Controversial opinion: Knives are the coolest tool. And while all of my friends tell me that I already own too many, I made room for the Haswell Survival Knife in my collection.
Currently available for $75 on Indiegogo, this 9.5" knife (with a 4.5" blade) is not only one of the most handsome knives I’ve ever seen, but also checks off a lot of what one should look for in a survival knife.
It’s a fixed blade knife, which is big for durability, and it doesn’t have saw teeth on the blunt-edge, which can actually make a blade weaker.
The Haswell is made from “1095 high-carbon steel,” a walnut handle and brass rivets. That’s it; no weird compass attachments or bottle-openers.
It’s just a really well-made knife with a wedge-shaped edge and comfortable handle. Not for nothing, but this particular blade is perfect to start a collection with, or as a gift for someone who has everything... including an extensive knife collection.
The Haswell Survival Knife is available in a few different permutations, including different sheath and bundled with other outdoor gear starting at $75. Shipments are expected before the holiday season, right in time to test your mettle in snowy outdoor weather. Coalatree has been making some of our favorite outdoor apparel for years, so this knife seems to portend an expanded product line in the future.
In addition to the Haswell knife, I own three Mora knives (a short and long carving knife, plus a hook knife) for carving, a CRKT Bev-Edge to take hiking, an Opinel to open boxes, and a Swiss Army Knife in case I have something in my teeth. (I also have a Gransfors Small Carving Hatchet, which is fun to explain when a cute girl comes over.)
Please let me know in the comments if you have any recommendations on knives I should add to my collection.