Folding knife best suited for outdoors/backpacking?

I remember when backpackers who consider themselves gram weenies, were buying this little Spyderco, I can't remember the name of it. I actually have one, and will dig it out one of these days so someone here can identify the model. Anyway it is really too small, but I think that Kershaw G-10 Hawk is the perfect knife if weight is any concern. I'd probably just grab my Skyline though, it's not really that heavy.
 
I'm very fond of Spyderco, and a Stretch ZDP-189 would be the lighter-weight choice. I'd pick the Gayle Bradley (CPM M4 steel) for medium-duty and for really hard work, the Tuff with the CPM3V blade steel. All three are folders. The Gayle Bradley M4 blade-steel is not stainless, and will patina but will not rust if you wipe it down after use.
And, as has been mentioned several times, the ESEE 3mil for a fixed blade.
Have fun.
 
Put a SAK farmer in your pocket, put a pack on your back, shut up, and get marchin.

Light. Blade for cutting packages, rope, and food prep. Saw for cutting walking sticks, tent pegs, pot supprts/tripods and splitting wood , awl for drillin holes and throwing ferro sparks, and openers and pryers when needed.

Lets see those fancyboy knives do that.
 
Thanks guys! Though, the reason I was asking for a folder was because I already had a fixed blade in mind. Something cold steel or a spydie rock.
 
TheMonsterTruk said:
oh hey, what about the CRKT razel full size? that's another fixed blade i was considering. opinions?
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Can't say specifically about the large razel but all of the CRKT stuff I have has been good, including a ringed razel. I saw a vid on youtube of a guy chopping with one.
 
TheMonsterTruk said:
the reason I was asking for a folder was because I already had a fixed blade in mind.
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Dirtknap said:
Put a SAK farmer in your pocket, put a pack on your back, shut up, and get marchin.

Light. Blade for cutting packages, rope, and food prep. Saw for cutting walking sticks, tent pegs, pot supprts/tripods and splitting wood, awl for drillin holes and throwing ferro sparks, and openers and pryers when needed.
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Considering you have a fixed blade in mind already, the SAK Farmer would be a great choice, for all of the reasons that Dirtknap lists.
 
Or how about a multi tool like a leatherman or gerber? If you already have a fixed blade i'd be thinking tool, not just knife...
 
I said SAK OHT! That is the only answer. End of discussion.

(sleeping pills kicking in) :D
 
If you want an overbuilt folder, I'd suggest a ColdSteel. A few good models are: Recon 1, AK47, Voyager, Spartan, Rajah. I also highly reccomend you have either a good SAK, or Multi-Tool with.
 
jimh0220 said:
I said SAK OHT! That is the only answer. End of discussion.

(sleeping pills kicking in) :D
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I once used my Farmer's awl to awl a hole thru that pathetic appendage stickin out the middle of the OHT that lesser men call an awl.
 
Since you're already planning on carrying a fixed blade, why not carry a SAK or Leatherman instead of another knife? I carry a leatherman wingman, and it has a pocket clip.
 
I am really crazy about my orange handled ffg Spyderco Delica. That's the one I would recommend. I carry mine along with a sak and feel pretty confident with the combo. When I feel like I need a fixed blade these days I just reach for a Mora.
Jim
 
I've been on hundreds of hikes over the years and honestly never needed anything more than a decent folder. Now, this is mainly just easy day hikes....I would prefer a fixed blade if the hike was extended or far off the beaten path. My EDC for the past ten years or so has always been a Benchmade 710 and that has never let me down. Super strong frame and lock but not clumsy or heavy at all. I certainly would't go battoning it or anything ridiculous but it cuts just fine.

If I go deep into the wilderness, the Benchmade is backed up with a Ratmandu for the heavy work.
 
On longer trips and hikes, I carry a Benchmade 710. It's the best balanced, strongest, fastest, and lightest carrying knife I own, surpassing other greats like the PM 2, Sebenza 21 (not an outdoors knife), Strider SNG, ZT 560, and Cold Steel Voyager.

If I suspect I will do some batoning or other harder use tasks, I take a BK 2 (most balanced fix blade, imo). A Benchmade 275 serves as a great backup, and is the sturdiest hard use folder out there, imo.
 
Chris Pierce said:
Since you're already planning on carrying a fixed blade, why not carry a SAK or Leatherman instead of another knife? I carry a leatherman wingman, and it has a pocket clip.
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That's not a bad idea! I'm pretty interested in the new Leatherman OHT. Still I would like to have an independant folding blade.
 
William Henry?:)

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