Modern Homesteading, Rural Living, Off-Grid, Generators
Prepping
You will find the idea of prepping more and more in the news. Many fear our food supply may be compromised. Others fear civil unrest. Still others want to be self-sustaining in the event of a weather catastrophe or other emergency.
Prepping and preparing for “what if”
Whatever the motivation, it’s always wise to be prepared. We can all learn some practical, easy-to-implement tips, just in case. We offer lots of great advice about getting started prepping as well as information for the experienced prepper.
Whether you live on a rural homestead or in a busy city, taking steps to prep can be invaluable. We discuss essential items to have on hand as well as what to start buying in bulk. Survivalists, preppers and those just wanted to have a bit of a backup plan can all benefit from learning from experienced preppers. It has become almost a hobby for some of us. It doesn’t cost a lot of money, nor does your stockpile have to take up a lot of space. However, all of your planning will become invaluable should you and your family ever need it.
While not a rocket stove and not designed to be portable, the Plancha deserves mention as it’s a popular model for cabins, outdoor kitchens, and larger families.
It is ideal for off-the-grid living and for emergencies.
EcoZoom designed the Plancha based on the same technology used for making the Versa.
However, unlike the Versa, the Plancha has two burners.
Plancha: Can use wood, dried biomass, or charcoal
The stove has been designed keeping in mind the necessities of people who are familiar with Mexican wood stoves.
One of the biggest pluses of this stove is its 8 foot chimney.
The chimney helps in keeping the cooking area free from harmful emissions.
There’s a spot in the back of the stove to dry wet wood or biomass.
You can fire up both of the combustion chambers together if you are cooking several items.
However, for small cooking tasks, using just one of the chambers works too.
The Plancha is a perfect stove for an outdoor kitchen or cabin.
It is not designed to be portable.
Dimensions of the Plancha
Weight: 82 lbs
Stove height: 12″
Chimney height: 8′
Stove width: 18 x 22″
It’s true that at 82 pounds, it cannot be moved from place to place easily.
However, if you are at home and want off-grid cooking, this is the product you should opt for.
EcoZoom accessories
Pot Skirt for EcoZoom
A pot skirt is basically a metal ring that you secure around a pot’s bottom before putting it on the stove.
The ring helps EcoZoom rocket stoves to work more efficiently. With all EcoZoom stoves, you need to purchase the pot skirt separately.
You can use it with pans as well.
Using a pot skirt ensures the heat concentrates both on the pot’s sides and on the bottom.
By preventing the heat from escaping, the product increases the rocket stove’s efficiency by as much as 25 percent.
Berkey Water Filter – Gone are the days when you can drink water straight from the faucet.
You don’t want to suffer from a waterborne disease.
You want to keep your family, especially your kids, protected all the time.
These are some of the reasons why water filters continue to have a market, despite the presence of bottled water.
If you’ve heard about Berkey water filter, you could be wondering whether if this is the best water filter for your family.
Berkey is a company based in Pueblo, Colorado.
It began as a small family business in a farming community.
It eventually became successful and expanded its product line, from water filters to specialty filters. Organizations like UNICEF and Red Cross use these water filters to purify water in developing nations.
Getting a Berkey water filter system will prove to be one of the best investments you’ll make for your family’s health.
Aside from eliminating contaminants that can potentially cause diseases, you can enjoy a lot of savings, too.
With a Berkey Water Filter, you and your family can drink clean and potable water without having to pay for costly bottled waters, or having to pay for costly replacements.
Its most popular filter system, the Big Berkey, has filters with a combined life span of 6,000 gallons.
An average family of four would consume at least two gallons of water a day.
Under those conditions, the Big Berkey filters won’t need replacement for four years.
Berkey water filters will work without electricity.
Installation is also simple… you don’t have to call a plumber just to get your system up and running.
Also, because it is gravity fed, all you need is to pour the water into the upper chamber.
It then moves into the base, where pure and potable water comes out ready for drinking.
Perhaps the most important question that can make or break your purchasing decision is whether or not Berkey water filters work.
Yes! Berkey water filters are very much capable of removing contaminants from water, including fluoride.
Although there are many popular water filters that can improve the taste of water, none of them can match up with Berkey’s ability to eliminate harmful pollutants and toxins present in tap water.
Aside from fluoride, Berkey water filters can remove chlorine, chloramine, heavy metals and microorganisms from water.
They can also eliminate up to 99 percent of pharmaceuticals including antibiotics and hormones present in water.
In fact, Berkey water filters are considered water purifiers because they surpass the water purifier standard.
It means it has a 99.9999% reduction standard on two major contaminants — pathogenic bacteria and virus.
Water filters need only to have greater than 99.99 reduction of pathogenic bacteria.
This makes Berkey water filters the only gravity flow water purification system in the market.
Types of Berkey Water Filters
There are several Berkey water filters available.
Big Berkey
The most popular of them is the Big Berkey, which has a holding capacity of 2.25 gallons.
It can produce up to 7 gallons of purified water per hour.
The Big Berkey is ideal for small and medium-sized families, and can be used for home and outdoor use.
Royal Berkey
It is a bit larger than the Big Berkey with its 3.25 gallon capacity.
Made of polished steel, it can produce up to 8 gallons of purified water in an hour.
With its capacity, it is more suited for large households.
It has two PF-2 filters that are effective in reducing fluoride in water.
The Royal Berkey is bigger than the Big Berkey but it is also portable enough for travel.
It can easily be stored in a large cabinet or closet in the kitchen.
Crown Berkey
The largest Berkey model, the Crown Berkey has a capacity of six gallons.
It can provide pure drinking water for up to 150 people.
Also made of stainless steel, it has eight Black Berkey filters and a maximum filtration capacity of 26 gallons per hour.
It is very versatile as well; you can start with a few Black Berkey elements and expand it depending on your needs.
Travel Berkey
If you want to bring this with you when traveling, camping, etc., the Travel Berkey should be the one you should buy.
It’s a great companion for travel as it can provide clean, drinking water for up to four people.
It has a capacity of 1.5 gallons of water, and produce up to 3 gallons of filtered water in an hour.
Imperial Berkey
This Berkey is also designed for mid- to large-sized families.
It is constructed of highly polished stainless steel with a storage capacity of 4.5 gallons.
There are two Black Berkey purification elements or filters included in the package although four more can be added to the chambers.
It stands 17 inches in height.
Berkey Shower Filters
Berkey also offers shower filters that can eliminate chlorine and other water-soluble heavy metals from water.
These products can also lessen bacteria, lime scale, and fungi in showers.
Berkey shower filters come with a massaging head shower.
How to Use Berkey Water Filter
When people hear the words “water filter,” they may think installion may be difficult.
Some even think they need professional help just to install the water filter.
But things are different with Berkey water filters.
How to set up the Berkey Water Filter
Berkey Filters
Setup is generally the same for all Berkey water filter types:
Upon opening the package, clean all the components before assembling.
Get the spigot and screw it into the main canister or the base, which holds the water.
You can use a wrench to achieve a nice, tight seal and prevent water leakage.
Prime the two filters included in the package.
Priming here means cleaning the filters out of the factory process.
Hold the filter against a faucet until there are no more sediments coming out of it.
Fasten the filters into the other canister by screwing the wing nuts.
Place the second canister above the base canister.
Then place the lid over the second canister.
Screw it to tighten the lid.
