Considering a New Backpacking Knife

Get an impact warthog and wrap the handle.I have paracord on mine and it gives a great grip.I'll post some pics when i get home.
get a Ka-Bar you won't be disapointed.
 
IMHO get a light knife for backpacking, a good slicer.
While backpacking you generally don't do any Rambo stuf or build castels.
A knife is worthless against a bear so it isn't worth considering.

Get a mora and don't be afraid to use it hard.
It costs anything

Or get a mora 2000
 
Just my 2 cent's worth...

If you already have a Ka-Bar then you already have an adequate knife for light chopping and doing the dirty grunt work.

So I recommend that you add a nice multi-tool to your kit.
Maybe a Leatherman Surge or Core, or a Victorinox SwissTool?

Or, if you're against the multi-tool ideal, then maybe a nice strong locking folder (like a Benchmade 710 or a Buck Alaskan Guide 110 from Cabela's) and a Victorinox Swiss Army Knife (especially one with a woodsaw).
 
For me it would be a Vic. Soldier , a Mora , and a Hatchet . All bases covered .

Chris
 
cdf said:
For me it would be a Vic. Soldier , a Mora , and a Hatchet . All bases covered .

Chris
Click to expand...

I made an inquiry on the ax/hatchet/tomahawk forum regarding a good ax or hatchet for my PSK. I ended up with a Gransfor Bruks Small Forest ax. Small enough to fit in my backpack but large enough for some two handed chopping. I also have a SwissTool Spirit and a Chris Reeve Shadow III to cover other cutting duties.
 
A Mora and a Wetterlings axe will run you less than $50 together and should cover all your bases. If you add a slipjoint you will have your own version of the famous Nessmuk trio. The Wetterlings will need some TLC with a file and a stone but has otherwise, like the Mora, a strong following as well.
 
Here's my Impact Hog...
HPIM1136.jpg
 
Unsub said:
A mora and a firestone axe
Click to expand...

This is why I read the posts here-- never heard of a Firestone axe-- VERY cool. The Pocket Axe is very appealing for size and weight (and price) for hiking -- do they work?

I've been looking at bigger heavier knives for their chopping and splitting ability, but having a tool made for that job and carrying a knife better suited to finer cutting tasks would be perfect.
 
The problem with a machete or bushman is that it's to light to cut small trees comfortable.
Eventually it can do the job if there's really a need for.
Batoning shouldn't be any problem

The firestone looks good to me.

You can find the smaller one on knifecentre:
http://www.knifecentre.com/kc_new/s...SUBMIT2.x=0&SUBMIT2.y=0&SUBMIT2=Search&&&s=49

Knifecentre says the Kershaw is only 4.5 oz ??
http://www.knifecentre.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=KS1018



BRK&T has a

Gleneagle axe: http://knife.cz/diskuze_pics/7953912.jpg
Mini axe: http://www.prism.gatech.edu/~gtg766h/fineknivesetc/knifepicsps4/Picture 058.jpg

(info on knifeforums)


Small hatchet article:
http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=144
 
Most of this search has been about finding the 'holy grail' camp/pack knife for me. I've been through tons of them and I think I'm fooling myself in hunting for one that will 'do it all'. I don't like how most big blades handle, but still love some basic chopping power. I think the best bet will be to do as has been suggested and get a good hatchet and a decent small fixed blade.

I've used several hatchets in the past and most have left me extremely underwhelmed. They were also very cheap hatchets. Would most of you expect things to turn out much differently for me if I bought something a little nicer like a 15" Wetterling? I'd be up for it if so. (That Finn Wild Short Hiker is a really handy looking axe, thought outside the price range.)

I've narrowed it down to a few of the mora's and have resigned myself to buying any more than 2. I like the S-1 and maybe one like the 'triflex craftsman'. They're so cheap it's hard not to find something you like!

I've looked through all the knives folks have suggested and many were familiar faces and others not. I've seen lots of blade styles I like, but for now I'm going to try to stick to basics, and not puchase a 'jack of all trades' blade.

Thanks again-
 
Because of bad knees I haven't done any backpacking in a while. But if I was to go next week here is what I would elect to carry and highly recommend to others
Cold Steel HTC Gurkha Kukri ( 15inch bladed version)
Spyderco C-44 Dyad
Spyderco fixed blade Temperance
Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker
I consider a sharpening tool even more important than the knife itself in most respects. Especially when you are going to trek deep into the timber. Happy hiking
 
SpookyPistolero said:
I bought something a little nicer like a 15" Wetterling? I'd be up for it if so. -
Click to expand...

The general consensus on the Wetterlings seems to be that they can be terrific tools if you invest some time sharpening them properly. They come with a fairly steep edge grind which benefits from being a bit thinned and blended with a file and some basic sharpening.

It also seems that most prefer the large (20") hunting axe or the hatchet.
 
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