SHTF: The Best Budget Survival Knife

[@sweetcostarica]

Good video and in 2012 maybe the AK bayonet were a good deal. Today 2015 they are higher in price ($20, $30 USD and up). A much better option for prepper or folks on a budget is: - The Mora Robust - $15 USD - Cold Steel Bushman - $27 USD - Cold Steel Peace Maker II - $25 USD The Glock Field Knife - $25 to $30 USD There are just nicer, better options these days than an old cold war AK47 Bayonet for survival, wood work, or all round use.

[@WastelandSeven]

sweetcostarica True. Cold Steel's True Flight thrower would be a good knife too. Especially for batoning as its tempered to withstand impacts from being thrown. And its a full tang as well. They're going for about $21 on Amazon.

[@sweetcostarica]

***** Yes, the $22 USD Cold Steel's True Flight thrower is a better option and is well liked by many for it's performance to price ratio. Looking at the AK bayonet again, unless you're a collector and just have it for show and tell, it really looks out of place on someones hip. In pubic at the campground: "Mom, look at that funny knife on that man side. Oh my, what is that Mister?" *Its a Cold War AK Bayonet. I use it as a knife.* "What is wrong with normal knives Sir?" *Well, nothing I just wanted to save some money and cut wire* "Oh, my knife is a True Flight thrower which cost $21 dollars & I never need to cut wire." *Get away from me kid, your making me look bad.* I think this kind of interaction is highly probable with even the much higher priced heavy for a knife (16 oz) M9 Bayonet (the sheath is also 16 oz for a total of a 2 pound system). You will be constantly pulling your pants up with this knife without the load bearing military gear. There are much better options out there today with less public scrutiny.

[@WastelandSeven]

sweetcostarica I actually saw that scene play out in my head LOL

[@marcs.6913]

+sweetcostarica i looked at these knives, they are good for carving game perhaps but for what the OP is talking about, not in the same league. The mora and bushman have no hand guard and no pommel, nor a saw blade, they are purpose made for fishing and the like, better then no knife, but not a survival knife i'd choose vs a mil surp bayonet.

[@marcs.6913]

+marc swag but you are right about the glock knife, they're only $30, i read all the reviews, all said the knife is indestructible, comes sharp out of the box, and will hold an edge for a long time (if you can get one on to begin with) now im thinking of getting one...

[@evilmindedsquirrel]

10:37 German here. That screw point is also an excellent bottle opener! :)

[@rollerman95]

12$ for the polish one? I live in Poland and it costs over 30$ here

[@xXMapleVodkaXx]

Most of them got exported out of Poland, so ironically they're rarer in Poland.

[@CasonovaCorkClub]

rollerman95 $7 for mine!

[@CasonovaCorkClub]

***** It was on Kennesawcutlery.com, .... i don't see it there now, it also i believe was on Smoky Mountain Knife Works (smkw.com) ..... 3 for around $10, or something like that!

[@baufender]

rollerman95 50€ spain..

[@laxmankandel1410]

Hey everyone, the greatest results that ive had was with the Micaden Survive System (just google it) definately the most useful preppers i've followed.

[@matao87]

I like the Glock 81, it's an excellent quality knife.

[@VSO_Gun_Channel]

Sootch every once and a while you put out a video that just leaves me saying "Wow what a great idea" good job my friend. Keep that powder dry and that bayonet sharp

[@MadRam11]

Awesome Channel man, I need to get me a couple of knives for my rzr and buggy. Never know when I may be stranded in the woods.

[@daveblandston6]

I really like the practical demonstrations in these videos. Thank you very much for taking the time and effort to make them.

[@blackforest4x462]

I have 2 AK bayonets been using them now for 43 years I dont care what people say about them these have never let me down

[@SCKAPANTAIS]

Thanks for your heads up. I was able to purchase 5 of these AK47 s for $12.00 each including shipping. I will be giving them to my good friends. Cant thank you enough, keep up your great work. February 6, 2016

[@zpetar]

1:00 Whatever you do don't try throw it. Those knives are really made for cutting, they are made to cut through wire after all. They hold sharp edge but they are brittle. Tang is small when compared to blade and it can easily snap.