You can then start to put water on the Berkey water filter.
You will be able to enjoy clean water straight from the water filter.
It should not take more than 15 minutes to set up the water filter.
Berkey’s filtration elements
Berkey’s filtration elements are composed of six media types constructed into a matrix containing millions of microscopic pores.
These pores are so small that it would be impossible for water pollutants to pass through them.
Thus they get trapped and eliminated from the water.
Berkey filters also have an absorption creating an ionic barrier.
It blocks contaminants that are smaller than the microscopic pores.
The filter is also able to remove sub-micron viruses sans the use of chemicals such as iodine and chlorine.
Another way for Berkey’s water filters to eliminate contaminants is the extraction of heavy metal ions.
This is conducted through an ion exchange process.
In this method, ions are attracted and electronically bonded to the media.
There’s a way for you to test the water filter system and determine whether it is working properly or not.
Fill the upper chamber with water, and then add a teaspoon of food coloring for every gallon of water within the upper chamber.
Berkey recommends red food coloring; other colors won’t work in this test.
Then get water from the system.
If the food coloring has been entirely removed, you can be sure your system is working well.
If not, disassemble the system, and see if the wing nuts on the filters are tightly sealed.
Does Berkey Water Filter Work on Lead?
Lead is one of those contaminants that is said to be present in tap water.
In fact, even big cities like New York have been found to have tap water with elevated levels of lead.
Exposure to lead can cause brain, kidney, and red blood cell damage.
While drinking water is rarely a cause of lead poisoning, it can contribute to an individual’s overall exposure.
Many water filter makers claim their products are capable of eliminating lead on tap water.
But none of those makers can lay claim to having a water filter as effective as Berkey in removing lead from tap water.
In fact, studies have shown that Berkey water filters can remove up to 95 percent of lead and other heavy metals in tap water.
This gives you an idea of how great Berkey’s water filter is in protecting the health of your family.
Berkey Water Filter Tips
When you buy a Berkey Water filter, you will get two re-cleanable filters.
To clean the filters and ensure that it would be running properly, simply disassemble the water filter and remove the filters.
Clean the filters by scrubbing the interiors under running water, and use a stiff toothbrush or scrub pad.
It would only take a minute or so for you to clean each element.
Remember the need to replace the two filters every few years, or depending on the volume of water consumed by your family.
Berkey also recommends cleaning the purification elements once you notice it takes longer than usual to fill with water the bottom chamber of the filtering system.
How do you know when to change the Berkey filters?
Berkey also offers a simple formula to determine when to replace the filters.
Simply multiply the number of filters you have in your system, then multiply it by 3,000.
The product will be the total life in gallons of your system.
Then estimate the average amount of water that your Berkey system filters per day.
This will be the total use in gallons.
Once you have those numbers, divide the total life by the total use.
The quotient indicates the number of days that your filter will be able to treat water before you need to replace them.
For example, you have two filters in your water filter and your daily water usage averages four gallons.
Multiply two by 3,000 which translates to 6,000 (total life) then divide total life by total use which is four.
The result is 1,500, meaning the water filters will be effective in 1,500 days or roughly four years.
Filter for reducing fluoride in water
Specialized filter sets reduce fluoride in water.
This is a feature that is particularly geared toward residents of the United States, where fluoridated water is consumed by three out of four people.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fluoride in community water can prevent and reverse tooth decay, there have been many studies indicating that fluoride in water can have detrimental public health impact.
According to the Fluoride Action Network, the highly toxic substance has been linked to various health problems ranging from cancer, arthritis, bone fracture, brain damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, gastrointestinal problems, and male fertility problems, among others.
Now if you’re concerned about fluoride potentially wrecking havoc on your family’s health, you can get rid of that substance with Berkey water filters.
You can buy the Berkey fluoride water filter (PF-2). It is particularly designed to remove fluoride from water, and works as a post-filter to all Berkey water filter systems.
Aside from fluoride, this special set of filters can get rid of other heavy metal ions like pre-oxidized arsenic III and arsenic V.
You don’t have to remove the two other filters in your system, as all Berkey water filters are designed to have four filters connected to the base.
Water filter’s spigot
The spigot of the water filter may also run into its own problems. One concern is leaking.
The most common remedy is to simply tighten it.
Hold the outside by hand and slowly tighten the nut on the inside using pliers or adjustable wrench.
NOTE: While Berkey discourages the use of wrench or pliers, most users can attest that the spigot is tough that it would be difficult to break it using the tools.
Alternatively, you should check that the cream-colored washer is on the outside of the spigot, while the black one is on the inside.
There’s also the chance that the spigot will run slow.
It’s a problem that is also very easy to solve.
You can insert a paperclip between the chambers of the Berkey on the backside.
This should provide enough air to flow through the base.
Review Berkey Water Filter Guide
Berkey Water Filter accessories
There are several accessories available for the water filters.
Berkey base
The Berkey base will elevate the system, allowing containers to fit under the spigots.
The base comes with an optional LED lighting system; you can still see even during low light conditions.
Sight glass spigot
This lets customers see water level in the base chamber, so they would know when to add water in the upper chamber.
It is available in three sizes:
7.5 inches diameter for the Travel Berkey and the Big Berkey
10 inches diameter for the Royal and Imperial Berkey
13 inches for the Crown Berkey systems
Berkey stainless wire stand
This may well be the most important accessory you can buy for your system.
It will add function to the Berkey water filter system.
It is a polished, functional stainless steel wire stand measuring five feet tall.
When you put the water filter on it, you will be able to fit a glass or cup under the spigot.
The wire stand is made of non-marking rubber.
It is available in four sizes to fit each of the Berkey water filters.
The four Berkey sizes are:
Small (7.5 inches diameter)— designed for the Travel Berkey
Medium (8.5 inches diameter)— for the Big Berkey
Large (9.5 inches diameter)—- for the Royal Berkey
Extra Large (11 inches diameter)—- for the Imperial and Crown Berkeys
The wire stand is a great thing to have if you don’t want to lean over to fill a cup of water.
It also eliminates the need to keep the Berkey water system at the very end of the counter just to be able to fill a cup of water.
Like any other item in the kitchen, you need to clean the Berkey water filters thoroughly.
But how would you know when to clean the filters?
When the flow rate is so low that the output slows down, then you need to clean the purification elements.
Another test that you can do to is to put water from the Berkey system in a clear glass.
Then hold the glass up to the light.
If you can see through it, then the water is clean.
If not, you need to clean the water filters.
Cleaning the Berkey water filters may be as frequent as weekly.
When cleaning the water filters, you should use the cleanest and clearest water possible.
If you suspect that the water you have in your household has high concentrations of bacteria or virus, you can add 16 drops of bleach to every gallon of water that you will use for cleaning the water filters.
To start cleaning the water filters for household use, eliminate all the water from the Berkey system.
Remove the top container and then place it on a solid surface like the counter top or table.
Unscrew the wing nut that secures the Black Berkey element to the container so that you can remove the filters.
Once you have removed the water filters, hold it under the running faucet with its exit hole pointed up.
Scrub the black surface of the filters using a 3M Scotch Brite pad for several minutes.
Set aside the elements and then wash your hands. Then reassemble the unit.
Cleaning water filters while traveling
One thing to keep in mind when cleaning the water systems in the field is that the water to be used should be clean.
Again, you can add 16 drops of bleach or iodine for every gallon of water that you will use for cleaning the system.
