Help in Choosing a blade

[Selah]

Hi All Blade Guru's

I need help in choosing a blade, first off was looking
for a survival type knife , going to Zambia in a cpl of
month and will be staying in the Bush

then after trolling around on this forum, decided may be
a good idea to carry a utility / defensive weapon, must
be easy to conceal as I work in IT and see many different
clients (Leather man doesn't really count does it )

Currently have the CKRT M1610Z and Kershaw Storm folding
knives, and carry the CKRT all the time.

My thoughts thus far
- A survival / fixed blade like the sog elite pup etc. is
great for the bush, but does not really help if you don't
carry it all the time

- So I started looking at bigger Folding knives , Carry on
a pouch, best of both worlds. Been looking at the SOG Trident,
Cold Steel AK47 or the Jim Wagner Reality Based Blade etc.

Then I started getting Complicated, looking at locking Types
and which is the best , how much punishment can it take and
blade length and type - And just confused the heck out of myself

Now I know everybody is different and expect a lot of different
opinions but at this stage I am just looking at specs , so what
does everyone carry / use. and in Your opinion which would be the
best all round General purpose knife (Survival, Utility, Defense)
and what price range and most important where do I get one in SA

thanks

[Bushboy]

From a bush survival point of view, there is very little that cant be achieved with a decent leatherman or bigger victorinox, short of using it as a spear point or using it to hack through a jungle. For SD, and this I will admit I do not have the CV to back up, a fixed blade is better.

[Snaphaan]

Hi Selah

I am by no means a blade guru...but I do own and use quite a few blades.

Some questions you should answer for yourself before making a selection:

Fixed or folder?
Blade shape? (clip, drop point etc)
Blade length?
Applications?
Serrations or plain?
If folder, what locking mechanism?

I have recently added a CRKT M4-03 (M4-13=partially serrated) folder to my collection. I regard it as a good allrounder at a reasonable price (R750-00). It has a sturdy linerlock with "auto lawks" and "outburst assist".

It has a hollow ground droppoint blade and a pocketclip.

It has quickly become one of my favourite allrounders and I think it is well worth considering.

[Bushboy]

Need pliers, to bind up that radiator hose with old fence draad? Leatherman.
Need saw to cut through though the 3 inch stump lodged in your suspension? Leatherman/ victorinox.
Need to skin animal? Leatherman, Victorinox or fixed blade
Need to open can of beans? Victorinox or Leatherman
Need to whittle a sharp stick to braai marshmallows/tree agama/ puff adder? Take your pick.
Bad guys wants to share your marshmallow/treeagama/puff adder? Fixed blade.

What is the most common uses you will use it for?This is what will determine the tool. You dont buy a 13 spanner and say h,mm, what can I fix with this?

[wthang]

You don't have to spend all your money on your first buy as it will probably not be your last once the bug bites.
Most important though - Make sure it is as sharp as possible. Have it professionally sharpened if needed.

A fixed blade will always be faster on the draw but you have to find a balance in size and concealment for every day carry - Assuming it is for self defence.
Before you buy a knife make sure you test carry and draw options in the shop. Wearing a gun belt will also help you carry a fixed blade more comfortably.

Whatever you buy make sure you practice handling it.

It will be nice to know what you purchase....

P.s. If you will be looking for training try out the Amok guys.

[Selah]

Thanks for Comments so far , lots to think about

[Seneschal]

I'd take a multitool (Gerber or Leatherman) and a RAT RC3. Its a fixed blade that is small enough to carry all day - the kydex sheath and tek-lok belt clip arrangement allow for a number of carry options on your belt, pack, or work bag. Full flat ground 1095 steel and micarta handle slabs. Good for the field or the urban EDC situation! If you anticipate spending a lot of time in the field, then simply upgrade to an RC4 - its my hiking knife of choice.

[Buffalo Hump]

For the bush a good sized fixed blade (7 - 9 inches) and a Swiss Army Knife like the One Hand Trekker or Military model would be a good choice IMO.

For the city I would also recommend a fixed blade for self-defence and there are a VAST number of choices in that regard. The bigger the better IMO. About a 5 inch blade is probably the most comfortable you can carry easily. Longer blades than that can be carried but it takes dedication and cooler weather to pull it off.

It is very difficult to know where to start even with recommendations. If you are a man of means I would say talk to HARM about a D'Urban Shark. I can't think of a better option than that for self-defence right now. It will also work fine in the bush. If you really want something awesome for the bush, get him to make you a WSK (Wilderness Survival Knife).

If you need something on short notice for the bush I would heartily recommend a Cold Steel SRK or Recon Scout or Trailmaster.

A folder is great for convenience but it has flaws for self-defence (slower to draw, weaker integral strength, less reach).

I like to carry a folder daily and if I am going somewhere where I feel things might get hairy I strap on a bigger fixed blade. And that works well for me.

[Selah]

Thanks for All Comments thus far , Will let U know what I decide

[Selah]

I finaly decided on the ka Bar Dozier folding knife with
black AUS-8 stainless steel blade. Cost = R780-00

Has Heavy duty lockback folder has dual thumb studs
and a prominent guard built into the handle, pretty sure
my hand won't slip onto the blade, and the lock is pretty
solid

Black zytel handle with rubber inserts for added grip, Must
say the handle is quite large but as I have big hands suits
me perfectly, and should not slip if hands are wet/ sweaty

Really happy with my selection