Opinions on this knife?

[steelezac]

Hi guys,

I'm looking to invest in some equipment that's going to last and of course a knife is a major tool in any survival kit.

What are the opinions on this knife?

http://www.outdoorgb.com/p/Gerber_Bear_Grylls_Ultimate_Fine_Edge_Knife/?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=directory&utm_content=GBR&currency=GBP&country=GBR&SelectedBundle=176559&gclid=CM6yvZ7L9r4CFa3LtAodRm0AKA

A friend has told me it is a brilliant tool but I cannot buy it on one recommendation.

Comments are welcome whether they be good or bad.

Zac.

[Rasputin]

IMHO you cant beat a Mora or Ultafors for price and value for your money, without BG on it that knife would cost a lot less

[steelezac]

I will have a look at the Moras and Ultafors. I was thinking the same thing. It looks like a rugged knife but as you said because it's been endorsed by BG, the price will have soared.

[Adam Savage]

Another thing to note is, Gerber aren't anywhere near as good as they used to be. At least this one hasn't got the useless serrated section ;)
£50-£60 is probably the worse sector of the knife market. It's expensive enough for you to want a good knife that will last, but too cheap to get a well known handmade knife.
Like Rasputin says, the Mora and Hultafors knives are probably a better bet. They are cheap, but they are very tough, and are made to a pretty high standard. If you wanted something even tougher than the Companion/Clipper, or Craftsman, then the Mora Bushcraft range are pretty good.

[FishyFolk]

There are Mora knives and then there are Mora knives.

I know that for some reason the Mora Clipper and Mora Companion are popular ammong UK bushcrafters. But I would go for any Mora but these two.
They are both designed by Frost and comes from the Mora Frost factory. And that means very short tangs. They only go an inch or so into the handle.

The other models like the Mora 2000 (discontinued), Mora 511, Mora 711, Mora Bushcraft, etc have a stick tang that goes almost right trough the handle, and offer a much stronger construction IMHO.
Therse models originated from the old Mora Ericsson factory.

Today Mora Frost and Mora Eriksson has fused into Mora of Sweden. And the kept all the models from both companies.

[Adam Savage]

You're right about the varying tang lengths, but it's worth noting that some sub models have different tangs too, like the Mora Bushcraft Triflex has a shorter tang than the Bushcraft Force.
The Top Q model is very similar to the Companion, but has a longer tang too.
Saying this, I don;t know of more than a couple of times when a Companion or Clipper have ever come apart at the tang. The way the handle is bonded to it is incredibly strong. :)

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_QnIsgflDDLM/TNAklzOFTpI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/KcfhQJ9m9gA/s1600/uppsgadeknivar2.JPG

[Adam Savage]

Here's a link for a Top Q to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of a solid knife. At £11 it's fantastic, even though it's not a "bushcrafty" colour ;)

http://www.swanseatimber.co.uk/shop//mora-topq-allround-knife-100mm-blade-(blue-top)/prod_4028645.html?gclid=CPyV1LO9974CFa-WtAodtwsA0Q

[steelezac]

The Top Q definitely looks like a tough and effective piece of kit and at £11 it's a total bargain.

The Mora Bushcraft Black Knife: http://www.springfields.co.uk/mora-bushcraft-black.html?gclid=CM_DhPSf974CFSjpwgodnakAIA

The above looks like a Top Q on steroids and the Carbon blade that prevents corrosion is a useful addition.

[FishyFolk]

Here's a link for a Top Q to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of a solid knife. At £11 it's fantastic, even though it's not a "bushcrafty" colour ;)

http://www.swanseatimber.co.uk/shop//mora-topq-allround-knife-100mm-blade-(blue-top)/prod_4028645.html?gclid=CPyV1LO9974CFa-WtAodtwsA0Q

I'd still chose a Mora 711 over a Mora clipper. I do not know what you pay for them over there, but here the Mora 711 cost about 4,50£, and you can pick them up at almost any supermarket :-)
The handle on them is also the best I have ever had for carving. It's super comfortable.

[David_JAFO]

hello,
Exactly.
Regards
David


IMHO you cant beat a Mora or Ultafors for price and value for your money, without BG on it that knife would cost a lot less

[midas]

There are lot more knives on the market that are better value for the money.You Dont need all the gimmicks.n hype.Ive got some expensive damascus bladed knives.But usually turn to my Moras,(RM 30 yr bushcraft,spec offer 2 for £20)when I need a good sharp blade.Though I use my knives !as knives,n my axe as an axe!

[ammo]

Honesty mate, for that price you can get a much better knife. I would rather get a used knife from the classified sections on the forum.
Start a thread, Knife wanted, budget of.... I think the PMs will be flying in.

