Could you use just a folder.

Thanks for the replies. I could use just a folder but i have plenty of both. The difference may be that I do not trust my life to any piece of equipment. If I can't survive without any knife at all then I probably wouldn't survive with a bus load of Busse's.:D A knife is a tool that is very handy to have but it's your brain and will that determines if you will be a survivor or a victim.:thumbup:
 
udtjim said:
Could you do it all with a folder that you now own?
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That depends on what you mean by "do it all." In a survival situation, or even in daily life, you make do with what you have, and the definition of "all" might change depending on the tools at hand. For example, if I was limited to just a folding knife, I could certainly "do it all", but I would have to change the way I go about accomplishing different tasks. Knives are tools meant to accomplish a task, and as long as the task is completed, the methods don't really matter. It is this innovative genius in using different items in different ways that has allowed mankind to rise to its current height of technology and civilization. So, yes. I could do it all with a folder.
 
Another :thumbup: for the Buck 110, my favorite folder. I used mine for many years, and never felt like it was lacking. Great thread, udtjim :thumbup:
 
Yep. No prob. If I had to use only a folder it would be one of these; a smaller SAK (hiker, farmer, etc.), Buck Alpha, Case Stockman or a Spyderco Delica 4 Wave.

I like my moras more as they are at-the-ready and don't need to be opened, carbon steel, comfy and versatile handles, more reliable than a folder, scandi-grind, edge right night to index finger, easier to clean, etc... :D
 
Mentor said:
Personal experience aside, I think that Anthony Hopkins demonstrated how effective a solid lockback can be in a survival situation. ;)
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Sorry to go off-topic, but what was the name of that movie? I just barely remember it and would like to see it again. Thanks.

Stitchawl
 
udtjim said:
I was looking at some old camping and hunting/fishing pictures today. ... Could you do it all with a folder that you now own? I am sure I could do it again.
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Camping and hunting/fishing with just a folder? Easily.
 
Most things I do with a knife could be done with a folder. But it wouldn't be anywhere near as comfortable, quick and efficient - or safe - as with a fixed blade. You can do a lot with a folder, that isn't the problem. The problem is that fixed blades just simply perform better in every way. They are larger and heavier in general, but unless one is dangerously feeble, it shouldn't be a significant problem. I see no reason to use a folder when I can use a knife that isn't already broken. :) That, of course, doesn't change the fact that a lot of stuff can be done with a folder.
 
Another "Yes" vote for folders. I always have at least 2 folders on me at all times (except for taking a shower or sleeping :D)... a Chris Reeve Umfaan and a SAK of some sort (Classic, Executive, etc.). The SAK is there primarily for the scissors and as my "sharing" knife." The Umfaan is my slicer. Any tasks I would ever need to perform with a knife I can perform with these.

I agree with the comment about us, at one time, knowing the difference between knives and axes/saws. :D I think, that in almost all survival situations, most folks are safer when not chopping stuff unless it's absolutely necessary.

I also have several Spydecos and Benchmades that would make very nice survival knives if push comes to shove. And one of Bob Dozier's folders is on my wish list!

AJ
 
Whilst I would find it possible I'd find it very undesirable. The only folders I really like for outdoor use are the keen edge chuck it in a bucket ones not ones that try to emulate fixed blades. I can think of a couple of exceptions – a SAK, and an EKA I quite like for causal strolling, but other than that nah.

I like knives that are simple, comfortable, and work in tough conditions. To be sure that isn't necessarily at all the same thing as a tough knife. For me that's one of the reasons why those broom handle reenactment fantasy fixed blade knives fail. I believe them to be a liability. In addition to those lump handle Scandis I'd also add I don't go out pretending to be Nessmuk or a Roy Rogers. I don't live in that kind of world and I don't use my knives that way. If I only walked on a trail, or in fair conditions it might be a bit different. As it is, because I have my own teeth, I don't peel apples, so pretty dinky little knives are useless to me too.

I know I seem to have digressed from the original question with all the talk of fixed blades, but on what I said it should be clear why folding knives would be an even worse case. Below is a fairly crap picture illustrating a muddy riverbank not too far from me. In some places you'll easily go down in mud up to your knees. Try poking about in that with an old fashioned knife with fancy trimmings and see how long it remains in decent order. That's if you don't lose it or throw it away in disgust because it gave you a mishap. I just can't imagine any kind of folder standing up to serious use amongst that. Below the river picture is a knife right out of the semi-amphibious school of thought I'm fond of. It's a nice design, good rubber handle that works even with the big gloves on and will resist that environment well as it is ATS-34 [similar to your 154 CM]. But I think once you started turning it into a folder where sand, mud, lint, blood, hair, you-name-it is concerned you knacker it.

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A Buck 110 was my first *real* knife and I used it both for camping, backpacking, and carried it on duty. Loved it and save for the hardest uses, I think it can do most anything asked of it.

I did replace it with a 119 later but now prefer the Fallkniven F1. I do carry folders and a multi tool as well either in my pocket or pack. I like to have a couple of knives when out traipsing around, I feel better.
 
I can see most all the points being made except for the term broken knife for folders. Is a convertible with the top down a broken car?

Folders can become hard to use if thrown in the sand or mud but I guided Mule deer hunters for about ten-twelve years and field dressed and skinned hundreds of deer with the 110 also some elk and bears. It was a bit harder to clean up than a fixed blade but certainly not a problem.

Having cut my teeth on slip joints I never give a though to the locks on folders and feel confident with none locking blades like my Case Sod buster.

I got to thinking about this while reading through the post on how tough knives need to be. Also another on how most jobs can be done with the Vic Classic. My Dad had a jack knife a Russel skinning knife a butcher knife and a AX.

We are lucky today to have every sort of cutting device that can be imagined and a lot that many cannot imagine. The Buck 110 should and probably does have it's place in knife history and I have always used it like a fixed blade until it was time to put it back in it's sheeple friendly sheath.
 
If just a folder was good enough for our fore fathers to use and carry, see Jackknife's posts, then it is good enough for us I think. I know that if there is any skill that i ever want to practice, aka making fizz sticks, traps, fire, I always do it first with a folder. I know that if I can do it with a folder then it wont be any harder to do with a fixed blade. I wouldnt have any problem going out for a few days with just my case trapper, or Cabellas 110, or my Alias 1, full sized Griptilian, or the ZDP Shallot. Shoot, my farmer would be perfect on its own. But that is just my take, not everyone agrees with me.
 
I have a old Spyderco Delica spyderedge that has stood up to to more abuse than any knife should ever see. One tough old blade. The Endura is probably the next best folder to my Buck 110 for dollar/use value.
 
:thumbup: thumbs up on the Vic Farmer!!! I love mine and it is my EDC no matter what else I have with me.
 
The Buck 110 is my EDC.I use it for everything.
But when I'm hiking/camping i carry a fixed blade :)
 
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