Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of 2 amazing survival knives.
Gerber LMF II Survival Knife, Coyote Brown
Features:
- Lashing holes for use as spear
- Safety knife included
- Rugged, versatile survival tool
- Sheath Material: Ballistic nylon with fire retardant coating
- 2 Leg Straps
- MOLLE Compatible
- Overall Length: 10.59″
- Blade Length: 4.84″
- Weight: 11.67 oz. (w/o Sheath)
- Weight: 24.28 oz. (w/ Sheath)
- Partially serrated blade
Sheath Includes a built-In Sharpener
A low-profile sheath is included and it features a built-in carbide sharpener. The stainless steel blade can withstand a ton of abuse, but if it ever gets damaged or needs sharpening, you won’t be stuck out in the open with a dull knife. The sheath facilitates movement and attaches to a belt or MOLLE vest.
The LMF II features an overmolded handle, which helps prevent hand blisters and provides a secure grip. It is also designed with lashing holes, allowing it to be converted into a spear and extending its usability.
The pointed buttcap that is made of stainless steel. This heavy end can be used to pierce glass in the event you need to egress from a helicopter or other vehicle. The buttcap features a smart design that is physically separated from the tang in order to offer shock absorption when it’s used as a hammer and also to prevent electrical shock.
Not a full tang knife (see image here) … this was intentional: One requirement of the knife design was to insulate the handle to prevent aircrew from being shocked if they intentionally or accidentally cut through live wires while freeing themselves from their aircraft.
Blade Material: 420HC Stainless
About the metal:
Stainless steel is a preferred material for knife blades because not only does it withstand corrosion, but stainless steel also is easy to keep clean. Stainless steel comes in levels, and the 400 series is believed to be one of the top choices for knife makers since this level is quite resistant to deterioration, as well as being easier to keep the knife blade sharp. As part of the 400 series, the 420HC Stainless Steel and the 440C Stainless Steel are considered two of the top grades in the 400 series for knife blades.
420HC stainless steel holds a higher carbon intake than the 420. The “HC” in 420HC stands for “high carbon,” and can be brought to a greater hardness than the 420. Because it can be sharpened to very precise cutting edge and doesn’t rust easily, 420HC stainless steel is the preferred grade in the commercial knife making industry for cutlery, scissors, surgical tools, and knife blades.
Unlike other grades in the 400 series, the 420HC stainless steel knife blades provide extra strength, hardness, and wear resistance than other stainless steel grades. It makes a great knife blade for a general purpose knife due to its ability to resist corrosion and its edge holding capabilities.
Feels great to hold…amazing knife at the price.
Ka-Bar Becker BK7 Combat Utility Fixed Blade Knife
- Used by all branches of military and service members
- Sturdy, lightweight all-purpose utility knife
- Easy-to-sharpen 1095 Cro-Van steel blade
- Blade Thickness: 0.188″
- Blade Coating: Black epoxy powder coat
- Sheath: Black Nylon w/ kydex insert
- Handle Material: Full tang, Grivory
- Durable glass-fiber-filled nylon handle
- 20-degree edge angle; 7-inch blade length
- Measures 12-7/8 inches overall;
- Weight: 12.9 oz.
The thumb ramp on the blade is also unexpectedly convenient. It does not interfere with any normal grip or use of the knife, yet it provides a solid, comfortable spot to park your thumb which also seems to allow a little extra leverage during repetitive slicing.
About 1095 steel
The 10XX (1045, 1095) Steels – 1095 is the most common 10XX steel used for knife blades. Steel in the range 1045-1095 are used for knife blades, although 1050 is more commonly seen in swords. 1045 steel has less carbon (.45%), where 1095 has more (.95%), inversely 1095 has less manganese and 1045 has more. So in essence, 1095 steel would have more wear resistance, but would also be less tough. 1045 holds an okay edge, 1095 steel holds an edge great, and is easy to sharpen. The major drawback to this type of steel is that it rusts easily. Because of this issue, you will often see 1095 blades with some type of coating to combat rust. If you buy a knife with this type of blade, be sure to store it well and you should have no problem.