[@pe003]

the best survival knife is the one you have got in your hands, that and the knowledge to make it do what needs to be done when you have to.

[@sanfranciscobay]

11:28 "Be Strong. Be of Good Courage. God Bless America. Long Live the Republic." Where does this line come from?

[@calvinm3538]

stfu

[@brentatchley9352]

What does it matter, its good!!!

[@100fredkrueger]

They just asked where it came from. Didn’t sound like they were being smart.

[@pretztel1551]

I believe the saw on the AK bayonets were intended on cutting rope and aluminum/tin sheeting as opposed to wood. It would make sense, as like you said yourself the saw isn’t super aggressive. Great video :)

[@johnwolfen4243]

Hello: Okay first, the red plastic isn't plastic it is called bakelite which is nonconductivity along with being heat resistant. The biggest problem with bakelite is it become brittle below 0c (32F). The saw bake is used by soviet manuals to make fire starter and can cut many items a solder comes across. The steal is stainless but many older models used all the thing you talked about mostly this was done for budget reasons. The blade shape comes from the Siberian Yakut knife without the single fuller. The reason for the odd by western standards strap is a solder can hold the knife in the hand and fight with it while in a trench where a bayonet mounted on a rifle would be too long. A lesson learned from our first world war.

[@OpaKnows]

I believe the rubber on the sheath and the wood on the handles also prevents (and insulates) the blade from sticking to the scabbard in those bitter cold Russian winters. Cool option for a survival or soldier knife, or even just a beater blade. Thanks for showing, Sootch.

[@big_lmaoski]

that too, but the rubber's main use is to insulate against electified wire while cutting

[@BladeObssession]

I just got an East German bayonet from Amazon which looks almost like your black one. I had one many years ago andtraded it. Ive always wanted another one. These are good unusual survival implements.

[@dirtbagdave3772]

I been looking at alot of AK-47 videos and I gotta say this is one is the best! Great detail and I love the scenes where he actually SHOWS how to use the knife ... Great Video

[@jbryan2]

I have the M9 from back when I was the Army. I love it and use it a lot.

[@gosutuan]

I have the exact same Polish one with me for more than 30 years and it still works well and is in good shape. I really consider it a collectors item and take other knives when I go out.

[@patfranck9921]

I enjoyed this video and went and ordered 2 of these, one for my son and myself. Thanks for the videos I really enjoy them!

[@comradeyuri967]

Thanks for the excellent video. Today Jan. 2015 the prices are much higher, like triple the Nov. 2012 prices and quality in much rougher.

[@pierren2960]

It's actually an AK-74 bayonet and it appears to be a surplus bayonet from the former East German National People's Army which was disbanded in 1990. I can also be an ex-Yugoslavia Type 3 bayonet. Bayonets from the Eastern Bloc came in different colors, like black and brown shades.

[@VGYugo]

Yugoslavian bayonet for Yugo M70 style rifles

[@carls.6746]

whats the difference?

[@mladenk2569]

Tako je master! Pretvrd (krt) celik, jednostrano ostren, neudobna mala drska. Rogobatno je mozda najbolji opis ovog alat-noz-bajoneta.

[@InsertGun]

You could also use the bayonet luck on the bayonet to attach it to a large stick as a makeshift spear in an emergency.

[@chinatosinthiti3076]

First of all, thank you for reviewing this, as this may be great for military/urban survival. But if for wilderness I'd still suggest Morakniv classic, companion, and craftline ($12-20) for 4" fine tasks. And for heavier duty I'd go for Schrade SCHF9, it's 6.5" 1095 carbon steel blade with 0.25" thikness. Price is under $40.

