Fishing/Backpacking knife

J

JeffLesniak

Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
567
Hey I'm new here and just wanted to start by saying I really enjoy this site. One of, if not the, best forums I've been to.

My dilemma is that I'm trying to decide on a large fixed-blade to carry on my backpack while fishing, and I'm going to be going to Southern Illinois University next year, so hopefully a LOT of camping. I'm asking my parents for a really good fixed blade for graduation, along with a laptop :cool:

I have been using a cheap Meyerco kukri/bolo style knife for a little while for chopping down small trees and shrubs in my way to get to fishing spots, but recently my friend's brother broke the handle off throwing it (the tang only went about 1/3 of the way through the handle.) Don't think I want to go that route again :rolleyes:

So, the two knives I have really had a hard time trying to decide between are the Ontario RAT-7 and the SWRK Battle Rat. I guess I'm not sure if the Battle Rat will be too big to carry or use for , or if the RAT-7 will be too small/too fragile to chop with. Also, I'd appreciate it if anyone could provide an opinion on the D2/1095 variations in the RAT-7, like which would be better for chopping/slicing/edge holding?

I will be keeping a smaller folder in my pocket and probably a Leatherman Wave in the front pouch of the sheath of whichever knife I get, so really fine cutting is not mandatory for the big blade, but it would still be nice to be able to do so with it.

Sorry for such a long post, and thanks for any advice, Jeff
 
If you're already thinking about a Battle Rat I'd go with either that or the Camp Tramp if you want something a little smaller.
 
Welcome Jeff, you are going to get around 400,000,000 suggestions, but if you stick to the 'Buy the best you can afford and cry only once' philosophy, you will be fine.


My suggestion would be a Becker Knife & Tool (Camillus) BK-7 or BK-9
 
Hey, I'm not familiar with those knives first-hand, but I am familiar with Southern Illinois and SIU. You're right, you are going to have a lot of outdoor opportunities. Don't forget Deep Woods Off for the bugs and Tech-Nu for the poison ivy.

When I would visit friends at the SIU dorms, they searched bags as you entered. I think they were mostly looking for alchohol; I don't know how they feel about knives on campus. Just something to be aware of, so it doesn't take you by suprise.

Best Wishes,
Bob
 
Hey guys thanks a lot for the quick replies, wasn't expecting them that fast.
Bob W, yeah I actually have poison ivy right now, kinda sucks, but what can ya do, they've got me on oral and topical steroids :barf:

Yeah, I've handled the Becker line at a local gun store and honestly, I didn't care much for the handles. They were nice otherwise, but I don't like how slippery they were. I know I can make modifications, but right now I'd just like to stick with what comes on the knife. Also, one of the attractions I have to the RAT-7 is the availability of D2 construction, but I'm not exactly sure how well that combination works with the knife.

Regarding the Camp Tramp-I am also considering this, but do like the looks of the RAT-7 if I'm going for a smaller knife.

Thanks again everyone, I appreciate the advice I've gotten so far. Jeff
 
I'd pay attention to what Bob W said. The University probably has a policy against weapons, and the housing you are using will probably have rules on it as well -- unless you are using off-campus housing. I decided it would be better if I just left all knives back home and avoid any sort of complications. I did have an x-acto knife for fixing things, but I doubt anyone would really think of an x-acto as a weapon -- except maybe the TSA.
 
camptrampcamptrampcamptramp. It's a lot better than the Beckers, and well worth the extra money. You'll know once you handle one.

Nitin
 
a-j said:
I'd pay attention to what Bob W said. The University probably has a policy against weapons, and the housing you are using will probably have rules on it as well -- unless you are using off-campus housing. I decided it would be better if I just left all knives back home and avoid any sort of complications. I did have an x-acto knife for fixing things, but I doubt anyone would really think of an x-acto as a weapon -- except maybe the TSA.
Click to expand...

I'm at IUB just across the border, and they don't care. Rather, they do, but they don't look. No firearms in campus housing, that's pretty much it. No 'large' knives, either, whatever that means, but that's never been a problem, and won't be if you only use them outdoors.
 
Here is an early welcome to the area, you will only be about 10 miutes away from where I live in So. Il....most of my firends are SIU students. You will love this area, lots of lakes and forest.

You might have a problem with a really large knife in the dorms, about ten years ago that found a student with an AK-47 in his dorm room and since then they are more jumpy about stuff.

If you will hace your own car, you could keep it stored in the trunk I guess?

e-mail when you are coming, and the first cup of coffee is on me!
 
Hey thanks for all the replies so far guys.

I think that if worst comes to worst I'll just keep the knife in my truck or tackle box. Also, I'm going to be getting some pretty good use out of it around here this summer, so even if I can't bring it to school, I'll still be using it a ton.

