Going (Primal) Camping, Recommendations?

SubDisease · Jan 5, 2012

Well, going to go primal camping at (location being decided). I was recommended to get a kukri (one of my favorite designs, sold my previous ones but this is a good excuse to get one again) anybody have recommendations? I'm going to be using this for bush crafting and a smaller knife will be accompanying me for the smaller tasks. My budget is around $120 but if the blade is exceptional I might be willing to shell out a bit more for it.

PayetteRucker · Jan 6, 2012

Well friend, I generally don't go through the hastle of digging through photobucket to find my old photos, but this may be worthwhile. I love khukris, I think they're great tools, though I generally find an axe easier on my bad joints.

I have lots of khuks and have been pleased with all of them. In your pricerange, I'd suggest getting the real deal-a good Himalayan Imports khuk. There are lots of kooky names for their designs, and they very alot in size and shape from piece to piece, so pick one from the DOTD's that you like and shark it. They are invaluable. If you don't like the unusual thickness, try the Tamang model. It's maybe 3/16ths thick, super fast, deep biter and great slicer. They usually go for around 100, and that leaves you 20 extra for a nice walnut-handled Svord Peasant. That would make for a killer primal kit.

these 'primal' blades aren't true khuks but are worth consideration- the HI Valpurna Bowie and Jungle Knife.

side by side comparison.

HI WWII next to a Jungle Knife, Condor Khukri, Condor Bolo and a 14 inch Tram.
The HI is a decimating chopper and true beater, but less than efficient for precision work. It doesn't have any kind of working point. If you're looking for a more contemporary, factory produced design, the 20 dollar Condor Khukri is as good as it gets. The blade profile is really perfect, and it's quite compact for its utility.

SubDisease · Jan 6, 2012

Thanks for your insight and taking the time for digging up those photos. I'll be taking a look at the models they offer along with the Tamang =D

razorsdescent · Jan 6, 2012

or..... you could spend about 95 bucks on a rat 3 http://www.knivesshipfree.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_596&products_id=1888

and a little over 25 on an estwing hatchet: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002JT0BO...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0002JT0BO

gotta say this seems like a far better option than a khukri and a weak sauce FB. the FB will be really important for any detail work you might use it for and if it snaps your trying to carve a spoon with foot long khukri which wont be fun. the 3 is thin enough to carve really well, and sturdy enough to not break. meanwhile a hatchet is stronger than a khukri and arguably a better chopper, even dull the weight of it is gonna chop through stuff. so that is kinda it for me. ymmv if you llike a khukri go for it, im just trying to give you options

PayetteRucker · Jan 6, 2012

The Svord is by no means a weaksauce knife, and it's a folder, not a fixed blade. I'm extremely wary of folding blades to begin with, and the fact that I'm advocating it should speak leaps and bounds about the quality and capability of Svord's L6. I've been leaning on it more and more since the day I purchased it, and at this point I'm comfortable enough with my using technique and maintenance, and comfortable enough with it's performance, to start depending on it as my kit's designated slicer. The 3 also has major handle issues, and unless you go apey with some stripper, a dremel and some vinegar, is a little on the 'manufactured' side of 'primal', especially since ESEE puts so much time making sure their F&F is spot on. I agree, as in my earlier statement I tend to favor axes, though I know the kukri is a capable survival tool, and would mention otherwise if I didn't think so. If I were to go the axe route, I'd save that 25 dollars and put it towards a Swiss Kitchen Hatchet or a Council Tool Hudson Bay, which is US made, lighter weight, and considerably more ergonomic.

