Best knife for camping/hiking/survival

[Chaos480]

Because of the great responses I've received I've decided that for multiday hikes my Mora companion and either a hatchet or folding saw (Probably Bahco since its cheap) will be what I will carry (I don't see myself as a SAK or Leathermen guy...yet ).

I know some of you guys recommended getting a chopping knife instead of a hatchet...take for example the BK9, it weighs 1.09lbs, a hatchet on the other hand usually weighs 1.5~2lbs (Not much weight difference esp. since they'll both end up in the backpack while hiking). Hatchets were made to cut trees and they are more structurally stable than longer knives. Take 2 sticks...the first stick is a foot long (Large knife) while the second stick is 4in (axe head)...now try to break it in your hand. Even if they were made of the exact same wood the longer stick would be easier to break.
Horrible example but do you see what I'm trying to say?

I love large knifes ...I'm just looking at how practical they would be on a longer hiking trip

Your thoughts?

 

[Codger_64]

You've gotten a wide range of opinions here already. But it boils down to what works for you personally. Only experience and experimentation will tell you your own preference for you, your environment, your seasons and your comfortable carry load. I will mention that even the SAK saw will notch the end of a stick to start a smaller fixed blade in splitting the stick. A big part of the fun in hiking/camping/woodsrunning is trying new things and new equipment. You can try a lot of the items mentioned with little dollar and time invested.

 

[jdk1]

I don't see myself as a SAK or Leathermen guy...

I know some of you guys recommended getting a chopping knife instead of a hatchet...take for example the BK9, it weighs 1.09lbs, a hatchet on the other hand usually weighs 1.5~2lbs (Not much weight difference esp. since they'll both end up in the backpack while hiking). Hatchets were made to cut trees and they are more structurally stable than longer knives. Take 2 sticks...the first stick is a foot long (Large knife) while the second stick is 4in (axe head)...now try to break it in your hand...

For the first part, give the SAK Farmer a chance and then decide As to the second part, I'm not sure what you're saying exactly about the different sticks, except that you feel a hatchet is stronger. I'll say I don't agree about the strength part or that hatchets were "made to cut trees". I'm no expert, but will say they're probably made to process smallish pieces of wood into even smaller pieces. I won't get into which is better, large knife or hatchet, as that's opinion and depends on a multitude of variables. I like khukuri and find them pretty efficient at processing wood, but my processing needs are totally different than yours. I'll add that there's not much to break on a large knife, like a wooden hatchet handle, unless you get a bad one or get silly. I can also get one hell-for-stout khukuri for the same weight of your hatchet (1.5+ lbs.). Which is more weight than I want to carry.

I'll add one more thing. You said earlier you weren't interested in machetes. I'd suggest trying one (along with the farmer). The big ones chop like beasts, but the short ones make great camp knives. The 12" Ontario weighs 1 pound, is stout 1095 steel, and can be had for less than $20. You may be amazed at how well it suits your needs and carries on long hikes. Or not, but, for the price it's not a great loss and makes a great truck blade. Good luck in your search.

 

[sideways]

If people want to argue that a survival knife shouldn't cut trees, good luck trying to convince me. 10 inch blades have saved my life before in -20 weather. If they wanna waste space and add weight by carrying a hatchet, be my guest. Anyone who spends decent time in the woods knows how important chopping capability is on a knife.

This is just flat out wrong.

 

[sideways]

*snip*
I love large knifes ...I'm just looking at how practical they would be on a longer hiking trip

Your thoughts?

You'll probably find that any kind of chopping wastes a lot of energy. The practical option is to saw your wood or upgrade your shelter system so you don't need to do a bunch of wood prep.

 

[Codger_64]

This is just flat out wrong.

Well not entirely. It is more a matter of what one prefers. I'm in your "camp" on this however as I have always made "indian" fires and sit close for heat. Or break downed wood and feed the longer pieces into the fire if needed. Nowdays I mostly use my Emberlit twig stove and can boil and cook with what previously would have been kindling wood. To each his own I say.

