If you could choose just one of your fixed blade knives as a survival knife for ALL possible climates and conditions, including urban survival, which one would it be?

Basic 7. (Sorry! Used to be the awesome S6)

I find my Yard Keeper to be very versatile. So I choose it.

S6.

I think it would be my Busse Badger Attack, though I'd prefer the S6 if it were more corrosion resistant. It would definately be between those two. Both knives are small enough for easy carry and big and rugged enough to do some serious work.

So far the choices have been 4" to 7" blades, all Busses of some sort. Interesting.

SS4 for me (I'd have an axe for the big stuff, you didn't say no axe!)

Believe it or not, I have chopped with an SS4. Good choice.

I do believe you, it does so much, great for all weather conditions, fits my hand the best of anything I have, great weight and it's perdy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Horndog, you said your number 1 choice would be a corrosion resistant S6.. I figure my Basic 7 is a corrosion resistant S7!!! I still love my beat up old S6 though and my badger is pretty cool too.

(SS4's are cool too! Once you have some nice kydex for them..)

I think it would be my CRK Shadow IV.

m6
big enough to handle "big" knife chores & small enough for finer work if needed

It would be either my S6 or BATAC, but honestly, ANY of my Busse-made knives would make a good survival knife. I like the S6 so much, I have three of them, one for each vehicle. That must mean something.

i would go for an S7, but currently i would say M6

I had to look that one up, TKC. A solid piece of A2 tool steel with gunkote and a 5.5" blade. Yes, that is a survival knife for sure.

i think i will buy one in a month or two. good to know you like yours but i don't think it will replace my busses

That would be my Mutt.... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I was surprised the Mutt didn't come up sooner, pitman. It has to be the toughest smaller knife I have ever seen. Another good choice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Yup, big enough for most tasks yet still small enough that you won't mind carrying it with you !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I only have 2 vehicles but I have one going in my work bag too. So I agree

Camp Tramp got my vote. I want a Scrap Yard version though!

I would like to have a Camp Tramp after all I've read about it. The Scrapper 7 prototype I handled at Blade would be nice, too.

Now that's a hard choice!

My Badger e-handle is a great all arounder and easy to make invisible in a sensitive environment.

Though my Steel Heart e-handle has gone through literal he!! from me and keeps asking for more. And the profile is small enough to make invisible without risking anything valuable down there. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

dumpster mutt. didn't even have to think about it.

I'd go with the DM as well. I just wish it was a bit more corrosion resistant.

My favorite are a few: Ratweiler, steel heart & Camp Tramp. And, I'm dying for Scrapper 7!!!!!

Busse BATAC for me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

SFNO!!!!

sounds like the dm and a 7 inch are the choices

I hate you and your SFNO . . . mostly because I don't have one *tear*.

As for my best survival knife, SH1A. Don't own one yet, but I'm sure it would be my best when I do. Camp Tramp with Res-C handle would be next. Can't wait for a Scrapper 7. That'd probably take the place of the CT.

this is a 1 knive only thread, I prefer shorter knifes but if it is meant for ALL things then it better be a big brute just in case: Weiler rules.

Good call on the 'Weiler!

I think I know one way to answer this with more than one answer.

If I could know the situation I would choose the knife to suit it.

Urban: SS4 or my Bad Warden as alternate. Concealability

Suburban: Guard or Hook as alternate. Versitility

Rural or wilderness: Dog Father or FSH, it's good to have a chopper. If I need something small I'll just Knap it from local materials.

If I don't get to know the situation, I'll take as many as I can get away with... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

There's saying that I really like when this type of question is posed:

If you can take nothing, take a knife, if you can take only one thing, take another knife... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

OK, I'll say the DF.






I'll hide the SS4 in my belt in the small of my back so I don't have say I have it too... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

If I knew the situation would be in the Altamaha River Swamps, I'd choose the Condor Jungle Bowie. Come to think of it, that would be a great choice for the city, too. But for only one knife for all situations, I'd take one of the medium-sized Busse Group knives, 5" to 7" blade.

Of course we are all knife nuts here, so we woud choose our blades based on where we were going and what we would be doing. Back when I spent more time in the Altamaha, I carried 3 knives, SAK Recruit, Bucklite, and Cold Steel Kukri. Now that I am fat and old I have much upgraded choices available. The SAK would remain, though.

It comes down to two the DF and the YK. You included the word urban so of the two I would choose the YK.

i think i might take the yard gaurd over an s6.

this doesn't say how many folders. in that case a fbm, a cold steel 2xl, a spyderco endura, a charge, a sak, and i am still looking for a super tough folder.

cargo pants can carry alot.

i currently carry a sak, wave, buck, endura, and 3 different wallet cards every day in my business pants.

