Lynn Thompson's Choices for Field Knives and Everyday Outdoors General Use Knives
Key Takeaways
SR 1 (Survival Rescue 1 - most rugged and versatile folding knife in the world)
CL Voyager 5.5 inch Folding Knife
Formax Scout Folding Knife (lock can hold up to 800lbs of weight)
Cold Steel Scalper Fixed Blade (budget friendly about $30.00)
AK47 Field Knife Fixed 5.5 inch blade
Cold Steel Outdoorsman (specific for outdoor user)
Transcript
Field Knives and Everyday Outdoors General Use Knives
By Lynn Thompson, Founder of Cold Steel Knives
If you enjoy spending your free days outdoors, like I do, you might appreciate learning more about field knives. I define a field knife as an everyday knife you use outdoors. It needs to be a multitasking tool—something you can use for skinning, field dressing, cutting branches, starting a fire, or handling any other utility task you encounter during your outdoor activities. This knife should handle it all.
As with skinning knives, I’ll start with folding options. One of the most rugged and versatile folding knives in the world is the SR1, which stands for "Survival Rescue 1." It features a 5 mm thick S35VN powdered steel blade with a sturdy clip point. The hollow-ground blade has a slightly thicker edge compared to other Cold Steel knives, and that’s intentional—it’s designed for heavy-duty use. A field knife has to be prepared for anything, and the SR1 delivers. Its Tri-Ad lock is incredibly strong, and the G10 handle scales, along with heat-treated liners, make this knife extraordinarily durable. The SR1 can hold over 400 pounds of weight applied to the blade without disengaging the lock, making it a dependable and safe choice.
The knife also includes an integral finger guard to protect your fingers, and it has a choil to allow for precise, fine work. The generous grip accommodates hands of all sizes, giving you a solid, secure hold. It’s not only a superb cutting tool but also a reliable self-defense option in a pinch. I highly recommend this knife for outdoor enthusiasts.
Another versatile folding knife is the 5.5-inch CL Voyager. This knife features a continuous sweep on its edge, a flat grind, and a clip point for excellent piercing capability. It’s suitable for emergency self-defense, with multiple grip options to maximize reach and leverage. The Voyager’s strong lock makes it capable of handling almost any conceivable task. It’s a fantastic outdoor field knife and a dependable tool for unexpected situations.
Next, we move to the Formax Scout, a "younger brother" of the original Formax. While it uses Japanese AUS-10A steel instead of premium powdered steels, it is still incredibly durable. The Formax Scout’s lock can hold up to 800 pounds of weight, arguably making it one of the strongest folding knives in the world. Although the knife is a bit bulky and heavy, some people appreciate its solid, tank-like build. If I had to choose one folding knife to bring into the wilderness, such as being dropped off in Africa, I’d pick the Formax Scout. Its robustness inspires confidence, and there’s virtually nothing it can’t handle.
Now, let’s move on to fixed-blade knives, starting with the Cold Steel Scalper. This knife is budget-friendly at about $30, making it accessible for everyone. Its blade shape resembles the knives traded with Native Americans in the 1600s to 1800s—a testament to its enduring utility. The Scalper is an excellent all-around field knife, suitable for skinning, slicing, food prep, and game processing. It has a generous handle for a secure grip and a sharp edge with plenty of belly for effective cutting. The included sheath is practical, and this knife is an outstanding option for anyone on a budget.
The next fixed blade is the AK-47 Field Knife, which I designed with the help of Andrew Demko. This knife features a 5.5-inch blade with a short, stout clip point that is both strong and sharp. Its relatively thin edge is easy to sharpen, offering excellent cutting and piercing power. The G10 handle includes an integral guard and double finger grooves, ensuring a secure grip in both saber and reverse grips. The full-tang construction makes this knife incredibly sturdy—one of the toughest field knives you can carry. Despite its durability, it isn’t overly intimidating when worn on your belt, making it a practical yet formidable choice.
Finally, there’s the Cold Steel Outdoorsman, a knife designed specifically for outdoor use, with an emphasis on hunting. It includes a bone breaker on the spine, perfect for tasks like cutting through a deer’s foreleg joint. The blade has a continuous curve to the tip and is hollow-ground, providing a thin yet durable edge for precision cutting. The textured grip melts into your hand for a comfortable hold, even during extended use. You can also choke up on the blade for detailed work. The Outdoorsman is beautifully crafted, with polished fittings and impeccable guard-blade alignment. It’s not just a functional field knife but also a visually appealing tool. Additionally, its upswept point makes it suitable for self-defense.
In conclusion, for folding knives, I recommend the SR1, the Voyager, or the Formax Scout, depending on your needs and preferences. For fixed blades, the Scalper is a great budget option, while the AK-47 Field Knife and Outdoorsman offer exceptional performance for more demanding tasks. Each of these knives is versatile, durable, and reliable, making them excellent choices for field use.
