View Full Version : what kind of knife?
What kind of knife would you take on a thru-hike? Sierra has good deals on vicorinox swiss army knives now, but I don't know which one to choose. Any input will be welcome.
thank you,
t.
I carry a super small, super light Buck knife, cannot remember the name, it is .7 oz and does all that I need, also carry a very small/light knife sharpener. Have lots of knives at home, in quest to shave weight this was an area that I could save, has worked great for me!
What kind of knife would you take on a thru-hike? Sierra has good deals on vicorinox swiss army knives now, but I don't know which one to choose. Any input will be welcome.
thank you,
t.
If you're looking at a Swiss Army knife, pick one that has the tools you need on it. Almost no one needs the mondo, 250 different fuctions option. Most folks are good to go with a good sharp blade, but some things will make life a little easier like scissors (especially for triming moleskin), bottle opener, screwdriver and an awl. Just get the model that works for you.
take-a-knee
12-21-2008, 14:26
A Leatherman Micra and a small fixed blade knife, maybe a neck knife.
I carry one of those red Swiss army knife. Get something around 4 ounces or less in weight.
Panzer
Feral Bill
12-21-2008, 14:29
Lately I have used the tiniest Swiss Army Knife. I am satsified with its function but keep misplacing the little thing. Its something to consider.
Blue Wolf
12-21-2008, 14:30
I have one about as big as a pair of nail clippers that I paid a dollar for it has a plastic handle I have no clue of the weight but it weighs nothing I have the Leatherman Micra.............a neat tool but to many not needed gadgets IMO.
And I think I paid 35.00 for mine if you decide thats what you want to go with send me a message I will cut you a deal on it I never use it.
take-a-knee
12-21-2008, 14:57
Don't consider any folding knife that doesn't have a lockiing blade, sooner or later you'll attempt to use it as an awl and it'll fold up on your fingers.
mister krabs
12-21-2008, 15:04
Check out this one (http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/0,1467F_Swiss-Army-Brands-Whistle-Knife.html), a classic with integrated whistle.
All I ever carry on the trail is the Swiss Army Classic by Victorinox. It does everything I need, including cutting up aluminum cans to make alcohol stoves.
About all you ever need a knife for on the trail is cutting line, opening bags, trimming nails, removing thorns and splinters and maybe cutting the rare vegetable. The Classic also has a toothpick and tweezers.
Steep and cheap has one right now for around 25.00. I don't remember the exact price. It looks like a handy one.
I carry the tiniest one. Small sharp blade, nail file blade, scissors, toothpick, tweezers. Has a loop on one end so I keep it tied to the outside of my pack.
Of the SAK knives, here's the one I'd pick:
http://www.swissarmy.com/MultiTools/Pages/Product.aspx?category=outdoor&product=53652&
Blade big enough to slice bagels and spread peanut butter, can opener, bottle opener (for the non-canned beer crowd), and corkscrew, for the non- beer crowd.
The awl will come in handy for putting new holes in your belt to accomodate your shrinking waistline. Except for the weight - perfect. I have an old SAK which the plastic side plates broke off of - single blade knife is now ultralight :p.
Oh, yes, for others who may be as clumsy as myself, the Picnicker has a locking blade. Yes, I have closed the blade on my fingers. In the dark it's very easy to do.
Toolshed
12-21-2008, 17:19
I carried this (http://www.swissknifeshop.com/Swiss_Army_Forester_p/sa54844.htm) for years on short hikes and winter trips, but it is ultimately too heavy and bulky for anything like LD hiking.
I then switched to this Tinker (http://www.swissknifeshop.com/Swiss_Army_Tinker_p/satinker.htm) around 95 - It was a gift from a cousin in Germany. I really liked it but Airport security confiscated it in 2002 (my fault, though it got through security, but I was targeted at the gate for a full body search.).
I replaced it with this Explorer (http://www.swissknifeshop.com/Swiss_Army_Boy_Scout_Explorer_p/sa55781.htm) and it has become my absolute favorite to carry both hiking and everyday.
P.S. For winter snowshoeing and backcountry skiing, I usually carry this Swisstool RS (http://www.swissknifeshop.com/Swiss_Army_SwissTool_RS_p/sa53935.htm), which my boss gave me as a gift about 8-9 years ago. It can't be beat for repairs on bindings and such, though it is heavy at 1/2 lb.
