Top 4 Survival Knives Under $100

[@millieatr]

Gideon's neighbors are all having a town hall meeting to discuss why all the branches are missing on there trees.

[@stevenholland8167]

🤣🤣...nice👍

[@dlrmon1]

I went through this process to see which knife would work best for me: Started with the Esee 6 and Rat 7. Then onto the BK7. After replacing grips and sheaths etc. to were I was happy with them, I found a knife that is much like the Turok and dollar per dollar my go to knife...the Tops Moccasin Ranger. To me it just seems to have the best all around performance, balance, and compact size for pack and carry. My BK7 would be #2 followed by the Rat 7. My Esse 6 is a great camp knife but ended up to be my most expensive and least capable option. Thanks for the great Video's. Keep' em Coming.

[@ernestwalden3894]

When I was about 17 I saw the movie Rambo first blood and started studying wilderness survival skills. Every body including my family said I was crazy and it was a loss cause. I'm 52 now and been studying ever sence then. I would have never guessed the trade would have been so popular. I got damn near have every book ever written on it lmao. I passed the skills on to my son and hopefully he will teach his. ✝ 🙏 👪 🇺🇸 🔫 🔪 🔥 🌳 ☺

[@andreilukyanov4286]

to tell to a MAN that learning survival skills is goofy, lmao, isn't that what men are...made of?

[@cbneal8931]

I have the BK7 and 2, I know they are kind of a basic staple in the world of knives but man you can't go wrong with them.

[@eds9832]

Another great comparison review. I have had a RAT 7 (returned it - blocky handle scales and didn't like the flat grind or rough blade coating), and currently have a Turok and a Becker (5 not the 7). While the Becker handle shape feels marginally better to me, the Turok is very good and overall, I think it is the best out of box option of the four when all of the elements you highlight are accounted for.

[@michaelrutledge7048]

Love my BK7. My 7 and a folding saw are all I need for my camp tasks and bushcraft. No ax, no buck saw.

[@HighSpeedNoDrag]

I have heard long ago an full-size Ax is the best survival tool. However, I have the BK-7 and BK-2 for over 10 years with Zero Regret.

[@willb8684]

me2....bk9 is a great one 2

[@michaelhodges8312]

My favorite is that RAT7. Glad I purchased it, like the blade, personal preference.

[@akeeperofoddknowledge4956]

These all look like great knives! What cracks me up though, is how people complain about blocky Micarta handle scales! Sanding block, people! Take 30 - 60 minutes out of your lives and round off those square edges. It ain't rocket science! I spent some time with a sanding block on my RTAK II handle scales and it feels like a totally different knife altogether. It doesn't feel as clunky and I can scuff up the texture with coarse material or keep it smooth with fine. A few passes on the blade knocked off the stucco-like finish and left the coating smooth and almost friction free. A little elbow grease, guys!

[@JuandelaCruz001]

Aaron: 'nuther gem of a vid! Simple, direct, short and honest.

[@hillbillyheath6745]

Great video for someone looking for an inexpensive survival knife. I built a knife connection custom RAT 7 right after your first video about that upgrade. I absolutely love mine, and I never hit the trail without it. I’ve had it for almost 2 years and it’s still going strong after a lot of hard use. Thanks for the great videos and keep em coming 👍

[@bomberdog6638]

I really like your choices but i gotta say my old Cold Steel SRK has been my go to for the past 4+ yrs.and honestly I wouldn't be afraid to be stuck out anywhere and it as my only tool . I guess I've gotten so comfortable with this little sharpened pry bar that I have found ways around any short comings. Hell It's actually just getting broken in good!!! Best $42.00 bucks I ever spent !!!!

[@richardstone5241]

I wonder when the ideocracy of knives is going to end? I date back to Viet Nam and since that experience and later as an operator I have studied and practiced outdoor lore / bushcraft and survival. So, after 50 years, what have I learned and what do I carry? 1. A combat knife is for killing, it is double edged, thin, extremely sharp and has a distinct point. For this I carry a Sykes Fairburn and NO! I never throw it! Never ever throw your knife which WILL disarm you and even if you stick the enemy chances are 99% he will still have the ability to fight and warn his buddies. 2. A general purpose knife is just that, GENERAL PURPOSE! It's blade length should not exceed 6 inches and the best length is around 5 inches. It is NOT used for buttoning or chopping although it could be if absolutely necessary but I never do, I have a small hatchet for that and I have a SILKY saw for quickly cutting wood. 3. For small work I have a CASE folding fishing knife that is razor sharp and used primarily for skinning / boning / medical etc. There you have it and IF I had to pick ONE knife and only one knife I would grab a cheap MORA!