 

[mtwarden]

for processing wood, you're not going to get much more efficient than a good folding saw (4-6 oz), add a sturdy knife (I rate a Mora as plenty sturdy-just needs to be used smartly) and you shouldn't have much trouble with either a fire or emergency shelter

 

[Chaos480]

As to the second part, I'm not sure what you're saying exactly about the different sticks, except that you feel a hatchet is stronger. I'll say I don't agree about the strength part or that hatchets were "made to cut trees". I'm no expert, but will say they're probably made to process smallish pieces of wood into even smaller pieces.

For the different sticks I was just saying that no matter how hard the steel of the knife is, if the knife blade is too long it is easier to break...granted I would have to do something really dumb to break most knifes. As for the hatchet I have cut down trees a foot in diameter so...yes hatchets can cut trees!

I was thinking of the SAK but there so many options with so many different tools so I sorta gave up on them but since you insist I'll take a look

 

[Chaos480]

Happy New Year!!! 2015!!!!!

 

[jdk1]

Happy 2015 to you as well, but it's still '14 for a couple hours here. No doubt about a hatchet being able to cut down a tree with effort. Try the Farmer, it's a peach

 

[sideways]

Well not entirely. It is more a matter of what one prefers. I'm in your "camp" on this however as I have always made "indian" fires and sit close for heat. Or break downed wood and feed the longer pieces into the fire if needed. Nowdays I mostly use my Emberlit twig stove and can boil and cook with what previously would have been kindling wood. To each his own I say.

Well he did phrase it so he'd be wrong if "anyone" disagrees so long as they qualified by virtue of spending "decent time in the woods". I disagree, and spend decent time in the woods, ergo he is wrong.

But yes different strokes for different folks... Those who like to chop can do so without me losing sleep over it.

 

[22-rimfire]

Everyone has preferences or biases based on their experiences. I read what Mistwalker says in terms of his uses and they seem to parallel mine. But I also know that he acquires knives just to test (commercial reasons) and I have to factor that into my choices. I found his comments on S35VN steel particularly interesting. I also value his opinion.

Hatchets..... I view them mostly as toys, but I would rather split kindling with one than a knife. I do not cut "trees" with a hatchet like I did as a kid. I am not into batonning stuff with a knife. If one is willing to carry such, a small hatchet is useful. I tend to find that I prefer short stiff machetes for chopping over a hatchet and can get by nicely splitting kindling with a machete as it is a multi function tool and for me out chops most knives under 10". I apply some "practical" into my choices.

The Condor Rodan was mentioned. I was curious about this one and handled one a fair amount in a store a couple months ago. I can honestly say that I would NEVER buy one thinking I would enjoy using it in the woods as it is so blade heavy and unbalanced. If this one catches your eye, get a BK-2 or ESEE-4/5. The Condor Hudson Bay gives a twinkle to my eye, but it would not be my choice for a woods knife; camp knife maybe and I own one. The handle needs to be more robust in my opinion.

When I distill down my uses and actual experiences beyond what catches my eye, I tend to lean toward a 5-6" "survival knife" which I can do many things with it well except chop. The small Silky saw is invaluable. A SAK is invaluable if it has the tools you seek. They are also quick to sharpen. I choose a short machete for chopping (mostly Condor stuff). I use an AXE to chop TREES.

What's a "tree"? We all know but for this exercise, it is any tree that is more than 5" in diameter especially if it is a hardwood tree. Chopping with knives on anything this size is desperation, a big waste of energy, but mostly just for fun.

I have a lot of "survival" knives that I never use. Most of these border on fighters or what I would call fighters. I can't see fighting and if the need every happened, I'll stumble through the event with something more geared toward general use. A machete makes a good defensive blade backed up by a modest sized fixed blade.

 

[The cow]

This is just flat out wrong.

Anyone who spends decent time in the woods knows how important chopping capability is on a knife.

