Camping knife

L

Landonspop

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Nov 11, 2013
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My son has been a cub scout for 3 years now and knives have not played an important role yet. Next year he will be camping with the boys scouts preparing for his boy scout years and I will be right there with him. He has the small all in one pocket knife now. This new knife is for me until he is more knowledgeable about safety.

Question:
I am looking for an all purpose knife, which as I am reading may not exist. So I am looking for a knife to do the basics. Cut rope, whittle tree limbs for fires, cut meat, etc. I already have a 6 in fixed knife and a fillet knife.

I was looking for a folder, but these seem to be in the defense / police/ military category, none of which apply to our needs.

I know some about steel and shape. I want something easy to sharpen, holds an edge and not to fragile. I think this = about a 58 hardness steel? I think a drop point would be best but not sure.

I would like to stay under $150 and I know as I learn more about what I may need, I may be adding to this collection.

Can the recommendations start to roll in now? Please ask questions if it helps.

Thanks for help!!
 
Some that would work well in your price range would be:

- Spyderco Paramilitary 2
- Spyderco Gayle Bradley
- Benchmade Griptilian
- Benchmade Griptilian Doug Ritter
- Spyderco Stretch
- Spyderco Native 5
- Benchmade Barrage 581 or 586 (this is an assisted opening knife)

I wouldn't limit yourself by Rockwell hardness as the steel plays an important part in edge stability along with edge geometry. A knife from any quality maker should work well, my tastes lean towards Spyderco and Benchmade, I prefer a full flat grind (FFG) blade in a quality steel. For a good combination of edge retention, durability and ease of sharpening I would look for a knife with S30V, CPM154, Elmax, M390, N690, CTS-XHP or similar. Get to a sporting goods store that has a wide selection of knives for you to handle so you can see how a knife feels in hand and what kind of locks you prefer. Many blade profiles will work well for your purposes, some will lend themselves better to certain tasks than others. I primarily carry a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 or Stretch when camping/hunting. I tend to favor the Stretch as it seems to be good for most all tasks you encounter camping that a folding knife is suited for. Feel free to email me for dealers offering the best prices on Spyderco and Benchmade knives.
 
Buck used to make a Scout Knife on the lines of the Ranger/112, red thermoplastic handle with the logo, if I recall correctly. Don't know if it's currently available, but the Buck line has a lot of similar folders. Something light, tough,that will stand up to hard use/abuse (looking back on my Scouting years:o) should work. I recall losing a lot of Scout knives, so I wouldn't suggest anything too expensive.
 
Lots of folders out there that don't cater to the tacticool...Falkniven TK4 for example is a fine camp knife and a bargain at around $150.

If you're considering fixed blades, no better bargain in a high quality knife can be found than in the custom fixed blades in the classifieds here...have a look. Someone will be offering what you're looking for.
 
How about a nice traditional Buck 110 folder? Time proven design, doesn't look tactical/military, and should handle all the jobs you mentioned. You stated it would be for you, so I suggested the 110. If it's going into his small hand, you might want to look at the slightly smaller Buck 112. Both made in USA, both share same shape, the 112 is just a slightly smaller version.
 
Kids have a tendency to loose things. Strongly suggest a knife that neither you nor he will cry buckets over when (not if, but when) it gets lost.

If his hands are strong enough to handle a slip joint, and many young kids' hands aren't, you could do a lot worse than a basic 4 tool SAK.

If you fear that his hands can't handle a slip joint, I started my kids on Opinels, which are friction folders. I would suggest a stainless Inox. I started my kid with a #6 and recently moved him up to a #8, which is all the knife he's going to need for a good long time.

If he's going after his whittling badge, you might consider the SAKs with the shorter pen blades, which are much easier to whittle with.
 
Alberta Ed said:
Buck used to make a Scout Knife on the lines of the Ranger/112, red thermoplastic handle with the logo, if I recall correctly. Don't know if it's currently available, but the Buck line has a lot of similar folders. Something light, tough,that will stand up to hard use/abuse (looking back on my Scouting years:o) should work. I recall losing a lot of Scout knives, so I wouldn't suggest anything too expensive.
Click to expand...

I forgot to mention an orange or other brightly colored handle would be something we would prefer for finding it when dropped. My budget limit was $150, but by all means do not have to spend that if not needed.
 
How about an Opinel? They will out cut any of the tactical folders you've seen and passed over, and you can get 15 of them for $150. :D

Beat on them...they will take it and ask for more...if you manage to break one or lose one, grab a new one because they are only $10. You should get years and years of service from just one, though.

PS: The lock on the Opinel's is kid-proof...it won't close on his hand and you don't have to worry about the knife closing quickly on his fingers (or yours) like a SAK.
 
We gave our kids the Mora Classic Scout 39, but an earlier version in carbonsteel.
This one is in stainless, but holds an edge and is easy to sharpen.
Bladelenght is 3,4" or 85 mm.
A very useful size and all four of our now adult kids, still have their childhood $10 Mora's and also use them.

View attachment 391838
Now also in various colors

View attachment 391839

Regards
Mikael
 
For less than $150.00, I would go with a small fixed blade, a hard use folder, and a fire steel; all orange so he doesn't lose it....



 
I worked at Philmont Scout Ranch for ten years, and I can safely say that more Scouts and backpackers carry Swiss Army Knives than any other single piece of gear. :thumbup:

Still, I prefer an Opinel. Just to be different. :D
 
It should be pointed out that at least where I am, BSA rules prohibit fixed blades for the boys. Not sure why since they don't have the potential to fold in on you, but that's how it was from '05 on when I joined until '11 when I got eagle.

