2 knives for 4 daughters backpacks.

I agree that all this gear will be quite heavy for any recreational backpacking. I usually just take a fixed blade for any wood processing (Dark Timber 1911 Elite-not cheap) and a small, light folder (orange Esee Zancudo) when backpacking.
 
Folding Knife: SAK Huntsman (The saw and scissors come in handy)

Fixed Blade: Mora (I like the wood handled #1, #2, or if you want a guard, the 612)

Saw: A good pocket saw.

Axe/Hatchet: Estwing. Your choice of single or double bit.

To touch up the blades a pocket size fine Arkansas wetstone and a unicorn bottle filled with honing oil, and a Smith's draw-through sharpener for the ceramic rods.
As an alternative to these, a 10 inch steel.
I'd suggest a ceramic coffee cup or rod, but those are fragile, and might get broken.

Fire Starting:
Zippo lighter and some Strike Anywhere Matches in a Marbles match safe.
 
Hatchet: If you are set on a hatchet, I would look at the very small Gerber/Fiskar hatchets. They seem to be getting hard to find. Looked at one yesterday and was tempted. I would skip the hatchet or if they are likely to hike together, or just a couple. A small saw is more useful overall. They will likely leave the hatchet home after one backpacking hike. Car camping? Take the kitchen sink and anything that will fit inside the car.

Knives: Victorinox Farmer (for the blade and saw), or One Handed Trekker. The saw is probably enough for hiking but not extended camping. I prefer the larger One Handed Trekker. Fixed blade > probably a Mora of some sort, but probably not necessary.

Saw: Small Silky Gomboy... believe it's 6".
 
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BAHCO Laplander Folding Saw gets my vote - I have two and used them while surveying 10 years ago and still use them today. Get a cheap Mora for a fixed knife.
 
helle-norway-fixed-speider-gutt-no04g.jpg

How about the Helle Speider from Norway? It is like 36 dollars on bladehq right now. Pretty good price.
201511231158028626.jpg

For folder I recommend the Sanrenmu 7094. It is a high quality knife, pretty well made, dirt cheap at gearbest and it has a saw already among other tools.
 
You could forego the Hatchet/Saw and get a larger fixed blade or small machete in addition to a folder. Something like the following could work: the Becker line, Cold Steel, Condor, Imacasa, Ontario, etc. Otherwise see below.

Fixed blades:
- any Mora you think appropriate (cheap, light, and the darned things are versatile despite the scandi grind)
- ESEE Izula or #3
- BK11/14/16
- Kellam Knives Wolverine, Puuko, or Raptor (scandi knives that cost more than Mora, less than Helle, with impressive quality and attractive traditional looks)
- Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter or similar fixed blade

Folding knives:
- Opinel #7 or #8 (treat the wooden handles with beeswax/oil/etc. first)
- Spyderco Delica/Endura/Stretch/Native
- any Case stockman or trapper (CV or stainless, depending on their proclivity for maintenance)
- Leatherman Juice (usually has the same tools as an SAK plus some decent pliers)

Sharpener:
- EX-LAP portable diamond rod
- DMT folding diamond rods/hones
- Baryonyx Knife Co. Arctic Fox pocket stone
 
If it were me, a stainless Mora Companion and a stainless Opinel #7/8, along with a small ceramic fine stone.
 
ScooterG said:
Fixed: Mora
Folding: Rat
Saw: Laplander
Hatchet: Estwing
Click to expand...

Only difference of opinion I would offer is instead of the folder : rat .... I would offer the suggestion to make the folder a multi tool of some kind... leatherman type

one could also easily justify going with a silky saw Gomboy...however if it were MY daughters and I knew one day their lives could depend on the backpack and its contents...the saw I would include is a Bob Dustrude's quick bow saw ...... look it up, great piece of kit.
 
Fixed blade.. I would go for a Mora in stainless. Something that often gets forgotten is while hiking/camping cleaning your knife gets hard to do and Mora sheaths don't fit the blade tighly so you don't get crap stuck in your sheath.

Folder... I would say Delica if in the budget or steel will cutjack if you need a better price and D2 isn't going to be a problem . Some suggestions for the Rat 1 but I find mine to be kind of heavy and that usually never bothers me.

Saw... Any silky or similar style saw long enough to cut a size branch as big are your forearm without a problem.

Hatchet... I would not suggest including one unless you are thinking more long term survival. If so Fiskars from Walmart around $23 ,make a plastic edge mask so it will be weather resistant and could be left out at a campsite or stashed instead of having to carry the extra weight. Sorry for the long post.
 
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ScooterG said:
Fixed: Mora
Folding: Rat
Saw: Laplander
Hatchet: Estwing
Click to expand...

I'll go along with 3/4 of this list. The only thing I'd replace, is that instead of the Estwing hatchet, I'd go with a Fiskars X7. It's very light, and the head shape can split wood like a pro.

I also have a couple of Estwings, and I really do like them. There is definitely some confidence you get from that single piece of steel construction method. I just find that they are not great at splitting because the bit is too narrow toward the cutting edge. That said, I can carve with my estwings in a way I can't with any other axe. It's an incredible cutter. But still, my pick is the Fiskars.

In fact, every hiking bag I own has a Mora Companion SS, Fiskars X7, and Bahco Laplander.
 
bolabeenz said:
Are these packs for emergency bug-out situations or recreational hiking?
Those are going to be awfully heavy for a fun hike.
Click to expand...


Yo Mama said:
I was also wondering the same thing
Could be for pack camping where weight is an issue
Click to expand...

We live deep in the ozarks and they will mostly spent time straped down to their fourwheelers to use as needed.

