The Ontario RTAK II tops my list as the best all-around survival knife for your buck. This is a serious knife for a serious survivalist. The Ontario RTAK II is designed to be a workhorse for just about any outdoor survival task.
Here are the stats:
Overall length: 16.5″ Blade length: 10.25″ Weight: 2.2 lbs Price: $120 – $130
Yes, this is a large and heavy knife and many people would say it’s a lot of weight when backpacking or exploring. This is a true statement, it’s a big and bulky blade but it’s exactly the kind of knife you’ll want once you get to your destination. The reason Klappmesser I rate this knife as the “best survival knife for the money” is that it eliminates the need to carry a hatchet and a knife, it does the job of both. I often carry both a hatchet and a knife when I go camping, and the combination of those two items weighs a lot more than this blade.
Chop and beat wood
The Ontario RTAK II is one of the best survival knives I’ve used when it comes to chopping and chopping wood for fires or shelters. Chopping or splitting wood is a survival must to conserve energy while preparing the firewood. This blade makes these jobs quick, it really does split wood as well or better than any field hatchet I’ve used. I have a review site with videos showing this in full effect. Once you see how this knife handles, you’ll be amazed.
Keep a head start
The edge holding abilities of this knife are phenomenal, I’ve said that about other knives, but this one does a really good job of maintaining a sharp, functional blade through heavy chopping and slicing. The 1095 steel combined with a fully flat ground blade makes it ideal for maintaining an edge and is easy to sharpen when the knife loses some of its cutting power.
All in all this is my top pick for best survival knife, at around 120 it’s well worth the money for the capabilities of this blade. It outperforms knives that cost two and three times its price.
Top 5 winter activities you need your knife for
Winter is a great time of year to enjoy outdoor activities. From snowshoeing to sipping hot cocoa on the toboggan slope, there are plenty of great winter activities for the whole family. A key part of having a great time outdoors is the preparation and gear needed to ensure your trip is a success. Not sure what to do in the great outdoors winter wonderland? Check out our top 5 winter activities you need your knife for.
1. Hunting: Most people think of hunting as a fall activity, but the truth is that the best moose and deer hunts take place in the snow. Some hunters prefer to carry a smaller foldable pocket knife with a gut hook, while others prefer a full game bandage kit that includes a bone saw and multiple knives. There’s no doubt that you’ll need a good, sharp pocket knife if you’re going to bag the big bucks this season.
2. Ice Climbing
With some training and equipment, ice climbing is an exciting sport that more and more people are learning every year. As if rock climbing wasn’t hard enough, now you can test your skills by scaling a steep ice wall. Any climber will tell you that to have a great time and improve your skills on the ice, you need some serious gear. An essential piece of equipment would be a quality and lightweight pocket knife. From cutting rope to opening your lunch, the uses are endless.
3. Ice Fishin
Just like regular fishing, but you need a drill instead of a boat to get to the water. I always thought ice fihing was totally boring until I got the chance to try it. I have to admit that there’s something about being on a frozen lake and pulling fish through a hole that makes you love your opposable thumbs. Maybe it just reminds me of a monkey catching termites with a blade of grass. The fact is, ice fishing is fun; Just bring hot coffee and a pocket knife along with your fishing gear.
4. Snowshoeing
If you like hiking, you will love snowshoeing. Whether you’re looking for fresh lines in the backcountry or just trudging through the yard after a big storm, snowshoeing is an activity that can be fun for the whole family. Many local ski resorts have miles of accessible snowshoe trails that you can explore and make for a fun day trip. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, you can snowshoe into a yurt for an overnight camping trip you won’t soon forget. As with many winter sports, snowshoeing requires a lot of equipment, and with that there are occasional problems. The reality is that I am constantly repairing or adjusting my gear; That’s why I always carry a multi-tool style pocket knife when I venture out into the great outdoors.
5. Backcountry
Skiing: One of the most popular and my personal favorite winter sports is backcountry skiing. Whether you get there by snowshoe, snowcat, or helicopter, there’s nothing quite like cutting fresh lines through fields of untracked powder. The number one thing to think about when stepping into the backcountry is safety. So make sure you get the right training and equipment before venturing into uncharted territory.
Instead of sitting inside and watching reruns of Frosty the Snowman on TV this winter, why not get outside and have an adventure. Whether you opt for an extreme sport like ice climbing or mountaineering, or something milder like snowshoeing or sledding, there are plenty of ways to get your heart pumping. As always, you will have a better time if you are well prepared. Carrying a sharp, reliable pocket knife with you at all times will take you one step closer to your winter adventure.