What kind of knife would you take on a thru-hike? Sierra has good deals on vicorinox swiss army knives now, but I don't know which one to choose. Any input will be welcome.
thank you,
t.
The Tinker is a classic. As was the Spartan.
Consider going to the hunting section of Walmart and looking at them. Some might feel better in your hand than others. Don't need the fancy ones, but the steel is better in the Victorinox brand than the knockoffs. My opinion.
hopefulhiker
12-21-2008, 18:21
I carried the little swiss army knife, the one with the scissors, the pen, and little led ight..... It is really all I ever needed..
StubbleJumper
12-21-2008, 18:31
Swiss Army Classic. It weighs less than an ounce, and it is very sharp. It is next to useless for whittling, "self-defense", or for cutting firewood, but it will nicely undertake all the minor cutting jobs that are needed while hiking....things like cutting open food packages, cords, or duck-tape.
IMO, leave the "Rambo-knife" at home as there just are not enough uses for it to justify its weight...
Skidsteer
12-21-2008, 18:35
Don't consider any folding knife that doesn't have a lockiing blade, sooner or later you'll attempt to use it as an awl and it'll fold up on your fingers.
Good advice. I've got the scars to prove it.
ofthearth
12-21-2008, 18:54
Swiss makes a small one with nail clippers. One less piece of gear to carry.
its a good question and thread ,but if you want to see more just type knife up in the search box and look for threads
Wise Old Owl
12-21-2008, 19:26
The Swiss Army knife is interesting, good for light whittling and repairing a broken nail. Unfortunatly I don't consider it a real knife, but good for a few tools in the backpack. I found a folding locking Shrade at 3" that was far more stable sharp and lightweight, just a few ounces. Size is as big as you can get legal for the states.
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/1/1/5/5/2/kinfe_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=25192&c=member&orderby=title&direction=ASC&imageuser=11552&cutoffdate=-1)
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=35503&highlight=survival+knife
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=38534&highlight=survival+knife
Another vote for the Victorinox Classic,great little knife in my opinion.
garlic08
12-21-2008, 19:46
If you have simple gear, all you really need is a single edged razor blade. It was a big threshold for me to get rid of everything that needed a multitool to fix. They only cost about a nickel, you can buy one at any drug store, and you can throw it away when it comes time to get on a plane.
If you have simple gear, all you really need is a single edged razor blade. It was a big threshold for me to get rid of everything that needed a multitool to fix. They only cost about a nickel, you can buy one at any drug store, and you can throw it away when it comes time to get on a plane.
Same here.:)
Thank you all for your replies. You were a great help, as always.
happy trails,
t.
swiss army has one called the hiker it has awl,saw,2 blades can opener and afew other things on it i just got it nice
besides just a knife blade the swiss army knife has or can have a scissors, bottle opener, can opener, tweezers, tooth pick and many other items that you can use every day on the trail.
The other option is just to carry those items separately.
Panzer
daddytwosticks
12-22-2008, 08:39
I use the tinniest Swiss Army knife...if I need to spread peanut butter or cut the cheese (no comment), I bring a disposable plastic knife like you get at fast food places. (Disclamer: I am not a Thru-Hiker). :)
I've carried a Victorinox Climber daily for 23 years, so it'd be hard to think of NOT having it. 3 oz. I also have a Hiker (locking blade, 3.6 oz) that I've been known to toss in the pack for a camp knife. I made a knife from a Ray-Way kit (www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Knife-Kit/index.htm (http://www.rayjardine.com/ray-way/Knife-Kit/index.htm)), but it's a 4" sheath knife (does not fold) with no extras. Weighs in at 1.8 oz without the sheath. I've made a custom sheath that hold a fire steel and has a fair bit of cordage wrapped around, covered with duct tape.
HYOH, and YMMV.
Ranc0r
.
I just bought a Gerber micro LST. Two inch folding blade, locks in place when opened, weighs about a half an ounce. If you feel more Rambo-ish they make a larger LST, about twice the size.
I made a small knife from a hacksaw blade and tape. It's all I need for normal trail life.
The "knife people" make a case for be prepared to justify their beautiful works of art.
I had to unlearn a lot of that kind of thinking in getting my pack weight down. Now a days, I cover the gotta's and suffer through the few rare inconveniences that I experience.(Like just ask the guy with the huge pack "Hey do you have a xxx I could borrow for a second?")
