Basics of Survival Knives (Morakniv, ESEE, Becker / KABAR)

Published on April 25, 2017
Duration: 10:20

This video provides an expert-level review of popular survival and fieldcraft knives, including Morakniv, ESEE 4, Becker BK-7, and ESEE 5. The speaker, an active-duty military member with extensive field experience, details key traits like full tang construction, steel type, and blade geometry, offering practical advice on selecting the best knife for various survival scenarios.

Quick Summary

The ESEE 4 is highlighted as the best all-around survival knife, praised for its full tang, durable drop point blade made of 1095 carbon steel, and affordability ($80-$90). It balances strength for tasks like batoning with versatility for general fieldcraft, making it a top recommendation from an experienced military member.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Background
  2. 02:26Key Traits of a Survival Knife
  3. 03:01Morakniv (Mora) Review
  4. 04:31ESEE 4 Review
  5. 06:16Becker BK-7 (KABAR) Review
  6. 07:42ESEE 5 Review
  7. 08:50Knife Placement and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the essential features of a good survival knife?

A good survival knife should have a full tang for strength, steel that is easy to sharpen and holds an edge well, and a manageable size and weight for comfortable carry alongside other essential gear.

Why is a full tang important for a survival knife?

A full tang means the blade's metal extends through the entire handle, providing significantly more strength and durability. This is crucial for demanding tasks like batoning wood, preventing the knife from breaking under stress.

Which survival knife is recommended as the best all-around choice?

The ESEE 4 is recommended as the best all-around survival knife. It offers a great balance of durability, versatility, and affordability, making it suitable for a wide range of fieldcraft and survival tasks.

What are the pros and cons of Morakniv knives for survival?

Morakniv knives are excellent for skinning and easy to sharpen due to their Scandi grind. However, they typically lack a full tang, making them less suitable for heavy-duty fieldcraft tasks like batoning.

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