[@ArcAudios77]

In the UK nowadays you cannot get a BK7 for under $100 - they are £124 = $166 No worries, got mine in the days when BK&T still provided the small BK13 inside the sheath :)

[@markcoraa]

Love seeing more affordable pieces with strength and weaknesses, with aftermarket adaptations. Tanks

[@timbo4374]

For the BK7, if you are not concerned with the looks, just wrap some Wilsons wrap on the handle. That makes it plenty grippy.

[@AGRussellKnivescompany]

Great video! I hadn't even considered the Turok as a good survival knife due to the long swedge, but you're right it does look like it comes with the best sheath out of the box. Thanks for sharing!

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to help!

[@louisbecke2348]

I have the BK7 and BK9 all tricked out with custom handles and kydex sheaths. Love them but I purchased a Dark Timber Grizzly. It replaced every knife I own except my folding knife I carry.

[@mgsharnhorst]

I have the BK7 with micarta scales. A few modifications and a new sheath. Love the knife

[@joeframo3347]

Gideon's tactical the best KZbin videos 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@cherokeefit4248]

These knives are like $150 each now

[@jasoncdonnelly7488]

got the GI Tanto because of you. Gotta choose out of these 4 which to get next 😩

[@Bladeshed]

Arron, thanks , love the idea and vid. The turok is my favorite knife,I brought it after seeing your review on it. keep up the great work ,greetings from my son too.

[@butchhill5656]

I have a BK 7, and I love it. I like your handle on your's.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

I have the bk2 and the bk9. I've been contemplating the bk7 for a while. No doubt it's a great knife.

[@CedricAda]

awesome choices, editing and presentation- you are at the top of your game brother!

[@LTT.Official]

Definitely, but you have Basil, that's a big trump card.

[@stevenrobertson6656]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors Agreed

[@Chino-ww5zk]

Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors I

[@Bladeshed]

Totally agree

[@christanner3770]

WHAT! No Jess-X?

[@dennisdamenace.8181]

Cold steel srk is a awesome choice as well.

[@FixedBladesPlus]

Hey Aaron, I know I'm late to the game, but I love the video. I'm trying to decide between BK-7 and ESEE-6. I know they are similar. Is the Becker stronger? Which do you feel is the better survival tool if I can only get one?

[@sski1971]

I like all of these knives. I own many knives under $150.00. My fav knife & don’t laugh is my Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife. Just feels great in the hand and just works. Nevertheless, another great video.

[@sski1971]

Michael Warnock Ouch!

[@TheBCSledder]

Personally I don't buy anything with a signature on it.

[@duncansq47]

Boweimer 1 I own a ton of knives from esee and becker and many others and lots of people make fun of the bear grylles but it's not a bad knife at all cheap but comfortable and takes alot of abuse and simple to sharpen

[@huejanus5505]

My buddy loves his too, and I do love to tease him about it. I once brought apple juice in two plastic bottles with me and told him it was piss. I said if we were going to go BG, we'd go full BG.

[@toddk9044]

To be honest, The BG ultimate survival knife was very comfortable to use, one of the best handle ergonomics I've ever felt, but the blade itself wasn't the best and can fail under hard use. However the Strongarm is right next to it as far as handle ergonomics, at least for me and the knife is rock solid. I wouldn't make fun of someone who had or used one, they're blade just has some limitations, but if used wisely, they would be just fine. I've never owned or used the "pro" version, but according to reviews and destruction tests, they are a really tuff knife.

[@mporiginal7203]

Drone footage is an awesome addition.

[@christanner3770]

Please, lets all pack up the drones on you tube videos. Its not Casey Neistat

[@davezito888]

I have the Rat 7 and BK 7. My first two nice fixed blades.

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

Which do you prefer out of those two?

[@SaaltyBravo]

I shit you not, one of the best overall survival knives I've ever owned is my Mossy Oak Overwatch. I picked it up on a whim for about $30 and that thing is an indestructible beast. But the K-BAR will always be my Favorite.

[@elderhiker7787]

Another great video which I always enjoy. You do a great job with product reviews and always give honest opinions. But here is some honest feedback about AZ Welke. I bought a kydex sheath for my BK9. I ordered a left handed sheath with a holder for a 1/2” fire steel. He sent me a right handed sheath with a 3/8” holder for the fire steel. He made a lame excuse about being very busy and offered to replaced if I paid to ship it back. So, there is a small issue with quality control. Caveat Emptor.