That Camp Tramp is looking pretty appealing also, but the big dilemma I have with the smaller knives (than the Battle Rat) is whether or not they are great for chopping. I usually do a lot of chopping when we go fishing to clear new spots, so do the 6.5-7.5 in. blades do an OK job of this vs. the 8.5-9.5 in. ones? I've read good things about the Camp Tramp chopping, and even more good things about the Battle Rat. However, I never really hear about the RAT-7. Should I just scratch that idea and go with a SRKW knife?

Again, thanks for all the replies, Jeff
 
Battle Rat! if chopping is your thing, that is the ticket. The Beckers have those handles they claim are the most comfortable hard use handles. That is pure B.S. Resiprene C handles like those on the Camp Tramp and Battle Rat easily capture the title of greatest comfort and hard use/shock absorbancy. The Knives are also far superior- the only people who would disagree have never seen or handled a Swamp Rat. They also feature an Unlimited warranty that even includes intentional abuse to destruction.(not that I would ever try to hurt my baby, but it gives you a warm feeling).
 
First off, regardless of which one you get, go with Swamp Rat. I've had my 'main three', HR, CT, and BR for about 3 years. Can't say enough good about them. My favorite is the Howling Rat. Just love it. My fav of the big blades is the Camp Tramp, just because I like the way it feels in the hand. The BR is by far the best chopper, but the Tramp is no slouch either and over time I just found myself gravitating towards the 7" blade length for a 'big' knife. What I carry is more like 3 1/2-5", but that's EDC.

Can't say anything about the Beckers, never even held one. I got turned on to SRKW shortly after they came into being and never looked any farther. Well, except to Busse and that's a sister company run by the Queen Rat's husband. LOL

Drop by the Rat forum here or RatChat and ask some questions. Lot's of nice people and perhaps some intelligent answers. LOL Neat pics also.

Rob
 
For fishing, I prefer a smaller fixed blade because its easier to clean. One of the Dozier blades would make a nice graduation present.
An old mil-surp machete and sheath handles bushwacking chores usually, and carries well in a rucksak. I have a Leatherman Wave, with a lanyard attached when around water, in a belt sheath, or an alox SAK Farmer in my pocket when I'm travelling light.
I also have a Howling Rat in a MtMike leather sheath that covers alot of tasks in hunting season, and is comfortable to carry on a belt. The saw on the Wave or Farmer works fine for me, although I have a larger folding saw that I sometimes carry in hunting season to cut smaller branches.
I mix and match to carry the lightest load possible.
Jim
 
I just got a Becker Crewman BK10 for working around the property, camping, and general woods loafing. It's robust enough for pounding and chopping, but is shaving sharp, so a good slicer too. It's relatively low price is deceptive considering its quality. Beckers do have a "weapony" appearance, so be discreet if you keep it on campus.

If you are going to use it mainly for chopping, get a somewhat larger becker like the BK7.
 
I can't thank you guys enough for the replies. TheLastConfederate, thanks for the welcome. I WILL be contacting you about gun ranges around the area if that's OK?, fishing and shooting are two of my passions...just gotta find some place to keep all my guns, and some good fishing spots. I'm sure there are skeet ranges around there (I compete in it), but are there any high power rifle ranges in the area? I've got a couple of HP rifles I want to test out and want to get into HP shooting, but no where around here to do it.

Sorry to rant on about the shooting, back to the subject...
It's looking like the Battle Rat so far, mostly because of the chopping ability, but the Camp Tramp also looks pretty good. Tough choice.

Again, thanks A LOT for all the replies this is really helping me out.
Have a good night, or morning whatever it is :p , Jeff
 
JeffLesniak said:
I can't thank you guys enough for the replies. TheLastConfederate, thanks for the welcome. I WILL be contacting you about gun ranges around the area if that's OK?, fishing and shooting are two of my passions...just gotta find some place to keep all my guns, and some good fishing spots. I'm sure there are skeet ranges around there (I compete in it), but are there any high power rifle ranges in the area? I've got a couple of HP rifles I want to test out and want to get into HP shooting, but no where around here to do it. Jeff
Click to expand...

Yep..there are a few gun clubs around, not sure about skeet ranges though, I'm not into that so I haven't kept track.

Keep'em in the 10 ring!
 
If you're concerned about the chopping ability of the Camp Tramp, I think you should look at what you want the knife to do. A knife is probably not the most efficient or safest way to cut through 6-8 inches of wood...a small folding saw is.

The Camp Tramp is a very efficient chopper for its size as it has enough heft and it is very well engineered.

Hey, buy one and if its not for you I guarantee you can sell it within the first 30 minutes that you post it. :)

Nitin
 
just gotta find some place to keep all my guns
Click to expand...
Don't know about SIU, but at WIU the OPS (Office of Public Safety) would store students' firearms. You could check them out at any time, but couldn't have them in the dorm.

I actually have poison ivy right now, kinda sucks, but what can ya do, they've got me on oral and topical steroids
Click to expand...
After years of suffering from poison ivy, even hospitalized, I found the solution. I moved! That's right, got the hell out of there. Otherwise I suggest don't go outside, and don't touch anything that's been outside. :)

-Bob
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top