All Text, Graphics, Animations, Video, and Commentary on this website was created by, and is the intellectual property of m4040@m4040.com. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized reproduction is punishable by up to a $500,000 fine or 5 years imprisonment for a first offense, and up to a $1,000,000 fine or up to 10 years imprisonment for subsequent offenses under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA). Requests for use of this material should be forwarded to m4040@m4040.com.
FIELD BLADE REVIEWS
I receive a lot of email inquiries asking about various blades that people consider for heavy field use. While it's true that there's a lot of great blades out there in all price categories, there's also a LOT of pure crap, (also in all price categories). The fact is that you can get some really nice blades for under $50, or you can spend hundreds of dollars on blades that are no more than fads and have little or no practical use. Some of the current fads in survival and field blades include the Tom Brown "Tracker" knives, and the Strider brand knives (see reviews below). In my opinion, both of these are over-priced and over-hyped. Even the various blade magazines and websites seem to be taken in by the media-circus atmosphere surrounding these blades, and are tripping over each other to fawn and drool. This is a great example of marketing propaganda overshadowing actual function.
In my (not so humble) opinion, stick with the tried and true designs, and avoid the marketing blitzes. Mankind has been wielding blades for many thousands of years, and the various designs were refined over the ages to suit a wide variety of functions. Aside from materials technology advances, there’s not a hell of a lot more to be done. For "field" blades, find a decent bowie, khukri or machete style knife, and you’ll probably not regret it. For smaller blades (if that’s your goal), a decent Camillus Kabar type knife is a good all around tool. A Leatherman or Gerber tool are likewise invaluable, and I would sooner choose one of those than a “Tracker”. Likewise, a $15 US mil-spec machete will outperform most $100+ "survival" knives when it comes to clearing trail, lopping firewood and building shelters. The design you pick really depends on the attributes you want. Is it a wilderness blade or an everyday carry piece? Do you want a folder or a fixed blade? What kind of use and abuse will it be subjected to, and how much are you willing to spend?
 |
VISIT M40's WILDERNESS SURVIVAL STORE The best wilderness survival gear on the market! Backyard campers and Rambo wannabe's... go buy a Bear Grylls kit. When you get serious about your wilderness activities... come see my gear. Hikers, mountain bikers, cross country skiers, ATV'ers, off-roaders, and others whose activities carry them far and wide... discriminating outdoorsmen opt for quality gear. |
REVIEWS
NEW! - My Personal Blade Collection - The Commercial Blades in my Personal Collection.
BUSH KNIVES - FUNCTION OR FAD?
NEW! ONTARIO SURVIVAL BOWIE REVIEW
Mineral Mountain Hatchet Works BowiE REVIEW
BEATING THE SHIT OUT OF A $12 COLD STEEL KUKRI
ONTARIO'S US MILITARY ISSUE MACHETE vs. GERBER'S GATOR MACHETE
WHAT THE HELL HAPPENED TO CAMILLUS?!?
Under Construction - I review a Cold Steel SanMai Trailmaster
Return to M40's Ghurka Modification Page