I dont like them. I got to try out a couple of them in the army. Quite a few of my friends had them. I didnt like a single thing about them. I just got a bk 16 I love it. Perfect for what I used in the woods. I carried a ka bar And another older knife while I was in the army. So my opinion of the lmf is from a direct comparison to the ka bar.
It sounds like your comparison is to the BK16, not a Kabar. ?
I have many knives at home but I do not have a good sturdy survival knife. I have been looking around and the Gerber LMF 2 caught my eye. I have seen good and bad reviews on this knife. I know that it is not full tang making less sturdy. Overall I just want to know what you guys think of this being my first survival knife. Is it worth it? And what do you think the pros and cons are?
There a lot of reviews on this knife because it is a well priced package and every PX carries it. As
Coad mentioned, it is quite popular with army guys. I too know a couple who have and LOVE them, esp. compared to the Kabar which the military itself criticized for a lack of or poorly designed serrations that cost soldiers' lives. The LMFII is designed with grunts in mind - heavy, sturdy, tough. The sheath is exceptional, worth >$50 alone by most standards, providing excellent retention and attachment options, quiet, functional sharpener, functions as a handle when hammering with the pommel of the knife. :thumbup: The knife itself is made in the USA, stainless steel (previously 12C27, now 420HC - both reasonably tough), thick stock for high lateral strength. The edge is also a little thick for added durability (like most military-style knives), but the blade features significant serrations than are very well implemented - thin for excellent cutting, points reduced to prevent damage, capable of carving wood and filleting fish as well as cutting all manner of rope and webbing. The hammer and glass-breaker are both very effective, the lashing holes are a nice touch. It is very capable of everything Gerber markets it toward. Noss previously D-tested the knife but hasn't re-uploaded the video after YouTube policies changed. The knife performed VERY well! The handle is very comfortable gloved or bare-handed, even in freezing cold, insulating the hand from temperature, impact shock, and also electric charge. The hidden tang is does NOT make the knife less sturdy, it runs ~4/5 the length of the handle, more than is needed for leverage purposes. Indeed, full-width full-length tangs add unnecessary weight to a knife and reduce handle comfort without adding significant strength.
As a military knife, the Gerber is well worth the common $60 - $80 price tag.
All that said, the LMFII is designed as an Aircrew Survival Egress Knife (ASEK) and
not a general woodsman survival knife. What woodsman needs an IR-resistant knife? Or electronic isolation of the handle from blade and pommel? The pommel adds a LOT of weight and unbalances the knife. As mentioned before, it is a thick knife for use as a pry-bar - again, extra weight. If you aren't in the army, I wouldn't recommend this knife over Gerber's
Prodigy, almost identical to the LMFII without the extra bells & whistles & weight. There are a lot of other options out there as well. Take your time and make an informed decision. Good luck! :thumbup:
