View Full Version : Perfect hiking knife
Most knives that people take hiking, for any period of time, fall into one of two categories: the overkill, giant, 2lb hunting knife, or, mostly, the 1in, 5$ walmart pocket knife. I recently found a happy medium. It's made of Givory, a type of plastic, so it's light, cheap, and won't rust, but it's still incredibly sharp and you can sharpen it with a piece of sandpaper. They're part of the Nightshade series made by Cold Steel. They're made to be compact and easy to carry. I'd recommend either the small boot knife or the karambit. Just throw it in your pocket(or boot) and forget about it until you need it. Go check it out.
Jersey Tim
06-27-2011, 22:17
Interesting! I can see it being a good compromise between weight and strength. I wonder, though, how well it'll hold an edge, or if you'd be sandpapering it every time you had to take the plastic wrap off something. Some states also frown on double-edged fixed blades over a certain length, but 3.25" might be small enough to squeak under the limit.
Trailbender
06-27-2011, 22:29
I use the tiny Victorinox classic, but I also carry a Mora #2, with a 3" carbon steel blade. It is a sturdy fixed blade and weighs a little over 2 oz.
I had this guy: http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-297436.html Was pretty perfect (until I lost it)
kayak karl
06-28-2011, 06:39
I had this guy: http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-297436.html Was pretty perfect (until I lost it)
thats the knife i carry also.
PS found it on the trail :D
I checked out the Nightshade family and read some reviews on the FGX Skean Dhu as it was less than an ounce and looked like a single edged blade. I don't know about the rest of the series, but this one apparently comes w/ no sheath. Reviews are mixed with folks complaining of broken tips and inability to hold an edge. Not sure one could whittle a tent stake with one of these.
Is the entire knife made out of Givory or just the handle? I'm with Trailbender- my tiny Victorinox Classic is all I've ever needed on a thru hike.
They do look nice but cold steel blades rust over time.
That is a terribly wrong statement. Cold Steel as a company makes not only carbon(can rust) blades but also stainless and semi-stainless tool steel.
If the OP is looking for the "perfect" knife for the AT your going to get thousands of replies because blade preference is as personal as food preferences. Just look for something light, stainless & if possible something in the 54-58 RC hardness. A hardness in that range will give you a blade which will hold an edge but is easily sharpened in the field also.
atraildreamer
06-28-2011, 09:55
Interesting! I can see it being a good compromise between weight and strength. I wonder, though, how well it'll hold an edge, or if you'd be sandpapering it every time you had to take the plastic wrap off something. Some states also frown on double-edged fixed blades over a certain length, but 3.25" might be small enough to squeak under the limit.
3" is the limit in RI, both for fixed blade and folding knives. I was told this by a LEO at a public office when I checked in a folding 4" lock-back that I used in my work. :o He said you could buy the longer bladed knife, but could not take it out of your house! :confused: This occurred in the city (Providence). I doubt that Fish & Game officers or rural LEOs would hassle you about a larger hunting or fishing knife.
BTW. the cop cut me a break and let me have the knife back and suggested I get a knife with a legal sized blade for my work. :)
That is a terribly wrong statement. Cold Steel as a company makes not only carbon(can rust) blades but also stainless and semi-stainless tool steel.....
Depends how you interpret it. That's the problem with naming a knife company after a metal. Cold steel metal does rust, and yes that's a problem for some people.
thats the knife i carry also.
PS found it on the trail :D
Glad it found a good home!
The Karambit is one-sided, and they're pretty sharp. If you didn't tell anybody they were plastic, they might not figure it out for a long time.
Entire thing. I think they may be full-tang, too, but I'm not certain.
Finally back on the forum.
I decided not to go through with this knife, and went with a 5in fixed blade Carbon-Steel KA-BAR knife. Over the length limit? Sure. Nobody's going to see it, though.
this is what i carry
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Feral Nature
08-15-2011, 20:06
Interesting topic. I just checked the Texas knife laws (never paid attention to them before) and need to re-evalute :eek:.
I like knives, but over the years I've found the itty-bitty Leatherman Squirt to be best for me.
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This is my backpacking go-to knife: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00180GQWC
A bit expensive, but lightweight (1.6 oz), made in USA, high-quality build, exceptional durability and function. Good stuff!
4eyedbuzzard
08-16-2011, 16:29
I've had this one (http://www.gerberknivesdirect.com/lst_22-06009.html) for over twenty years. Haven't found anything better.
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Rain Man
08-16-2011, 18:14
I've had this one (http://www.gerberknivesdirect.com/lst_22-06009.html) for over twenty years. Haven't found anything better.
That's the one I take, too. Another thumb up for it.
Rain:sunMan
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Rocket Jones
08-16-2011, 18:18
I've carried an old-style Fisherman model Swiss Army Knife for almost 30 years, but I have been looking at the Micra or Squirt S2.
Recent convert to the Kershaw Chill.
Got one on amazon for $17. 2oz.
Wise Old Owl
08-16-2011, 22:29
At that price I question the strength of the steel.
grimtongue
08-18-2011, 16:31
Spyderco Salt 1. Light weight and absolutely will not rust. Comes in a easy to spot yellow handle too.
