View Full Version : Hiking Knife
Any thoughts. I have a swiss army with several baldes and a small saw. I don't know what I'd be sawing. Dead limbs are usually on the ground. Anyhow it's lighter than my leatherman. Is this overkill for a 8 day in NC next week? Your thoughts
hikerboy57
08-30-2011, 07:36
Ive found you rarely need anything more than a single edge razor blade for most trips.But I still like to have my own swiss army knife with me, almost as a security blanket, knowing Ill probably never need the corkscrew or can opener, although the scissors are easier for cutting moleskin than the blade.maybe its overkill, and you may never use the saw, but I still cant leave mine home,even on a day hike.
couscous
08-30-2011, 07:55
Leatherman Micra 1.9oz is what I carry on & off the trail.
bigcranky
08-30-2011, 09:17
I think this (http://graymanknives.com/feedback.html) is probably the appropriate knife for an AT hike.
Or maybe this (http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Classic-Pocket-Knife/dp/B00004YVB2), which is what I actually carry. The scissors are the most useful part, followed by the tweezers.
Will you need all of those blades....or are you just carrying it for the saw and the knife? Although I have a nice Swiss army knife, I rarely use it backpacking. Instead, I use a 4" folding lockblade knife and a (knockoff) micro leatherman type tool, which I purchased for $10 from Harbor Freight.....I love that store!
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?72750-Kershaw-Chill-lt-2oz-quot-real-knife-quot-3-quot-blade
Wise Old Owl
08-31-2011, 22:48
DGM - I wish you had searched WB on knifes before posting - there's a thread started every week here, and the unfortunate thing is that knifes are in abundance like opinions. Someone suggests that a razor blade will do - yet there isn't a man on the AT that shaves. The Swiss army knife is a nice piece of cutlery, good for disassemble a gun or cleaning a broken nail.... goes dull way to fast. Leatherman & locking blades are safer, and appear to be stronger, for wood craft - a disappearing art. I am for taking something, so long as its not a Chinese knockoff, ask Aaron Rolston...
When you do decide to pick a knife - make a fuzz stick - and discover if its still sharp afterwards. That's my test.