What Knife for bug out bag

[2HOW]

Full-size military Ka-Bar always works, fixed blade of course.

+1 I have 2 of these and a kukri for the big jobs.

[M1AEN]

Wow, thanks for all the info.  I noticed that nobody suggested a tanto type point.  Is that coincidence or on purpose?  I had someone tell me that the tanto point was better suited for all around use and not subject to being broken off as easily.  Good idea or bad idea?

Thank You,

[crusader rabbit]

I noticed that nobody suggested a tanto type point.  Is that coincidence or on purpose?  I had someone tell me that the tanto point was better suited for all around use and not subject to being broken off as easily.  Good idea or bad idea?

Drop point or tanto point may have some legitimate uses.  But, I tend to think of an all-around knife as a pointed instrument and I tend to think of a tanto as a chisel-type tool.  It's a good point type for a dive knife where cutting is not as important as prying.  And there are other uses.  But your fixed-blade BOB knife should IMHO also have the capability of becoming a spear head, a stabbing instrument, etc.  Tanto points don't lend themselves as well to those tasks.

Someone mentioned a kukri--not a bad idea for the big, chopping jobs.  A small Collins machete (18-24") would also work.

Finally, I would suggest that you get the best steel you can afford.  And it should probably be a carbon steel or chrome vanadium steel rather than most versions of stainless.  Stainless is difficult to get sharp and has trouble staying sharp.  Stainless has its place as a fillet knife in a tackle box where it will be subject to damp, maybe salty conditions.  But dead fish aren't that tough to cut.  Dead animals can be tougher and you will want a better blade.

[twyacht]

I think, Michael Janich had thoughts on a "tanto" type blade, I think it's in the D&T thread.

[Michael Bane]

Always had a soft spot for machetes...carried them a lot on my occasional forays into the Third World...if I remember correctly, I paid USD$3 for a cheap machete and a flat file to put a better edge on it. That included a canvas sheath with a strap that could be carried over the shoulder. They work excellent for big chopping chores and are wicked as an improvised self-defense tool. Get two, they're cheap.

I like tanto points, but there's no magic there...I like Wharncliffe blades for dedicated self-defense knives, but they are (IMHO) too fragile, too specialized for all-around use. Ditto for spearpoints. Tanto points are the world's greatest can openers!

Michael B

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[McGyver]

I have the Chuck Stapel knife that I won from MB and Co. in my BOB! I know it's an expensive collector's item but, hey, it's a BOB!
I also have several other hunting and skinning knives in it, along with 500rnds of 3 different types of ammo! 

[Walter45Auto]

I think, Michael Janich had thoughts on a "tanto" type blade, I think it's in the D&T thread.

I believe it amounted to "Keep 'em on Samurai Swords and off pocket knives' blades."

[m25operator]

In the BoB, I think 2 knives are required, 1 that is for serious  or heavy duty use, Kabar USMC, good, Glock half serrated, and half plain edge, my choice, the cold steel  5" SRK, and the trail master. 2nd, a multi tool, like a good leatherman, especially the wave, or a Gerber, can opener, saw blade, screwdrivers, scissors,  toothpick, tweezers  etc...  I preferr the Kershaw sharpener, modular and light, with a diamond grit blade, it works, not the the best for super fine edges, but go's to work fast, and definitely workable, weighs very little. A machete is an excellent tool, I keep one in my truck tool box, along with a cheap wood saw. Last, in my everyday pants, a Spyderco, EMT, orange handled blunt point, serrated, and a full size, 5" voyager, a lot of big knife, that is always on my person, if my pants are on of course. A p38 can opener on your key ring, is a good tool as well.

[JC5123]

I carry three in mine. A SOG Seal Pup, a CRKT 3" Folder, and of course my Gerber Multi Tool.

[fightingquaker13]

I'm a bit late to this thread but here is my .02. As far as "The One Knife" get a Buck Zipper. Its a fixed blade with a gut hook that performs just as advertised. It will gut a deer or hog with no muss or fuss. The blade (which after several deer and pigs I have yet to resharpen because it doesn't need it) is so sharp you will bleed by looking at it. I have no idea how Buck puts so fine an edge on it, but would pay good money to find out. One of my fayorite stories was when I'd just bought the thing and was using it to fillet fish for several friends as I couldn't find my fillet knife and it was the sharpest thing I had. My friend Joe picked it up and I warned him it was sharp. He replied that it was no problem and he was used to knives while testing the edge with his finger. It was at that point that the first drop of blood hit the floor. His girlfriends squeal was all the warning he had as he didn't even feel the cut. True story. For $75 dollars with the rubber gripped handle witch provides a good grip if your hands are wet from blood or rain, I can't think of a better fixed blade for general camp chores and hunting/fishing unless you plan on chopping wood or getting into a knife fight (and even here, the Buck would get my undivided attention. A Scary sharp blade and an equally sharp gut hook? Not something I'want stuck into me and pulled out.).  I would however also carry a second pocket knife. Swiss army knives have crap for blades, but the scissors, tweezers, screw drivers and cork screws are darned handy. My second choice would be a Leatherman Tool.
FQ13