knives and hiking

Over the years I have seen everything from a small single blade pen knife to the very large “Bowie Style” sheath knife taken on hikes, backpack trips, ect.

I have talked to some people about their knife choices and they all say they chose that knife for protection from wild animals. I think that if I have to use a knife to defend myself from an animal I am in serious trouble, already. All though in the case of an attack, I am prepared to use what ever knife I have at hand.

My preference is to carry not one but two folding knives for work, or general usage. Both very sharp. When I was young I traveled with one knife. Setting it down after using it, I promptly forgot about it, left the area, and only much later and a distance away remembered that I had set it down on a tree stump. It was not recovered. I also use a separate knife for cooking or kitchen duties. I don’t want the general use knives to contaminate my foods.

I am wondering what type of knife you take hiking with you and, or how many? And, or why?

reply

Knife selection is a very personal choice. I choose to carry a Swiss Army Swiss Tool. I've always carried some sort of folding knife for their utilitarian options, like a saw. I keep my knife on a lanyard, clipped to my pack, belt, or hung around my neck, to avoid loss.

reply

redpatch5 has been talking to a bunch of macho dreamers who say

Quote:

they all say they chose that knife for protection from wild animals.

Maybe in the movies. Or maybe defending themselves against chipmunks. I expect kutenay to respond here, assuming he can pick himself up off the floor and quite laughing hysterically long enough to type a response. I doubt that a sword (except Ahnold's in the Conan series) would have any effect against grizzlies (or any other bear bent on a real attack), the large cats, or even an enraged elk/deer/moose (yes, these have been known to kill people).

Knives are made for specific purposes. Although I do use a Swiss Army knife (have several of these from both "official" makers), I find that all the multiple blade/tool knives/Leatherman type of devices do not do anything particularly well. For climbing, I carry a "rescue knife" which sees occasional use for cutting sling or cord for leaving behind for a rappel (more often for clearing the huge pile of ancient, rotting sling off popular rappel points on backcountry routes). Yes, the SAK can be handy [I have used the pliers on one several times when on a backpack with scouts to to "orthodontal" work (retrieve pieces of broken braces), as a pot lifter, and to tighten a few things that my fingernails weren't up to]. And I have used the blades of SAK and Leathermen to whittle, carve, and cut things. The saws aren't good for sawing wood or anything else more than a couple centimeters thick (and are poor even on sticks less than a cm).

Bowie knives do have a purpose. Aside from their use as a weapon for fighting other humans mano a mano, they were used as a substitute for axes, skinning large animals after killing them with the muzzleloader, and as the frontier equivalent of a multi-tool. I do carry one when doing historical re-enactments.

Multiple blade knives do have their uses, but they are not a substitute for a real tool and certainly are unsatisfactory as a weapon for defense against wild animals. Oh, wait, maybe if you confront an enraged brown bear, he might laugh himself to death at the sight.

And the point about having a knife that is kept clean and separate for kitchen putposes is a good one - the folding blade type, especially multitools, have too many hard to clean crevices that can and do harbor all sorts of contamination (if you carry your knife for cutting bread and spreading peanut butter in your pocket, do you also carry the bread itself and the peanut butter in your pocket - I mean without wrapper or container, directly in your pocket?)

reply

the only action my knife ever sees is cutting open a hoagie roll once a day.

I'd be fine backpacking with a plastic knife.

reply

I used to carry a SAK (camper's model with saw) every day. Almost every day I found a use for it. When hiking/camping I carried a SAK and a Russel Belt-Knife.

Now, I would carry the SAK and a Marble's "Trout and Bird" knife. The trout and bird in carbon steel will take a superb edge, hangs around your neck when not in use, is very light weight, and has no crannies to trap dirt - so you can use the same knife for cooking and all other uses.

Here is a photo of the Marble -- http://www.marblesoutletstore.com/ProdDetails.asp?IID=102

BTW, Jim Bureau, who owns the Marble's store above, is a great guy and superb cane rodmaker.

Reed

reply

I love the Victorinox/Swiss Army Super Tinker that I have carried for years. Can't seem to find it on the Victorinox site, however; most of those knives have corkscrews, which I never needed while backpacking. I have used every blade (and even the tweezers and toothpick), but I find that the scissors are the most useful.

