1776PatriotUSA.com

Tag: knife

Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife[2023]
Several years ago I entered a contest on a preparedness website that no longer exists whereby I showed my personal SHTF knife and then described it. Back then the knife was the Buck Hoodlum(I have two) which was designed by Ron Hood. I still have both my knives and love them. Fast forward to 2023, the Buck Hoodlum is still a fantastic knife, and although both of mine show some serious signs of use(and maybe a bit of abuse), it remains a fantastic tool. Although discontinued I wish it was still available today.

Here’s my entry:
Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife
Blade Length: 10″ (25.4 cm)

BladeMaterial: 5160 Carbon Steel

Carry System: Black, heavy-duty nylon, M.O.L.L.E. compatible sheath

Handle Material: Micarta

Weight: 14.6 oz
As I slowly walked along the edge of the woodline looking out into the field – I saw them. They were 30 yards away and staggering in a generally parallel direction with the edge of pines that concealed me. I had to decide – do I allow them to exist? Do I allow them to continue to feed on the unarmed and ill-prepared? Do I allow them to kill the innocent? The answer was simple…..No!

I grabbed a fist-sized rock and threw it over their heads to distract them. They bit – and turned in the direction of the impact. In an instant, I darted out of the woods straight towards the closest of the undead. Within seconds the first was 10 yards away and I had my Buck Hoodlum knife exiting its sheath in my right hand. The target was just beginning to turn in response to my running as I twisted my upper body to the right so my left shoulder was pointing at the walking pile of rotting flesh and then with one quick motion like a coiled spring I twisted to the left. The Buck Hoodlum sliced through the air in my extended right hand. The Hoodlum penetrated the skull of the undead easily and removed the top half. My first target was down – and was not going to be coming back.

Target two reached out with a moan. I wonder if there was any emotion in this thing as it saw its partner crumble to the ground. Regardless – it had to be done. The Hoodlum was still at the end of its initial strike and was on my left side. I turned my wrist so the blade would face the undead and I swung back – removing the arm which had just touched me.

“It touched me……ewwwwwww!!” I thought to myself.

The undead stepped back as his arm hit the ground. Black liquid drained from the wound. One final strike was all that was needed as an overhead swing impacted the skull atop the forehead and split it in half. The undead dropped and laid to rest next to his “friend”.

Wiping the bloody blade off on the clothes of the fallen – I said out loud – “Thank you Ron Hood.”

I love my knife.

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”479083634″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″] [ecwid_product id=”474266019″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]
March 2, 2023
Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife
Several years ago I entered a contest on a preparedness website that no longer exists whereby I showed my personal SHTF-knife and then described it. Back then the knife was the Buck Hoodlum(I have two) which was designed Ron Hood. I still have both my knives and love them.

Here’s my entry:
Buck Hoodlum Survival Knife
Blade Length: 10″ (25.4 cm)

BladeMaterial: 5160 Carbon Steel

Carry System: Black, heavy-duty nylon, M.O.L.L.E. compatible sheath

Handle Material: Micarta

Weight: 14.6 oz
As I slowly walked along the edge of the woodline looking out into the field – I saw them. They were 30 yards away and staggering in a generally parallel direction with the edge of pines that concealed me. I had to decide – do I allow them to exist? Do I allow them to continue to feed on the unarmed and ill-prepared? Do I allow them to kill the innocent? The answer was simple…..No!

I grabbed a fist-sized rock and threw it over their heads to distract them. They bit – and turned in the direction of the impact. In an instant, I darted out of the woods straight towards the closest of the undead. Within seconds the first was 10 yards away and I had my Buck Hoodlum knife exiting its sheath in my right hand. The target was just beginning to turn in response to my running as I twisted my upper body to the right so my left shoulder was pointing at the walking pile of rotting flesh and then with one quick motion like a coiled spring I twisted to the left. The Buck Hoodlum sliced through the air in my extended right hand. The Hoodlum penetrated the skull of the undead easily and removed the top half. My first target was down – and was not going to be coming back.

