Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK Review

Let’s Dive into Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is a large, fixed blade knife designed for general utility and survival purposes. Manufactured by Survivor, this knife boasts a 13.5-inch overall length, a stainless steel blade with a half-serrated edge, and a cord-wrapped handle. For just $12.99, it enters the market promising a lot of blade for very little investment.

My interest in the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK stemmed from a need for a budget-friendly, large fixed blade for basic camp chores and as a backup blade in my bug-out bag. I needed something that could handle tasks like chopping small branches, preparing kindling, and general camp cutting.

Upon unboxing, the sheer size of the knife was immediately apparent. The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK feels surprisingly light given its length, which initially raised concerns about the thickness and quality of the steel. The cord-wrapped handle provides a decent grip, though the cord itself feels somewhat thin and potentially prone to wear.

Compared to other budget-friendly options like the Schrade SCHF36 or the Mora Companion, the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is significantly larger and feels less refined. I chose this knife over others primarily because of its size and extremely low price point, betting on its potential as a disposable, hard-use tool.

My first impression was a mix of intrigue and skepticism. The size is impressive for the price, but the overall fit and finish leave something to be desired. I was eager to see how it would perform in real-world conditions, fully prepared for it to either surprise me or confirm my initial reservations.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK during a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The primary tasks were chopping small branches for firewood, batoning through some seasoned pine, and preparing tinder for a campfire.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, although its edge retention was noticeably poor after only a short period of use. The cord-wrapped handle became slippery when wet, reducing the security of the grip, especially during chopping.

The biggest issue I encountered during the initial testing was the blade flexing significantly when batoning through thicker pieces of wood. This flex, coupled with the questionable steel, raised concerns about the blade’s potential to snap under pressure.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of intermittent use, the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK showed significant signs of wear and tear. The black coating on the blade started chipping off, revealing the underlying stainless steel.

The edge dulled rapidly, requiring frequent sharpening. The cord-wrapped handle became looser, and several strands began to fray.

Maintaining the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK proved to be relatively easy, as the stainless steel blade resisted rust. However, the constant sharpening required and the deteriorating handle made it a less-than-ideal tool for long-term use. In comparison to my experiences with other fixed blade knives like my ESEE 6, the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK falls far short in terms of durability, edge retention, and overall reliability.

Breaking Down the Features of Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK

Specifications

• Overall Length: 13.5 inches. This is a large knife, making it suitable for tasks requiring significant reach and leverage.
• Blade Length: 8.6 inches. The blade length provides ample cutting surface for various tasks.
• Blade Thickness: 3.5mm. The relatively thin blade contributes to the knife’s lighter weight, but also reduces its overall strength and resistance to bending.
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel. Stainless steel offers decent corrosion resistance, but often sacrifices edge retention compared to carbon steel.
• Blade Type: Fixed Blade. A fixed blade design provides increased strength and reliability compared to folding knives.
• Blade Finish: Stainless Steel. The stainless steel finish is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
• Handle Material: Cord Wrapped. The cord-wrapped handle provides a basic grip but can become slippery when wet and is prone to wear.
• Handle Color: Black. The black color provides a tactical appearance.
• Handle Finish: Full Tang Black. The full tang construction extends the blade through the entire handle, providing increased strength and stability.
• Knife Application: Fixed Blade. This indicates the knife is designed for general utility, survival, and outdoor applications.
• Included Accessories: Nylon Sheath. The nylon sheath provides a basic means of carrying the knife.
• Manufacturer: Survivor. The Survivor brand is known for producing budget-friendly outdoor and tactical gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK performs adequately for basic cutting tasks, but its performance is limited by its low-quality steel and construction. Its size makes it useful for chopping small branches, but its thin blade and flexible tang make it unsuitable for heavy-duty tasks.

The knife’s strengths lie in its low price and large size, making it a potentially disposable tool for situations where a more expensive knife might be damaged or lost. Its weaknesses include poor edge retention, a slippery handle, and questionable overall durability. It meets expectations given its price point, but does not exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is simple and utilitarian. The full tang construction provides some confidence in its overall strength, but the thin blade and cord-wrapped handle detract from its overall quality.

The ergonomics are acceptable for short periods of use, but the slippery handle and lack of contouring can lead to discomfort during extended use. There is a slight learning curve associated with using such a large knife, particularly when performing fine cutting tasks.

Durability & Maintenance

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is not built for longevity. The low-quality steel, combined with the thin blade and cord-wrapped handle, makes it prone to wear and tear.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning and sharpening, but the frequent sharpening needed indicates the poor quality of the blade steel. Repairing the knife would likely be more expensive and time-consuming than simply replacing it.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK comes with a basic nylon sheath. There are limited customization options available for this knife.

The handle could be re-wrapped with paracord, or a different style of wrapping could be used to improve the grip. The knife is not compatible with aftermarket accessories designed for other knives, due to its unique size and shape.

Pros and Cons of Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK

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Who Should Buy Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK?

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is perfect for individuals on a very tight budget who need a large, disposable knife for light-duty tasks. It might suit casual campers who need a backup blade for occasional use or as a prop for amateur filmmakers needing a large knife for visual effect.

This product should be skipped by anyone who requires a reliable, durable knife for serious outdoor activities or survival situations. Professionals, avid outdoorsmen, and anyone needing a knife they can depend on should invest in a higher-quality option.

A must-have modification would be to re-wrap the handle with higher-quality paracord for better grip and durability. Sharpening the blade immediately upon purchase is also recommended to improve its initial cutting performance.

Conclusion on Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK

The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-769BK is a budget-friendly option that offers a lot of blade for a very low price. However, its low-quality materials and construction limit its overall performance and durability.

The value proposition is questionable. While the price is undeniably attractive, the knife’s limited lifespan and performance may make it a false economy in the long run.

I would only cautiously recommend this knife to individuals who understand its limitations and are willing to accept its shortcomings. Final thoughts: if you absolutely need a large knife and have almost no budget, it might suffice, but saving up for a better-quality blade is highly advisable. Consider investing in a more reputable brand for a truly dependable tool.