View Full Version : Perfect, Ultralight Backpacking Knife
ye olde shiza
10-03-2010, 07:39
Hello folks,
I'm planning my 2012 PCT thru-hike. Already finished the AT in 2008. I used the Victorinox Swiss Army 8-Function Knife on the AT. Fairly light. Nice, but overall, I only used three tools ... the toothpick, bottle opener and knife.
I want something more efficient. My ideal would be to have a single-piece (no joint) blade on one end, handle topped with an o-ring bottle opener. I'd have to carry a sheath with that, of course, so maybe something that folds would be better.
Anyway, what are your favorite ultralight knives? I only care about two things - opening quality beer and cutting sausage/cheese.
Thanks,
VooDoo
AT '08
ye olde shiza
10-03-2010, 08:00
Ha. Nevermind ... think I found the answer in one of these two:
1. http://www.leatherman.com/product/e33L/e33Lx
2. http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=365
Any experience with either of these?
Llama Legs
10-03-2010, 08:23
http://www.rei.com/product/760978
I blew all of my REI dividends on one of these. No bottle opener...
ye olde shiza
10-03-2010, 08:28
But yeah, without the bottle opener, I'd have to bring something extra. Especially on the PCT ... so many delicious beers with non twist-off caps.
Danielsen
10-03-2010, 08:58
http://www.meritline.com/stainless-steel-survival-tool---p-27264.aspx?clickid=TGQC8AoBCjUAAGjCRlsAAAGu&source=dealnews
Two bucks shipped (used to be some discount code so I got mine for 0.79 total), I use mine all the time. It's in my back pocket right now.
Another good option would be the CRKT Dogfish.
http://www.crkt.com/Dogfish
I prefer fixed blades to folding knives because they are easier to keep clean. This knife plus the sheath is also only 2.3oz. I own four CRKT knives and they are all great quality, my favorite of which is now my Folts Minimalist.
garlic08
10-03-2010, 09:57
I've been using this for a few years: http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/STANLEY-Mini-Razor-Scraper-3Q094
They're about a dollar at the local drugstore with five extra blades. The best thing is if you need to board a plane with carry-ons, you can throw it away and get a new one at your destination without too much grief. It's sharp enough for minor surgery.
Trailbender
10-03-2010, 10:18
Hello folks,
I'm planning my 2012 PCT thru-hike. Already finished the AT in 2008. I used the Victorinox Swiss Army 8-Function Knife on the AT. Fairly light. Nice, but overall, I only used three tools ... the toothpick, bottle opener and knife.
I want something more efficient. My ideal would be to have a single-piece (no joint) blade on one end, handle topped with an o-ring bottle opener. I'd have to carry a sheath with that, of course, so maybe something that folds would be better.
Anyway, what are your favorite ultralight knives? I only care about two things - opening quality beer and cutting sausage/cheese.
Thanks,
VooDoo
AT '08
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Army-Cadet-Multi-tool-Knife/dp/B003LDCMR2
This knife is 1.6 ounces, the best backpacking knife I have seen to date.
A GI issue can opener is good thing to have if you dont carry a swiss army knife. and weighs almost nothing. Just get a real GI model.
The Becker necker has a bottle opener and is fixed blade and thick. Tough knife and weighs about 4 oz. You could use it to split wood with but the blade is a bit short at 3"
If you want a light knife with a longer blade and a comfortable handle I like Mora 840 clipper. They are about 3.5 oz with the sheath but just a knife so no bottle opener. They sell for about $12 on ebay. They sell SS and carbon steel knives. The 840 has a 4" blade.
Also on BPL they sell a knife called the Baladeo which weighs 22gr but only has a 2" blade.
To me I think the Mora is the most useful all around knife but it does not have a full shank handle. The Becker necker is the best light tough knife I have found. Waiting on becker to come out with a 4" model. If I was going SUL I would take the Baladeo.
The Rat RC-4 is suposed to be a great 4.5" blade knife, but I have not used one.
