Survival Knife Reviews

Reviews of fixed-blade survival knives that are ideal for use in the wilderness, camping, military, self-defense and other survival situations.

Schrade Jethro Review: Kukri-like Survival Machete

January 13, 2017 Author: Michael

Today I am reviewing the Schrade Jethro (model SCHF48), a survival knife/machete hybrid with a 11.625″ kukri-like fixed blade that is more than capable of piercing, batoning, and powering through any heavy chopping jobs you can throw at it. Its official MSRP is just north of of $80.00, but with a little bargain hunting the Schrade Jethro can be found for under $50, making its price a competitive one for the quality offered by this large kukri inspired blade.

This bold, kukri-like survival machete is manufactured by BTI Tools, a company that produces Schrade products as well as Old Timer, Uncle Henry, and Imperial branded products. They are probably best known for their pocket knives, but feature a wide selection of products ranging from fixed and folding knives, collapsible batons, tactical pens to tactical and survival accessories and flashlights that are used by survival/outdoor enthusiasts, law enforcement, and even fire department personnel. Schrade knives were manufactured by Taylor Brands until 2016, but Smith & Wesson acquired Taylor Brands and incorporated it into BTI Tools. (more…)

Zero Tolerance ZT0100 Review – All Black Military Knife

April 2, 2014 Author: Michael

[toc]

Don’t let the unassertive appearance of the all black Zero Tolerance ZT0100 fixed blade military knife fool you; it may very well be the only tactical knife worthy of the name. In addition to offering broad multi-tasking flexibility, the ZT0100 is equipped with one of the hardest and toughest blades you could possibly imagine. Kershaw, in collaboration with renowned designer Ken Onion, worked on creating this rare masterwork. Zero Tolerance knives are produced by KAI USA, a noted authority in knife manufacturing the world over (Kershaw is also a part of the KAI Group). Their decades-old operations have established the company as one of the best in the industry and the Zero Tolerance line of knives is their cream of the crop.

The ZT0100 features a 5.75-inch (13.6 cm) “recurve” blade that is very similar to the Kukri blade shape, though not as pronounced. One of the standout aspects of this particular production knife is the quality of its blade, whose wear-resistance ability is one of a kind. With piercing as one of the manufacturer’s main design goals, the blade is meant to stand up to the hardest surfaces without breaking, chipping or bending. The handle design does not limit your ability to use the knife in such a manner either, as it is ergonomically designed to offer a secure grip and comfortable feel even under extreme use. Quite frankly, the ZT0100 offers the anticipated military toughness that suits the knife to tough cutting, thrusting and piercing activities. (more…)

Kershaw 1074 Review: 18-Inch Camp Knife

February 28, 2014 Author: Michael

The Kershaw 1074 Camp Knife (18″ version available at Amazon) is one of the best in a series of popular and innovative knives manufactured by decades-old knife manufacturer Kershaw. The globally renowned US knife brand is a member of the KAI Group, which has knife manufacturing operations in China and Japan as well. The company is involved in manufacture of various kinds of knifes including camping knives, multi-tools, machetes, pocket knives and even kitchen cutlery.

With an 18-inch blade, the 2.1 pound Kershaw 1074 Camp Knife is the biggest in the Kershaw line of knives. In hand it feels more like a small sword than a knife. The sheer size of the knife makes it easy to use as a handy survival tool given its ability to cut, hack, slash, split and scrape among any other uses.

The massive 18-inch blade, high quality of the construction material, coupled with a comfortable and ergonomically innovative handle makes the Kershaw 1074 a formidable camping knife. (more…)

Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Review: Combat Bowie Knife

February 11, 2014 Author: Michael

Mr. Becker’s BK9 is a elegant culmination of making and designing high quality knives for well over 30 years, utilizing every single experience learned from para-military and survival training, as well as various outfitting experiences. The BK9 (made in the USA, available at Amazon) represents a pure combination of Ethan Becker‘s specific and uniquely designed ergonomic Esta-Loc handle with a highly effective and more traditionally looking Bowie style blade.

The trademark handle found on Becker knives is well known among knife lovers for its incredible durability and comfort, allowing many prolonged periods of heavy use, while providing much less fatigue to the user than any other knife in its class. Without further ado, lets get straight to the facts with our review of the Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife. (more…)

Spyderco Temperance 2 Review (Model FB05P2)

February 3, 2014 Author: Michael

The Temperance 2 knife is Spyderco’s newest evolution of their popular fixed-blade field-tested design. Spyderco is a company based in Golden, Colorado USA, that has specialized in producing high quality production knives and knife sharpeners for over three decades.

Many features which are today considered common among folding pocket knives have been pioneered by Spyderco, including serrations, the pocket clip and famous Spyderco opening hole. Their collaborations with over 30 athletes, custom knife makers and self-defense instructors guarantee constant innovations in design and quality of over 20 different blade materials. They make some exceptional folders that are very popular among knife enthusiasts, but their less common fixed blades are also a thing of beauty.

Continue reading our Spyderco Temperance 2 review to learn what additions and improvements have been made since the original Temperance was introduced years ago. (more…)

Schrade SCHF10 Review: Extreme Survival Knife

January 30, 2014 Author: Michael

If you happen to be searching for a durable, inexpensive survival knife for less then $50 you should definitely take a long look and consider the Schrade SCHF10 Extreme Survival Knife. Schrade knives have won many fans among hunters, campers, backpackers and the survival community. That popularity is well deserved. As you will see below the quality and construction of the SCHF10 make it an excellent addition to the Schrade range of fixed blades.

Schrade has a very long history of producing high quality yet affordable knives. The company was first formed in 1892 by George Schrade, an inventor from England. Schrade is best known for his first knife design which was the switchblade. In 2004 the company was purchased by Taylor brands LLC who also manufacture Smith & Wesson Knives. They have continued the proud tradition of making first class survival knives under the Schrade brand name. Can the SCHF10 provide high performance, quality build materials and reliability for under $50? You bet! Continue reading our comprehensive review to learn why. (more…)

Woodman’s Pal Review (Model 481)

January 19, 2014 Author: Michael

Please take a moment to examine the Classic Woodman’s Pal. Part knife, part machete and part sickle. It’s a tool that’s held American interest for over four decades. Designed and manufactured in the USA by the master knife craftsmen at Pro Tool Industries, the Woodman’s Pal is unique in its ability to serve a wide variety of purposes. The question is can it serve them well enough to measure up with tools that have a dedicated purpose? Take a moment to read this review of the Woodman’s Pal 481 and get our honest opinion on this large, oddly shaped classic.

First things first. Straight out of the box this tool is certainly an attention getter. The unique curve at the tip of the blade which is intended to make it useful for everything from cutting through foliage, to chopping firewood, clearing downed trees and everything in between is a head turner. (more…)

SOG SEAL Pup Elite Review (Model E37S-N)

December 30, 2013 Author: Michael

Whether your looking for a tactical knife for military use or just a reliable, all purpose knife ideal for backpacking, hiking and camping, the SOG SEAL Pup Elite E37S-N with black coated TiNi (Titanium Nitride) blade is well worthy of consideration.

This knife measures 9.5 inches overall, with the straight edge blade measuring 4.85 inches in length and width of 0.185 inches. It is fairly light weight, largely because of the handle which is made from glass reinforced nylon; SOG say that the weight is 5.4 ounces, but in fact it weighs 5.7 ounces. Nevertheless, it is certainly light enough for backpacking when weight is a major consideration. But don’t let that fool you. The SEAL Pup Elite is as tough as nails, which you would expect from a knife designed for the Navy SEALs. (more…)

Benchmade Bushcrafter Review (Model 162)

December 15, 2013 Author: Michael

[toc]

The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 is Benchmade’s first foray into the bushcrafting knife niche. Not typically part of the bushcraft genre, Benchmade created a blade with the user in mind. With a sleek full tang design, the Bushcrafter offers a thick blade and ergonomically sound handle with titanium tubing and red spacers that fit smoothly into the tooled leather sheath.

The blade is made of S30V stainless steel and is a high ground, drop point blade with a shiny, polished finish. The G10 handle has been hand-blended and contoured, and its dark green color allows it to blend with the bush. With a sturdy, full tang as well as a 4.4 inch cutting edge, the blade holds up beautifully and is extremely durable. All around, this is a fantastic looking product by Benchmade up for review. (more…)

Ontario RAT 5 Review (1095 Carbon Steel, Micarta Handle)

October 16, 2013 Author: Michael

Despite the name, the Ontario RAT 5 fixed blade knife has nothing to do with killing rats, although you could use it for that if you were quick enough to catch one. The acronym comes from Randall’s Adventure Training, the founder of which, Jeff Randall, designed the RAT knife range with the purpose of being suitable for a myriad of outdoor uses rather than terrifying the enemy, which so many of today’s blades seem designed to do.

The first RAT knives were made back in 2002 and at the time were groundbreaking in the sense that they were built for survival rather than as a weapon. (more…)