Bare minimum "blade-setup" for back-country?

S

ShooterMcgavin

Joined
Jan 20, 2008
Messages
609
When I use the term "blade-setup", I mean any blade, or combination of blades, adequate to get the job(s) done. I'm sure this will vary largely between different users and is highly subjective, based on each person's requirements and location. One person's blade-setup could include a medium size SAK, a 5" fixed-blade, and a 16" hatchet and another person might cover all their bases with a 3.5" fixed-blade and a 14" Khukuri.

I am trying to get some opinions from those who carry a usable combination of cutting utensils into the back-country with them, so I can try to get a better idea of what knife/machete/hatchet/etc. combos are the most effective for their weight. Hopefully, the duties will include food prep, firewood prep, cleaning small-medium game, trap-making, and even shelter building. I have done a fair amount of backpacking, but I want to be better prepared regarding cutting tools if ever my hiking adventure turned into a survival situation. At the same time, light weight and efficiency is important.

I am in the Pacific Northwest area (of the USA), BTW. If anyone wants to give some suggestions of possible setups specific to my area, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
 
I did many miles on the Appalachian Trail as well as time spent in the high desert, Badlands, and other fun places. The two thing that always went with me were my Demo knife and a Woodman's Pal. Never really needed anything else.
 
When I'm deep in the back/high country, I take my Scrapper 6, Striders = SnG & MFS. I have everything covered with this combo :thumbup: .
I really only need the two(S6 & SnG), but my MFS always seems to get packed :D
 
bravo-4014.jpg


Victorinox swisstool RS,
Fiskars 14" hatchet,
BRKT Bravo-1.

Nothing out there that these three can't handle. If I was in a jungle environment, I would switch the axe out for a machete though.
 
I normally just take a Mora and an SAK with a saw. However, there are slightly sturdier fixed blades out there, and Fiskars hatchets and Tramontina (or dare I say Ontario) machetes are good.
 
-Multitool. (I like the Leatherman Core)

-Fixed blade with 5 inch blade. (I like the Fallkniven S1)

-Either some kind of a hatchet or folding saw for cutting wood. (Go to the axe forum and Wilderness and Survival forum for recommendations)

-Oh yeah, and some kind of sword for defense. (I like the Albion Cutlery Kriegsmesser and the Cold Steel 1917 Naval Cutlass [which is actually a reproduction of a late 19th/ early 20th Centery Dutch Klewang, of which the actual 1917 naval cutlass was based off of])
















Just kidding about the sword for defense, that's what handguns are for!:D;)
 
Vic Rucksack

I have found in most situations that turn hairy, i.e. equipment failure, injury etc., that the most important thing is efficient movement from point a to point b. The less calories expended in the process the better, I am not going to spend 4 hours batoning wood and building a primitive hogan and blowing the 3000 kCals it takes to do so. I'd rather pick a better spot to sleep and insulating materials for a more efficient rack. The head on your shoulders should be the sharpest instrument you are carrying.
 
I am planning on getting a RAT RC-4. However, I don't think it will be adequate for the more serious tasks, like heavier woodwork. I just can't see myself carrying a hatchet. 1-2 pounds is a lot of weight and it's not something that would be used often.

I am sure that the last part of tomcrx's post is right on, so maybe I'm just trying to get myself more prepared that I really need?
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
I am planning on getting a RAT RC-4. However, I don't think it will be adequate for the more serious tasks, like heavier woodwork. I just can't see myself carrying a hatchet. 1-2 pounds is a lot of weight and it's not something that would be used often.

I am sure that the last part of tomcrx's post is right on, so maybe I'm just trying to get myself more prepared that I really need?
Click to expand...

The RC-4 is a great choice from what I hear. You should give a hatchet a chance, IMO it is the most versitile tool you can have in the woods. Here is a review of my fiskars, http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=565335

If you still absolutely don't want a hatchet, a folding saw is the next best thing.
 
I like to bring:

1) Wetterlings 15" axe
2) Fallkniven F1 or Busse BAD or similar small fixed blade
3) Victorinox SAK or Leatherman Wave

or maybe:

1) Trailblazer folding buck saw
2) Busse Skinny ASH or other high-quality larger fixed blade
3) Victorinox SAK or Leatherman Wave

My basic idea is something for handling firewood (small axe or saw), a fixed blade for general use/food prep, and some small tools. If I bring a saw instead of an axe, I bring a larger fixed blade that can handle some light chopping/splitting.

There's not much you can't do with a triad of tools like these.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I'm a firm believer in the "leave no trace" policy when it comes to hiking and camping.
I've got by fine with just a Buck 110 and a Victorinox Super Tinker.
 
For the most part one good fixed blade and a decent folder both carried on the belt will be all you will need.
 
One thing I have started to look into is a heavy, thick bladed tool that can be used for chopping, something like THIS, for example.

Does anyone replace an axe/hatchet with a thick, heavy knife-sorta-thing? If so, any recommendations or other places to look for info?

Thanks.
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
One thing I have started to look into is a heavy, thick bladed tool that can be used for chopping, something like THIS, for example.

Does anyone replace an axe/hatchet with a thick, heavy knife-sorta-thing? If so, any recommendations or other places to look for info?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

The Woodsmans Pal was so well thought of that it was standard survival issue for the military through most of the 20th century and I know several that still keep one in their survival kit.

284-3.jpg
 
ShooterMcgavin said:
Does anyone replace an axe/hatchet with a thick, heavy knife-sorta-thing? If so, any recommendations or other places to look for info?
Click to expand...


Yes, see my post above. Busse Combat is a good place to look. ;)

But you already said you weren't willing to carry a 1-2lb. hatchet. How much do you think a heavy chopping-capable knife would weigh? My Busse ASH-1 weighs 1.25 pounds with sheath (and it's a little on the short side for chopping). The small Wetterlings axe weighs the same. The 15" Wetterlings I have weighs 1.5 lbs.

If you want to chop, you have to carry some weight, one way or another. :D

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I have a few setups based on anticipated demands and how much I'm willing to carry. I do most of my hiking on the Olympic Peninsula and Southwest Montana.

When I'm climbing (rock, ice, alpine), I try to keep weight to a minimum. There's little vegetation in the alpine so I don't need a chopper. Usually all I'll be cutting is old rope, cord, and webbing. For this, the Boker Rescom is ideal; small, lightweight, and it tears through cord without having a sharp point (scary at crowded anchors).

For general hiking and camping, I just bring a medium sized folder. Usually a Kershaw RAM. This works well for food prep and any other small cutting tasks. I generally don't need to chop wood or build shelter, I use a stove and carry a tent.

Only when I'm off the beaten path will I bring something bigger. In my case, a reprofiled Kershaw Outcast. It works pretty well for chopping and clearing trail, without being too heavy.

I've been on a few epics (usually weather related), and I've never found myself needing more knife than I packed. I'd usually rather trade the weight of a heavy chopper for extra food and clothing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top