Best folder for a hike

[safong]

"...but I need something that I'll be able to use in an emergency (e.g., cut rope, split firewood, make tinder, etc.)"

No disagreement at all friend, just differing opinions. He specifically said he wanted a folder that he might be able to use to split firewood. Though I wouldn't recommend using any folder to do this (bring a small axe), in an emergency you use what you have. If he's asking for one folder in an emergency, especially to split wood, I wouldn't recommend an FRN knife. If you were to use one as a wedge and use a log as a hammer to split wood, I think it would shatter the locks on most FRN knives or at least severly damage them. I think Sal would attest to the fact that the Manix has a stonger lock than any Spyderco FRN knife. That's the main reason I'm recommending it for the purpose he's asking about.

 

[zenheretic]

Yeah my whole posting was very much non sequitor...

 

[Axlis]

The first knife that comes to my mind is the Pacific Salt. I think it meets your length requirements, and it is really low maintainence for staying in your bag.

 

[Slvgx]

Of the knives listed I'd go with the Manix, just because it is the meanest of the bunch, even though the other two are nothing to laugh at.

If it were me, I'd want a decent FB, and a SAK. The Salt series is very rust proof, but so are SAKs, not to the same level of resistance, but still nothing to worry about, especially if it's tucked away.

 

[Guyon]

I agree with zenheretic. Depends on how you define hiking.

For nature trails, an FRN would be okay. In fact, I carry a Native or Calypso Jr. (because they're lightweight) for such hikes.

If it's deeper woods or unknown trails, then I grab either a GB mini-axe/BRKT Northstar combo (may upgrade to the GB Wildlife Hatchet) OR a Becker BK-7 (sometimes a BK-9 if I think there'll be brambles to cut through). I have an order in for a Swamp Rat Ratweiler and Howling Rat, which will both see some outdoor time. Here, I would only think of a folding FRN knife as a utility knife for small tasks. For such tasks, I carry an SAK.

If I had to take a Spyderco for the latter sort of hike, it would be a fixed blade--Moran, Temperance, etc. I would not choose a folder. And I'd take an axe of some sort.

I wouldn't try to split firewood with a folder unless it were a serious emergency and that's all I had. I'd be more prepared, hopefully. If I found myself in that scenario and could only have a Spyderco folder, it would be a Military, Paramilitary, or Manix.