March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner!This is a featured page

March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense WikiArguably the most important survival or bushcraft tool at the survivalist's or prepper's disposal is the knife. Simple stone cutting tools have been used by the ancestors and relatives of Homo sapiens, some examples dating back over 2 million years. Knife technology has made significant strides forward since the first examples were made, but the essence of the knife and our need of it to survive and thrive has not changed - in order to live, things have to be cut or poked.

For this month's competition, I want to see a picture of your favorite every-day carry knife. For most of us, this is a folding knife of some kind as these are the most convenient to carry. As a knife is much like any other tool, it must be available to be useful. The knife that is "back there" isn't a whole lot of help when you need it right here and now. Along with your picture, I'd like a short explanation of why you chose that specific knife, what you like most about it, and what you would change on it if you were designing your own knife.

March 2012 Contest Rules
  1. You must present a digital photograph of your everyday carry knife. Higher quality images are preferred over cell-phone images, but the latter will be accepted. You must post the image directly to the site, in the correct album:
  2. One knife per entry, and one entry per member. If you carry more than one EDC knife, pick your favorite of the bunch.

  3. The picture must include proof of membership and image ownership. Both your written screen name and the word "ZSDW" must be included in the actual image, not digitally added after the image was taken. A note card or sheet of paper with your screen name and ZSDW written on it works, but don't be afraid to get tastefully-creative.

  4. The short answer must be posted in the appropriate thread:
  5. Your short answer should be at least four sentences long and include:
    • A text link to the image on the site
    • The manufacturer and model name of the knife
    • Why you chose that specific model
    • What you like most about it
    • What you would change (if anything) about it if you were to design your own knife.
  6. Entries must be submitted by March 30, 2012 --- no exceptions. Sooner is better because it allows you to make sure you've got all your proverbial ducks in a row.

  7. Entries that do not meet all of the requirements listed above forfeit entry into the contest.

  8. Entries will be accepted from any and all ZSDW members, but the prize winner must be in the Continental United States. This is for two reasons: the nature of the mystery prize may have shipping restrictions outside of the USA, and shipping costs would likely exceed the value of the prize. Please don't let this discourage you though, maybe in the future I can work something out specifically for our foreign members.

  9. Remember, this is a photo contest. The pictures are being judged by appearance; a little artistic flair and a cool background aren't going to hurt your odds. Don't be afraid to take a little artistic license. As noted above, please keep it PG-13 or better.


Entries!
LJ126's Entry
(SAMPLE ENTRY ONLY!)
LJ126:

My favorite EDC knife is the Kershaw Barrage (now called "Salvo" due to copyright issues.) I chose this specific model over others because of its good price (~$40) and because of the frame-lock design, making it much more durable than standard liner locking knives.

My favorite feature about this knife is a tie between two; the pocket clip is excellent and very tight, and the grippy rubber insert allows me to get a good purchase on the handle. If I were to change anything about the knife, it would have a slightly longer blade and bigger handle, but it's not that big of an issue; it's current size is more than adequate. Quite frankly, it's a tough, simple pocket knife that does everything that I need it to do.

MCS81's Entry
MCS81:

My EDC is a Leatherman Squirt PS4
Chosen for its size and versatility. It conceals in a tiny package; spring-action pliers, wire cutters, knife, scissors, 2 screwdrivers, a file and a bottle opener and it has a ring to attach to a key chain etc.

The bottle opener is built into one of the screwdriver tools, if I could change something I would like the 2nd screwdriver to have a can opener similarly built into it, otherwise this does everything I want my EDC to do. (In a perfect world I would be able to carry something similar but with a much bigger blade, that isn't an option for me though.)



March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Zee-Man:

Winchester (no model name or number).
This knife came packaged with a multi-tool of the same mfr. I did not so much choose this knife as I began to use it since I had it. As you can see it gets a lot of usage. Since I have not replaced it with knives I have bought since, I suppose that is a choice of sorts. What I like most about it is it has seen months of use for bushcraft; at work cutting wood, rope, and stainless steel liners; and for various tasks around the house, however I have not needed to sharpen it yet. That is saying a lot since the mfr did not even care to tell what kind of steel it is. At first I did not care for the open body design. The blade lock wouldn't engage easily at first, but has worked in over time. I suppose that is the only thing I would change, take a few mils off the leading edge of the lock so it locks easily right out of the package.
March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Sharpie41:

I chose this model because it had quick, one handed opening, it had a straight edge for cutting tape (Shipper/receiver, I carry this daily, remember?) and a serrated side for cutting plastic banding or boxes. It has a comfortable, rubberized grip. Good pocket clip (As in holds the knife at a perfect position in my pocket) Sharpens easily and holds an edge fairly well

I like the 50/50 blade most, suits all my needs at work.

