Best Knife For the Desert?

S

Sporty

Joined
Jun 7, 2000
Messages
56
I'm going on a trip to Death Valley for two weeks, basically a car camping trip with day hikes. Are there any desert rats out there that could give me some advice on what I might need? I will definitely take my multitool and my CRKT Kasper folder. I have many knives in the BK&T line to choose from. Companion, Magnum Camp, C/U7, Brute and Patrol Machete. I was thinking the Machete becuase it is a great digger and a good wood splitter. What are some of the things I might need to do with a knife in this climate? Hmmm. Maybe I will need to buy a new knife? ;)
 
National Park. Can't cut anything.... Well. Nothing to cut there anyway.

Take a "Camp Knife" for your chores.

Give the CU7 a try. I'd like to read a good desert review.

Of course, the need to buy something new. Try the V-Nox Trailmaster. I gave a one-hand to by son (21 yo) - he loves it. I have the "regular" Trailmaster since I have plenty of one handers.
 
get the Swamp Rat Camp Tramp... handle stays grippy even when wet from sweat, impervious to deet, great overall design and size for what you are up to, can be used for both chopping and digging, and has the best guarantee out there... beat it to H^*l and it'll still keep on going.
 
Death valley is a beautiful place. You should have a great time. But, it is also a National Park. According to the park regulations listed here, you are prohibited from
  • Collecting or disturbing any animal, plant, rock or any other
    natural, historical or archeological feature
  • Leaving established roads
  • Feeding or disturbing wildlife
  • Hunting
  • Camping outside of developed campgrounds (except for some backcountry areas)
  • Gathering firewood, or starting fires outside of the provided firepits
Because of all these regulations, you probably would not be able to use any larger knife. And, you may have some legal and sheeple issues with a large fixed blade in California. A folder should be OK.

I would recommend taking a good map, a compass, a signal mirror, and a whistle, and extra containers for water instead. Oh, and something warm to wear at night, as it will get cold once the sun goes down.

If you're really worried about it, take a nice SAK. IMHO, you're better off leaving the fixed blades at home.

-- Rob
 
My only experience with the desert was when I was a Soldier.
I have spent many months at Yakima in Washington, and two thirty-day rotations to Ft. Irwin NTC (in the Mojave), and about seven months in Saudi and Iraq during the Gulf War.
I believe a good multi-tool and a medium sized fixed-blade or large folder (about a 4" blade) is all the blade you will need.

But I strongly suggest you bring a shovel along in your car. To me, the shovel is extremely useful in the desert.
Of course digging violates the park rules...we did'nt have to worry about that in the Army.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
Hey thanks you guys for your help, specially baraqyal. I'm thinking I will take the BK7 or the Mini prybar Companion. I like the sheath on the Companion, you can slip in in your back pocket while it is still on your belt, throw your shirt over it and you are sheeple friendly. However I have been told we won't see a soul. I don't know all the regs but my friend is a local giude and will take me in so I left it all in his hands. He said there are certain "remote campsites" that you can drive to that have firepits but you have to bring your own firewood and pack everything out even unburned wood. Now I just wonder if I can fly with this knife if I check it. Will have to call my airline. Anyway I will try to post back and let you know what type of things the blade came in handy for in a place like death valley.
 
I grew up to the left of Death Valley, and have camped there.

All you need is:
A 3" bladed SAK w/ can opener.

But, take a few other knives that you want to try out.

If you bother with Telescope Peak, this time of year is crampons/ice-axe weather. Also, the loooong dirt road to the Charcoal Kilns totally sucks(hi-ground clearance vehicles, ONLY) from large rocks and washboards. Last year, it shook my aged battery to death by the Kilns. Someone from New Jersey gave me a jump to get out.

Don't even drive past/higher than the Charcoal Kilns, without good 4WD.

Saline Valley road is appallingly too long. It is loaded with unmarked forks. Don't even bother going on it without 4WD, 20 xtra gallons of gas and GPS for your map.

Scotty's Castle is Must See.

The road to the Race Track has probably gone all to pot, too.

-------
For current local conditions, DO check in with the Ranger Station.
Always drive around with lots of xtra water & gas.
 
Handyman jack, and those big old rubber wired together floor mats that look like old tires.

Always DRINK water. It's better in you than in a bottle.

I haven't been to Death Valley for more than 20 years - I remember the dust storms every time a breeze comes up... Take a bandana.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top