Recommendation? hiking knife

[Henry Beige]

I recently bought a Buck Bantam and one of my first thoughts was "wow, it's so light I could carry it in scrubs pants pockets." If you've worn scrubs with an elastic waist you know that anything past a strong breeze can make those things come off faster than panties at a Tom Jones concert.

That can be a good thing, right?

 

[metulburr]

So did you decide if a sling pack or other kind of light weight pack would meet your needs or does the search continue? Hope you find the right solution that helps carry a knife and still allows you the freedom of movement. I still think the Buck Slim or Slim Pro 110 or 112 would be a good light weight knife. Just how to carry one? Or at the very least, maybe Swiss Army knives, plenty of choices and tools to choose from, the Alox Pioneer I use often, and I like the Pioneer X with the scissors.

Ive checked a lot of knife options listed. Researched alot online, checked some out at stores in person, checked out bags and slings. I bought some jean shorts as well as cargo shorts. Im still "testing" them as i am use to comfortable lightweight shorts. I feel restricted in them though. They work OK for now, but i am not sure when its hot and humid out. Ill have to get back on you on that. Ive tried sling bags and 20L backpacks. I havent bought anything new yet regarding those. I made a new more comfortable leather sheath for my buck 110 as the one that came with it dug into my side as i walked. This custom one i forget its there and have to keep checking to make sure i didnt lose it. So i am trying a bunch of options provided from this thread. Im still not set on one or the other yet.

I have the Aluminum 110 from Copper and Clad, which has black micarta scales. Same basic price range as the ebony version you've found. It's become my most commonly carried knife since I got it for Christmas 2 years ago. I think it's a wonderful knife.

Couple of thoughts...

• The Aluminum framed 110 is infinitely better than any plastic Buck I've owned, including the Ecolite. Every plastic Buck I've owned developed bad blade play in about a year. If you want a lightweight 110, I think this is a great option.
• I remain leery of the new Slim 110. The one I handled had play, play has been reported by others, and if I recall correctly Buck has said they've addressed some manufacturing issues to get rid of it. I plan on waiting a few years to let things settle down before I try one.
• The Aluminum 110 has a very different feel in terms of balance. The brass 110 is very handle heavy, particularly at the butt end. The Aluminum 110 is more balanced and much lighter; so much so, it didn't feel right in my hand for the first several months. After about 6 months, I found that I actually prefer the Aluminum 110 and at this point, I find traditional brass or nickel 110s just too heavy in the hand (and in the pocket). This is YMMV territory. You might hate the feel of the Aluminum 110 as it feels like an entirely different knife. I prefer it but that won't help you.
• My Aluminum 110 weighs 4.3 oz on my scale. My stainless Mora Companion weighs 4.1 oz. If one makes the commitment to carry one's knife in the pack, I think the Mora Companion is a better hiking/backpacking knife than the Aluminum 110 in every possible way, save one... It's not a Buck 110. The Buck 110 is just so beautiful and so pleasing in the hand. The Companion is ugly. But the plastic sheath works stunningly well. The Companion's handle is, actually, better at just about everything. The Companion is a stronger knife just because it's a fixed blade. And it's a tick lighter. When I'm not counting ounces, I carry the Companion in my pack and leave my Aluminum 110 in the car.
• If I'm counting ounces, I carry an Opinel #9 Inox. It's about 2 oz, is a much tougher knife than the Buck 110 (surprising, but true in my experience) but not as tough as the Companion.

Regarding shorts... stick by your guns. IMO, better to get your pack situation sorted out. I recommend a day pack with about 30L capacity for day hiking.

This is an awesome review. This makes me want that knife. I was worried about switching to plastic slim models and this confirmed other reviews on that as well. The one thing i love about buck 110 is the handle shape...in which the aluminum model retains. Ive looked at Opinel #9 Inox before. Im surprised by your comment of it being tougher than the 110 as in just appearance it looks like a cheap Chinese type knife. But i will have to check that out in more detail now.