Target two reached out with a moan. I wonder if there was any emotion in this thing as it saw its partner crumble to the ground. Regardless – it had to be done. The Hoodlum was still at the end of its initial strike and was on my left side. I turned my wrist so the blade would face the undead and I swung back – removing the arm which had just touched me.

“It touched me……ewwwwwww!!” I thought to myself.

The undead stepped back as his arm hit the ground. Black liquid drained from the wound. One final strike was all that was needed as an overhead swing impacted the skull atop the forehead and split it in half. The undead dropped and laid to rest next to his “friend”.

Wiping the bloody blade off on the clothes of the fallen – I said out loud – “Thank you Ron Hood.”

I love my knife.

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”479083634″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″] [ecwid_product id=”474266019″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]
July 26, 2022
got knives?

Knives. Probably not much that will get people debating more than knives – except maybe guns.

I’ve never had much of a knife fetish, though I have quite a few. I’m more of a collector than someone who purposely buys knives with a specific job or task in mind. I like multi-tools and for the most part, have stuck with Gerber. They have served me well. I used a Gerber Suspension for years at one job until they banned “edged tools” from the plant.

I have an old Japanese hollow handle knife that was a copy of the version John Rambo carried in First Blood. I know it’s more of a mantlepiece than a real tool to be relied upon, but hey – can’t I have an action fantasy now and then?

I picked up a Gerber BMF survival knife a few years ago. This is a knife I absolutely loved and owned one back in the early 90’s when it was in production. As it sometimes happens I sold it due to being in need of money. I was determined to get another and now that I have one – it will stay with me.

I bought several of the Chinese ESEE 3 copies from a company called CIMA. These are super high quality and were a great deal at $20. I have two left and have one strapped to my plate carrier. I love the size, weight, and shape of it. I highly recommend the ESEE 3 fixed blade as it is identical and all around just about perfect for most tasks except batoning.

Over the years I’ve had my hands on many knives. The Bear Grylls Survival Knife is one I expected to be a piece of crap. Turned out it was really nice. Good build quality, durable. Early models had the pommel fall off during heavy use. I pounded the dog crap out of my later model and it held up no problem. The sharpener worked well. While the coloring makes it look toy-like, it’s built similar to the Gerber line of knives such as the Gerber LMF II.

So many knives, so little money….LOL.

got knife?

I bet you do.

Tula .223 Rem Ammunition

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Fantastic Car Pack and EDC Bag

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 5.2in Tanto Blade and TPE Handle – less than $40

June 3, 2021
Tabletop Review: Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Knife

As part of the building a survival kit series, I ordered the Ontario Air Force Survival Knife. I received it yesterday and was shocked with what came out of the box.

In short – it’s terrible. This is the dullest knife I have ever purchased. The edge is uneven and looks like it’s been used to cut open cans of corn. Horrible. The sheath is mediocre at best feeling rather thin and cheap. The latch which goes over the sharpening stone is riveted to the sheath. Those rivets protrude into the area where the knife blade enters the sheath. Every time the blade is inserted and withdrawn from the sheath those rivets scratch the hell out of the blade. Crazy!!!

[slideshow_deploy id=’14466′]

I have already sent the knife back today and ordered the Mora which was the runner-up. There will be at least one more knife added to the kit at some point in the future. The Ontario will NOT be an option.

Did I get a lemon? Maybe.

So disappointed.

Rourke

[ecwid_product id=”258965324″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”1″]

April 1, 2021
CIMA Knife Table Top Review
This was originally published August 23rd, 2016. My CIMA knives continue to do extremely well today.

I ordered this CIMA fixed blade knife a couple months ago when it was on sale for less than $20 and was shipped free. I really wasn’t expecting much. This is Chinese-made and at that price point how good could it be? As usual, when ordering from GearBest a package was waiting for me when I arrived home approx 3 weeks later.

This review is going to be a short one and a true “table top” rather than “testing & evaluation”. I love this knife. I have not taken it out in the woods and feathered sticks, stabbed it into dead carcasses, or zombie eye sockets. No – it has remained in the box in mint condition. I have since ordered two more which at least one will come under regular use.

