How Large Are Ya Prepared To Carry ?

pitdog

pitdog

Joined
Apr 13, 2007
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I guess this is a similar take on threads of the past but here ya go anyway:

Whenever a thread comes up about the perfect size for a survival knife, the most common answer I see is a blade around the 5"-6" mark, this knife will get ya by for most tasks cutting, slicing and even moderate chopping.

This is where it gets a little complicated, when the question gets asked what length knife you usually carry for day hikes etc, a blade length of 3" or there abouts often gets mentioned.

Taking into account that most survival scenario's occur during day hikes that go wrong, not big planned expeditions in unchartered places,you'd think that we would be a little more prepared.
We often quote that your survival knife is the knife ya have with you when you need to survive so why are we not carrying the larger knives ?

So to get to the point ' what is the maximum length of knife you are prepared to carry when on day hikes etc, please give the overall length and not the blade size !!!
 
I usually have my Bark River Golok attached to my day pack. Does that count?
If not, my Koster Bushcraft has been on my belt lately.
 
pitdog said:
So to get to the point ' what is the maximum length of knife you are prepared to carry when on day hikes etc, please give the overall length and not the blade size !!!
Click to expand...

8 1/4" OAL is my maximum.(The total length of my JK Hiker)
 
A little sub 3" SAK in the pocket, on an every day basis.

When hunting, I also carry a Cold Steel Master Hunter (about 5" blade), and possibly a 14" Fiskars hatchet which I have radically thinned with a bench sander.

Depends on where I'm goin, and what I'm doin.

CHEERS
 
I should have added that we all know that it's possible get by with a 3" blade but if we did have to split wood due to it being wet and we did have to construct a shelter it is all far easier and quicker with a large knife or an axe.
 
On dayhikes, I usually just carry a large folder, either my Spyderco Endura or CS Voyager accompanied by my SAK Huntsman. I also carry a first aid bag that contains a flashlight, firestarters and other basic needs. Oh and a water filter.. I'm not overly prepared but I think I'm okay.
 
For me the 3" is pretty much an urban park environment thing. If I'm actually outdoors, I don't mind carrying a 6 or 7" blade. I have on a few occasions trotted my RD-9 around on my belt, but thats a bit too much and the cordura sheath is horrid. However, a chopper knife in the pack or axe is reasonable.
 
You raise an interesting point, pitdog. I was thinking about this recently in a newfound thirst for a BRKT Gunny. Everybody says it's a nice size knife for day hikes, etc.

However, I was thinking the same thing about these situations occurring when you least expect them, and would I rather have a Gunny or my Bravo-1 with me at that time. I'm sure I don't have to finish that :rolleyes: , so I decided that I should always take the Bravo-1 with me (9.065 inches overall - 4.25 inch blade).

Of course, I also EDC a Buck Alpha Dorado, Spyderco Manix and Vic Spirit :o

In a more extended excursion, I would also always carry my Cincinatti Becker Machax - it's 14.5 inches from blade tip to handle tip (9 inch blade) and weighs 20 ounces. When carried on a Baldric, I forget it's there sometimes. (I know how Linus feels about his blanket :rolleyes:)

Doc
 
ALL my time in the bush, I have a chopper. Mainly because.. I always chop or baton something. It is my stress reliever, and it works well.
 
My steel is the same no matter the length of trip, though the size of axe/hatchet will vary. So basically, my choices are integrous without regard to intended duration of stay.
 
I should really add that by law I am limited to a sub 4" sharpened edge anyway. So since I am a good, upstanding , law abiding citizen :) the largest I carry has a 3 7/8" blade.

I have a saw on my SAK always, and an axe/hatchet in my bag during cold months. My new 10" Wetterlings should fill my chopper needs quite well.

So...unlike the rest of you guys large chopping knives are not realistic for me in a survival situation.:(
 
SpookyPistolero said:
My steel is the same no matter the length of trip, though the size of axe/hatchet will vary. So basically, my choices are integrous without regard to intended duration of stay.
Click to expand...

Which is actually as it should be buddy, we never set out with the intention of fighting for our survival but like you we should be prepared for that eventuality !:thumbup:
 
I am prepared to carry my H.I. M-43 kukri on most of my hikes. most of the time close to home etc. I generaly carry just one of my 5 inchers.
 
I carry small to mid-size FBs when I'm hiking. I wear large blades (goloks, machetes, etc.) pretty much everyday when I'm working outside, or if I'm camping. When I wear a large blade, I always keep a smaller blade or tool with me too.
 
i rarely carry a knife with a blade bigger than 4 in.. that's what works best for me..
 
Overall length for me would be 8 1/2" to 10". If I had to pick one, it would be 10".
Scott
 
I'm carring the BK9 the majority of the time, however The Blind Horse Bushcrafter is growing on me in a hurry.
 
i always have a foldiing saw in my pack during day hikes. my fixed blade ranges from 4-5 inches.

i do like to bring in a chopper from time to time but no matter what i ALWAYS have a folding saw in my day pack. i'm prepared to have to process larger trees with the saw if i need to.
 
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