 

[pinnah]

Ive looked at Opinel #9 Inox before. Im surprised by your comment of it being tougher than the 110 as in just appearance it looks like a cheap Chinese type knife. But i will have to check that out in more detail now.

I'll try to describe my experiences with the Opinels compared to my Buck lock backs.

I think a locking folder can "fail" in 4 ways.

1. The lock can fail unexpectedly. This mostly happens when you pry or stab with the knife and create a strong closing force. As a rule, I don't do this with folders so it's not something I worry about. Note, I've heard of Buck 110s closing while under very hard cutting in what might be called a sling shot type failure. And an Opinel's lock ring can move while you use it, allowing the blade to close unexpectedly. I just keep my thumb and eye on the lock ring to monitor it. Also note, the Opinel lock ring is very, very, very weak, especially compared to the Buck's lock back but again, I try to not rely on locks.
2. The knife can develop vertical play (aka lock rock) after repeated hard cutting. This is what has killed every plastic Buck I've owned and I have other lock backs that have worn out in this way. I don't trust lock backs with lock rock as this is what leads to sling shot failures. The design of the Opinel's inner collar makes Opinels more durable to this sort of wear. After a lot of use, it is possible to simply wear a divot in the inner ring and blade and for the blade to "rise" more when opened. But they don't develop lock rock.
3. A knife can develop horizontal wobble at the pivot, especially if you pry with it. Buck 110s aren't strong at all in this regard. Opinels are amazingly strong in this regard. You'll break the Opinel's blade long before it developed lateral play.
4. The blade pivot and lock mechanism can become fouled with dirt or debris and not lock correctly. This doesn't affect the Opinel's lock at all but it does affect any lock back, including the 110. I'll be working outside this weekend in a sandy environment and will take an Opinel, not a Buck for this reason.

The Opinels are quirky and require some knowledge to tune and maintain. Other members here are very helpful and directed me towards Johnson's Paste Wax melted into the joint to help prevent them from seizing up when wet. But even then, they're fiddly. And in the end, they aren't a Buck 110.

But they are very durable and very light. They're incredibly capable knives.

 

[WillB]

I'll try to describe my experiences with the Opinels compared to my Buck lock backs.

I think a locking folder can "fail" in 4 ways.

You know what does not fail? A fixed blade. Sorry, couldn't resist that low hanging fruit.

 

[Shotgun]

Find a sheath for your 110, slip some paracord through the belt loop and wear it around your neck. Or get a lighter knife that will work with your shorts.

If you’re worried about animals I would opt for a sturdy walking stick to a knife. Keep as much distance from rabies as you can get.

I can’t imagine going on even short hikes without a pack. Does not compute.

 

[pinnah]

You know what does not fail? A fixed blade. Sorry, couldn't resist that low hanging fruit.

Right. Which is why I carry a Mora if I'm not counting ounces or if I plan on making fires.

But for light trips with stoves, the Opinel is 2 oz lighter.

 

[WillB]

Right. Which is why I carry a Mora if I'm not counting ounces or if I plan on making fires.

But for light trips with stoves, the Opinel is 2 oz lighter.

Are you counting oz's on a basic afternoon hike with family? Probably not. Fending off animals with a knife is already a bad proposition, doing so with some little folder is just goofy. If you're off hiking real distance and camping, etc, I understand every oz adds up. As others said, walking stick and a can of good OC a better choice for that (things that go bang notwithstanding...), and a good knife always worth having for any number of reasons. I'd take the added ozs of a good fixed blade when hiking in the woods myself.

 

[metulburr]

I'll try to describe my experiences with the Opinels compared to my Buck lock backs.

I think a locking folder can "fail" in 4 ways.