This is a hard one. cannot see myself ever having only one knife. If I did, my priority would be getting another.
Only one?
Swamprat satin Battlerat, Scrapyard bowie, Valois survival bowie, one of my customs, must think this one out...

Cargo pants are great. I used to catch a lot of kidding about wearing BDU pants all the time. I love them. I got a deal on a Benchmade Skirmish. That is a very rugged framelock. Kind of heavy, though.

If Urban wasn't a requirement I'd choose the S6. I'm just not a big enough guy to conceal that big blade easily.

Given the requirement for both Urban and Woods I'd choose the Dumpster Mutt as the best compromise single knife. A RMD would probably work too.

When I included urban, I was not thinking EDC. I was thinking a survival situation, like SHTF time. I was thinking urban combat knife. Something with a point on it, or a sword-like slasher.

My Mutt Vic.
I waited two days to post my answer,like Roo I had to think about it for a bit.
You insist it may only be one knife. So thought was needed. I carry a minimum of 4 every day. Hip,front left,front right and a necker. I load up when I am in one of my 5 pairs of cargo pants, using the extra 3 pockets as concealed carry lounges for my folders.

The Mutt is a pry bar of a knife.

It is SOOOOOO frickin thick that it can handle any chopping situation as well as be tied to a stick for a spear.
Mine is so sharp it slices tomato's with glee of course.It is deft enough at the tip to cut easily around bones,vertebrae and clean fish with ease.

My Mutt is a tank of a fixed blade and I choose it.

Peace.

You have company, PoP. The DM is the choice of at least four dogs on the forum.

I just noticed something, PoP. You're a Junk Yard Dog! Congrats and welcome to the JYDs! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Whoa!! Grats PoP!! Welcome to the Junk Yard, Dawg!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

All hail PoP the JYD!!!

Dan has already sent PoP a coin with his JYD number on it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> If you check back in the Death Chat you will find more info! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Tom

It's not likely you would break it. The DF would be a better choice however,

The carring of a fixed blade of any length concealed on or about your person I believe is still a felony in California.

So unless your at home when the "Big one" hits........

I actually think the DF is the best choice but The YK would be eaiser to explain given todays environment.

In California probably best to choose a heavy duty folder since the laws/police are a bit more lenient towards them.

This whole thread has been interesting to me. Maybe it is because of the terrain here, but I have always thought of a survival knife as a big knife. A big bowie or a machete comes to mind. In Nepal, its the kukri. In the harsh areas of Northern Europe, the Pukko style knife is a survival knife. In Africa, its the Panga. In some parts of Southeast Asia its the bolo or barong. In South America, its the machete. In New York City, it might be a Spyderco. The knife has been a survival tool for thousands of years. Remember the Rambo-style survival knives of the 80s? Now the trend is smaller. We can't exclude the multi-tools, either. Some so-called survival knives are just junk. Now look at the choices made on this forum. They are basic knives made with extraordinary modern materials like micarta, Respirene C, INFI, SR77 and such. The designs are simple, though. The Dumpster Mutt or the Scrapper 6 are quite simple, ordinary designs.

Yes it was, and so were Dan and Patti's! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Aren't they great!!?! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Tom

Yep I agree.

Few can meet that criteria. SYKCO is one that can.

AMEN to that! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> Now, off to do some yard work! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> Tom

THAT CHANGES EVERYTHING!!! DOGFATHER Then is the choice.

As an everyday take with me everywhere knife it's my RatManDu. While I do like the Dumpster Mutt I always thought that it would make a better bush blade if it were thinner. Enter the RatManDu.

The RatManDu may be the best 5" knife I own. I like it at least as well as the Badger Attack.

I have two ManDus coming.Fell in love instantly after they came up first in the Bladeshow threads.Lately was thinking if they would be even nicer if a tiny bit thicker.What's your take on that matter Jerrwhy?Would you say they are plenty tough enough as a suvival knive?

Alex

Personally, I think their thickness is just fine. Exactly what are you going to be doing with a 5 inch knife that you need a lot of thickness other than 3/16. I much prefer to spend my time outdoors than in. And I've never experienced a situation that required me using my knife to pry with other than in a war time scenario.

So far I've sone the following with my RatManDu: cutting, light chopping, batoning, affixing it as a spear, throwing it at a tree, general abusing etc....