Grinder
OldStormcrow
12-22-2008, 09:55
I always get the "Hiker" because it is the only model of Swiss Army knife that has the combination of tools that I require.....a saw (for cutting shelter poles?), an awl, scissors (use for fingernail clippers), can opener, 2 screwdrivers, 2 knife blades, tweezers, toothpick and a cork screw. Any of the models any larger than this would require a belt holster to keep them from wearing a blister on your thigh while being carried in a pocket.
boarstone
12-22-2008, 09:58
Think of all the things you may have to do w/it and then decide which one will work for all tasks...
I always take a Tool Logic SL 3 Fire Folding Knife with me. The knife keeps its sharpness, has a whistle and back up fire starter great little knife from REI under 30 bucks http://www.rei.com/product/769826
Slo-go'en
12-22-2008, 11:35
I've lost more knives than I can count on the trail, so I only carry cheap ones now. A small pocket knife with 2" blade does all that I need, but I do carry a small pair of sicssors too. Never had a need for a multi-tool knife.
I think I would feel naked without my Swiss Army Knife. I carry it with me all the time. But depending on the gear I'm taking and the season I am hiking in, I will take a Leatherman Wave with me instead. So much versatility, I'll splurge on the weight here for this multi-use item.
On the AT, it is easy to get by with just a razor blade because it is like the superhighway of hiking trails. You're never really alone and you'll hit a town every 3-4 days. If you really need a real knife, chances are, you will run into someone that has one.
On other trails, serious hikers will take serious knives with them, since they don't have the luxury of being able to beg or borrow one from someone else...
ofthearth
12-22-2008, 12:10
nail clipper knives with scissors etc
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Wenger+Swiss+Clipper+Red&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=
http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=swiss+clipper&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=2426856201&ref=pd_sl_6yr6vx3b73_b
Jack Tarlin
12-22-2008, 16:07
Priorities for a knife:
*Good edge.
*Locking blade
*Small
*Lightweight
*Cheap
Keep it simple. Other than slicing cheese, pepperoni, or vegetables for dinner, or occasionally cutting a piece of parahute cord, you'll go days at a time without even needing your knife. And don't spend a fortune. Knives are probably the most frequently lost items on a thru-hike. And keep it simple: If it's a "busy" knife, the one day out of 180 that you need a Philipps screwdriver or a corkscrew, you'll be glad you have it; otherwise, most of the items on your busy knife are just dead weight.
My usual pocket knife in town is a Gerber or a Benchmade, retails for around seventy bucks.
These days I have a small Kershaw, very similar.
Next April, I'll probably carry this new one I just picked up at Walmart.
Cost me a buck.
Yeah, a buck.
Nice thing is if I ever need to replace it, it'll cost me another buck.
And when I get home, I'll still have a seventy dollar Kershaw. :rolleyes:
On other trails, serious hikers will take serious knives with them, since they don't have the luxury of being able to beg or borrow one from someone else...
Garlic can't be too much of a serious hiker. Besides the AT, he's only done the PCT, CDT and good chunk of the Arizona Trail (just recently). :sun
I'm not a very serious hiker, either for that matter as I just take a little, not-so-serious SAK Classic (http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Classic-Pocket-Knife/dp/B0013HBJ8Q). The plastic housing came off the SAK, so it weights a bit less now and I no longer have the toothpick or tweezers. That was more by accident than by design. :)
In 1996, on my first backpacking trip, I was a VERY serious hiker. I took a Rambo-type survival knife....
Garlic can't be too much of a serious hiker. Besides the AT, he's only done the PCT, CDT and good chunk of the Arizona Trail (just recently). :sun
I'm not a very serious hiker, either for that matter as I just take a little, not-so-serious SAK Classic (http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Classic-Pocket-Knife/dp/B0013HBJ8Q). The plastic housing came off the SAK, so it weights a bit less now and I no longer have the toothpick or tweezers. That was more by accident than by design. :)
In 1996, on my first backpacking trip, I was a VERY serious hiker. I took a Rambo-type survival knife....