I would change the rubber on the grip, it's wearing out in some places, mostly on the corners, I would put a thicker coating on it. I would also put the thumb stud lower on the blade so I would really be able to use that. The pocket clip does get thick up at the top so I would give that part a lower profile. And the screws are constantly backing out so I needed to put thread locker on them.
March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
FrankLeeDeRainged:

Down here in Lynchburg we know all about taste, so when someone says "get creative" we reach for the Photoshop sepia filters. Those fellas at Columbia River Knife and Tool know a thing or two about creativity too 'cos they came up with the Van Hoy Snaplock.

This fine pocketknife hinges vertically into a wishbone handle so the harder you press the more solid the blade. Just the thing for whittling while you enjoy some fine sippin' whiskey on the porch. 'Fer an added bonus the elliptical cam opening is kinda tricky if you haven't got the knack an its kept ma' cousin Cletus baffled for the better part of a year now.

As it happens I don't live in Lynchburg so I don't do whittling on the porch (or anywhere else) so I always cut away from myself consequentially the chamfer on this blade is on the wrong side. I also won't be winning anything for my smooth salesmanship because I'm European.
March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Toxic_Shock:

I carry a Gerber Presto 3.0 assisted opening serrated knife with me everywhere I go. I've had this knife for around three years, and haven't had to sharpen it yet. I really like the F.A.S.T. assisted opening mechanism. It works well and the release/safety switch doesn't feel clumsy. The 3.0 is a nice size - big enough, but not too big. I use this knife many times a day for a wide range of tasks, and I wouldn't feel bad about using this knife for self-defense if need be.

Part of why I went with this knife was the price. Decent assisted openers weren't cheap three years ago, and this Gerber cost less than $45 and came from a brand I trusted. Since then they have dropped to under $35, and since then I have yet to regret buying it. If I had to change anything, it would be the rubber grip inserts. They started peeling after about a year, but a little super glue put them back in place. Very pleased with this one overall, and I plan to pick a few more up as spares.
March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Randomknife666:

The manufacturer was a blacksmith from Toledo, Spain (bought on a tour of their facility). Since there was no definitive model, I'll call it the RK Special.

I like the ease that I can flip it open with only a flick of my wrist, and the blade is ideally sharp and strong enough to do most day to day tasks (I've used it to open a can of chili when I couldn't find a proper can opener (and the blade maintained its edge very well.).

If I had to switch anything, I would have given it a better locking system initially, when I first got it, I had to grind down the locking mechanism so that it would lock properly when I flicked it open. I would also seal the screws that hold the wooden grips in, as the screws came loose after a while and I had to put them back in. Neither of which are big problems, but more minor annoyances.
TreeLegs' Entry
TreeLegs:

El Hombre by Cold Steel. I've had this knife in my pocket since early '06 and never regretted it. It has a 5" serrated S curved blade. This S curve presents the blade at an angle anytime it comes into contact with a target. Also, when any material that is caught at the inside portion of the S curve, forces the rest of the blade through the material, providing less effort for more cutting power. The tip of the blade is thin to allow for penetration which is almost needle like in comparison. The only material I've found it won't tackle is steel. Everything else it tears right through.

The thickness of the tip [is an issue.] It is just so thin, I'm afraid I might snap it one day. I know it is for the added penetration factor, but they could have full lengthed the spine and just did the tip. I think this was because of it being fully serrated and the belly of the S curve, it needed that extra bit of help to drive the blade through the target material. I just have to keep in mind that I can't use it to pry open heavy duty objects.
Braydonn's EDC Knife Entry
Braydonn:
- Unsure of the manufacturer and model. Pretty much just a basic Swiss army knife.

- I chose this specific model because my granddad gave it to me and it has sentimental value to me. Also Swiss army knives are legal to carry in Australia as they are recognized for their usefulness. Although that doesn't mean it wouldn't be taken off of me if I was ever stopped by police.

- I like this knife because it was the first knife I ever owned, it was given to me by my granddad when I was 11. I like the fact it's legal to carry in my country and I love all the many different tools is has on it. (blade, saw, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, PH screwdriver, smaller blade, nail file, awl and a corkscrew for all you wine lovers.)

- Well if I was to change anything, it would be the way I looked after this knife over the years, it has a little rust on some of the tools and is a little worse for wear, Other than that I would probably get rid of the corkscrew and add a toothpick or some tweezers.
March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
White76Knight:
The manufacturer and model name of the knife?
Oscars 88269

Why you chose that specific model?
It was what I found in my pocket when I was putting together my EDC Kit.