[@cbridges498]

I have one of these bayonets, I traded for it while I was in Bosnia, from a Russian military marching band member who had been invited to Camp Comanche to perform. It's the brown handled one like you showed in your video, and a very heavy duty piece. It does require a lot of effort to pull it from the sheath, but I like it for that reason. Now I just need an AK to put it on. lol.

[@swordm4]

Buy AK Bayonets made in Bulgaria - marked with 10,they are made at Arsenal Military Factory here in Bulgaria.Cheers

[@allhardr0ck]

I was able to attain one a Kurdish soldier in northern Iraq i worked with. Its in dead mint condition but still is sharp and i'm so glad i was able to get one now even though i can buy them anywhere. I guess you can say there's some personal history behind it. Either way thanks for the video and kinda revived my interest and value in my bayonet.

[@Surleyone]

Agree 100% The man knows his stuff!!

[@eugeneccarlos]

very nice video, thanks. just a thought... 8:05 if you try holding the knife the way it was meant to be held, the strap will make sense. ball your fist, insert the handle in your hand with the blade oriented towards your elbows.

[@bighill5680]

I acquired a heavily used (Beater) Romanian AK bayonet. Didn't care much for the chisel grind, so with a cheap Harbor Freight belt sander, I put an edge on the other side. Very pleased with the results. If the SHTF....I have no problem with this at my side ! By the way.....nice video !

[@nathanfingerhood6296]

Im a knife collector myself and I have been looking for a nice tough knife like this. Ive seen it for 12 to 18 dollars on some websites and I thought it was total crap. But with your video im sure im gonna buy this. THANKS!!!!

[@websuspect]

It depends I have a bilgerian bayonet and it is made out of t 32 tank steel same as the rifle and the trunion and than it was coated with titanium coating but it was not sharp at all and you will have to sharpen this if you buy one. Mine was as dull as a toy knife.

[@phrankus2009]

I just received THREE Yugoslavian AK M70 & M76 Bayonet with Yugo Scabbard. Very good condition, from J&G Sales ... They cost me ~$10 each plus shipping and the total was just under $43 DELIVERED for THREE ... That is under $15 each, which is less than a MORA Companion 840MG (Clipper+) -They came packed in cosmoline (sticky & stinks!) ... I would describe them as "ALMOST ARMORY MINT CONDITION" ... I have owned East German versions ... I do not own an AK so I cannot speak to rifle compatibility.

[@trentklair9979]

So much similarity to the MK3 SEAL dive knife. Loved the MK3 I had.

[@richardharpster4260]

Been looking at tons of reviews for good survival knives and have been frustrated. Your review answered my questions. I'm on a budget and want best quality for the money I have. Although I'd be in MUCH better shape if .223 rounds weren't .50 cents a pop...and that's WHEN you can find them. Anyway...thanks for the tip. This was the last item for our 72 hour BOB's. Kudos to you sir!!

[@karloss4867]

It is infact a East German made typeII which has been bought by and issued in Bulgaria.

[@nutsfor1022s]

I have one that came with my M70 folder I bought a few years ago, it just sits in my safe right now, but I've been working on my truck SHTF bag, I think it will make a nice addition to my bag! Thanks for the idea...

[@venman2]

Thanks Sootch, personally I love my Ron Hood Hoodlum, but I think I will add one of these to the collection.

[@photoshootcentral]

Went to Smokey Mountain and ordered mine before the video was even finished. Thanks Sootch00 for another great video! Can't have enough knives, guns, or ammo!

[@CanadaShooter]

actually it would, real flint is what indicates whether or not the steel is stainless as in flint and steel, fero rod will spark with stainless steel

[@2ct2wave]

Yeah, the retailers caught on l suppose, haven't seen one of these for less than $40 lately. The local Army Navy store wants 69.99 for one. No way. But a buddy gave me one years ago after he sold his ak. It wouldn't fit my ak well but it makes a great knife, tough as nails and not to pretty so you don't worry about scratching it up. Love mine!

[@lazydrummerboy7431]

2ct2wave mine costed 11 bucks

[@semco72057]

I didn't know about the AK bayonet being sold in this country and will be looking for them at the gun shows. I have so many knives already and may add that one or the German version if I see one at a reasonable price.