I was not referring to size when I said "serious knife". I meant high-quality. SAK's have a pretty decent steel which takes a good edge, but I sometimes worry about them breaking on me when I need them most.
take-a-knee
12-22-2008, 22:53
No one has yet brought up the possible need to be able to "baton" firestarter and kindling. You don't need a Kabar or a Bowie, but a tiny folder won't get it done, not for very long. This Breeden or one of his other models is nearly perfect:
http://breedenknives.com/?page_id=65
Passionphish
12-22-2008, 22:54
Tanya,
There is, as you can obviously read from above, a huge trend in the hiking industry to go light and small. I can understand the many reasons why. But in every "lightweight" thread, discussion, or website. You will find the discussion of "how light is too light", or "when have you gone too light", you get the idea.
Anyone with common sense will tell you that you should go as light and simple as is safe for you. The more knowledge you have, the less gear you need.
This also goes for a knife. If you know how to use one then take one. If you have never owned a knife or used a knife in the outdoors. Don't take one. But take someone with you who does!
As to which one to take? Take one you are comfortable with and that you know how to use. If this is your first knife, go to your locally owned outdoor store. NOT walmart, Basspro, Rei, etc... If you have set foot in a gun shop to do it, do it anyway. Then talk with the guy behind the counter about your experiences and see what he offers.
You may think I am over reacting about this. But I have seen to many people either take too much knife, too little knife, or worse: drastically too little knowledge to even have a knife. When everything else fails, and given enough time it will, the knife is a true tool that will save your life.
DON'T grab what everyone else has or says you should have. Learn to use one you like and take it.
P.S. A multi-tool is NOT a knife. Its a pair of pliers that someone threw a bunch of gadgets on. Think "jack of all trades, master of none" and all that.
Just my 3 cents worth.
Have fun hiking your hike!
Passionphish
12-22-2008, 22:59
I tend to agree with Take-a-knee.
That knife he link'd too is a good all around knife. Simple is ALWAYS better.
Didn't see your post Take-a-knee when I was writing!
http://breedenknives.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/09/pathfinder5_2.jpg
That is a cool feature!
Homer&Marje
12-23-2008, 08:47
:D 12" fix blade nylon rope handle. Never weighed it but it's under 8 oz I am sure.
I was not referring to size when I said "serious knife". I meant high-quality. SAK's have a pretty decent steel which takes a good edge, but I sometimes worry about them breaking on me when I need them most.
Well, I guess we can't be a serious hikers because many of us did not take a serious knife :sun
Perhaps if we had a serious knife we could do some serious hiking on some serious trails...sigh.
I carry the Leatherman Skeletool...love it.
Well, I guess we can't be a serious hikers because many of us did not take a serious knife :sun
Well... in addition to your lack of a serious knife, you also lack serious clothing - by that, I mean that the TNF logo must adorn every piece of clothing you wear before you can consider yourself to be a serious hiker.:D (otherwise, you are no different from a homeless bum wandering from town to town):sun
(otherwise, you are no different from a homeless bum wandering from town to town):sun
Draw your own conclusions. ;)
http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14207&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=9b7269e0127675108ae6001d1d0952b4
Draw your own conclusions. ;)
http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14207&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=9b7269e0127675108ae6001d1d0952b4
lol! You win!
lol! You win!
A dubious win. Good thing the photo is not scratch and sniff. ;)
Draw your own conclusions. ;)
http://www.pmags.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=14207&g2_serialNumber=2&g2_GALLERYSID=9b7269e0127675108ae6001d1d0952b4
Wait a minute! No Nalgene, MSR, TNF, Oakleys, or Leki's in this picture! The way I see it, the ONLY thing you have going for you is that Timex watch! (who did you swipe it from?:D):sun
Skidsteer
12-23-2008, 20:52
It was either a gift or he got it from a thrift store. :D
It was either a gift or he got it from a thrift store. :D
The Timex was indeed fancy..I bought it at that French boutique called Target (Tar-jhey :D).
The knife I use most often on the trail is a lexan table knife that weights about a half ounce. I use it every day for preparing food.
Panzer
take-a-knee
12-23-2008, 22:19
The knife I use most often on the trail is a lexan table knife that weights about a half ounce. I use it every day for preparing food.
Panzer
That should work great to split some oak kindling:-?
Skidsteer
12-23-2008, 22:28
No one has yet brought up the possible need to be able to "baton" firestarter and kindling. You don't need a Kabar or a Bowie, but a tiny folder won't get it done, not for very long. This Breeden or one of his other models is nearly perfect:
http://breedenknives.com/?page_id=65
Can you save me the trouble of e-mailing for a custom quote?
