yes, the BK2 is great (i have 2).

[@globyois]

We’re kindred spirits, I agree with pretty much all you said. I carry a SCHF 9.

[@emanuelroth7960]

To be fair, the Cold Steel fixed blades are full tang, they're hidden full tang, but full tang nonetheless. The PROBLEM with them is actually a different one. The problem is the transition between blade and handle is at a sharp 90 degree angle which obviously creates a stress riser. They're still strong, but I have seen them break. Visible full tang is of course always going to be a better and stronger design imho.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

It was more of a problem with the older ones, they've radiused the 90 degrees angle for the last few years

[@emanuelroth7960]

@@Wildwestwrangler thanks for the new info. Indeed, my belief was based on what I saw quite a few years ago on the various knife forums.

[@Walterliquori]

100%

[@cheapmovies25]

It's hard to beat busy they're just so damn expensive

[@emanuelroth7960]

@@cheapmovies25 coincidentally, a fat Busse Ash 1 is what I carry around the farm everyday. Heavy as heck but I know it'll outlast me no matter what I do with it.

[@richardhenry1969]

It seems these guys went to different schools then we had when I was a ranger. Survival knife is the knife you have when you need it. The thing about fancy knives. People never seem to carry them. It's best to learn how to use a worthless knife and make it work. Just remember Survival situations never happens when you plan it. So having a million knives at home, will help you as much as the gun in the safe. When your being robbed. .

[@ilijabosnjak76]

I like Sog Trident 🔱 because of weight and shape. I don’t like fancy knives either,you spend money and you barely use it, I get Mora and beat Shyt out of it..Actually Moras knives are good knives and Companion MG Carbon always by my side…

[@ilijabosnjak76]

@Mr. Shlock Don’t you worry Brother I got them all HD,HQ,Craft Line,Kansbol except Garberg …Right now 7 knives 🔪 around me..No I lied,Balisongs were hiding behind the pillow..Always sneaky and trying to hide…

[@rockhelmer4364]

Three rivers puts out some nice hardware. I like A.G RUSSEL USA made models

[@stevenfraser5541]

I like the Topps sheath. If you make the straps tight enough you can use the knife with the sheath on as a slap jack. The handle can do damage too. The sheath may break down eventually , but fits into a pocket well if you want to carry it concealed. Topps knives are awesome quality.

[@chrisnewberry4646]

I like your Pilots survival knife and the Kabar knife you showed just before it.

[@untrucmarrant]

Love the honesty on your reviews mate ,cheers from french canada continue your amazing work

[@edwinabbel3783]

My Survival knives are: 1 THE Case XX Bowie white 2 THE Cold Steel Wild West Bowie 3 Mora Bushcraft Survival Black 4 Cold Steel Bushman

[@winterspirit9620]

Awesome vid! I also have TOPS knives (19) and some ESEES (7) and have trouble deciding which one to choose if I could only have one. ESEE 5 would work just fine though. That TOPS sere is both bad-ass and practical which is what I love about their knives. Never liked scandi grind knives....I know some people swear by them but I just don't like that style at all.

[@arctodussimus6198]

TOPS fan here also. The Armageddon is my absolute favorite. Have to rotate the edc, but have the Tahoma in one bag, the Condor Alert in another, and a Firestrike 45 in my get-home kit. The M4X Punisher is in the Jeep kit. Would be very challenging to pick just one. Mike Fuller was a great man by any standards, and his legacy is in good hands with the folks running the company now.

[@winterspirit9620]

@@arctodussimus6198 Yeah the Armageddon is one I never picked up for some reason even though it deffinetly is one of their best overall survival knives it seems. And I've seen your posts on the Facebook page so I know you're very into their knives and the company and they are very cool down to earth guys at TOPS. And they are very much into the knives just as much as everyone else is which is awesome.

[@dannycurtis2591]

Winter Spirit: "One is none", so pick one each from each end of the spectrum!!!

[@ftkinney]

I agree with the Mora Knife. Use it for family camping, cub scouts etc.