I first wanted to just get them small bags for hammocking but i decided to go all out so the can campout anytime they want. Or if they are out riding and get lost for the night they will be covered.

You think theirs is heavy, try carrying mine. Mine is theres but a axe and connibear traps.

All this equiptment is just so they have it, they dont have to carry it all at once. If they want to hike they can remove stuff to suit that hike.

Great answers people, thanks, keep them coming.

I am thinking of going bk16 and leatherman.
 
19-3ben said:
I'll go along with 3/4 of this list. The only thing I'd replace, is that instead of the Estwing hatchet, I'd go with a Fiskars X7. It's very light, and the head shape can split wood like a pro.

I also have a couple of Estwings, and I really do like them. There is definitely some confidence you get from that single piece of steel construction method. I just find that they are not great at splitting because the bit is too narrow toward the cutting edge. That said, I can carve with my estwings in a way I can't with any other axe. It's an incredible cutter. But still, my pick is the Fiskars.

In fact, every hiking bag I own has a Mora Companion SS, Fiskars X7, and Bahco Laplander.
Click to expand...
Can't argue with that Fiskars, especially if weight is a concern.
 
fiskars all day every day for the ax. Silky for the saw, just choose the size.
Knives, I would go higher end on the folder, and Mora for the fixed. Reasoning is thus: To get a decent rough use folder, you have to spend some money. Yes there are "cheap" folders, but when buying by 4, and wanting the best you can get, the dollars stretch farther if there is a counter-balance. There have been a lot of good blades listed, I'd be looking for good clips, locks and easy sharpening. And since you are on ATVs, a lanyard hole would not go amiss either. Fixed blade can ride in the pack, and the Mora sheath is great for that with the clip. I'm not a fan of belt carry of a knife on the ATV, rollovers do happen....
 
DAVE CANTERBURY SURVIVAL SCHOOL

One day, I will attend Dave's survival schools. His books are read all over the world...find them on Amazon. The following is a list of tools needed for his entry level classes.

- BASIC CLASS ITEMS NEEDED

Basic Survival Equipment List

Camping is Primitive (Tent/Hammock) and Walk-In Only
Food is not provided, so bring adequate food and snacks
Electrolyte drink mixes are recommended (Gatorade, Powerade, or Jello)
Port-a-Potties are located 400 yards from Base Camp and serve as the only means of restroom facilities

The following items are the REQUIRED Items to be used for the completion of the Pathfinder Basic Survival course. Each student MUST have their own equipment to complete the required deliverable tasks. While you may substitute items, doing so is at your own risk and may prevent you from completing assigned tasks.

NOTE: IF YOU NEED TO ORDER ITEMS FROM SELF RELIANCE OUTFITTERS YOU MUST DO SO NO LATER THAN TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO CLASS TO ENSURE YOU RECEIVE YOUR GEAR. ORDERS CANNOT BE SHIPPED TO THE SCHOOL PROPERTY FOR PICK UP.

The 10 C's of Survivability refer to the 10 Categories of Tools used in survival. Please separate the 10 C's into an easily manageable backpack or haversack (shoulder bag) as these are the primary tools you will utilize:

1) Cutting Tools:

Knife: Should be non-coated with a 90 degree spine.
We recommend the Mora Bushcraft Black, Mora Garberg, or PKS Scorpion.
Folding Saw
We recommend the Bahco Laplander

2) Combustion Devices: Fire Kit Components

Two Bic Lighters
5x Magnifying Glass
1/2” x 6” Ferrocerium Rod (DO NOT bring a small one!)
Flint & Steel Set

3) Cover: Emergency Shelter

Grabber 5x7 Space Blanket
Four, 6mil, 55 gallon Drum Liners
One Queen Size Wool Blanket or Two Twin Size
We recommend the Pathfinder Queen Size Wool Blanket

4) Cordage:

25ft Paracord
100ft #36 Tarred Bankline

5) Container: Drinking & Cooking

Pathfinder 32oz Bottle and Nesting Cup (or equivalent)

6) Compass

Must have bezel ring, sighting mirror and magnifying lens and non-lensatic
We recommend the Suunto MC-2
Ranger Pace beads

7) Cloth & Repair

3' x 3' of 100% Cotton Material (Shemagh or XXXL Orange T Shirt)
Scrap Cotton material like an old T (100% Cotton)
One #14 Sail Needle

8) Candling Device: Lighting

Headlamp with Spare Batteries

9) Cargo: Tape

1 Large Roll of Gorilla Tape (Not Standard Duct Tape)

10) Combination Tool: Multi Tools

Leatherman Style Multi Tool or Swiss Army Knife


Additionally you will need:

All Weather Notebook/ Journal
3 Pencils/ All Weather Pens
Clothes appropriate for weather conditions in Southeast Ohio (Check the weather for Jackson, OH)
appropriate Hygiene Items
Bring any food & snacks that you need (no meals are provided)
Bring any and all medications for personal use including bug sprays (especially those that repel ticks) as well as first aid items that are appropriate for the outdoor environment (especially items for poison ivy).
 
I haven't read every post (sorry) but, if your head isn't already spinning, you have gotten MANY good suggestions. :thumbsup: I would only add, as has probably been suggested, a compass and a mirror or other signaling/reflecting type item (no, the space blanket, though a good idea, will not do for this). An OLD Boy Scout handbook for YOU to look through might not be a bad idea. :cool: Congrats on a GREAT idea. :D
 
Mora

SAK one handed trekker

Husqvarna multipurpose axe (only 2 lb and awesome) I find the extra handle length a necessity

Silky saw of your choice
 
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