What to Look For in a Knife | TJack Survival

[@stevenk5800]

Buck 119 and 110 for me, always works for my use!

[@arctodussimus6198]

Great informative video. I’ve been going into the wilds for almost fifty years now, and I can confirm everything you said. I do like to bring a folding saw with me, now that there are so many quality saws available. My tool kit usually includes a minimum of four items: Two fixed blade knives; a medium to large knife (blade length 5 to 10 inches), a small knife (3 to 5 inches). A hatchet or tomahawk. And a folding saw. With these four tools I can make just about any other tool I may need.

[@TJackSurvival]

I agree. I just spent about a week in the high Uintas at an elk camp. The katana boy saw that we had got used more than any other tool in camp. Sometimes a saw is in it for the win.

[@toshey2]

I wish there were close ups of the knives after every review, would be good to see those grinds, bevels, tips, etc.

[@Niko.7]

I agree 100%!

[@NewEnglandLyle]

Yes! And yoy get to see how worn these guy's knives are. Haha. They don't have time behind them. Mors knives all had the crap beat out of them. Haha

[@TJackSurvival]

I’ve been asked to do a top 10. I’ll give you closeup footage.

[@toshey2]

@@TJackSurvival thx man

[@mikelychock0310]

Thanks Tyler, looks like your journey is the same as many of us, we end up favoring what works for us. For me, it’s a scandi which “works wood really well” as Mors says. Well delivered tutorial!

[@TJackSurvival]

Hey Mike! Thank you.

[@mikejeffsteel]

I've got a BK10 for batoning, Mora Garberg carbon for bushcraft, Mora Eldris for skinning and a Bahco Laplander folding saw.

[@Swingby-getHigh]

Trade that laplander in for a silky f180 and then you'll be cookin.

[@AnthonyAwaken]

Excellent selections here, Tyler! You've definitely found what works for you, your tasks, and the environments you find yourself in most often. That's the name of the game with tool selection.

[@TJackSurvival]

Agreed!

[@random-videos]

You’re videos are always very informative! Thanks

[@doubled3983]

Hello from Oklahoma! Good video! I tell people when they ask me about knives to remember the human body can be dismantled with a blade that is about an inch long. ( scalpel). That being said, a knife doesn't have to be a huge thing to get the job done, Although heft and size are a plus sometimes. Its a personal preference and want, so.... Thanks for all you do. God Bless!

[@TJackSurvival]

Exactly!

[@Niko.7]

Awesome video! Invaluable information! Thank you!

[@ROE1300]

👍 Good advice. Thank you for sharing.

[@toothless-tiger]

I like the Cody Lundin knife kit and a 18 inch machete since I'm from Florida and in the Swampy side.

[@jamesstanley4764]

Thankful for you and what you do.

[@mattnobrega6621]

I like a nice hatchet or a bowie knife. One thing i learned is that a big knife can do small things but a small knife cant do big things. Thanks fir sharing your knowledge.😁👍

[@timsheridan3987]

Very nice presentation my question have you done or will you do something on folding knives? My edc is a pocket lock blade that has worked great for me

[@TJackSurvival]

I could but honestly I only have or use about 3. My primary is the DPX HEST. I’ve been using it for years.

[@quinntheeskimooutdoors6234]

Good display and information. Thanks for showing us. Take care.

[@CU65LATER]

Good info.The correct name is puukko.Saami people make amazing knives in Lapland here in Finland. Thanks.

[@williamcarson5505]

Very helpful. Thanks!

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

So many knives but so little time! Enjoy them all!

[@100BearPaw]

Excellent tool choices.

[@dwaynebeavers2088]

As for a fixed blade knife that can be used to make smaller kindling that you can use a piece of wood to hit to split wood smaller what would you say is the best length of blade and shape for durability to hold a good edge.

[@TJackSurvival]

I do that with my 3” knives and my 5” knives. What matters is full tang durability. But a 3” knife will only split a 2.5” stick.