I think a good combo that gives you a decent knife with a longish blade, toothpick and tweezers and scissors, can opener and bottle opener is a Classic swiss army small. Been carrying one for years everywhere. Weighs less than 1 oz. Either that or a swiss card has scissors too and a little more stuff on it.
Add to that a GI issue can opener.
Add to that one of the knives above.
If you dont get a knife with a opener there
are about a million different styles of keychain bottle openers
and multi function tools like listed above.
these knives hit the backpackign trinity of "cheap, light, durable"
http://www.swedishknives.com/
The Gerber LST. It weighs .6oz.
But yeah, without the bottle opener, I'd have to bring something extra. Especially on the PCT ... so many delicious beers with non twist-off caps.
Lighters can be used as bottle openers.
The Gerber LST. It weighs .6oz.
Lighters can be used as bottle openers.
sounds like someone went to college ;)
Chance09
10-03-2010, 12:44
look up on youtube ways to open beers. There are hundreds of ways to open beers lol. A lighter is just one of them. If you have a TI spoon or fork you can use that. You could even use a rock if you wanted.
I usually use the back edge of my knife much the same way you would a lighter.
Llama Legs
10-03-2010, 14:57
http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/files/2/7/1/2/5/bottle_opener_thumb.jpg (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=43284&c=721)
GeneralLee10
10-03-2010, 17:56
Another good option would be the CRKT Dogfish.
http://www.crkt.com/Dogfish
I prefer fixed blades to folding knives because they are easier to keep clean. This knife plus the sheath is also only 2.3oz. I own four CRKT knives and they are all great quality, my favorite of which is now my Folts Minimalist.
I have the Dogfish and like it alot. Mite need to change out the chain it comes with to a string.
Swiss Army Rambler
Features blade, scissors, nail file with screwdriver tip, bottle opener with magnetic Phillips screwdriver tip and wire stripper, toothpick, tweezers
Firefighter503
10-03-2010, 20:52
Nice Bottle Opener Llama Legs, I have a collection of those myself ;)
TheYoungOne
10-05-2010, 16:05
Ha. Nevermind ... think I found the answer in one of these two:
1. http://www.leatherman.com/product/e33L/e33Lx
2. http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=365
Any experience with either of these?
The leatherman is a real knife, built solid and only 3 ounces. I like Kershaw knives, but that thing looks like a toy.
Another option is a Skeletool. You get a knife, screwdriver, pliers/wirecutter and a bottle opener in a 5 ounce package.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/product.asp?id=2&f=6&c=1
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Micra
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Squirt_ES4
SMSP
Trailbender
10-06-2010, 12:45
The leatherman is a real knife, built solid and only 3 ounces. I like Kershaw knives, but that thing looks like a toy.
Another option is a Skeletool. You get a knife, screwdriver, pliers/wirecutter and a bottle opener in a 5 ounce package.
http://www.leatherman.com/products/product.asp?id=2&f=6&c=1
3 and 5 ounces is pretty heavy for a hiking knife. If I am carrying a 5 oz knife, it is a fixed blade. I take one in the woods on my hike, but didn't for a thru.
Carry and extra ounce and get a Becker Necker.
I second (or third) the Gerber LST. Mine has the half serrated blade. I sharpen all my knives myself with a Gatco knife sharpener. I can even sharpen the serrated edges.
SunnyWalker
10-07-2010, 20:14
Ka-Bar Becker Necker. Has a bottle opener. Blade made of the right stuff. Eassy to get to. Super knife. IMO. -Chaplain
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/fe9962d2bb.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/)
http://www.cymba.com/luke01.html
Transient Being
10-08-2010, 13:25
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/swiss-army/victorinox/swiss-army-knives/swiss-army-classics/swiss-army-classic-sd
This is my favorite. Knife and scissors and very light.
Trailbender
10-08-2010, 19:05
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/swiss-army/victorinox/swiss-army-knives/swiss-army-classics/swiss-army-classic-sd
This is my favorite. Knife and scissors and very light.
For another half an ounce you can get a can opener and bottle opener, 2 things that are a must on any pocketknife I buy.
