Let’s Dive into Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is a full-tang fixed blade knife designed for outdoor and general utility use. Manufactured by Survivor, this knife boasts a lengthy 12.8-inch overall length with a 7.7-inch stainless steel blade and a green nylon fiber handle, all packaged with a leather sheath at an incredibly accessible price point. This knife promises a significant amount of blade for very little money, but can a budget-friendly option hold its own in demanding situations?
I found myself looking at the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 because I needed a backup knife for my bug-out bag. I wanted something inexpensive, durable enough to handle basic camp chores, and easily replaceable if lost or damaged. I was searching for an affordable option to have on hand for any unexpected scenarios.
Upon unboxing, the knife certainly looked the part. The sheer size was impressive, and the green handle provided a decent grip. However, the lightweight nature and the slightly rough finish on the handle immediately betrayed its budget origins.
I was considering a Mora Companion and an Ozark Trail fixed blade before settling on the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798. I chose the Survivor because of its overall size and aggressive profile; it simply looked like it could handle larger tasks, and the price was too attractive to ignore for a backup blade. The Mora is a fantastic general-purpose knife, but I wanted something bigger for splitting wood and other heavy-duty tasks. The Ozark Trail option felt flimsy in comparison.
My initial impression was a mix of intrigue and skepticism. I was excited by the size and potential utility, but I wondered if the materials and construction would hold up under pressure. The value proposition was undeniable, but only real-world testing would reveal if the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 could live up to its name.
Real-World Testing: Putting Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 on a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. I primarily used it for basic camp tasks like preparing kindling, batoning small logs for firewood, and food preparation. The weather was mostly dry, but I did encounter some light rain.
In dry conditions, the knife performed adequately for light tasks. The edge wasn’t razor sharp out of the box, but it was sufficient for feathering sticks and slicing vegetables. However, when batoning, I noticed some slight blade flex, and the handle became somewhat slippery in the rain, affecting the grip.
The knife felt awkward and unwieldy during food prep, and after batoning for an extended period, the rough texture of the nylon fiber handle caused some discomfort. The initial impression was that the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is best suited for larger, less precise tasks in favorable conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of sporadic use, the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 has shown moderate wear and tear. The blade has developed some minor surface scratches from batoning, and the edge has dulled noticeably. The sheath, while functional, is showing signs of wear at the seams.
The blade has held up surprisingly well, despite the flex I observed earlier. The full-tang construction seems robust enough to prevent catastrophic failure. However, the handle has become even more slick, and the nylon fiber has begun to separate slightly from the tang.
Cleaning the blade is relatively easy with soap and water, and I’ve applied mineral oil to prevent rusting. The sheath requires occasional cleaning to prevent mildew. The knife hasn’t significantly outperformed any of my expectations, but its held up better than a knife costing $14.99 reasonably should.
Breaking Down the Features of Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798
Specifications
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 has an overall length of 12.8 inches. This substantial size gives it leverage for chopping and batoning.
The blade length is 7.7 inches and made of stainless steel with a satin finish. The stainless steel provides corrosion resistance, making it suitable for outdoor use, but the edge retention is likely less than high-carbon steels.
The blade thickness is 5mm. This thickness contributes to the knife’s strength but also makes it less suitable for fine slicing.
The handle is made of 5.1-inch green nylon fiber. This material is lightweight and weather-resistant, but can become slippery when wet.
The package includes a leather sheath. The sheath provides a means of carrying the knife but is of basic quality.
Survivor has designated the knife as a fixed blade. This design is generally stronger and more reliable than folding knives.
Performance & Functionality
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is designed to be a general-purpose outdoor knife and offers the most utility in tasks like chopping and batoning small to medium-sized pieces of wood. While not ideal for intricate tasks, it excels at the rough work for survival scenarios.
The blade’s edge retention is mediocre and requires frequent sharpening. The grip, while adequate in dry conditions, becomes slick when wet and hinders precise control.
For $14.99, the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 meets expectations as a cheap, readily available camp knife. It’s unlikely to replace your primary knife, but it serves as a decent backup or a tool for tasks where you don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive blade.
Design & Ergonomics
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798’s build quality reflects its low price point. The materials are basic, and the finish is somewhat rough. The handle is functional but lacks the ergonomic refinements of more expensive knives.
There is minimal learning curve with using the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798. Its simple design and straightforward functionality make it easy to use for anyone with basic knife skills.
Durability & Maintenance
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is moderately durable for its price. The stainless steel blade is resistant to corrosion, but its edge retention is limited. With proper care, the knife should last for several years of occasional use.
Maintenance is straightforward. Regular cleaning and oiling are all that’s needed to keep the blade in good condition. The nylon fiber handle can be cleaned with soap and water.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 comes with a basic leather sheath. There are no readily apparent customization options directly applicable to the knife itself.
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798‘s simple design means any general knife accessories like sharpening stones or cleaning kits can be used, however the user will likely not want to invest further into such a low-cost tool.
Pros and Cons of Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798
Pros
- Very affordable price point.
- Large blade offers good chopping power.
- Stainless steel blade provides corrosion resistance.
- Full-tang construction enhances durability.
- Simple, no-frills design is easy to use.
Cons
- Mediocre edge retention requires frequent sharpening.
- Nylon fiber handle can become slippery when wet.
- Sheath is of basic quality and may not last long with heavy use.
Who Should Buy Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798?
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is perfect for:
- Casual campers and hikers who need a cheap backup knife for light tasks.
- Survivalists looking for an inexpensive blade to include in a bug-out bag.
- Anyone needing a beater knife for tasks where they don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive blade.
Who should skip this product?
- Serious outdoorsmen and professionals who demand high performance and reliability from their knives.
- Anyone who prioritizes comfort and ergonomics over price.
Must-have accessories or modifications?
- A quality sharpening stone or system.
- Paracord wrap on the handle for improved grip.
Conclusion on Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798
The Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 is a budget-friendly option that offers a surprising amount of utility for its price. While it’s not a high-performance knife, it’s a decent choice for casual users who need a cheap and reliable blade for light tasks.
The value proposition is undeniable. For around $15, you get a large, full-tang fixed blade knife that can handle basic camp chores.
I would recommend the Survivor Fixed Blade HK-798 to anyone looking for an inexpensive backup knife or a beater blade for tasks where they don’t want to risk damaging a more expensive knife. Don’t expect it to perform like a high-end knife, but for the price, it’s hard to complain. Pick one up, throw it in your pack, and have peace of mind knowing you have a backup blade without breaking the bank.