What do those babies cost?
That should work great to split some oak kindling:-?
I , for one, want to make sure I am splitting kindling when I backpack.
Why, just the other day I was in Colorado and I was thinking "Where is the oak so I can split kindling ?????!?!!?"
To make sure that I am prepared to split oak kindling, from now on I am going to take this puppy (http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS260.html). Oak kindling beware!
It is lightweight, too! (according to the brochure)
Passionphish
12-23-2008, 22:38
I , for one, want to make sure I am splitting kindling when I backpack.
Why, just the other day I was in Colorado and I was thinking "Where is the oak so I can split kindling ?????!?!!?"
To make sure that I am prepared to split oak kindling, from now on I am going to take this puppy (http://www.stihlusa.com/chainsaws/MS260.html). Oak kindling beware!
It is lightweight, too! (according to the brochure)
Mags,
That actually doesn't SPLIT anything. It CUTS things... Lightweight is relative anyway... :D
Mags,
That actually doesn't SPLIT anything. It CUTS things... Lightweight is relative anyway... :D
..nor is there oak in most of Colorado.
So why quibble? :)
Dances with Mice
12-23-2008, 22:54
Can you save me the trouble of e-mailing for a custom quote? What do those babies cost?According to this (http://www.offthemapoutfitters.com/category.sc?categoryId=15), about 8 - 10X the cost of these (http://www.swedishknives.com/760craft.htm#Classic%20Mora%20Knife).
I bought a 740 Mora for an overseas trip that I didn't take. http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif It's great in the garden though.
I guess that it's true that you do pack your fears. I am worried about an essential piece of gear failing (like my liquid fuel stove that I use in the winter), and not being able to repair it, which is why I like my Wave. But apparently, a wave is not a serious knife either!
Passionphish - P.S. A multi-tool is NOT a knife. Its a pair of pliers that someone threw a bunch of gadgets on. Think "jack of all trades, master of none" and all that.At least MY jacket says TNF on it!:D
But different styles of camping and backpacking require different tools. I'll just leave it at that. ;)
That should work great to split some oak kindling:-?
If I needed to make some firewood I would bring a folding saw not a knife.
Panzer
take-a-knee
12-24-2008, 00:20
If I needed to make some firewood I would bring a folding saw not a knife.
Panzer
You can "make" firewood with your feet, when the woods are soaking wet you have to be able to split thumb sized dry (but soaked by rain) wood to expose something dry on the inside. Hold the stick between your feet, place your sturdy knife on the end of the upright branch, then whack the back of the blade with a billet of wood. Repeat until you have a nice dry pile of pencil (or smaller) pieces of wood. I know of nothing lighter than a 4 or 5 ounce sturdy knife that will do this, therefore if hypothermia is a possibility, this is an essential skill.
Slo-go'en
12-24-2008, 00:50
I used to carry a classic 112 Buck knife, the kind with brass and wood handle, 3" locking blade and weights in at 1/3d pound. This knife is a serious tool and has seen some hard use.
But alas, since going light weight, my knife has been down sized too and I find I really don't miss that old work horse of a Buck knife. Too much.
I know of nothing lighter than a 4 or 5 ounce sturdy knife that will do this, therefore if hypothermia is a possibility, this is an essential skill.
If I'm feeling hypothermic I don't build a camp fire, I set up my tent and matress and get into my sleeping bag and maybe use my stove to make a hot cup of tea while setting up the tent. I can do all that in about 5 or 10 minutes. It takes longer to build a camp fire.
Panzer
Homer&Marje
12-24-2008, 08:33
If I'm feeling hypothermic I don't build a camp fire, I set up my tent and matress and get into my sleeping bag and maybe use my stove to make a hot cup of tea while setting up the tent. I can do all that in about 5 or 10 minutes. It takes longer to build a camp fire.
Panzer
I just like the fire for the psychological effect it has. I warm up before fire, don't build fire to warm up.....most often. But I find I rarely need my knife to split the wood I am gathering....sometimes it comes in handy.
