First Edge 5050 Survival Knife Full Review and Testing

Published on February 25, 2016
Duration: 9:20

This review of the First Edge 5050 Survival Knife highlights its robust construction and performance in various survival scenarios. Developed in conjunction with Navy SEALs, the knife features LMAX steel with a Rockwell hardness of 60-61, G10 handles for grip, and a reinforced Kydex sheath designed for extreme temperatures. Testing demonstrates its durability in stabbing, prying, wood processing, and even cutting through a metal can, with the blade maintaining sharpness throughout.

Quick Summary

The First Edge 5050 Survival Knife is a robust tool featuring LMAX steel (60-61 Rockwell), G10 handles, and a full tang. Its Kydex sheath is designed for cold weather with a steel liner and drain hole. Testing shows exceptional durability in stabbing, prying, wood processing, and cutting metal cans, maintaining its sharp edge throughout.

Chapters

  1. 00:42Introduction: First Edge 5050 Survival Knife
  2. 01:05Knife Specifications and Materials
  3. 01:34Kydex Sheath Design and Features
  4. 02:30Testing: Stabbing and Prying in Dense Wood
  5. 04:50Testing: Cutting a Metal Coffee Can
  6. 06:09Post-Can Cutting Edge Assessment
  7. 06:21Testing: Wood Processing for Survival
  8. 07:08Testing: Finer Woodworking Tasks
  9. 07:47Further Tip Durability Testing
  10. 08:21Long-Term Testing and Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key materials and specifications of the First Edge 5050 Survival Knife?

The First Edge 5050 features LMAX steel with a Rockwell hardness of 60-61, G10 handles for grip, and a full tang construction. It has an overall length of 11.25 inches and a blade length over 5 inches, with a thickness of nearly 1/4 inch.

How does the Kydex sheath for the First Edge 5050 differ from standard designs?

The Kydex sheath was developed with Navy SEAL input for cold weather. It includes a drain hole and a steel liner sandwiched between the Kydex layers to prevent cracking in frigid temperatures, offering enhanced durability.

How did the First Edge 5050 perform in durability tests like stabbing and prying?

The knife's tip proved very durable when stabbed and pried into dense wood, showing no signs of bending or breaking. The LMAX steel's hardness did not make it brittle, allowing it to withstand significant stress.

Can the First Edge 5050 effectively process wood for survival purposes?

Yes, the knife is highly effective at processing wood. It can create fine kindling and perform detailed cuts with minimal effort, even after being used to cut through a metal can, demonstrating excellent edge retention.

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