Camping

[sodak]

There are many good suggestions. Pick a knife (or 3 ) that fits your goals, fitness levels, lifestyle, etc. Some folks don't like the weight of a large knife. After over 30 years of camping and backpacking, I wouldn't be without one for the region that I currently recreate in.

Some of the good ones are the Becker C/U 7, Cold Steel SRK, Busse Steelheart E, or SR Camp Tramp. They are in the 6 to 7.5 inch range. I greatly prefer carbon steel to stainless. I also carry a small folder for finer tasks.

Whatever you do, get good quality and practice with it before using it. I use to carry Moras and Opinels, but have had many fail on me, so they are no longer on my list. Also, none of my Moras are able to reliably make sparks from my fire steel, which is another requirement that I have for the knives I carry.

Folding saws are also very nice when dealing with larger pieces of wood, and much safer, generally speaking.

 

[Troll Bait From Hell]

I've been backpacking for a number of years and have never had a need for a knife, that I recall. I have used one a number of times to open up freeze dried food pouches. I could easily say that I don't need a knife at all when tromping around in the woods.

However, what happens if something unforeseen occurs and I for whatever reason find myself in need of a fire quick, in order to stave off hypothermia (say I slipped when crossing a stream and lost my backpack, barely escaped with my life, etc...), and all the wood that I can find is wet? Or say that I'm fine, but I come across somebody else in a bad situation and have to help out. This stuff does happen, folks.

After a great deal of thinking about it, I decided that maybe it wouldn't be such a bad idea to have a big enough knife along to be able to split 4" round dead limbs apart to get at the dry part inside, in order to get that fire going quick (I carry a Becker BK7). I also carry the means to quickly start a raging fire in bad conditions.

Will I ever need any of this? Probably not. Will I keep carrying it just because I think it's a good idea? Yes. Do I think that you should do the same thing? It's up to you, but if you haven't at least thought through this, you should.

 

[Temper]

As others have said, large, heavy knives and backpacking do not mix well..

Not necessarily, in some situations you need the right tool, this very well maybe a large bladed knife or axe.

Same with expensive knives, because you're more likely to lose or damage a knife in the bush.

Well, if you are careless with your stuff you will, I can't remember the last thing I lost.

No need for a blade over 3 or 4". What for? I can't figure out why some people feel the need to destroy nature by chopping down trees with those monster knives. Green wood is no good for a fire, and you'll have a tent for shelter.

Bunkum, are you suggesting that All situations are the same? Why is that a large knife can only chop green wood

Also pack a lightweight, folding saw, if you want...safer than a monster knife or an axe, for cutting DEAD wood for your fires.

Pretty hard splitting wood with a saw, no matter how good it is.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

Others have recommended good fixed blades for camping, and I agree with all the suggestions... Especially the Mora fixed blades.

However, instead of a folding saw, you might consider a cable saw, sometimes referred to as a "survival saw." It's a lightweight cable with a corkscrew-like cross-section that allows one to cut through wood, bone, and similar materials.

Here's good background info:

http://www.equipped.com/saws.htm

 

[tarmix101]

Everyone has an opinion here..... and that is exactly why I like it.

I have never... and will never, rely on ONE knife in the woods. Not even on a day hike. You would do well to carry a SAK (maybe a farmer, has the saw) a 4 " camp knife (Eriksson #22, Frosts Clipper, Helle Fjellkniven) all will work. Great place to star is: www.ragweedforge.com All mentioned are very economical and work well. I own every one and have used them all. Good luck in your qwest for a knew knife:thumbup: