Camp knife - more for food use

K

KC8QVO

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Apr 7, 2011
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162
Hi All, I haven't posted over here in a long time so I need to brush off some dust.

In any event, I am a backpacker and I like my knives. The main two I carry are an ESEE-6 and ESEE Izula II. My every day knife is my Izula II. However, that's the one I like to use around camp the most because it is more compact. The ESEE-6 is a great knife for the heavy duty work, but I'd like to leave it home more to drop my weight.

I would like to separate my every day knife from my food knife. I cut who knows what with it. I do scrub it off well before I use it, but I just want an all together different knife - one I can throw in the pack and keep there.

I really like the Izulu II and am ready to buy another. Before I do I wanted to post to the group to see if there are some other similar knives worth a look. I like the fixed blade knives. Weight is a bit of an issue, but then again if it was the sole issue I wouldn't be carrying the knives I do, so something in the same size - or smaller - is on order. The ESEE-4's are nice and might be better for a single knife around camp with a bigger handle, but it adds weight so its out of the question.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks,
Steve
 
For an all around camp knife, I'd take a look at the Bark River Gunny. Very versatile little knife, not too big or too small, and a great cutter overall. I think there's a 3V model out now that should be more rust resistant than 1095 like on the blades from ESEE.

There's also a Stainless Izula on it's way that should be out by the end of this year that could make a good food knife without getting away from the form factor you're used to.
 
I say go with a BK7. It is a great all rounder. It is sturdy enough to do any task the ESSE 6 can do yet also excels at food prep, which is what you wanted. It is not that heavy. Get a custom sheath with a drop leg swivel & a 1.5" elastic leg strap & you wont even know your wearing it & it wont interfere with your pack. JMHO.

If that one is too big, then go with the BK15.
 
Check the exchange. Under customs for sale, page 2, there is a Big Chris custom knife in S90V for $120. It looks to be thin and light.
 
If food prep is the primary use, get a knife that has served that purpose for several centuries. Buy a carbon steel butcher knife from Case, Ontario, or Chicago Cutlery and be done with it. There is any size and style your heart might desire. If you want a folder, which isn't a bad idea, get an Opinel in a size you like. Wicked sharp, cheap, and a great slicer and food prep knife.
 
kuhn-rikon-nonstick-paring-knife-black-2817-detail.gif


I say get one of the kuhn rikon knives, they are light as heck, non intimidating, perfect for food prep. And they come in all different colors, i suggest a bright color so you won't lose it. Already lost a black one on a camp trip. Or one of my family took it:(
 
I would suggest and ESEE 3. It can do everything the 6 can short of wood prep but only weighs a shade over 5 ozs. If you dont need something for wood prep it could easily replace your 6 and izzy. Then your only carrying one knife around. When I hit the woods normally I have my 3 and thats it. If im going to need something for wood prep or its going to be a long trip ill take a machete along as well.
 
Im suprised I am the first to suggest it, but a stainless mora in the bottom of your pack is the way i'd go. It weighs next to nothing, its cheap, and if you lose your main knife it is more than capable of being a good backup.
 
dakine said:
kuhn-rikon-nonstick-paring-knife-black-2817-detail.gif


I say get one of the kuhn rikon knives, they are light as heck, non intimidating, perfect for food prep. And they come in all different colors, i suggest a bright color so you won't lose it. Already lost a black one on a camp trip. Or one of my family took it:(
Click to expand...
I have one of those from a long time back. Its red but pretty scratched up. Never thought of taking it camping though. And like the first guy said. Becker BK 5. Its just that good.
 
DJG097 said:
I have one of those from a long time back. Its red but pretty scratched up. Never thought of taking it camping though. And like the first guy said. Becker BK 5. Its just that good.
Click to expand...

If he thinks an ESEE 4 adding weight would be an issue then im sure it would be with the bk5.
 
dakine said:
kuhn-rikon-nonstick-paring-knife-black-2817-detail.gif


I say get one of the kuhn rikon knives, they are light as heck, non intimidating, perfect for food prep. And they come in all different colors, i suggest a bright color so you won't lose it. Already lost a black one on a camp trip. Or one of my family took it:(
Click to expand...

Thought I'd posted here, but the gremlins seem to have had it! You beat me to it Dakine :) These knives are great for food prep when backpacking; light, razor-sharp, easy to clean, no guard to get in the way, teflon-coated, they come in a range of colours, have a sheath and cost almost nothing. I posted a thread on them a few years back. They're also now available in a slightly larger version with a serrated blade.
 
Mora.... what do i win?

*edit: dang... i wasn't the first... but it's the right answer

trapper78 said:
Im suprised I am the first to suggest it, but a stainless mora in the bottom of your pack is the way i'd go. It weighs next to nothing, its cheap, and if you lose your main knife it is more than capable of being a good backup.
Click to expand...
 
Keep the Izula II for food work, I say get an ESEE 3 for all around camp work. I have a ESEE 4, good knife, but I believe it has the same handle as the 3 and it felt a little awkward until I got used to it. The 3 just feels good in the hand and stout enough for anything and not as heavy as the 4. Just my 2 cents worth.
 
Swamp Rat Bog Dog in D2 for my light chore and food prep knife, I like the idea of the opinel for a dedicated food knife though.
 
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