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4 Inches an Adequate Woods Knife?
- Thread starter Space Plumber
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4" is ideal IMO. Whatever that is worth.
Sodak, keeping in mind the primary woods knife, does the thickness of the Bandicoot cause you any desire for a thinner blade? I have a 'Coot as well and use it as a woods
knife, and am just curious as to others opinions on thick smaller bladed knives.
knife, and am just curious as to others opinions on thick smaller bladed knives.
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- Jun 29, 1999
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- 9,839
Considering that our ancestors used chips of stone for several millennia, 4" is probably excessive... (maybe that's progress, tho'). I find 3-4" sufficient for camp duties up to field dressing big game (well, not walrus or elephant, but those are rare in Alberta).
Not really. Most of my Doziers are just as thick, and I've taken the edge down a lot thinner, so I get good cutting efficiency and yet still a strong knife. My edge relief is a lot thinner than a Mora, believe it or not. I've checked it with calipers. Plus, that 52100 takes and holds a great edge - as you know! :thumbup:
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I've found that for general purpose of carving/cutting the length
of user's finger gives a good reference, especially the index finger.
Maybe it is because an extension of our hand, not sure though.
of user's finger gives a good reference, especially the index finger.
Maybe it is because an extension of our hand, not sure though.
a 4" blade can do a lot of things. it's all down to the individual's personal tastes.
personally, i prefer something around 5" as an all-round outdoorsy type blade. equally personally, i have no use whatsoever for a hulking great 9"-12" chopper. i'd prefer to use either an axe or a machete for those kinds of tasks.
personally, i prefer something around 5" as an all-round outdoorsy type blade. equally personally, i have no use whatsoever for a hulking great 9"-12" chopper. i'd prefer to use either an axe or a machete for those kinds of tasks.
4'' is a great all-arounder, I just need it toghether with a light hatchet for the bigger stuff or at least a folding saw if I'm going light. Given that, I usually carry on the belt something like a 6'' or 7'' bladed knife anyway, just because I'm lazy and don't like to get off the pack to reach for the hatchet/machete/golok just to clear my way from the branches a medium knife can take care of. 
But I'm soooo lazy! 
But I'm soooo lazy! You know, it all comes down to just two things; where are you when you are carrying, and your own personal taste.
In the lower 48 states, there are not too many places that are that far from a road or civilization of some sort. Lets face it, the days of the wild west are long gone, and most of the U.S. is pretty settled. Wild injuns and griz are not that common.
And for those backpacking into the boonies, weight is going to be a critical factor in how far you go. If I am worried about attack, I'd rather have a sak for my cutting and a nice Ruger super redhawk for defense than any blade.
Emergency shelter making? In this day of cheap synthetics, what kind of shelter are you going to make that's going to be more weather proof than a plastic or sil tarp?
With a 3 or 4 inch general use knife, and a saw or hatchet in the pack, what are you going to be doing that is not going to be handled? Now this is a knife based forums, so most of the cutlery worship here is of the cult worship item, not really based in reality. Admit it guys, we're the mutants of the human race, the knife knuts. The rest of the human population gets by very well with some made in China imitation knock off of a Spyderco. And millions of backpackers get by with only a sak. In all the miles I've done in the past 50 years on the A.T., I've yet to see large knives on many hikers/backpackers.
Alberta Ed's comment is right on. We don't really need all that stuff we carry, but we carry it because of our obsession. The large knves are a want, not a real need. The two pound lump of grey stuff between our ears let us get by with a single sharp stone flake for many tens of thousands of years.
Now let me say this; I used to carry very large knives. I did. But that was in my 20's and thirtys, and I was full of vinigar. In my 40's, I shed the heavy stuff. My Randall 14 and Western bowie were sold off. I had sat there looking at them, and really couldn't remember ever using them on anything that couldn't have been done with a much smaller handier knife. I had to admit to myself that they were ridiculous overkill for a non existant problem. I went with a small puuko, and a folding saw. I almost never needed the saw.
