Knives are very important tools for the Survivalist.  In fact, they may be the most important tool you own.  They perform a variety of tasks including cutting, skinning and cleaning, butchering, whittling and fire starting.  They are also very viable weapons with the proper training.

A good quality knife is well worth the money you spend for it.  Your choice of knives is also crucial.  Both folding knives and fixed blades perform well.  I personally always carry at least two folders and a fixed blade in my Bug-Out-Bag. 

When choosing knives, consider size, weight, quality and metal hardness and finish.  Military knives are always good choices.  If you are unfamiliar with knives, ask an expert.  As with any equipment, you have many options.  Research knives and shop around until you find what works for you.

There are some basic rules you should follow when considering a new knife:

1. A good survival knife should hold a good edge; but be field sharpenable.
2. Folding blades should always be of lock-back design.
3. Skinning knives should be 6 inches or under in most cases.
4. A good sheath or scabbard is a must for a fixed blade.
5. Fixed blades should always be full tang.
6. Never buy a knife with a built in compass, hollow handle, or a silver skull at the butt.
7. Don't buy a "Rambo" knife!

We will continue this discussion in the near future.  Also, look for reviews soon to appear on our website! 

Roscoe's Rules of Knife Fighting

1. Don't get in a knife fight.
2. Always take your gun to a knife fight.
3. Don't throw your knife in a knife fight.
4. Run if you can.
5. Train with an expert to learn knife fighting techniques.
6. If you can't avoid the fight - use every bit of your energy, strength and determination to win.  Don't stop slashing, cutting, pummeling until your assailant is down and out.  You will probably get cut and you'll definately be covered in blood and guts. 

You will never forget a knife fight.

ROSCOE'S KNIFE REVIEWS

Your knife is perhaps your most important piece of survival equipment.  We will begin our knife reviews with primary considerations of utility, quality, and cost. 

You can be pretty confident that if you spend $300.00 on a knife, you'll get quality. Our first 15 reviews will be on knives all costing $75.00 or less.  Some knives will cost less than $25.00. 

We're not going to waste time on telling you about junk knives but instead want to give low cost options in knives for your preparedness effort.

Canadian Belt Knife

Mfg: Cold Steel

4" stainless blade; polypropylene handle

cost:  under $25.00

Nobody makes a tougher knife than Cold Steel.  This knife is a true value.  Its unusual blade to handle configuration is excellent for gutting and light butchering of game.  This knife is not pretty, but quite functional.  As with any Cold Steel knife, it holds a very sharp edge and is well made.

This knife is not a true fighting knife since it has no hilt.  Nonetheless, a bad guy would not want to be greeted by this knife. 

U.S. Air Force Survival Knife

Mfg: Ontario Knife/Camillus

5" carbon steel full tang, black coated blade; stacked leather grip

cost: Under $50.00

This knife iis the ideal all around survival knife.  As with most U.S. military knives it is easily sharpened and will maintain a very sharp edge.  It comes with a leather metal backed sheath that holds a small sharpening stone.  The knife handle is untreated stacked leather that can be treated or just left as is. 

If you can only have one knife, this is a really good choice.

Sharp Finger

Mfg: Schrade

Drop point stainless steel blade; sure grip unbreakable sawcut handle

Cost:  small version 3.30" blade under $25.00  large version 5.6" blade under $40.00

This little fixed blade knife is well named.  I bought a sharp finger several months ago.  I spent a few minutes working on the edge and it is one of the sharpest knives I've ever owned.

The knife is well made and comes with a quality leather sheath.  It may be a bit small for some tasks, but will perform admirably for gutting, skinning, cutting and whittling. 

For a defensive knife you could do a lot worse for a lot more money.