Hiking with knives

bigghoss said:
They're G10 so I would think they'd do well.
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really really well.
'course they'll be heavier than stock.
I have a 2 with a bright orange sheath that I keep meaning to give a friend as a gift. Kinda the same idea.
 
When hiking with my wife in Kachemak Bay State Park, Alaska. We had to take a water taxi to the park. On the return trip the boat captain said he had one stop to make. He picked up another family that had been camping there on the other side of the bay. They climbed aboard the boat with their packs. I was a little shocked when I saw Dad had an AK, son an AR15, Mom a shotgun-- on their packs. The Dad looked at me and said, "nice knife!" when he noticed my BK2 on my pack. They seemed more concerned that we didn't have a firearm while hiking that park.
It all boils down to the group of people. If you use your brain and don't act like an idiot with a big knife you will be fine.
 
daizee said:
really really well.
'course they'll be heavier than stock.
I have a 2 with a bright orange sheath that I keep meaning to give a friend as a gift. Kinda the same idea.
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bigghoss said:
They're G10 so I would think they'd do well.
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thanks I'll have to save up for a pair

Fireform said:
Done a lot of backpacking. Would never carry a boat anchor like the BK2.
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Me too and it's with me more often then not, that's why I started the thread I didn't want to be and now won't be without it
 
My thoughts: Better to have it & not need it, then to need it & not have it.

I would BK-10 it all day long. Trick is to make it carry comfortably for you. What works for me is a custom made D-ring (i use 3/16" steel rod) & a double snap belt keeper. Basically, my own home made belt drop swivel.



I make these for all my med-large blades. You can bend, squat, twist, kneel, work, get into & out of vehicles, on and off atv's & horses & not even know it's there.

Look at it as an opportunity to educate those who ONLY see a knife as a weapon, & show them that it is a VERY useful tool.

That happened to me once in a gas station. Cashier saw my clip for my folder in my front right pocket & she said "what's the weapon for. I laughed & said "it is not a weapon, it is a tool. It does NOT become a weapon until someone uses it in a criminal manner. Lot of people in prison for killing someone with a hammer (i know this because i have worked in one for 27+ years), yet they are still a tool until someone uses them in a criminal manner. I then asked her "do you cut your food with a "weapon"? She said no, i said "exactly.
 
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I've read through this thread; Belt up and carry it with confidence. Problem solved.
 
TwinStick said:
My thoughts: Better to have it & not need it, then to need it & not have it.

I would BK-10 it all day long. Trick is to make it carry comfortably for you. What works for me is a custom made D-ring (i use 3/16" steel rod) & a double snap belt keeper. Basically, my own home made belt drop swivel.

...

I make these for all my med-large blades. You can bend, squat, twist, kneel, work, get into & out of vehicles, on and off atv's & horses & not even know it's there.

Look at it as an opportunity to educate those who ONLY see a knife as a weapon, & show them that it is a VERY useful tool.

That happened to me once in a gas station. Cashier saw my clip for my folder in my front right pocket & she said "what's the weapon for. I laughed & said "it is not a weapon, it is a tool. It does NOT become a weapon until someone uses it in a criminal manner. Lot of people in prison for killing someone with a hammer (i know this because i have worked in one for 27+ years), yet they are still a tool until someone uses them in a criminal manner. I then asked her "do you cut your food with a "weapon"? She said no, i said "exactly.
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when you've had a tool pulled on you enough times, it's a weapon...
 
Normally I only hike with people I know and most of them are former scouts as me. So everyone knows the value of a good knife. Our knife laws here in Germany only allow carrying fixed knives (with a blade length of over 12cm, 4,72 inch) when a: used for a socially accepted reason (like hiking or camping) b: if you need it for your work, or c: for customs, heritage and tradition care.
So, the only possibility to walk around legally with my 7 strapped to my leg is when I'm out on a hike. So I carry the knife proud and open. I would not (if avoidable) hike with somebody who's feelings are hurt by a tool.

Practically I don't always carry the biggest knife in my drawer, the 14 in my right front pocket is capable of so much more than It's size does suggest. Together with a saw equipped SAK, there is not much I can not do:)
 
willard0341 said:
I've been hit by a car twice and a knife pulled on me once...I bet you call ar15s "assault weapons" too.
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i've had a gun pulled on me 2-3 times

been menanced with more baseball bats and farm tools.

i'd rather be shot than cut if i had a choice that was no choice

i call ar15s "adult legos" for arm chair ninjas :D
 
I would probably joke with you about lugging around a bk2. It's way too heavy for my taste to take backpacking. Then I would probably offer to let you borrow my 14 for the trail. I don't think anything larger than a Becker tween is necessary for an overnight. I also would not be offended if someone else showed up with larger knife.
 
Bladite said:
i call ar15s "adult legos" for arm chair ninjas :D
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Huh,
Really?? 😉
You don't think that for every joker out there who is an "armchair commando" there is at least one guy who is serious about what they do?

I don't own an AR, but I know people that do, and I would think of them as some of the most serious/well-meaning people that I know.
I wouldn't think of an AR as anymore of a toy than a Becker would be...
Different opinions are cool,
Just trying to understand.
 
Location is key. I see guys in the grocery store/gas station in real tree camo and big knives on their belts here all the time.

In New Zealand I had a park ranger tell me to keep in my pack and to not cut any live trees but bushes/vines/dead trees were ok

Indonesia (the place I was the most afraid to carry the bk9) we were woken up around 11:00 pm by 2 cops in military fatigues and assault rifles (terrifying way to be awoken) because of our tiny camp fire. They didn't search us or anything like that, but they asked if we had any drugs or weapons. Reluctantly I brought out the bk9, and explained that I had it to replace a hatchet and machete, terrified that I was about to have it confiscated but quite the opposite, they loved it and even played with it a little. We all talked for about an hour and they didn't say one word about camping, fishing, or anything at all. They gave us recommendations on areas we should visit and local foods to try!

In your situation, as long as you're not breaking any laws, or doing anything clearly wreckless or dangerous, I think you'll be totally fine. I'd almost suggest having it attached to your pack at first, just so everyone knows you have it, and if anyone says anything just explain that it is to replace a hatchet. If they seem nervous just offer to leave it in your pack out of sight.

I honestly think you'll be fine unless you're hiking with some real softies.
 
granitestateofmind said:
So.....what was the outcome, TMI? Did people freak at your "HUGE" knife or what? Inquiring minds wish to know!
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Night before the hike I was coming home on the train and there was a loud noise I turned my head real quick to see what it was and my back went into spasms, I've been on bed rest for a week plus now. Figures right?
 
Damn. Sorry to hear that. At least it's only bed rest.....that happened to me a couple of years ago and it turned into surgery. But only after weeks off work, going back to work for a month, a 50th birthday colonoscopy and another couple months off work. Back problems suck....mostly 'cause there ain't $#!T all you can do about them unless something goes terribly wrong.
 
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