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 might 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 Buck Nighthawk (6.5"=$50)
Mine is an older version that has the all black handle. Bought mine way back around 1995. You can find these in OD and with a blackened blade. This is a heavy bladed, strong knife with a plastic/rubber handle and a plastic insert inside a nylon sheath. Put this knife in your hand once and you'll be hooked! It's well balanced and you can maintain a good grip in several positions. The finish is durable to varying weather conditions and the sheath will dry fast if it gets wet. I like that the plastic insert separates the blade from the nylon so that if the sheath gets a little wet, the blade isn't in contact with the nylon. This also gives you a lighter weight sheath so that the overall knife it less of a burden to carry. Physical width of the blade is the same as the heavy M9 Bayonet or M11 EOD knife, but the height and length are about 75% of those knives. The result is the same heavy, thick blade with less bulk and weight. Usually runs around $50 and sometimes half that on ebay. Even a used one in good shape that you can pick up for$20-$30 is a bargain for this good of a knife.
NOTE: Buck makes this knife in 6.5" (regular)and 5" (short) blades. I actually like the 5" better, but I have both lengths! ANOTHER NOTE: Buck Nighthawk is now produced only with oxide coating, except for Nighthawk bravo with tanto blade style and length of blade 4".

#2 Gerber Freeman (3.5" = $45)
Came out in 2005 as one of the best of the year.Runs about $45 and is my choice for "best knife for the money". There are 2 types of sheaths made for the knife. The earlier versions came with a full length synthetic "leather" sheath that covered 75% of the knife. The second later model sheath has a nylon (plastic insert) with a snapping retention strap. I prefer the first one, but either work. One of the "perks" of this knife is that even if the wooden handle "scales" break, you can continue to use the knife without them and/or replace them with the same or larger scales if you want a fuller grip. I also like that you remove the grip and easily use the knife as a spearhead. Not a huge advantage, but it does allow a much more effective spear if you want one. Yes, I do have 3 of these! (one in each of my 2 vehicles and 1 in my field kit.) Yeah, it's that good of a knife. It would be #1 if it were in a 4 1/2" blade.
#3 US Air Force Pilot's Knife (5" = $35)
One of the "gold standards" of survival knives, the USAF model 499 is used by various branches of the US military world wide for many years. The leather sheath has pocket for sharpening stone and many lashing points for carry. I've got to be honest here, the ONLY reason that I rank this knife #3 verses being #1 is that they are "ugly" (LOL!)and the preservative they use on the leather makes me sneeze! - which has NO bearing on the quality of the materials, but only a personal preference. These knives are made for long term storage in military survival kits so the parkerizing of the blade give this knife a very crude appearance, but this is a fantastic knife and one that has proven itself time and time again. It's well made and runs about $35 at most military supply stores or BCB.
#4 USMC Ka-Bar (7" = $60)
Adopted by the US Marines back in WW 2, this knife is not only one of the "gold standards" for fighting knives, it is also a great survival knife. A solid, well made knife - these have seen service for years! It makes #4 primarily because the leather handle is quite large and a little difficult for smaller hands and the 7" blade is a little long for my taste, but it is SUCH a good knife, I cannot leave it off this list. Comes with a well made leather sheath and there is an "updated" version called the KaBar 2000 that comes with a synthetic handle and tactical sheath. Price runs $60.

#5 Buck Model 103B Skinner (4" = $60) **NEW**
Here's "new" entry that knocks a couple of others down one - the Buck model 103B Skinner. This knife has been around for forever! It's not a fancy modern "tactical" knife, but this knife is well built and has been used by hunters for years and years. It's well made with a 4" blade that is a traditional skinning blade, but is usable for all camp chores. The handle is made from Phenolic material which feels like smooth hard plastic or horn. In fact, I had mine packed away with my hunting gear and kinda forgot about it till I ran across it this weekend. They come with a black leather sheath that folds over the handle and snaps so there is no way to lose it. If you want a great, classic knife, this is it.

#6 SOG Seal Pup (4.75" = $65)
This is the SOG SEAL Team's little brother. Overall length is 9" and comes in 2 options for a sheath - nylon or kydex. Mine's nylon with a gear pouch on the front of it. Both sheaths are excellent and allow the most carry options I've ever seen in a knife sheath - especially my favorite - horizontal. This knife is GREAT! Size is perfect. Grip is Zytel and, a little small for large hands, but don't pass up on this knife because of that. If you have a smaller hand, you're going to love it! I also like the combination blade with a smooth 2.5" front edge, followed by a 1.5" serrated edge and a very good 1" "choke up"point at the rear. This choke up lets you get very good, fine cutting control. SOG really knew what they were doing when they added that part! It is a superior production knife and easy to get from a variety of places.I'm tempted to sneak this in as #2 on my list - yes, better than the Gerber Freeman! -due to the excellent sheath allowing a more versital and more secure carry over the Gerber. But I bring it in ata SOLID #5 (bumping the Mokniv down 1) only because it's a newer design and it's cost is more than some of the more time proven knives above it.This IS a great knife - buy it!
#7 Swedish Morkniv FS2000 (4.5" = $30)
This knife is new to me, but I've been working with it for the past year now and I'm totally surprised at what a great knife this is! Nice plastic wrapped by rubber grip for the handle, the 4.5" blade is much heavier than anything other Mora knife and sheath is simple but effective and durable with a leather belt loop. It's light weight at 5 oz. and built from good materials to last under the most extreme circumstances, especially in the snow & ice. I'm very anxious to get it out in the hot, sandy environment to see how it holds up to that.

Honorable Mention: Mora Swedish Army Training Knife (4" = $14)
This knife is certainly not in the top five knives, but it is such a good general purpose knife, that I've included it under "Honorable Mention". This one shown is the Swedish Army Training Knife that is issued for training cadets. It's a good modern example of the famed Mora Knives and is well made with a good sized, hard plastic handle and interesting sheath that allows for several different and odd ways to be carried. (One is to hang it on a button!) It's 4" stainless steel blade is a good one and the overall size makes this a handy camp knife. What I like best is that they are extremely light weight at 4 oz. and if you're into water sports like Kayaking or Whitewater - this is the knife for you. So if you want a good general purpose knife that won't break your wallet - get a Mora knife!


For Best Production Folding 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