Not too good for spreading the peanut butter on the tortilla, however. For that, Ed G's plastic knife is perfect.

reply

Lately my knife choices run between a Swiss Army Knife with a locking blade or a Mora fixed blade knife. I like the locking blade on a folder because I'm careless enough when I'm tired to fold the blade onto my hand during use. Mora's are cheap and light and have a wonderful blade. In the past I've used Grohmann knives and like them a great deal, but they are heavier and more expensive.

reply

rexim -
I also have a Super Tinker - seems like the best combination for a climber, backpacker, or backcountry skier, as well as a Climber Deluxe (has the corkscrew instead of the Phillips head). But something I learned over the years - Victorinox and Wenger both have used a given name for several different combinations of blades and have changed the name of a given blade combination from time to time (haven't seen a duplication of names between the companies, though, despite both being "official Swiss Army Knives").

Years ago, I had a "Climber Deluxe" that was the same as my present Super Tinker (I lost it by leaving it on the roof of the car after fiddling with the roof rack - frozen lock - following a backcountry ski tour). I bought another "Climber Deluxe" mail order (which I still have), and discovered that the Phillips head had been replaced by the corkscrew (climbers in Europe drink wine during the climb from corked bottles, apparently). The current Super Tinker was called a Tinker Deluxe for a while (got one for my son) - exact same blade selection. There is currently a Tinker Deluxe, which has one less blade (forget which one it is). I have several catalogs from them which clearly show the re-naming when compared.

I will have to ask the Victorinox and Wenger people about this at the next OR Show.

reply

I have some type of a Gerber(can't remember the name) that has useable pliers, scissors, a small saw, two smaller blades, two screwdrivers and an awl. That rides in my pack or bike bag and I often carry a larger Gerber with a good sharp blade.

reply

Spyderco Ladybug. Or, the Jester.

I keep it on a neck lanyard (from Benchmade for their rescue hooks). You can pull hard and it pops right off. Neat-o if you ever needed it for an emergency.

Mostly stays in the "possibles sack", though.

-Brian in SLC

reply

I've got a 3" tanto point Benchmade that's been run over a few times, thrown straight into a granite wall from about 4 feet away, and buried in wet sand, but all she needs is a few cotton swabs and a few drops of oil every month, and I'll be damned if she doesn't drop out smooth as butter like the day she was born. I really liked the Leatherman Juice for a while, until I realized only used the knife and scissors. So I eliminated the scissors, and now I just have the blade. If you get one, very good blade, you can use it for nearly anything you might need a multi-tool for. Prying, tightening screws, wedging and chiseling can all be done with a high-strength, thicker blade. In my opinion, Benchmades just have the best mechanism around, and their handles are light and fit my hnd well.

reply

Personal preference is a small knife with a combination serrated and straight edge. Favorite was a Spyderco ?Ladybug. Almost too small. Lost it somewhere on the Dominican Republic. Right now I'm using a Mt Shasta combo edge. Bit heavy relative to the Ladybug. Strong construction. I usually also pack an old BuckTool. It has a straight and serrated blade plus a few useful tools.

Regarding protection from wild animals. Only one real close encounter. Black bear. I found a small tree between it and me plus a branch the length and size of a baseball bat worked. A knife as protection? No way!

reply

James Gary Shelton, a respected bear/Cougar defence instructor here in B.C. and author of three well-known and widely read/used books on this topic, DOES recommend carrying a large, sharp, pointed knife along with two fresh canisters of bear spray, in holsters on your belt while in bear/Cougar habitat. This is largely due to most people being banned from carrying a handgun in Canada's wilderness or anywhere else and he feels that such weapons CAN be useful in the event of a Cougar or bear attack.

Gary is from California and has an American's attitude toward handguns, however, he came here in 1965 and actually LISTENED to the old timer's where he settled and thus learned what/what not to do where these animals are concerned. I own and have read all of his books and respect him, his honesty, experience and conclusions, most of which I agree with.

A guy successfully fought off a hungry Black Bear in William's Lake a couple of years ago, using his belt knife and, I would rather have a good knife than my hands if tangling with a bear.

I do not carry spray, DO carry a 4-4.5" heavy duty sheath knife at all times when in the bush and I keep it sharp enough to do surgery with. I also carry a Letherman TTi Charge and a small SAK in my 1st aid kit.

