I have a Gerber knife, and it's pretty solid, but being a cheap stainless, the edge doesn't last long. I miss my Gerber LMFII, but I didn't like that it wasn't a full tang and don't want to buy another one. I want a full tang survival knife that has a strong steel (maybe AUS-8/10 or A2) and holds an edge for a while. Also, I do not do folders, they are worthless in a survival situation as far as I am concerned. Thoughts?
Hen & Rooster Bowie 13" Solingen Steel Blade w/Red Stag Horn Handle http://www.henandrooster.com/default.aspx
My dad and ex-brother-in-law have ESEE's and they are superb blades. They keep an edge quite well. If the ESEE is out of your immediate budget, look at the Ka-Bar Becker BK2. That knife is darned near indestructible. It's the next one on my blade list. It will be replacing my Cold Steel GI Tanto, which is a good field knife at a cheap price. I am able to get my GI Tanto sharp enough to shave with.
The ESEE 4 is a great knife. I haven’t had it long or put it thru much use yet, but I can tell you this thing rocks. It has a thick blade, feels solid and is well balanced.
Check out the Ontario Knife RAT series. http://www.bladehq.com/cat--Ontario-RAT--1610 Full tang, good High carbon steel and good lookin micarta handles. Comes in different sizes with plain or partial serrations. And they come with a sweet kydex sheath with tech locks. Best of all they don't break the bank!
Check out www irontreeforge.com ,nice handmade knives by a friend of mine. Full tang ,folding or even swords. From Michigan
Ka bar knives are the way to go I bought an old military Ka Bar fighting knife from the Korean War era and I never go in the woods with out it
I agree with all the esee people that are speaking out and I am a really big esee supporter but I believe a becker bk7 is a great survival knife (aside from the sheath which is crap) because of its size and strength it has a 7 inch blade and a 3/16 of a inch spine the Steal is 1095 cro-van which is a high carbon steal and the knife is clip point with a full tang construction. The knife is very balanced and comfortable in the hand and is most comfortable if u have medium to large size hands
