Backpacking Fixed Blade?

E

Eagle131

Joined
Dec 30, 2001
Messages
17
I was wondering if anyone had some suggestions on a good fixed blade for backpacking. I just ordered a SOG Seal Pup, but am wondering if there is perhaps a better choice. Thanks for the input.
 
Welcome to Bladeforums.

I personally can't say enough good about the Fallkniven line-up. I have been really impressed with their performance in the field. Do a search here for "Fallkniven" and you will undoubtedly find volumes of information.

I also like the Becker line from Camillus. Form that follows function for sure. They offer quite a bit of bang for the buck.

The SOG is not a bad choice either though.
 
You into "minimal impact" backpacking? How high (price) could you go? The SOG pup is probably an OK choice. Its size will come in useful if you are going to gather and split wood for a fire. Personally, my choice would have been a more traditional hunting-style knife with a similar sized blade. I don't particularly like the swedges on top of the blade for pure utility work.
 
I don't really want to spend more than $80-100. I do not really do "minimal impact" backkpacking per-se, but I am not going to be cutting down trees or things of that sort on a regular basis. Just traditional backpacking, with a tent and a campfire. By the way, it's interesting that we live so close to each other (Glen Ellen, where I live, is over by Sonoma and Santa Rosa).
 
The Cold Steel SRK might be one to take a look at, as well as the Cold Steel Master Hunter.
 
I feel the Gerber Yari would be a good choice...I carry it for utility work when hiking and camping. Not to big, or small, in my opinion, for most backpacking work.
 
I just picked up a Cold Steel SRK and find it to have a good edge for backpacking type work(cutting rope, wood, plastic, etc.) and be solid enough to pry anything with it if needed.
 
Thanks for all replies. To clarify further, I am interested mostly in knives with a blade length between 4.5-5.5 inches, and with a partially serrated blade to facilitate cutting line etc (is this a bad preference?). I would also like the knife to be stainless for as much corosion resistance as possible (I believe both Cold Steel knives mentioned are made with high carbon steel). The Gerber Yari does seem like a nice choice. Any more input on the SOG as to advantanges and disadvantages, especially compared to the Yari, would be appreciated.
 
Hello Eagle131,

I have several knives of the size you are seeking, including the Seal
Pup. Of these my favorite by far is the Greco Companion, which has a five inch blade of A2 steel. The knife is quite sturdy and I like that feature alot. It is not stainless, but has a good protective coating so that only the sharpened edge is exposed to the elements.

As I see it, the problem with stainless steel is that you have to spend alot to get a stainless knife of high quality. There are some forum members who claim knives made with the cheaper stainless steels are just fine, but I have been convinced by the "steel snobs" that it is best to choose a carbon steel knife in the lower price range.

I don't remember the name or model number, but I have seen a Boker fixed blade with traditional styling made from 440C stainless (I see conflicting reports as to whether or not 440C is a premium stainless). The blade was around 4.5 or 5 inches. However, the price was much higher than the Seal Pup, around or over $200, I think.

One other option you might want to consider is the Kabar Impact made with D2 steel. D2 is often called "semi-stainless" because is has alot of chromium in it, and is considered one of the best steels for knife blades.
 
Gerber Yari-
  • Micarta handles
  • 154CM steel- better (IMO) than AUS6 in many ways
  • No serrations (point of controversy in BFC...lol)

Sog Seal Pup-
  • Rubber handles ( I think...sorry if Im wrong)
  • AUS6 steel- holds an edge shorter
  • partially serrated (sometimes can be "the worst of both worlds" in somes opinion)

I think the Seal Pup may have a better sheath, but I'm not sure. Either way, it would be better to get a sheath separately.
 
SOG Sealpup is a great backpacking knife to have if you are going to be around water alot, or near salt water. My regular backpacking fixed blade right now is a Dozier Slim Outdoorsman and some times a Fallkniven F1 or F2. The Fallknivens cost around less than half than the Doziers, if price is a consideration. Both are great fixed blades overall for backpacking (compact and very utilitarian).
 
for what you are wanting to spend, the BK&T line is the place to look IMHO. The Fallknivens are Super also.
 
For me, weight is a huge issue when backpacking. I think you oughta consider the Mora 2000 knife on the www.ragweedforge.com page. It's a stainless knife that is cheap (like $26) and it is lightweight but nice to hold and use. Take a look... I actually got a GREAT deal on a couple of them on ebay also.


--Matt
 
i carried a cold steel SRK to the top of mount Washington and used it to open a snickers bar at the top, i didnt notice the weight since its only 8oz, it is a good knife. I would consider the falkniven line as well.

If i was going to get another camp fixed blade i would probably spend 150 and get something made by someone here on the forums, custom fixed blades are very affordable.

have fun
 
I second/third those who recc'd the CS SRK.... but get the seconds. If they happen to send it with one of their POS seconds sheaths, have a custom one made. You'll still end up spending less than buying a first from CS. Also I would still go with the Carbon-V steel. The SRK blade is a coated one anyways, and with hard use any knife will lose it's out of the box luster. Go with a good value workhorse.
 
There have been some excellent recommendations made already. Another option, probably at the upper end of the stated price range, is a Greco Green River. This is a sturdy knife, from 1/4 inch A2 stock, that is heavier than I like to carry unless I'm car or canoe camping where weight is not as critical. You can split surprisingly large wood with one but it isn't as efficient as an axe. For more money the Dozier Professional Guides knife is an excellent knife and a great cutter that comes with a Kydex sheath.

While I have carried a number of different fixed blades on camping and canoeing trips, the majority of the time I wind up using my multi-tool. There have been a few times the fixed blade was the right tool for the job but usually if a multi-tool wouldn't handle it, an axe was a better tool for the job at hand. YMMV.
 
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