From what I've read about most true life survival incidents, just using your head will keep you out of trouble. But most of them seem so darn stupid, I don't think a large knife would have made a difference. On the other hand, most people we would consider native populace, seem to get by with very little of our kind of gear at all. I guess they don't have the disposable income of the people on forums like this, so they get by with a thin bladed butcher knife or even a Rapala Fillet knife and an ax. Or at least the last time I was up in Canada on a fishing trip, the local Cree's we using that combination of cutting tools, a light slicer and a hatchet or ax. The only big chopper knife around was another fisherman from the 'states who had one of the 7 inch RAT things. The two Cree guides muttered something to each other and laughed, and I had the impression they thought the big knife guy was a fool. I have a feeling that you could drop one of those Cree guides out in the boonies with a fillet knife and a hatchet, and come back in a few months, and he'll be sitting on the front porch of a cabin eating some smoked whitefish.
Each to thier own, it's a free world. But you have to seperate the needs and wants. A Porshe 911 is a want if all you need to do is commute to work. But if you just want it, and can afford it, then indulge yourself. But if your wife is only working part time because day care costs are sky high, and your kid needs braces, needs take right-away. A Honda or Toyota will do very well. It just won't be as soothing to the ego.
Needs vs wants, ego vs Id, you have to ballance it out.
In the lower 48 states, there are not too many places that are that far from a road or civilization of some sort. Lets face it, the days of the wild west are long gone, and most of the U.S. is pretty settled. Wild injuns and griz are not that common.
And for those backpacking into the boonies, weight is going to be a critical factor in how far you go. If I am worried about attack, I'd rather have a sak for my cutting and a nice Ruger super redhawk for defense than any blade.
Emergency shelter making? In this day of cheap synthetics, what kind of shelter are you going to make that's going to be more weather proof than a plastic or sil tarp?
With a 3 or 4 inch general use knife, and a saw or hatchet in the pack, what are you going to be doing that is not going to be handled? Now this is a knife based forums, so most of the cutlery worship here is of the cult worship item, not really based in reality. Admit it guys, we're the mutants of the human race, the knife knuts. The rest of the human population gets by very well with some made in China imitation knock off of a Spyderco. And millions of backpackers get by with only a sak. In all the miles I've done in the past 50 years on the A.T., I've yet to see large knives on many hikers/backpackers.
Alberta Ed's comment is right on. We don't really need all that stuff we carry, but we carry it because of our obsession. The large knves are a want, not a real need. The two pound lump of grey stuff between our ears let us get by with a single sharp stone flake for many tens of thousands of years.
Now let me say this; I used to carry very large knives. I did. But that was in my 20's and thirtys, and I was full of vinigar. In my 40's, I shed the heavy stuff. My Randall 14 and Western bowie were sold off. I had sat there looking at them, and really couldn't remember ever using them on anything that couldn't have been done with a much smaller handier knife. I had to admit to myself that they were ridiculous overkill for a non existant problem. I went with a small puuko, and a folding saw. I almost never needed the saw.
From what I've read about most true life survival incidents, just using your head will keep you out of trouble. But most of them seem so darn stupid, I don't think a large knife would have made a difference. On the other hand, most people we would consider native populace, seem to get by with very little of our kind of gear at all. I guess they don't have the disposable income of the people on forums like this, so they get by with a thin bladed butcher knife or even a Rapala Fillet knife and an ax. Or at least the last time I was up in Canada on a fishing trip, the local Cree's we using that combination of cutting tools, a light slicer and a hatchet or ax. The only big chopper knife around was another fisherman from the 'states who had one of the 7 inch RAT things. The two Cree guides muttered something to each other and laughed, and I had the impression they thought the big knife guy was a fool. I have a feeling that you could drop one of those Cree guides out in the boonies with a fillet knife and a hatchet, and come back in a few months, and he'll be sitting on the front porch of a cabin eating some smoked whitefish.