[@johnmutton799]

To upgrade scales. Buy micarta for around £10 at most. If you have or you know someone who has a router table copy the scales with copying cutter. Then profile with file and sandpaper wrapped around plastic tubing. To get same handle, or customed to you.

[@semco72057]

I have the BK-2 and have just ordered the Ka-Bar knife you mentioned and believe that it will be nice for what I will be using it for. The BK-9 is a nice knife, but I didn't think the knife would be for me. Both of their Becker knives are nice for camping and for what I will be using it for.

[@MTMILITIAMAN7.62]

I run an Ontario RD6 because I like the 5160 and the clip point better than the 1095 and the drop point used in the RATs. I do like my RAT3 though, it is just a little small. I wish the RD6 came in a decent molded plastic like the RAT3, and the handle scales are blocky on the RD6, even for someone who runs a Gen III Glock 20 without difficulty. Great knives coming in shitty nylon is a pet peeve of mine. You do some great knife reviews. Only one who seems to really use the knives you test. Keep up the good work.

[@brianfollett687]

I have a tricked out Rat7 and a tricked out BK7 . If you need a true hard use mid weight survival knife that slices , chops , and stabs , my choice hands down out of the 4 is the BK7 . As far as the thumb ramp , that Aron always complains about , I like mine , when I make feathers , I hold the knife on an angle , tip down , and the thumb ramp helps push the knife down the wood . I have XL hands and the BK's have a really comfortable , thick handle , that I can use for hours , and if I have to choke up on the blade , I can easily grip the front of the scales with my thumb and finger and go to town , no problem . If you guys want Kydex , AZWELKE is one of the best around , as far as quality and price , he's really good . I own alot of fixed blades , and I've tried alot of Kydex guys , there is no reason you should pay big money for Kydex, if you want a snug fit , easy pull , a thumb ramp , and a sweat click sound , go AZWELKE , trust me ..

[@WinStunSmith]

All seem like good knives, and I’d feel confident if I had to survive with any of them. That being said, I’d take my $25 Cold Steel Bushman Bowie, if I could choose. Granted, it CANNOT chop super well, but it can take a beating from a baton, and being able to turn it into a spear just adds that extra hunting/protection factor. It holds an edge fairly well, and it’s soft enough to sharpen on a suitable rock, if you had to. It’s not my favorite knife, by a long shot. But, so far, it is my favorite budget, survival knife. That’s just my personal, biased opinion. 😏 Great info. Always like knowing about good, reliable budget blades. Been thinking about picking up that Becker, at some point. Looks like a solid blade.

[@manuelangelmaldonadorios1519]

Hey Aaron. How about making a video about best stainless steel survival / bushcraft knives? Since some of us may live in moist places... Best regards. Keep up the amazing job

[@kentuckyboy541]

Don't overlook some of schrade schf series. They have stepped up their game in the last few years. Even starting to use 1095 instead of 8cr13mov which I honestly turned up my nose to until I actually used one.....

[@OtherThanIntendedPurpose]

very well thought out video. I have a BK7, and have been thinking about a Turok. I always enjoy your videos, and how you combine logical and practical application with personal preference.

[@mallowmallowmallow]

Thanks. Really enjoyed this content

[@PEBELtbk]

Great video bro! It really helped when choosing a knife for myself.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Very awesome review bro and thanks for helping me to choose one of these Survival knifes. I think this is one of your best videos you have ever done. Keep up the awesome reviews gideons tactical. Also i'm a big Ka-Bar fan

[@christianshinn7040]

Looking forward to the review of that 4HM on your hip!

[@Nohkral]

I want to just buy 1 big knife. Price doesn't matter I just want it to last after i beat it up. What knife should I get? Some say the classic kbar

[@ryanc5681]

Been following you for years now arron one of first subscribers and still gking strong

[@davidrutan7736]

Love these types of videos...thanks broski!

[@darthblade2016]

Agreed man, these concept videos are excellent! Would love an update on the companion blades under $50 that he did a couple years ago. #gideonstactical

[@droopmountain6510]

Insta-like for the Utica Cutlery love.

[@convex7456]

Love ffg grinds. But i find saber more durable of you had to go into some frozen hardwood, the worst case scenario. Been really looking at the ontario sp line for good beater blades. Sp5 sp53 sp8 sp1. Still love the bk9 only 1lb.

