These are the best, in my opinion, of what's available to you from varies knife manufacturers. These are better than the one in the Budget Survival Kit, but cost MUCH more. Although it would be impossible to have one of these in EVERY kit in every vehicle you have. If you can afford it, go for it! Otherwise, these are knives you may want to buy to have when you go afield.

I'm posting these for those of you that want to "upgrade" to a better knife and don't have the opportunity to look around. These you should be able to purchase via internet and I'll try to post other places to get them to help you out.

#1 Browning Barracuda (Tanto shown) (3 1/4" = $55)
These are now out of production, although the Kodiak series is very similar. Mine dates back to 1997. (My wife bought it for me for by birthday that year.) Love it! Also, my first tanto blade. I'm gonna keep an eye on ebay for another one.


#2 Smith & Wesson S.W.A.T. (4 1/8" = $35)
This one was a close run for #1, but it came in #2 only because sentimental value of the Browning. A great knife that I carry more than any other I own. NOTE: One of the reasons I like this knife is that you can see your assemble screws. This let's you check and re-tighten if necessary. It also lets you disassemble the knife if it becomes too dirty. That's a good thing if you use one alot!

** UPDATE: 11/15/09 ** One Year Torture Test! I have had this knife in my pocket now for the past year that I've been working in the warehouse's receiving department and I have to tell you that I'm totally surprised at the abuse this knife has taken and still holds together. I've cut, pried, ripped cardboard and wood boxes, cut plastic banding, mis-cut across countless metal staples then had to pry them out and dropped it from the second store deck on to concrete! This thing has taken it ALL and kept going! Yes, I've had to sharpen it a couple of times a week, clean it to get the nasty sticky tape goop off it, wash it in water and oil it. I've got to say that this knife has been one of the best I've every had my hands on. So if you need a good folding knife that will handle ANY duty you need, this one's proven it's metal and is a REAL bargain for the price.


#3 CRKT M16-KZ (3" tanto shown = $20-$45)
Coming in at a solid #3, the Columbia River Knife and Tool M16 series E.D.C. (Every Day Carry) folding knife. Mine is the M16-10KZ for Zytel handled #3 folder. Cool thing about this knife is the CRKT "autoLAWK". This means not only does the knife have a regular liner lock, but it also has a second auto-engaging lock on the back to the knife too. Takes a little getting use to, but workable. Makes for a rock solid lock that won't fail.THIS IS MY KNIFE OF LAST RESORT. It's the smallest knife I'd be comfortable with using, but with it's solid lockup, blade that holds an edge and good materials that brings this knife in at #3.

One note: The only complaint I have is that if you use as your daily carry knife and open/close it a couple of dozen times a day, the autoLAWK gets to be more cumbersome to use that a normal lockback or liner lock. So the strength of this knife is once it's open it's rigid and strong and won't buckle with use, but that strength does make it less-convenient for daily use. You may have to decide if it's worth it or not - to YOU. For me, this goes in my survival kit, but not in my everyday pocket.

I did find that pricing on this knife varied significantly as I shopped around. Walmart had it for $20, but in most online tactical knife shops they were in the $40's. Go figure that one out!


#4 Tool Logic TL-SL3 (3" = $35)
This one was so close, I almost made this#3.5 on my list. The Tool Logic TL-SL3 with Fire Steel. This is a bigger knife than I originally thought it would be. I expected a wimpy "knife-gadget", but was surprised to find out this is a GREAT knife! Solid construction, easy of maintenance, good craftsmanship make this one a keeper. It has a built in whistle in it's large and comfortable handle. The Swedish Fire Steel is the best flint on the market and the little cut-out at the bottom of the blade is made specifically to use as a striker. Man, do the sparks fly! They make other variations of this knife, but the Fire Steel is my choice. Runs about $35 (under $30 on sale).
BTW....The TL-SL3 MIGHT be as close to a "micro or pocket survival kit" as I get. Did I mention you can get a striker and a few matches in the container with the Fire Steel : )


#5 Leatherman C301 (2.8" = $25) ** NEW 11/15/09 **
This knife actually came with my Leatherman Wave tool. Before I could even look at it, my wife snatched this one up for her - which is an extremely rare occasion to get interested in any knife, let alone want to keep it. This knife is in her purse and sees daily use from chores like cutting fruit to cutting rope. Once in awhile, I'll get to try it - when she lets me : P This is an incredible knife for the money! Very well made, easy to use and the 4" handle gives you an excellent grip for use. I've been very much surprised by this one thinking that Leatherman just wanted their own brand of companion knives, but they really did their homework on this one. It's a keeper!


For Best Production Fixed Blade Knives

NOTE: I do not get paid to advertise gear, so I do not have to recommend anything! I did not just throw together a "top 10 knife list" by just picking 10 knives I know. I BUILD this list through time and testing (use)of ALL the knives above - all of which I personally purchased to use. Make no mistake, I wouldn't even list a knife here if I didn't recommend it for MY family and for yours.

Ironhand