I don't carry a knife especially FOR use in defence and I can obtain a permit for my Redhawk .44, but, I can't be bothered as I hate having a handgun around in the towns we have to pass through as it is just one more thing to worry about.

Would I use a knife for self defence against a bear or Cougar, hell, yeah, no point in going down without a fight. That said, my buddie's Busse Battle Mistress on his pack strap makes me chuckle....my custom P-64 Mod. 70 "shorty"in .375 H&H with firesights is a FAR better option in bear country and doesn't weigh much more than that "toadstabber"on steroids!

reply

I collect knives, so my list will be longer than most. On backpacking trips this summer, it will be:

Bark River North Star
Spyderco UKPK
Stockman, either a Queen or Moore Maker
Victorinox Farmer (for the saw)
Leatherman Squirt
Victorinox Classic (for the scissors)

I used to not carry a fixed blade, but on a trip two years ago I decided to take one and it ended up being very useful; I had to baton a bunch of branches off a fallen aspen that was blocking access to the only reasonable spot to cross a river. Since then, I make it a point to bring one.

reply

That's a good point about the fixed blade knife. When you need one a folding pocket knife is a lousy substitute.

reply

That is why I have an OSK-1 model on order from Charlie May in Mississippi, he is a friend of Gene Ingram's there and the custom "Lite Combo" hunting knives I had Gene make me are the finest knives I have ever owned/used and that is a bunch.

A GOOD medium fixed blade knife is probably the single most versatile tool you can take backpacking, far more useful than a gun and much more portable than an axe.

Sometimes, doing without a tool to save weight is actually counter-productive, although "fighters", "Bowies" and SURVIVAL knives in tricky synthetic sheaths affixed to the offside pack strap, upside down of course, for that "tactical" draw, always make me snort.......

reply

The best thing I found for long term survival in the woods is a regular 21 inch bowsaw. With it you can make a tipi, cut firewood, build a sweatlodge, clear a trail, make wooden stakes, or quickly fashion a debris hooch. It's light and the blades are cheap though some care must be used in carrying. A great tool for the woods.

reply

Bill S
OGBO

LOL LOL LOL

No I haven’t thought of carrying peanut butter or bread in any of my pockets. It would be kind of messy wouldn’t it? Never mind very difficult to remove and eat. Good One.
Glad to see that I’m not the only one to abuse or loose a knife.

I hope people noticed Kutenay’s comment about sharp knives.

I didn’t name the type I usually carry – “Victorianox” two blade, scissors, tool pick, tweezers, tools, cork screw (it may be the Super Tinker, no mater). It works, and the best part I did not have to buy it.

I am thinking that most of the guys that I have talked with chose the fixed blade, sheath knife, as a comfort thing as well as sometimes practical knife.

And to help with the humour

One of my camping buddies carries a very large, wide blade, sheath knife which ends up in at least one trip pic every time. He uses it for any camp or kitchen work. He worked in the woods marking out cut blocks for forestry companies, and has met up with at least one Black Bear.

Another buddy, to keep his wife happy, takes along a small air-horn, a large can of pepper spray, and a filleting knife as personal protection. All three dangle on his pack belt. He does not like the pepper spray so he says, and he is worried that it might discharge by accident on the trail (I hope I’m not around when it does). The pepper spray could be discussed as another topic later. The fish knife is long and may be sharp, useful?

My daughter went camping last with a few girl friends to a popular Provincial Camp site. One of the girls was loaned a large sheath knife from her boyfriend (at the time) to take car camping for protection. From what, I don’t know. I tested the blade for sharpness before they went camping and I found the blade to be completely dull. As they were leaving within the hour, I told her to bury the knife deep into her camp stuff and under no circumstances should she bring it out at camp as I thought the knife to be more dangerous to her if it was brought out. They returned home without incident and the girl returned the knife to her boyfriend, blade still dull.

I thank you all for your comments and stories. They help me and others. Keep them coming. Keep the knives sharp. Times are good and the trails are fun. Happy Trails.

reply

I carry a small, basic Swiss Army Knife for small tasks and a drop point hunter made by Knives of Alaska.

reply

Bill:

I'd be interested in the explanation from Victorinox. I was at REI yesterday and saw both the Super Tinker and Climber Deluxe on Display--the only difference was the corkscrew, as you said.