My complaint with the Dumpster MUtt was that it was to thick in my opinion; so much so that it interfered with cutting. Other than that it's a fine blade. It will out chop and out pry the RatManDu. However, the RatManDu will cut better, have better edge retention, and it can be affixed to a spear more easily.

peace
Jerry

So you would say it's plenty enough thick for throwing or thrusting into harder stuff in case of emergency?I always felt the 3/16 thickness of the "thinner" Busse/Swamp offerings would be still slightly overbuilt enough for most abuse scenarios,just after spotting the Mutt as a similar sized knife with such a thick blade I started thinking in the lines of ...maybe a bit extra wouldn't hurt.OK,cannot await the arrival of the ManDus)).Do they make good throwers?

Alex

You shouldn't have a problem with thrustin it. Or stabbing for that matter. As far as throwing it I guess it throws alright. Personally I'm not a big fan of throwing them. However, I wanted to punish the RatManDu as much as possible.

I don't think thickness will be a detriment to the knife. The 3/16ths is a good compromise in my opinion of cutting ability and overall toughness of the knife. You'll be pleased with them.

jerry

hehe,yes the Jeep vs.CampTramp plot)),that's a nice one.Such things I had in mind thinking about if a bit thicker would be it.
On the other hand as you both say...fast slicer/pigsticker with an ideal lenght for such a knife+enough robustness,that's what I saw anyway in the RatManDu and what hooked me.
SHSJ-which one is that?A Busse model?Satin Jack some sort of?

Alex

Dog father would do it all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I think Bruce means the 'Straight Handle Satin Jack' (but I could be wrong!). That model is a few years old now..

You could sure butcher a Jeep with a DF.. And given that Jeep UK won't import 'Freedom Drive 2' Patriot over here I may just bl**dy try it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

don't you guys remember my d-mutt vs mercury sable pics?

Was that Andy?

Not bad at all! I wish I'd bagged the Tac SJ that Jerry did a little while ago.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

I'm all Badger'd up now.. And the car needs a service and the insurance is due.. Unless Jerry does something crazy good I can't afford it!

SH time?

Vic's looked very nice..

DM!

Having tested a DM against a truck, I think there isn't much that would faze it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif" alt="" />

S6 for me.

Maybe my forged 8" bowie.....
maybe my forged 9 1/2 fighting survival bowie, or my 6" urban fighting survival bowie.....
Too many knives.....

now, back to the scrapyard bowie.

I'm late! BATAC for me, and if I was able to bring a chopper (against the rules in this scenario though!) it'd be the DF.

I have to be honest. The only fixed blade that I have carried so far in any expedition has been the SHBM, E-BM and Fehrman FJ. I have not even carried my FBM yet on expedition. So I would have to say either the BMs or the FJ.

That being said, when I go back I will have the FBM, Mandu and the Scrapper 6 and DM. All of these will be carried under different situations when I am out there. The DM for example will be carried on the drive and in Nairobi, the Mandu when walking the bizzars/markets and at night since the sheath has the mini mag attachment, The Scrapper will back up the FBM and the FBM will be the main knife. This pile is of course backed up by my folder and Leatherman tool.

khuk, barong, sheffield golok, valiant golok, or fbm would be the best chopper.

Hey I like the look of that cord wrap, and it might just be the thing to make the Mutt's little handle fit better in my massive paw. Thanks for the idea!

-C.

That just sounds funny when I read it and then look at your avatar!!

The Mutt would definately be my choice.

If I had to narrow it down to just one I would pick the DM or Scrapper 6 for urban, FBM for Africa and DF for the American wilderness.

The FBM because in Kenya we don't really chop for our firewood as we just use 3 logs and push them close for a large flame and pull them out to lower it. So I can have my chopper but not really need to chop logs.

The DF is tip heavy so if I am supposed to choose one blade (not even an axe) then the DF is the perfect choice for chopping.

Well, since I don't have a DF yet I'll say my Battle Rat. Hmmm...or maybe my Rat Mastiff.

I guess I'd have to say my FBM, I am a larger individual with large hands (6'1" 245) so the 10" FBM fits me very well. It may be harder to carry/conceal in certain situations...but you cant have it all <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Plus, I am a sucker for big blades <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I'm a larger individual as well. I was wondering how hard it would be to conceal a FBM as a necker with a loose fitting shirt?

Just don't use the Fatty. It will make you stoop over too much. You could have Rainwalker make you a Dundee rig for it! This is a knoife!

I didnt exactly mean deep concealment like a neck knife <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
picture the set up Cold Steel has for their Laredo Bowie...that is a 10" to 10 1/2" blade with the belt peg mounted on the leather sheath for in the pant carry, and many do just that.

