Survival UK Forums

So following on from the knives post and the conversation that went on there I decided on getting the gerber knife that Bear Grylls endorses.

Upon opening the parcel and unwrapping the new "toy" I was quite suprised with the weight to it. Removing it from the sheath the first thing I noticed was that it felt really comfortable to hold and it felt solid! The first thing I tried out was the fire starter that comes with it, on the back edge of the blade is a section to use the fire starter on and not the blade!! (found that out all too quickly!)

The first real test was its cutting ability on a fairly weak branch, which is managed easily. You definitely have good control when using it to sharpen branches to a point and general wood craft knife skills. The only issue I can see with this blade is that it blunts all too easy. The edge was lost fairly quickly in places and it seems the blade is all too soft for my liking, compared to my Mora anyway.

The upside is that it has a diamond sharpener on the reverse of the sheath which is also detachable from the sheath holder (designed to stick on your bag by the look of it). The knife also has two holes near the hilt so you can strap it to a stick and use it as a spear...something I dont really fancy doing, possibly too top heavy strapped to a stick and would most likely be highly innaccurate.

Although it sounds like I'm not satisfied from the review I do really like this knife, infact I love it. I like the little survival instructions that come with it. I think it would definitely be useful in a survival situation so overall I would give this knife

8/10

Oh and the whistle is really loud

(there you go s13 my review of the knife)

Good review Roscoe.

You've given me what-for, because I keep meaning to get out and do reviews of some of the items I have. Keep getting put off doing reviews simply because I don't like writting.

Great job and it's good to hear the knife was to your liking.

So what knives are being recommended, I am looking at either a Geber Steadfast or SOG seal pup elite, does anybody have another suggestion.

Depends what you want in a knife. From looks alone the Gerber looks like it would be a more comfortable grip (ergonoimcally speaking) but that is not what you ultimately want. Have you seen any other posts on other forums about the two knives in question or reviews on the knives? have a look through equippedtoendure.com they may have a review or even help you on your decision if none of us can.

Cheers Roscoe,
Have not seen any other posts, but going off the recommendations on heinnie.com, both are well thought of, I have another swedish knife, but the blade is only 3", I'm thinking I need a longer blade.

Is it a Mora by any chance?

Why not have one small quality high carbon steel knife - like the Mora (which I think have 4" blades) and a large heavier duty knife for chopping & other duties. That way you can cover all specialisms. the small knife & sheath could be mounted on the sheath of the large one for convenience (Bi-knife) as was commonly done in the Medieval period.

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For any reviews on equipment, just type the name of the kit plus the word "review" in a search engine and you should bring up plenty of reviews. You would need to read through a few to get a good appraisel of your intended kit as some reviews are carried out by wannabee numpty's. Also beware any national or slant of hobby bias of the reviewer. Don't take what they say as correct. That is why it is best to cross reference multiple sources and keep in mind what you actually want the piece of kit to do for you. I use this process for most stuff I buy, wether prepper related or otherwise. It seems to work v.well. Regards, TL.

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An addendum () not taking what the reviewer says as correct, especially applies to any sales reviews or demos from the original manufacturer or seller.

Not a Mora, my aunt in Sweden sent me for xmas about 6 years ago, have only seen one knife similar, see link:
http://greenmanbushcraft.co.uk/scandinav...-knife.htm
The knife is almost identical, different sheath, but the same markings.

Personally, I love knives. I have dozens and believe that you cannot have too many.

they are alot of money and if you lose it your really pissed off .mora all the way for me cheap and good blades