Here are a few specs:
- Blade Material: 7Cr17MOV stainless steel
- Hardness: 58 HRC
- Blade Length: Almost 3.5″
- Handle Length: 4.5″
- Overall: 8.5″
- Color: Black
- Handle Material: Flax/Linen
Quick Summary: This is a smaller knife that feels great in the hand. Balance is towards the handle which doesn’t lend well to batoning but let’s be realistic – the blade is less than 3.5″ long. Full tang thickness is 4.5mm which is acceptable for a knife this size. The sheath is great and the knife retainment is excellent via an audible “snap” when the knife is interested. No straps needed.

Check out the pictures below that will scroll across the screen. They are a combination of photo’s I took and ones used for advertisements.

Oh – did I mention that the CIMA fixed blade knife is a clone of the respected ESEE 3 which cost around $100? No? Well, it is and a very close clone at that.

Recommended. For more information click HERE.

Rourke

[slideshow_deploy id=’2901′]
November 9, 2017
Review: Schrade SCH101L Folding Liner Lock Knife
The Schrade SCH101L – an EDC Knife

Leave home without a knife and inevitably you’ll end up needing one. Incorporating a knife into your EDC can prove to be beneficial and even cause you to reach the status of “HERO” when a friend needs one and you’re there for the rescue! Knives are an integral part of any prepper’s stockpile. Over the last several months I have carried several knives including the Schrade Stainless Liner Lock Folding Pocket Knife.

Specifications:
- Blade Length: 3.2″ (8.1 cm)
- Blade Steel: 9Cr14MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Overall Length: 7.6″ (19.3 cm)
- Handle Material: G10
- Weight: 4.6 oz.
[slideshow_deploy id=’5585′]

The Schrade SCH101L – the Review

This Schrade folder is what I would call a medium-sized. Perfect for pocket carry and when using the included clip is easily deployed. There are thumb studs on both sides of the blade for easy opening with either hand. The blade opens very smoothly. The blade to frame fit is very tight with no wiggle or play.

I really like the drop point tip of the Schrade which is a very strong design. I have had some other knives that are a bit too “pointy” and damage to the fine tip comes too easily. The blade contains no serrations and the 3″ blade does well with small to medium chores such as carving, slicing, feathering, general cutting – but leave batoning to the big boys. The blades stainless steel material will resist rusting and is a decent hardness for keeping an edge.

The Schrade’s handles are made from G10 material. If you are not familiar with G10 it is a fiberglass composite that is very lightweight and strong. G10 is known for being extremely rugged. There is nice checkering molded into the handles to better the grip. I would have liked a more aggressive checkering but it is pretty good.

If desired a lanyard can be secured via a hole at the bottom of the knife. That’s not my cup of tea but options are good.

Once open the blade is locked into place via a liner lock. Liner locks are very common and generally work very well. I’ve had no issues with the Schrade.

The Schrade SCH101L – Final Thoughts

I love this knife. For around $10 you just can’t go wrong. A friend of mine stopped by and I had it on the kitchen table. He picked it up and was checking it out and then pulled out his Benchmade. Talk about two opposite ends of the price spectrum – but he really liked the Schrade!

If you are looking for a very good and inexpensive EDC pocket knife – the Schrade SCH101L is it.

Rourke
March 19, 2017
From the Desk of John Rourke – December 22nd, 2016

Over on my Instagram page a lively discussion about the Electoral College versus popular vote has been going on all day. I used to be a believer in using the popular vote – until I understood what could result. Although there is a lot of misinformation regarding how many counties Trump won versus Hillary – the numbers do not lie:

Trump: 2,623 Hillary: 489

When you dig down into the numbers deeper it is truly telling. Remove the top 100 most populated counties and Trump won the EC by an even larger margin AND the popular vote by close to 15 million votes. We already know the pundits and pollsters didn’t have it close – but it is really “worse” then they thought.

