Desert Dwellers! What Knife Do You Use?

[qmether]

Folks who have spent time in the desert, what is your go-to knife?
What kind if things is it used for?
What do you look for in a "desert knife"?

 

[Bolstermanic]

That cactus-in-the-hand looks familiar!! My desert go-to knife is a lightened Spyderco Mule in SPY27. Mostly used for lightweight backpacking food prep. Given that so much of my load is devoted to water, I want a lightweight (but capable) knife. The mule gives 3.5" of blade, which is about right for my needs.



I've also taken to carrying this spear head...it swaps out for the bottom section of my trekking pole...also very lightweight at 1.4 oz, but gives me 4 feet of standoff.

 

[Bolstermanic]

BTW, I like the look of that Bushcraft Utility. Who makes?

 

[MolokaiRider]

BTW, I like the look of that Bushcraft Utility. Who makes?

Ontario Knife Company. I have two, but they are incredibly thin; almost filet knife thin. Great for cutting, not great for robust knife tasks.

I keep one as a camp kitchen knife.

 

[DangerZone98]

A crysknife would be best of course.

 

[qmether]

That cactus-in-the-hand looks familiar!! My desert go-to knife is a lightened Spyderco Mule in SPY27. Mostly used for lightweight backpacking food prep. Given that so much of my load is devoted to water, I want a lightweight (but capable) knife. The mule gives 3.5" of blade, which is about right for my needs.



I've also taken to carrying this spear head...it swaps out for the bottom section of my trekking pole...also very lightweight at 1.4 oz, but gives me 4 feet of standoff.

What a great setup! Best of both worlds in a few ounces and enough reach to deal with the rattlesnakes if needed.

BTW, I like the look of that Bushcraft Utility. Who makes?

As Rider stated, OKC. There are two versions, 5160 and 420.

 

[Bob Denman]

I think I'd take a shovel...

 

[Angus McGunnigle]

That cactus-in-the-hand looks familiar!! My desert go-to knife is a lightened Spyderco Mule in SPY27. Mostly used for lightweight backpacking food prep. Given that so much of my load is devoted to water, I want a lightweight (but capable) knife. The mule gives 3.5" of blade, which is about right for my needs.



I've also taken to carrying this spear head...it swaps out for the bottom section of my trekking pole...also very lightweight at 1.4 oz, but gives me 4 feet of standoff.

Can we hear some details about the spearhead ????

 

[eveled]

I’m no expert I’m guessing the spear is not for snakes. I would think a forked spear head might be more useful against snakes? Or even a hook?

 

[Bob Denman]

I’m no expert but wouldn’t a forked spear head be more useful against snakes? Or even a hook?

That's where almost anything with a longer handle; is a better choice...

 

[Alberta Ed]

A crysknife would be best of course.

Yeah, but they can chip and shatter.

 

[aztaco]

Bradford guardian 3 all day every day in my pocket or on my belt. Tough and lightweight.

 

[Bolstermanic]

Love the Bradford! Don't own one yet, but it's on the list when it appears in MagnaCut...

Can we hear some details about the spearhead ????

Sure. It's the fattest arrow shaft I could buy, epoxied into a jacket of aluminum that is the correct size for the end of my trekking pole. Given that it's a broadhead arrow shaft, you can buy a hundred different heads for it. The one shown is a low profile two-edge in some non-descript carbon steel. Low tech compared to what's out there, but sturdy, and can take a normal flat sheath (try putting a sheath on a 3-edge broadhead). I have not "used it in anger" for defense yet and hope I never do! Although one time I did "show" it to an aggressive & attacking dog, who decided he didn't want to tangle with it. He didn't know the end was sharp, of course, but for some animals, seeing a long "stick" in the hand of a human is enough to discourage them. Amazingly, Andrew Skurka, the famous backpacker, used a standard trekking pole to successfully defend himself from a charging griz in Alaska! Not recommended!

Downside: In order to use the spearhead with alacrity, it needs to be inserted into the trekking pole several seconds (takes me 6) before you need it. I know this sounds obvious, but if an emergency situation is upon you, fumbling about, removing the last section of your trekking pole and inserting the spear shaft, doesn't work well! Requires fine motor skills that magically disappear under pressure. If I'm hiking in an area that seems dodgy, I'll fit the shaft early. It doesn't call attention to itself, and I just carry the pole in my hand with its tiny sheath fitted. No passing human has ever taken note of it.

 

[Bolstermanic]

I think I'd take a shovel...

Aha! Don't get me started! Here's a trowel I carry during desert camping...another self-made item. I call it "Deca Spades." Doesn't hold an edge, though...! Aluminum's lousy for edge-holding...

 

[Bob Denman]

Make me one out of some decent steel, and you've got a customer!

 

[qmether]

I’m no expert I’m guessing the spear is not for snakes. I would think a forked spear head might be more useful against snakes? Or even a hook?

Or a 124 according to your avatar

 

[DangerZone98]

Yeah, but they can chip and shatter.

Most unfortunately. May your knives never chip and shatter, friend.

 

[220-9er]

That's where almost anything with a longer handle; is a better choice...

The handle length on snake shot would be a better length.

 

[qmether]

 

[Bob Denman]

That's a fine-looking Grip!!
Reminds of one I might have laying around here...