Start by emptying the Berkey system.
Remove the top container and place it on a clean solid surface.
Unscrew the wing nut so that you can remove the filters.
Once you have removed the filters, scrub its outer black surface using the green scrubbing pad.
Rinse it as needed in the clean water.
Once you have cleaned the filters, set them aside on a clean surface.
Empty the container before adding more fresh and bleach-treated water.
Place the filters in the same bleach-treated water before setting them aside on a clean surface.
Wash your hands with soap before reinstalling the filters and reassembling the water system.
There’s no denying that Berkey water filters are a great investment for any family.
If you are serious about protecting the health of your family, then you should not think twice about getting a Berkey water system.
Yes, Berkey may be more expensive than some of its competitors but you can’t argue with the quality of Berkey’s water filters.
Berkey water systems can last for many years.
You can use the water filters 3-4 years before replacing them, as long as you regularly clean them.
Berkey water filters can let you and your family members enjoy clean and contaminant-free water.
Credit Card Wallet KnifeEveryday Carry Credit Card Knife for your wallet
The first knife on this review (and my true EDC wallet, briefcase, carry-on bag, backpack, wife’s purse, car, etc…) is the credit card knife, known as Cardsharp.
The SOG Zoom (Check prices here) is one of the most respected knife makers today.
Its zoom series is one of the most popular EDC knives today thanks to its practical features, one of which is its assisted opening technology.
The ultimate giveaway of the knife is the design of its handle which boasts four finger grooves for better grip and handling.
The assisted mechanism is good news for people who need to carry a knife where an automatic knife is prohibited.
The action of the opening technology is impressively fast, in some cases better than what automatic knives can give you.
The switch is located where the thumb would be making the knife very handy.
The location of the switch also ensures you are always in control.
The SOG Zoom has a drop point blade with a black finish adding to its good looks.
It also comes in two sizes with the other variant having a tanto blade style.
It has an overall length of 8.3 inches with the drop point variant having a 3.6 inch long blade.
Benchmade 585 Mini Barrage
The Benchmade 585 utilizes the brand’s patented and tried and tested axis lock.
But with the mini barrage, this spring assisted knife is now packaged with better speed and strength.
The Benchmade Mini Barrage boasts the most reliable locking mechanism in the market and it comes with a reversible carry clip.
It also has better safety features including a safer configuration for opened and closed position.
It does have a lanyard hole and boasts an ambidextrous function.
It has a blade length of 2.91 inches with a 154 cm stainless steel blade.
It has a mini drop point blade style with an overall weight of 3.40 oz.
Its overall length is 6.91 inches and is proudly made in the USA.
Its handle material is made of Valox, a proven material that is both durable and offers a strong grip.
Spyderco Tenacious
The Spyderco Tenacious (Check prices here) already sounds like a great knife.
In many ways it is one of the most impressive mid-sized EDC knife in the market today.
It has a G-10 laminate handle that allows you to have a better grip of the knife.
But the secret to it strength are the steel liner skeleton that allows the handle take in a lot of stress without adding more weight to the knife.
The skeleton in the handle also steers clear from thickness that only adds bulk but not strength.
The stainless blade of the Tenacious is shaped like a leaf for better cutting performance and handling.
The form of the handle with its textured spine allows you to secure your grip as you open the blade.
It has a 4-way pocket clip that allows you to carry the knife in many configurations – tip-up left hand, tip-up right hand, tip-down left hand, tip-down right hand.
This allows you to have the most ideal position for the knife for fast, hassle-free access.
It is almost 8” in length with its blade at 86mm in length.
It weight is approximately 115 grams and its blade is 3mm thick.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife
This Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding knife (Check prices here) is proudly made in the USA and so its quality is unquestionable.
But that is just the tip of the iceberg for this high performance cutting tool.
This knife is for tactical use that is why it looks dangerous and mean.
With its tanto blade style, it offers a lot of use with the partial serration in the length of its blade.
The angled shape of the knife allows it to pierce through a lot of tough materials.
The shape also allows for more steel to support the tip of the knife making it effective for piercing tasks.
The front edge where the angle softens is very ideal for opening boxes.
The partial serrated area of the blade makes it easier to cut through rope and webbing.
Its blade is made of Sandvik stainless steel blade.
It resists corrosion and it is also extra hard.
The blade is also coated in a black coating making it non-reflective.
It has an anodized handle made up from aircraft aluminum.
It has Trac-Tec inserts to provide a better grip.
The black coating on the blade and the black anodized handle completes the matte look of the knife.
The length of its blade is 8.6 cm with an overall length of 20 cm.
Its 4.2 oz weight makes it an impressively portable knife.
Gerber Swagger Assisted Opening
The Gerber Swagger is one of the best looking assisted opening knife (Check prices here) in the market today.
Its most impressive feature has to be the assisted opening 2.0 mechanism that is just so quick that only a few knife compares to its agility.
This is a huge advantage especially in urgent situations.
The knife also has tougher and better materials.
It has a black coated, serrated blade that should add to the utility of the knife.
It can slice, saw, and cut easily thanks to its drop point blade.
It is also very easy to sharpen thanks to its almost maintenance-free edge.
The handle is made from a G-10 material that is as strong as the knives used by Bear Grylls.
This material can stand extreme heat and moisture.
It also has a pocket clip included making it very easy to carry around, truly an ideal EDC knife.
Knife junkies love this because of its simple, unassuming look and also its toughness.
It has a one hand opening mechanism and this is coupled with a plunge lock, simply an easy to use utility knife.
The blade of the Gerber Swagger is 3.25 inches long and its overall length is approximately 7.5 inches.
It weighs 2.6 ounces, a very portable knife indeed.
Smith and Wesson MP Linerlock Knife with Assisted Open
This combat knife is a folding cutting tool that boasts a glass breaker.
It has a tip-up pocket clip that allows it to be carried easily without compromising access.
It has the solid feel of an authentic military and police knife and with its trigger-like opening mechanism, it completes the look and feel of this tactical tool.
This knife has the MAGIC or the multipurpose, assisted, generational, innovative cutlery.
MAGIC is a patented technology from Smith and Wesson that features the easiest single handed opening system in the market today.
The feel of its opening mechanism is just amazingly quick and very responsive making this knife very and pleasurable to use.
MAGIC is a technology shared by many Smith and Wesson knives.
This knife is slightly larger than most EDC knives with a 3.6 inches blade length.
Its overall length is 8.6 inches and it has a 4034 stainless steel, drop point blade.
The handle is made up of aluminum making it light but also strong.
It weighs 7.6 ounces and is made in Taiwan.
If you love military style knives and you adore assisted opening tools, this knife is perfect for you.
Handmade Titanium Self Defence Survival Tool EDC
The handmade titanium survival tool is great for self defense and since it disguises as a keychain, it is an ideal EDC weapon.
One of the most popular products today is the TI-EDC titanium self defense tool, a handmade product made from lightweight, high strength titanium alloy.
This material is resistant to corrosion and is hypo allergenic (titanium is popular in the field of medicine as this metal is non toxic so it can be planted inside the body).
The small size of this tool makes it very handy.
It fits perfectly inside your pocket or can even be worn as a pendant.
But when this is slipped into one’s finger this becomes a very potent weapon.
Its width is 50 mm and the finger hole is 26.5 mm, large enough to be used with a glove. Its net weight is 80 grams.
