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Camp knife?

G

guitardemon

Joined
Jun 8, 2005
Messages
288
I am looking at getting a knife for camping, fishing, backpacking, hiking etc. I was looking at the SOG S2B Trident II or the Ontario RAT-7 D2. Does any one have any input? I’m open to other suggestions too. What do you guys think?
 
You're looking at some fairly large knives there. Do you have any experience with similar knives? Most of the use you mentioned would be better handled with a more compact blade.

Actually, there is nothing wrong with a big knife, especially a well-made one without excess weight. But I would suggest a multitool or Swiss Army Knife and a small fixed blade like a Mora, along with anything larger.
 
SOG Northwest Ranger 5" is nice & light. (One of my faves.)
Timberline Zambezi 6" is a rugged blade.
Kershaw Echo is a 4" slicer.
Big blades are for chopping wood & shelter-making in the bush.
The Rat-7 is good for that.
 
I would add the Bark River Teddy to your list for consideration. It is excellent quality with a convex ground A2 blade of slightly over six inches. It can be had with either a single or a double guard.

The Northwoods Boundary Waters looks interesting, but I have not read any reviews of it. The handle looks like the ones on Marbles knives.
 
Between the SOG Trident and the RAT-7, I would take the RAT-7 for it's superior D2 steel. Cliff Stamp once did a comparison test of A.G. Russell Deer Hunter knives in AUS8, VG10, and D2. The D2 version had better edge-holding than the VG10 blade, which was in turn better than the AUS8 version.
 
Depends on what your doing while your out - I carry a TOPS Tom Brown Tracker w/ me anytime I go outdoors and I usually have a smaller knife, the Ontario Rat 3 (I think) for more delicate work that requires a smaller blade.
 
Robbie Roberson
I picked that SOG knife because I liked the Bowie style and it looked like a neat knife.

Esav Benyamin
I agree. I actually have a few SAK so I’m covered in that area, I was just looking for a nice fixed blade to carry too.

You all have made some good points and suggestions. Keep them coming
 
W.T. Beck said:
Between the SOG Trident and the RAT-7, I would take the RAT-7 for it's superior D2 steel. Cliff Stamp once did a comparison test of A.G. Russell Deer Hunter knives in AUS8, VG10, and D2. The D2 version had better edge-holding than the VG10 blade, which was in turn better than the AUS8 version.
Click to expand...

But what, W.T., do tests of the performance of A.G.'s knives tell us about the RAT or the SOG? Different makers, likely different heat-treaters, and different grinds - yes?

What are the similarities, if any, between the SOG Trident and the RAT-7?
Differences?
I don't own either.
 
IJ1224.gif

I like this one.
Carbon steel.
Not too big, not too small.
The birchbark handle is warm and comfey.
It is the IJ 1244.

And if you like camping, hiking and fishing, check out the Gransfors Bruks Mini hatchet.
Another light, handy tool.
wallymuk.jpg

Or...;)
If you want big there is the Martindale golok.
glovesgolok.jpg

While we're at it, take a peek over at www.dozierknives.com, they are good stuff too.
 
I heartily recommend a Ranger RD7 for a good 8" blade chopper/general use knife. For something smaller, there are a lot of good suggestions above.

Kyp
 
I am suprised that noone has suggested the campanion yet? It's supposed to be pretty hefty for a 5.25" blade right?
 
Call me a knife nut, but camping, fishing, backpacking and hiking all call for different knives.

My choices (based on what I use the most):

Camping = Wustfoff Classic 6" Chefs Knife and A.G. Russell Woodswalker, followed by the SAK Farmer in my pocket.

Fishing = Rapala 6" filet knife and Boker trapper in my pocket.

Backpacking = Bark River Mountaineer and a Gerber folding saw.

Hiking = Bark River Mini Canadian and SAK Farmer.

I have some other cutting/chopping tools that see use based on weather and camping locale. They include a USAF survival knife, Bark River Golok, Ontario 12" machette and a Wetterling Large Hunters Axe.

There are some fancy camp knives available that cost more than all the above added together. They are probably great knives, but I would rather have specialized tools that I will use.
 
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