Survive! GSO-2.7 Passaround Review

[chiral.grolim]

Survive! GSO-2.7 (pass-around)

This knife came to me as part of a pass-around initiated by grogimus:

http://surviveknives.com/gso-2-7/

Specifications:

Blade length: 2.83" tip to handle (average, is actually shorter at spine, longer at belly due to slant of guard)
Cutting Edge Length: 2.7"
Blade Width: 1"
Stock Thickness: 0.125"
Bevel geometry: ' primary, 20-dps secondary, 0.020" BTE
Handle Length: 3.75" + 0.125" pommel
Handle width x thickness: 1" x 13/16" swell (3.1" circumference), tapering in at the index and belwo the swell
Over all length: 6.71"
Weight: 3.6 oz bare, 5.8 oz with sheath
Blade Material: CPM-20CV, 60Rc
Handle Material: G10 or Micarta (linen and canvas available)

The GSO-2.7 is not the smallest knife in the Survive! line-up, but is an alternative to the Necker II for users that prefer a straighter handle without the ring and a drop-point blade. It seems to have been designed as a smaller version of the GSO-3.5 which was itself a smaller version of the GSO-4.1.
It is comparable in blade and overall length to knives like the ESEE Izula, Buck Paklite 140, White River Backpacker, and others.

The blade is a full 1/8" thick at the spine. The 1" blade width features a 0.64" primary bevel that tapers to 0.56" for a stout drop-point tip more akin to the Buck Paklite than the finer-bladed Izula or Backpacker, suggesting capacity for rougher use.

The 0.020" BET is stout enough for some serious abuse, as will be shown, but still places it above thicker-edged knives like the Izula (0.030 from the factory)

This GSO-2.7 features black G10 scales with a "microtexture" finish. The finish, which is machined as a regular pattern of tiny divots in the surface, improve grip in wet/slick conditions. The difference is VERY noticeable in hand.

The scales have 3D countouring very similar to the previous (2015) versions of the GSO-4.1 and 3.5. The spine of the handle is very straight, with grooves along the belly ideally suited for a hand ~3" across (size small). My hand (Medium 7-7.5, ~3.5" across) can just squeeze into this space, but the lateral flare of the scales for the last 5/8" makes it feel smaller.
Laterally, the "neck" tapers in from the 0.81"-thick palm-swell, and flares out at the pommel, giving a coke-bottle shape. For my hand-size, that pommel flare is obnoxious as it japs into my hypothenar muscle-group in a variety of grips. If I were to purchase one of these knives, I'd likely grind away that flare to better accommodate the size of my hand. Larger handed individuals might not notice the flare or might find it more annoying. *shrug*

Those thick scales do, however, provide a great deal more comfort to the knife is use, accommodating signficant pressure from the hand over the 3.1" circumference, compared to the cord-wrap or bare metal of the neck-knives comapred here. Doing heavy cutting, each pressed hard into my hand, enough to create hot-spots very quickly, while the thick-scaled knife transfered the power straight into the cutting material :thumbup:
The Izula is actually offered with a longer handle in the Izula II and scales can be purchased from ESEE or a dealer or a customer maker - I have not used them so cannot comment on how they would compare. https://www.theknifeconnection.net/esee-izula-scales/
Similarly, the Backpacker is offered in a scaled-version called the 'Caper': http://www.whiteriverknives.com/collections/knives/products/caper-na
I have not found scales for the Buck 140 but hope that Buck offers something like this in the future (unlikely).

The benefit to the cord-wrap is a MUCH lighter knife, slimmer profile, and no pommel-flare. For a backpacker or neck-knife, those first two points are key and make the GSO-2.7 less suitable.

Of course, one can always strip the scales and wrap the handle. The scales are fixed with custom-length T25 torx fasteners, 416 stainless steel, these are black-oxide coated. A wrench helps, as they are installed TIGHT.

You can see the substantial skeletonnizing of the tang, and also the small hole denoting that this is a CPM-20CV model, and the shallow divot denoting "factory second":

A quick "strider" wrap with some cord, and the knife is slimmer, lighter, and actually better balanced.

