Posted: 12/14/2011 6:52:28 PM EDT
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Putting together a GHB on a budget. So far I have fire, first aid, water, and warmth. Still need to add food and knives.
Can probably only get 1 at the moment, so the question is: Should I get a good multi-tool first or a fixed blade? Which is more useful/beneficial. I am thinking about a SOG multi tool, and undecided about the fixed blade. Maybe a Mora or sog seal pup. 50ish is probably the budget. If you had to choose between the 2, which would you go with?? |
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For a blade you don't really need a Rambo style knife, the MORA more then covers you for what you will probably need.
I think a multi tool has a lot of advantages and worth while carrying the extra weight. Gerber, Leatherman or SOG pick which one you feel comfortable with which has the tools you feel you will benefit from the most. Unless you feel the need to defend yourself from hordes of zombies, then you may want to look at swords. 
As cheap as Mora knives are, and being a proponent of two is one one is none, I'd pick up an extra.....or two....or three. Mora knives |
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The Gerber LMF II is a good option.... just above your $50 price range, but still reasonable. They're carbon steel if I recall. Drop point blade with a partial serration. Also, there are holes in the hilt which allow it to be affixed to a pole/stick to create a spear which will only increase the capabilities of the tool. The sheath has a built in sharpener and can attach in many different ways.
Regarding your options of food vs bladed instrument, I would recommend a blade first. My suggestion would be to purchase a good fixed blade knife, then when money allows a multitool, again when money allows, one more knife or multitool (1 is none, 2 is 1, 3 is 2, and so on). After that, I'd start worrying about food. Plus with food you can add little bits at a time. When you go grocery shopping pick up a couple cans of tuna and throw them in your pack. Maybe some oatmeal too. I know the tuna cans arent ideal weight wise, but they would be a good inexpensive start until you're able to get some lighter weight long term food options. You can add food in small amounts without a huge decrease in your wallet. There are lots of good knives out there. I would recommend you find something in your pricerange that you're happy with and is of quality. I carry an EESE RATCO RC-5 as my primary knife in my BOB. I have an LMF II in each of my GHB (1 in each vehicle). Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps. |
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Man, I love my Seal Pups, but to be honest for a GHB, you are better off with a multi-tool.
Once you leave these bags in a vehicle, you really learn how useful they are and in the more common day to day uses, the multi-tool wins over a larger fixed blade as far as how often do I use it or will need it. Tj |
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Quoted:
Man, I love my Seal Pups, but to be honest for a GHB, you are better off with a multi-tool. Once you leave these bags in a vehicle, you really learn how useful they are and in the more common day to day uses, the multi-tool wins over a larger fixed blade as far as how often do I use it or will need it. Tj I agree. Multi tool hands down. I finally put a mora in my pack along with my leather an surge. The surge is the best tool I have found. |
| Might I suggest the Leatherman Wave? A bit more expensive ($69) but I have used mine daily hard for three years and it refuses to give up...can't beat that. The blades on it, one serrated, one plain take a razor sharp edge and hold it well. NO MATTER WHAT YOU GET, GET A GOOD SHARPENER...to go with it. |
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Quoted:
Might I suggest the Leatherman Wave? A bit more expensive ($69) but I have used mine daily hard for three years and it refuses to give up...can't beat that. The blades on it, one serrated, one plain take a razor sharp edge and hold it well. NO MATTER WHAT YOU GET, GET A GOOD SHARPENER...to go with it. +1 Love the wave, and use it every day. (4 or 5 years I think) I have different Leatherman tools all over the place, but the Wave is the last one I bought, and I still EDC. |
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Quoted:
Man, I love my Seal Pups, but to be honest for a GHB, you are better off with a multi-tool. Once you leave these bags in a vehicle, you really learn how useful they are and in the more common day to day uses, the multi-tool wins over a larger fixed blade as far as how often do I use it or will need it. Tj I agree. If you can only afford one at this time, get the MT. You will need a fixed blade in the future though. Also, don't rule out butchering/field dressing specific knives in the future. |
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I've had both SOGs and Leathermans. I would rather have a cheap Leatheman over a top of the line SOG. The pliers and tools feel so much better and stay tight with years of use.
This may just be anecdotal, but there is a state surplus store that I stop by occasionally. They end up with a lot of the stuff the TSA confiscates and sell it off cheap. They seperate everything out in different boxes: Victornox, Schrade, Buck, Leatherman, SOG, etc. The few Leathermans that are left are the damaged ones, look like they were run over by trucks. They always have a full box of SOGs, plenty of good ones to choose from, and they're still cheaper than the screwed up Leathermans. |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
Man, I love my Seal Pups, but to be honest for a GHB, you are better off with a multi-tool. Once you leave these bags in a vehicle, you really learn how useful they are and in the more common day to day uses, the multi-tool wins over a larger fixed blade as far as how often do I use it or will need it. Tj I agree. If you can only afford one at this time, get the MT. You will need a fixed blade in the future though. Also, don't rule out butchering/field dressing specific knives in the future. Another vote for the MT. Get the Leatherman Wave and you'll be happy. 
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