Good Philmont blade

D

dtownknifekid

Joined
Dec 21, 2006
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I am going to Philmont this summer and i am looking for a good folder to bring along. I would like it to be light weight and have a good quality steel and as for blade length anywhere between 2.5 to 4" will be good. As for the price i would like to keep it sub 150$. So far out of the knives i own the Paramilie is my planned knife. Anny other suggestions.
 
Frankly you don't need much of a knife in philmont unless you plan on doing whittling for fun. I only brought a small SAK and only needed it to open the food packages or cut some light rope. I dont recall building any fires since I think there was an open fire ban which may still be in effect. I went in 2004 and had an awesome time, it's an experience you'll never forget.

Have fun and and make sure to take a shower whenever you can, they're few and few and far between and can make a big difference in keep morals high. GORP will change your life haha

I'm actually from the Harrisburg area of PA, so it's nice to see a fellow PA folk here.
 
Maybe one of the SAKs or something like a Leatherman Wave. Although the Wave is a little heavy.
 
We have a trek in June and as a group have decided to carry one Leatherman Juice per crew (pliers) and a few SAK's that have scissors. We have some repeat Philmont adults and they have never seen a need for any serious hardware. As previously mentioned, the most use the knife gets is opening food pouches.
 
I was thinking of a multitool but for some reason blade only is a pocketknife requirement and our troop has a ban on SAKs because they dont lock.
 
I worked at Philmont for ten years; you're going to have a great time! Seems this question comes up every year...

First, I recommend that you carry something inexpensive, much less than your budget allows. Things tend to 'disappear' when thousands of boys are in the same location at the same time...

Second, light weight is critical!

Third, I believe fixed blades are not allowed, and locking blades are recommended.

So here are two different approaches to selecting a knife/tool:

A Swiss Army Knife would be a good choice. Some have locking blades. It will easily perform every cutting task you'll encounter. And the scissors, tweezers, and other tools may come in handy - picking splinters and cutting moleskin for examples. Probably more campers and staff at Philmont carry a SAK than any other knife or tool.

Another option, a very lightweight and inexpensive locking knife. Opinel, Gerber Gator, Spyderco Delica, etc. I think the AG Russell FeatherLite would be my #1 choice due to thin profile, quality, and light weight.

-----------
My own knives while living and working in the Philmont backcountry were a Bucklite and a midsize Opinel.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I was thinking of a multitool
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Many/most of those are heavy, heavier than an ordinary pocketknife for sure.

...our troop has a ban on SAKs because they dont lock.
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There are several SAKs that do lock, the One Hand Trekker for example. It's worth checking out.
 
With the whole multi-tool deal i was thinking along the lines of pliers and such for multiuse. My mind is being swayed to my minigrip right now thanks for the input now for campshoes.
 
w580i said:
We have a trek in June and as a group have decided to carry one Leatherman Juice per crew (pliers) and a few SAK's that have scissors. We have some repeat Philmont adults and they have never seen a need for any serious hardware.
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I agree there's no need to be over-knifed on the outing. And I'm not sure anyone would need pliers on the trip (though, certainly it couldn't hurt to have a Juice along for the ride). But if I did think of pliers as a necessity, I wouldn't count on anyone else carrying them. What good does that do you if you get separated from the group? (Unless of course, you're the guy toting the Juice. ;) )
 
I went to Philmont two years ago; I carried a Spyderco Military with a serrated edge (CPM-S30V/G10). It was great for its lightweight, excellent retaining clip, and sharp edge. Despite the high-quality blade, it wasn't very useful in that the only things I cut were food packages and parachute cord, and for whittling a few extra tent stakes. I highly recommend this knife for use as a Philmont blade---if you're looking for light weight, and big cutting power for an emergency, the Military fits the bill.

However, there was a risk in losing it or having it stolen (yes, at a Scout Ranch). I would recommend something cheaper, maybe a Spyderco Delica due to the fact its an excellent knife, for about $50, lightweight, and is as reliable as anything out there. Search for info on this blade. Again, it is lightweight, small enough not to piss off other Scoutmasters, and has great cutting performance and ergonomics.

I would also recommend the Pacific Salt. It has a high-visibility yellow handle if you drop it in the woods or along the trail, the H1 steel in the blade holds an excellent edge and won't rust, and the FRN handle is comfortable and clone to that of the Endura 3. The blade is wicked-sharp and will cut like you wouldn't believe. It makes an excellent EDC in every sense and is $47.

God bless you, America, and our men and women overseas.
Good luck at Philmont.

KATN,

Wade
619G6
 
If your just looking for a blade, Id pick the Vic. Solo with the boy scout logo on it :) another light option would be the Vic. Bantam(this is what i carried while i was at philmont).

But hey, I love Vics
 
You're going to love Philmont:thumbup:. The trek will stay with you for the rest of your life.
 
Philmont was an amazing experience. One that will always be with you!

Unforetunately you will find yourself picking up any whittling you do. Carry in, carry out rule. My Delica served well. I didn't use it much but it was useful!

HAVE FUN! :D
 
It's been over a half century since my own trip to Philmont, and it's still sharp and clear in my mind. Wonderfull experiance!

My only knife was the "Official" Camillus scout knife my dad gave me. It was more than enough to handle the trip and all the activities. I think these days the scouts are a bit more restrictive on blades anyways. Any of the basic sak's will be more than enough.

Ban on non-locking knives?

I guess these days they don't believe in scouts learning proper knife handling so they don't need locks. Typical of our society that tries to idiot proof everything. Too bad.
 
Ban on non-locking knives?
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There is no national BSA policy like that. But Philmont does recommend a locking knife, as I recall. Since most people there carry SAKs and most SAKs do not lock, I would assume that most Philmont staff and participants to do not actually carry locking knives...
 
steelscout30 said:
I carried a Spyderco Military ... it wasn't very useful in that the only things I cut were food packages and parachute cord, and for whittling a few extra tent stakes. I highly recommend this knife for use as a Philmont blade...
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"it wasn't very useful" ......... "I highly recommend this knife for use as a Philmont blade." Not sure I follow you. :confused:
 
Bob W said:
There is no national BSA policy like that. But Philmont does recommend a locking knife, as I recall. Since most people there carry SAKs and most SAKs do not lock, I would assume that most Philmont staff and participants to do not actually carry locking knives...
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Its a troop policy :(
 
Its a troop policy :(
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No worry, there are plenty of quality locking knives to choose from. :)

Didn't the recent Smoky Mountain catalog have an entire page devoted to locking SAKs? And most of the knives recommended above are locking models anyway.
 
Your troop policy should not hold at Philmont unless your Philmont group is composed from your home troop (unlikely?). If you already have a minigrip (I think I read that), then that would be an excellent choice considering your stated criteria.

Given the limited need for a knife there, I think the small multi-tool idea is sound. They can be invaluable for gear repairs. Camp stoves, backpacks, etc. need maintenance and repairs in the field sometimes. One that is very small, light, inexpensive and still pretty capable for its size is the Gerber Clutch. Similar to a LM Juice, but smaller, lighter and cheaper. It's only about $15, so theft is no worry. Keychain size, but can still get some actual work done. The smallish blade should meet your cutting needs. When you are carrying everything on your back up a mountain, every gram adds up. Don't forget a good hat.
 
Go with a SAK or get the Spyderco UK pen knife in blaze. When I went to Philmont the most I ever had to use a knife for was to open the delicious food that they give you to eat while you are out and about. My best advice would spend your resources on very comfortable boots, great socks, a sweet hat, and a comfortable backpack. And save plenty of money to buy trinkets when you are playing tourist. And it is the adventure of a life time.
 
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