I'm inclined to side with sideways. It pains me to see when someone's wailing away at 5 inch logs when a folding saw is better. It is all about having the right tool for the right job. But if you want a knife and only want to bring that knife, then yes, a blade that can chop well is called for.
Mors likes the skookum and Ray Mears likes his woodlore. Neither of those are particularly well equipped for that.
along. [video=youtube;Lll-4jDAVzA]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lll-4jDAVzA[/video]

When I go out, I usually bring a 4-5 inch blade,a ax orjunglas, and a folding saw.

 

[painkilleraz]

I have been searching for a knife almost nonstop for a ~week and I need expert opinions asap!

I live in the Pacific Northwest so a lot of rain (and a lot of snow in the mountains).
I intend to use the knife for when I am hiking/backpacking (By backpacking I mean walking with a big backpack with tent,sleeping bag...etc for 15~20miles), and to cut wood (Instead of bringing the heavier axe).
I want a fixed blade knife (preferably full tang) to complement my MORA companion knife.
The price has to be no higher than ~$80 (unfortunately I not made of money )
Also what size would be right for the knife?

Here are the knives I've found so far that seem to fit the my requirements:
-Ka-Bar Becker BK7 (I excluded the BK2 b/c its too short for the weight it has)
-Ka-Bar Becker BK9
-Ka-Bar Heavy Bowie Knife
-KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
-Schrade SCHF9
-Schrade SCHF27
-Schrade SCHF10
-Ontario 8604 RAT-7
-Ontario 8628 RTAK II Knife
-Glock Model 78 Field Knife
-SOG Knives Seal Pup
-Condor Tool and Knife Rodan 5.25-Inch Drop Point Blade
-Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore 4.375-Inch Drop Point Blade
-Condor Tool and Knife Hudson Bay
-Ontario Knife 7025 7-Inch Butcher Knife
-Old Hickory 7-14 in. Butcher Knife

Any ideas/suggestions on which knife is superior for what I want from it?

My go to for bushcraft work and heavy knife work is the Condor Hudson Bay it is inexpensive and WELL MADE- have put allot of miles on it and it just takes them and slaps me back saying, thanks daddy! I have one brand new with a reprofiled edge just sitting in along with my backups of EVERYTHING because it is that much knife! ALWAYS OIL them well, I use Ballistol and keep them coated with a spare bottle in the bags because, well, they are metal!
I have several Mora companions in stainless and carbon and highly recommend them to beginning preppers simply because they will handle allot of abuse and are inexpensive but WELL MADE! I tend to give knives as presents and they always end up coming round in a month or two saying, OMGurd I cant believe this is so awesome!
Of course I also have a series of Opinels in stainless and carbone for folders these are both inexpensive, classy looking and under 3" they are legal pretty much everywhere around the globe unless I am greatly mistaken. Regardless, again, they are inexpensive and WELL MADE

My primary carry daily is a benchmade cqc7 original emerson not the auto-

But the above is for my other needs because I USE my knives extensively and hard. I have skinned deer, rabbits and filleted fish with the Moras- the Hudson Bay Condor has helped dig latrines, cut firewood, batoning is just damn fun because it is heavy enough to do the work for you...AND it still retains an edge sharp enough to cut steaks from a fresh kill...(I do love where I live)

Now I have an awesome fighter to add to the mix.

Anyhow thats my opinion, I hear nothing but good from Beckerheads and likely will end up with a few- but for now- my old girl Condor gets my vote because my life has been and is regularly in their hands!


Of course I also have a good hawk for light chopping and a coiled chainsaw blade saw for larger work that just eats through everything. A camp axe stays at base camp with a shovel as well.

Honestly, TEST different approachs and NEVER waste money on wire saws, use the chainsaw ones they are decent and have decent life. I use one for four or five trips and sharpen or discard depending. I have seen and heard from fellow campers and here as well that folding saws are nice. I simply dont have one.

 

[MrPink5282]

My favorite multi-tools are the Victorinox S18 and Explorer and I edc one or the other every day. My favorite survival knife is my Schrade SCHF10 or 26 (have both). Love my BK22 but, for the tropical areas where I sometimes operate, SS is a must. Also love my Leatherman Wave but being as heavy as it is, it rides in my emergency pack, too bulky for edc in work slacks.