Anyone have any thoughts on a Gerber LMF II as a backpacking/hiking knife minimal survival knife (if there is such a thing) It is fairly inexpensive compared to others in the survival group but money nevertheless. Any thoughts? Alternatives (non-randall).

Scott,

My backpacking knife is a Fallkniven F1. I've been very happy with it.

Have you looked at the ESEE knives? I have a ESEE-3-Mil I bought from The-Knife-Connection and it is a very good knife for the money. Their model ESEE-4 or ESEE-5 would be good for your purposes.

wwwDOTeseeknives.com

A 28 is better than any if those other 3.5-4" blades knives. Esee have very uncomfortable handles and thick v bevels.

I was just keeping within his "fairly inexpensive" requirement.

yes a 28 is a great knife but it is pricey and I am staying away from RMK for a change ... Thank you for the suggestion for the ESEE. I am really liking the ESEE 5 and the carry opitons.

I'm jumping in this a bit late but for what it's worth you might consider knives of two other makers.
Knives of Alaska http://www.knivesofalaska.com/store.asp offers the 'Bush Camp', a stout knife suitable for 'survival' and utility purposes.

Grohmann Knives http://www.grohmannknives.com/pages/outdoor.html are from Canada and they enjoy a good reputation to the best of my knowledge.
Models #3 & #4 are popular knives for utility outdoor use.

I believe you can purchase directly from either manufacturer or find their knives at select retailers.

Good luck.

Hello!
I use a knife like this

Hattori #469 Parachute Knife.
I ordered directly from Japan
http://japaneseknifedirect.com/Hattori.html

www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXH7Im9pI6g
yet it is a very good knife for camp

I think it's totally fine!