How much knife for hiking

Very interesting about pack goats or llamas. I think a short hike is implied by the OP, so I say a small fixed blade and a folder like a SA would be just fine. The trip defines what kind of equipment you will need, be prepared, be smart, but I think short trips don’t need to be overthought. And yes, I am one of the low conversation people, so I do like to hear both sides, but I do not like to hear too many jabs at each other, it wastes my time. Disagreements are one thing, different ideas discussed are ok, that is how I have learned a few things, but if it gets nasty I can just ignore it and not respond, plenty of other reading here to do. Now, I will go back to my chair and browse the site. Anyone need a cup of coffee?
 
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afishhunter said:
Whatever pocket knives are in my pocket, (usually a stockman and a 4 blade Scout/Camp/"Demo" knife or a SAK Huntsman) and maybe a Buck 110 or 2 blade slipjoint folding hunter on my belt.
Sometimes (but not always) when hunting I'd put a 4~5 inch fixed blade on my belt in place of the 110. Largest knife I ever took afield is a Western L66.
Most of the "bushcrafters" on you tube believe brute force is the way. I learned long ago that knowledge and finesse beats brute force 100% of the time, and is easier on you and your tools.
A cable saw in your pocket or a folding saw in the backpack makes life a lot easier if for some reason you have to fell saplings or drop a branch (either of which is pretty much a no-no in most state and Federal lands/forests/parks now days) and add less weight to your gear than a large "chopper" knife.
You can fell a sapling or drop a branch with a folding knife. Vinnie of 'Vinnie's Day Off' on You Tube made a shelter using a two blade pen knife (master blade under 3 inches) felling saplings, cutting grass for thatch, cutting the cord/twine, etc.
"Knowledge and Finesse beats brute strength" is proven in all his videos. He used an Opinel N°9 to build a shelter and other survival items (including a bow and some arrows), in another of his videos.
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Very useful channel recommendation! Finesse and knowledge is indeed the way to go.

One always COULD cut a turkey like this... but it ain't best haha
https://imgur.com/a/YwF3VOS
 
For day hikes I'll just carry a folder. If it's a multi day trip and I'm planning on building a fire I just carry my Becker BK16, a Bahco folding saw, and then whichever folder. The BK16 is always plenty for me, I never really process any wood more than 3" wide anyways.. anything bigger than that just gets thrown on the fire whole..
 
RugerNurse said:
With all this bushcraft stuff on YouTube promoting larger fixed blades, how many people head out into the woods with a folding knife? I’m expecting a Buck 112 slim to try out soon on some small hikes. Can’t image needing a 6” fixed blade unless bushcraft is really your thing.
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I carry a folder a lot, especially after being "abusive" to some and being surprised on how well they hold up vs how well they are "supposed" to hold up. They're just really convenient to carry, especially when the kids are with me. Getting an edge hidden is really important to me these days.
 
Alone said:
You can even dress-up that little BK-2 in a tux and cummerbund, to leave it to your Grandkid's Grandkids as an "heirloom" piece... (*after wailin' on it quite good, of course)



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The BK2 does definitely improve with the addition of more classic looking scales than the tan plastic it comes with. The plastic handle looks like it's made from recycled GI Joe dolls (At least I tell myself it's from recycled GI Joe dolls and not from recycled Barbie dolls). This knife also has the added bonus on a hike of turning leg day into arm day, if you decide to throw in some reverse arm curls at some point.
 
Lesknife said:
Over the years growing up on a farm and ranch… At work I sometimes carry around a gear edc bag…
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Les, I fear you’re gonna scare the hikers with your talk of work and chores. Seems like their goal is just to get out someplace and “be there”. That’s not a bad thing I guess, but it’s not the same as work. No testing, troubleshooting, fabbing repair parts out of scrap materials, no lugging around a ladder and a hole hawg or side grinder or Skil 77.

Most of my work is either to restore some operational condition to resume an essential process (fixing things) or to prevent some failure or malfunction before it occurs (fixing things before they’re busted, or more busted) so an essential process can continue. I picture yours as similar, you gotta have your head into the problem. Whole different thing from a walk in the woods, or where there are no woods. That’s what we do on our days off.

Don’t mix work and hiking is my advice, the hikers will bind up on it and we’ll never get any work out of them at all.

Okay, back to the barbershop, sorry to have bothered you with work talk. Carry on.

Parker
 
catspa said:
Les, I fear you’re gonna scare the hikers with your talk of work and chores. Seems like their goal is just to get out someplace and “be there”. That’s not a bad thing I guess, but it’s not the same as work. No testing, troubleshooting, fabbing repair parts out of scrap materials, no lugging around a ladder and a hole hawg or side grinder or Skil 77.

Most of my work is either to restore some operational condition to resume an essential process (fixing things) or to prevent some failure or malfunction before it occurs (fixing things before they’re busted, or more busted) so an essential process can continue. I picture yours as similar, you gotta have your head into the problem. Whole different thing from a walk in the woods, or where there are no woods. That’s what we do on our days off.

Don’t mix work and hiking is my advice, the hikers will bind up on it and we’ll never get any work out of them at all.

Okay, back to the barbershop, sorry to have bothered you with work talk. Carry on.