I also sometimes carry an old Kinfolks sheath knife I inherited from my father-in-law, but I carry it primarily for sentimental reasons.

reply

...and the hard-core ultralighters say "Razorblade. That's all you need."

reply

I carry the same BSA pocket knife I was given 38 years ago. It's nice and sharp. Yes, its heavy, and I really don't have a use for the can opener when I'm out in the woods, but I feel naked without it.

reply

I'm surprised, in a way, that this discussion has gotten so many responses. But then, I guess I have to add one more to the list of items so personal that every one has a strong personal preference - boots, packs, tents, headgear (whoops, shouldn't have put that in - there will now be a hundred post argument on headgear), cameras, backpack stoves, ...

I do have to disagree slightly with kutenay - yeah, if attacked by a critter bent on killing, maiming, and/or eating me, I would rather have some sort of weapon to defend myself. But I would like for it to be effective, which brings the basic requirement of having training and experience in using the weapon in such a situation. I would contend that the vast majority of people carrying knives in the belief that they would be effective in defending themselves against an enraged bear or hungry puma are just deluding themselves. It may be that Shelton recommends carrying weaponry, but kutenay says he is

Quote:

a respected bear/Cougar defence instructor here in B.C. and author of three well-known and widely read/used books on this topic

Which means he has spent time training, studying animal behavior, and maybe doing some practice. I suspect that the number of those carrying Bowie knives in "tricky synthetic sheaths affixed to the offside pack strap, upside down of course, for that "tactical" draw" who would actually be able to get the knife out and use it effectively in a real bear or lion attack is miniscule, and that the number who succeed is even smaller. And those who believe a folding pocket knife will provide any protection against a grizzly, well, ... Do you really know where the vital spots to use the knife are on a 500 pound angry bear (or a 100 pound puma), and can you get the knife out, maneuver yourself around this angry mass of claws and teeth, and get the knife into the vital area without dropping it in the process? Even having a large bore firearm does no good unless you have been trained in its use and practice a lot - do you know where the slug has to be placed to stop the big, enraged furry guy, and can you do it consistently in a dynamic situation?

It's just like the people who carry electronic widgets, expecting that if they get in trouble, help will arrive instantly. In many cases, the widget, big knife, or even the bag with the 10 Essentials just promotes hubris. It ain't the things you carry with you - it's the knowledge, experience, judgment, and preparation that come before you ever get out in the woods and hills. All the hardware in the world does you no good unless you really know how to use it effectively. Yet too many get out there with "things" and believe they are invulnerable.

I am NOT saying "do not bother carrying" appropriate gear. I AM saying get trained, get the knowledge, work with an experienced mentor, develop the judgment, and be prepared. Don't just get, say, a big knife and head into the hills in the belief that this is a magic talisman that will save you automatically.

reply

I don't see any disagreement here, Bill, you and I are totally agreed on this. I simply wanted to point out Gary's suggestion of a "Cougar knife" plus twin bear spray cans on a belt because most cannot carry a handgun here. He lives where Cougar's DO and HAVE attacked and killed adults as well as kids. He is not the ultimate authority, many here have equal or greater experience than he does, but, his books ARE worth reading, although his rants against "preservationists" are rather tiresome and totally without foundation....I AM one and I was working in the BC wilderness when he came here from California.

Like you, I am very sceptical of ANY tools when the person(s) packing them do not have the skills to use them and I also, as my previous post indicated, find guys packing huge knives amusing. I have had enough Grizzly encounters to know that, in MANY cases, EVEN WITH my custom bear gun(s), I would be dead meat if a given bear decided I look like "Grizzwurst"..... :)

In fact, this is why I very seldom bother to carry a weapon, it is just too heavy and a pita when climbing steep cliffs. I DO highly recommend noisemakers and USE them and have never yet been attacked....thank God.

reply

Kutenay... noisemakers? Do you mean airhorns - or simply a group of off-key voices singing loudly and obnoxiously? ;)

reply

"or simply a group of off-key voices singing loudly and obnoxiously? ;)"

I resemble that comment.

