Backpackers! How heavy is your knife?

When I am just heading out for a hike Ill just take a small folder. When I am going camping at min I will take a folder and a 4-6 inch fixed blade.
 
I occasionally change up the fixed blade, but I usually carry a 4" fixed blade, SAK Classic (mostly for the scissors and tweezers) and a Sawvivor - IMO, best collapsible saw ever made and sadly, no longer available.


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milani74 said:
The older I get, the less stuff I find myself taking on backpacking trips. I simply don't like to carry unnecessary items so I find that I mostly use a SAK or my Benchmade mini barrage. If I bring a fixed blade, its usually some sort of Mora. They are inexpensive, lightweight and are effective slicers/carvers. I really like their handle comfort and the light-my-fire model has a built in fire steel. But truth be told, even they are "wasted" weight in the summer months on established trails when I have shelter, food and cooking utility items in my pack. Hell, even Andrew Skurka only brought a mini SAK on his cross tour of Alaska which is way more off the beaten track than I go.
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This is becoming more of my line of thinking as well. My son and I do some specific trips off trail and minimalist which requires more substantial cutting tools; however, for serious backpacking, weight rules the choices. Frankly, you just don't need a large knife when sticking to a trail and carrying all your other essentials on your back...we can debate and discuss contingencies ad nauseam, but some activities with proper preparation can really mitigate the need for heavy steel.

An older post:

After a little introspection on backpacking, fixed-blades knives I pulled out several I own and use for a little weight comparison. Now, I know this is “survival gear”, but for the weight conscious who still feel the need to have a fixed blade, I decided to do some weight comparisons and offer some of my personal choices. I would categorize as being a “prepared backpacker” who is evolving to a minimalist kit…

Now, most backpackers who stick to the trail and cook mostly packaged dehydrated meals on a fueled stove (gas, isobutane, alcohol, solid fuels, etc.), would never consider a fixed blade; mostly for weight, but it’s just not a necessity in their mind. Most of the minimalist choices are splitting grams. Most conduct a decent risk assessment and choose with that in mind although the “mini” knife choices are just not for me. Sure, I have some, but they are tertiary when it comes to a bladed tool…more for a pocket survival kit (PSK) vice your one and only or primary cutting implement:



Now, I don’t disagree with those that choose the minimalist razor blade or Victorinox Classic, but for me, I find a fixed blade (even a small one) a necessity for myself; both for utility and mental comfort. Again, these aren’t necessarily for bushcraft tasks or feeding a large fire or gutting/skinning fish and game. A backpacking blade is really for opening a freeze dried meal, cutting some cord or cutting out some mole skin. What I don’t like about the mini blades (including the small two-finger, fixed blade neck knives) is that they can be difficult to handle when you’re tired and cold or you have a small cutting chore to focus on.

There are some tasks that extend beyond those typical trail cutting needs: improvising a tent stake, carving shavings for a natural fuel stove, removing small limbs from your hammock hanging area so as not to destroy the small sapling completely, etc. I know a decent folder can handle all that, but I like the safer handling of a fixed blade and it’s much easier to clean when your son gets peanut butter all over it! So, regardless of your personal decisions between a folding or fixed blade, I’m deliberately focusing on fixed blades for backpacking. Weight is a concern as is having a large enough handle to safely use when you’re tired, wet, cold or it’s twilight and hard to properly see as you set up camp and prepare your meal.

Here are a few I dug out and compared by weight. The weight is just the knife only. I have some sheaths in leather, thermoplastic or custom Kydex, so it’s hard to get a decent comparison as you can get a custom sheath that will weigh lighter than the stock sheath. With that said, the Mora sheaths are about as simple and light as you can go. When speaking about sheaths, these knives are not normally carried on my belt, but in my chest bag which is a Hill People Gear Kit Bag. They can be carried in a pocket or slipped the top or side pocket of your pack. I always have a folder, so it’s less of a concern and my pack is always with me unless I’m answering the call of Mother Nature...
Keep in mind, these are not all necessarily (although some are excellent choices) "survival" knives. The purpose is a light-weight utility tool with the primary purpose of cutting. I would choose a much more robust blade for more varied tasks that included hard baton use, prying, digging into logs/stumps or chopping...most of these aren't in that category...