Parker
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Come onnnn, I wanna apply for your job, so I can hang out in the woods and appreciate the wilderness! 😂
 
As a kid, I went through a phase of wanting to be a park ranger, cause you could live out in the woods all the time. Later on, when I found out how much outdoor babysitting was involved, the idea kinda lost its shine.

In contrast, the residential construction trades have been good for me since my late teens. Driving around with my dog in a truck full of tools, plenty of fresh air, largely avoiding the “people hassles” intrinsic to many jobs, elderly ladies baking me cookies (doesn’t always happen, but often enough), things could sure be a lot worse.

Parker
 
catspa said:
As a kid, I went through a phase of wanting to be a park ranger, cause you could live out in the woods all the time. Later on, when I found out how much outdoor babysitting was involved, the idea kinda lost its shine.

In contrast, the residential construction trades have been good for me since my late teens. Driving around with my dog in a truck full of tools, plenty of fresh air, largely avoiding the “people hassles” intrinsic to many jobs, elderly ladies baking me cookies (doesn’t always happen, but often enough), things could sure be a lot worse.

Parker
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Gotta love them cookies and a cold glass of lemonade or tea.
 
OK, full disclosure - in my last few longer and more demanding hikes I did not have any knives with me for a ridiculous reason - the hikes were abroad an I always carry only a 25 liter backpack I place under the seat in front of me. Still remember when years ago the traumatic feeling of throwing before departure an inexpensive locally purchased knife in a trash bin in front of the Bangkok terminal. Guess what - I never needed a knife in my hikes when I didn't have one. To me hypothermia is the most dangerous thing, and a tiny nylon poncho saved me twice. Just my experience and I do not suggest anything to anybody. Assume that I am inexperienced and reckless hiker who is asking for trouble.
Any travel book or internet travel cite suggest for traveling light, and then they list of "must" items that will require a 45 liter backpack packed with at least 30lb. of state of the art lightweight, durable and expensive items. And there are may hikers equipped with purchased hiking poles, and also having a good sturdy knife - why didn't they make a stick for themselves and then throw it away- at least they will put the knife in use? :)
I know, I know - better to be prepared, and better safe than sorry. Same with knives - a kukri will be much better against a mountain lion than a SAK, right? I will stop here because I obviously sound opinionated, judgmental and dogmatic, but for me just for hiking any folder will be enough, and will be optional.
 
catspa said:
As a kid, I went through a phase of wanting to be a park ranger, cause you could live out in the woods all the time. Later on, when I found out how much outdoor babysitting was involved, the idea kinda lost its shine.

In contrast, the residential construction trades have been good for me since my late teens. Driving around with my dog in a truck full of tools, plenty of fresh air, largely avoiding the “people hassles” intrinsic to many jobs, elderly ladies baking me cookies (doesn’t always happen, but often enough), things could sure be a lot worse.

Parker
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Much the same for me. I even went to school for natural resources conservation, and wound up in tree care. We have a running joke that if a customer offers us a beer we have to drink it because I added it as a rule to our non existent company rulebook.
 
vinprom said:
OK, full disclosure - in my last few longer and more demanding hikes I did not have any knives with me for a ridiculous reason - the hikes were abroad an I always carry only a 25 liter backpack I place under the seat in front of me. Still remember when years ago the traumatic feeling of throwing before departure an inexpensive locally purchased knife in a trash bin in front of the Bangkok terminal. Guess what - I never needed a knife in my hikes when I didn't have one. To me hypothermia is the most dangerous thing, and a tiny nylon poncho saved me twice. Just my experience and I do not suggest anything to anybody. Assume that I am inexperienced and reckless hiker who is asking for trouble.
Any travel book or internet travel cite suggest for traveling light, and then they list of "must" items that will require a 45 liter backpack packed with at least 30lb. of state of the art lightweight, durable and expensive items. And there are may hikers equipped with purchased hiking poles, and also having a good sturdy knife - why didn't they make a stick for themselves and then throw it away- at least they will put the knife in use? :)
I know, I know - better to be prepared, and better safe than sorry. Same with knives - a kukri will be much better against a mountain lion than a SAK, right? I will stop here because I obviously sound opinionated, judgmental and dogmatic, but for me just for hiking any folder will be enough, and will be optional.
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I agree with you, protection from the elements is much more important than a knife...most of the times..
I went on hundreds of hikes without using my knife..i still pack it for that one instance where it might save my life some day.
 
My best buddy hiked the full length of Japan, including Hokkaido, and I’m almost positive he didn’t have a knife with him.

I wouldn’t go without any kind of knife, personally, but I do believe we over inflate the case for knives.
 
I have a sling bag with a bunch of general stuff in it I take with me day to day including day hikes or daily dog walks thru local conservation parks. The knife tucked in a pouch in the bag is a basic rat 3. Ive never had a need to use it, but its light and slim and I hardly notice its weight or presence in my bag. In my pocket I normally have a SAK or some Rough Rider slip joint something.
 
EngrSorenson said:
My best buddy hiked the full length of Japan, including Hokkaido, and I’m almost positive he didn’t have a knife with him.

I wouldn’t go without any kind of knife, personally, but I do believe we over inflate the case for knives.
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What did he do, eat in restaurants and food stalls the whole way? Knives on long hikes are most about food prep for me.
 
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