ETA: That said, the folder that I have that I feel would've served me best in scouts would have been my manix2. S30V steel, truly ambidextrous lock, and can take a beating for sure. also well under $100. It's on the harder use end of the spyderco's I've seen, so the tip isn't quite as delicate as say, a para2 (though I hear those are great knives and it's on my short list).
 
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chrispy513 said:
It should be pointed out that at least where I am, BSA rules prohibit fixed blades for the boys. Not sure why since they don't have the potential to fold in on you, but that's how it was from '05 on when I joined until '11 when I got eagle.
Click to expand...

I have been to a few camps that did not allow any knife for children, this is why it is for me for now. I will have to look into what is allowed when he is old enough.

What about this knife? Benchmade 482 Megumi

I wanted this to be a knife that we use together and someday will be his and the memories of us using it together to last a lifetime. This is why I was willing to spend more for the value and lasting ability. I guess if we lose it, so much for the memories... lol
 
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He seems to have a swiss army knife (SAK) already, so I won't recommend that here this time. But they are a time proven and very useful pocket knife. I have field dressed deer with one, although I prefer something a tad larger and with harder steel that holds an edge longer.

For you, I suggest something like the Sypderco Native or a traditional knife such as the Great Eastern Cutlery trapper pattern or stockman. You can pretty much do it all with these, but many prefer fixed blades for cutting meat and field dressing game.

For him immediately, I suggest a Kabar Dozier hunter folding knife which run about $20 if you want more knife that an SAK. http://www.tomarskabars.com/Dozier_Lockback_Folders.html

A good all purpose fixed blade that is sized for any job short of chopping is the KaBar Becker BK-16. Excellent knife for the money. If you want to get your son a fixed blade, this would be a good choice or a more economical Mora Companion or Scout Classic knife. There are other times that a knife comes in handy when he might be out with Dad in the woods. It doesn't just have to be during Scout activties or functions.
 
The Mora #39 and #40 come with unfinished wood handles and leather sheaths. Would make a nice father-son project to finish the knives and have something really special and unique when completed. Both models have guards for kid safety.

I agree that fixed blade knives or spring-less knives (like the Opinel) are more safe for kids to use. For my kid (about the same age as yours) I've also emphasized traditional knives made with natural and classic materials. Brands with history, and knives that have a sense of being 'special'. His first knives, at age 0, were a Mora, Opinel, and Victorinox. :thumbup:
 
chrispy513 said:
It should be pointed out that at least where I am, BSA rules prohibit fixed blades for the boys. Not sure why since they don't have the potential to fold in on you, but that's how it was from '05 on when I joined until '11 when I got eagle.

ETA: That said, the folder that I have that I feel would've served me best in scouts would have been my manix2. S30V steel, truly ambidextrous lock, and can take a beating for sure. also well under $100. It's on the harder use end of the spyderco's I've seen, so the tip isn't quite as delicate as say, a para2 (though I hear those are great knives and it's on my short list).
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The BSA - as opposed to local types - not only does not prohibit fixed-blade knives, it encourages them.

Boy's Life on sheath knives - June, 2008


Q. I’m going on a camping trip with my troop, but my hunting knife broke. I see a lot of different hunting knives advertised. How do I know which one to buy?
– Knifeless Neil, Summerville, S.C.
A. The best type of knife for camping trips — and most any other outdoor activity, for that matter — is a short, fixed-blade knife with a beefy handle.
Folding pocketknives can fold up on your hand while cutting. Not fixed blades. And remember: When it comes to blades, bigger isn’t always better. Avoid blades longer than four inches. A small, sharp blade can cut just as well as a long one, but it’s safer to handle and easier to maneuver in tight spots. With a good fixed blade you’ll be set for most anything the outdoors can throw at you — whittling, cutting, notching, butchering, filleting, even spreading peanut butter.
Here are two of my favorite fixed-blade knives:
• Buck Diamondback Guide ($27; http://www.buckknives.com/)
This knife has a 3 1/8-inch-long drop-point blade with a texturized rubber handle.
• SOG Field Pup ($60; http://www.sogknives.com/)
A four-inch stainless steel straight-edge blade with an easy-to-grip handle and nylon sheath.
Click to expand...

Beyond these words, the only official BSA policy statement is as follows:
A sharp pocketknife with a can opener on it is an invaluable backcountry tool. Keep it clean, sharp, and handy. Avoid large sheath knives. They are heavy and awkward to carry, and unnecessary for most camp chores except for cleaning fish. Since its inception, Boy Scouting has relied heavily on an outdoor program to achieve its objectives. This program meets more of the purposes of Scouting than any other single feature. We believe we have a duty to instill in our members, youth and adult, the knowledge of how to use, handle, and store legally owned knives with the highest concern for safety and responsibility.
Click to expand...
[2011 addition emphasized.]
 
chrispy513 said:
It should be pointed out that at least where I am, BSA rules prohibit fixed blades for the boys. Not sure why since they don't have the potential to fold in on you, but that's how it was from '05 on when I joined until '11 when I got eagle.
Click to expand...

My guess is sharp knives + crappy sheaths + little kids running around the forest = someone getting hurt. Trips can happen and I've heard of stories where the knife punches through the sheath and into the person. My guess is that it's more about being safe while not using the knife which is most of the time. Just a guess though.

To the OP: I would think hard on a mini griptillian from benchmade in a color if they still make them in colors. It'll give you a reliable lock, a handle that's much better then most out there and it's a good price. The handle on them is a lot thicker and more contoured then most modern folders which is nicer to use on carving projects. The mini being best as it fits both big and small hands. My brother in law has one and my nephews don't have a problem gripping it.
 
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