reply

You're ALL going to laugh at me. But, I bring as my primary knife an army surplus bayonet. An old Enfield bayonet with the hollow handle, the barrel loop, and the round spring loaded clip at the end of the handle to lock it onto the rifle. Using a bit of 3/4" steel rod and a rubber O-ring I fashioned a cap for the end of the handle and created my own "Rambo" style camping knife. One that doesn't break the first time you hack at a branch with it. In the handle is the usual. Waterproof matches. 3 Band-aids, large needle, 50 feet of 15 pound fishing line, fish hook, half a dozen Iodine tablets in a tiny Ziplock bag, and a half dozen extra strength Advil Liqui-gels in another tiny Ziplock bag. I love it. It's blade is 11 inches long, double sided up to about 1-1/2 inches from the hilt, and can take ABUSE. You can use it to make kindling by beating on the blade with one piece of wood while driving the blade through the kindling piece. You can hack things with it, pry with it, dig with it, scratch your back with it. Well...When it's dull anyways. : ) Speaking of dull, double sides also means twice as long before it needs sharpening... Theoretically anyways. It's sheath is made of steel, it weighs a ton, but you would be hard pressed to find me a knife as durable and as multi capable as this monster. It can even open up soup cans when someone forgets the can opener... (Whistling) ...

reply

I have seen live and stuffed mountain lions. They are very impressive - beauty, grace, & power come to mind. I have played with house cats that were all teeth & claws. I would not want to have to fend off a cougar attach with anything.

Having said that, there are several instances where people successfully defended themselves with knives. Here are a few:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/cougar/attacks.html

http://wdfw.wa.gov/do/newreal/release.php?id=nov0303a

reply

Who needs a knife to fend off the bears when you can use an umbrella.

http://www.backpacker.com/community/ask_buck/48

Okay, so he doesn't think that will work, but he does provide some good tips on how to avoid a bear confrontation to begin with.

reply

I am a strong believer in carrying at least one knife into the woods with me. But then I am the guy that you rarely find without a knife of some sort. I carry a Victorinox SAK Huntsman in my front pocket that is attached to a lanyard which also has my whistle on it. I always carry a Leatherman Pulse (ie. Locking blades) strapped to the shoulder strap of my pack and usually carry either an Ontario Spec Plus Survival Machete or a Schrade X-Timer Camp Knife. These are used for chopping fire wood or basic utility work.

It’s better to have and not need than to need and not have.

reply

Over 100 years ago George Washington Sears (Nessmuk) would go out on extended backcountry trips in the Adirondack area. He got his entire gear load down to 26 lbs, and that included his canoe!

Yet when it came to cutting tools he never skimped. Cutting tools were very important for survival in the wilderness. He brought an axe, a fixed blade, and a small slip joint pocket knife.

Along those lines, I usually have a small pocket knife (SAK Soldier or Tinker), a fixed blade (Bark River Northstar), and a folding saw. Sometimes I will also have a 3" locking folder, just because they are so convenient with the pocket clip.

I probably carry more than most backpackers, but since I am normally with some of my scouts I have to also be prepared as their leader for eventualities.

reply

Kutenay, Bill S, Tom D
Hi all
I suspect that some of the postings reflect a sort of heated thread in another forum group. It seems that a HUGE percentage of American Males feel the NEED to carry a big sharp knife for self defense in the woods. A lot of really frightened ones need to carry automatics.

I carry an old Victorinox swiss army knife with cork screw - the full sized knife - 3.7 oz. I NEVER sharpen a knife unless a kitchen knife is too dull to cut its intended, then I put a bit more edge on it with a steel.

I have always heard that the first rule of knifes is to NEVER point it towards yourself, so that if it slips, you won't get cut. The second rule was to keep it sharp. My contention is that if you ignore the first rule, then you should also ignore the second rule, or risk being very badly cut with a sharp knife. Or to put it another way - I can hold my swiss army knife a foot above my hand and drop it and just get knicked - what would happen with say a commano knife or a scalpel?

Still everyone writes to assure me that a sharp knife is safer and I have to think that this is the same wishfull ignorance that makes some think that taking less gear is safer cause it weighs less. If you want to believe that all you need is a quilt and a bowie knife, then your fantasy world is greater than your personal experience in the real world.