Titanium has the highest strength-to-density ratio of any metallic element known to man.
It is basically stronger than gold that is also the reason why it is becoming a very popular material for jewelry makers.
Harley Davidson knives are one of the most popular knives in the US.
It is not just a knife, but a superior quality, world-class cutting tool with a high brand value.
Harley Davidson has collaborated with Bench made to come up with the magnificent Harley Davidson series of knives (Check prices here).
Its state of the art design and cutting edge technology has made it a market leader and a must-have item in every stylish kitchen or in a rowdy biker’s kit.
Service after you buy your knife
To add a cherry on top, this wonderful product comes with a great after sales service.
It can be serviced at any point of time as part of the after sales support.
Also it has a high market review of long product life.
Hence it becomes obvious choice for a smart buyer who believes in the philosophy and brand statement of Harley Davidson and goes by the user review.
Is is very important to choose the one you need carefully.
Following are the models of the knife manufactured by Harley Davidson.
One has to do sufficient research on every single available models before zeroing on the one to be bought, as each of the model is made for varied purposes.
And the prices are also varied depending on the model you choose to go with.
But at the end of the day, even though it is just a knife, but it’s an asset to your kitchen or road kit that you are buying to add that extra dazzle to your personality.
Hence it’s better to be specific before you open your wallet to lighten it.
It is always a convenient choice to go for online buying as it saves your time & energy of running around from shop to shop to buy the product.
But one also has to be careful to check the delivered item before accepting the parcel.
Harley Davidson Outlets
There are Harley Davidson outlets in almost every localities.
If you are fortunate to have a store nearby to your place, its wise to drop by to have a look at the magnificent collection of knives which might even give you better idea a of the product you want to buy.
After all ‘seeing is believing’.
Resale Knife
It is a cheaper and sensible option to look for a resale item of your selected model of Harley Davidson Knife.
Hence if you talk to your friends and family or colleagues about it you may find somebody willing to sale one for much cheaper than market price.
Or look for used items in sites like ebay or amazon to get a smart deal on resale items of your
It is extremely important to take good care of the knife once you start using it.
Following are few simple tips to ensure a long life of your newly added accessory.
Keep it in a col dark and dry place when not in use.
Always wash it after use and make it dry before keeping it back in the shelf
Keep it away from the access of children
Harley Davidson Knife is an amazing product which comes with the prestige factor of the infamous Harley Davidson brand and excellent longevity.
And it’s never too late, if you have not got it yet in your kit. Go ahead and sharpen your life with style.
Who would have thought when Harley Davidson first started their now legendary motorcycles that they would be so successful down the line that people would want to own anything and everything Harley?
Not Harley Davidson for sure!
However, the change in the company which has metamorphosed from a bike making company into a lifestyle and Culture Company has been massive.
A lot of the companies have tried to make that switch but none of them have been as successful as Harley Davidson has.
The company has now invaded into diverse product categories that range from fashion accessories to Jewelry.
One of the more edgy products that Harley Davidson is producing are high quality Harley Davidson knives.
These hunting knives are crafted out of the highest quality materials and come with the distinctive Harley Davidson logo on them.
These knives are an excellent gift for those people who love the outdoors and are a useful addition to the camper’s kit.
The knives are a little harder to get a hold of than other Harley Davidson accessories.
These knives are not available at all their Harley partner stores.
Of course these are weapons and serious ones at that so you have to be careful with them.
However, if there is someone in your life who shares the passions of hunting, camping or just a passion for knives alongside a love for all things Harley Davidson then this is the perfect gift.
Harley Davidson knives come in a number of different varieties with both different shapes and sizes available.
Harley Davidson knives offer excellent quality
The short handle knives with the serrated edges are probably the most popular and the biggest seller for the company as well.
There has been a recent trend towards knives returning to popular culture like movies and comics and that seems to have permeated into the consciousness of the urban hip as well.
Knives are dangerous and have a cool factor associated with them.
Harley Davidson has been criticized in some quarters for making and selling knives but the company encourages you to be safe in its use and keep it away from the reach of children.
In my opinion this debate is a slippery one and the onus of safety lies with the users.
That said Harley Davidson is an iconic brand and has a huge following among young, impressionable people and should maybe take a closer look at its product line and the kind of message that they are sending out.
We shall however leave that debate for another time and concentrate on the product at hand.
If you are reading this, you know it’s important to be preparing for food crisis challenges coming our way.
The month of September has been designated National Preparedness Month in the United States.
Recently the White House made its annual announcement about this month of preparations. The 2012 press release says,
“During National Preparedness Month, we renew our commitment to promoting emergency preparedness in homes, businesses, and communities nationwide, and to building an America more ready and resilient than ever before.”
It goes on to mention the possibility of “disasters of all types — from cyber incidents and acts of terrorism to tornadoes and flooding.”
The release suggests that “individuals and families can also take action by building a disaster supply kit with food, water, and essential supplies in case of emergency, and by developing and sharing an emergency plan with their loved ones.”
As a people, we are captivated by what is called “the normalcy bias.”
We have expectations of what normally happens in various situations and circumstances.
This is why many responsible people fail to act when there is sufficient evidence that a real problem is at hand.
According to Wikipedia, “the normalcy bias, or normality bias, refers to a mental state people enter when facing a disaster.
It causes people to underestimate both the possibility of a disaster occurring and its possible effects.”
One example is the response of many people when “the unsinkable Titanic” sustained serious damage.
The Titanic can’t sink. Regardless of what I see, feel and observe…the Titanic can’t sink.
Many Titanic passengers lost their lives because of this normalcy bias: the belief that everything will stay the way it was or is or should be.
Is that you when it comes to preparation for any kind of disastrous event?
Our encouragement to you is to ACT based on what you see and observe and sense, not on what you believe “should” happen.
Preparing for whatever comes our way
For several weeks now, the Rural Living Today team has been planning some fall blog posts and Rural Living Insider articles about weathering the increasing economic challenges we see on the horizon.
We didn’t even realize that each year since 2004, September has been earmarked for national preparedness in the U.S.
It’s our hearts and our gut feelings that have been urging us to prepare for the coming year and to encourage our readers to do so as well.
Many of you live in countries other than the U.S., but it seems every nation is affected in some way by the global economic situation.
No one is immune to its effects.
Chances are you have been preparing for “something” for many months or years.
If so, you’re a step ahead in the game.
But even if you haven’t, it’s not too late to start from scratch.
It would be wise for each of us to evaluate our own individual risks and prepare accordingly.
Risks and vulnerability vary from one person and family to another, depending largely on geographic areas and types of communities.
Preparation factors include personal skills, equipment at hand, family demographics, and medical situations.
For many years we lived in a prominent earthquake zone, where we were always urged to keep emergency supplies.
One of our homes was near a river valley that flooded annually.
Though our house high on a ridge was never in danger, supply routes were often cut off for days or weeks at a time.
Even the effect of an unusually heavy snowstorm was evident in grocery stores where we saw empty freezer cases and sparsely lined shelves.
In 1999, some people stashed food and supplies after hearing predictions of doom for Y2K.
Most of us remember clearly how the events of September 11, 2001, affected our personal lives and those of friends and strangers.
We’re all aware that any of a number of situations could put a kink in our daily routines and put us in a position where self-sufficiency will be of the utmost importance.