The following picture is the exact reason why we have the Electoral College. Blue – Hillary counties Red – Trump

Does the above map look like Hillary won the election?

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

I did a lot of my Christmas shopping online this year and so far extremely pleased. Shipping was fast with tracking all the way. One item had to be sent back and this was not an issue. Amazon was used for most things and as always they do a great job. I also have been shopping on eBay recently and found some decent deals.

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

My knife collection has been expanding more lately. This all started when Chris(13 year old) decided he wanted to be a “country boy” – which is fine by me. He started collecting himself especially after Panhandle Rancher gave him one. I am eyeing a Tops Pathfinder Knife right now. Looks awesome but really would like to see one up close before I shell out the money. Although – the knives I have bought from GearBest have been great.

See:

CIMA Knife Table Top Review

REVIEW: HX Outdoors Survival Knife

Of the two the CIMA is my favorite.

◊ ◊ ◊ ◊ ◊

3 days to go!!!!!

December 21, 2016
Special sale on CIMA Knife

A quick note: The CIMA knife I did a table top review on has just been reduced in price for a limited time. As of this writing and it may change at any time the price is only $15.59 with Free Shipping. This is a crazy deal and I just ordered 4 myself.

If you remember from my review this is a copy of the very pricey ESEE 3 which cost around $100. A few have reported that the knife fits tight in the sheath which of the 3 I already has not been a problem. At $15.59 it is a bargain. Remember when ordering from GearBest shipping times can take around 3 weeks. It’s worth the wait.

Lastly – when I ordered I had to order 2 at a time rather than all 4 at once. Not sure why but there was an error when trying to do all 4 so I just divided it up into two separate orders.

Click this link to go directly to the sales page.

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Rourke

[slideshow_deploy id=’2901′]

September 9, 2016
CIMA Knife Table Top Review
I ordered this CIMA fixed blade knife a couple months ago when it was on sale for less than $20 and was shipped free. I really wasn’t expecting much. This is a chinese-made and at that price point how good could it be? As usual when ordering from GearBest a package was waiting for me when I arrived home approx 3 weeks later.

This review is going to be a short one and a true “table top” rather than “testing & evaluation”. I love this knife. I have not taken it out in the woods and feathered sticks, stabbed it into dead carcuses, or zombie eye sockets. No – it has remained in the box in mint condition. I have since ordered two more which at least one will come under regular use.

Here are a few specs:
- Blade Material: 7Cr17MOV stainless steel
- Hardness: 58 HRC
- Blade Length: Almost 3.5″
- Handle Length: 4.5″
- Overall: 8.5″
- Color: Black
- Handle Material: Flax/Linen
Quick Summary: This is a smaller knife that feels great in the hand. Balance is towards the handle which doesn’t lend well to batoning but come on – the blade is less than 3.5″ long. Full tang thickness is 4.5mm which is acceptable for a knife this size. Sheath is great and the knife retainment is excellent via an audible “snap” when the knife is interested. No straps needed.

Check out the pictures below that will scroll across the screen. They are a combination of photo’s I took and ones used for advertisements.

Oh – did I mention that the CIMA fixed blade knife is a clone of the respected ESEE 3 which cost around $100? No? – well it is and a very close clone at that.

Recommended. For more information click HERE.

Rourke

[slideshow_deploy id=’2901′]
August 23, 2016
GearBest.com Giveaway winner…….

Using a random number generator from Random.org TexasScout – the 5th commentor – won the HX Outdoors Survival Knife.

Hope to host more giveaways in the future.

I appreciate GearBest.com for offering the items for this giveaway. I have ordered many things – including tablets, remote control cars, battery holders, chargers, and even mini-SD cards from GearBest and have never had any issues. Although shipping time may be upwards for 2-3 weeks the savings are well worth the patience.

A few things currently on sale(remember – prices could change at anytime):

Shockproof CR123 Battery Storage Box – only $4.50 with Free Shipping

WOW!! MIXZA 64GB Mini SD Card – only $11.99 until June 4th. I just ordered one of these.