[@dwaynebeavers2088]

@@TJackSurvival I'm not going to splitting anything that big because I have a hatchet that is big enough to split something bigger and I've used it before just wanted to get a good knife to do for small kindling splitting and I've found two knives that would be great for it and they have the shape you said to look for and I'm going to get both even though I have more knives than I know what to do with and I the length of the blade is what I was wondering and looking for.

[@eagleridge1972]

As always, fantastic video.

[@turtlewolfpack6061]

You can gut a fish with a 3.5lb or bigger axe as well with little issue, which is really all the processing required. You can also more easily process wood in northern climates. Although I love the Puukko blades the only blade I would consider even close to the capability of a hatchet would be the khukuri.

[@leswilliamson3587]

Excellent Video you taught me a great deal.

[@nomad753]

Very good info. As far as knives go, for me , a single cutting tool would be in the the 6 -8" range as far as knives go. Love a good hatchet though. So more useful than allot of folks give it credit for .

[@TJackSurvival]

I can see this

[@mildmanneredmercifulmouse1839]

Pretty good presentation and information that clearly comes from an extensive knowledge base. May i contribute to the discussion, that the tool is as useful as the skill-set and ability of the operator. So for people that are unfamiliar on choosing the optimal tool for their needs, it's really a matter of working with your hands (and hand tools) , making your hands strong and PERFECTING your hand - eye coordination. Selecting the rite knife comes from "feel" , which is a knowledge base built up after hours and hours and hours of work, thought, successes and failures. Oh, and the size of your wallet.

[@TJackSurvival]

I could not agree with you more.

[@alfulton5946]

I would take 2 separate knives and a hatchet and saw for most uses I'll be good

[@adksherm]

Just strap all that shit to your boot, GTG

[@TJackSurvival]

Really you’re right. A knife and a chopper is smart

[@bradslone8511]

One thing you have to learn is ounces equal lbs. And lbs equals pain. I carry a knife and a shopping tool.

[@alundavies8402]

@@TJackSurvival a knife a toolbox saw and either my £5 machete or my £9 hatchet to take my self camping with my little sister I am 54 she is 51 and I am going to introduce her to my little ways out side and doing it the old way at first we will have two french army tents and also m.r.E type food and I will take her to wherever she wants to see but she is going to be driving me around and I will be driving her crazy 😜

[@fukemnukem1525]

I usually carry a mora, a bahco laplander, kabar cutlass (or similar machete), and a Spyderco tenacious or Ontario Rat (my EDC no matter what). That covers everything I need to do..... But if I was forced to choose..... A Mora (heavy duty). Also..... I'm in the southeast US mostly in deciduous forests.

[@larryeddings3185]

Excellent cutting tool discussion, sir.

[@TJackSurvival]

Thanks!

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

Mora bushcraft black, Estwing 16" hatchet, & Condor eco-survivor 18" machete is what I carry in the wood.

[@greekveteran2715]

Scandi grinds work great on wood, but I wouldn't recommend them for skining or any other kind of hard use. Scandi edges chip easily (or roll depending on steel hrc etc), which means that everytime the edge hits on a bone (when skining) it might get damaged. Scandis also get dull faster, for the same reason (they are very thin at the edge) Wood working wood carving? All day long, Scandi is your best friend there!!! For hunting knives? Nothing beats full convex that are made of tool steel or low alloy steels (ballbearing for example) that have good edge stability and edge retention. For a general use belt knife, nothing beats full flat with a convexed microbevel edge.

[@jjdogbutte]

No offense, but I’ve used my puuko for skinning and gutting plenty of caribou and moose for two decades, with no problems or edge chipping. You shouldn’t be hitting bone doing either of those tasks. That said, I prefer to use a thinner bladed, more flexible, convex grind knife for quartering and removing meat from bone because it works better. But, I have used my puuko for that as well without seeing chipping issues. Finns and Sami have used puukos to disassemble reindeer and moose for eons.

[@martindunwell6099]

Your not wrong Manley druger is the best blade I have ever used for skinning if they would have designed the handle better it would have been perfect

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Most of my knives end up with some kind of convexed edge cuz I sharpen free hand but oooh that convex makes a difference!