DBRIGGS9
10-14-2010, 01:17
I have this tiny little brookstone multi tool i got for free when i bought my dad his fathers day present. must weigh like 2 ounces. but has anyone ever really needed anything on their mult itools?
I honestly have never used one hah, just one of those things you gotta have. it'd be dumb not to bring it along
It's just a knife.
Open your packet of food, cut a piece of string, punch a small hole in some fabric.
I wouldn't get too worried about it for backpacking on one of the most populated foot paths in the world that is never very far from a road.
Any knife (or razor blade) will do.
mweinstone
10-14-2010, 09:57
with no knife, cheese is still eaten as is sausage. and life goes on. never understood knifeys. do yall cut stuff every day? cause i got nothin to cut in my pack. i carry the knife lwolf gave me cause he likes that. not cause i use it. whats all the cutting goin on? yall scarifien?
Doc Mike
10-14-2010, 10:03
A knife is nice to sharpen the weinie and marshmallow roastin stick.
scissors probably the most useful thing.
Have never needed a bottle opener, a wood edge and a quick pull and no more lid on bottle.
Doc Mike
Either a yankee knife http://images.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/gerber/images/41830.jpg
Or a knife
http://www.backcountry.com/gerber-gator-ii-folder-knife?CMP_SKU=GER0065&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&mv_pc=r126&mr:trackingCode=325D50DB-F061-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA
Buck knives are second to none too. They make some sort of gamut knife that's near perfection if your not messin with wood.
TheYoungOne
10-14-2010, 15:06
with no knife, cheese is still eaten as is sausage. and life goes on. never understood knifeys. do yall cut stuff every day? cause i got nothin to cut in my pack. i carry the knife lwolf gave me cause he likes that. not cause i use it. whats all the cutting goin on? yall scarifien?
I carry a skeletool everyday and I find myself using the knife a least once a week. :confused:
I just find the lack of carrying either a multitool or swiss army knife interesting.
What happens when your bear bag gets tangled in a tree. Do you just leave it there, or do you chew the cord off.
What if you get a splinter or a blister.
What if you need to fix a piece of equipment. Do you just throw it away?
How about making a fuzz stick and getting to dry wood to start a fire in the rain, or using the pliers to grab hot object when using your stove.
How about having something to defend yourself if someone or something means to do you harm when your alone on the trail. Even a 1" blade is better then just crying for help.
Or just having a sharp knife to crave a stick with to pass the time.
I don't get this fear some AT hikers have with a simple knife. Guides, hunters and campers out west, in Alaska, and in other remote parts of the world would no be caught dead without one. I'm not saying get a 5lb rambo knife, but a small knife or multi tool is good weight
SunnyWalker
10-14-2010, 18:01
yeah, what about it??!?!?!?!???????????
njordan2
10-14-2010, 18:46
Leatherman Wave. It can be opend with one hand, which is handy.
I always have use for the pliers, knife, saw, scissors, bottle opener and screw drivers.
icemanat95
10-14-2010, 22:36
Carry and extra ounce and get a Becker Necker.
This is your best choice for your criteria. It is a tough, well-made little knife. Tough as hell, a veritable Tasmanian Devil of a neck knife.
Sergemaster
11-29-2010, 17:07
When I'm hiking or camping, at a minimum, I carry both a blade and MT. Lately it's either a fixed blade in this case a Nessmuck made by Fiddleback Forge, accompanied by a Swisstool Spirit.
If I decide to drop the fixed blade and carry a smaller folder, that'll be either a Buck 112 or an Emerson CQC-7. Since I was in the Army, carrying some sort of tool/blade combo is second nature.
Personally, I'm a little shocked by some talk that I've read of how some folks have posted that they don't carry first aid kits, light, fire starting aids, rain gear, knife, para chord, etc. and worse this is often touted as the norm for any excursion into the field.
Sorry to say but IMHO and my experience, I find that line of thinking just plain crazy regardless to the AT or a 3 hour hike on a well groomed local hiking trail. I'd rather have something and not need it than to need something and not have it.
