Best knife for camping/hiking/survival

If you already carry the Mora and want something to chop with mainly I suggest you check out some Kukri knives from Himalayan Imports as well. They make some really nice ones within your stated budget.

If you want to save more weight and money a Cold Steel Kukri machete should serve you well too.

Another option (if you don't carry one already) could be a folding saw like for instance the Bahco Laplander. This is probably the most efficient tool for processing small to medium size fire-wood one can have.

I like having a multitool on me as well, but I must admit I don't use it often when out in nature. When backpacking my smallest one (a Leatherman Squirt PS4) is usually enough to do whatever I need to.
 
OldNavy said:
Another option, lighter & more packable than an Axe, a commercial grade folding Pruning Saw, Will easily go thru limbs up to 4"
http://www.amazon.com/Corona-RS-7265-Folding-Pruning/dp/B001RD7LRO/ref=sr_1_1?s=lawn-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1419433064&sr=1-1&keywords=pruning+saw

For you fanatics who just have to have a knife, close you eyes & say it's a 10 inch folder with a serrated edge:D
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Another one I was looking at was the Bahco Laplander Folding Saw both awesome deals!
 
btmccutcheon said:
Take a look at the Ontario Blackbird SK5. It's simple and no frills but solid without being a crowbar with an edge. I've heard a few instructors who have really gotten behind this knife. I know I love mine.
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Yet another great knife that I missed...but the price though $116 (on amazon)
One of the reasons that $80 is my limit is that any more than that I would end up babying the knife which would defeat the purpose of getting such a knife
 
GooberBoober said:
If you already carry the Mora and want something to chop with mainly I suggest you check out some Kukri knives from Himalayan Imports as well. They make some really nice ones within your stated budget.

If you want to save more weight and money a Cold Steel Kukri machete should serve you well too.

Another option (if you don't carry one already) could be a folding saw like for instance the Bahco Laplander. This is probably the most efficient tool for processing small to medium size fire-wood one can have.

I like having a multitool on me as well, but I must admit I don't use it often when out in nature. When backpacking my smallest one (a Leatherman Squirt PS4) is usually enough to do whatever I need to.
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Iv'e never used a kukri before...is the chopping similar to an axe? i.e do I use it like an axe?
 
Mink said:
From that list, my first choice for what you describe would be the Condor Hudson Bay, with the BK9 as a strong second.

Both would pair well with a smaller knife like your Mora, they do well at chopping and can even be used as a draw knife for shaping wooden utensils, fuzz sticks etc...
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The Condor Hudson Bay seems pretty awesome for the price...my only concern is the weight (approx. same weight for bk9) and the length of the knife. Remember the story: When the Civil War started all the volunteers showed up with large bowie knives and nearly all the knives were thrown away b/c they were to heavy to march in.

I don't want a machete :D
 
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Alberta Ed said:
Considering the weather conditions often experienced on the 'wet' coast, I'd opt for a stove rather than rely on damp wood. My pref for that country would be an F1 or similar.
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F1's are awesome for the weight but the price tag on these...
What stove would you recommend for backpacking?
 
Todd21969 said:
You could take a look at a hawk. There are several at or under your price range. Will out chop the typical 7" knife, less weight than most small axes.

When I am on my own land I don't use a tent, stove, or bulky sleep system. I can chop, build, and make fire to my hearts content.

Been using this for a few months now teamed up with an F1 or whatever folder is in my pocket.

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It's tactical and $20 over your budget, but it works and I like it.

So don't overlook a hawk as a viable alternative to a 7"-9" knife or hatchet/belt ax.
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Interesting (a little expensive though)...i'll look into these Thanks!
 
If your interested in a hawk take a look at the cold steel versions. Well made and if you reprofile the edge a bit they are great choppers for the woods. Easy to replace a haft if you manage to break it too, just whittle a new one. All for 30 bucks or so with several to choose from.
 
Since you already have a mora, I too would suggest a chopper. A short machete that can be used for wood cutting and kitchen chores.

Something like a condor pack golok, condor village parang or bushcraft parang. Actually, I've been eyeing tramontina machetes and I'm beginning to think these are more practical to use in the boonies.
 
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Think about his operational environment and not your environment and the tools he needs to survive in the northwest. Kentucky is spot on- a hatchet min, a SFA more better plus a saw. Almost everything in the northwest is fully saturated soaking wet with this time of year averaging 1/2" to 1.5" of rain daily, 8-15 mph winds, 85 to 100% humidity and 40 degree highs. Hypothermia in the making.

He needs to harvest larger diameter vertically standing dead wood snags and reduce it down in the least amount of time with the least effort-calorie burn. And he is sleeping in a non-heated high humidity shelter. He is wet or damp from both internal and external sources. He cannot afford to piddle around with smaller hand tools working with fully saturated limbs to dry clothing, gear and himself. Lewis and Clark darn near died out there in the fall/winter and they were well equipped and highly skilled woodsmen. They were operating, however, in a foreign hostle environment. The northwest is an extremely beautiful wilderness but very unforgiving - people die every year in that rain forest because they cannot dry out and keep their core body temp regulated easily. Just say'n.
 
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Quirt said:
Think about his operational environment and not your environment and the tools he needs to survive in the northwest. Kentucky is spot on- a hatchet min, a SFA more better plus a saw. Almost everything in the northwest is fully saturated soaking wet with this time of year averaging 1/2" to 1.5" of rain daily, 8-15 mph winds, 85 to 100% humidity and 40 degree highs. Hypothermia in the making.

He needs to harvest larger diameter vertically standing dead wood snags and reduce it down in the least amount of time with the least effort-calorie burn. And he is sleeping in a non-heated high humidity shelter. He is wet or damp from both internal and external sources. He cannot afford to piddle around with smaller hand tools working with fully saturated limbs to dry clothing, gear and himself. Lewis and Clark darn near died out there in the fall/winter and they were well equipped and highly skilled woodsmen. They were operating, however, in a foreign hostle environment. The northwest is an extremely beautiful wilderness but very unforgiving - people die every year in that rain forest because they cannot dry out and keep their core body temp regulated easily. Just say'n.
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You pretty much described the Pacific Northwest...it's been known to rain for weeks without stopping!!
 
Quirt said:
.....Lewis and Clark darn near died out there in the fall/winter and they were well equipped and highly skilled woodsmen. They were operating, however, in a foreign hostle environment. The northwest is an extremely beautiful wilderness but very unforgiving - people die every year in that rain forest because they cannot dry out and keep their core body temp regulated easily. Just say'n.
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Great point.....
 
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What are your guys opinions on the Kabar BK5?
Is it better than BK7 or BK9?

And for skinning a deer (or other similar uses) what knife would you prefer using:
BK5
BK7
BK9
BK16
BK17
A knife from my list
or the MORA knife?
 
From your original list, BK9; couple that with the BK14 (or a Buck 110) and you are all set.
 
Best all around knife for under eighty dollars is the Kabar Mark 1 in my opinion. Cold Steel makes the leatherneck for around eighty dollars as well. Personal preference.
 
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