Each to thier own, it's a free world. But you have to seperate the needs and wants. A Porshe 911 is a want if all you need to do is commute to work. But if you just want it, and can afford it, then indulge yourself. But if your wife is only working part time because day care costs are sky high, and your kid needs braces, needs take right-away. A Honda or Toyota will do very well. It just won't be as soothing to the ego.
Needs vs wants, ego vs Id, you have to ballance it out.
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I can see how some people prefer smaller blades for carrying around the bush and that is fine, but I don't see why people need to mock those who like larger blades (not that any of you are, but a lot of people do). I don't carry around a large blade because I am a rookie or inexperienced, I carry a large knife because I know how to use it, that is what I like. Part of it also is I love historical things...flintlock muskets, trade knives, clay pipes...and get much enjoyment and fullfillment out of using something I know was used hundreds of years ago. I am just different that way I guess. I am not into the whole large Rambo "survival knife" thing. I don't like modern-day rifles or guns either. In my opinion, a well designed large blade in the hands of an experienced person, can do anything a small knife can do and much more. Here is an example of such a well designed large knife....It is an original by Jukes Coulson & Co. Sheffield.
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It is probably true that under most modern-day circumstances it is not necessary to carry a knife such as this, but to say that it wouldn't be useful is a load of horse#@$%!
It is probably true that under most modern-day circumstances it is not necessary to carry a knife such as this, but to say that it wouldn't be useful is a load of horse#@$%!
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Post expired.
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Those are some nice knives there Dannyboy:thumbup:
Minnesota
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I think the nessmuk trio is pretty much perfect for people camping/hiking/hunting in foresty areas wear there is alot of trees.
You have your hatchet for light chopping and batoning.
Your skinning blade for food prep and well, skinning.
Your folder for whittling, and general cutting.
So I would say 4" is good for your skinning/bushcraft fixed blade, but I don't think that one knife will handle all your outdoor chores. I'd go 4.5" just to be golden.
You have your hatchet for light chopping and batoning.
Your skinning blade for food prep and well, skinning.
Your folder for whittling, and general cutting.
So I would say 4" is good for your skinning/bushcraft fixed blade, but I don't think that one knife will handle all your outdoor chores. I'd go 4.5" just to be golden.
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james terrio
Sharpest Knife in the Light Socket
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3-4" blades are very handy and are the ones I use most often when camping and whatnot. I find 5" to be a bit long for many tasks, and I really don't like 6-8" blades... I think it's a bad compromise that gives the worst of big/small, not the best of either. But that's just me!
I do agree that a simple tarp goes a long, long way to providing adequate shelter. But hey, building lean-to's is fun! And YES you can build one with a 4" blade. Batonning, folks (now there's a whole 'nother can of worms)
I love big knives too! No offense to anyone, but I tend to roll my eyes when people go on and on about the extra weight. C'mon, is a pound going to break your back? If you're really that concerned about 16 ounces here or there you might be carrying too much stuff overall. Just a thought. (and no, I'm not an athlete in great shape, just an average nearly-40 schmoe with a beer belly.)
As most of you will probably agree, I don't intend to look down on anyone or their choices. Heck, I like hatchets and tomahawks and neck knives and Mora's and big bowies and machetes and folding saws too! Carry what YOU darn well like and use it as much as you can to develop the skills YOU want.
I do agree that a simple tarp goes a long, long way to providing adequate shelter. But hey, building lean-to's is fun! And YES you can build one with a 4" blade. Batonning, folks (now there's a whole 'nother can of worms
)I love big knives too! No offense to anyone, but I tend to roll my eyes when people go on and on about the extra weight. C'mon, is a pound going to break your back? If you're really that concerned about 16 ounces here or there you might be carrying too much stuff overall. Just a thought. (and no, I'm not an athlete in great shape, just an average nearly-40 schmoe with a beer belly.)
As most of you will probably agree, I don't intend to look down on anyone or their choices. Heck, I like hatchets and tomahawks and neck knives and Mora's and big bowies and machetes and folding saws too!
Carry what YOU darn well like and use it as much as you can to develop the skills YOU want.