How Many Inches Are You Packing?

R

RockyNomad

Joined
Oct 25, 2005
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169
I'm looking for a good all around camp knife and I don't know what length to get. Originally I was looking at a 9 incher but after reading other posts I'm thinking 7 inches is more versatile and easier to carry. I want it to be able to handle camp chores including chopping, if need be. I've narrowed down the brands so what is everyone's thoughts on length?
 
Less is more. Massive metal bars with a sharpened edge have their place, but be sure before you buy. A lot of that depends on where you're going and what you have to do. For example, how much chopping do you expect in a hardwood forest with a lot of downed branches? Seven inches on down to five inches is OK, especially with a good handle and a relatively thin blade.
 
Here's my take on it....

I've did alot of camping in my life, and to be totally honest I cannot remember the last time I really NEEDED to chop anything.
In fact, I cannot recall ever really needing a fixed-blade while camping.
I also try to leave as little evidence of my camping as possible, so that the next camper gets to enjoy as pristine of a forest as possible.
And I hate to hear someone chopping while I'm trying to enjoy the wonderful sounds of nature.

So, with that in mind, here are three recommendations:

1) Buck 110.

2) Spyderco Manix.

3) Victorinox Jumpmaster.

Unless you plan on "homesteading", or "blazing a wagon-trail westward", then a folder with a 3"-5" blade is more than enough for a camping trip.
The only possible exception might be a nice fixed fillet knife for wide bodied fish.

Good luck,
Allen
 
The d-2 queens out there are nice,the one with aged amber handles and allumium pomel and heavy duty sheath are like $40.00, nice knife for what you need it fo rand a good one...Mike
 
Allen,
I do a lot of backpacking and I would not be taking a large fixed into the mountains(I live in Colorado). I use a small folder for that. I'm looking more for like car camping or situations where I'm not lugging all my stuff on my back.

Esav,
I already have a RAT-5 which is on the low side you mentioned above. I'm thinking a 9 inch blade may be overkill and that a 7 inch might fit the bill.
 
Pocket knife + Folding saw (looks like a rectangle when assembled) + Small Hatchet :)

Or be a cool cat and get a kukri or something ;)
 
I currently have the Seal Pup Elite which has a 4.875" blade. It's ok but I really miss My Bush Ranger which had a 7.5" blade. It was far better for all around camp chores and it was not too heavy to carry.
 
RockyNomad said:
How Many Inches Are You Packing?
Click to expand...
Thought for a moment there this wasn't knife-related ... :)

Anyway, personally I don't find knives in roughly the 5"-7" range to be that useful in typical outdoor settings. A 9" or so blade makes a much better chopper, and is much easier to use two handed (e.g. like a drawknife) than a smaller blade. Combine that with a small fixed blade or folder for lighter, precision work and you've got a lot of versatility, and IMO not really any more trouble to pack.
 
Although I have a Becker BK-7, I don't use it as often as my 6" Mora for a camp knife. The larger Mora slices like a dream will cut through branches and is easy to sharpen and dosen't cost much. This is a Mora #3 for $18.50 at http://www.ragweedforge.com/

Good Luck!:thumbup:
 
I've used blades from 4" to 10" while camping and found for me a stout 7" blade is the ticket along with a good multi-tool.

Helle
 
Dog of War,

I was going for the curiosity factor so people would read the post and respond. Hehehehe.
 
allenC said:
Here's my take on it....

I've did alot of camping in my life, and to be totally honest I cannot remember the last time I really NEEDED to chop anything.
In fact, I cannot recall ever really needing a fixed-blade while camping.
I also try to leave as little evidence of my camping as possible, so that the next camper gets to enjoy as pristine of a forest as possible.
And I hate to hear someone chopping while I'm trying to enjoy the wonderful sounds of nature.

So, with that in mind, here are three recommendations:

1) Buck 110.

2) Spyderco Manix.

3) Victorinox Jumpmaster.

Unless you plan on "homesteading", or "blazing a wagon-trail westward", then a folder with a 3"-5" blade is more than enough for a camping trip.
The only possible exception might be a nice fixed fillet knife for wide bodied fish.

Good luck,
Allen
Click to expand...


Good recommendations, allenC. It's good to see that you have the next guy/gal in mind and that you don't scar the land anymore than necessary. Thank you!

All three of your recommendations are grand. My current trekking pack folder is the mini-manix. It lives in my pack with a folding Kershaw saw. I also carry a knife on my belt...has been a Victorinox OHT. I'm thinking of replacing it with a BG-42 Buck 110.

And I agree that anything in the 3 -4 inch range can cover most any job for general camping.

:)
 
RockyNomad said:
I was going for the curiosity factor so people would read the post and respond. Hehehehe.
Click to expand...
Bet the female forum members all got their hopes up. 'course you can tell a lot about a man who's confident enough to recommend a 9" blade or bigger. :D

.
 
I have an excellent Becker Crewman . . . that I almost never use.

Big, bulky knives have a way of being left behind (for me, at least). Something with about a 4" blade/8" overall length can do all of my camp chores, and I have done fine with smaller knives too.

I bring a hatchet for chopping.
 
It is not how big it is it is how you use it.




Although that is usually what the guy with a little one says though isn't it?



I like either a 7 inch bowie or a small knife and a hawk.
 
I bought a few fisk ovb bowies in curly maple got a good deal on them on line. 7 inch blade really nice balance a good camp knife. ( i have one for use the others are put awayThey cut and chop and are razor sharp
 
Big knives can do the job of small knives but small knives can't do the job of big knives.

That being said you sould carry knives of different sizes.
A good sized chopper around 9". Something along the lines of a Scrap Yard Dog Father. Thick heavy very tough no frills and all serious. Can be used for any chore like collecting firewood, digging fire pits, prying logs apart, shelters and if need be food prep.

For Small knives something along the lines of SAKS, Multitools and a fixed knife with a blade in the range of 2-4". The SAKS and multi tool have saws which are handy and they have tweezers.


A good combo would be a Dog father and a SAK Rucksack.
Also Dont forget a sharpining Stone!
 
I bought a Camp Tramp but always end up carrying a smaller blade and a small hatchet. Having a knife large enough to chop with seems too big to do anything else with, to me. I have to admit I'm more than a little self-conscious carrying a 7" knife, too.

I like my Blackjack Trailguides (stag or Micarta), an Ontario TAK1 or a Fallkniven F1. I have a take-down bow saw on the way to round out the tool supply.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
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