I carry dull knives and have a nick name Dull Knife in another forum. I claim a dull knife is much safer when solo camping. Since I do follow rule one, I do not need a sharp knife to cut my foot or open a plastic bag. In fact I cannot actually concieve of a real world camping activity with a higher probability of happening than being struck by lightening, that you need a big sharp knife for. I never split wood backpacking, I do not shave fuzz sticks, I do not whittle, I do either attack nor defend myself from big game. I do cut meat for dinner and spread peanut butter and I contend that a butter knife sharp enough to cut a steak is all the knife actually required for camping - wine cork optional.
Jim YMMV

reply

Hmmmm, Jim, having camped with you, I'm not so sure that the corkscrew for the wine is optional ;)

Visit here more often. It's been too long.

reply

Well, where I usually camp, a serious, sharp knife is probably my most valuable tool, but, a corkscrew is aboslutely useless to me as I do not allow alcohol in any form in any camp I inhabit. My hunting/camping partners respect this and none of us drink much anytime,so, it is never a problem.

Backpacking is done in many different situations/environments and what may be appropriate for southern California, for example, is not suited for a two week stint in northern B.C.

Also, don't ya know that peanut butter attracts SASQUATCHES????.....Geez, ya gotta watch that!!!!!

reply

Carrying a knife should have the same criteria for any gear. What do I need it for? If your reasons begin with "maybe", do not bring it. For example, maybe I will need it for protection against a wild animal. Maybe, I'll need a saw blade. Maybe, I'll need it to carve a sharp point in a stick. Figure what you need the knife for and plan accordingly. BTW I saw an old-timer skin a deer with a small one blade knife he had on a watch chain. The secret was it was sharp. A small sharp knife covers most needs.

reply

kutenay -
The trips with Jim S I was referring to were "luxo superlight" trips, plus they were northern California, not that far from the Napa-Sonoma-Mendicino Wine Country. The wine was to go with the "ultralight" gourmet meal (amazing what you can cook up on a backpacking stove), and amounted to a glass each. Jim and I have also done old-timer backpacks with 19th century gear, just for the experience and for the fun of it. Really gives an appreciation for what can be done without all the modern, synthetic gear and materials. I believe Tom D has gone with Jim on one or two outings as well. Jim lives in Oregon these days. I think he is part Sasquatch.

reply

No, the "Sasquatch" is only indigenous to B.C. and especially to the West Kootenays and certain parts of the Coast Range. I used to know old Johnny B. from Nelson, B.C. who claimed to have seen one up Lemon Creek in the Slocan, but, he "might" have been mistaken.......

So, I figure that Jim is probably part "Bigfoot" and I hear they DO drink "porchclimber", as we used to call vino when I was a lad......

I started with basic 19thC gear, an old WWI rucksack, jam can with candle inside and smelly old Brit. issue ground sheet, plus a goose down summer quilt that my grandmother brought as a girl from Norway at the time of the Klondike Goldrush.

We built brush shelters and cooked with an old frying pan my Grandfather brought home from WWI....worked just fine and we caught as many fish and shot our share of game...we DID use sheath knives a LOT and I think that some of these skills are well worth preserving.

In actual wilderness areas, tho', I am totally "no trace"and have been since the '60s, as even vast B.C. is "shrinking" as people pour in and " develop" the wilderness....gawd, I hate that!

reply

WOW. Who would of thunk.
Peanutbutter, Sasquatches, Razor Blades and Bayonets.
All from one question – what type of knife you take hiking with you and, or how many? And, or why? LOL, LOL, LOL.

I personally prefer a sharp knife, mostly folding types. I do get tired though of folding knives weakening and flexing from side to side. I also have been known to carry a takedown aluminum tube buck saw.

reply

interesting topic .. i used to carry a SAK when i was younger and now i use a benchmade osbourne 940sbk. it weighs less then 3 oz, the locking mechanism is well designed, and the blade is high-quality steel. it has served any needs i have encountered ... although i am a backpacker so don't need to build a log shelter, construct a canoe from a tree and i am not worried about defending myself from bears , mtn lions, marmot, pikas, rapid squirrels or horseflies.

i also carry a leatherman squirt p4 (plier version) which is handy for any gear/stove repairs, etc.