Left to right, top row first; weight is in ounces:

Mora #2/0 (Carbon Steel) - 1.5
Mora Sheepsfoot - 1.7
ESEE Izula - 1.9
Buck Mayo Kaala (S30V) - 2.0
Mora #1 (Carbon Steel) - 2.2
AG Russell Deer Hunter (ATS-34) - 2.3
Mora 546 (Stainless) - 2.4
Mora 511 (Modified, same weight) - 2.4
Mora 510 (Carbon Steel) - 2.5
Fallkniven WM-1(VG-10) - 2.6
Mora Clipper (Carbon Steel) - 2.7
Mora Companion MG (Carbon Steel) - 2.7
Spyderco Moran-Drop Point - 3.0
Spyderco Moran-Bowie/Swept Point - 3.0
Mora 711 (Carbon Steel) - 3.3
Mora Bushcraft (Triflex) - 3.4
Mora 2000 - 3.5
DH Russell Boat Knife (Stainless) - 3.5
Helle Fjellkniven - 3.8
BRKT Northstar - 3.9
Benchmade Nimravus (M2 Steel) - 4.0
Roselli Hunter (HC) - 4.3
Brusletto Troll (Finnish knife) - 4.3
RAT 3 (not ESEE) - 4.8
Fallkniven F1, stock - 5.1
BHK Boat-Tail Scandi - 5.4
BRKT Liten Bror - 5.5
Fallkniven F1, Micarta scales - 6.9

Here are my choices top choices:



The very small Mora #2/0 is a new acquisition and I really want to give that a try as I continue to trim down my AT backpacking gear. I still really like the Fallkniven WM-1, older Mora 510 and the AG Russell Deer Hunter. They are quite capable for the weight-conscious yet still give you a little mental comfort if you’re a die-hard fixed blade knife enthusiast.

Just a few of my thoughts; Knife choices vary so much and have such strong opinions depending on the user’s experience, activities and personal comfort levels that it will debated until the end of time. There are numerous, recognizable differences between combat, bushcraft, hunting/fishing, camping and minimalist backpacking knife selections. I respect all, but at the end of the day, it’s my requirements, my skill/experience and my decision…I will only caveat that this is a never-ending search as a knife enthusiast, but the requirements will always drive the choice.

What is attached to my ULA Circuit pack is a modified 511 (used a Dremel to make a 510) with a fire steel:





ROCK6
 
With all the sweet lightweight steel in this tread I've been thinking I'd like something even smaller but something that I can rely on like I do my RC-3. Despite its weight, for some reason its my go-to even though all the rest of my knives are lighter.
I've been looking at a bunch of options, looking to fit into that sweet spot of a bit tougher than my mora1, and lighter than my mora 2k. Ideally something around 100grams, 3.5oz including sheath. I would also like something thin, 3mm or thinner. So far the BRK UL and Mini bushcrafter look good, as do the koster scout, and the falk WM1. Although the BRK Kephart and the fiddleback hiking buddy look good enough to make me push the weight boundary. Of course this is just window shopping since I've spent enough on the rest of my camping gear..... but they look so good! Anything else I should be looking at? I would like a full handle, and at least 2 3/4 inches of blade. I'm impartial on grind provided it makes some sense, ie tall and big bellied should probably be FFG and not scandi. I like the length of the Izula I have, its just the handle I've lost interest in. Maybe I should try a leather wrap instead of cord? or a scale kit?
 
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^ expensive, but the Adventure Sworn Hiker is a really nice knife, specs look similar to the BR UL
 
Nice looking set there Rock! I really like that front carry system you have there and the mods you completed on your Mora.
 
I am off to England for a walking and painting trip
Although not backpacking as such, I am carrying all my gear on my back for self sufficient travel like from the Airport to Bus Station to Mothers to Bus to Youth Hostel

Three considerations:
  • Replaceablity if lost or stolen, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Lightweight, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Function, Eating and can opener SAK, a fixed blade Opinel or Mora


SAK Waiter with single blade and can opener in eating kit
Mora 2/0 for a fixed blade in pack pocket
Opinel #7 on my belt in a pouch next to my camera
 
neeman said:
I am off to England for a walking and painting trip
Although not backpacking as such, I am carrying all my gear on my back for self sufficient travel like from the Airport to Bus Station to Mothers to Bus to Youth Hostel

Three considerations:
  • Replaceablity if lost or stolen, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Lightweight, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Function, Eating and can opener SAK, a fixed blade Opinel or Mora


SAK Waiter with single blade and can opener in eating kit
Mora 2/0 for a fixed blade in pack pocket
Opinel #7 on my belt in a pouch next to my camera
Click to expand...

Have a good trip. Be safe.
 
milani74 said:
Nice looking set there Rock! I really like that front carry system you have there and the mods you completed on your Mora.
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Yeah, it's a little rough, but I cut the finger guard off the 511 model (modeling after the 510), and the extra room in the sheath (cut through the bottom) made room for my fire steel. My pack is a ULA Circuit and there is space underneath to slide the sheath in and secure it to where the belt attaches to the pack body. This allows both comfortable carry and easy access. This is about the largest fixed blade I've carried for distance treks.

BTW, we just did a road trip up to WA and did plenty of side trips on the way up...unfortunately all our hiking plans in WA (freaking excellent weather!) and our trip to Zion were cancelled to make it back to FL for my father-in-law's emergency carotid surgery (which went well). Ah well, time to try and plan for next year!