Cheers,
Serge
Paracord? I have never used paracord in my life. I don't even carry a parachute. Dental floss is much handier as I can fix things with it and clean my teeth.
I like the classic swiss army knife. Razor blades scare the crap out of me. When I have a beer, it's usually in a restaurant or store where there is a bottle opener handy somewhere.
StorminMormon
11-30-2010, 14:26
http://www.leatherman.com/product/Freestyle_CX
I like the Leatherman Freestyle CX. No, it's not the lightest knife, but I really REALLY like having a pair of pliers when I'm out on the trail. I don't need screwdriver bits, can openers, or bottle openers (I don't drink beer, so - you know). So, for me it's about as light as it gets.
YoungMoose
11-30-2010, 17:18
Ha. Nevermind ... think I found the answer in one of these two:
1. http://www.leatherman.com/product/e33L/e33Lx
2. http://www.kershawknives.com/productdetails.php?id=365
Any experience with either of these? i have the kershaw one. i love it. its really good quality and i use it almost all the time. has held up good for 2 years. They are also great if something breaks or lose it. For some reason the hinge that lets the knife pivot came out and the knife wasnt able to work without it. the replaced the whole knife for free. i have never used the bottle opener yet but i can try it out for u if you want me to
Sergemaster
12-02-2010, 16:47
Ahh Paracord. I always carry at least 50ft of it in my pack whenever I go hiking, you never know when it might come in handy, here are some examples:
10 uses for ParaCord
1. bundle it up and replace that cheap “camping twine” you always carry when you go backpacking. it might weigh a bit more but it also holds up over 500 pounds on a single cord.
2. wrap your hiking stick with it to make it more durable and so you’ll always have some cord when you need it.
3. wrap your knife handle or hatchet handle with it to soften the grip and avoid blisters.
4. make a bracelet out of it so you’ll always have strong cord with you. a Turks head knot works great for this if you weave in extra knots.
5. use it to hang up your tarp or shelter when camping or in an emergency.
6. use it to hang your bear bag or backpack.
7. use it to do an impromptu rappel into a cave (be extremely careful when doing this – don’t bounce on the end of the cord or anything) or down a steep ledge. Alternately you could use it to help yourself or companions up a steep slope.
8. use the inner cord to make snares and catch yourself dinner.
9. use the inner cord as a fishing line to catch dinner.
10. use a length of cord to hold your camping pad onto your backpack.
The uses of paracord are endless. Don’t be fooled by cheap parachute cord knockoffs. Real parachute cordage has a tensile strength of 550 pounds. As a Kerrnmantle rope type, its interior core (the kern) is protected with a woven exterior sheath or mantle that optimizes strength, durability, and flexibility.
The number of strands in 550 paracord is usually stated as 7, there are actually 14. The strands are twisted in groups of two to form the 7 strands commonly known. A braided nylon outer sheath contains and protects the cordage inside.
550 paracord is rated to hold 550 pounds. Individually, the components of this parachute cord consist of:
* The paracord sheath is rated at about 300-pounds
* 14 inner strings, each of which have a rating of about 17.5 pounds
* 7 strands made up on two strings each for a rating of 35 pounds.
So as you can see there are a multitude of uses for paracord and the ones I listed are a very few of the many many things I have personally used it for.
The Leatherman Freestyle as well as the Skeletool are definite keepers in the knife/MT combination dept. especially for packing while hiking on local and not too distant trails, since they seem to balance the need for a sharp blade and most important, pliers into a compact item which weighs only 5 ounces with better yet, a blade that can be accessed with one hand and lets not forget a pocket clip.
Lately, I've been exploring the Folts Minimalist that seems to be getting rave reviews from those who have used it. CRKT mades several versions of it, but if I decide to go with it, I'll purchase the made in USA version from Alan Folts directly.