[@justinpatrickhoffman]

convex I have experience with the sp 5 and sp 50. GREAT blades!

[@convex7456]

Justin Hoffman the 5 just seems so sweet man haha

[@glbwoodsbum2567]

@@convex7456 I hear, you I've thought about getting an SP5 years. Looks like a great knife.

[@PerceptionVsReality333]

What about the SOG seal team knife 7" with the hard plastic sheath? It goes for around $90.

[@LegionTacticoolCutlery]

Steel Will!!!!

[@Just_Chuck_It]

Hard to beat an Ontario Rat7. Esee 6 is an equally good choice.

[@Baruch-Hashem]

US Made 1095 knives for the masses ! Their differential heat treatment is amazing. 1095 highly under rated, except in salty or humid enviromemts. The, maybe a stainless is worth the higher cost for one as good as 1095 is in toughness. Dont under estimate larger Kitchen knives for survival situations, many meet the criteria for a greeat price.

[@28anchor]

Have had the BK7 ,gave it to my son, miss it great knife. Have the Turok and I am really liking this knife the more I carry and use it. The other 2, which I have no experience with. Do you have a favourite out of these four? Take care

[@elevatorman7750]

Great video guys

[@gideonstactical]

Thanks so much!!

[@shcmoly]

Should have brought in a 4th knife instead of 2 kabars but overall good video. Would you take the RSK MK2 over the bk7?

[@gideonstactical]

shcmoly For the price, I would just tricked out a BK seven.

[@GaryHorn]

Great video. The comparisons are so valuable. Also, I'm glad you're so thorough about the sheaths, especially for us lefties.

[@christanner3770]

Gary I think you are talking shit.

[@johnvillafranca6188]

You were right. I love my Atayal.

[@gideonstactical]

Glad to hear it!

[@barrybueler3356]

I think I like that rat 7 the most got the bk-2 years ago hated those black grivory handles grip sucked had to upgrade from them myself though I don’t carry the bk-2 really at all it’s a beast but real heavy and thick for its length and I didn’t like the grind had to change that also I like plastic on high carbon for rust reasons but stainless id go with a nice leather sheath I’ve noticed alout of kydex/plastic sheaths rub the blade and dull them and that drives me crazy I’m sure a custom kydex wont have that problem but it will cost you but so will leather just like that old leather look but I do like that bk-7 kydex sheath great video 👍✌️.

[@kenmarapese9085]

The Knife Connection has an Esee 6, knife only, for $99.95! Excellent vid, I think blades lengths in this range are good at a lot of tasks, not great at any, and are a good choice as a survival tool.

[@RoyFernbach]

good choices, but for me, either the TOPS Legion 6.0 or the Blackhawk Tatang would be better (both still within your specs, with the Tatang being slightly bigger)

[@Eskimo8888]

My BK-2 has provided for me well

[@wayneprice2737]

if you put packing foam in the nylon sheaths it will stop the rattle without damaging the knife.

[@James-ke5sx]

Kubey KB238B. My new survival knife. Game changer. Sorry kabar, I still love ya but this is Kubey D2 steel which they import from the USA, Europe and Japan, half priced, real kydex, game changing design and the handle is a work of art

[@freakydeaky2316]

Any one seen the Polaris fixed blade knife on Amazon? I purchased one, and it's not too expensive. It comes with a pocket tool, and some cordage, the sheath is nice with a sharpener, check it out.

[@oddiesisters9769]

Thx for the video it helped so much

[@mozzberg590]

Another excellent presentation, thanks

[@markpoore3260]

I’ll keep my mora carbon garberg and my PKS scorpion hd they’ve never let me down

[@beardedbiker333]

Does anybody remember the old Rambo survival knife that had a hollow and it was a compass. Matches. A wire saw. And some other crap in it. Back in the 80s?

[@darthblade2016]

Great comparison video as always! I bought the Turok after your video on why it was your favorite and I've had an ESEE 6 from TKC for a bit now. Very fun to mess around with and invaluable if the worst should happen on the trail.

[@matthewadler1329]

I just dont get how the Ka-bar HD Worthog doesn't make these budget survival knife lists. Once you put your own edge on it, it is crazy versatile. SK5 is a great steel too. Tougher than 1095 if not quite as hard.

[@adanvera2905]

can they work as a combat knife too?

[@felixsu375]

The rat 7 sounds like a good deal until you realize that the Esee 6 comes with a kydex sheath. If you add the kydex sheath to the rat 7, it cost MORE than the Esee 6.