[@bradbrown9722]

Mora Knives are perfect for outdoor activities. Buys have a full tang splitter as a backup. I’m 100% in with moras. File a true 90* on back edge for fero rod tho. They’re not exactly a true 90 for sparks

[@55Quirll]

I look at what the pioneers of old used, like Daniel Boone and Davy Crockett and find one like that. Now for a great weapon knife, a good size Bowie knife will do since that is the legend behind it's creation. Love the video and your reasons for some knives and not having others. Thanks for a great informative and entertaining video. Stay safe and well 👍👍👍

[@JosephAnthonyJosefius]

I believe the Ontario USAF Survival Knife is the real deal, they do make a cheaper version they sell at walmart with a chinese sheath though. Ontario was one of the manufacturers for the U.S. government starting in the Vietnam war.

[@andresgamba1478]

Was cool seeing the Okc-3s here, disappointed you didn’t comment on it. I really don’t feel like it’s a great survival knife, just because the bayonet hole makes it really difficult for me to get a real close, tight and controlled grip, I kind of have to put my thumb awkwardly through it. That being said, for me personally, being a marine, I find the Okc-3s and it’s predecessor, the Ka-Bar to be some awesome, really cool knives, with great history to them, I just think my Esee-5 is a far more practical and indestructible all around knife.

[@theshadowinvestigates]

I carry a Rapala fillet knife sharp as hell straight out-of-the-box. Great for filleting fish or skinning out an animal. Best survival knife you'll ever own!

[@dick_richards]

Also excellent as a self defense weapon. It cuts human flesh just as easy.... A nurse i knew, who worked in the Trauma units in Toronto and Vancouver, told me that the worst wounds with a knife she had ever seen was used by a Thai Gang in Vancouver who expressly used fillet knives. By a long shot, she said.

[@StevanOutdoor]

To me they are all camp knives and you bring depending on what you expect you need. I fully agree that a saw back or even jimping is nonsense. A 'survival' knife for me is the knife I bring just in case I need one but don't expect to need it often or at all.

[@hyper-lethal-sigma3]

My ka bar is my favorite it was worth the cost and has lasted my through years of hunting and roughing it

[@robertlogan9682]

Not a fan of most "survivor" knives. I need a knife not a toolbox. My favorite is an old hickory that I paid $3 for at a garage sale. That with an boys ax and a folding saw I'm good.

[@vaderwilcox7398]

A survivor knife is different than a multitool? A survivor knife is good for Bush craft and processing games and fire wood

[@ernestwalden3894]

Well. Ain't you special LOL

[@elconquistador98]

Don’t be proud of your old hickory. I looked at them and stopped when I read they have an HRC of 50-53. POS for sure. $3 was too much.

[@johnheller5786]

Great video! I agree with you about a survival knife. My sweet spot is 5 inches. My go to are my ed martin t3 sere(now called to e&e),my winkler survival striker, or my bark river bravo 1.25. I don't have any of your knives yet,but plan on getting one.

[@tommysaulter9171]

My "go-to" knife is a Buck/Tops NightHawk Gen.ll... With a 1/4" thick blade, it batons and chops like an axe. I've filleted fish with it, along with butchering deer/hogs and holds an edge really good. Since I don't need the Oxygen bottle valve tool, I did some minor modding on it to turn that slot into a bottle opener... The sheath is ballistic nylon with both MOLLE and belt mount system and includes small pouch for wet rock...!!! But good luck finding one... Out of production since mid 2000s...!!!

[@mcd5778]

Nice knife! I guess the new equivalent might be the Tops Legion

[@grotonfamily469]

Nice walkthru - solid criteria

[@chrisnewberry4646]

I like the looks of the Tops survival knife as well. Survive Tac 7 to be exact.

[@grahamwoodward8452]

Woody Down Under. That was very informative and very interesting. I enjoy watching and learning. Im from the Northern Territory in OZ and my Son and I do a bit of hunting and love our knives. Hope to follow your Comments in the future. Stay Safe Mate.

[@weege5.45]

I have a Becker BK7, a RAT 4, a Kershaw Camp 10, and a Cold Steel kukri machete that see use as regular camp knives that I would trust my life with. I have a Becker BK9 I have a Böker Persian that's the right length but the handle is lacking. Some new scales would fix this and then it'd be my edc camp blade for sure with the RAT as a backup. I also have a Becker BK5 I picked up when they discontinued it (it was on sale) that's a bit long for it's thickness but makes a good cooking knife or backup to my BK7 if I've got an axe for chopping.