Cheers,
Serge
MisplacedMainer
12-03-2010, 02:35
I'm with you Serge, paracord is far superior and better to have around just in case. Many uses in all different situations. IMHO those that tout not having safety items like first aid kits, para cord, knives etc, are the ones who end up getting a darwin award.
vamelungeon
12-03-2010, 21:32
I'll keep my Swiss Army Knife. I carry it all the time, hiking or not. I'd feel weird without it. Obviously I don't fly very often.
jeepcachr
01-05-2011, 10:20
Last year Gerber announced a folding knife that basically had half the handle. The blade folded alongside the handle instead of in the middle. Does anyone know what this knife is called or if they actually made it?
SunnyWalker
01-06-2011, 22:21
Real men carry knives.
I carry two kinves... the minuscule Victorinox "Classic" with a P51 opener attached to it and either a Gerber LST or CRKT "Wrangler"... I think the Wrangler is a better knife than the LST, but I've had the LST for 25 years and try as I have, can't seem to lose it!
And I can't apparently spell "knives"...
trippclark
01-07-2011, 16:12
what are your favorite ultralight knives?
This knife has been my favorite for backpacking and everyday use.
http://www.photonlight.com/products/Swiss-Army-Esquire-Micro%252dLight-Knife.html
Sorry, no bottle opener, but I find that I use the LED light nearly every day, often several times a day.
Sickmont
01-07-2011, 16:38
Ultralight? Hmmm. Can't say i've ever really worried about the weight of a quality knife. As i said in another thread, i prefer a smaller fixed blade with a smooth edge. My current favorite baby is this:
http://www.bladehq.com/item--Benchmade-Nim-Cub-II--3568
Perhaps its too much for a section or thru-hike but i always feel naked without a knife on me.
Sickmont
01-07-2011, 16:40
And i'd get this for a bottle opener:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/accessories/756e/
I just picked up one of these. 2.7 ounces without scales. My new go-to knife. Stainless with great edge retention. I also need something just a little more substantial than a razor blade.
I have really grown fond of my Mora knives...
http://stick13.wordpress.com/gear/knives-multi-tools/mora-s-1-knife/
http://stick13.wordpress.com/gear/knives-multi-tools/mora-clipper-840/
SunnyWalker
01-29-2011, 23:36
Sickmont-whew looks like a nice knife. I have gone down on record as saying that I like my Becker Necker for backpacking. And I do. But my son gave me one of the Gerber Multi tool knives. Pretty neat! But it weighs a lot (it seems). I don't know if I will give up my Becker Necker. It's so nice to have it handy and I like fixed blades also. I like this thread cuz I really don't know much about knives. It's been educating.
Zeno Marx
01-30-2011, 00:07
A GI issue can opener is good thing to have if you dont carry a swiss army knife. and weighs almost nothing. Just get a real GI model.
If you want a light knife with a longer blade and a comfortable handle I like Mora 840 clipper. They are about 3.5 oz with the sheath but just a knife so no bottle opener. They sell for about $12 on ebay. They sell SS and carbon steel knives. The 840 has a 4" blade.Exactly what I was going to recommend when this thread popped up today.
P-38 or P-51 opener. I'd go with a P-51. You're talking less than a buck. On the counter at the register of every surplus store in the land.
http://www.countycomm.com/opener.htm
Zeno Marx
01-30-2011, 00:11
also have a personal soft spot for Opinels. The #6 is the smallest that still has the locking safety ring.
http://www.opiknife.com/proddetail.asp?prod=Opinel-No-6-stainless-steel-blade
(sorry for the 2nd post. I can't figure out how to edit my posts to make additions or fix errors)
Mtn Scout
01-30-2011, 00:24
http://www.crkt.com/Ta-Bar-Tool-Razor-Edge-Wharncliffe-Fixed-Blade-Pry-BarNail-Puller-Bottle-Opener
best money i spent on a knife in a long time. the guy that designed this knife is about 40 miles south of me and he is an excellent knife maker. this is what i carry in my pack
Wise Old Owl
01-30-2011, 01:09
http://www.swissknifeshop.com/shop/swiss-army/victorinox/swiss-army-knives/swiss-army-classics/swiss-army-classic-sd
This is my favorite. Knife and scissors and very light.