[Adam Savage]

I'd still chose a Mora 711 over a Mora clipper. I do not know what you pay for them over there, but here the Mora 711 cost about 4,50£, and you can pick them up at almost any supermarket :-)
The handle on them is also the best I have ever had for carving. It's super comfortable.

Sounds like they're pretty nice. I've never used one myself, so would be wrong for me to suggest one :) They are around £10 to purchase here. I think the cheapest Mora is the 511, but it feels very "plasticy", compared the the 840

[OakAshandThorn]

I thought the Mora Companion had an extended tang over the clipper...2/3 or 3/4 through the handle :confused2:

[Adam Savage]

Looks like you're right bud. I just assumed it was the same as the Clipper.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qiOBE2qmyE/TZRjlJSzeaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/r22N5eV8QRQ/s1600/1.JPG

[timmyp666]

I got bought a bg one as a thankyou from a mate, and have been happy with it , the bg brand seems to get a slating but if you like the knife pretend it hasn't got the bg badge on it! You can always shop around for better value for money , better quality hand made one off stuff. Thing i like about off the shelf stuff is when you loose it or break it , you go online and order a new one straight away , no emotional stress of losing a one off beloved tool. I have really nice one off neck knife my bruv made me for my birthday , she's a bute and i love her but everytime shes not in her place i panic.....

[Blood]

Bbbaaaaa. Sheepish shenanigans. Mora. Frosts. Very good from their recommendations alone aswell as their famous endorsements.
But, why not have something to fit you. That's all yours and not just another knife.
You have a great budget to work with there, have a look on English-handmade-knives.co.uk.
They often have offers on too. You could get a couple of purpose blades of different sizes for not a lot. Handle them yourself and make your own sheath. By doing this alone you'll learn a multitude of skills such as leatherwork, some woodworking and sharpening those new blades to perfection.
Best of luck.

[OakAshandThorn]

Looks like you're right bud. I just assumed it was the same as the Clipper.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2qiOBE2qmyE/TZRjlJSzeaI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/r22N5eV8QRQ/s1600/1.JPG
It doesn't help that some folks think of them as the same, using the terms interchangeably - I've noticed retailers doing it as well ("Mora Clipper Companion"). Can be a bit confuzzling until you see a photo of the knife itself or can find its series number, 860 or 840 in this case for the Companion and Clipper respectively.

[Adam Savage]

I thought the 840 was the carbon, and 860 was the stainless versions of both the Companion and Clipper, but the Clipper was now obsolete. I know 100% that the Companion carbon is an 840, as I've had a few of them.

[OakAshandThorn]

Oooops...my bad, you're right on that one ;).

[Adam Savage]

Can't be right all the time :p

[OakAshandThorn]

True that...it seems some online reviewers confuzzled me.

[Rasputin]

Here's a link for a Top Q to demonstrate the cost effectiveness of a solid knife. At £11 it's fantastic, even though it's not a "bushcrafty" colour ;)

http://www.swanseatimber.co.uk/shop//mora-topq-allround-knife-100mm-blade-(blue-top)/prod_4028645.html?gclid=CPyV1LO9974CFa-WtAodtwsA0Q

TBH Adam I'me not keen on bushy colours, if I know I'me going to be in a really grassy area I want my bright orange in ya face Hulti with me. Ken

[Adam Savage]

TBH Adam I'me not keen on bushy colours, if I know I'me going to be in a really grassy area I want my bright orange in ya face Hulti with me. Ken

I know what you mean. I have no preference on colour personally, but the brighter ones do make it easier to find.

[Proventurer]

There are Mora knives and then there are Mora knives.

I know that for some reason the Mora Clipper and Mora Companion are popular ammong UK bushcrafters. But I would go for any Mora but these two.
They are both designed by Frost and comes from the Mora Frost factory. And that means very short tangs. They only go an inch or so into the handle.

The other models like the Mora 2000 (discontinued), Mora 511, Mora 711, Mora Bushcraft, etc have a stick tang that goes almost right trough the handle, and offer a much stronger construction IMHO.
Therse models originated from the old Mora Ericsson factory.

Today Mora Frost and Mora Eriksson has fused into Mora of Sweden. And the kept all the models from both companies.

Sorry Mr Fishy Folk, but your talking of things past, look at the Mora website, then look under outdoor knives, then Companion MG 860 (SS) you will see an X-ray drawing which shows the hilt extending way over two thirds of the way in to the handle, they are reliable I should know, I sell them here in SA.

[FishyFolk]

Sorry Mr Fishy Folk, but your talking of things past, look at the Mora website, then look under outdoor knives, then Companion MG 860 (SS) you will see an X-ray drawing which shows the hilt extending way over two thirds of the way in to the handle, they are reliable I should know, I sell them here in SA.

