Choosing a Hiking and Every day Use Knife

22-rimfire said:
I carry a vic SAK almost all the time. I go for mostly the larger size, but it depends if I carry another knife and what I'm doing. The Vic Centurion (or side locking Adventurer) are generally where my preferences lie. But the smaller Tinker is hard to beat. Lots of folks like the Pioneer. I think you would be generally covered by any traditional slip joint equal to or larger than a peanut pattern.

My opinions relate to general carry and day hikes from a base camp (usually car camping) or one and possibly two nighters where weight is not the dominant rationale for making choices.

Hard to beat a Spydie Delica or Endura for a modest knife that is durable and dependable. I prefer the Delica (smaller), but that's me.

I do think you should consider a Mora Companion or something similar. Good value and useful. Call it part of the education. I personally prefer a more robust 4-6" fixed blade. You'll figure out what you like and don't like. But the Delica, Vic's, and Mora will get to started and cover most of your needs. Pinnah makes good recommendations; I just never tried a Opinel yet. But the multi-tool suggestion is sound for back packing for small non-routine cutting tasks and potential equipment repairs.
Click to expand...


Just to clarify... While I personally like the Opinel, I'm not recommending it, per se.

I think any folder with a blade in the 3" to 3.5" range and that is reasonably light (say, under 4 oz, preferably closer to 2 oz) makes sense. Some knifes that make sense to me:
+ Victorinox Trekkers (the long ones)
+ Esee Zancudo
+ Buck Bucklite Max
 
The Vic Trekker (111 mm) is a good one. I like it. It is a three layer SAK and I tend to not carry it because it's uncomfortable in my pocket. But in a pack or belt pouch, no big thing. I generally have way too much junk on my belt to add a pouch for a folder. The Buck 110 was suggested; they are just too heavy. But I used a Schrade version for years as my go to woods knife and didn't even consider carrying a fixed blade then. I didn't even own a fixed blade. But the knife bug caught and ...welcome to fixed blades....
 
hiker91 said:
another question about the mora: do you all suggest the carbon steel version or do yall go with the sandvik stainless steel?
Click to expand...

I have both. I carry the carbon unless I know I'm going to be in a very wet environment, then I'll take the SS.
 
Like you, I am drawn to 3.5-4" knives, but I prefer fixed blades as more idiot-proof and 1/8"-3/16" thick for the same reason. (If you are very cold, very stressed, or badly hurt, fine motor skills may be shot.)


Add a Gerber pull-out pruning saw and most tasks are covered.


A SAK for the delicate tasks, its dedicated can-opener (although the fixed-blade will open cans), plus some screw-driving and you are in woods tool heaven. And its the universal EDC knife.

Having expressed my prejudices, I would be OK with a MORA, as have been some of the luminaries of wilderness living.
 
If you camp with others who are also less experienced, then a SAK even a spartan or tinker, with a can opener might be really useful. Never know when someone will bring a can and forget the opener, or drop a P-38 in your mess kit.

Yes you can open a can with a fixed blade. and you might be careful and not cut yourself badly. But I know for sure I'm not letting anyone else use my knife to open their can, and I'm not opening their food for them. So a can opener can be very valuable.
 
TravisH said:
You need a knife you can depend your life on but $50 is your limit? So your life isn't worth $60? 80? 100? hmmmm
Click to expand...

My thoughts as well.

Of your choices, I'd say the RAT. RAT-1 is 5 ounces, RAT-2 is half that, so I personally would HIKE with the Model 2.

You can afford a RAT folder and a Mora fixed at your budget.
 
I don't let anyone use my knives. I did that once, and the knife was "returned" by putting it on the bumper of my car (for those who recall bumpers), as I learned many miles down the road. :eek:

The primary use of issued fixed-blade knives in WWII? Opening C-rat cans.

Anyone else find this somewhat nerve-wracking? maybe it's the grip. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRJGKJfW9Vc

AND https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9HhqI9AKBg

Would I want to do that with a MORA? Maybe not, although many say they do.

But 3/16" of hardened steel? I suppose you could damage it opening a can - if you really tried.

Still, a dedicated opener is better for safety and eliminating all chance of spillin' da' beans.