Preparing for Food Crisis Challenges Coming Our Way at Rural Living Today
Beekeeping provides honey plus multiple additional sources for income.
We maintain a list of some of our favorite books, magazines, websites, blogs, and other sources of info on sustainable living topics here on our RLT Resources page.
In addition to plenty of nonfiction information sources, there are some good fiction options for long fall and winter evenings.
You can enjoy a great story while learning more about living off the land.
When our children were young, we read the Little House on the Prairie series each year.
I think those books and others, like Bethany’s favorite My Side of the Mountain, instilled in our kids a love for this rural life that they are now sharing with their own children.
Getting Started on a Food Supply Plan: Sourcing, Preserving, and Storing Food for Tomorrow’s Uncertain Times by Marie James of Rural Living Today
Have you ever wondered how you’d feed your family if the retail grocery store system failed?
Do rising prices and declining food quality make you want to take matters into your own hands?
Getting Started on a Food Supply Plan: Sourcing, Preserving, and Storing Food for Tomorrow’s Uncertain Times will help you create a system that will raise your level of preparedness, increase your self-sufficiency, and provide peace of mind.
It covers important topics about raising your own food, finding local sources, home preserving, cooking food, and storing food.
There are numerous survival knives available on the market. It can be confusing for you to select the best one.
And now that you’ve read our Survival Knife Buyers Guide So You Survive Extreme Environments, if you haven’t click here survival knife. Amazon Best Selling Tactical Folding Knives
Best survival knives you can buy:
Ka-Bar Survival Knife
KA-BAR Full Size Fighting Survival Knife (Straight)
It’s perhaps the most efficient survival knives ever made, and my personal favorite.
The survival knives were initially manufactured to be used by American troops in World War II.
Although the design of the knife is the same, its performance has improved considerably.
These beautiful survival knives are something of an heirloom and you will want to pass it down to your children.
Its superior quality and design makes it a deadly combat knife and can also be used to skin animals.
The KA-BAR survival knife comes in two blade variations, the straight blade and the straight blade with serrations.
The survival knives are manufactured in the good’ole USA by Cutco Knife Corporation in New York State.
The design speaks for itself.
It is made to be reliable, has superb balance and a comfortable grip.
The design on the knife also features a USA stamp on the blade itself by the hilt.
Click here for the world famous KA-BAR Survival Knives Special Pricing
Specifications of the KA-BAR
The total length of the knife is measured at 11 7/8 inches and weighs approximately 0.70 pounds.
Apart from the blade under the handle, the 7” blade is manufactured using 1095 Cro-van carbon steel.
This is a high-performance carbon steel which is easy to maintain and sharpen but can rust if exposed to the elements for too long.
The blade can also be used to shave armpit hair, just in case you want to check how sharp it is.
But if you think it isn’t sharp enough, you can sharpen it easily using a great knife sharpener.
The knife’s curved and flat grind design also makes it an ideal hunting knife.
You can use it to skin deer or dress it.
The best thing about this knife is that it has a full tang blade which is an absolute must if you talk about survival knives.
Full tang knives provide superior power and durability.
The knife has an excellent synthetic rubber handle grip.
The leather washers given on the handle allows the knife to be held firmly even with sweaty palms.
You may not fall in love with the sheath of the knife as it may even be considered the least exciting part of the knife, but hey you could always replace it with a better quality sheath so that should not deter you from the actual product.
Ka-Bar BK9 Bowie Survival Knives are manufactured using 1095 CroVan carbon steel and is ideal for using in a range of survival situations.
The blade itself measures at 3/16” and is pretty thin but strong which can be used for a number of different applications including chopping.
Its deep edge blade design can also be used for precise and adequate slicing tasks.
These Survival Knives are equipped with a thumb ramp which can be seen on the spine of the knife.
Some like the thumb ramp, others like myself find that after using it it cause a great deal pain in our main thumb joint.
The handle of the knife provides for a solid grip which prevents thumb tearing.
Ka-Bar Becker BK9 additional specifications:
Blade Dimension: 9 Inches, Thickness 3/16
Weight: 1.15 lbs
Length: 14 3/4 Inches
Grivory handle , Full Tang
The BK9 Combat Bowie Survival Knives have a sleek short clip blade edge renders it perfect for piercing and other gruesome applications such as digging and prying.
Plus, the knife’s full tang includes a specially designed butt augmentation which allows it to be used for a number of hammering applications as well.
The knife’s thin blade design provide added comfort when performing hammering, piercing and chopping or slicing tasks despite the blade’s vibration.
Consider the Bowie a multipurpose, large Survival Knives tool.
The Bowie handle is made with detachable Swiss Grivory slabs with three screws used to attach the slabs.
You can detach the slabs with a screwdriver if you want to customize the knife handle.
The Grivory is constructed using superior quality fiberglass nylon, which is both comfortable and firm, and users experience no fatigue at all carrying or using the knife.
The sheath of the Bowie is designed to be durable and made of kydex and nylon and also features a pocket for a knife sharpener or a small flashlight.
I’ve carried either one, but usually a small flashlight.
Although it is really sharp and durable, the most interesting feature of the knife is its fire starter located at the base of the handle.
Simply put, you can use the knife to skin, gut and clean a fish and also light a campfire using the fire starter.
All you need to do is split the kindling and light a fire.
It is a great outdoor tool.
The knife is reputed for aiding in several tasks while on a camping trip but can also be taken along on a hunting expedition.
The Swedish FireKnife amalgamates dependability through its fire steel and a superior cutting blade to bring you an all purpose tool.
To build a campfire, all you need to is take out the fire starter from the bottom of the handle and slide it forcefully against the back of the blade and presto, there’s fire.
Light My Fire Swedish FireKnife Benefits
Sharp and durable blade designed by Mora.
High-friction rubber handle, which is easy to hold and work with.
Sheath with clip for mounting
FireSteel remains unaffected in extreme weather conditions and in water.
The FireSteel produces a 2980°C spark to light a fire.
Available in 3 colors.
Blade Length: 3.9″ (10 cm)
Dimensions (in sheath): 8.9″ x 1.8″ x 1.2″ (22 cm x 4.5 cm x 3 cm)
Choose one from the list and rest assured it will aid you on your next camping or hunting expedition.
This is not a recommended Survival Knife per se because it is a folding survival knives, but it is a great tool that I personally use and carry in my bug-out pack.
Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Survival Knife with Speed Safe
The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur folding knife is a tactical blade which has a Speed Safe installed for added protection.
The Speed Safe design provides for a safe and quick release of the blade from its fold.
You can open its release using either your left or right hand.
This makes the knife ideal in different hunting or sporting scenarios where you can open the knife with only one hand if the other is occupied.
So when you go hunting or fishing, you don’t have to worry about using both hands to use a knife.
The Kershaw Ken Onion Blur blade is manufactured using 13c26 stainless steel which is rust and corrosion proof.
The blade is designed to be sharp and brutal with added durability and reliability.
The 13c26 stainless steel is renowned for being deadly sharp, and unlike a plethora of survival knives and combat knives, this particular knife does not need to be sharpened before its initial use.
The knife is measured at 3-3/8 inches long and the blade is designed to be partially serrated and is a tanto blade which is perfect for piercing and sawing tough materials.
The tanto design is meant to provide brute strength for puncturing thick objects such as wood and animal skin and bones.
The total weight of the knife is approximately 4.2 ounces.
