Backpacking knife

[stabman]

Anything done above the treeline is usually offlimits of BF... as there is no need to carry hunks of steel and burn three cords of wood!!!!

I feel your pain. I usually wander well above treeline and I have way too many knives I end up not carrying up there because there is nothing to cut. A shovel is usually much more convenient.

Mikel

You carry the hunks of steel add added weight to increase exercise intensity.

Or as an emotional support knife...
Stranded on a mountain or lost in sparse scrub-land? "Sure looks bleak right now, but at least I have this cool knife."
Then, mentally rejuvenated, you proceed to do all the non-knife related things you must do to get home safely.

 

[droptyne]

For backpacking I always have a 4.5-3.5” fixed blade. That is a very capable size for 90% of camp chores. As a back up, I prefer a leatherman over a SAK. A Leatherman will have all the functions of a SAK but the addition of pliers is the winning factor for me. Leatherman goes in the pack and fixed blade goes on the belt

 

[Hammer67]

Our summers have come to often mean 'fire bans' on the public lands I hike on in recent years, and with the drought throughout the West again this year, I'm expecting this will be no different. When that's the case and I have no real need for wood processing, I usually just carry a BR 'Ultralite Bushcrafter" and Victorinox Bundeswehr multi-tool.

Earlier or later in the season, it's one of several 4-5" blades to choose from. But really, my knives are for knife stuff. If I'm planning on processing much wood, there are better tools than a knife, imo.

 

[ROCK6]

Backpacking can mean different things to different people backpacking in different environments. For my wife and I, we are usually only doing 12-15 miles a day (typical southern AT backpacking). While I could probably be fine with just a SAK Classic, I'm still a knife-guy and while I paired down to some smaller pieces to keep weight down, I still consider them part of my "acceptable mental comfort" weight.

I mostly just use the tiny Spdyerco Dragonfly, but like the Leatherman PS pliers and scissors. The smallest Mora 1/0 Classic in a custom Kydex sheath that rides under my hip pocket pouch.



A couple times after getting soaked on the trail, I built a small fire to dry some stuff out, so the Mora has come in real handy at processing wood for a fire. However, with your shelter, stove, and mostly ready-to-eat foods, you really don't "need" a knife, but for anyone who's ever needed a knife, they offer a certain level of mental comfort, even if just a mini folder, mini-multitool, and small fixed blade.

ROCK6

 

[barleywino]

Backpacking can mean different things to different people backpacking in different environments. For my wife and I, we are usually only doing 12-15 miles a day (typical southern AT backpacking). While I could probably be fine with just a SAK Classic, I'm still a knife-guy and while I paired down to some smaller pieces to keep weight down, I still consider them part of my "acceptable mental comfort" weight.

I mostly just use the tiny Spdyerco Dragonfly, but like the Leatherman PS pliers and scissors. The smallest Mora 1/0 Classic in a custom Kydex sheath that rides under my hip pocket pouch.



A couple times after getting soaked on the trail, I built a small fire to dry some stuff out, so the Mora has come in real handy at processing wood for a fire. However, with your shelter, stove, and mostly ready-to-eat foods, you really don't "need" a knife, but for anyone who's ever needed a knife, they offer a certain level of mental comfort, even if just a mini folder, mini-multitool, and small fixed blade.

ROCK6

Mora also has their “survival bushcraft” model (in either carbon steel or stainless) which I like because of the belt clip that can rotate 90 degrees, as well as the built in diamond sharpener and ferro rod. The 4.3” blade is a bit thick for slicing but I guess appropriate for bushcraft.