[@stephenwest1491]

I use a 11 1/2 " blade Nepalese khukuri it does everything...

[@Backwoodsandblades]

Very well said, great examples. I agree with everything. I have a bunch of Mora Knives, hardly ever use them.

[@bluegrasssurvival9423]

What's in my bag? A Survive Knives 5.1 GSO, and a Mora Garberg. Carry a Cold Steel Recon 1 in s35vn for the pocket.

[@thedetective8150]

The Wilderness Bowie is a beautiful robust knife.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

I keep my bk9, and tops apache falcon razor sharp!!! One or the other gets paired with a bahco Laplander, and a smaller knife like a carbon garberg or bk18 and a folder and if I can a machete or axe to go with!!!

[@jaydunnavoci]

For me #1 is Mora Garberg, and #2 is my old school carbon 5 SRK (which IS full tang btw).

[@seanwhite304]

Bark River and Esee are my favorites. If I could only have 1 survival knife it would probably be B.R. Bravo 1.25 3V. It checks all the boxes for my needs .

[@3riverblades]

thanks for watching

[@af22raptor23503]

Great Video but I have a FYI the USAF Survival Knife that you showed in your video at time index 9:00 is not a Replica but the Real DEAL because I was Issued one from my Supply Dept at my Squadron and it was put on my Air Crewmen Survival Vest in the US NAVY back in 2003. You can tell that is the real knife by the sheath having both the a ribbed and sewed in Strap to secure the knife. I ended up with three of those knives by the time I was put out to pasture after my flight line accident that ended my Naval career and put me in a wheelchair.

[@tecnotrog1]

I use a bps knife with a 3.5 inch blade full tang and blade size is similar to a mora classic. That and a SAK and im good. 🦉

[@stephenclarke3990]

" People have lost their freakin minds if you suggest something" lol..... A truer word never spoken.👍🏼

[@Supra_Mare_Cultro_Bloke]

for all purpose, I choose Ontario SP8. If there is luxury to bring one more, SRK Compact.

[@danielg1965]

great data points, thank for the videos

[@ghanaboyz]

Have used several of those showed... as for Mora, there are many models, some actually full tang (example Mora Garberg). Plastic? Look at Morakniv Finn 14083 Ash Wood then. Very nice (not sure about the tang, but the tang is not EVERYTHING).

[@lesliepaulkovacs6442]

Good criteria. Have you checked out the BPS Knives coming out of the Ukraine? Mora Pricing with full tangs and wooden handles. Plus they're sold on Amazon. Reminds me of Condor before they doubled their prices. Have a Happy Birthday, America!🎉🇺🇸👍

[@wayneprice2737]

The SRK knife is full tan I took the rubber grip off my sk5 knife the tang is rounded the other side of the lanyard hole.

[@Mojo-fg7ps]

I have 4 fixed blades, Viper David/ Wander Tactical Lynx/Hogue EX-F01/Scar Blades PapaBear, im good👍

[@minnesota-hk1vp]

I've found that for a survival knife I like the kabar big brother it gives me a big blade that's light to carry on my belt and for me a axe becomes very important in the winter imho

[@ilijabosnjak76]

Thank You 🙏 for the Video I enjoyed watching it just to see what other people think and carry.. I have no preference unless it’s a mission,then I have to think 🤔 otherwise SAK in my pocket is sufficient..Anything else Esse 6 and Husqwarna hatchet 🪓 or WorkPro with built in saw…

[@k_sey.9370]

Really loving your channel. Thanks for the info. Subbed.

[@EDGY12345]

How Important do you think a 90-degree tang is for striking a ferro rod?

[@iveheardenuff3752]

Great video family..Real talk.Salute

[@bradleyb9424]

I was interested in both of those knives with the tan sheaths to the right but you didn’t show them. What are they?

[@william.maclennan9061]

Dear 3 Rivers, What is your take on Randall Knives?