Like when I was car camping down on the Cape in late fall...there was a fallen down cedar tree and it was really difficult to pull apart at the seems. Few good wacks with the ol' fix blade and I had myself a cedar cooked steak:D And the best baked potato I have ever...ever made in a fire.
sheepdog
12-24-2008, 10:10
If I'm feeling hypothermic I don't build a camp fire, I set up my tent and matress and get into my sleeping bag and maybe use my stove to make a hot cup of tea while setting up the tent. I can do all that in about 5 or 10 minutes. It takes longer to build a camp fire.
Panzer
Quote take-a-knee
" I know of nothing lighter than a 4 or 5 ounce sturdy knife that will do this, therefore if hypothermia is a possibility, this is an essential skill."
I think you are both right. Getting in your sleeping bag is a great way to combat hypothermia. Also fire building skills are essential outdoor skills. There may be times that you don't have your high tech equipment (day hiking, bear chews up your pack, someone steels your pack, it gets soaked in a river) , then a low tech skill will save you.
I wish I knew how to do multiple quotes!!!!
Passionphish
12-24-2008, 14:53
Sheepdog politely brings up a great point!
You have to have the low tech skills no matter how long, short, or far you are going to travel in case all the hi-tech wizardry fails you. And it will.
If your gear hasn't failed you yet, keep going out. It will. Then the basics stuff like a sturdy knife and your brain, mostly your brain, will bring you through.
take-a-knee
12-24-2008, 15:23
If I'm feeling hypothermic I don't build a camp fire, I set up my tent and matress and get into my sleeping bag and maybe use my stove to make a hot cup of tea while setting up the tent. I can do all that in about 5 or 10 minutes. It takes longer to build a camp fire.
Panzer
That sounds like the guy who is unconcerned about the price of bread because, "I only eat toast". I hope you aren't responsible for any one else's contingency planning.
Good advice on the locking blade expecially if you are not a knife person. A small, stainless, 2.5 inch, locking blade knife with synthetic handles will do nicely for the A.T. thru-hiker. They weigh about .50 ounce and cost very little. No need to spend a lot of money. Scissors are a very handy tool to have. The stainless ones with the plastic handles and rounded blade tips weigh next to nothing and fit nicely into your first aid package. You can find them at Wal-Mart in the school or craft section. Before the hike is over, you will probably need a can opener. One advantage of the Swiss army knife is that most models have one.
I carried a Swiss army officers knife which has a 3" blade, a 1.5" blade, scissors, awl, can opener, screw driver, tweezers, and a cork screw. It weighs about 2 ounces. I carried it in a belt sheath made for a mag-light. During my workouts for 5 months prior to begining hike of the A.T. my knife was with me every day until it became a part of my body. I never considered the weight as anything extra and it came in handy when cutting sticks to put up tyvek over the floor openings at Carter gap shelter. A pen knife would have done very little good in this case.
Good luck on your hike!!! Kanati
Runsalone
12-27-2008, 22:10
You can "make" firewood with your feet, when the woods are soaking wet you have to be able to split thumb sized dry (but soaked by rain) wood to expose something dry on the inside. Hold the stick between your feet, place your sturdy knife on the end of the upright branch, then whack the back of the blade with a billet of wood. Repeat until you have a nice dry pile of pencil (or smaller) pieces of wood. I know of nothing lighter than a 4 or 5 ounce sturdy knife that will do this, therefore if hypothermia is a possibility, this is an essential skill.
Hold the stick betwen your feet and drive a sharp knife towards them with a baton?
Just goes to show, its not nessecarily the tool but the man using it. A prepared mind will find a way. You can do everything you need to do with your SAK The mora knives someone suggested are fabulous and cheap see here http://ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html Have bought several from here they are reliable classic bushcraft knives the stainless with polymer blue handle weighs about 3 oz. with sturdy locking sheath. A fixed blade trumps a folder everytime. I carried a spyderco delica a 3 inch bladed folder weighs 2 oz. did everything I needed. I even managed to make kindling out of 4-6 inch rounds of wet wood to produce a fire in a drizzle made my fuzz sticks kindling everything I needed.:eek:
Beware any advise that says theres only one way to do anything.
Rule no.1 of knife use....Never cut towards yourself.
Johnny Swank
12-27-2008, 23:36
We usually just carry a SAK Classic 95% of the time. Also carry separate nail clippers and better tweezers for longer trips. Honestly, I use my lexan spoon far more than I use my knife, and could probably get away with just carrying a razor blade in my first aid kit.