Oddly enough, it still fits the sheath with reasonable retention:

I did some carving and also throwing of the knife like that and found that, while I prefered the lighter and slimmer carry of the cord-wrap, i prefered the scales for all manner of use that I put the knife to, pommel-flare and all.

Videos will be linked at the end of the review

Regarding the design, the GSO-2.7 is a beefy pocket-fixed-blade. From the stock thickness down to behind the edge, it is made to endure rough use and remain comfortable. Wihle I would recommend modifying the flare at the pommel for users with hands my size, the knife may be just right for someone with smaller hands, including children and women.
I would not call the 2.7 a "slicer" because it falls very short of my benchmark for such blades:

But the slicing performance is competitive with knives like the Izula which feature both a thick edge-geometry (>0.020") and also traction coating. The CPM-20CV is very corrosion-resistant and said to be very abrasion-resistant. I would be interested to see a performance comparison between this knife and a stainless Izula. I did compare it in performance to the 420HC Buck 140 Paklite and found it to be significantly more comfortable and also significantly more durable{/B]. Comfort was also higher than the Izula, durability seemed fairly close to equal.

The pommel features the same extended hidden lanyard hole found on nearly all S!K models, which can be fed a lanyard while the scales remain in place. On a knife this small, the lanyard may be decorative or to assist in locating the knife for drawing from a pocket-sheath. or to clip other tools to, etc.

Some more size comparisons:

GSO-10, GSO-5.1 (2016), GSO-4.7 (CruV), SK-4 (old 4.1 style), SRKW Rodent Solution (will be compared with the GSO-3.5 in a later review), GSO-2.7:

Personally, I prefer the uber handle-heavy Rodent Solution for comfort to the GSO-2.7. OH for a skeletonized RS!!

You can kindof see the similarity of the old handle-style feature in the 2.7 and the SK-4

Buck 110

Buck Vantage

SAK and Sodbuster Jr. (Bear & Sons) - much thinner, finer blades but very similar length

Benchmade 15030 Mini Bone Collector - I probably should have done a more thorough comparison of these two, as the Benchmade has a similarly stout blade of D2 steel and has a fairly robust handle which, aside from the excess of channels that grap your hand and the discomfot of a pocket-clip, is quite comparable to the GSO-2.7. In most circumstances, including outdoor use, I would prefer to carry the Benchmade folder to the fixed GSO-2.7, as it takes significantly less space but is more than enough knife for the same uses in my experience.

 

[chiral.grolim]

One more - the GSO 2.7 is little, but it still dwarfs this knife: Anza TW-2. This was a monthly special while I've been waiting on my GSO pre-orders. A more recent offering from Anza is the "WK XX-6" that is closer in size to the 2.7, but the pictures of this little guy spoke to me, so I bought two for two of my daughters. The knife is cut from a file, it is ridiculously stout for the size but will make an excellent skinnging/caping blade:

Tips like bullets

Back to the 2.7

The knife comes with a high quality kydex sheath - Survive! seems dedicated to providing the best production knife sheath around. Made from folded-over 0.080 kydex, the sheath is sufficiently robust without being over-weight. The full-blade drainage channel and the mounting slots & holes are characteristic of what this company provides. The sheath is 2.5" wide and 4.25" long, it could probably be shorter as the tip is some 5/8" back from the end. It swallows 7/8" of handle with a secure "click" and requires use of the thumb-ramp to disengage the knife, there was no rattle at all in the one I handled.

The sheath includes the standard Survive! Molle G-clip, 1/8" kydex, mounted with black-oxide coated stainless steel fasteners and long screws/pillars with thick rubber spacers.

One can mount the sheath on the belt with the G-clip as installed for a very high but easily concealed carry... but it will jab you in the ribs, so watch that.