[@jorgefernandez6407]

That Bolo is BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@kinghenry056]

Absolutely love your knife videos Devil Dog! Very thorough and very knowledgeable videos. #SemperFi

[@almightyking4834]

Hey people, need some advice, i was thinking bout getting a tomahawk or a parang which is a big blade like machete but used in jungle. Which is more recommended in terms of stats and uses.

[@James-ke5sx]

71 year old Canadian. I keep a Gerber LMFII, Schrade SCAX5 and a folding saw handle made by 'Lenox' that takes sawsall blades in my urban disaster bag. If life becomes so horrible the only place to live is in the woods I'll probably be dead. Even though I have some wilderness survival knives they are not my first choice. Hurricanes, earthquakes etc. If I'm trapped in a building I don't need a bowie knife. Urban vs wilderness survival.

[@mbm2355]

I'll bite, in return for the length of the video and depth of discussion. I have an Esee 6P-B that sits on the Lead Devil belt. Still fussing over how it will sit in final configuration, though - for the reasons you mentioned. I've still got some gear to aquire to fill out the rest of the belt. Leaning towards range use with a flex into hunting capability. The Esee I consider a very good mid-range production survival knife. They didnt put a bunch of rediculous serrarions or bottle openers all over it (looking at you, Tops). The handle is naturally comfortable, the micarta and hardware is grippy when wet, and non-reflective which is a big consideration for SEER types as well as hunting. It's .25" thick, which is about where I expect a 'survival' blade to be. And it's relatively lightweight, and whippy in the hand - big plusses. When it was *gifted* to me, my brother and I had actually exchanged knives. So he received my Kabar USMC fighting knife in D2. That had been with me on many, many camping trips over the years, and up until I got a bit more into wood processing, it had done just fine. That squared off rat tang behind the ricasso just couldnt handle some 2.5 inch dried pine though, and it took a slight bend before I corrected it. Having used Kabar and Esee for years now, I'll just say Esee is the more capable tool, and leave it at that. To each their own. Some people swear by getting lost in the woods with a Mora.. but like you mentioned, I think that series of knives really shine in the backpacking, lightweight, and finishing use cases. Two years ago I found out about Great Gurkha Khukuri House. Run by a guy named Purna who's colaborated with Jason Knight in the past. I wound up with just under a dozen of their blades after a bit of a buying frenzy and at the moment, if I had to throw ONE blade into a bag and drag my family into the woods, it would be an even split between either the 10" Jungle Khukuri, or the 13" Void Walker. I have several other larger Khukuris from their smithy but those two (and maybe the 15" sirupati) are ideally suited for woods work in my area. I live in dense Oak woodland, with some Mountain Cedar (basically Juniper) thrown in. Fields ans streams are sparse so any blade I use has to be capable of handling extremely hard, dry oak - as well as pitchy, soft cedar of large diameters. For those, the geometry of the khukuri makes it a truly capable multi-role survival blade. Honestly their own weakness is the hide and fig-wood sheathes that seem to such moisture right out of the air and are a bit unweildy. I'm looking into ordering some custom Kydex to address those issues. Thanks for showing off some of the 3River Blades! I'm going to take a look at your 5" survival model, the 3/16ths unit to possibly replace the Esee. The Esee works well as a vehicle knife and I like the capability of your blades as a true survival option. Cheers, from Texas.

[@dongalt4203]

didn't see a Tom Brown style blade, Tops makes one, but like most of Tops it's more about show.anyway, i was curious as to your opinion of that design.

[@johnnybeanz1296]

Tops is all about show. They are ok,but not a good value.

[@keshavsingh635]

Cool video bro. Thank you, i hav learnt so much from the video.

[@kevmorris9855]

The guy from the other channel advised me to get a genuine knife and not buy a cheap counterfeit knock-off. It's good advice.

[@sethhoward2060]

Esee 6, Swiss army Alox farmer or a Ontario rat 1 in d2 (make sure you loctite the screws) on a lanyard larks headed around my belt loop and in my pocket and a silky saw

[@MultiBronius]

TRC K1 and love it.

[@derekstynes9631]

Great presentation it leaves Me with a lot to think about .

[@joshhenry727]

What's your opinion on the Buck Pursuit large fixed blade? Its a full tang

[@andrewmypocalypse]

What year did you film this? You should have had the TOPS BOB.

