I like knives, large and small. Fighting knives and work knives. The knife I carry every day and the ones I’d never go camping or hunting without. The first knife that I remember my dad giving me, was a US issue Camillus in stainless steel. Utilitarian and tough. It endured twisting, prying, and cutting to no end.
As I got older my uncle who had served in the Pacific in WWII gave me his Army knife, another Camillus with leather grip.
Since the 60s I’ve had many other knives to include Swiss Army Knives of all sizes. Rigger knives with a parachute line cutting switchblade. Daggers like the Gerber MK I & II and a karambit my grandson made that I cherish.
On a daily basis, and when just fishing, I carry a SOG folding blade and occasionally a Leatherman or Gerber multitool.
When hunting I carry a folder and a larger fixed blade. Inside my ruck I carry a Swiss Army knife and a set of harvesting knives with replaceable scalpel like blades. If I’m hiking in deeper than a couple of miles, I also carry a multi-tool and some other weapon specific tools to fix my rifle or bow if I have a problem.
So, what are my Top Five knives?
In order from 5 to 1 they are:
#5 – Swiss Army Officer
So many uses. I keep it tied to my belt with 550 cord.
#4 – SOG Trident AT
This is my EDC and a workhorse of a knife. There are features that I hope I never have to use but I’m happy they are included. Paracord/seat belt cutter and glass breaker.
#3 – De Chima karambit
What can I say…it’s the first knife my grandson made.
#2 – Bo & Gary Randall - Model 18 Attack Survival 7.5inch blade
This is the model of knife I carried during my time in Special Forces. Mine has a compass inside the brass hilt cover. Inside the hollow handle I kept sutures, matches, some fishing kit, and snare line. It was particularly useful in South America and the Pacific northwest. I’ve built shelters, bush chairs, and hide sites. I’ve cleaned animals I’ve snared and fish I’ve caught. Rattlesnakes don’t like this knife. I consider myself lucky that I never had to defend myself with it.
#1 – Allen Elishewitz - Pike Logan Model
About a month ago I saw Brad Taylor talking about a knife he carried during his time in Special Forces. It was from a maker I’d not heard of, but I was really taken with the style and quality. Turns out Allen wanted to make the knife again and Brad had kept all his drawings and letters with Allen. So, the Pike Logan was born. Allen made 22. He had already sold 15 when I put one on hold.
I love my Randall. I believe Brad has one or two also. But this knife is on another level. As Brad mentions in his video, this is a new steel. It is lighter and the knife feels like it was made for me and my hands. If you’ve never held a small batch, hand made knife before do yourself a favor and check out Allen’s custom creations.
PS – Wolf says thanks!