[@CU65LATER]

I have used 30 years puukko for skinning moose. No problem .

[@ML-ks2lj]

I have been stuck on the size of hatchet I want to carry honestly that's one challenge I have a 18" 24"? Smaller? I get caught up on that.

[@joannearduin7801]

I enjoyed your video very much

[@Jasper0o0]

Hey Tyler. Great video! I liked it a lot. What’s your knife steel of choice? If you said it, I missed it. Are you into super steels? What super steel would you recommend?

[@TJackSurvival]

Well that depends. You want a spring steel for your choppers and a super steel in your smaller cutters. The choppers need to take impact so they can’t be brittle. The smaller knives can be a little more brittle comparatively and less prone to rust. So they can be a super steel.

[@Jasper0o0]

@@TJackSurvival Thanks Tyler. That helps a lot!

[@KorumEmrys]

Really Interesting Vid, Thank You For Sharing!!! Would you share here with me the name of the lady whom makes these smaller Hatchets in Sweden (Or link if website) as noticed not posted above? ...

[@TJackSurvival]

Julia Kalthoff

[@drcsep]

Outstanding video. Thanks

[@bigjermanprepared3164]

You have great knowledge of knifes, what type of steel do you like for your blades? And is there any ss steel that is worthy of being a good working knife that holds an edge and easy to sharpen?

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

Buck & Gerber's 420hc is like a stainless version of 1095 high carbon steel.

[@bigjermanprepared3164]

@@perplexingperceptions8888 good to know thanks

[@TJackSurvival]

@Prepared HomesteadLife I will respond to you because you answered exactly. I will add this though in some but not all cases the more stainless the more brittle the more carbon the less brittle and the harder to hold an edge so somewhere between stainless and carbon is that magical sweet super steel spot. That spot where it holds an edge and it doesn’t corrode but it can handle abuse.

[@nilsschenkel7149]

If you ever have the opportunity, you should definitely experiment with a Yakut knife... IMO their best attribute is the unification of a convex and a chisel grind through their asymmetric geometry, giving you both a convex edge great for carving curves or dimples/holes, as well as a plane edge you can easily produce flat surfaces and ultra-fine shavings/feather sticks with. Traditionally the Yakut people use stacked birch bark as handle material, which due to the fibers laying rectangular to the grip surface also get nice and tacky when wet.

[@TJackSurvival]

I've had one. They are very cool. I look at them like what I'll call a right handed knife. They are cool but I'd personally prefer a convex right or left handed knife if given the option.

[@markw.3743]

Very good info straight and to the point on your knifes ( no pun intended lol ) . Also that was one very good looking hatchet ! I'll have to look it up . Thanks Brother !

[@TJackSurvival]

Her name is Laura Kalthof. Look her up. Her price in US is not the crazy price on her site so make sure to calculate the cross over. You won’t regret it!

[@jasonlord5141]

Great video man. Now I need one of those neck knives.

[@TJackSurvival]

Sacha sharp things on insta if you want one

[@michaelnowak993]

Great video!!!

[@edwins1718]

One of the best, most informative breakdowns on knives I've seen. Great info.

[@TJackSurvival]

Thank you.

[@TheWalkWithAl]

Great info thanks for sharing the tips

[@pascalmarti4403]

have you ever tested a eka axeblade w1? just wondering what you think of it....

[@TJackSurvival]

Sorry no, I've never heard of it.

[@reinysteps301]

Great video👍🤓

[@sarge8632]

You cannot go wrong with "MORA KNIV" made in Sweden..

[@toddgibson9861]

enjoyed...!!

[@tomritter493]

Mors knew what he was talking bout . I like a bigger 6 to 7 inch blade not thick .3 16 ths type dont use hatchets axes at all never needed to good digustion though

[@NewEnglandLyle]

I have an old Western knife as well. It is a slimmer model than yours. Works great for gutting trout. However the steal is quite malleable. I certainly wouldn't baton with it! Haha

[@magnusdarkhan974]

What do you think about the kukri?

