Let’s Dive into Fremont Farson Blade Survival
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival is designed as a compact survival tool, blending knife, hatchet, and emergency paracord into one lightweight package. Fremont aims to provide a versatile option for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. With a blade length of 5.5 inches and the ability to be converted into a hatchet or splitting wedge, it’s marketed as a multi-functional tool for survival situations.
I needed a lightweight, all-in-one tool for my backcountry kit, something that could handle basic cutting tasks, light wood processing, and offer some emergency preparedness. Space and weight are always at a premium when I’m trekking, so multi-functional gear is a must. I needed something more substantial than a basic folding knife, but lighter than a full-sized axe or hatchet.
Out of the box, the Fremont Farson Blade Survival felt surprisingly solid, considering its weight. The bead-blasted steel blade has a decent heft, and the paracord wrapping feels secure. The initial design seemed practical, though I had concerns about the long-term durability of the nylon sheath.
I considered the SOG Fasthawk and the CRKT Chogan T-Hawk as alternatives. Both are popular tomahawks, but they are larger and heavier. The Fremont Farson Blade Survival won out because of its smaller size, lighter weight, and the integrated paracord, which offered an added layer of utility.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Fremont Farson Blade Survival seemed like a promising tool with potential, but the low price point made me question its long-term durability and overall performance. It looked good; the real test would be putting it through its paces in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Fremont Farson Blade Survival to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Fremont Farson Blade Survival during a weekend backpacking trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I used it for various tasks, including cutting rope, preparing kindling for a fire, and batoning small pieces of wood. The weather was damp, with intermittent rain.
The blade performed adequately in wet conditions; the steel showed no immediate signs of rust. The paracord wrap provided a decent grip, even with wet hands. However, the small size made batoning larger pieces of wood challenging.
I found the tool easy to use overall, though converting it into a wedge took a little practice. The 7.75-inch cutting edge required some getting used to, as it’s longer than a typical knife blade. The nylon sheath felt flimsy, and I worried about its longevity.
My initial use revealed both strengths and weaknesses. It was great for small tasks, but its limitations as a heavy-duty tool were immediately apparent. The sheath was a definite point of concern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of intermittent use, the Fremont Farson Blade Survival has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge, though I’ve had to sharpen it a couple of times. There are a few minor scratches on the blade, but no significant signs of wear and tear.
The nylon sheath is showing signs of fraying at the edges, which reinforces my initial concerns. The paracord wrap remains intact and secure. The steel has held up well against corrosion, although I always wipe it down after use.
Maintenance is straightforward; I simply clean the blade with soap and water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a light coat of oil. Compared to my previous experience with a Gerber StrongArm, the Fremont Farson Blade Survival is lighter and more versatile for small tasks, but it lacks the robustness and heavy-duty capabilities of the Gerber. Overall, it meets expectations for a budget-friendly tool, but doesn’t exceed them.
Breaking Down the Features of Fremont Farson Blade Survival
Specifications
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival features a 5.5-inch steel blade designed for cutting and chopping. It has an overall length of 6 inches, making it compact and easy to carry. The cutting edge length is 7.75 inches, offering a decent amount of cutting surface.
The handle is wrapped with 8 feet of 550 lb. paracord for emergency use. The blade material is steel, which helps resist corrosion. The handle finish is bead-blasted for a non-reflective appearance. The knife comes with a nylon sheath for carrying.
These specifications mean it’s a light and compact tool that can be used for various tasks. The steel blade is reasonably durable and can hold an edge. The paracord provides an added layer of utility for survival situations. The nylon sheath is the weakest link, lacking the robustness of the blade.
Performance & Functionality
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival performs well as a general-purpose cutting tool. It’s sharp enough to handle most camp chores, like cutting rope, preparing food, and making feather sticks. Its ability to be used as a hatchet or splitting wedge is limited by its size and weight, but it can effectively process small pieces of wood.
The main strength of the Fremont Farson Blade Survival is its versatility. Its compact size and light weight make it easy to carry. The weakness is its limited power and the questionable durability of the sheath.
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival mostly meets expectations for a budget-friendly survival tool. It is not a replacement for a dedicated knife or hatchet, but it is a handy multi-tool for those who want to travel light.
Design & Ergonomics
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival features a simple, functional design. The bead-blasted steel blade has a minimalist look, and the paracord wrap provides a comfortable grip. It weighs just 8 oz., making it easy to carry for extended periods.
The design is user-friendly, with no significant learning curve. The paracord wrap offers a secure grip, even when wet, and the overall balance is good. The nylon sheath is the least impressive part of the design, as it feels cheap and likely won’t withstand heavy use.
Durability & Maintenance
The steel blade of the Fremont Farson Blade Survival should last for several years with proper care. The paracord wrap is durable and can be easily replaced if needed. The nylon sheath is the main concern, as it is likely to wear out more quickly.
Maintenance is simple; just clean the blade with soap and water, dry it thoroughly, and apply a light coat of oil. The paracord can be cleaned with a mild detergent if it gets dirty.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival comes with a nylon sheath. There are no listed customization options from the manufacturer.
You can potentially customize the paracord wrap with different colors or patterns. The blade could be modified with a different edge or finish, but this would void any warranty and is not recommended for those without experience in knife modification. It’s not really compatible with many accessories from other brands due to its unique design.
Pros and Cons of Fremont Farson Blade Survival
Pros
- Versatile tool: Knife, hatchet, and splitting wedge in one.
- Lightweight: Easy to carry for backpacking and hiking.
- Emergency preparedness: Includes 8 feet of 550 lb. paracord.
- Affordable: Great value for the price.
- Decent edge retention: The steel blade holds an edge fairly well with regular sharpening.
Cons
- Sheath durability: The nylon sheath feels flimsy and likely won’t last long.
- Limited power: Not a replacement for a dedicated hatchet or axe.
- Smaller size limits batoning larger wood pieces.
Who Should Buy Fremont Farson Blade Survival?
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival is perfect for: backpackers and hikers looking for a lightweight, multi-functional tool; campers needing a basic knife for camp chores; and survivalists on a budget who want an affordable backup tool.
Those who need a heavy-duty chopping tool or a knife with a high-quality sheath should skip this product. A stronger alternative is likely a better fit.
A must-have modification would be replacing the nylon sheath with a custom Kydex or leather sheath for improved durability. Adding a small sharpening stone to your kit would also be beneficial for maintaining the blade’s edge in the field.
Conclusion on Fremont Farson Blade Survival
The Fremont Farson Blade Survival is a decent budget-friendly option for those seeking a lightweight, multi-functional tool. It offers versatility and emergency preparedness in a compact package, although the sheath is a weak point.
The price is definitely justified for what you get. It’s an affordable tool that can handle basic cutting and wood-processing tasks.
I would recommend it to those who understand its limitations and are looking for a backup or supplemental tool for their outdoor adventures. Don’t expect it to perform like a high-end knife or axe, but it will get the job done in a pinch. Go ahead and grab the Fremont Farson Blade Survival if you need a lightweight option, but consider upgrading the sheath for long-term use.