2 knife question

V

VallesRobertsonII

Joined
Apr 5, 2021
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35
Hello, forgive my ignorance if my question reflects such. I have an 8in blade custome knife (clip point, saw back) that I am wondering if I kept two other types of knives with it or on me etc. (making a three knife group) which types would best be used with each other to cover the umbrella of bushcraft/survival uses most fully. I like the idea of one knife being a folder/edc, and the other a smaller than my big knife, fixed blade. If I start with which smaller fixed blade makes sense to me, I like bushcraft knives like the Condor Bushlore, and if I start with which folder/edc that makes sense to me, I like the TOPS mini scandi folder, but with their lengths being only an inch difference and both being scandi grind, I don't know if it would be better to have one of them be something else. Would they be a good pair and what would one be better than the other at (and vise versa) that would make using those two a good idea still instead of having one of them be more different? Or would it be better to either have a folder or the fixed different in a way that adds some kind of ability to do things better than 3-4.5in scandi grind knives are suited for (like having a serrated folder or if my big knife doesn't need a larger than the scandi folder to be companion to it, what would be a good fixed blade instead of the bushcraft knife, and why)? I hope my question(s) make sense, sorry if not, I sometimes write my thoughts with grammar and longwindedness that doesn't always communicate well.
 
Personally, I would keep the big knife, bring along a smaller scandi grind fixed (like a mora), and have a small folder with a thin blade and serrations if you think you’d find them useful cutting rope or grassy foliage. My thought process is- a big knife for general use, a small scandi for wood processing and bushcraft, and a small razor of a folder for detail things like removing splinters, skinning, etc. that way you have different edges and you know you will have a decently sharp blade at any time.

That being said, you could do reasonably well with just two blades, or even one, if you commit time to learning how to use it. It depends on your personal outlook. I will usually take one main blade with me that’s on me at all times, and then have backups in a pack or whatever. Of course, I’m still trying to find the perfect “one knife wonder”
 
If I may make a suggestion, nobody likes to read a wall-of-text post, and generally skip reading them. Myself included. If you want a discussion or answers, please make shorter, succinct posts. And break them into paragraphs.

While I didn't finish reading your post, I read enough to see that you want to carry 3 knives. I would recommend 2, a fixed blade and perhaps a folder with necessary tools in it. Then practice with them, or even better, take some outdoor classes.
You can't replace knife knowledge with quantity of knives.
 
Two knives combined with knowledge like previously mentioned is the most important thing.
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Although my camping/backpacking days are long behind me, when I enjoyed such activities there were three categories of gear where I believed strongly in, and practiced, a policy/philosophy of redundancy (2 are better then one, 3 are better than 2, etc)- flashlights, fire starters, and cutting tools.

I considered such items to be of the utmost importance and believed in carrying several of each item so long as they weren't cumbersome, excessively heavy, or taking up too much space. Fortunately such items can be small and light so it was easy to carry multiples.

When it comes to using gear out in the bush, there is basic use, and then there is EMERGENCY USE. Sometimes you just need a knife, and sometimes you might REALLY NEED A KNIFE.

Sometimes things get lost in the bush, we put stuff down and forget it, or we drop it in the dark and don't notice, or it can get stripped off of us pushing through brush, etc, etc. We all say "I won't lose my knife", but stuff happens.

I routinely carried a Marine Kabar, a Buck 110, either a "US" DEMO knife or imitation SAK, a small folder with a very fine tip (for very detailed cutting), and either a hatchet or a machete. And although I never experienced an EMERGENCY, all of my cutting tools got used at some time or other. I was glad to have them and never felt encumbered.

It's always possible to get by just fine in the bush with the least amount of gear. Any experienced outdoorsman could likely get by just fine with a single blade. But when it comes to being out in the bush, where you can't call 911 or ask someone for help, or grab whatever you might need from a drawer, the garage, or the hardware store, my philosophy is- Don't just equip yourself for what you know you will need, but also try and be prepared for the unexpected (like losing a knife).

Knives can be light, compact, and easy to carry, either on ones person or in a pack, and considering how important a knife is in the bush I see no reason to limit oneself to just 2, or even 3.
 
one can't go wrong with a swiss pocket knife.
a medium 4 to 5 inch blade too.
but what's right is not written in stone.
just keep in mind the atributes...
tip heavy blades for chopping & hacking.
long blades for thrusting & slashing
short blades for slicing and fine cuts
there are a couple schools of thought
regarding what constitutes ideal knife carry for the man of action.
from minimalist to full blown expedition,
lifestyle bushcraft to emergency survival.
per
haps its best left to an individual's
choice based on need.
taking into consideration one's physical stature , fitness level & whatever gifted capabilities to overcome tough harsh environments.
all i can say is know thy self.
having said that,
maxperdition fixed blade series has
three sizes for each of its blade style.
Maxpedition Fixed Blade Chart
bladebarrelbezel.com

New Maxpedition Fixed Blade Knives

Tim Tang founded Maxpedition Hard Use Gear in his parents’ garage after dropping out of med school in 2003. The Los Angeles company began designing, contracting, and selling nylon everyday c…
bladebarrelbezel.com
as with buck...
 
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I have a thing against carrying unnecessary weight hiking or backpacking. I’ll never understand the two is one thing for non-mechanical gear. To me, it’s great if you lose your gear, but a negative if you don’t. I have never lost or broken a knife in the field, including a decade spent in the infantry.

That said, I can see the argument for a fixed blade and folder, particularly if it’s a SAK with scissors.

My choice is almost always a 3.75” to 4.0” fixed blade plus a 58mm SAK. The fixed blade has to be I can field sharpen if needed (mine are all A2 steel).
 
VallesRobertsonII said:
Thank you everyone for your advise and wisdom! I decided on a SAK Rangergrip 78 with my Condor Cavelore, and my custome 8in heavy blade for the three. Truly, I appreciate your words and thoughts.
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Nice of you to drop by and let us know! A lot of guys start threads like this and then disappear never to be heard from again...
 
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VallesRobertsonII said:
Thank you everyone for your advise and wisdom! I decided on a SAK Rangergrip 78 with my Condor Cavelore, and my custome 8in heavy blade for the three. Truly, I appreciate your words and thoughts.
Click to expand...
Seems like you have everything covered.
When I was an avid hunter/primitive camper, for about 30yrs, a KABAR USMC and a Case Canoe was about all I ever carried. Sometimes a hatchet.
 
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