You can also use the provided clip for pocket-carry:

But at least one user has recommended simply FLIPPING THE CLIP for a slightly lower high-ride

For those looking to carry the knife horizontal on the belt, there is a problem - the holes on the clip measure 1.7" to mount across the sheath, but along the side the holes are 1.5" o.c., the clip can only mount using a hole at the tip of the sheath which slants it and may not be desirable:

There are, of course, alternatives:

Large Tek-lok fit both vertically and horizontally:

Molle-Lok fits vertical or angled, not horizontal:

Spyderco G-clip (not shown) mounts horizontal and vertical, and so does the leather belt-loop provided with the UKE 2.0

Of course the UKE also mounts to the sheath for lower-ride:

A little higher

Low angled

Lower

But if you are going to put it in you pocket, maybe you should try something like this:

And here is a shortened version of a UKE 2.0 with a belt-clip

The 2.7 can be neck-carried, though I do not recommend this for a number of reasons. Nevertheless, neck and armpit:

Don't pretend that neck-carry beneath the shirt hides the knife, it is too wide and thick for that, easily noticed.


Here is the 2.7 clipped to the clip on an old GSO-10 - you could also use ties and a cord-lock or a method of direct mounting, but this is pretty easy to manage with just the hardware provided:

 

[chiral.grolim]

Given the plethora of pics hiding the text, I will try to summarize my opinion of this knife here:


The GSO-2.7 is a small knife that seems suitable for a pocket fixed-blade, particularly if equipped with an attachment ideal to the task and preferably using a slimmer sheath. While it can be used as a neck-knife, that would not be a choice I'd make.

The sheath is excellent, as usual, but may be considered excessive for a knife this size. Something with a smaller foot-print may be preferred.

The design - thick stock, saber-grind, 0.020 edge, thick contoured handle, hammer-pommel, drop-point, etc. - all point to a knife intended for HEAVY use.

The handle comfortably transfers power from the user into difficult cuts requiring a lot of force... provided that the users hand fit the handle, which is small. This is not to say that the handle is uncomfortable for a larger hand per say, and it is certainly MUCH more comfortable for heavy cutting than a simple cord-wrap such as is featured here on the Izula, Paklite, and Backpacker... but it is smaller than I'd like given the thickness and the use that the design suggests. I would modify the handle by grinding down the pommel 'flare' to give my hand more space. I would also curve the handle more to fit the pocket of the hand, rather than have it so straight along the spine.

The blade is very short. For general utility (and probably dressing out game/livestock, etc.) it will work well but may leave the user desiring more length to cut with.
For breaking down cardboard, the 0.020 is thinner than some blades but it will not compete with myriad blades of even thinner geometry <0.015" BTE. A sharpening choil on a blade this short will have a tendency to catch as the user pushes the blade along and it rides up or down through the cut. I would not pick this knife for its slicing ability, too short and stout to shine in such use.

The knife is handle-heavy with the scales in place, but is ridiculously light compared to something like the Rodent Solution such that the balance is much less important than on a heavier tool. Nevertheless, it can have the scales removed and be cord-wrapped for a lighter and slimmer cutting tool that has better balance.

Throwing, the lightweight do not present much force on impact, a sharp edge and forceful throw are required, and the blade tends to twist in flight. In terms of durability, I saw nothing to suggest that the knife or the steel choice (CPM-20CV) make it "fragile" or exceptionally low in toughness.

In carving wood, the knife functions well especially as this is where the thick contoured handle shines. I like that there is no jimping on the spine, leaves it softer for forceful thumb-pressure. Batonning ... it's a 2.7" blade, what do you want?

In cutting sheet metal, I experienced "galling" along the cutting bevel (sheet metal bits scrubbed and sticking along the knife edge), most likely as a result of my own sharpening/finishing as this was not a factory-sharpened blade. Once the galling was removed (filed/scraped away), the amount of damage to the actual apex was not severe and could easily be repaired by hand with a portable set of diamond hones (I used DMT, but you probably wouldn't have a problem with other diamond or SiC hones as well). It DID take more damage than the CruV blade and especially the CPM-3V blade put to the same use, so i would not suggest this blade in this steel for an environment where high toughness while retaining a sharp apex is paramount.

