Backpacking companion

ESEE 3 lives in my EDC bag, which I take everywhere from work to hiking. I also have a poncho and space blanket in the bag, and cord. Not much need to harvest material. My EDC folder is more likely to get use.
 
bdmicarta said:
I've done a lot of backpacking and had very little need of a knife. I mostly carried a Gerber LST and it worked fine. Most backpacking people go self-contained so there is no need to cut down a forest to build a condo for the night. We carried our own tent and backpacking stove. We might occasionally have needed the knife to open a food package.

If I was going right now the best thing I have to carry would be something like a Delica. If I was going to be doing a lot of backpacking I might consider buying an Endura, Stretch or LW Manix 2.
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I thought of the LST when I read the thread title. I keep the Schrade version, SP3 in my PFD when canoeing. It handles most cutting chores, is light and easy to access and retain with a short lanyard in my PFD pocket. Zytel handle and stainless blade require little to no maintenance. And they are still inexpensive.
 
bdmicarta said:
I've done a lot of backpacking and had very little need of a knife. I mostly carried a Gerber LST and it worked fine. Most backpacking people go self-contained so there is no need to cut down a forest to build a condo for the night. We carried our own tent and backpacking stove. We might occasionally have needed the knife to open a food package.

If I was going right now the best thing I have to carry would be something like a Delica. If I was going to be doing a lot of backpacking I might consider buying an Endura, Stretch or LW Manix 2.
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My experience as well. I've been "off-road" from FL to eastern Canada and out west. The blades that have gotten 99% of use from me have been things like an Izula, a Caly 3, a mini-Ritter... just no need for a larger knife (even though I do always carry one just because I like to and I don't care about the weight). We are self-contained when we hike/camp. Even our dogs wear packs and hump their own gear on the trail.

An Izula or a BK 14 would serve you well, most likely covering anything you'd need. They'll also be easier to maintain with a lightweight field sharpening kit and they'll be as strong/trouble-free as most folders. And no... they won't rust and fall apart 2 hours into the trip just because they're 1095. They're also a lot cheaper to replace if they get lost or damaged than most folders would be.
 
Fixed blade: Mora.
Folder: Victorinox Farmer.
You can get the pair for $50 or less.

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If you really want lightweight then a Mora is the way to go, coupled with an SAK (I'd take either the Fieldmaster or Huntsman which each have a small saw). Various others mentioned such as the Becker BK-14, BK-11, ESEE Izula and Izula II would do you just fine. The suggestion of the FRN Spydercos is also sound - Endura, Pacific Salt, Delica or even their budget Byrd range such as the Cara Cara 2.
 
I think a Bark River Ultralite Bushcrafter would fit your needs perfectly. Thin super tough blade of cpm3v, under 3oz, just a little longer than an Izula. I use mine for elk hunting, as a primary knife while camping and hiking. It's currently my favorite fixed blade. My only complaint is the sheath, I wish it were kidex instead of leather, or at least the current on had a retention of some sort.
 
WRKT has some very nice smaller fixed blades that would work well for a lightweight back packer. The Knucklehead is a perfect example. Takes up about 0 space, S30V, good in the hand and under $75.
 
More backpackers carry a Swiss Army Knife than any other single piece of equipment. Not only is the blade more than sufficient for every cutting task I've ever encountered in the outdoors (I'm not a hunter), but the extra tools like scissors and tweezers can be invaluable and save the need of carrying those items as separate tools.

That said, I prefer a fixed blade for safety and hygiene / food safety reasons.

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The knife weighs 0.8 ounces, has a safe locking sheath, and is small enough for comfortable pocket carry. The version that's available now has a better steel and redesigned blade shape. AG Russell Hunters Scalpel.
 
It depends on the type of backpacking trip and the area what I carry with me. I always carry some kind of SAK in the pocket though.

 
mora companion stays in the lid of my pack until I need it.
RAT folder in the pocket.

Great knives and about $35 for both, so if I lose either while I am backpacking, I dont get to upset.
 
Moras are a good choice and very affordable. There is a version that has a fire steel, firestarter in the handle called the Swedish fire knife. The knife is produced by Mora and the firestarter is by Light My Fire. The blade is specifically designed to be used with the firestarter. The blade is a little thinner than other moras, but will definitely handle most chores while backbacking, that also makes it very light weight. At around $35 it cant be beat.
 
It's hard to beat a good multi-tool, honestly (leatherman, SAK, etc.) And this is coming from a knifemaker that makes bushcraft knives. :D

I actually do a lot of backpacking too - and though I'm not quite an "ultralight purist"...I do count ounces. And I've found that I can do a *LOT* without a huge knife.

Whatever you end up with...I've found that I prefer knives under 6 ounces....maximum 8 ounces if I think I really need it (including sheath).


FYI, FWIW....I'm talking about putting miles down over multi-day trips...not about going out in the woods for an overnighter of bushcraft/survival fun. Weight matters a lot on distance hikes.

I've done it all...I even packed a 2.5 lb. kukri one time. Definitely not recommended....I had room for it and figured "why not?". I found out later....hahaha.

I've also done trips with no knife at all (psssst....don't tell anyone! :D)


So, take all the great advice offered with a grain of salt. Find something that appeals to you and fits your budget....and make it work with your gear.

Leatherman Charge, Victorinox Forester, Mora....all good choices. Personally, I like having a saw blade around.
 
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