I am looking for the ultimate outdoors knife. Can anyone help me?

K

kayladog

Joined
Mar 11, 2000
Messages
5
I am looking for a good all purpose outdoor knife for camping. Something that I will be able to use for leveling weeds and brush, as well as cutting firewood(I HATE HATCHETS AND AXES). I have looked at several different types of knife so far. One is a LTC KUKRI by Cold Steel (or would it be better to go with their heavier model kukri with a 5/16 inch blade, or that of another company <specifically the 20" Ang Khola from the khukuri web-store>?). The second is a BILL HOOK A.K.A. BRUSH CUTTER OR BRUSH HOOK and the third is a WOODMAN'S PAL. I would like something that cuts and chops easily, is sturdy but small enough to carry camping, holds an edge, is made well with good quality materials, and is not unwieldy like a hatchet or ax. I am not looking for the cheapest option and am definitely willing to pay for a quality tool.

Photographs and descriptions of each of these blades can be seen at: http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/ontario/machete1.html
or at http://www.cystern.com/khukuri/

If anyone has any suggestions of what type of knife would be best for me, please let me know at imolner@img.net

Thank You.
 
I suggest you take a look in the Himalayan Imports forum. I think you will be surprised at the Khukuri's, that make the Cold Steel Kukri look wimpi. These khukuri's start at 3/8 inch thickness and go past 5/8 inch thickness using forged 5160 spring steel. If you want a tough tree buster for the least amount of money that looks the scariest get the 15 inch Ang Khola.
 
How about one of Matt Lamey's knives?
bigCampbo~1.jpg


bigrazorbackcamp.jpg


His website is www.lameyknives.com

------------------
Dennis Bible
 
I know the original post stated specifically that axes and hatchets were not desired, but it seems to me the best knife in the world is a poor substitute for a good camp axe. The upside to an axe is that you can abuse it more splitting wood without fear that you'll break a good knife.

Razor

------------------
AKTI #A000845
And tomorrow when you wake up it will be worse.

 
Razor, I disagree, I split an entire chord of fire wood with my 15 inch Ang Khola and it never broke, in fact it handled it with ease much more ease than the same size hatchet I have, and almost as good as my axe. The natural position that the khukuri puts your hand in allows you to do much more chopping than a straight grip without fatigue setting in. A hatchet will not last as long as a khukuri, with the exception of the one that Cliff tested made out of D-2. But you can do much more with a blade than a hatchet.

Kayladog, go into the review/test forum and ask this question. If Cliff is around he will give you an answer of what the toughest knives he's tested are and that may give you several to choose from. Then go into those respective forums and browse and even ask about how strong their knives are. From my understanding the Busse and Himalayan Imports knives are the toughest by a long shot and both have the best guarantees you will see anywere. I suggest you take a hard look at both. Busse's in INFI are $347, I think, the Himalayan Imports are a little cheaper at $175 starting for the 15 inch Ang Khola. If both of these seem to expensive, and you want to stay around $100, the next option is Cold Steel Recon Scout, it is basically a shortened trailmaster, with the same thickness, which makes it much stiffer, in fact I think this one fared well in Cliffs test. I think you can find these near $100 on the net. If price is no option, then it will be up to your taste.
 
I'm afraid I have to agree with Razoredj, sounds like the right tool for the job is a axe or hatchet plus a good GI machete! Sure you can get a big knife and do the job, but why would you want to? You'd only be abusing yourself! This is the age of specialization!
Get the right tool for the job!
 
Kayladog, there are also many custom knife makers that can provide you with extreme quality and durability. Prices are usually fair, but you will have to be willing to wait a while to get a knife since they usually have long waiting lists.

Also, if you want something really inexpensive, check out the Ontario knife products. The marine raider bowie is $40 and is as tough as they come, except that it dulls fairly quickly.

 
I have been giving some serious thought toward importing the Bolo knives from the Philippiens. They use them for everything over there, on the farm, to chop up wood for the fire and so forth. While the design may not be any better or worse than any other, I have a lot of confidence in the steel that goes into them. But the best I have seen for now, at a good price, are the ones they bring in from India. Not the decorative junk, but the real working knife they use for their daily needs.
 
If $$$ no object, any of the larger Busse Basics...Battle Mistress awesome as well.

If money an issue, give any of the larger, beefier Cold Steel field knives a try. I sware by mine. Great tools, and inexpensive enough to beat the hell out of, and just replace if lost or damaged.

Try the Recon Scout from Cold steel, maybe even give the Kabar Classic Marine Fighter a try. Kabar a hell of a KNife for less than $50!!!

Take care...stay sharp..
steve d in NYC
 
John, when you get some specs on these and some pics try to post them, it would be interesting. This is how HI got going. Good quality from another country can be had if you look hard enough. This may be the case with Bolo's. There aren't to many good Indian Khukuri's, but some of the ones comming out of Nepal like HI and to a little lesser degree GH are of good quality.
 
The Big Country Kampr was designed for general camping and outdoors use. At$99, it's a real bargain.Take note of the sheath system. www.knifeware.com

------------------
AKTI Member #A000934
"Always just one knife short of perfection!"
 
That is a good looking knife. Some questions: What is the Blade material and handle material?
 
I agree with some of the others you can not go wrong with A Himilayan Imports 15" Ang Khola.Guaranteed for life no matter what! I think I saw a used one for sale reasonably in the exchange forum. Good luck! Brian

------------------
I'm living on the edge!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top