MOD Survival Knife - good or bad?

[Ginja]

Greetings all. Does anyone have an opinion on the 'old fashioned' MOD Jungle Suvival Knife? I've been recommended it by an ex-forces friend, who says that despite a tendency for causing blisters, it's a dependable tool for all manner of chopping, gutting, shelter-building, digging, you name it. I've checked it out close-up and it certainly seems to be a solid piece of kit - a big lump of tempered steel, sandwiched between two pieces of wood (as I think someone on this forum once described it!).

If you own one, or have used one in the field and have an opinion - good or bad - then I'd be interested to hear it. I need a new knife and want something that 'gets the job done,' plain and simple.

Cheers, G.

 

[RovingArcher]

A friend owns the MOD survival blade and he likes it fine. I used it for a day and found it to be an all around performer. I didn't much like the handle and wore a glove to avoid the blister effect. There are better shovels and my preference was to whittle a digging stick with the blade, there are better choppers and there are certainly better slicers and dicers, but as an all around beat it up blade that can keep you out of trouble, it'll work just fine for you.

For a similar use knife, I have the Becker BK-7 combat/utility knife.

 

[tenbears10]

I've checked it out close-up and it certainly seems to be a solid piece of kit - a big lump of tempered steel, sandwiched between two pieces of wood (as I think someone on this forum once described it!).

Cheers, G.

Think that might have been me. I wasn't trying to be rude about the knife but it is very industrial. People often say that you should remember that MOD contracts go to the lowest bidder. That means that while it does the job there are better options out there.

The knife is difficult to sharpen and although it may keep the edge a while you will have to work to keep it razor sharp. Depending on what you want it for I would think a small axe would do the job better and other tasks as well. The gransfors wildlife hatchet or the witterlings version are both great for everything from chopping to carving. Also I hear billhooks are good at this kind of thing. Jack is the man for billhook info but search the forum and you will find threads discussing the merits of axes and billhooks.

Bill

 

[Great Pebble]

I love it, used one for years as my "big" blade until my Dartmoor came along.
As I said on the Dartmoor thread though, I like big blades, personally I'd have difficulty with most tasks without a heavyish blade. Just what I'm used to.

 

[dtalbot]

I'd go with a decent Staffordshire patten billhook for that range of work. Even my old cast steel one is a brilliant outdor tool!
Cheers
David

 

[mercury]

Don't bother . The MOD survival knife is a useless chunk of metel and you'd have to be really desperate to use one

Made by the lowest bidder - spot on !

 

[Ginja]

Many thanks for the comments folks. There seems to be quite a divide of opinion, but as with all things, it's a case of 'horses for courses,' eh?! Having thought about it, I probably am going to purchase the MOD knife as I have a good feeling that it'll suit my needs - ie. hard wearing, not to shy of a few knocks, and not to precious a piece of kit if it gets lost! (don't take out what you can't afford to lose, eh?). A friend of mine says that a bandage of insulating tape around the handle helps to avoid the blister-effect - not exactly pretty, but functional nonetheless. Anyway, if it turns out to be a turkey I'll eat my hat (and let you know about it ...!). Thanks again. G

 

[rapidboy]

I have used the new one and the older version.
The new one is a real dog but the older Wilkinson Sword is a good piece of kit if you can find one.

I used this one for many years before i got onto the GB axe's.
A mini GB is more capable and lighter at 410 grams compared to the WS at 560 grams.

RB

 

[Chopper]

Like everything has an intended use, this knife is designed to be an all rounder although I carry one of these as well as a four inch bladed knife, as I have enough common sense to realise that the mod knife is more suited to heavy work including digging holes, and for the finer work the smaller knife is better suited.
The mod knife has a very good quality high carbon steel blade of which sharpens beautifully if you use a corse diamond card first and then a 800 grit waterstone gives a very useable edge, if however like me you are a sharpening nut you could finnish off with a 6000 grit waterstone and have a finish that you can shave with.
There are now two versions of this knife the original wooden handled one and the new black fibre version, other than the handles there is no differance other than the price the latter is approx £10 dearer.
The best place to locate these is via the manufacturer based in shefield there web address is www.sheffieldknives.co.uk
I find this knife a great asset, and so should you providing that you dont try to use it beond its limitations, and for the price you cant beat it, I bought mine second hand at a militaria fair for £10 and as far as robustness with a blade 7" x 2" x 1/4" thick it makes a bloody good pry bar, the only thing that I have done to mine is to whip the handle with para cord as the riveted handle can be uncomfortable for prolonged use.
I hope that this response is of use to you, if you need any more info let me know.
Chopper.

 

[tedw]

It’s a love ‘em or hate ‘em thing! I share tenbears10 and mercury’s opinions on these. I did not like mine at all and gave it away a few years ago, but if you want one have a look at this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=67584&item=2261492041&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

Ted W

 

[tedw]

Just another thought if it's a big military-type knife you're after. About the best large, general purpose field knife I've ever had was a (genuine) Camillus USMC Ka-Bar. Like this one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4719&item=2261109521&rd=1&ssPageName=WD2V

(Yeah, still browsing on evilBay!)

It was tough as old boots, took a cracking edge and I found it comfortable to work with. Sadly I gave that away too in a fit of drunken generosity, to a bloomin’ Rock Ape! I replaced it with an USAF Survival knife that is ok but does not have the same raw chopping power.

Ted W

 

[RovingArcher]

I owned one of the USMC blades and it was a good one. Gave it to a friend when I bought the Becker, which is a much superior blade. Also got one of the venerable USAF PSKs. You're right about the lack of chopping power, but it a real get down and get dirty blade. Tough as nails and takes a fair edge. I replaced the original sheath with a Blackhawk Airborne sheath, which has a larger pouch for more essential gear and I wrapped some paracord around the handle for a little better grip.

 

[tedw]

Have to say that makes the dear old USAF knife look pretty horny! I’ll see if I can get one of those sheaths.
The USAF knife does not seem to be well thought of on here. :shock: UK bushcrafters tend to prefer the lighter scandi-type knives so I'm going to try one of those next time I manage to get out in the woods.

Ted W

 

[Stuart]

I have to say that i really really don't like the MOD knife or the USAF knife

the MOD knife seem to have been designed more for beating wood into submission rather than cutting it (hence the military name for it "tree beater")

the USAF knife seems to have been designed for fighting more that survival
and the clip point and the saw back only serve to weaken the point and spine respectively

am i correct in my recollection that the USAF knife has a leather stacked handle? these get really stinking when they absorb blood from gutting and food prep

this of course only demonstrates my personal preference for knives If these knives suit you then great, a knife is a personal item and every person is different.

 

[RovingArcher]

When heading into the bush, I always take a scandi along. Even their most inexpensive blades are excellent.

 

[tedw]

Yes, Stuart, the USAF PSK has the leather stacked type handle. Good point on the blood & guts, I've never butchered anything with mine so never thought about any hygiene aspects. It's cut, hammered, dug and pryed fine, though. What do you use?

Ted W

 

[Stuart]

I use a Scandi most of the time, but thanks to C Claycombe i have now made my own which i'm playing with at the moment ):