What you like most about it?
Not much good or bad about this knife, really. There's nothing special about it, it's just a generic everyday pocket knife.

What you would change (if anything) about it if you were to design your own knife?
Too long a list. I know there are much better knives out there, but again this one is just what I had available at the time.



March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Filadog:
An antique New York Knife Co large [10 inch overall] Folding Lock back hunter.

New York Knife Co. started making knives in the 1850s, this one probably dates from late 1800s early 1900s. A very high quality maker that made some of the best American folders that are very sought after by collectors today
This example is a little different in that the blade is while old is not the original.. Years ago I bought a large ot of gunsmithing tools from a gunsmith from the 1930s and the knife was in with his stuff and I believe he made the blade that is in it [ has his name engraved on it]. Blade is made extreamly well and fits perfectly just like the original.. Opens and closes perfectly with no wiggle Takes and keeps a razor edge. The guy that made it knew his stuff
Replaced blade Probably affects it's worth a lot (if original probably close to a $1,000 knife) but I like the blade shape myself and the fact that somebody did such a good job making it
Kind of heavy but is slim and carrys well, has a bail with a braided leather lanyard which makes it easy to pull out of your pocket, can be opened with one hand with practice. Lock is easy to use and secure

A good knife to cut a piece of string as well as be used as a defensive knife if needed

Shown with it on my Filson pants is a Colt 25 pocket pistol and a antique silver and gold Hampden pocket watch . I carry this watch most days and it runs fine still, it's watch chain is a bit unusual. Is a sterling "Cattle Baron" type with cows on it!



March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
brandon_a_boyer:
My every day carry is a Gerber Presto 3.0 partially serreted. It has a Michigan-Legal 3” blade made from 440 steel. A cast aluminium body and a pocket clip.

Admittedly there are two main reasons I carry this knife. First of all being the assisted open. A flick of your thumb is all that is required to put this knife into action. The other is the length and the design. I needed a knife that was within the constraints of Michigan's laws, and not look like a fighting tool, while at the same time being effective in an emergency. I believe that for every day carry, this little knife fits the bill.

As far as design complaints go I only have two. First is pocket clip. When lipped to your pocket the blade is facing upward. This position does not facilitate rapid deployment like some of the other knives i've carried previously. The second complaint is that the safety button (which is also the switch to close the blade) is very small, I would like to see it a bit bigger.

Other than those two minor flaws, it's a great little knife.

March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
Survivor15:

I choose to carry a quite unorthodox knife as my EDC. It is an old Kutmaster pruning knife from god knows when. It's made in the USA. As U know, S A good knife. I picked it up at a swap meet for five bucks a while back, and I use it to death. It holds its edge well and is completely solid with no wiggle room. The full blade is a taper, starting at approximately 1/8", and working its way down to the blade. The curve on the blade is also useful for cutting paracord, cardboard and other such materials with ease. It is also quite useful when pruning =).

I don't care for the handle material. It seems to be an old plastic. Wood would have been nicer.

All in all I think this blade will live in my pocket for some time to come.

March 2012 Photo Contest --- Prize to Winner! - Zombie Survival & Defense Wiki
The_Anomoly:

My favorite EDC is my Cold Steel War head. I love the weight and balance of it, as it is actually marketed as a thrower and spear head. I'm more of a survival knife kinda guy, and I carry this as my EDC as I'd much rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. One of the reasons I luv this knife so much is it's length. I love that regardless if I'm slicing a piece of Paracord, chopping a thick branch, cutting plastic packaging, or splitting a watermelon, I have the finite control for small detailing and the length and weight for serious cutting.

I do wish however that Cold Steel had given it a better handle, I've hated the handle from the start and plan to replace it with a paracord handle as soon as i find a wrap style I like.
Timberrattler's EDC Knife Contest Entrytimberrattler:

1) SOG Seal Pup.
2) It's a fixed blade knife that isn't overly large and threatening. The sheath had a place to put a small pair of vice grips or multi-tool.
3) It hasn't had to be sharpened in over a year and its built strong with a serrated section on the blade. Good for cutting zip ties.
4) I'd like a leather sheath and a handle with a pommel you could pound or hammer with.




LJ126
LJ126
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RULES:
http://www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com/page/March+2012+Photo+Contest+---+Prize+to+Winner!

ALBUM:
http://www.zombiesurvivalwiki.com/photos/album/200854/March+2012+EDC+Knife+Photo+Contest

Rules listed in the page above. Make sure to post entries into the album hyperlinked above. Written portions can be posted to this thread or sent to me via PM, though I will just cut and paste them directly to this thread.

Also, make sure to read and follow the rules. Any entry in violation will be rejected.
~LJ
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