1. The lock can fail unexpectedly. This mostly happens when you pry or stab with the knife and create a strong closing force. As a rule, I don't do this with folders so it's not something I worry about. Note, I've heard of Buck 110s closing while under very hard cutting in what might be called a sling shot type failure. And an Opinel's lock ring can move while you use it, allowing the blade to close unexpectedly. I just keep my thumb and eye on the lock ring to monitor it. Also note, the Opinel lock ring is very, very, very weak, especially compared to the Buck's lock back but again, I try to not rely on locks.
2. The knife can develop vertical play (aka lock rock) after repeated hard cutting. This is what has killed every plastic Buck I've owned and I have other lock backs that have worn out in this way. I don't trust lock backs with lock rock as this is what leads to sling shot failures. The design of the Opinel's inner collar makes Opinels more durable to this sort of wear. After a lot of use, it is possible to simply wear a divot in the inner ring and blade and for the blade to "rise" more when opened. But they don't develop lock rock.
3. A knife can develop horizontal wobble at the pivot, especially if you pry with it. Buck 110s aren't strong at all in this regard. Opinels are amazingly strong in this regard. You'll break the Opinel's blade long before it developed lateral play.
4. The blade pivot and lock mechanism can become fouled with dirt or debris and not lock correctly. This doesn't affect the Opinel's lock at all but it does affect any lock back, including the 110. I'll be working outside this weekend in a sandy environment and will take an Opinel, not a Buck for this reason.

The Opinels are quirky and require some knowledge to tune and maintain. Other members here are very helpful and directed me towards Johnson's Paste Wax melted into the joint to help prevent them from seizing up when wet. But even then, they're fiddly. And in the end, they aren't a Buck 110.

But they are very durable and very light. They're incredibly capable knives.

thats interesting. I heard more of 110's tips breaking off...not any of the locks breaking. But i assume with enough pressure, it would be forced closed. Although i dont ever pry or stab with my knives (on normal use).

Are you counting oz's on a basic afternoon hike with family? Probably not. Fending off animals with a knife is already a bad proposition, doing so with some little folder is just goofy. If you're off hiking real distance and camping, etc, I understand every oz adds up. As others said, walking stick and a can of good OC a better choice for that (things that go bang notwithstanding...), and a good knife always worth having for any number of reasons. I'd take the added ozs of a good fixed blade when hiking in the woods myself.

I initially was looking for a lightweight knife to just throw in my pocket. If i am already using a belt, i might as well just use a fixed blade. I obviously am not anticipating fending off animals with a folder. But a folder is much more concealable, portable, and easier to pack. Of course i would rather have a gun than a fixed blade, and i would rather have a fixed blade than a folder, but i would rather have a folder than my fist. I just dont want to hike around with nothing. And i dont even have the option of a gun. So its either a stick or knife. Im not really thinking of spray because its only use is self defense, whereas a knife has multiple purposes.

 

[WillB]

thats interesting. I heard more of 110's tips breaking off...not any of the locks breaking. But i assume with enough pressure, it would be forced closed. Although i dont ever pry or stab with my knives (on normal use).


I initially was looking for a lightweight knife to just throw in my pocket. If i am already using a belt, i might as well just use a fixed blade. I obviously am not anticipating fending off animals with a folder. But a folder is much more concealable, portable, and easier to pack. Of course i would rather have a gun than a fixed blade, and i would rather have a fixed blade than a folder, but i would rather have a folder than my fist. I just dont want to hike around with nothing. And i dont even have the option of a gun. So its either a stick or knife. Im not really thinking of spray because its only use is self defense, whereas a knife has multiple purposes.

Even that's debatable and depends very much on which fixed blade you choose. I'd still posit the juice is not worth the squeeze of a folder vs fixed for your intended uses. Most people's uses actually, but that's another thread... Here's my current EDC vs BM for example, both have 3.5" blades. I can drop it in my pocket, or put in pocket using clip as a folder would, or carry as IWB. More options, less or similar weight, no wondering about lock up, lubed bearing and washers, etc, etc.