I did not test the corrosion resistance of the steel in any meaningful way. I used it in the kitchen as well as the outdoors, i never oiled it or did more than wash and dry it. It never formed any spots or patina, but then again a non-stainless knife might have fared the same, no comparison done.

Would I buy this knife? Personally, no. For the size, I would carry a folder with an appropriate blade and a handle of suitable thickness to suit the task at hand. For a fixed-blade this size, my primary use would be cutting tasks that prefer a thinner blade geometry or at least don't require the stoutness presented in the GSO-2.7 YMMV

But if this is a knife you are inclined toward, you can be sure that the materials and fit&finish will be well worth the price.

 

[Fancier]

Nice comprehensive review, thanks!

 

[Silver Needle]

Thanks for your efforts in testing and reporting back to us. Great right up.

Now I'm REALLY getting excited for mine


Again, Grog, you are the man for making this passaround possible :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[chiral.grolim]

And here is a video - 21 minutes: the first part is shaving, the last part is throwing, lots of cutting in the middle and a scene regarding the "galling"... I have video of some tests with the ESEE Izula and Buck Paklite, will work on editting/publishing those next.

 

[Tinbanger]

You hit the nail on the head with the flair being uncomfortable with larger hands.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Nice write-up CG. I always appreciate that you are very specific, as that is not my strong suit.

.......The handle comfortably transfers power from the user into difficult cuts requiring a lot of force... provided that the users hand fit the handle, which is small. This is not to say that the handle is uncomfortable for a larger hand per say, and it is certainly MUCH more comfortable for heavy cutting than a simple cord-wrap such as is featured here on the Izula, Paklite, and Backpacker... but it is smaller than I'd like given the thickness and the use that the design suggests. I would modify the handle by grinding down the pommel 'flare' to give my hand more space. I would also curve the handle more to fit the pocket of the hand, rather than have it so straight along the spine......

It is going to be my guess that the user's opinion of the handle will trump all other factors on this particular model. Some are going to love it, others not so much. It is without a doubt very different from what I have come to expect in an ultra-small fixed blade. The biggest differences from skeletonized or wrapped models are going to be that the contoured scales will affect, as I see it:

1. flatness/ease of carry/concealability
2. comfort
3. leverage

The contoured scales are more comfortable than skeletonized tang blades in this size range and allow for more power in cuts like feathersticking. They don't cut into the hand as bad, and there is a gain in control, at least for me. But they give up some of the minimalist size and print worse than something like an izula when worn as a neck knife.

Because it is different, it offers a choice compared to the other small blades, and is a winner for me. I don't know of anything else on the market quite like it.

But if this is a knife you are inclined toward, you can be sure that the materials and fit&finish will be well worth the price.

I agree. This model can be discussed up and down, but ultimately, if you're wondering if this one's for you, you're going to have to handle one. If it works for you, Guy's got the rest dialed in. Good on grogimus for doing this pass around. It's going to help a lot of folks make up their mind :thumbup:

 

[hunterjrg]

Great review chiral(as usual) but unlike you I would love to have one as does my 11 year old son. After using the pass around 2.7 his Izula is no longer acceptable(I agree with him). I've gotta figure a way to pick up a couple of these now. My son doesn't understand why we can't just get one. Hey Guy my son says "just get one dad". &#128528;

 

[chiral.grolim]

Great review chiral(as usual) but unlike you I would love to have one as does my 11 year old son. After using the pass around 2.7 his Izula is no longer acceptable(I agree with him). I've gotta figure a way to pick up a couple of these now. My son doesn't understand why we can't just get one. Hey Guy my son says "just get one dad". &#128528;

I can also concur. That handle is SO much more comfortable than a cord-wrapped Izula and probably also the scaled version in hard/heavy cutting. Just for me, the handle is a bit short (only because of the flare) and a bit too straight (something i always comment on), and I'd really prefer a longer blade on a knife like this, so I'd just carry a folder instead. But I am glad that you and your son like it so much

...Because it is different, it offers a choice compared to the other small blades, and is a winner for me. I don't know of anything else on the market quite like it...

