It's difficult to have to choose, so I have several sets of knives I set into kits and they each follow these parameters: One should be for skinning One must be general purpose/utility One should be a backup skinning blade or backup utility I keep these knives in a main storage container in sets of 3 like this, and pretty much leave it this way. I do, however have a folder I keep on me as an EDC which would most likely be my SHTF primary until I can get to my stash. Bark River, Fox River in A2 with orange pine cone handle. Excellent skinning blade with a full convex edge. Buck 110 folder - Gifted to me by Mountainman. This would serve as a utility blade. Notice the edge variation This is a little custom mini skinner made by Richards knives for me. It's a very small and chunky full convex blade made from D2. Of course, the EDC these days has been the Paramilitary lightweight. It's perhaps the best folder I have ever carried daily because I don't even know I have it with me. So, the one blade I will have on me will most likely be the one. If I had to choose between them, I would go with the Bark River because it's the largest. Plus, folders are rather easy to come by compared to a perfectly crafted fixed blade with a convex skinning edge.
My next blade build will be putting a hard Bowie back cut edge on an 11" minimum kukri. Bill Bagwell measured me out and said 11" blade was perfect for me on a bowie blade when I got mine. It just seems a good idea, but may be a Frankenstein. I'll have to see how it runs. I mean, I like both my kukris and bowies a lot
I'm fortunate to own a Gerber BMF with sawback blade had it for over 20yrs now, great for SHTF situations.
I'm kind of a knife guy, so this trio is always on my person. But if I had to run for my life to god knows what, I'd grab this one above all others that I own. But that just what works for me, your milage may differ
Be sure you main knife is a fixed blade a folder folds..on a hinge pin... the knife strength/weakness centers around the hunge pin. Folders are good as back ups.
The Western bowie will get the job done. I gave my old carbon steel Western to a friend who admired it and had carried one in RVN. Replaced it with the modern stainless same-style Case. Not my go-to but would definitely get the job done!
Beautiful knife porn. I have a pilot survival knife, USAF, with the leather handle and sheath with tie down and sharpening stone. It got "lost" and I had to pay for it, but over the years a good investment. Carry it in woods and in bugout bag in car when traveling. Well worn in after almost 70 years. Have many other knives, but always end up carrying that one. Not real good for any thing, but works well for everything and takes a good edge.. Like Hanzo, find that a good Ulo or chefs knife, and I also have a couple old generic butchers knives from dad's and grand dad's old butcher shop, made in 1930's or older, that I use almost ever day in kitchen cooking, and a good paring knife. Pilot knife looks like the one DKR shows but the handle is smooth and comes to a smooth end rather than having the nut on the end. In supply in about 1958 you could get either the new one with the nut for hitting things or the old one with a smooth end. Was strongly "advised" that if you were going to "lose" it rather than turn it in, take the old style. I like it better anyway. It was a little lighter as well and general agreement was that it took a better edge. Old style was still issued, but supply Sgt was trying to get rid of them. If plane crashed and you bailed, knife was written off. Was glad to say I paid for it.
BECKER, Ethan’s trifecta would be my first choice, BK-9, 11, & 16. But I would be good grabbing any in my collection.