reply

I'm am a cutting tool advocate.I carry a Leatherman,an Emerson Recurve folder, and a Stryder fixed blade for all hiking, camping, hunting and wilderness activities. If with a group, then one hatchet and possibly a camp size axe would be taken. I found that a bigger knife can do the job of a small knife, but the small knife has tough time of doing the job of bigger knife. Just my $.02.probably worth half that

reply

Great advice re: knives & camping. Let me throw in my 2 cents. I won't expect any change. I have been camping for many years culminating in a 70 miler at Philmont. The folks at BSA Philmont recommend a SMALL Victorinox pen knife.
It was adequate for light camping. My favorite is a MYERCHIN model 377 all stanless steel. There are two models: one with a straight edge and the other half straight, half serrated. Both have a marineers spike. Both the marineers spike and knive blades are LOCK blades and are released for closure by one mechanism. Lock blades are safer, avoiding a unexpected closure. I have seen too many accidents involving severely lacerated fingers ( I am a Physician and have sewn up those accidents ). The knives are stainless steel and extremely sharp and well made. The serrated blade will cut throught rope, material without having to "RIP". Knive blades ( tanto style) that are long and pointed are too fragile and pose a danger to the user. These MYERCHIN blades are STRONG, STURDY. They come with a substantial sheath that fits on a wide belt and the LOCK release mechanism can be knotted for even easier retrieval.
I highly recommend it for all camping.
HY

reply

I carry three, a swiss army knife (officer or adventurer I believe) for the cork screw, knife blade (cooking) and saw blade. A leatherman wave (my tool box) and either an Air Force survival knife or a Kabar for heavy cutting, hammering and a weapon if needed. I have a Khukuri that I want to change the scales on then I will try it for a while but I suspect it will end up in my survival pack. What ever you take keep it sharp.

reply

Location, Location, Location....I've gotten by with just a basic swiss army pocket knife on a perlon lanyard around my neck for over 40 years when backpacking or on climbing trips. Ski touring and snow shoeing requires tools to help repair skis or snow shoes and bindings. Hunting or fishing requires different tools, if you harvest venison or fish you will come into contact with blood and this could bring a predator to you and your venison or fish, this is more probable if you are in a true wilderness area with a large predator population, Parts of Alaska are a good example. With documented cougar and bear attacks on the rise in many non wilderness areas, this may apply to you in a rural area. A well made fixed blade knife of full tang construction is stronger than a short pocket knife, You should however consider that if the knife is to be used for emergency self defense that the blade be very sharp and long enough to reach internal organs, How long is a long enough blade? Well a 160 lb. cougar is alot smaller than a 800 lb. bear, you decide. After several encounters with cougars and bears I now carry a large caliber revolver with the heavy bullets, even when hunting with a rifle because my rifle is scoped and after dark it's too difficult to see through. Some people who live in grizzly bear country carry a short 12 gauge shot gun with pistol grips in a special custom made shoulder holster others carry a short 12 gauge double barrell shotgun first shot is into the eyes with bird shot follow up shots are slugs. I carry a K-Bar or Cold Steel fixed blade knife and a pocket knife as well as a hatchet. How long is too long, it depends on what fits your needs, go to the sporting goods store put the knife and sheath on, wear it for awhile, sit down, squat down, will it fit on your belt without getting in the way while wearing it? Does it lash down to your leg. What other ways can the knife be carried? shoulder holster. does the knife rattle in a synthetic plastic sheath ? maybe leather is better for your situation? If you choose to carry bear repellant spray, be aware that you must keep the tip unplugged, so test it daily when in bear country. You must also be sure to keep from spraying yourself by making sure you are up wind and out of the way of drifting spray.

reply

Hi guys - hey Bill, Ed howsit?

Yep I'm in Orygun now. Moving to Bend was great except for the collapse of the real estate market. The back property line is part of a ridge of lava flow about 2 miles long. From my lot to the next it jumps 30 feet up a rhyolite wall thats nice to climb on. Its not real high, but a traverse across the back works your fingers and keeps the deer out of the enclosed yard. I do have a climbing partner on her way back from New Zealand (shes 21) and when shes back we'll climb at Smith Rock which is 25 miles from here.

I'll admit that since many of my BPing friends have grown old, I've taken to taking young ladies on gourmet camping trips during warm weather so the can "sun" themselves. A warmlight Down Filled Airmattress makes a great barge so we always find a private lake in the Sierras somewhere in August. Its MUCH warmer down there at night.
I live 20 miles from Mt Bachelor ski area and three sisters wilderness and 25 miles from Smith Rock in an old grand hunting lodge style home.