The entire casing and the handle of the Kershaw Onion Blur knife is made of anodized aluminum which provides for a firm and solid grip and frame.
You can hold and use the knife safely without injuring yourself.
The handle is manufactured using complex materials to provide the user a safe and firm grip, even in the most severe and intense conditions and scenarios.
The handle also has a Trac-tec grip installed that provides the users an extra firm grip.
The main benefits of the knife include speedy release of the blade, thanks to the Speed Safe torsion bar mechanism which allows users to release the blade using just one hand.
It has a wonderful grip, even in rainy weather.
The blade is incredibly sharp and durable and does not require frequent sharpening no matter how roughly you use it.
According to various survival experts around the globe, the most important tool or item in your survival kit is a dependable survival knife.
It is easily the most useful thing when it comes to surviving in extreme environments.
You can use it as a weapon to hunt small prey and as also as a tool for different applications.
So, it is imperative that you choose the right survival knife when looking for proper survival gear. Believe it or not, it might just save your life.
But, like any tool it’s only as good (or effective) as the hand and brain that uses it.
Ka-Bar Survival Knife
What a survival knife should do
A good quality survival knife can be used to perform multiple functions in difficult situations like:
Chopping wood
Building a shelter
Preparing food
Signaling, with a polished blade
Starting a fire
Using as a hammer
Hunting or skinning animals
Prying something open, if necessary
Now, you have to make sure that your knife can indeed be used for all the functions mentioned above in a reliable way.
In the wild your knife will be your best friend.
You will be depending on each other.
The knife will depend on you for proper use and you will depend on for its functionality and reliability.
You will need a knife that you can rely on, so it’s time to take things a bit more seriously.
This survival knife guide aims to help identify the most important attributes in a quality survival knife.
So consider the following 5 features when selecting a survival knife.
And in full disclosure, let me say right up front I’m a huge fan of the Ka-Bar Survival knife (Check prices here).
It’s not perfect and it’s not the end-all-be-all, but for it does everything I need it to do well enough for me to have a chance to survive.
While not included in the top features of a survival knife, and for a good reason, a folding knife makes a bad choice when it comes to survival knives.
Almost every survival expert agrees that a folding knife is not a versatile as a fixed blade nor as strong.
No matter how strong it appears it will at some point in time break, all folding knives weaken and are weak at the joint.
It can break easily as compared to one that has a fixed handle.
But you can always take a folding knife as a backup option or when doing tasks which requires a shorter blade.
Top Things to Look for in a Quality Survival Knife:
Knife Tang
Ever notice the part of the knife’s blade that elongates into the handle?
That’s called the tang.
Under the handle of the knife, the tang extends to the tip of the knife and is made of steel.
Bear in mind that the tang and the blade are not different pieces of steel.
The tang which elongates all the way to the end of the knife’s hand is referred to as a ‘full tang’.
A full tang survival knife is considered by many survival experts as the perfect choice when selecting a survival knife.
A fully extended tang adds more strength and durability to the blade, lessening or even zeroing its chances of breaking as compared to a knife with a shorter tang.
Survival Knife Size
A majority of survival knives are between 5 to 12 inches in length.
Any less than 5 inches and it might not help you perform functions like chopping wood or prying things.
But, on the other hand, if you buy a blade which is bigger than 10 inches, you will have a machete on your hands.
But we are talking about survival situations, and a blade this long would only get in the way.
A big blade is hard to control and wield.
But, depending upon the terrain and my needs, I do sometimes have needed and used a bushwacker machete.
Survival Blade Design
The design of the blade is also argued amongst various users, but it mainly depends on what you will be using the knife for.
Here are some factors to consider when it comes to the design of the blade:
Survival Knife Blade Edge
When it comes to blade edge, the debate is between straight and serrated blades.
A smooth straight blade will be useful for chopping wood and doing intricate work.
Plus, it is much convenient to clean and sharpen.
And due to the fact that it is straight, you can use any stone to sharpen it.
So don’t worry if you lose your blade sharpener stone.
When it comes to serrated edges, you might want to stay away from them in survival situations.
While a serrated edge holds up well for many tasks, it requires a unique sort of blade sharpener and it isn’t easy to sharpen the serrated blades when you’re out in the open.
Unless you will be cutting rope on your journey, you won’t miss a serrated edged knife.
Spine of the Blade
It is good to find a knife that has a flat spine (the back of the blade), preferably without any serrations.
A flat back blade makes it easy to crack wood and you will be able to use it with fire steels to make fire.
The spine of the blade depends on what you use it for.
For example, there are double-edged spear point and tanto knives used by the military for close-quarters combat.
But it will do you no good when having to survive in the wild.
Although you can use tanto knives to fatally wound animals, you can’t chop or split wood with it.
Clip Point Blade
A clip point blade is shaped concavely so that the tip becomes thinner and ultimately sharper.
The back blade of the clip point is usually sharpened to create a double edge.
When you sharpen a clip point’s wrong edge, it becomes ideal for piercing and thus can be used for skinning small animals.
You can also use the sharp tip to pierce holes in cramped places.
As an example, the Ka-Bar Survival Knife has a clip point.
Drop Point Blade
A drop point blade’s back edge is designed to hunch downwards from the middle to join with the curved edge of the blade which is above the middle of the knife.
What’s more interesting is that all well-known survival blades and knives have this shape.
Knife Blade Grinds
The grind on the knife can tell a lot about the purpose of a particular survival knife’s design and what it should be used for:
Scandi Grind
The scandi grind is like a straight grind with only one difference: the bevel starts in the middle of the blade and not on the back of it.
But a grind like this is designed to add durability to the blade but it falls back on cutting abilities a bit.
Still the scandi grind is usually used for survival knives.
Hollow Grind
A hollow grind is designed to give a concave attribute to the knife with a beveled cutting edge.
The design is similar to the one used in straight razors used normally for shaving.
But the problem is that a hollow grind has a weak edge.
Although it is really sharp, it would require stropping repairs. And you won’t find a grind like this on survival knives.
High Flat Grind
A high flat grind is comparable to a flat grind with the exception that a flat grind is not designed to travel all the way to the spine.
Hollow grinded knives have another bevel at the edge.
The second bevel could either be scandi or a convex.
Full Flat Grind
In this grind, the blade narrows down to the spine from both the sides of the blade.
In the process, a significant amount of metal is removed.
This is why it isn’t considered to be a proper survival knife.
Because much of the metal is removed to make the blade sharper, its durability drops considerably.
The Finnish Puuko is a perfect example of a full flat knife.
Full Convex Grind
Instead of narrowing down the blade with straight lines, the taper is given a curved shape.
This allows the blade to retain a proper amount of metal, making the edge more powerful and deadly sharp.
This type of grind is often used to make axes and is also referred to as an axe grind.
Blade Metal
There are two types of steel used for manufacturing survival knives, pure steel and carbon steel.
Each type of metal has its own merits.
The type you choose depends on what you need the knife for.
Stainless Steel
I am not a fan of stainless steel knife blades on a survival knife.
Stainless steel can be okay when you are in areas which is marine or harsh environment like a coastal areas.
Stainless steel lasts ridiculously long and does not rust.
Plus it is a durable metal.
But in terms of sharper and stronger edges they don’t hold a candle to carbon steel blades.
Carbon Steel knives are strong and durable as compared to its stainless steel counterpart.
