 Originally Posted by Yojimbo
Wow! Russell and Randall - two of the finest knifemakers around. Pricey, to be sure, but high-quality, top notch craftsmanship. You'd have to find your own artisan knifemaker to put a better one together, and it would likely cost you much more than either Russell or Randall would.
I'm impressed by your taste in blades, Crappingbear, and a little jealous of your collection since I've been dreaming of adding a Russell or Randall to my belt for years now, but just cannot afford one.
My blades: Scharade Buck folder I have had for 20 years and several cheapo "made in china" folders that I use at work. (So cheap, I don't really care if I dull the blade opening cartons, etc, but so cheaply constructed that they won't hold up under extended use - strictly disposable) Of course, I am never without a multitool, but I wish I could afford a decent one.
Oh I've got others that are more collectable; these are the "users". But, what I really want to stress is that there are some fantastic bargains in production knives today. You can get really great tools for 50 bucks and sometimes less. Cold Steel is a bargain production seller and their stuff is usually stout as hall especially the fixed blades and hatchets.
You can get a Kershaw production model of Ken Onion's power assist folders (like a switchblade but legal) for less than 50 bucks. Ive got a few. You don't need a 300 buck knife to survive, hunt or get by. I just enjoy collecting things. For instance, I collect signed first edition books. Spend alot on them and thats my choice. I've got a 78 Les Paul guitar and 77 Strat; its just how I roll.
But, as I have always said, any knife is better than no knife. You really can't go wrong if you have any idea how to sharpen them.
Ive got this knife as a fighter, which I guess means I will never use unless zoms really do come back. Its a Cold Steel copy of the Randall model 1 fighter and the greatest fighter design in history in my op. Damned well made too. http://www.coldsteel.com/micl.html
I see Cold steel is offering the Russell knife for 20 bucks so the patent must have run out. hard to go wrong for 20 bucks but keep in mind the Russells are still hand made and forged while the cold steel will be production from overseas. http://www.coldsteel.com/cabekn.html
I dont have one of these but they might be the best value ever, called the Bushman series by Cold Steel. Good blade with a hollow handle you can put a length of wood in to make a spear. Or, you can do a small survival kit in a plastic bag and stuff in the hilt. Had I not already had good stuff, Id buy one of these. http://www.coldsteel.com/bushmanseries.html
Stainless steel vs carbon steel? Most pick stainless for no reason other than they don't know what to do about rust. Here is the reality: stainless does not hold an edge as well as carbon steel and it is harder to sharpen which means those who aren't good at it usually screw up a stainless edge and turn it into a shovel. Carbon steel is much more forgiving and holds a great edge. You can get a cheap 20 buck Old Hickory butcher knife at wal mart that will last an eternity like your dutch oven cast iron stove and never go wrong.
As far as sharpening tools, the sky is the limit. What most dont realize is you don't need to run a blade across a stone to sharpen; thats for re-building the edge. Usually all you need is a leather strop (barbers length of leather) or pair of work boots like I use. When a knife gets dull, what it means is the "wire edge" is not aligned and is bent. You strop the knife on leather, even cardboard and it puts that wire edge back in line and razor sharp. Master Knifesmith Mr. Emerson always uses just cardboard to bring his handmade masterpieces back to razor sharpness. I've used sharpening media ranging from rocks in the field to flourescent lightbulbs (bet Stray hasn't dont that one  ) Again.....any knife no matter how dull is better than none. Its the ONLY survival item you MUST have.
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