Society is breaking down...what knife ???

Posted this on Bladeforum but thought it would make an interesting subject here as well !

With the spate of world disaster type movies recently and all the talk of pandemics etc I got to thinking of what knife would serve ya best ?

So lets imagine for a minute that the Sh*t has hit the fan, it might be a huge natural disaster such as flooding, it may be an attack from another country or it may be a lethal pandemic. Society is now breaking down, there are looters everywhere and your home is no longer a safe option you have to hit the road !
Your go bag is ready, you have grabbed a few small valuable possessions and now it comes time to choose your steel-No time to pick and mix, just grab one and get out quick !
. Let's think what this knife may be needed for:
Food preparation.
Defence from violent attacks( there may be looters desperate for supplies and trying to take yours).
Possible building of shelter( You might need to hide out in the wilds for a while for this to blow over ).
Breaching of doors ( Maybe ya find a cabin in the woods or need to breach an abandoned store for supplies).
Fire preparation ( no explaination needed).

So ya see this needs to be a versatile tool, what kinda knife would you choose ? This doesn't have to be one you own it might be one you'd like to own or even one you'd design ! Let's hear what blade size they are as well !

If I can only have a single knife then it's going to be a 6" blade. Originally I thought that either the S6/S6LE, Skinny Ash, or Hell Razor would be my choices. However, when considering door breaching a thicker knife would be important. That leaves the S6/S6LE for me. The ASH1 would work too though I would prefer one of the skinnier flavors like the SE/LE.

SYR. It's large enough to chop with but small enough to do the little things with and it has the thickness it needs to ignore the possibility of breaking it.
Besides, I have a SOG Powerlock attached to the sheath already with a fire steel and small whetstone packed into a double M-4 mag pouch.
I'm used to the Ka-bar as my all around field knife so this is a step up but roughly the same size. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Please note that my previous post shouldn't be taken as a review of the knife as those types of postings aren't allowed quite yet. If Cold One or anyone else deems it improper and a violation of the agreement, please feel free to delete it.
Prost.

because of this thread, i'm going to have to keep a SAK in the pocket on my DFLE/Battle Rat sheath (they have to share since i only have one). the day this occurs, i grab that sheath, and whichever knife is in the sheath is the one coming with me. i think right now it's the DFLE.

i will miss my FBM...and M9LE....and Rat Daddy....don't get me started on my beloved khukris....

Yeah, that one pretty much changes everything. i might have said endura or LTC, but i want INFI or SR77 for that job.

I would think a tarwar would breach a door. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

+1

The battle rat would be tempting for the self-defense/shelter building but the CT is easier to bring along if it's only 1 blade.

S6. or my nmsfno. jurie's out.

There usually is a folder on/in my pants (Terzuola, Spderco Delicia). The sheath for the Dumpster Mutt would have a fireteel attached. That's on a belt with a leatherman as well. Grab my bag and belt and I'm in the wind.

NMSFNO - if the shtf, there would be no more scrap yard warranty, and I've proven I can damage res-c... I fixed it with some gorilla glue, bit would rather go full tang if I'm fighting off Zombie hordes.

As far as self defense, no knife would be anywhere near the top of my list of tools. I'd rather carry a baseball bat. If I gotta get close enough to use a knife, i'm probably getting injured no matter what, realistically.

I think a Leatherman would probably be the most useful.

What! I never had all that good steel, why'd you part with it?


For me, I'd grab my Regulator bowie if I was limited to one. I wouldn't breach a door with my knives, especially if I only had one. There is always something laying around that could perform a task like that.

Well before last week I probably would have said the NMSFNO. But, after swinginig around a Busse AK, I think the AK would be a formidable tool. I think it would be fine for building a shelter, fire prep, busting a door, and defense. Food prep would be tough for sure. But, if the SHTF, I'll chew off pieces and have a better weapon. As far as dressing out an animal with a large blade, while in the Philippines, I saw them kill and process a boar with a bolo no problem.

For front door entry there are firearms and prybars. For everything else, there's the Regulator. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I would take an SOD as my only knife.

If the SHTF scenario happened today I would grab my DDF since I don't own an SOD knife yet.

Potentially the SOD.

I mean I love, love, love the S5, but the SOD seems better suited to chopping and "heavy use" if needed.

I'd consider my DDF, but as big and powerful as it is, it's not the easiest piece to carry or conceal.

I figure the SOD is small enough for slicing or food prep tasks, yet big enough to baton wood or chop trees. It's an excellent compromise in terms of size.

Good question but for me I am not sure
The answer would depend if I had an axe/hatchet/hawk or not

I am thinking right at the moment it would be my SOD, but that will change in a a ew days--you will see why.

i didn't, but i wouldn't be taking it with me in the scenario. i don't plan on parting with any of those. just about any of my other knives can go.

I would have to take my DFLE, its thick enough to use as a breaching tool and intimidating enough to steal a smaller blade from someone else <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Assuming I had time to get my bob I would also have my meaner street LE, mora and a sak Farmer. My EDC blade as well would be with me.

One knife would not be optimal for all of those tasks. Something most versatile for me would be in the 5-7 inch range.

S5's are really awesome but a bit small of some efficient survival/shelter tasks.

Skinny ASH is the best all around knife IMHO. Other ASH's are very good too.

SFNO's and SOD kick [censored], but are a bit large for some tasks you mentioned.

Anything smaller or larger are specialty knives and will limit you.

I'm thinking for SHTF,the yard hook & a sak in the pocket.
The YH is a beefy .28 and recurved.Don't know if it will pry a door open,but it will sure chop through it,be it steel skinned or wood.SFNO & chopweiler are good choices also.