Plus, most survival experts say that carbon steel blades are convenient to sharpen.
The only disadvantage the blade has is it can easily rust.
So, you have to take care of it.
Knife Handles
Knife handles also vary in terms of the materials used, some are made of leather, hard rubber others use durable plastic, strong wood or micarta canvas.
In terms of handle materials, all of them are good but it depends on how much you sweat.
If you have sweaty hands, it is a good idea to go with a rubber grip.
Be sure to look at the handle, if the handle is hollow, it is clear that both the blade and metal inside the handle are separate, which could end up breaking, not ideal for surviving conditions.
Plus, if you are keeping something important inside the handle of the knife and if the handle breaks away, you could be in an awkward situation.
So, try not to pick hollow handle knives.
They are not easy to grip and not even comfortable.
Hollow handle survival knives come with a compass attached at the bottom, so forget hammering anything because you will break the compass and risk getting sidetracked.
If you want a compass then buy a durable one which is waterproof and break proof.
Always look for a survival knife which has a whole body, meaning the metal inside the handle and the rest of the blade should be one.
Search for knives which have micarta canvas handles.
They are much more comfortable and durable.
So, the next time you decide to upgrade your survival kit and plan to replace your old survival knife, be sure to keep the above mentioned factors in mind before buying a survival knife.
Today, we are going to talk about the modifications I’ve done to my Ka-Bar Survival Knife.
I actually have added a survival kit to my Ka-Bar Survival Knife sheath because I think it is a good idea to have a redundant kit to my main survival kit.
Just in case I’m separated from or I can’t use my main survival kit for whatever reason, I still have the survival kit or my Ka-Bar Survival Knife sheath to help me survive and live a little longer until help comes or get out of the trouble the bad situation I find myself in. Everyday Carry EDC Knives
Survival Kit for the Ka-Bar Survival Knife
Here is what I carry and the set-up. I have a big piece of a bicycle inner tube, some (like myself) call it a Ranger Band.
And I use it to wrap around the items that go on the sheath itself.
The items I carry in my survival kit I try to cover those five aspects regarding survival which are shelter, fire, water, food, signaling and navigation.
Actually, some people might consider it six aspects because signaling being one aspect and navigation being another aspect.
But I can pretty much add the two of them in the same category.
That would make no difference to me as long as you have a way to do some signaling, to signal for help and to navigate.
First is shelter, I have three meters of nylon cordage, a nylon cord.
And I have another two and a half meters of paracord.
So that gives me a little more than five meters of cordage which I can use to help me make a shelter or for any other types of survival activities or tasks which require cordage.
And we have to remember that cordage is one of the most difficult items for you to make, for you to reproduce out there in the wilderness in case you find yourself in the need of having this type of material and you don’t have.
Anything work that needs for cordage, you’ll see how precious these things are and how difficult they are to be reproduced.
Anyway, apart from these five meters of cordage here I don’t have anything else on this kit here to help with the shelter thing.
And then can use it to make fire very easily and very effectively.
I really like this magnesium bar and the flint.
Sometimes I don’t even have to use magnesium. I don’t have to scrape the magnesium.
Just making a sparks with the flint would be enough to light a fire.
In case you have a good tinder like the one I prefer (and in my opinion is one of the most critical survival items) is a tampon.
And the reason I pack one in my survival kit is because that gives me a big amount of tinder in a very little volume because it comes wrapped in plastic which also helps to prevent water from soaking into the tinder in case it rains.
It will catch fire very easily.
And I think it’s a very good idea for you to carry some type of artificial tinder to help start a fire.
I can always use a piece of the inner tube as tinder.
I can cut off the inner rubber tube in case things are too damp, too much moisture on the ground.
It’s a good idea to use some piece of burning rubber to keep fire burning longer and to help dry out the material you’re using.
If you were out there in the boonies during that period, you really want to have a good way to help you start up fire.
Water
I always have in my possession a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter This way, no matter what, I will be able to have safe drinking water.
It’s essential.
Food
For food, I have 10 meters of fishing line wrapped on a piece of leather.
And it’s also wrapped with tape, so the fishing line is not going anywhere.
It’s all packed in a little plastic bag, I have hooks, fishing weight, lead weight.
I have some safety pins, and I have needles.
If I have to repair my equipment, I can use this nylon thread for fishing too.
And of course I carry my P-38 John Wayne Can Opener I’ve had and carried since Boot Camp.
I love the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife! For me this is the standard by which I measure, compare and judge all other knifes.
The KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife has proven itself in survival situations, combat situations, work and utility situations.
It’s a great knife, an incredible knife.
There are knives out there that are specially designed for a specific task/use and niche and will outperform the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife for that narrow usage.
The KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife (Check prices here) is does everything well but is not the master of anything.
I try to avoid any knife that is not equal or on-par with the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife because I considered the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife the standard.
I think it’s a great survival knife especially in this price point, it’s a proven knife.
It’s hard to beat the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife at this price point, it is an exceptional value for a survival knife.
Ka-Bar Survival Knife
I want to say that the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife is a great knife and its point break and for its intended use.
However, as a Prepper or a Survivalist, there may be knives that are just as good or possibly even better.
Now, as a personal judgment as to your specific use of the knife, for example, there’s a Becker BK2 and I believe KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife now currently makes it.
They took over the design and manufacturing. But this Becker BK2 is like a tank.
It is solid.
It’s thick.
It’s a tool.
It’s a pry bar.
So maybe for some, if you want to pry things and really abuse your knife, this maybe a better choice than a KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife.
KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife Is not just for Fighting
Now, just for a fighting knife, if you are just going to fight with the knife, I would choose the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife.
The Ka-Bar is more streamlined, easier to wheel, has a little bit longer blade for penetration.
So see, you got to understand the purpose.
What’s the use of knife?
What’s the intended purpose and use?
That’s critical.
Now, I did compare it to another knife, the Cold Steel Recon Scout. Some people are calling it a Trail Master.
It’s similar to the Ka-Bar, so there’s a full whole grind and it’s a little longer, a little different than a KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife.
That’s why I like this Cold Steel because it is thick.
It has about the same durability, somewhere durability of the Becker BK2 and it doesn’t mean that – the Ka-Bar is also very durable knife.
It’s proven. But this is a little thicker and it’s a little longer so it’s a combination of durability and fighting ability.
And that’s why I choose the cold steel knife because preppers and survivalists have different needs.
Now, none of these knives maybe as good as some bushcrafting knife if you’re just going to be a survivalist and do skinning and a little – and things of that nature.
If you’re not going to use it for combat and you’re just in a survival thing, but there may be better choices.
I’m not saying these are the best of the best.
But these are quality, quality knives.
Now, here is another knife that is really a good quality.
It is a Randall Design Ontario.
This is not the RAT.
This is the TAK.
And this particular knife is a great knife.
This is for a specific purpose because I wanted a small, every day carry knife that I could stick easily into my expedition or bug out bag because it was easier to carry on a day basis.
It’s durable, and it’s smaller, shorter than any of these knives, it’s even a shorter blade than the Becker BK2 and perhaps not as durable.
I don’t think.
Or it’s not quite as thick but this is a D2 steel.
Now, if I was going to bug out in my bug out bag, I would prefer this knife.
And I didn’t have this, the Becker BK2 would work, the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife would work.
All these knives are great, phenomenal knives and they fit the needs of a prepper.
