Fixed Blade for Camping?

Q

Quy4n8

Joined
Nov 27, 2002
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I have done very little camping over my lifetime, but hope to do some more soon. I would like your thoughts on carrying a fixed blade. Not a 10” camp knife for splitting wood, but a 3 ½” to 5” bladed knife. Just on principal and elegance, I prefer a fixed blade, but in the little camping that I have done, it seems to me that a good one hand folder is just as useful and more convenient. When clipped to the top of the pocket, it is easier to get at, simple to open and when I am finished I find that it is a snap to close it and slip it back into the pocket as opposed to trying to get a FB back into its sheath without slicing the leather or myself. A fixed blade is certainly stronger, but I am not sure the added strength is required for weekend camping, (would maybe be nice for an extended stay in the wilderness, however). A FB is easier to clean, but with the stainless steels now available, I just rinse off the folder, shake off the excess water and slip it back into my pocket. What are your thoughts, is a FB necessary or will a folder do all of what is necessary? Thanks, Richard
 
i use a bark river knife and tool northstar
northstar1.jpg
 
Richard:

Depends on two things. Your style of camping, and your lust for knives.

Your assessment sounds correct. My style of camping is ultralight backpacking, leave-no-trace, one- or two- night outings. I started out carrying a folder, fixed-blade (Gerber Yari was a favorite), and machete (12-inch Ontario). Once I stopped making wood fires, there really was no use for anything other than the folder.

Bushcrafting types will want more. Knife lovers (myself included) will often use backpacking as an excuse to carry some of their favorite fixed blades, though they're not really needed.

I particularly like the Nessumuk trios people post pictures of. Folder, bushcrafty fixed blade, and hatchet or saw. I have all this stuff, but it's hard to bring myself to do major woodworking in the forest. (Leaves slightly more than a trace.)

Sometimes I think about carrying the 12-inch machete to replace the folder and my cat-hole shovel, but haven't tried that yet.

In reality, all I do is open food packages, maybe whittle a spare tent peg, and cut the odd piece of cord. For that, a folder is more than enough. I really have come to like the SAKs with saws on them. The Trailmaster is an EDC for me now, and goes into the woods with me. I also carry a Benchmade Griptilian.

So... My approach is to match my edges to my activities, but indulge my hobby when I feel so moved.

Bear
 
The Bark River Highland or Woodland are also good choices. The Highland or Northstar are my preference in camping fixed blades.

Phil
 
there are so many that fit into the 3 1/2" to 5" it's tough to narrow it down. The Chris Reeve mountaineer I is 4" and lightweight, the Strider MFS is 4" and fairly light, Entrek Cobra is about the same. Benchmade nimravus and nimravus cub are great knives. It's all about you and what you want. Find something that makes you happy and go with it. I have that addiction....no wait obsession with all things sharp so I'll never find "just one" , but that's another therapy session.....Good luck, I hope I helped a little....My name is Jim and I'm a knifaholic...... :D
 
This is a subject I consider quite a bit because I'm always looking for an excuse to carry some kinda captain kicka$$ boondockin' sword, but the truth is that I realize it is not necessary for my style of playing in the woods.

I think it's hard to go wrong with a four inch or so fixed blade of relatively normal blade dimensions. Granted a folder probably would get you through most any task you ask of it, but...the fixed blade does give that extra nudge of insurance if things do get twisted up a bit. Also, alot of times you can save overall space and weight with a fixed blade. There's a million good choices out there from the dirt cheap CS Mini Bushman up to the Striders and Busses, etc. From my humble perspective though, nothing has ever been better than my Bark Rivers. The more I've come to examine things with knives the more I've come of the opinion that whatever a person chooses, it's better to pick one knife, keep it and use it, and gain familiarity and comfort with its strengths and limitations than to become overly obsessive about the "perfect knife"
 
For light duty camping near the beaten trail a quality folder is fine. I would recommend a strong one just for the fact that folders are more fragile than the typical full tang fixed blade. I have a S&W SWAT that is plenty strong and has served well in that role.

One thing I have noticed in my wilderness experience carrying folders on a pocket is the tendency to lose knives to brush. Brush (vines, briars etc.) gets swept up the leg towards the beltline when pushing through. This will often catch the bottom of the pocket clip and pull the knife off without your even feeling it. I would recommend a more secure carry method or a lanyard ont he knife tied to the belt. Mac
 
I think RWS hit it. Pick a good one, get comfy with it. I also love to use the excuse to carry multiples, but don't honestly need them. There are lots of good ones.
 
I always have a few with me including a Vic SAK. The fixed blade of choice these days is the BRKT NorthStar, but I also bring along either a Mora 2000 or Frosts Mora Swak. Both of which are inexpensive and hard working knives.

northstar0052iw.jpg
 
I used a Shrade Sharpfinger for years and never felt 'underknifed'
I really like this one, the Helle Jegermester
jeger2.jpg


5" Sandvick SS blade. The longer blade makes cooking chores a little easier. The scandi grind cuts wood like crazy.
This goes for about $50 on the net. Helle makes alot of nice knives.
 
Cain - I love those first 2!!
I have been carrying this design for some time. I ground these from 1/8" so that the slice oh so sweet. With a baton they do all the chopping needed in a pinch.
cocobolo_standard.jpg

Its got a 3.5" blade and I also have it in a larger 5.5" version thats a good all around size. I am looking forward to finishing these up...just thought I'd share the concept/
5.jpg


I also have a nice design thats a little different but will be my go to I have a feeling....
;) Hell....any of the knives mentioned would serve you great!
Dont you just love all the options :D
 
All of you have posted some neat knives. I personally, prefer the Fallkniven F1. THAT IS A CUTTER! I have a couple of customs I "designed" and had a maker put into steel and they work great. I have a CRK Shadow III and received a CRK Mountaineer I and the Woodlore knife (Ray Mears/Wilkinson Sword) for Christmas and I am going to break them in hiking this weekend with my daughters, if the weather permits.
 
not to hijack the thread but has anyone used the fehrman peace maker? i like the looks of it but would like to know how it performs in comparison to other similiar sized fb's.
 
I have a Fehrman PM. It has great ergonomics and attention to detail. I haven't tested the edge a lot yet, but a lot of folks seem to regard 3V very highly. I love the knife, it come with a nice (not too thick) edge, and scary sharp. Very nice size for a small fb.
 
i'm guessing everybody is wanting a fehrman these days judging by the 3 month back order date. still probably worth the waiting time for what little i have read on them :)
 
I really like the looks of the Northstar at the top. For the last couple of years I've been carrying my favorite; a early edition Camillus Talon I got through this place. It's made of 154CM instead of talonite. If you consider a fiskars 14" pack axe a fixed blade . . . well I usually carry that too.
 
Most of my camping anymore is bicycle camping. I carry a Vic SAK & a Mora SWAK in my handlebar bag. My cooking is done on a Tommy Cooker so no need for "making wood".
Gene :D
 
Pretty pedestrian stuff, but I would try to hold one in my hand before buying. The most important "fit" issue is how it fits you.

Also, since we're discussin' fixed, be sure the scabbard is safe and secure. I have some pretty nice fixed-blades that came in dangerous sheaths.
 
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