I used to carry a Gerber LST, but I lost it. On my last trip I had an obsidian bladed stag horn handles knife that cut the steak very well. A flake of obsidian can skin out a deer as fast as any modern knife.

Went BPing in Oregon Dunes state park a week go with internet friends. The last time they were there my camping friends watched a mtn lion chase a deer near the beach.
Jim

reply

Very sharp fillet knife ( for trout )
Fixed blade Gerber
Swiss Tinker
And for protection a modified Glock 30 with very hot 45 cal loads if in bear country.

reply

trouthunter

with all due respect - why do you carry 3 knives? And a glock? It seems that the people with similar posts about carrying many pounds of weapons generally have only made a handfull of posts. Perhaps you just haven't tired of carrying all of that extra heavy hardware yet.

There are a LOT of campers who feel the need to carry a weapon to defend themselves with. Do you carry 3 knives and a glock around with you every day? Why should you think you need all that hardware in "the woods" where you are probably much safer than in the city?

I'm just a youngster with 50 years and maybe 1,000 nights of wilderness time. In that time I have had to "defend" myself 5 times.
1) I ran off three javelina by running at them yelling.
2) I ran off a mountain lion by shining my flashlight at him.
3) I ran off another mountain lion by jumping and yelling (he was less than 20 feet away from th wife and I)
4) I ran off a bear by throwing a rock at him.
and finally
5) after the 3rd strike at me I killed a rattlesnake with a stick. That was the most harry encounter with any wild beast I've ever had except for mosquitoes.

reply

Hi Jim,
Thanks for your input. I guess I should clarify that I don't carry all that stuff on every trip, sometimes just my tinker. It usually gets the job done!
I spend a lot of time in trout streams in black bear country, you are correct most of the time you can scare animals off if you need to. However sometimes you can't, otherwise they wouldn't make bear spray. A couple of years ago we had a young girl mauled to death here by a black bear as her mom tried to " scare " the bear away. So with all due respect I will carry a firearm, I think this is a rational well thought out decision. I have also encountered some less than savory characters in the mountains, once someone tried to steal my tent while I was off fishing and fled as I approached my camp. This is also " Deliverance " country here in the southern Appalachians, we have moonshiners and pot growers. But you are usually ok if you stay on the trail system. So I guess we have different perspectives, but I do appreciate your years of experience and obvious passion for the outdoors. I would like to hear some of you adventures.

reply

I appreciate all the humorous posts!! Reminds me why I like outdoorsmen so much. Just returned from another section hike on the AT... 80 miles this time. Ran into and envied a little (especially after a difficult 21.5 mile day) a lot of ultralighters. Knifewise, most of them carried a tiny, single-bladed affair (a lot of Spyders). Seems to work well for the long-distance hiking applications... especially when roads and towns are fairly accessible, and the wildlife encounters are of the "hit and run" food bag raider types. I personally have carried a SAK Pioneer (sharp) for the past 20+ yrs. on backpacking outings. Like any good Scout leader, I believe in being prepared. But I also believe that part of the value in wilderness activity is learning to live simply and to get by with less... as my hiking buddy says, "after this, most everything else is easy." So, I try to prepare for staying healthy and getting to where I'm going rather than maintaining the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed at home... that's part of what I'm trying to get away from. So far, I've been able to improvise what I needed from what I've had handy and have not wanted for any tool on my outings. I recently bought (for no good reason) a Leatherman xe6... a lot of cool thingies on it, but, when it came time to pack, the lighter SAK got the nod, and I left the Leatherman at home. That said, I have not done much inaccessible wilderness type adventuring, so I'll leave the commenting on that regard to those who have, but I do agree with an earlier post that training and knowledge are prerequisite to any tool... it's amazing to watch what a knowledgeable person can do with simple tools.

reply

Amen Macgyver, I agree, simplicity and multi purpose items are key. Coupled with training and using some common sense, outings are less troublesome and more enjoyable for everyone.
I am however a little jealous, I am 42 yrs. old and still haven't done much of the A.T., it has always been a dream of mine. I will give the spyderco another look.
Good luck to you!

reply

I generally care two knives when I hike: An original leatherman (I uses the pliers every time I cook they are great for lifting and pouring hot pots), and a 2 inch Columbia River folding knife with a resin handle (very light). I love them both. I can't find the CRK model any more, I've looked. I've got four, and I wish I had more.

reply