[@bearhug72]

Where's the Ontario SP-1 ???

[@TheVeganeater]

Survival knife is more of a fantasy made popular by Hollywood and knives are fun to collect for some. Go read stories of people who actually had to survive and how many of them had a 6-7 inch full tang fixed blade. Coolest thing about big blades are the size. I've been camping interior lakes for close to 40 years and never brought a" survival "knife. 6 inch filleting knife axe saw pocket knife. Never used feather sticking or farro rod to light thousands of fires . More practical to bring matches and lighters

[@globyois]

Great job, thanks.

[@chikafreak]

What do you have on your belt on the right in the first minute?

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@ronalrocco4788]

Excellent in everyway! Thanks...Ka-Bar/kydex sheath 4 me. Good sale.

[@aspitofmud6257]

A survrval knifes most important feature is which one opens the can of pork and beans most effiently.

[@SoapAcademy]

What kind of watch is that?

[@caniaccharlie]

Totally not meaning to come across as a smart ass, but how are sabre ground tips stronger and full flats? Wouldn't there be less metal at the tip on a sabre grind?

[@edanpino5035]

I hope TKC sells their RAT-7 handles separate from their knife builder. They discontinued that, sadly enough

[@brianbender8752]

Where's the promo code I can't find the description bar

[@lgpadilha]

Nice. It's sad here in Brazil, we do not have access to these kind of equipments and import them are too expensive due to taxes that becomes prohibited

[@EattinThurs61]

Luiz Gustavo Padilha but you have knives made in Brasil. Focao and churrasco knifes. About 200-300 Real. I have just been looking then up at Aculteria. Many in inox but some in Carbon Steel. I wish I could buy knives like that here though I do have a Khyber knife which is similar.

[@thaddeusmikolajczyk9055]

Good info.

[@trje246]

Forget the prices exactly but (separately) bought the BK7 + micarta scales + stainless bolts and the total came to about $500*(AUS). international postage was a real killer. But awesome knife though, apart from the sheath, can't fault it - with the micarta scales.. Not sorry at all.

[@jmar297]

What's the knife on your hip?

[@gideonstactical]

J MAR Esee 4hm with factory Kydex

[@JohnB-dr8sk]

A lighter 6" Cold Steel SRK along with a folding saw would weigh close to a what a BK-7 weighs, yet be far more comfortable, grippy and effective.

[@motorcyclemark2889]

The best knife and deal on the market is the COLD STEEL SURVIVALIST for this type of knife IMO

[@michaelk487]

Cool 😎

[@user-05494]

hmmm.... upgraded BK-7 vs. ESEE 6, which one is your choice Aaron?

[@familialisboa7139]

Excelent video. Flavio From Brazil

[@markjg2275]

I will take may Cudeman Bowie 107R full tang 13 inch knife with 7-13/16 inch blade over any of these knives shown. It is big but not heavy well balanced stainless steel and sharp. Great knife and price under $100 on Amazon very underrated and rarely shown even on KZbin .This Bowie is perfect for a large survival knife and fighting knife ,Yes Made in Spain but so what? , high quality knife I like it a lot .

[@robbededycker1597]

Is the KA-BAR usmc viable for hiking amd stuff like than because for chopping i will use a small axe

[@robbededycker1597]

Michael Warnock but i won't use it as a one tool i also have an axe for the big stuff

[@robbededycker1597]

Michael Warnock thanks for the advice but I'm also having difficulties choosing between the usmc or te cold steel leatherneck d2 any advice?

[@toddk9044]

Nothing wrong with the KaBar fighting knife to do knife stuff. But it's not the most comfortable with the guards when doing fine tasks or feather sticks. I'd go with the Becker line for outdoor stuff. I'd spend some more time finding the knife that fills that niche. If you love the fighting knife style and want it, by all means get it, but if you want one that is rock solid, check out Tops combat fighting knife, there is a great review on it by Innerbark outdoors on YT.

[@coperlaze]

kabar bk7 moded is the emperor of knives when done right

[@patrickmulligan3101]

Strongarm didn’t make the cut?

[@nutnspecialjohnson6771]

Would love to try out the becker

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Ok 👌

[@tomgreen8390]

Sir none of those knives have a compass on the end that unscrews for a place to put matches, my rambo knife does therefor much better that the crap you're peddling.

[@kinguin7]

Got 'em!

[@larrylee5564]

Not a finger choil man here! They put a handle on knives for a reason! To shorten the handle and put a spot to put your finger so you have more control or deel