Product description NV-1-01
The technical specifications presented by the military required the production of a combat knife and a tool for all occasions. It was proposed to take the Spanish cutter Jungle King II (King of the Jungle II) from the Survival Knife series as a basis. After lengthy tests, the Basurmanin knife with the GRAU 6X6 index was released. It contained all the required functions in accordance with the technical specifications. But we will consider the civilian version of the NV-1-01, which is not much different from a military weapon.
Blade
For the manufacture of the wedge, 8HF steel and high-strength tooling were used. The blade line is slightly concave. The blade is made in a dagger style. The descents occupy 1/3 of the blade.
There is practically no sharpening of the blade out of the box. There is a reduction of 45 degrees on each side - the cutting edge must be adjusted clearly.
And the best solution would be to reduce it to 30 degrees for a good chopping effect. The process will not be easy - tool steel is quite hard.
The blade has no fullers, the blade is single-sided. A small false blade, 3-4 cm long, gives it a resemblance to a dagger. The shape of the product is convenient for piercing blows. The blade is blued.
Handle
Comfortable metal cylindrical handle, it is a continuation of the wedge. The inside and handle are hollow. The notches on the surface help you control the knife well in your palm. The length of the handle allows it to be used for a variety of grips. A good guard with a wide end can be used as a hammer. The top of the handle has a screw-on cap with a rubber ring seal. Under it there is a pencil case with NAZ and a safety strap.
Powerful, rounded handle with notches.
Sheath
The monolithic construction made of weapons-grade plastic is quite reliable. The scabbard consists of two halves connected by a hinge. When they are closed, two cavities are formed for the blade and additional accessories. The halves are secured with a special latch.
The extendable feature is designed to allow the sheath to be used as a wire cutter. They perfectly cut wires and electrical wires under a voltage of 3000 volts.
The upper part of the scabbard has brackets for winding a four-meter thin ship's cable. The lower case contains a light knife and a saw, they are fixed with plastic elements. On the front side of the sheath there is a magnetic compass and an abrasive stone.
Performance characteristics of the survival knife Basurmanin NV 1-01
Despite the knife’s intended use for hunting, fishing, or relaxing in the forest, you can only purchase a cutter if you have a hunting license. The Basurmanin NV 1-01 knife is a bladed weapon. It is not available for use by a mere mortal. The characteristics of the coldweed are as follows:
- total length of the knife – 330 mm;
- blade length – 160 mm;
- steel grade – 8ХФ (questionable);
- wedge hardness – 58-60 HRC;
- butt width – 4 mm;
- blade width – 30 mm;
- handle material – steel;
- sheath material – weapon plastic;
- weight of the set with sheath – 750 grams;
- production – IZHMASH;
- country of origin: USSR/Russia.
The manufacturer does not indicate the steel grade of the product. What is connected with it is a mystery. It is difficult to sharpen and does not hold an edge well. Based on its characteristics, almost all knife lovers are inclined towards the 8HF brand. We will not confirm, we will leave this moment in question.
Survival dagger SOG D25
An interesting model from the SOG company. This is a real dagger, and you can call it a survival knife only if you have to survive in an area densely populated by people. This is where this model will show what it is capable of. The SOG D25 has a typical double-sided dagger sharpening, although 1/3 of the blade closer to the heel is equipped with a serrated sharpening.
The total length of the knife is 270 mm, the blade is 140 mm. The thickness of the blade is 4.5 mm, which makes the dagger suitable for power work. It's just a strange choice of steel - it's 440A. At the same time, the hardness of the blade is 56-58 HRC. The choice of handle materials is no less strange. The handle itself is made of wood, but the impressive guard is made of impact-resistant plastic.
I would call the SOG D25 more of a combat knife than a “survival” knife, although everyone survives in their own way.
Vital pencil case
The pencil case with a wearable emergency supply has a cylindrical shape slightly smaller than the diameter of the handle. It is hermetically sealed on both sides with screw caps. The pencil case is made of plastic. The kit includes:
- a reel with wound fishing line and thread;
- hooks for catching fish of various sizes;
- awl, pin, needle and sinker made of lead;
- matches in sealed plastic and cherkash;
- tablets for water disinfection.
Nothing superfluous, everything to the point.
The accessories are quite sufficient for starting a fire, catching fish and disinfecting water. If necessary, you can actually replace some elements to your liking.
Small knife, saw and sharpener
The lightweight cutter included with the Basurmanin NV 1-01 knife is made of the same steel as the main product. It is recommended to sharpen it immediately after purchasing, it is dull. It can be attached to a stick using a cord, thereby obtaining a spear. It is useful for catching fish or small animals. The multitool has a bottle opener and a flathead screwdriver. Blade length 3.5 cm, convenient finger rest.
A hacksaw 10 cm long, attached to a sheath. We tested it, and to our great surprise, it works! We are already accustomed to Chinese products that come included – as long as it’s there. The saw copes not only with wood, but also with metal rods.
The abrasive block attached to the sheath has a medium grain, but in reality it will sharpen the Basurmanin’s blade for several days. It won't even fix the edge.
Hacksaw and small wedge (multi-tool).