And I’m talking about for prepping because here is a scenario, as a prepper, you are not in a survival situation that may last until you’re rescued.
You’re in a survival situation that may last the rest of your life.
You may be driven off your retreat.
You may be bugging out.
You may – if you have an inferior knife and it breaks, what are you going to do?
Which is a modern update on what is an absolute classic knife.
I bought this particular version because I felt it would be useful and suitable for me if I did decide to carry it out in the bush.
So we will just have a quick talk about what this particular knife has different to the original.
The original of course had the stacked leather washer handle.
This has a modern material in it which is called Kraton G and again this is foliage green.
So they’re very nicely finished up.
It has got grooves and it has got a slight texture into it and just a little bit of softness to it and very, very grippy handle, very nice feeling handle in hand.
But basically the design is by and large as it used to be.
It has got a false edge up on the top.
It’s flat ground and of course you can see it has got these blade grooves in it.
Stamp is on the side, made in the USA.
On the other side you can see, “KA-BAR, Olean, New York”.
So this is an absolutely classic American knife.
Any serious knife collector has probably already got KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife.
If you don’t, go ahead and get yourself one.
The steel on the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife is 1095 Cro-Van.
So it makes it again a good wilderness type steel.
Good tool steel that will hold up to a bit of abuse and on YouTube, you would see plenty of guys who have successfully used this knife in the outdoors splitting logs and pretty much any other task you can think of.
KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife Versatility
You could use it for hunting, camping, hiking, obviously military use.
I believe there are still people who carry this every day.
This is their KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife and probably also a service or survival knife quite adequately.
There are better options of course but this would certainly do the job for you.
Particularly the sheath that comes with this version and again it’s color-matched.
I should mention there are other colors available, black handle, black sheath.
There’s also a desert version which is kind of a sand color obviously to suit the current feat of military operations and the sheath is excellent, really excellent.
It’s made up of fiberglass-reinforced nylon.
They are riveted and molded.
The KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife will fit an ambidextrous, going right or for you left handers like me, left-handed, it goes in lefty style.
The sheath has four rivets, nice and solid and grooved.
You could use some para cord for those grooves if you wanted to secure it to your leg or pack.
And little drain hole down at the bottom to let water out of the sheath.
What I’m really impressed, if you have a look at the profile that the sheath has narrowed, that is really brilliant.
This rides incredibly well on your side.
It’s just a perfect sheath for this knife actually.
So the KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife and sheath combined, 14.7 ounces or 420 grams which considering you’re talking about a full seven-inch knife.
I think that’s more than reasonable. Balance on the knife is really good.
Now the balance point is just around guard so it’s basically a perfect balance and you can imagine.
Not that I’m any sort of knife fighter but it’s going to be a very quick knife in that sort of application.
Ka-Bar Knife quality
The quality of the knife, actually I’ve got to say I was very surprised at just how good quality this is.
The fit and finish is excellent.
The blade finish is a very fine black finish, very even.
Joined down the bottom towards the guard, it’s all really nicely finished off.
Interestingly enough this is, as I said, a modern update of a classic but I do like the fact that it still holds skill in its manufacturing.
You can see just through the back of the pommel, that’s where your tang comes through and that’s actually attached with a pin.
This pin runs through and attaches to the handle and that’s right from day one back in World War II.
So I really like that.
This is a combination of great old skill way of building something and craftsmanship and some modern materials.
So a perfect knife for me.
I love the color.
I think the foliage green just looks sensational and it certainly suits any environment.
So in conclusion, this KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife is very high quality.
The value on these is absolutely outstanding, incredible the price you can pick these things up for and an outstanding value for what you’re getting.
Really great collectible. KA-BAR Fighting Survival Knife is a must-have for any serious knife collector to have at least one of these things.
There’s, as I mentioned, various versions.
Maybe you want to get yourself one of these and actually use it for work.
You might buy a commemorative version to have in your collection and have on display.
There are so many reviews on the Becker BK7 Knife. (Check prices here).
There is a reason for that.
It’s a great knife.
Specs for Ka-Bar Becker BK7 Knife
It’s high carbon steel, 1095 Cro-Van, and Rockwell Hardness 56-58. Even better: It’s made in the USA.
It’s a quality 7-inch blade with a saber or flat grind, not a full flat which I found does a great job splitting wood, that type of grind.
Full flats are also good.
But I almost prefer saber grinds if I’m having to split a bunch of wood.
The BK7 weighs 12 ounces and is 13 inches overall.
It’s a beefy, hefty blade.
Ka-Bar Becker BK7 knife
Ka-Bar Becker BK7 Knife Review Field Test
But as we found out in our field testing, for the price point, you really can’t beat it.
One of the things you might have to do with this Becker BK7 Knife is do some chopping.
It may not be ideal for chopping as a hatchet or a larger RTAK II, SP50 by Ontario or the Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Knife (Check prices here) might chop a little bit better.
The only downside with this knife when it comes to batoning is the unsharpened wedge.
It really chews up your stick.
Smaller pieces of wood, they’re going to break really quick because it’s so thin and that’s where a drop point design is a little bit better but they are selling this to you as combat utility knife.
So their unsharpened swedge can kind of hurt you sometimes with batoning.
But other than that, it’s a great splitter. It’s going to split all these wood amazingly well.
Detail work
What’s cool about this knife for the most part is that you can do detail work with it.
With some big knives, it’s difficult to do detail work.
But if I choke up on the handle and blade a little to do some feather sticks to get this fire going, we’re just doing some carving and whittling.
It does a good job.
It’s going to bite in well.
And you’re going to get some of that feathering stuff with a big knife which is nice because again like I said, some of those bigger knives, it’s just difficult to do.
It’s not very comfortable, all those different things.
If you got a big blade, it just makes it hard to use for this kind of more detail work.
Becker BK7 Knife negatives
There is one hang-up I have with the Becker BK7 Knife.
It’s a great knife overall, and you can’t go wrong with it for the price point.
There is big amount of movement on the thumb ramp when I’m doing my more detailed work.
It’s called a utility/combat Becker BK7 Knife so they are saying that you can use this in combat situation.
I probably never would.
I probably would have a smaller, lighter, faster knife.
The thumb ramp does not help me with this detail stuff and actually begins to cramp my thumb.
My thumb is not comfortable and my joint gets sore relatively quickly.
You can hold it without your thumb on the thumb ramp, and then that takes away that pain and you can do your detail work.
Other Survival knives to consider
So while it’s not a dealbreaker, I would prefer something much more along the design of the Becker BK14 Knife.
It’s flat for the thumb ramp, so then I can get my thumb where I need to and it’s more comfortable whereas with the Becker BK7 Knife, you got that thumb ramp with the jimping.
I can only do very minimal amount of stuff like this and then it’s going to start to cramp my hand.
I just don’t prefer cutting wood like this.
For detail work though, the Becker BK7 Knife does a good job.
Becker BK7 Knife overall is going to be a great 7-inch survival knife for you.
You get a very good quality sheath.
It’s going to last a very long time.
You get the 7-inch blade, made in the USA with a good warranty, 1095 steel.
It’s going to baton well and you can do your detail work.
You can do your chopping.
You can do a lot of things with this Becker BK7 Knife.
Ka-Bar Becker BK7 Knife Review
With that being said, there are some other knives on the market that I would prefer.
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