[@TJackSurvival]

Amazing blade I have two from Nepal. I kind of look at them like a curved hatchet

[@dasshape00]

Thanks for video Wish u would of showed knives up close more and all together on a rock or table.. and links to buy would be cool.. great video.. and yes I Google knives. But I work and links make things way faster.. lol

[@jeh966]

One big and one small knife is the way to go

[@BrittanyP9201]

119, 120, and 117 from buck knives is the only knife youll ever need

[@TJackSurvival]

I grew up ranching with Buck knives. They do the work.

[@IncrediPaulAZ]

What to look for in a knife? The word "esee" 😁

[@TJackSurvival]

I have owned many of them. I used to like them. I don’t currently hate them I just think there are better options. The coating of the blade inhibits its ability to cut. They also use a highly rusting steel and that’s why they have to coat it. Which ironically is bad for the jungle. They have great designs, I’m just not a fan of the coated blade the micro bevel or the steel type. I think you can do better.

[@andrelaschet3957]

Gränsfors Bruk Hand Hatchet (for firewood and because it does all the rough-knife-stuff better), a Marttiini Lumberjack (for things and stuff), an Opinel eff. 10 (for cooking) and an Opinel No. 8 (just because) … and if I plan to really carve stuff a mora 120 and 162. I have something for all tasks (at least those I do). The hatchet would hurt to loose… everything else is inexpensive enough to not be a drama if I loose or brake it. Although they are all well build and since I use them not out of their comfort zone, they probably last a while. The hatchet is not for bigger woodwork … but I really don’t do those (except for Wood-stove firewood at home for which I use a spitting axe, which I have never taken with me). And yes, I do like wooden handles and the classics (GBS, Opinel, Marttiini, Mora). And I agree, if I had to decide (and yes we don’t, because: Why!?) I’d always take the hatchet (and the no8 since it is part of my clothing).

[@andrelaschet3957]

And to be clear: I really do like well made knives and I’ll always look at stuff I could buy (especially those really lovely high-end Puukkos and Leukos) … but I always end up saying that my set is awesome as it is.

[@TJackSurvival]

The GFB forest hatchet is one of my favorites. I’ll leave it in my truck constantly because it just gets the job done

[@johnnottahcal5725]

I’m still a sucker for big knives but I know the smallest one will usually get the call from the cigar box.

[@TJackSurvival]

I get this and I am right there with you

[@wolfpacak47]

nice bushcrafting knives ..1 tool option for survival get a esee jungalas .

[@TJackSurvival]

Are used to have one they have a very nice balance

[@alanrice39]

Very good video, I like to combine 2or 3 different knifes together in my part of the country. 4-5” bushcraft knife, Swiss Army knife, 2-3”” neck knife. Short machete, just depending on where I’m going. If I’m going minimal as possible, 3-5” knife combined with SAN that has saw. Great knife talk. Alan R.

[@TJackSurvival]

Thanks Alan

[@moneybagsx544]

Nice

[@ML-ks2lj]

A 90 degree full Tang knife. Because I like throwing sparks and batoning. Everything in your pack must have multi use purposes. Once we are a master bushcrafter you only need to take yourself to the wild and forge what you need from the land. But if your gonna go that route I would at least bring a knife with. 90 degree full tangle. And a stainless steel 1 quart container. However a classic saying is "1 is none 2 is one" And you mention running. Yes "I'd rather carry seven pounds on my back then 7 ounces in my legs."

[@sandygap1]

Enjoyed your informal video. Would you comment about the hat you are wearing in the past two videos?

[@TJackSurvival]

Absolutely! That is a Stetson palm hat the style is a Guss hat. I soaked it in a river one day and shaped it on my leg when I was Rafting.

[@redfaux74]

23¹/² minutes for a 10 minute video. 😳 This is a HUGE downer for me watching Survival Dispatch. A typical blah blah blah video. Too much boring talking with very little content. Where's Jason and Alan at? ❤ If you're going to have 20 minute videos at least entertain us!

[@TJackSurvival]

Wait.. you mean I’m not funny?

[@bobbyholt7343]

@@TJackSurvival You misspelled obnoxious.