Sorry is that a Nail Clipper? You are kiddin Right? What mac-n-cheese are you going to open with that?
It's just a knife.
Open your packet of food, cut a piece of string, punch a small hole in some fabric.
I wouldn't get too worried about it for backpacking on one of the most populated foot paths in the world that is never very far from a road.
Any knife (or razor blade) will do.
Yea like comparing a BMW to Chinese made car...Yea Lets compare a high quality Swiss watch to a Timex knock off.. Mags You have a tremendous depth and knowledge here, did someone steal your password? Another person I look up too, I would trade places with you in a heartbeat... I have climbed the Rockies...
[/QUOTE] Posted then deleted
I like the classic swiss army knife. Razor blades scare the crap out of me. When I have a beer, it's usually in a restaurant or store where there is a bottle opener handy somewhere.[/QUOTE]
Grow up and learn to shave, Razor blades are necessary to clean wounds and dig out deep debris. Indians shaved! with obsidian, sharper than a razor blade.
Real men carry knives.
Huhh? don't bring a knife to a gun fight.
And I can't apparently spell "knives"...
Its OK back away from the keyboard... Most WB members can't either. Grammar is a secondary problem even for me...
Look I am taking a small stand about some advice here on WB. I don't have a soapbox to stand on. You can still bring a nail file to the AT, your toes are going to need it. For those of you that quoted a Kershaw or a Mora - Shrade... Kudo's a few ounces makes a big difference when you need to solve a problem, like waking up tomorrow, Yea its OK to Bring two!
Swiss Army knifes and clippers - the pin is too small, a little force and the blade will bend back and break. There is no safety, it closes too easy. The stainless steel is great for carving a piece of meat, horrible for a fuzz stick, or any other wood moment. it goes dull too fast. One should have a strong small heavy duty knife and a small light weight sharpener - Never in my mind is this a weapon, to me it will always be a tool to solve a problem. Go ahead and bring a swiss tool, but back it up with a Shrade, Mora, or Kershaw... If you need a reason feel free to PM me.
I carry two kinves... the minuscule Victorinox "Classic" with a P51 opener attached to it and either a Gerber LST or CRKT "Wrangler"... I think the Wrangler is a better knife than the LST, but I've had the LST for 25 years and try as I have, can't seem to lose it!
Yeah, mine is the P-38 not P-51...
Go ahead and bring a swiss tool, but back it up with a Shrade, Mora, or Kershaw... If you need a reason feel free to PM me.
I agree with what you've written here and essentially I said the same further up this page...
As far as entering a PM exchange with you, reading your posts is painful enough thank you. :sun
As far as entering a PM exchange with you, reading your posts is painful enough thank you. :sun
I apologize... that's a bit harsh.
I apologize... that's a bit harsh.
Guilt: the gift that keeps on giving.
Guilt: the gift that keeps on giving.
No guilt, I just don't like being unkind.
No guilt, I just don't like being unkind.
Well done.
Wise Old Owl
01-31-2011, 11:27
That's OK I didn't understand it.
Although I carry a Swiss, it's because I do back it up since a failure. I have a pic in my gallery
SunnyWalker
02-03-2011, 20:12
That Gerber I received from my son is: Gerber Suspension.
Trailbender
02-06-2011, 16:04
Yea like comparing a BMW to Chinese made car...Yea Lets compare a high quality Swiss watch to a Timex knock off.. Mags You have a tremendous depth and knowledge here, did someone steal your password? Another person I look up too, I would trade places with you in a heartbeat... I have climbed the Rockies...
To me, a car is a car. I have a Taurus wagon I paid 1K for a few years ago. I have had no issues with it, besides regular maintenance. I would also prefer to buy a Timex, I can spend the money saved on something else. A BMW is a status symbol, nothing more. If a car gets you from one place to another, without breaking down, then it is about all you need.
As for the swiss knife comment, I have made plenty of fuzz sticks, ect with mine, with no issues. I agree about carrying a sharpener, I have a small diamond rod on the biner with my knife, stainless dulls fast, it is a quality of the metal, not the knife.