jdk1 · Jan 6, 2012

razorsdescent said:
or..... you could spend about 95 bucks on a rat 3 http://www.knivesshipfree.com/product_info.php?cPath=27_596&products_id=1888

and a little over 25 on an estwing hatchet: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002JT0BO...e=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B0002JT0BO

gotta say this seems like a far better option than a khukri and a weak sauce FB. the FB will be really important for any detail work you might use it for and if it snaps your trying to carve a spoon with foot long khukri which wont be fun. the 3 is thin enough to carve really well, and sturdy enough to not break. meanwhile a hatchet is stronger than a khukri and arguably a better chopper, even dull the weight of it is gonna chop through stuff. so that is kinda it for me. ymmv if you llike a khukri go for it, im just trying to give you options

I'm curious about the "hatchet being stronger than a khukri" part. I promise I'm not trolling

I'm a khukuri guy, but don't use a chopper everyday or even all that much, unfortunately. I've used axes and hawks before and I like them fine, but always worried about bad technique or an accidental bad swing damaging/splintering the handle. I figured a good (especially a full/chiruwa tang) khuk would actually be less likely to get damaged in general camp type use since it's just a long, thick piece of steel. Any contact with your chopping medium will be with steel. The whole "I can carve a new handle" thing doesn't work for me since it would take quite a while IMHO. Again, I'm curious and would appreciate others experience with this. Thanks.

jdk1 · Jan 6, 2012

For the OP, I think a 16.5" HI WWII model would work very well for what you're wanting. It really is a very handy and useful design when paired with a knife. They pop up on Deals of the Day regularly for around or under $100. many are around 20-22 oz. and should be very easy to carry all day. Mine is 25-26 oz. and I have worn it hanging from a belt for hours without noticing. Take care.

Shotgun · Jan 6, 2012

Take a look at the HI forum's sale threads. I picked up a 15" bdc kukri, about the size of a BK9/Junglas, for 80 out the door. I'm going to take it out this weekend.

marcinek · Jan 6, 2012

If you're not flint knapping, you're not "primal."

4 s ter · Jan 6, 2012

How much bushcraft is possible in a National Park where you aren't even allowed to pick up dead material for a campfire, or collect nuts, berries, etc? Cutting of trees, bushes, etc. isn't legal either - unless I'm confused about the "Joshua Tree Park" reference.

Leadfoot2 · Jan 7, 2012

PayetteRucker said:
The Svord is by no means a weaksauce knife, and it's a folder, not a fixed blade. I'm extremely wary of folding blades to begin with, and the fact that I'm advocating it should speak leaps and bounds about the quality and capability of Svord's L6. I've been leaning on it more and more since the day I purchased it, and at this point I'm comfortable enough with my using technique and maintenance, and comfortable enough with it's performance, to start depending on it as my kit's designated slicer. The 3 also has major handle issues, and unless you go apey with some stripper, a dremel and some vinegar, is a little on the 'manufactured' side of 'primal', especially since ESEE puts so much time making sure their F&F is spot on. I agree, as in my earlier statement I tend to favor axes, though I know the kukri is a capable survival tool, and would mention otherwise if I didn't think so. If I were to go the axe route, I'd save that 25 dollars and put it towards a Swiss Kitchen Hatchet or a Council Tool Hudson Bay, which is US made, lighter weight, and considerably more ergonomic.

Leadfoot

SubDisease · Jan 7, 2012

4 s ter said:
How much bushcraft is possible in a National Park where you aren't even allowed to pick up dead material for a campfire, or collect nuts, berries, etc? Cutting of trees, bushes, etc. isn't legal either - unless I'm confused about the "Joshua Tree Park" reference.

Apparently my group didn't research that part... we'll probably be changing our destination

killgar · Jan 7, 2012

SubDisease said:
Apparently my group didn't research that part... we'll probably be changing our destination

Wherever you go, you should always be equiped for chopping wood. Even if the law says you can't cut wood or build a fire, you still need to be prepared for unexpected emergency situations. In such situations, being able to build a fire, a shelter, ect, could be the difference between living and dying. I'd hate to hear about someone dying of hypothermia in the mountains because they left their wood chopper at home figuring they wouldn't have any use for it due to regulations.

But I will assume you already knew all this.