My Survival Cutting Tool Recomends:
Back to Basics
OK.
After many years of trial & error, as well as, field testing. Also, taking into account Mora of Sweden production lineup changes. I am now prepared to make a final budget friendly recommendation for cutting tools that are essential if you end up on foot and your life depends on it.
1. Knife. The Mora Garberg. Made in Sweden, It's now available in full tang and in 14C28N steel. The new steel now makes this piece an incredible budget friendly all purpose survival knife. 14C28N is Swedish steel made by Sandvik. It’s very strong, easy to sharpen, and is very highly resistant to corrosion. The one trade off is that it does not retain an edge well. (You have to learn and enjoy sharpening) This particular make of knife is however also a Scandi grind so it’s very easy to sharpen in the field. If I could start over, this is the one I would buy and be done with it.
If I could splurge a bit, and, not be budget conscious. If I’d want something to keep for life and pass on as a heirloom it would be a Casstrom SFK NO. 10.
2. Hatchet. The Fiskars X7 Hatchet. Made in Finland ridiculously inexpensive but crazy tough. Great for making kindling, batoning logs up to 6" in diameter, and de-limbing tree branches. I batoned it through 12” sections of 4x4” pressure treated posts with it for kindling. Went through it like butter.
3.Saw. Silky Outback BigBoy. Made in Japan. Extremely good Quality high performance saw. I can’t really say enough good about this thing. It’s amazing.
These three pieces should also be accompanied by a very small lightweight swiss army knife style pocket knife. Although I carry a Leatherman brand multitool to fit this criteria… These are not all budget friendly.
The multitool you carry should have multiple functions other than a knife. In particular, at least a flat and Philips screw driver head, and some type of can opener.
In addition as a fifth tool, a guy or gal should have a dedicated short scalpel like fixed blade knife somewhere between 2.5 and 3” in the kit and know how to field dress animals with it.
Knife Care.
I have been using the Worksharp guided diamond system and used to recommend it. I do not anymore. The abrasaive plates do not last long. So here are my recommendations.
1. DMT Diafold Magna-guide Kit
2. Fallkniven CC4
3. A good leather belt to do a few final strop passes.