Wise Old Owl
02-06-2011, 16:29
Well to be honest I went back and looked up the swiss knives on the hardness scales and discovered they "Claim" the same level of hardness as other top quality of knives. So apart from the small support pin that can break, and how quickly they dull, they are good for what they were originally designed for... to pull apart and reassemble guns. So I am going to look over the Leatherman's again, and try out a few.... And donate my swiss to my son. In short it doesn't matter anymore....
Trailbender
02-06-2011, 21:06
Well to be honest I went back and looked up the swiss knives on the hardness scales and discovered they "Claim" the same level of hardness as other top quality of knives. So apart from the small support pin that can break, and how quickly they dull, they are good for what they were originally designed for... to pull apart and reassemble guns. So I am going to look over the Leatherman's again, and try out a few.... And donate my swiss to my son. In short it doesn't matter anymore....
Like I said, the dulling quickly thing is a property of stainless blades, not just the swiss army knives. You aren't going to be able to baton with one, of course it will break. You gotta use your equipment within its design parameters. If the pin breaks, I would just replace it with a small machine screw, bolt, and some loctite anyways.
What about a utili key? Only 0.5oz has knife and bottle opener (and some other stuff). I have heard it can even be used as a pan holder if you don't mind the dent it will make in the pot.
http://www.amazon.com/Swiss-Tech-UKCSB-1-Utili-Key-Multi-Tool/dp/B0001EFSTI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1365116890&sr=8-1&keywords=utili-key
Stephen
perdidochas
04-05-2013, 12:17
The Gerber ultralight LST weights .6 oz (weight of 6 razor blades). I've had the "heavy" version, and it is a nice knife. Has a 2 inch blade.
TheYoungOne
04-05-2013, 15:14
Die Zombie Thread...DIE!!
It was interesting to see what I was thinking about in 2010.
newToThrough
06-03-2015, 00:00
Die Zombie Thread...DIE!! It was interesting to see what I was thinking about in 2010. What's the best ultralight knife to kill a zombie thread?
Gray Bear
06-03-2015, 05:30
I carry a skeletool everyday and I find myself using the knife a least once a week. :confused:
I just find the lack of carrying either a multitool or swiss army knife interesting.
What happens when your bear bag gets tangled in a tree. Do you just leave it there, or do you chew the cord off.
What if you get a splinter or a blister.
What if you need to fix a piece of equipment. Do you just throw it away?
How about making a fuzz stick and getting to dry wood to start a fire in the rain, or using the pliers to grab hot object when using your stove.
How about having something to defend yourself if someone or something means to do you harm when your alone on the trail. Even a 1" blade is better then just crying for help.
Or just having a sharp knife to crave a stick with to pass the time.
I don't get this fear some AT hikers have with a simple knife. Guides, hunters and campers out west, in Alaska, and in other remote parts of the world would no be caught dead without one. I'm not saying get a 5lb rambo knife, but a small knife or multi tool is good weight
I'm with you on this one. why would you go into the woods with out a knife? I work in an office and wouldn't think of leaving the house without one I believe there are 3 things every man (or woman) should always have on their person: a flashlight, a bandana and a knife. without these things one is unprepared! If it were me I'd go for the basic Swiss army deals with a thin blade for slicing food and some decent scissors. Some folks like to have the multitool for the pliers, myself I don't think they are worth the weight.
Many lightweight hikers think that knives/multi-tools are extra weight. The guy that wrote the AWOL guide stated something that made a lot of sense to me. He thinks scissors are more practical for most tasks requiring cutting rather than knives while on the trail. He carries the Leatherman Micra which is first scissors and second a knife, among other things. I like this philosophy for AT style hikes. I bought one for long trail hiking. 1.8 ounces with an eyelet to place a lanyard and/or small biner into. The Leatherman Squirt (discontinued) is a little better because the tools in the handle are on the outside rather than in the middle which requires opening the tool to access them.
I prefer the classic Swiss knife because of the siccors.