I tend to think of a hollow handle as being a big plus for a survival knife; less because it allows you to store things in it, which is nice too, but because it's easier to mount on a stick to make yourself a spear. Many survival knives also have a pommel that can double as a hammer. I consider the Deregulator/Regulator model to be a very good "Camp Knife", which is similar to a survival knife, but to be used more specifically for batoning to split wood and for general cutting tasks. It's a pretty good chopper due to its weight, but is balanced less blade-heavy than a dedicated chopper -- it's more of a general purpose, heavy use knife. Based on the price and its capabilities, I'd strongly recommend buying a Military Overrun Deregulator with sheath (or a Regulator with sheath, but I personally prefer the Dereg).

For a chopper, if you can make it to one of the big shows (or get a proxy), the Dog Father is your best bang-for-the-buck Bussekin option ($139.95). If you can't do that and/or money isn't a big factor, Busse Combat is currently selling the Bushwacker Battle Mistress (Micarta-handled Combat Grade is $347.00), and a Competition Finish upgrade will be offered in this Sunday's KnoboGanzaaaa Spring 2010 Part One (for $387.00). I have one of the Competition Finish BWMs from Knob Creek (along with several of the CGs) -- No offense to the BOSS Jack and Terror Monkey fans, but I considered the CF BWM to be the best "new release" they had at the show.

That is a fact Jim- I bought a BWM in Eugene and it is awesome <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />. Troy had three ( I think) and all went off the table during the show. A DF is a graet idea - but i am not seeing too many around except at KC and maybe at Blade ? Luck <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Seth has pretty much nailed it! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> The Regulator/DeRegulator is one OUTSTANDING deal right now - perhaps the best for a LONG time!!! I certainly would not be concerned about tip strength or anything else - it's backed by the best warranty in the business. And if you add a good multi-tool as Horn Dog suggested, you're ready for just about anything. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
By the way - Howdy and Welcome to the Scrap Yard! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Best knife for survival for the money right now. Yes, absolutely. My SOD although is the best knife I have ever owned. It just fits me perfectly.

Man I hope so. one of the few knives i will buy two of (for a total of three). Once I got my SOD I was immediately worried about loosing it and having to buy another at secondary market prices. Can's wait til it comes around again.

I think the reg is a great survival knife for the money. Maybe a bit large, but many survival so called experts believe a large knife is better than a small knife. The logic being that you can do most things with a larger knife that you can do with a smaller knife, but you can't do the things with a smaller knife that you can do with a larger knife. There is nothing that will be perfect for every occasion. I'm new to Scrapyard knives so do not have the Dogfather or SOD to compare. I bought 5 Regs and have one in both vehicles and one in my BOB. I also posted a thread on my Reg/psk a while back. Tried to search it for a link but my connection was too slow. I also carry an SOG multi tool and Craftsman folding utility saw in my Kit.

Welcome to the Yard

Dumpster Dan

I don't have much to add to what's been said already, but I thought I'd chime in anyway.....

After some mild testing with one of my Mil Reg's it is my conclusion that the design is an "in between". By this I mean, it has the profile of a fighter; thickness of a massive chopper; is too long for "camp chores" and too short of concerted chopping. As such, if you're the sort of person that likes compromise (not a negative term - more of a "multi purpose" jack of all trades master of none meaning) survival gear then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mil Reg. Its a screaming good deal!!!

While I fully plan on using one of my Mil Regs EXTENSIVELY this hiking / camping season, my "big" survival blade is and will remain a DogFather.

I'm an advocate of the "blade trinity" for survival, but I'm also a "gear geek"....

SAK or Multi-Tool
4-5" Fixed Blade Full Tang
10+" Chopper