[@d.m.hutchins2nd696]

Good stuff,

[@shawnlunsford5310]

what do you think of carrying a Multi Purpose Military Pioneer Tool

[@TJackSurvival]

If that is what you like do it. I have a Leatherman tool in my truck constantly. Mostly though I like to do electrical work with it.

[@Rawdog550]

William Collins WCSK best survival knife you can buy. Thing cuts thru anything like butter truly a masterpiece of the cutlery world.

[@greekveteran2715]

There are better knives. Materials, fit and finish are far from what's best out there, also the handle and the blade (type of grind, shape etc) are all personal preferences. Also, in an enviroment like Jungle, nothing beats a machete. So, what's "best" is considered by many more factors.

[@Rawdog550]

@@greekveteran2715 Have you personally used a WCSK?? Cause i can tell you the fit and finish is perfect. The handles are micarta and they are shaped perfect. Nitro V, 01 tool steel and limited runs of 3V for the steel means premium steel. Its a survival knife not a machete. I didnt say it was the best machete on the market. But for its size range good luck finding something that cuts better.

[@hananyahdavis3715]

I like alaska knives

[@perplexingperceptions8888]

I almost forgot, my Glock22.

[@dasshape00]

Same video but with knives that r under 50 bucks... and that might not be possible but I can't buy a 200 dollar knife for week end warriors stuff I do. Thanks

[@Jeremy-km4dj]

where did you buy the first knife at?

[@TJackSurvival]

The very first knife was a Sacha sharpens knife. Go to Instagram and look up Sacha sharp things. The big one is it an Indonesian Parang. My friend made me that so I don’t know where to get one.

[@TJackSurvival]

Unless you’re talking about the Skookum Bush tool. Then it was a gift from the maker at the global Bush craft symposium in 2019 after I filmed and told the story Of Mors Kochanski and him. (Rod Garcia). The video is on my channel about it. It’s Mors Kochanski on knives

[@Tony-lc5kc]

Where did you get the big knife?

[@TJackSurvival]

My friend Mikhail who owns Emberlit made that for me. It is an Indonesian Parang. The only way to get something exactly like that is to have someone make it for you or go to Indonesia. Condor knives make something close to it but it’s a little thick

[@sarahjoe1464]

When you keep deleting conversations on this channel, TJack loses credibility. If he can’t handle criticism then he shouldn’t be on here. His responses make him immature and not an expert.

[@TJackSurvival]

Manipulation is when someone blames you for your reaction to their disrespect.

[@sarahjoe1464]

TJack Survival 🤔Manipulation is you deleting what you originally wrote and replacing it with this.

[@hawkknight4564]

I swear I didn’t do anything to get you in trouble. The conversation was just between you and me on the other vid. YT had been doing crazy crap lately. I honestly did not reach out to anyone. I’m sorry if you were having troubles.

[@hawkknight4564]

By the way I don’t know any of them personally.

[@TJackSurvival]

@@hawkknight4564 neither do I. They’re just a group of trolls.

[@Nunya_Binness]

The bow drill bearing ring is a smart addition to a knife handle. Never seen that. Thanks.

[@TJackSurvival]

It is a real timesaver

[@billj503]

Where can I get the first knife? WOW!

[@TJackSurvival]

The very first knife was a Sacha sharpens knife. Go to Instagram and look up Sacha sharp things. The big one is it an Indonesian Parang. My friend made me that so I don’t know where to get one.

[@TJackSurvival]

Well the first one I talked about was a Skookum Bush tool. Hit the google on that one

[@ryanwalker1825]

Old school Western 1970's knife, it's amazing

[@TJackSurvival]

Agreed! I have 2

[@ryanwalker1825]

@@TJackSurvival imma get another one too, there like 200 bucks

[@codybarnes9285]

What is your thoughts on the hudson bay from condor

[@larryeddings3185]

It is a very good heavy camp knife.

[@codybarnes9285]

@@larryeddings3185 is it a good skinner and all around survival knife. Been looking for a bigger knife and leaning toward the Hudson bay

[@TJackSurvival]

I have not used one but I like the look. I don’t like to talk about anything I haven’t tried.