Sent from my ADR6300 using Tapatalk
I had this guy: http://www.knife-depot.com/knife-297436.html Was pretty perfect (until I lost it)
I used a razor blade taped duct taped inside of my data book my first go around on the AT. No problems and easily replaced. However, this looks really functional and super light weight. I want one!
Country Roads
08-18-2011, 19:09
I just picked up a cool paring knife at the local Black and Decker outlet store. I has a pretty nice blade that is about 3 1/2 inches and good grip, it is sharp and comes with a plastic sheath that slides over the blade and locks in place. I found it in the cooking utensil section. They come in different colors (mine is bright green). The best part: It only weighs 1 1/2 ounce total. Should be good for cutting rope, spreading PB, cleaning under fingernails, etc; not in the same minute though :)
Wise Old Owl
08-18-2011, 21:34
Everyone has an opinion about the plethora of choices of knifes... if I could I want to give you a synopsis of previous knife threads with my own take on the subject...
1.there is no clear winner when it comes to knives.
2. Gram weenies are all about razor blades & swiss nail clippers.
3. most people take China knock offs that fail in the field... (Arron Rolston)
4. ohh lets worry about whats legal in every state... knifes that are legal are so short why bother.
5. a few here really want a bayonet and are clearly out of touch....
6. every forgets to do a wood test to discover how strong the steel is.. ( I will explain)
OK on the AT everyone argues the need for a knife is not a factor, that cutting things up are a waste of time and unnecessary, A frequent post in knife threads. So here is my take, I want to make it clear I do not think a knife makes a practical weapon against others. Go learn Karate instead. I see it as a practical tool, if you loose a tent peg, you make another with a stick. In pouring rain you cut a fuzz stick to start a fire. Cut a rope, or use a knife for first aid. Below was one of my best finds in the field.
I was a big fan up to recently with Swiss knifes until I found the support pin is easy to snap and the blade goes dull when working with wood too fast. Later in the field I discovered the blades were 1" shorter than I liked. After purchase of the original Leatherman, I like the toughness of the steel, and the practical lock on the blade, but its too heavy for the trail... Don't need all those tools. Maybe the awl and saw, is practical. So now I am looking at one of the waves, possible the scissors and not the pliers.
Hope I didn't offend anyone... so get out and hike and break a nail.......
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carpediemkath
09-02-2011, 04:05
I love my Leatherman Micra!!
I love my Columbia River Knife & Tool Folts Minimalist with Wharncliffe blade. I have yet to need anything more. If I'm planning to go way out into the boonies then I have a Mora #2 4.5" carbon steel fixed blade. My Folts Minimalist is going to be my thru-hike knife next year, though.
http://www.crkt.com/Folts-Minimalist-Neck-Knife-Razor-Sharp-Edge
tridavis
09-22-2011, 15:36
This is what I carry.....at 330g it is a bit heavy but it is also for protection.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EICKHORN-INFANTRY-KM-2000-COMBAT-SURVIVAL-OUTDOOR-KNIFE-/160537347207?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2560c58487
Gray Blazer
09-23-2011, 07:43
Loews carries the Appalachian Trail knife brand. They are kinda cool if you like the chinese stuff.
PapaGarrettP
09-23-2011, 10:07
I carry a Bowen single edge knife belt http://www.bowenknife.com/ - have done so for 30 years (the same knife, different belts) and either a Victorinox (Swiss Army Super Tinker) or, for longer trips a SOG Multi Tool http://sogknives.com/store/tools.html I have carried the Leatherman, but the SOG is better made (especially the pliars). I gave up carrying a "long blade" years ago when I realized that it would generally find its way to the bottom of my pack, where it would stay until the trip was over.
Single edged razor blade.
I've carried a few different knives and never needed anything more than a sharp edge - which a SERB is sharper than most any knife. Weighs nothing too.
PapaGarrettP
09-23-2011, 11:25
Single edged razor blade.
I've carried a few different knives and never needed anything more than a sharp edge - which a SERB is sharper than most any knife. Weighs nothing too.
How do you spread your peanut butter or cut the cheese? ;>)
How do you spread your peanut butter or cut the cheese? ;>)
Spread the peanut butter with my spoon. Cut the cheese with the RB. Or just bite hunks out of it as I eat, whichever is appropriate to the occasion. :)
fireneck
09-23-2011, 12:55
Gerber Mini Paraframe (http://www.rei.com/product/738186/gerber-mini-paraframe-serrated-knife) it's just 1.4oz.
Gerber Mini Paraframe[/URL] it's just 1.4oz.
I have one of those. Could be the perfect trail knife...
--
Chilly
laughingdawg.blogspot.com
atmilkman
09-23-2011, 23:20
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Gerber LST- Lighter than a feather and just like a Chevy, "solid as a rock" I kinda know better than to say that but i did anyway.
Trailbender
09-24-2011, 00:02
This is what I carry.....at 330g it is a bit heavy but it is also for protection.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/EICKHORN-INFANTRY-KM-2000-COMBAT-SURVIVAL-OUTDOOR-KNIFE-/160537347207?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item2560c58487
If you don't have training for knife fighting, carrying one for protection is mostly false security.
A Gerber Magnum LST junior, very light, strong, and holds an edge, with great balanced feel.