My skinny ASH and my glock.

Right now, I would choose this one


BUT, if I could get this one heat treated IT would be my choice as I have used it for everyghing from A to Z (it's the second one from the bottom) and is marked Negrito hunting Bolo.


I would be cheating though, as I ALWAYS have a one blade folder on me, right now it's my emerson cqc 7b.

But then again, on second thought I might hve to start carrying the one on the upper left, first run Randall folder from a few years ago. I think the only other folder that I would rather have than that one is the Rat Trap IF THEY WERE AVAILABLE!!! No, that's not all I've got. I think all told I have 110-115 knives/swords. Most of them work pretty good, but as far as toughness, non of them beats my S5!

after further consideration it would be my nmsfno.

Good choice <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

i'm totally in live with it.

I agree with Walker. I'd take a SoD with me. Since I don't have one at the moment, My Mini uncle mojo will do. And since that's in my pack with my howling rat, I'm good to go!

I would have to go with an NMSFNO for the versatility.

I'd have to agree with taking a NMSFNO. That's or a DFLE, are just all round good knives
Don't have either, but those would be my choice.
If the choice was from what I have, I would have to choose my golok or
sirupate khukhuri.

I'm going to be "that guy" for a moment and point out that hopefully when the "s" "h's" the "f" you are home and can load up on whatever you keep in your "just in case" closet.

More than likely, you'll be away, so the knife you get is the one you have on you.

It may be a good idea to keep the tools (knife, multitool and so forth) you'll need in your get-home bag in your car.

Better chance of having them when "it" hits! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

Ahhh. A man after my own heart. Perfect combo

everytime i see the skinny ash I want one a little more.

If society as a whole is breaking down, screw concealment and subtlety. If I need to use my knife as a weapon, it better be the biggest, ugliest, most intimidating piece of steel at hand. If I can't even get out of the area with my gear, all else is moot. Dogfather all the way. Big knives can do small knife work, if awkwardly, but you're not going to intimidate anybody with by pulling out a small knife.

I have a ASH-1CG, and I like the feel o it so far. One thing it is a heavy SOB. I would like to hold a Skinny sometime to feel the difference. ASH design is great.

A machete.

Yes sir, I have seen an older fellow when I was little work a deer over with a hatchet. From what I remember he had no problem doing it.

I'd like a skinny FSH. Mine is a beast of a chopper, but a bit thinner would sure make it lively in the hand.

CG FBM

Some have picked a knife they don't possess. Of those that I own I'll take my Regulator without hesitation, and I own a DFCG and a SODLE and Ratmandu and S5LE.

SOD.

Although, If I have to defend myself with my SOD, that means that I am out of ammo. This means that the guy I have to stab will be pretty weary after climbing over that big pile of corpses to get to me.

During the LA riots (remember Rodney King?), the Koreans who were on top of their shops with AKs and stood guard still had their shops after the riots were over.

May God have mercy on us if it gets to that point.

i would take:

Alice:


and Ultraviolet:


and i would arm myself with twin khukuris myself.

i should probably see this movie one day.

Alice for sure!

Well, yeah, it goes without saying that a knife is a poor weapon next to any kind of firearm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am surprised.....no has said the Waki!!!! That is a beast when it comes to self defense. Yea it is big but like others have said it can still do other finer tasks...not well but with a little practice and patience it will do. Come across me with no firearm and just a blade and rest assured a 5-6 inch knife will make you think twice about engaging with a Waki.

Mmmmmm. You know what they say. "Two in the hand is worth one in the...




... SHEATH !!!"




What else did you dogs think I was going to say?

yes, sheath..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

1 knife: SFNO (or Camp Tramp)
2 knives: Meaner Street (or SS4) + NMSFNO (or Battle Rat)
3 knives: Hinderer XM-18 + Satin Jack + CGFBM

I said the AK, which is almost as good as a Waki. It does not feel all that heavy either.

+1

Alice notwithstanding <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />, I'm really liking my Tank Buster. Good heft, thick blade. Of course, I don't carry it daily, so if the SHTF, I'd likely be with my S5LE instead, since I EDC that blade. I also EDC a Glock 23, so between the two, I wouldn't feel un-equipped, even in an end-of-the-world scenario.

I want one light enough to carry, strong, sharp, but pointy, too. After considering many options, I think my SARbowie is the ONE.

Did you add that clip point, or was it a variation from the shop? The SARsquatch is an awesome knife but I hate the tip and swedge. If it had the bowie shape of yours, it would be a HOT knife!

HD that bowie is awesome. Nice work!!

That's a Third World Grind Shop custom for sure. There's a whole pictorial about it somewhere on here.

I ended up with two SARsquatches, so I made one into a Bowie. Then Ban did one (much nicer, of course). I call them SAR Bowies.

SWEEEEEEEET!!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

if i'm not mistaken, he sold it. i'm sad to know i'll never see it in another HD chopoff again.

I've been going back and forth on this for a few days and still can't really decide. Still between a SOD or DF/BM. A medium sized forest axe would be ideal too.

Almost sold it, but then sanity returned. I love the SAR Bowie. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

that's a relief. such a great, unique knife.

The SARsquatches are awesome, but I don't like the swedge either, might have to get one someday and do that bowie mod.

i just pulled out the sarQ last night and was shocked at how nice an edge it had. shame i never use it.

My Competitin Edition Sarsquatch was the sharpest Busse I ever bought.

Re: SAR Bowie

Beautiful grind. Very nice work. That would surely do the job and then some!

Does the Sarsquatch remind anyone of the US Medical Knives of WWI period?

Yes, the shape is similar, but the blade is shorter and thinner on the Squatch.

that sar bowie is hot.