Backpacking folder?

RogueBowie

RogueBowie

Joined
Nov 16, 2011
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I was just wondering if any of you carry folders while backpacking as your secondary/utility blade? Or is it strictly fixed for you? I'm working on my loadout for a 4 day excursion in Big Sur this summer and was considering a Spyderco PM2 as my secondary/backup. Thoughts/experiences?

If it helps, my primary will probably be a Becker BK16 with a folding saw and hatchet.
 
I take a SAK and a heavier one too. ZT 200 or 350. If I lose my fixed one of these tough folders can get work done with a bit of care.
 
For folders, I carry one of the following, depending on mood:

Spyderco Para
Buck Mayo
Spyderco UKPK (G10 S30V version)

Along with a few others - queen stockman, SAK classic, leatherman squirt, etc. And I always have a fixed blade from Ray Laconico.
 
When backpacking I carry a Kershaw Blur Tanto. Spring assisted, combo edge and inexpensive, so I am not worried about abusing it or losing it
 
I carry a folder everyday no matter where, While hiking or camping it is in my pocket and usually serves as my food prep and food cutting knife while in camp.
In the past I carried an Emerson, Then a Spyderco Para-Military 2, Then a Spyderco Military, Now I am carrying a Strider SMF and as of tomorrow, It will be my Zero Tolerance 0561 as soon as UPS delivers it.
I also usually have a fixed blade as well when out in the woods, 5 inch blade or bigger.
And of course a Multi-Tool or Swiss Army is always in my pack.
 
Personally, I'd take a large fixed blade and a Spyderco Endura 4. The VG-10 is very rust resistant and the knife is very lightweight.
 
Me, I take 3 knives into the woods...
Spyderco military, for food prep ( imo the 4in. blade can't be beat when cutting tomatoes, onions, and such) and other small tasks
Either a SAK or SOG powerlock
Entrek Bravo 11 fixed 4 9/16 blade 1/4in. thick for heavy cutting
and battoning
 
All you really need is a small fixed blade like a bk11 or a mora. You can also bring a SAK for the tools. Personally, I own a cadet.

As for the hatchet and the saw, they will be needless weight. You definitely don't need both.
 
I like a good stout folder just fine. I dont care for coated blades when doing any food prep so a folder is a fine companion to a larger fixed blade (several of mine are coated). My first "expensive" (cost $100 back when I thought that was insane for a knife) lockblade folder was a Benchmade tanto. Carried it many a mile and its still just a great tool some 15 or so years later.
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I bring an SAK or small multitool and a smallish (around 4"blade) but sturdy fixed blade. Unless you are going to do LOTS of firebuilding this is all you need. If you are going to be doing ALL your cooking with wood a small folding saw or hatchet would be handy, definitely you don't need both, the saw is probably the most useful esp if you are also bringing a fixed blade knife.
 
It's just a bad habit for me; I usually have two front pockets and two folders fit perfectly with those clippy things.

ROCK6
 
In my pocket now is a kabar phat bob folder and a leatherman style ps.
In the car is a BK11 and a leatherman sidekick I think. A cheaper one.
At home is my BK2.

I prefer fixed, but my phat bob could do a lot if I needed it to. And it's pretty. :D
 
I personally never leave home without a Vic Farmer. I'll also usually have another folder, but it rotates almost everyday. I rely mainly on my fixed blades.
 
For backpacking, I never needed more than a SAK Recruit. This with a primus stove, food on my back, and the possibility of opening up food packages and wild trouts.

If I had had porters along, one of them would have been carrying 30lbs of pocket knives, axes, Ka Bars, SteaksandBeer.
 
I think you are already well prepared with a fixed blade, saw and hatchet. Are you allowed to gather wood in Big Sur?

I always take an SAK camping, you might want some tools like a can opener or tweezers.
 
dogstar said:
I think you are already well prepared with a fixed blade, saw and hatchet. Are you allowed to gather wood in Big Sur?

I always take an SAK camping, you might want some tools like a can opener or tweezers.
Click to expand...

Oh good point I think it is prohibited. We just started planning the trip haven't planned out all the logistics yet. Oh well we will just have to work around that. Probably still bring the hatchet though just in case.
 
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