348 Nichia 240 Lumen Penlights – on sale for only $6.99 each(no gift box). Use coupon code: GBBLF348

Just a few of the things they offer.

Take care all and congrat’s TexasScout!!

JR

June 3, 2016
Special offer on HX Outdoors Survival Knife

UPDATE: THIS SPECIAL DEAL IS STILL ACTIVE AND WILL BE SO UNTIL MAY 31st.

After publishing my review of the HX Outdoors Survival Knife I was contacted by GearBest.com. They created a special coupon code that will reduce the HX from $45.32 down to $37.99.

Remember – there is still Free Shipping even with the discounted price.

As with all orders from GearBest this is shipping directly from China so a wait time of 2-3 weeks is necessary. No big deal to me especially if money is being saved.

If interested click HERE and use the coupon code “HXDJ”. I’m not sure how long the code is good for.

Take care all –

Rourke

May 17, 2016
REVIEW: HX Outdoors Survival Knife

Full disclosure – Gearbest.com sent me the HX Outdoors Survival Knife for free with the acknowledgement I would conduct an honest review.

The HX Outdoors Survival Knife is one of many knives in the “all-in-one” category. When carrying the HX not only do you have the knife itself but included in the sheath is a firestarter and sharpener. Often these types of knives are looked down upon and looked at as a gimmick. So, is the HX Outdoors Survival Knife any good?

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The photo slideshow below pictures the HX in new condition prior to testing.

[slideshow_deploy id=’1631′]

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The HX Survival Knife is 8.6″ inches overall in length. Blade length is 3.5″ inches. This is not a large knife and most of it is handle. In the hand this thing feels rock solid and very controllable. For a knife this size it is rather heavy but for good reason. It is built form one solid block of steel – from tip to end.

The HX is made from “D2” steel. D2 steel is often used in applications such as shears, planners, and industrial cutting. Although not technically stainless it is very resistant to rust.

The handles are made from an extremely durable material called “G10” – which is very similar to Micarta. They are held in place by screws having Torx heads. I did throw the knife numerous times and was able to get it to stick consistently once distance and rotations were determined. In the process the knife hit the tree many times on its side and the handles never loosened up and no damage incurred other than scuff marks.

The blade came out of the box extremely sharp. In fact this was one of the sharpest knives I have ever had new. Coated with a flat black coating they call “vacuum plating black titanium”. Whatever it is so far it has held up well. The 3.5″ blade combined with large handle lends itself well to fine detailed carving and cutting. This is not a batoning knife.

The handle has two lashing holes and there is a third hole(lanyard) in the pommel. I did not try to attach the knife to a stick but it should be fairly easy. I like the size of the holes which seem sized perfectly for paracord.

The butt-end is solid and has numerous raised points to help it stay on task when pounding on nails – or trying to break a window. Remember – this knife is all from a solid piece of steel thus there is no concern of the butt-end coming off. I pounded the pommel on a large rock 50 times with nothing happening but some scuffs on the knife and creating some dust on the rock. It is solid.

The sheath is Kydex and the knife slides in easily then locks in place with an audible “snap”. Retainment is excellent. There is a slight wobble once in the sheath. No issues and it works well.

The built in fire starter works better than I do. I tried to start a fire a couple days after some torrential downpours and had little success. Strikes on the fire starter threw large sparks easily. Finding the right tinder was unsuccessful. While making my attempt one of my husky’s ran by and I reached out and grabbed a handful of fur(they are throwing their undercoat now). Placed the fur down and struck the ferrocerium rod and the fur lit right up. I tossed a Wetfire Tinder cube in and a fire was started.

The T-handle fire starter snaps into place on the sheath securely.

The sharpener is embedded along the spine of the sheath and feels rather rough. For putting an edge on a dulling blade to get it back into action it works well. Want a razor sharp edge? Look elsewhere as that is not its intended purpose.

The HX Outdoors Survival Knife is an excellent value. It is an extremely rugged knife with an excellent sheath and the side benefit of having a built-in fire starter and sharpener. It is machined from a solid block of steel and feels fantastic in the hand.

