Backpack strap knife.

MooseStuff

MooseStuff

Joined
Jun 13, 2012
Messages
200
I am about to purchase a knife for the shoulder strap on my day hiking backpack. I have decided on either the Benchmade 375 Adamas or the ESEE Izula ( i know they are fairly different) I was just wondering if you guys had any similar options like other fixed blades with no scales and a kydex/plastic sheath. This is basically replacing my full size folders which I don't care for as my main blade during hikes for whatever reason. Also this is my first post so, obligatory i hope this is in the right spot and what not.

Also by backpack I just mean a normal back pack I have a Camelbak HAWG and some Northface bag and I have a price cap of about $120.

Thanks, Moose
 
Well to give you another direction to lean in... Rather than just a knife... I usually put my Leatherman Charge on my left pack strap. It has a knife, and lots more that come in real handy being that close. I just attach something like a single molle pistol mag pouch or one of the nice utility pouches at TAD. I keep a flashlight on the right shoulder strap. If you position it just right you can kinda use it like a shoulder mounted light to light your path in low light. For that the Maxpedition flashlight pouch works real well.
 
The various "neck" knives work pretty well but, on smaller backpacks finding a spot where they follow the strap and "lay flat" is pretty hard.

If you mount it low on the strap (closer to the waist versus shoulder), a Kydex or plastic sheath that can be tied at both ends would work reasonably well lying flat against the strap and not flopping around in the way.

These small Becker, ESEE, RAT, Bark River knives are all good choices at various pricepoints.
 
I think i will be going with the BK14 I was leaning towards the Izula for the pirce but the BK14 seems like the right fit for me. I keep a keychain light on a d-ring on my right side shoulder strap and I think ill have to look into upgrading the keychain light and look into a system like you have going on Infi-del.
 
MooseStuff said:
I think ill have to look into upgrading the keychain light and look into a system like you have going on Infi-del.
Click to expand...

To save you time and experimentation... I found a light with a "Clicky" tailcap to work best as a shoulder light. You don't have to fuss with twisting it to get constant ON. When you adjust the pouch to the light... make it TIGHT... makes it a little harder to get out... but you won't lose your light while walking either. Also a little loop of "Velcro" "One-Wrap" just below it can secure the flap when open.

I have found the perfect light for this task is a Surefire 6P with clicky tail cap and a Malkoff Flood Head. Illuminates everything in front of you for like 50 feet. Not sure they still make the floods though.
 
Infi-del said:
To save you time and experimentation... I found a light with a "Clicky" tailcap to work best as a shoulder light. You don't have to fuss with twisting it to get constant ON. When you adjust the pouch to the light... make it TIGHT... makes it a little harder to get out... but you won't lose your light while walking either. Also a little loop of "Velcro" "One-Wrap" just below it can secure the flap when open.

I have found the perfect light for this task is a Surefire 6P with clicky tail cap and a Malkoff Flood Head. Illuminates everything in front of you for like 50 feet. Not sure they still make the floods though.
Click to expand...

I've found that lights with a tailcap work much better for this purpose aswell.

I use a Fenix E11 on my right shoulder strap. Its 105/32 lumens and uses a single AA. Its small enough you wont even know its there until you need it. Best part is they can be had for around $25.
 
Infi-del said:
To save you time and experimentation... I found a light with a "Clicky" tailcap to work best as a shoulder light. You don't have to fuss with twisting it to get constant ON. When you adjust the pouch to the light... make it TIGHT... makes it a little harder to get out... but you won't lose your light while walking either. Also a little loop of "Velcro" "One-Wrap" just below it can secure the flap when open.

I have found the perfect light for this task is a Surefire 6P with clicky tail cap and a Malkoff Flood Head. Illuminates everything in front of you for like 50 feet. Not sure they still make the floods though.
Click to expand...

Yea, I am not a fan of the twist UI. Plus I just love clicking buttons!
 
I have a whistle, a cut down pen with duct tape wrapped on it and a rain fly for the pack on my right shoulder strap and I keep a Becker 11 on the left. Hope you can find something that works for you, brother!
 
Just as another thought think about a partial tang larger knife that has more capabilities. I have neckers but if I'm out packing, I consider a lightweight puukko or mora of some sort for that carry or go with a leatherman as you probably have the large full tang covered. I bet a 4" mora weighs the same as an Izula and you can do way more with it.
 
july2012-2632.jpg

Dozier Personal Utility
The sheath clips on your belt for horizontal carry or your pack strap for vertical carry.
Ingenious design.

One of my favorite all time knives
EDC.gif
 
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