[@19boris57]

I believe that you'll find a really beautiful reddish-brown bakelite under the black paint of the composite sheath and bayonet you were featuring..

[@stevepowers5378]

Great video!.....Speaking of Kives, we met you at Smokey Mountain KnifeWorks today. Thanks for being so down to earth and approachable. I really enjoyed the insight and conversation about the KZbin prepping world. Thanks for your time, I will keep watching!

[@blackmesa1992]

This AKM TYPE 2 bayonet was actually made by the EAST GERMANY, and after serviced in the East German army for a short time , they were sold to Bulgarian. You can see six digit serial numbers on the scabbard and grip that were scored through, that's the evidence of servicing in the East german army. you can check the website: akbayonets

[@9SS94Cr]

with my experience with a east German akm bayonet, the steel it utilizes is some kind of carbon steel(it rusted during sharpening), but hardness is not there(I assume it's somewhere hrc 50 or lower) so it have some trouble holding a good edge. the grinding also makes sharpening harder. Beside these issues, it is a fantastic blade.

[@ESPNGenius1]

Great review and belief. I picked up a Polish AK bayonet for $7 at a gun show a few weeks ago. I "kick myself" for not picking up the other two that were on the table, which priced all 3 together would have equaled $22.

[@loku1125]

out of all the knives i have i would choose my ka-bar for survival, i can get it shaving sharp with my lansky sharpening system at a 25 degree angle and it lasts a long time of hard use without going dull.

[@LDuncansix]

Great to know that knife is out there, I'll keep my eyes open, but I did have an observation; it stood out to me,and you may have omitted it intentionally, sorry if you were... but, other than it's combat purpose, its build is not for survival, its an offensive tool. So, you have to look at the saw blade the same way as the cutter, not for wood but for metel, for penetration of secure areas, fences w/cutter, locks and hasps, etc w/the saw. From the back side, the teeth are clearly hacksaw-ish.

[@girhawk1]

awesome dude this is exactly what I have been looking for, Great video!

[@silentXvoice]

It's not about the carbon, it's about the alloying additives. Such as Cr, Mn, Si etc. They change the mechanical properties and rust resistance, mostly. Also if it's steel, it will cling the magnet stainless or not, because you know, it has iron,

[@waves2loser]

this bayonet is actually for an AKM assault rifle, the original ak-47 was never meant for a bayonet so if you find an original ak-47 bayonet you'll find it quite different from this. the idea for the digging was soldiers used these to dig up or detect mines. otherwise this was a fantastic review. thanks

[@IIDASHII]

3/16" is a great thickness for regular sized (4"-8") blades. If you go bigger than that, go for 1/4" but remember its going to be HEAVY. ;)

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

Fighting survivors/raiders/scavengers, I will take a AKM type 2 bayonet because the blade facing up is a benefit because when you jab an enemy, the vital organs are usually above the bayonet itself, so the Soviets “flipped” the blade so that gravity will be your friend. You thrust, then lift, letting the enemy’s weight be your friend and start cutting into vital organs. Zombie apocalypse, a regular Marine Corps Bayonet, so I can hack and slash like normal.

[@jonasdeejee890]

How would you slash with this bayonet? Or do you go straight for the belly stab? In most western knife fighting styles you slash your opponents arms so you can go in for the (killing) stab

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

@@jonasdeejee890I have asked the very same question and I have heard that it’s a certain Russian/Native American/Appalachian Mountain style of fighting. You cut the tendons on the inside of knees, a slightly better deflecting form, I heard many different answers. I guess find a retired Soviet soldier and have him teach you.