Or standard carry on the belt for those times when concealment just cannot be obtained as much.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> Tough Crowd <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

SPEICHER, nobody can tell you what YOUR best choice is. That FBM and small SAK can handle most anything!

Oh, I know HD, I just like to explore my options. Most of the 4" to 5" blades dont fit my hand as well as the larger knives like the FBM. The smallest I would go is a Yard hook or Mini Mojo, those two sizes would also suit me quite well. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I'm still a touch leary of the recurve of the hook. any opinions as to whether this improves cutting or not?

Isn't one of the issues that we should define first what the potential uses might be?

Urban sounds to me like self defense. Knives by definition aren't good SD tools in an open environment. They are more of a stealth weapon in the normal world, wouldn't really make sense to show off if you intend to use it. I do believe they had a couple of surveys done on how far somebody must be standing for another person to pull and rack a gun. In this case size doesn't really matter, you key concern will be to get close to the target.

Nature: again size is not that relevant, never really met anybody in the country carrying a huge knife unless it is a panga (I live in Africa). Actually the price of pangas went down in Nigeria after the last election, makes you want to think about what they mean with electoral support.

Summary would be that we should rather focus on smaller knives but then I think about putting a fat piece of steel between myself and some perp and I start rooting for a rapier.

It makes the draw cut more effective as pulling the knife back forces the "belly" deeper into the target. Some of the best choppers are recurves, too, such as the kukri. The recurve is fatter toward the tip putting more weight there for chopping.

Hmm, mechanical efficiency offset by harder sharpening?

yes i need to sharpen my yard guard

For some, Paul. With any stick type sharpener, I've never had a problem with recurves, but a flat stone can only catch the belly of the blade.

Back to my original question, I do have two "pure" survival knives. One is the Gerber LMF II with the built-in carbide sharpener on the sheath and just under 5" Sanvik spear point blade. The other is the standard issue pilot's knife. I consider the Scrapper 6 and Badger Attack to be superior to either.

you can diminish the burden on your knife drawer by sending the inferior lmf2 to me in NJ. I try to look out for my fellow JYD.

I appreciate your sincere concern, Magnum, but I still like it quite a bit. It's a very good knife. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

gotta love that sandvik. offer always stands, my friend.

I've made a couple of Dundee rigs, if done right you could conceal a Fatty... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

If you've got one that's about 5'8" that could work! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Has anyone changed their minds since this thread was first posted ? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Such a great thread.... I'll add my 2 cents.

In short, all things considered, I would pick the Scrapper 6 because I think it is the best all around Combat Knife made. The ergos on it are great, the blade coating is great, and the size of it is just about perfect.

Hey Pitman- I'd now take my S6 over my Basic 7.. Still got my Badger but it still wouldn't be first choice!

Why the change of thought bro ? Is the Basic 7 made of INFI ?

To me, this knife is a good all-purpose, all-terrain, any-climate knife. (unfortunately I got rid of it a while back <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />) Replaced by Scrapper6.

I coulda used Google but since I had asked two questions and I'm pretty sure Google wouldn't know why he changed his mind, I thought I'd let Paul answer both questions !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

As to what the Basic 7 is made of- that seems covered now... I changed my mind because bottom line I'd trust my life to my S6 and deep down I don't trust the Basic 7 so much! It (B7) just seems... err, more fragile somehow!

It's a toss up for me of the best EDC between a Dog Mutt and a Yard Keeper. Today I broke out the Yard Keeper and was wanting some Pineapple and coconut on the barbecue chicken so out came the Scrap Yard steel. The Yard Keeper didn't event skip a beat through the pineapple , then along came the coconut, a little more challenging but it tore through it with no batting, just chopping at it like you would a tree. Now I have a drinking cup as well. The fat Yard Keeper showed it's advantages going through the pineapple and coconut.

Great pictures F-5000, you should entet them in Dan's "Spring Fever" contest!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

My best survival knife is the yard hook.
Although the ash-1 or s-7 may change that.

Just a thought, but your survival knife needs to be your can-do knife for all eventualities.. I'd much rather cut live power cables (remember survival= worse case scenario, including urban) with my S6 than my Badger Attack, as 240V (Britain) bl**dy stings when it zaps you! Micarta Busse Combat knives are tougher and more corrosion resistant, but that good old res-C helps keep electricity, vibration, heat and cold at arms length.. so to me are the winners.

Thanks Klink, I was hoping to get a better picture if I can, POP's pictures are really good and Andy's,horn dog and Pitman usually have tough ones to beat. They're usually the heavy hitters for pictures.