Climbing tree stand Knife

V

vajd

Joined
Apr 22, 2012
Messages
37
You know sometimes if your a knife guy or gal you need to come up with justifications for new knives.
Well I took off work Friday to hunt, in the dark the tree i selected seemed good but after getting up 15 feet or so I came upon a branch that blocked the stand. I was carrying a Condor Garuda that I just got from 42Blades,
it did cut through the branch about 2 1/2" at the tree but is more of a slicer and took way longer than my old Buck 120. I carried the Buck for years for branches mostly, it's a bit long for gutting and pretty good at meat processing. So I thought I should get a new knife just for climbing tree stand use, I might have jumped the gun but I ordered a Sharade SCHF9. What would you have ordered?
By the way the Garuda is a good knife and did get the job done so I'm not knocking it.
 
I'd consider a Kabar Becker BK2.

It's only 10.5 inches long with a 5.25 inch blade and weighs a little under 15 ounces. The blade is thick and stout, easily used as an effective "lightweight" chopper, and is short enough to be easily maneuverable. It's a good compromise for weight vs size.

I just recently started using one of these knives and really like it. The blade is a little wide for some camp tasks (spreading peanut butter being one of them). I don't hunt from tree stands very much, using mainly ground blinds now, but it works just fine chopping small limbs at ground level.
 
A small folding saw would be my choice, keeps the knife sharp for game work...
 
RDog said:
A small folding saw would be my choice, keeps the knife sharp for game work...[/QUOTE--What he said!-Flailing around up in a tree with a chopping knife sounds like a recipe for an accident to me.--KV
Click to expand...
 
I've been using an old Gerber folding saw (6"+ or -) for the last 20-25 years for this task. I would never, ever consider using a knife for this purpose, main reason would be safety and the noise it makes chopping would be the second reason.
 
Thanks for the replies, yes a saw is the logical choice. Far safer as well, and I will look into getting one.
I have to admit that this evening I used an Imacasa 14" Burriquito machete to clear some branches around a ladder stand that I moved to a new spot. I was safely tied off to the tree.
 
When I'm putting up my tree stand during deer season, I use a chainsaw. I find it is much faster then hacking at a branch with a knife. And the deer don't seem to know the difference.
 
I keep a ratchet pruner or a folding saw in my pack.

I know some folks like to baton and chop with their blades. i would rather use the correct tool for the job. It makes the work easier and more efficient.
 
I've spent a lot of time in climbers and ladder stands, flailing around with a fixed blade or folder in either is just a really bad idea. Climbers are dangerous enough by themselves. Ratchet pruner is safer, quieter and much more efficient. Moreover, where we hunt the deer are highly pressured as they are throughout most of the southeast US and the noise of chopping are sawing branches in the predawn or early afternoon. Lockdown, you forget anything coming out.
 
You know, if you boys would properly plow and plant your pea patches and install an old telephone pole at the edge, you'd not need saws, machetes, or ratcheting pruners.

:)
 
Folding saw for tree stands and carry whatever knife for general chores that you like. It would be too easy to cut yourself with a machete or large knife while climbing or simply putting up your portable tree stand for a season long spot.
 
Ratchet pruner or folding saw for multiple reasons. If you don't want to be down a knife or carry a 2nd tool go with a multi tool that has a saw
 
Opinel makes a nice saw folder
opinel-saw-knife-No12-1.jpg
 
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