Tweezers were mentioned. :thumbup: Scissors can be a wonderful thing.
 
Mr. Linton (I don't know if you prefer Thomas or Sir): post 44 is very accurate , especially the last part. Post 48 is, I believe, called "flight of ideas". ;) :D
 
TravisH said:
You need a knife you can depend your life on but $50 is your limit? So your life isn't worth $60? 80? 100? hmmmm

Ontario RAT 1 or 2
Cold Steel Recon 1 or Mini Recon 1


For a *real* hiking, camping, exploring knife, get a fixed blade ...

Mora Companion HD
Martini Condor
Buck Omni Hunter 10PT or 12PT
Kabar BK&T BK14 or 16
ESEE 3 or 4
Click to expand...

In today's economy price does not always dictate quality so yes my budget was 50 bucks, however I ended up getting the spyderco endura so apparently my life is worth 62 dollars. I think I'm moving up in the world. And yes, as soon as I have some more money again I will be getting a fixed blade as well.
 
hiker91 said:
you all are awesome! Thanks for all the replies and suggestions. Will definitely be getting a mora since so many find it to be so helpful...still trying to decide on a primary folding knife, but the suggestions are definitely helping. and @pinnah thanks for the book suggestion along with the knife suggestions. Been looking for a backpacking handbook. Will definitely check it out.
Click to expand...
Victorinox Pioneer or Farmer. You can get the Pioneer for $30 or less. With it and a Mora you'll be out $50 or less and will really never again need to buy another knife for your purposes.
 
TravisH said:
You need a knife you can depend your life on but $50 is your limit? So your life isn't worth $60? 80? 100? hmmmm
Click to expand...

Money won't save your ass out in the wilderness. It's not the knife that matters as much as the skill to use it, and a Mora and a Vic SAK Pioneer or Farmer are truly all one needs. Just learn to use them.
 
TravisH said:
You need a knife you can depend your life on but $50 is your limit? So your life isn't worth $60? 80? 100? hmmmm
Click to expand...

The cost of a knife has little to no bearing on its performance. There are plenty of expensive knives I wouldn't rely on if I was paid to, but a $30 Cold Steel Voyager? I wouldn't even blink.
 
TravisH said:
You need a knife you can depend your life on but $50 is your limit? So your life isn't worth $60? 80? 100? hmm mm..
Click to expand...

That comment got me thinking, which is not my strong suit. You could apply that same logic to anything. And you could do it till your rig is cost prohibitive and or so heavy, you can't hike... "How could you NOT spend $200 on titanium infused boot laces? If you are In the backcountry, your feet and boots may be your most important piece of equipment" see my point?

If I find myself in a situation where my life is on the line and a single blade is my last hope.... . I've probably made some pretty bad decisions somewhere leading up to that point.
 
You fellas lay off ol' TravisH, he was just funnin' us. He thought that "life worth" blurb was funny... so did I.

You'll note that he went on to recommend some good choices that were well within hiker's wheelhouse.

Hiker91, the Endura's a fine choice. You're only about $15 away from adding a Mora fixed blade to your collection!

And yes... you're moving up in the world. Onward and upward, my friend.
 
Well im not a fella, but alls im saying is the "life depending" bit may sounds funny and extreme, but it really isnt. For instance, my life could depend on a 6 dollar flint from walmart. And with blades there is a lot of name hype nowadays and i dont feel that i need to spend over 100 dollars on a knife to get something dependable. I def do agree with all that a fixed blade is needed in my tools :). And just so all you peeps know i ordered the endura and am super stoked about it so the input from all has been top notch. TOP NOTCH FELLAS.
 
You're right, hiker91... our lives could one day hinge on the 99 cent bic lighter in our pocket. :eek:

Still struck me as funny. :)

You're also right that $$$ doesn't equal dependable, and I hope you find the Endura a perfect fit for your needs.

Glad you are stoked about it. Knives should be enjoyable.
 
I've watched men fail to start a fire with a map gas torch. Trust me if you find yourself in a situation where your life depends on getting a fire going it won't be the bic or ferro rod you will need to lean on it will be your skills. A sleeping bag is a better example of were gear selection is more important than actual skills. Hiker good choice with the Endura, I always liked the looks of that knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top