[@reddevilparatrooper]

I have the East German version.These guys knew what an infantry bayonet should be used for.Since WW1 the Germans developed the saw teeth bayonet.It was not intended to inflict more serious damage but it can.Actually it was for their "Pioneer"or engineeer troops.Later in WW1 they were issued to infantry because they had "Stosstruppen"a.k.a. stormtroopers or assault engineer companies and battallions attached to infantry during their attacks into French and allied trenches to cut down support logs holding up barbed wire obstacles.Even in their own lines soldiers could saw logs to make support for over head cover,put revetments,and make repairs.The wire cutter was essential since the Germans and the Russians later in WW2 loved infiltration and cutting assaulting lanes.The East German bayonet is more practical for me as an all in one tool.

[@steveshlacker]

Hmm.. don't see any on amazon or ebay. Maybe not as common as ya think. Pretty cool knives though.. Wish I could find one.

[@KnifeCursed]

I enjoyed this video due to it being all about practicality. Good vid for those of us on a small budget. I honestly didn't know the AK bayonets were so cheap. I'll be adding one each to our emergency bags. Now if only someone would invent super compact diapers and formula lol.

[@Gilleseg]

I went out and got one and grabbed it in para cord. Love it for my hiking pack and camping gear. However how do you sharpen a single bevel? All my other knives are double bevel. Not sure how to tackle this.

[@godisallaroundus]

You are phenomenal!!!! Love, love, love your content! Thank you

[@scubrodiver]

Great video, gave me the idea to pick up one of those bayonets. Got a romanian one on the way, can't wait to see how it does. Only problem was the shipping was as much as the knife (7.99) oh well.

[@daveperala4723]

Just got a Polish one off E-bay, 16 dollars. Been needing a good knife for the bug out bag.

[@KikoTheLumberjack]

The Bulgarian made bayonet, if actually stainless is probably 40x13 steel, 13% Chromium for rust resistance(not stainless per say) and 0.35-0.45% Carbon with max hardness at 55 HRC, usually around 52-53, little low for a knife but fine for a bayonet and it's incredibly tough, easily tough enough for an axe or a hammer, even at peak hardness. There's a huge difference in quality between bayonets produced before 1989 and after, with those made prior to 89 being much better.

[@szturman24]

it's not full tang. I had few of them as well as KBS Beryl while my military service. still have one broke in half. i was throwing it, but I was a lousy knife thrower by the time. the blade and the handle part are two different steel types. can't weld it unless use TIG. I'm talking about polish version. not sure about eastern german, bulgarian or any other of the soviet block, but probably they're the same

[@Vader111797]

Where can I pick up one of these, none of my surplus stores carry them and all of them on the internet are like 40 bucks

[@michaelstewart7036]

eventually you could cut through rebar but it would probably take all day depending on how thick it is

[@ELTIETCHA]

Prepper or non prepper, arms freak or not: This is an excellent demo with very interesting background info.

[@Iboo30]

Thank you very much now I know what my first fixed blade survival knife is going to be ...

[@alexblakeley493]

Well, I would use a stone for sharpening. As for the angle thats up to you.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Nicely done video. One minor, minor thing, I think you should refer to the release "point" as the release button just to be more accurate and specific. But you certainly convinced me to the point that I'm going to try and buy a few of these. I recently bought (Deal from thrift store) an early model Ka-Bar after spending years hoping to find one. I'm not sure if to use it or just keep it. But to have a future collectible for a few bills is nice and totally functional for under $15 can't be beat.

[@piewithmoustachepwm]

I got a DDR one, waiting eagerly to get to use it. Gonna buy it a friend at some point, hopefully one with bakelite holster and grip.

[@3riverblades]

awesome vid, I have one from my time in IRAQ. it really is gets over looked as a cheap blade and thanks for the Master Chief cameo!

[@JoeDoomsday]

Great knife! That wire cutter with insulated sheath & knife handle is really something. Gonna try and get some of those.

[@TheWickedWeenie]

Try specifically searching for the Yugoslavian bayonet.

[@matt1315s]

yeah being in college i don't have a hole lot of spare cash so a good survival knife like that would be awesome definitely going to grab one. Even though I would love to have an Esee just don't have the cash at the moment

[@duncan0wood]

The easiest way to tell the steel type, is by using it to ignite a feral rod. if it produces sparks, its not stainless or nickel. Most likely high carbon steel, if it sparks.

[@laurensscheerstra6469]

You forgot to mention the bottle opener on the sheath

[@sanctoclaro]

The strap on the grip seems pretty awkward and not much use unless you're holding the knife backwards to use the saw. Or can the strap be swapped to the other side of the grip?

[@judgesfiveeight]

Hmmm... very solid and practical choice, but I have not seen them readily available for under $10 in some time now. Recently, it's more like $20 and up.

[@theredarmy4058]

got a Romanian ak bayonet used did not know it was in the Romanian civil war. looked at the handle two notches in the handle

[@RandomInside]

Here in east europe an Ak bayonet is like 50$ or more ... I hate when european things are sold cheaper in the US that in europe.

[@RedPlaidShoes]

sootch00, ever notice that the MK 3 Navy Knife (NSN: 1095-00-391-1056) has the same blade style (saw & all) as the AK bayonets?

[@kumbackquatsta]

never thought of this knife before. i learned a lot. thanks. but, what about for use with ferro rods/fire steels? does it throw good sparks?

[@zBMatt]

Considering what an ak47 is I believe it would be made of stainless steel for edge retention and waterproofing

[@DonRecepcion]

Great video! I'm going to look for one now. And if the price is right, I might double up!

[@christophermcsherry2655]

I wish I got into Soviet style bayonets sooner. They are bad ass. I am partial to the 6x4 (type II). I have an East German but did not know about the West German one, I like it.

[@paulie4x1]

That black Bulgaria you have looks more like the Chinese bayonet, I have a black Chinese one and a Bulgaria Bayonets, the Bulgaria is more bulbous at the end ? I'm pretty sure though.

[@ErnestLingerfelt]

Hey brother / I have a French MAS 1963 Bayonet i payed $25 for but it has no special features on it but the double eyes on the handle that i have trimmed saplings to make it into a spear / where is a good place to get the AK Bulgarian bayonet from ? My bayonet has a 7-7/8 blade and is 12-1/2 long a metal scabbed for the blade and leather above that to the end of the handle with a latch for the old pistol belt i had in the 70s

[@777janos]

I had a Ka-bar usmc and the blade broke off and I was only cutting an 1 inch thick stick I don't know if ka-bar would change it because I live in Hungary

[@superbarnie]

I just bought some, cleaned off the cosmoline, but it's really, really dull. What method should I use to sharpen them? And what angle to use?

[@sonne0ne]

for quick draw you carry it up side down button on leather is to be used to hold scabbard buttoned not knife handle ..Yugo bayonet use better thicker leather ...

[@WaterHose47]

Use the modern day M9 bayonet it has the same design and the sheath has wire cutters

[@TheMagnusdominus]

stainless steel is carbon steel just with a lower amount of carbon. stainless steel is magnetic just like carbon steel. there are metals commonly referred to as pot-metal that are mistaken for steel and are nonmagnetic, though these are not typically used for knife making.

[@RunicArvid98]

What's the product number on the Ka-Bar displayed in the video? I've been looking in to the ka-bar m9 style knives, but the one in your video looks amazing. By the way, great videos as always. Keep em up!

[@RDJim]

You know everyone was going to ask where to find these online, so WHY did you not provide some information how to find them? I don't see any online for under $20... not that that's so bad. :)

[@badazzmaro]

I don't remember but I'm thinking even they don't already, cold steel should make one. Guess I'm going to the website.

[@joedoss8093]

For a all around utility knife would you rather have a $30 glock field knife or a $30 ak47 bayonet

[@foldvarimarton]

Make sure you don't get the training version, it is not heat treated. Cut hard wire and check if it damages the blade. No other way of knowing.

[@Lonewolf6565]

Sootch what are your opinions of the US M9 bayonet and its durability while still having a two piece tang rod?

[@alexblakeley493]

I have 2 and they came sharp. But you can sharpen them as sharp as you want very easly