Survival knife FALLKNIVEN S1
FALLKNIVEN S1 is an excellent knife for a true “survivalist”. There are no bells and whistles here, but the knife itself is universal. This model was created specifically to equip US Air Force crews, so there is no doubt about the quality of the product.
The total length of the knife is 247 mm, the blade is 130 mm long. Laminated steel, VG-10 core, 420C linings. Hardness is stated at 59 HRC, which makes the knife suitable for many jobs. FALLKNIVEN S1 weighs only 190 grams, which allows you to wear it on your belt as an everyday knife.
The knife handle is made of Thermorun material. It fits perfectly in the hand, does not slip and does not cool the palm. The set includes a high-quality leather sheath. In general, the FALLKNIVEN S1 model will be an excellent assistant in any situation.
Knife testing
To test the product, it is necessary to create conditions that are close to truly extreme. Testing will be tough. Let's find out what will come of it:
- Cutting the edge at a large angle does not allow you to plan the wood at all. It was not possible to prepare pegs for the tent.
- We are trying to cut down a bush branch with a diameter of 3 cm. The round handle constantly rotates in the hand, having put on a lanyard, the work began to progress. The time investment is about three minutes - a long time.
- It's time to loaf. The result exceeds all expectations. This knife is designed for exactly this purpose.
- It is difficult to pick a hole in wood. This is again due to the round handle, which rotates in the hand. But the tip bites well into the surface and behaves well when breaking.
Unfortunately, this is an ax or a crowbar. It does not pretend to be a knife. The product does not implement the main cutting function. I really want to hope that the compass shows not the weather, but the cardinal directions, the matches are burning and the threads are not torn.
Positive and negative aspects of the product
It was not possible to break the blade during the test. To say that a knife cuts well is to deceive the reader. When balancing the product towards the blade, this is quite strange. The reason lies in the shape and material of the handle. Let's look at a few more conclusions:
pros | Minuses |
Multifunctionality of the kit | Planes poorly |
High blade strength | Inconvenient handle |
High strength scabbard material | Poor cutting abilities |
Convenient sheath mounting | Handle material |
High penetrating ability of the wedge | Steel is difficult to sharpen |
Dumb accessories out of the box |
The blade is intended for hand-to-hand combat and thrusting. Readers may disagree with the conclusions. But even when bringing the blade together at a smaller angle, the knife refuses to plane. But the handle is a real problem.
Budget option Mora 2000
One of the most worthy knives in the price/quality category is the Mora 2000. This Swedish knife can be an excellent helper in any situation. This knife has long been appreciated by Russian fishermen, hunters and extreme tourists.
The knife is made of Swedish Sandvik steel, with a hardness of 58 HRC. The blade length is 105 mm, and the total length of the knife is 220 mm. This knife is not an excellent all-rounder; it can be used to “loaf” kindling for kindling, open cans, and so on. At the same time, no chips or nicks form on the blade. A simple sharpening stone is enough, and after 5 minutes the knife will be sharp again.
Impressions about the knife
It is necessary to understand that everything in this world is subjective. The Basurmanin NV-1 knife was created as a murder or survival weapon. He definitely served the soldiers faithfully. But the civilian version of the Basurmanin NV-1-01 knife, intended for hunting, fishing and tourism, does not fulfill its functions. This is a souvenir with a lot of trinkets, and it belongs on a shelf or chopping wood.
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Modern views
The design of modern survival knives can accommodate additional tools (an awl, a corkscrew, a screwdriver). There is a compass on the handle or side of the sheath.
In addition, the pencil case may include means for starting a fire, a first aid kit and tablets for water disinfection. A lighter or waxed matches can be used to start a fire.
Additionally, several tablets of dry fuel are included. A survival knife kit is assembled by the owner himself and may contain other materials.
The upper side of the blade has teeth (serrated sharpening), and the knife can be used as a saw for wood and bones.
It is possible to manufacture the saw as a separate element, which is stored in a hollow handle.
Depending on the setting angle and the shape of the teeth, the blades can be intended for sawing wood, bones or aluminum structures. It is possible to use blades with fine teeth designed for cutting stronger metals.
The main blade of the knife can be equipped with a quick-release mount and exchanged for other products (an axe, a spatula or a special-purpose blade). To store a supply of rope, the outer part of the sheath can be used, on which several meters of durable synthetic cord are wound.
It is impossible to create a universal knife that is equally suitable for performing all functions. The shape of the blade depends on the preference of the owner or the geography of use. Knife handles can be made of metal, and for use at low temperatures - of polyamide with glass filler.
Ways for further development
Today, there are two types of survival knives - military and civilian. The civilian version is an enlarged pocket knife, which contains additional blades (up to 25...30 pcs.).
Classic examples of this type of product are multifunctional products from Victorinox or Leatherman Sidekick. A number of models have been produced for several decades and during this time have undergone virtually no changes.
A folding survival knife is used for hiking or fishing; it is not suitable for more serious purposes.
Military survival knives are gradually replacing combat blades from everyday use. New materials are used to make the blade and handles, which reduce the weight of the weapon without sacrificing strength.
The disadvantage of military knives is that they are not available for purchase even through specialized stores. But over time, many military solutions begin to be used in civilian life. Therefore, we should expect the appearance of publicly available survival knives created taking into account the experience of operating military weapons.