There is a long list of survival knives that fit into the Best Survival Knife category all dependent on the intended use. They range from large heavy blades like the Ontario RTAK II measuring in at 16.5 inches and weighing a solid 2.2lbs to the ultra versatile Ka-Bar Becker BK2 at just 10" overall and weighing less than a pound. Needless to say it is tough to narrow down the absolute best survival knife because your intended use has a lot to do with the blade that you choose.
However for everyday practicality in our normal lives I would have to say that the Gerber LMF II ASEK tops the list for all around best survival knife. The features on this blade are not only excellent for the camper, hunter and woodsman, they also lend themselves to everyday use.
The Gerber LMF ASEK II was designed to be used by downed fighter pilots. The 4.84 inch, 12c27 stainless steel, partially serrated blade was made in part to cut through tangled fuselage in the event of a crash scenario. The butt of the knife is an excellent pummel and can be used to break anything from a car window to tough shellfish. Not to mention that in a defensive scenario it is definitely another business end to the knife.
I have one of these knives strapped to the driver-side top roll bar of my jeep. Not because I am afraid of getting car jacked, but because of the usefulness of the pummel for breaking glass should I become trapped in my car, and the strap cutter that can cut through a seat belt like a hot knife through butter. The Gerber LMF ASEK II is my "go to blade" and the best survival knife in my kit because it is useful in so many situations.
Stats at a glance:
Overall Length: 10.59"
Blade Length: 4.84"
Weight: 11.39 oz.
Price: -
The sheath of the LMF II is another huge selling point. The blade snaps into place in the kydex portion of the sheath and fits very firmly. The blade does not rattle at all, unlike other kydex sheaths that I have owned. The two straps that hold the handle in place are nylon and have a snap closure. It is so nice to have a snap instead of velcro.
The sheath also has a knife sharpener and has a number of carry options including on a MOLE vest, from your belt, and/or affixed to your leg. Over all this is the best survival knife that I have in my kit and if you are looking for a fantastic all around knife this is it!