I'll take your word for it :-)

[Blood]

So, how did you get on and more over, what have you bought;)

[steelezac]

I haven't been able to decide Blood, the discussions on here have nudged me in the direction of the Mora or Hultafors knives but I'm still unsure. I am going into town today to pick up some supplies and hoping to see something that takes my fancy. There are so many types, models etc. I'm just going to have to take the plunge and learn from experience!

[Blood]

That's exactly what to do. You'll know soon enough. ;) best of luck

[steelezac]

Hey all,

Since starting this thread I have come a long way with my bushcraft. I have also taken the plunge with regards to my knives.

Firstly, I purchased the BG Ultimate Knife with serrations. I have to admit, the advice I had was to avoid this knife and I can thoroughly understand why. The knife is one I would keep to a camping weekend with the family. The edge is ridiculously hard to get and once the edge is sharpened it lasts around a day or so; that's whittling sticks etc.

I have also purchased Opinels 6 and 8. Both are tremendously well built knives with simplicity in mind. Sharp out of the box and they stay sharp for an age when compared to the BGs endorsed knife.

The most recent of my knives is the Mora Bushcraft Black with a 3.2mm thick blade. I have to say, this is by far my favourite! :)

MORA, I salute you!

[Adam Savage]

We've all done the same thing. Buying all manner of sharp things, no matter how much good advice we get lol.
Glad you found one that works for you in the end, and also that the other blades you bought have found places to do their tasks :)

[steelezac]

Haha I haven't finished yet Adam..

Soon I will be looking into getting a bushcraft axe and a hatchet!

Woodwork will be a lot easier with those in my pack :)

[Adam Savage]

A splitting axe and a small hatchet will make things lot easier, like you say. For the splitting axe the quality isn't quite as important, but with a small hatchet it's really a case of "you get what you pay for". I've used many small hatchets, and the best ones have been the Gransfors, and the vintage hand forged examples. Although the latter can take quite a bit of work to get them up to scratch, they're often easily found at flea markets, boot sales, and antiques dealers, for little money.
A decent folding saw comes in very handy too, such as any of the Bahco models, or Silkys (if you can stretch the their budget).
For large sawing tasks a bow saw, or a buck saw are a god send. :)

[steelezac]

Both splitting axe and hatchet are on my shopping list :)

I have been looking at investing in a folding saw, any recommendations?

Also, do you have any websites/YouTube videos that will give me an insight into locating rabbit snares in order to increase my chances?

Atb

[Adam Savage]

For the money, I'd recommend the Bahco Laplander. It's got a good solid build quality, the blade will lock closed as well as open, and it cuts better, for longer, than anything cheaper, as well as some that are more expensive. Replacement blades are available too, if you can find a seller with a good price.
There are many that get on well with cheaper saws, but it can be a bit of a gamble with them. Quality control isn't always consistent.

YouTube will have lots of snare based videos, but generally they need to be placed on a run that you know is in use. Also make sure you know the legal requirements with setting snares too. Don;t want to get into trouble with anyone :)

[steelezac]

I'd rather invest my money into something that is going to last as you say, money is a major concern to a student! [emoji17]

Saving for the Bahco Laplander seems to me that that's the way I will go!

It's not so much the snaring I'd have the issue with it's locating a run, tracking etc. not just for rabbits but for any food source. The only type of 'hunting' per se I've ever done is some fishing with my old man when I was really young.. that didn't go too well either!

[Adam Savage]

Runs are pretty easy to identify really, but it's one of those things that has a few variations to look out for, and much easier to have someone with you that can show you in the flesh. There's only so much you can see on a video, or in photos, especially if they don't have the colour/contrast/saturation/etc correct.
Where abouts in the country are you. There's a top guy I know, who lives on the edge of Somerset and Dorset, who knows all there is to know, and is a great teacher. He's on the forum too, but if you're in the opposite direction, it's not much use lol. There are probably many more great trackers on this forum, and even more that know a good enough amount to be able to help.

[steelezac]

I thought as much, that's always where I come unstuck. For as long as I can remember I have moved around. On average once every two years, meaning that getting to know people isn't something that's come easily due to moving soon after arriving.

Currently, I live in Stoke on Trent. Not many people, at least so far, on here are from around this area.

Due to this I often venture out alone.

[Adam Savage]

There are a few lads from a little further north than you, but not sure when they are planning another meet. It's worth keeping an eye out on the meets section of the forum. Strangers are usually welcome, and you seem like a polite enough person lol. I'm sure there's some members in the Derby area, which isn't too away from your area.

[steelezac]

No derby isn't all that far away :)

I have a look on the meets section from time to time but it doesn't change that much lol.

I'm sure it'll happen soon enough!

[Adam Savage]

Ammo announced a meet in the North West/North Wales section, in Flintshire, which is a bit further than Derby, but still not too bad.