[@Wildwestwrangler]

That airwolfe is amazing!!!

[@DutchK75]

I have a Swamp Rat Ratweiler that I bought new in 03. I bought into the Busse hype train. And believe that some of the survival knives they designed are excellent. I have a huge collection of their survival knives. I don't buy swords or fantasy inspired stuff they do put out. I have other custom knives as well. Scott Gossman being my favorite custom guy. I've bought production knives from Esee. Ontario and Tops before. My sister has a Ontario SP50 that she's beat to shit. I bought her that for Christmas one year. She's good at sharpening on rods and it's always sharp.

[@krmtoprak]

Great collection. Hi from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@LETME-kl9jg]

I like a Bowie Knife with a point and a flat straight 90 degree spine. I'd like the TOPS Knives if it had a flat straight 90 degree spine. Now the Air Wolf is perfect. I do not like saw backs or jimping~If I wanted a multi-tool I'd buy one. I choose my tools to the terrain.

[@ktaylor3492]

FYI, my friend - Kabars are NOT rat tail tangs. They are "tang-through". The same blade is used as the tang, but the tang is narrower than the upper portion of the blade.

[@budgetbuyoutmisc.4916]

I apologize for inundating you with comments but what do you think of the sharade schf1

[@dannyquinn1012]

Well the tops surv tac 7 you can sell now it’s a collector knife now I have the 7” and the 5” both doubled in price since I bought them lol

[@floohneh8374]

13:09 what is this for a Knife?

[@2873lonewolf]

Very surprised you don't have at least 1 Hogue in the 5.5-7" blade. A2, drop point, .235 thick, full tang and flat grind.

[@GNARLOUSE]

8:02 there's where I put that bag of weed circa 1986! Hahaha

[@juanedoses8715]

OMG did you smoke it!??!??

[@GNARLOUSE]

@@juanedoses8715 its against the law and would probably make you bite the dust....😒 Plus I eat and smoke weed like a fiend haha

[@warpedone2]

Thanks for filming, shared

[@jasemac5391]

I would love to own a few more Tops survival knives but they are so bloody expensive here in Australia 👍🏻🇦🇺

[@juanedoses8715]

WOW!! how do you fit all of them in you're back pack!??

[@budgetbuyoutmisc.4916]

And if you have one about access and hatchets could you put the link in your next video

[@TheChadWork2001]

How in creation did the knife industry come up with the word "Jimping" for the thumb grooves on top of the knife? Can you picture that conversation: "What should we call these ridges this guy asked me to put in for his thumb grip?" "Ridges?" "No." "Serrations?" "No, confusing. " "Grooves." "No, too vague." "Climping, grimping, Jimping, hell I don't know..." "JIMPING! Yes that's it. It's not even a word. "

[@johnwest4492]

Hi new subscriber here :)) quick question? Did the Army make a version of the Ka-Bas marine fighter, but tge Army version has a shorter blade I 🤔 is that right. Thanks keep up the great videos 📹

[@bluemawks]

Some fantastic knifes you have there! I heard the mention of Glock firearms, what is your opinion of the Glock knifes?

[@gunterbecker8528]

The KA-BAR knife comes with a cancer warning on the box,which is frightening?

[@mostafaelsisi8870]

what a great video full with amazing info ,, can you make a review on OKC SP-1 Combat Knife ?

[@EduardoGarcia-fj2uc]

Thanks for video .good opinion.

[@ramonanzures9780]

Modified ontario sp2 been my choice for almost 5years

[@skaw8062]

Another great and informative video.

[@bordiguyvlogs1936]

What’s the name of the first knife?

[@genkiferal7178]

you need to list links with names of each knife and with timestamps. You taught me a lot.

[@kakashi1234777]

SRK is full tang. Very good knife.

[@woofman4796]

my fixed blade of choice is esee

[@dammitbecca]

06:34 Clementine's knife from the walking dead !!

[@codymarkley8372]

I got that mora garburg carbon. I can start fires, slice game, make traps all that. Too many knives have too many functions and no functionality.

[@hessmedstorparn]

What steel do you prefer in a Survival knife. I make my survivals in 80crv2 and 5160 .