Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife Review

Let’s Talk About Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife is Rothco’s homage to a classic piece of military gear. This knife, priced affordably, promises reliability and functionality for survival situations. For anyone seeking a no-frills, functional blade reminiscent of those carried by pilots, this knife could be a contender.

I was looking for a dependable, budget-friendly knife to include in a bug-out bag. I wanted something that could handle basic cutting tasks and potentially serve as a backup tool. I also wanted a knife with a classic look and feel.

Upon unboxing, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife felt solid but not exceptionally refined. The leather handle had a slightly rough texture, and the Parkerized blade gave off a utilitarian vibe. The included leather sheath felt adequately sturdy, although the sharpening stone seemed basic.

Compared to a more expensive Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife or a Gerber StrongArm, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife lacks the premium materials and refined finish. However, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife had a significantly lower price. It was a compromise between quality and budget.

Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. The knife seemed functional, but I questioned its long-term durability under demanding conditions. Only real-world testing would reveal its true capabilities.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife on a weekend camping trip in the nearby national forest. The primary tasks were preparing firewood, cutting rope, and food preparation. The knife was used in dry conditions during the fall season.

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife performed reasonably well for basic tasks. Chopping small branches for kindling proved manageable, and the blade held its edge adequately through initial use. However, the leather handle became slightly slippery when wet.

No immediate issues arose after the first use, but the sharpening stone felt too coarse for fine honing. The leather sheath showed no signs of damage. I noticed the Parkerized coating on the blade resisted scratching.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of occasional use, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife has shown signs of wear, but remains functional. The Parkerized finish has held up well, minimizing rust despite humid conditions. The leather handle, however, shows scratches and some discoloration.

The edge retention is acceptable for a carbon steel blade, but requires periodic sharpening. The leather sheath remains intact but shows signs of wear from repeated sheathing and unsheathing. Maintenance involved cleaning the blade and occasionally oiling the leather handle.

Compared to my Benchmade fixed blade, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife doesn’t offer the same level of edge retention or overall durability. However, considering the price difference, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife performs adequately for light to medium duty tasks. The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife is a decent value for the price.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife

Specifications

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife features a 5-inch Parkerized blade made of S45C carbon steel. It has a clip point blade shape and a plain edge with a serrated top edge. The handle is made of leather, available in brown or orange, and the sheath is also made of leather.

These specifications are significant. The carbon steel blade offers decent edge retention and is relatively easy to sharpen, but it’s more prone to rust than stainless steel. The leather handle provides a classic look and reasonable grip, but can become slippery when wet.

Performance & Functionality

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife is designed for general survival tasks such as cutting, chopping, and batoning (splitting wood with the knife as a wedge). Its performance is adequate for light to medium-duty applications. The serrated edge can handle sawing tasks.

The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and classic design. Weaknesses include its limited edge retention compared to higher-end knives. The leather handle is not as durable as synthetic materials. Overall, the Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife meets expectations for a budget-friendly survival knife.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife has a simple, functional design. The leather handle provides a comfortable grip for most hand sizes, although it can become slippery when wet. The knife’s weight is balanced adequately, but not exceptional.

There’s no significant learning curve to using this knife. Its basic design makes it easy to handle. However, the leather sheath requires breaking in for smooth sheathing and unsheathing.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife’s durability is acceptable for its price point. The carbon steel blade is prone to rust if not properly maintained. The leather handle is durable, but susceptible to scratches and discoloration.

Maintaining the knife requires regular cleaning and oiling of the blade to prevent rust. The leather handle needs occasional conditioning to prevent drying and cracking. The sharpening stone is adequate for basic edge maintenance, but a higher-quality stone would be preferable.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife comes with a leather sheath featuring a leg strap and a basic sharpening stone. There are limited options for customization. However, the leather handle could be replaced with aftermarket scales, though this would require some modification.

The knife is compatible with standard knife sharpening systems. You can also purchase aftermarket sheaths if desired. No other accessory options are widely available.

Pros and Cons of Rothco GI Style Pilot’s Survival Knife