Cost is around $45.00 with Free Shipping.

Recommended.

May 16, 2016
Review: Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife

Most people know who Bear Grylls is. He is one of those survivalists guys on TV. What many do not know is he spent several years in the British SAS and eventually broke his back in three places in a free-fall parachuting accident. He spent months in military rehabilitation and celebrated his recovery by climbing Mount Everest. He has raised millions of dollars for charity and appears in numerous television shows. He has written numerous books and has led record-breaking expeditions in Antarctica and the Arctic.

He also got busted staying in a hotel while filming one of his survival shows.

Hey – nobody’s perfect.

Bear has worked with Gerber in development of numerous survival tools and knives. Particularly popular is the Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife.

General Information

The Ultimate Survival is a fixed blade knife with a 4.75″ blade partially serrated. The tang is 3/16″ thick. Research on the steel used varies from a type of 440A stainless to a “special Gerber formula”. Regardless – it is Chinese stainless steel. Many consider the tang to be full although it does not come completely to the end if the handle. – but extremely close. The knife has a soft comfortable handle with a flat pommel end for striking and hammering.

The knife comes with a multi-functional sheath containing a fire starter, diamond sharpening stone, emergency whistle, and a small sheet of survival instructions/tips.

Build looks good with smooth lines and finishes. Note: All the pictures below were prior to testing.

Above: Blade came very sharp with fairly aggressive serrations. Holes on either side of the handle contain lashing holes for securing to a pole or stick.

* * * * * * * * *

Below: Coloration is the typical dark grey and orange which represents the Bear Grylls line. I like it. The handle itself feel extremely comfortable and almost supple in the hand.

Above: Early models reportedly had problems with the pommels falling off during batoning and hammering. Gerber made a change in their manufacturing process and fixed the problem.

* * * * * * * * *

Below: The included whistle is small in size and came attached to the knife handle itself.

Above: The sheath contains a ferrocerium fire starter. It is carried in the lower portion of the sheath and rides very securely.

* * * * * * * * *

Below: On the back of the sheath sits a diamond sharpening stone which is well positioned.

Below: The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife complete with its sheath.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

TESTING & EVALUATION

I have spent the last few weeks testing the knife in a variety of ways. Certainly more time and use will lead to more thorough testing.

Below are a few pictures I took during this time period along with some commentary. A final summary follows.

Above: After a good amount of use the blade definitely needed sharpening. Based on my experience the Chinese stainless is not the best for edge retainment. The diamond sharpener worked well for bringing the edge back to more than usable.

* * * * * * * * *

Below: One shining star of the Ultimate Survival Knife is the fire starter. It works great sending a showering spray of hot sparks with each strike from the blade. There is a small section along the spine of the blade which is used to strike the ferrocerium rod.

Above: I was surprised to find I had great success throwing the knife. Time and time again I had consistant turns and sticks. This is not the knife’s fortey but just a bonus.

* * * * * * * * *

Below: Beyond smashing the knife into trees when I missed my throws I tested the pommel by hitting the flat section on a large rock exactly 50 times. Nothing loosened up or fell apart. I have never understood the need to use a knife as a hammer as I would much rather grab a large rock. For testing purposes I felt the need to go ahead and pound the crap out of it. Seems Gerber did in fact fix their previous issues.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

SUMMARY

Many who dislike Bear Grylls or the commercialized coloring of the Ultimate Survival Knife will never give it a chance. Its origin of manufacture and suspect steel quality will also omit it from numerous survival kits and get home bags. There are many knives out there that are a better choice especially at higher pirces. At the price point of $32.00 it is an excellent deal.

The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife is one of my favorites. The testing was uneventful – as it should be. Hammering on the back if the spine to split firewood was easy and no damage to the knife occurred. The whistle works – not the best – but works well. The included knife sharpener was easy to use and within a minute or two brought the edge back. The fire starter was great. The sheath itself is well designed and holds the knife securely.

$32.00. Not bad at all. I think I will get another.

One is none and two is one….right?

JR

March 23, 2016