I wonder if something like the Boker Rhino or the Anza WK-XX-6 might be comparable in terms of "small fixed blade for heavy use"... And i haven't tried the White River Caper (scaled version of the Backpacker), but that is already a thinner, lighter use design - field scalpel B&T type knife vs these heavier bladed small knives.

 

[Silver Needle]

My hand (Medium 7-7.5, ~3.5" across) can just squeeze into this space, but the lateral flare of the scales for the last 5/8" makes it feel smaller.
Laterally, the "neck" tapers in from the 0.81"-thick palm-swell, and flares out at the pommel, giving a coke-bottle shape. For my hand-size, that pommel flare is obnoxious as it japs into my hypothenar muscle-group in a variety of grips.

This has been my fear. I'm anxious to find out how my hand gets along with the handle. Just from seeing renderings I wondered if a rounded handle end, like the necker II would have made a universally more comfortable knife while keeping the wide range of utility the same.

 

[Fancier]

I do believe that the 2.7 is intended to be a full function GSO for people with small hands.
As such it does not surprise me that it doesn't function as well for people with larger hands.
The Neckers are way down the list so I guess until they are available again folks with larger hands will try to use a 2.7 as a substitute.

 

[Hard Knocks]

I wonder if something like the Boker Rhino or the Anza WK-XX-6 might be comparable in terms of "small fixed blade for heavy use"... And i haven't tried the White River Caper (scaled version of the Backpacker), but that is already a thinner, lighter use design - field scalpel B&T type knife vs these heavier bladed small knives

I haven't tried that White River yet either, although I've admired it and probably will someday. I need to get my bpiatt-scaled swamp warden and kreined swamp warden out and handle them alongside the 2.7. Both of those are rounded designs.

 

[Hard Knocks]

Comparison pics. Here's the 2.7 with an original swamp warden which has been worked over by Tom Krein, scales added, reground, the closest thing I can think of that's comparable to the 2.7. Also pictured is a gen II swamp warden with bpiatt removable scales. The gen II is thinner and maybe less comparable. I like them both, but those round butts are definitely more comfortable Also, both rats will run more in the configurations shown, the Kreined version much more. Both are also discontinued, although the skeletonized versions still pop up on the exchange.

 

[grogimus]

What a fantastic review. You are officially the worst Survive! fanboy ever chiral. I wear the biggest gloves I can find most of the time at work and I find the 2.7 very comfortable for wood carving but I definitely think this is the most hit or miss handle setup from Survive!. The scales worked great for me when I carved a try stick but I kept thinking how much this knife would benefit the kiddos to learn proper knife safety and use.

 

[Riz!]

Not much to say that already hasnt been said. I dig the micro textured g10 handles. Not too rough and not too slick. I thought the thing felt a little too narrow in the forward choil of the handle when I first held it. But cleaning ducks today I discovered this little thing makes a great small game knife and is very handy when held like this...



My medium hands can get a full 4 finger grip but when held this way I wish it was thicker under my index finger.



Here it is with my usual game cleaner. The 3.5





It makes an excellent small game knife. Enough belly and enough point to do whatever I asked of it! And as expected the cpm 20cv held a great edge even hitting bones and cleaned up right nice!

Overall I regret not ordering one.

 

[hunterjrg]

Riz are you carrying it in the Azwelke sheath. I didn't get a chance to but it looks like a perfect sheath for it.

 

[Riz!]

Yes it has been in that sheath. Because I was in waders I threw it in my gear bag. I havent belt carried the knife so I cant say much about that. The Azwelke sheath is pretty sweet though. I have a small leather bushcraft sheath from Bark River that is going to be wet formed to the 2.7. I will be sending that along to the next person in the passaround.

 

[Riz!]

The leather sheath after wet forming and drying...



It vanishes on the belt. You cant feel it at all! I think this is a size D bark river bushcraft sheath. Ive had it years and never used it. It was too small for the 3.5 that it was intended for.

 

[wfitz89]

mine will be here in the mail tomorrow. it’s a factory second, but new and unused from ebay. any idea if S!K’s warranty will still apply?