[@CommonCentsOutdoorsman]

Have it... love it! Nice chopper.

[@phillipmerritt1428]

Nathan any environment

[@chrisb.4496]

"They want knowledge." No, they are lazy and want someone to tell them instead of doing the work themselves...

[@TJackSurvival]

Sadly This is sometimes true.

[@granite-headgold1038]

Condor Bushlore??

[@TJackSurvival]

If you like it absolutely! I have one. It’s quality

[@granite-headgold1038]

@@TJackSurvival I have one as well; I very much like it. It's definitely a great deal when you consider what they cost. I just wish they made them with 1095 vs 1075. I like that they make a mini Bushlore too; I might have to pick one up and try it.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

Finland is not in Scandinavia! We in Scandinavia dont use Pukko knives. The Saami people dont have long knife traditions,they used stone and especially horn knives not that long ago. They made something called a Saami knife,the large Leiku out of car springs and they was blue temperd because so they would not break in the cold winters, when cutting thin birch brush on the mountains over tree level. The Saami people use helicopters, ATV's and snow scooters. But most of them just have regular jobs. Scandinaviens has made, from the Viking era and still make to this day,three layered knives. Soft steel on the outside and a high carbon edge steel in the middle(laminated),the name is a Tollekniv,lots of types. And we are big on axes;-)

[@TJackSurvival]

Good information and I apologize. I should have gone into more detail on that.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

@@TJackSurvival No need to apologize for that🤝🏻

[@TJackSurvival]

@@bushcraft_in_the_north I try hard to get things exactly right and to represent others s they’d prefer. Sometimes I get it sometimes I don’t. Either way thanks for your response.

[@tashalachacha]

When you don't carry your knife with you, don't you feel naked?🇺🇲🤔🇺🇲 And.... do you put a lanyard on your knife?

[@phild8095]

yes and no

[@tashalachacha]

@@phild8095 could you explain?🇺🇲🤔🇺🇲

[@mildmanneredmercifulmouse1839]

I don't feel "naked" without wearing a knife, but i feel "complete" when I am wearing. And i only put a lanyard on if / when the task requires one.

[@professiondraincleanerbrya8664]

neck knives 😂 id take my throat out doing that lol

[@charleshalsey548]

The more you know the less you carry.

[@TJackSurvival]

Yep

[@asmith7876]

2nd most asked question: Where can I get that hat!????? LOL (edit) Commented too soon...WOW I love that hatchet! Beautiful design and shape!

[@TJackSurvival]

Well that is a Stetson Gus Palm hat that I dumped in the river and shaped myself. But my favorite hat maker is Tatton Baird in Springville Utah. He is who made my white hat.

[@TJackSurvival]

That Hatchet is amazing it is my favorite of all my hatchets

[@11ccom]

At least clinton used tomahawks after the USS Cole attack and not one hellfire..

[@jurgenkrebbekx4329]

Certainly a great selection Tyler, much better compared to 5 years ago, big favourites are Scandinavian grind knives obviously, knives that will work in any environment for sure, Rod Garcia is still my favourite 👍🏻

[@TJackSurvival]

We all learn as time goes along. I know I have. I've used so many knives in the field thanks to BladeHQ. But now I know what I know because of it. Rod is the man. He obviously hit it out of the park with that one. I used mine yesterday up in the mountains and the snow. I love the thing. Thanks for stopping by and watching.

[@bully_hunter_4206]

He didnt even open the knife

[@TJackSurvival]

The parang?

[@bully_hunter_4206]

@@TJackSurvival What to look for in a knife. I was expecting him to hacksaw open the knife to show us what to look for IN a knife

[@TJackSurvival]

@@bully_hunter_4206 oh that’s in the next video….

[@bobbieschke599]

.....socket = divet ! .....puukko......

[@antoniescargo1529]

A small hatchet is dangerous. Hold a tool in your other hand when using the hatchet (while cutting a tree etc.)

[@PlainsmansCabin]

ALL tools can be dangerous, IF/WHEN improperly used.

[@johnjacobs3502]

..

[@TJackSurvival]

…