ROCK6
 
neeman said:
I am off to England for a walking and painting trip
Although not backpacking as such, I am carrying all my gear on my back for self sufficient travel like from the Airport to Bus Station to Mothers to Bus to Youth Hostel

Three considerations:
  • Replaceablity if lost or stolen, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Lightweight, so SAK, Opinel or Mora
  • Function, Eating and can opener SAK, a fixed blade Opinel or Mora


SAK Waiter with single blade and can opener in eating kit
Mora 2/0 for a fixed blade in pack pocket
Opinel #7 on my belt in a pouch next to my camera
Click to expand...

doesn't the UK have some wonky knife laws? not sure what they are (if any???), but if you haven't looked it would be worth your while to do so
 
For me, it all depends on the purpose of the trip, the cooking and shelter plans, and the weather/location.

Right now I'm using a BRKT or a Busse less than 6oz and either a Leatherman PS4 or SAK Classic less than 2oz and a Spyderco folder less than 3oz for 7-14 day trips. If I am likely to use the wood stove I'll swap the 6oz fixed blade for an 11oz fixed blade and/or add a 7oz Silky saw. I have also done well with a SAK with saw blade.

If I'm hunting/fishing/trapping/building, I'll take slightly more or substitute accordingly. The answer(s) above relate to what I might have on a self-sustained 10-14 day backpacking trip, which for me means that I have shelter, cooking equipment, and food in my pack. I can agree with the many responses indicating one might not even need the smallest 2oz knife. I've done it that way, using a small folder to do nothing more than open packages and "whittle."
 
ROCK6 said:
Yeah, it's a little rough, but I cut the finger guard off the 511 model (modeling after the 510), and the extra room in the sheath (cut through the bottom) made room for my fire steel. My pack is a ULA Circuit and there is space underneath to slide the sheath in and secure it to where the belt attaches to the pack body. This allows both comfortable carry and easy access. This is about the largest fixed blade I've carried for distance treks.
BTW, we just did a road trip up to WA and did plenty of side trips on the way up...unfortunately all our hiking plans in WA (freaking excellent weather!) and our trip to Zion were cancelled to make it back to FL for my father-in-law's emergency carotid surgery (which went well). Ah well, time to try and plan for next year!
ROCK6
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Nice! I have a ULA Catalyst myself; they make great lightweight packs that don't cost a new car payment. So glad that your father-in-law is doing better. I lost my mom last year to complications with that very same problem.
I just got back from Gordon myself last week. I got a chance to hit the AT a few times near Neel's Gap with a buddy from Bragg. Had a great time. I'm going to do a 3 day trip in ONP this weekend, just not sure where.
 
milani74 said:
Nice! I have a ULA Catalyst myself; they make great lightweight packs that don't cost a new car payment. So glad that your father-in-law is doing better. I lost my mom last year to complications with that very same problem.
I just got back from Gordon myself last week. I got a chance to hit the AT a few times near Neel's Gap with a buddy from Bragg. Had a great time. I'm going to do a 3 day trip in ONP this weekend, just not sure where.
Click to expand...

It's funny you mention the Catalyst, I may pick one up specifically for longer trips where we have to use a bear canister. Sorry to hear about your mother; this is the exact same surgery that my FIL's father didn't make it through due to complications. It was nerve wracking for my wife and put a stop to our planned trip.

Check out Seven-Lakes Basin; it's a 18.2 mile loop and should be fine this time of year given the weather conditions. You could spend a lifetime trying to hit all the trails between the ONP and Cascades.

ROCK6
 
Haven't given it a thorough bush workout yet but whittling, feather sticks, and food prep are all amazing with the Scandi. I think the design really works well as an everyday working knife - just like the original puukkos were designed to do. When I get it deep into the woods and clean some game and use it for bushcraft, I'll post pics and share the experience.

It's a very lightweight knife but slices like a demon.
 
Really nice discussion, Rock6, and thanks for weighing all the knives and posting their weights. Right On :strawberry::strawberry:
 
I usually carry a Bark River Bravo 1LT and I'm going to bring my GSO 4.1 for the next backpacking trip coming up in late August. I have a 5.1, Ratmandu's, Bravo 2, etc, but I'm getting too old to lug around too much weight. I think the Bravo 1LT or 4.1 and a smaller knife like the GSO 3.5 or a Bark River Necker will fit everything I can possibly need. Unfortunately, I will also end up ditching my GB Wildlife Hatchet and pocket saw this summer because I live out in California and the Sierra's are bone dry. There's no camp fires allowed and it's not worth the extra weight. Really I may only bring one knife because the only thing I can really do with it is clean fish and prep food. However, it's always good to have a nice fixed blade in the event I need something heavy duty enough in a emergency.
 
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