I don't know if I should be happy or sad...

B

Boondock Saint

Joined
Aug 30, 2002
Messages
346
I have slowly come to the realization that as far as blades are concerned, all I really NEED in the wilderness is a modified (Thanks to PICT) $7.00 Tramontina machete, and a $10.00 Mora. The more I work with these tools, the more I realize that I don't really need much else as far as blades go. Does this mean I want to get rid of my ESEE's, KaBars, Spydercos, Leathermans, or SAKs?...HELL no, I love those tools...BUT, I can't decide if I like the fact that those two CHEAP knives are all I ever really need. The Tramontina (with the Idea from PICT) I sanded down the handle to where it is CRAZY comfortable for me. Then I modded the blade to where it is a multi tool in it's self. LOVE this thing. And my Moras?..."sigh"...They are addictive and unbelievable performers for the price. Oh well, anyone else feel this way?

IMG_6039.jpg
 
Yep, I know the feeling. Despite owning a few high end 100 - 200 dollar knives, I always find myself carrying my $15 Mora. I like it better, too. I'm not just carrying it because it's disposable. The knife legitimately rocks.

I don't carry a machete, though. I carry an axe to compliment my knife. Unfortunately, a good axe can't be had for a few bucks like a machete can. I spend about $100 on my axes and find that it's the best tool to carry.

I went hiking today and carried my Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe and a Mora Clipper. Both were used :thumbup:
 
lol im in the same boat i have some of the spendy busse/swamprat or whatever higher end blades and keep finding i like to really use my cheaper mora's
 
i just purchased a tramontina bolo...can't wait for it to get here! Glad you read this to confirm the purchase was a good one!
 
i feel the same way...machete and mora....of course i still own a few busses in case i need to chop through my house. my preference is the tram bolo and the S2 laminated.
 
add a cheap fiskars slideing saw and you've got my favorite combo for woods walking in my AO.
 
Cyblade said:
add a cheap fiskars slideing saw and you've got my favorite combo for woods walking in my AO.
Click to expand...

Winning trio right there. Managed to find a Fiskars saw at the local Reny's salvage/surplus store for $5. :cool: Weighs nothing (like my Mora and most of my machetes) and works great (like my Mora and ALL of my machetes). Can't go wrong! :D:thumbup:
 
Boondock Saint said:
I have slowly come to the realization that as far as blades are concerned, all I really NEED in the wilderness is a modified (Thanks to PICT) $7.00 Tramontina machete, and a $10.00 Mora. The more I work with these tools, the more I realize that I don't really need much else as far as blades go. Does this mean I want to get rid of my ESEE's, KaBars, Spydercos, Leathermans, or SAKs?...HELL no, I love those tools...BUT, I can't decide if I like the fact that those two CHEAP knives are all I ever really need. The Tramontina (with the Idea from PICT) I sanded down the handle to where it is CRAZY comfortable for me. Then I modded the blade to where it is a multi tool in it's self. LOVE this thing. And my Moras?..."sigh"...They are addictive and unbelievable performers for the price. Oh well, anyone else feel this way?

IMG_6039.jpg
Click to expand...

Which Mora is that with the black handle and where can I get one? I can find it with a red handle but i have an dislike for anything red.
 
I know the feeling, but I still don't use them nearly as much as I do more expensive production knives, or customs. I guess it just feels better using the more expensive ones to me.

Although there were several times I wish I had a Mora with me.
 
It's all in your mindset.We have been conditioned by advertising all our lives to think the equipment is the most important thing when in reality it is probably the least important factor in a survival situation.

Taking the time to learn and practice survival skills in a real environment is number one IMHO.The confidence that thoes skills build is number 2.
 
Hey if it's any comfort I have all sorts of knives as well. There's need and then there's want and as long as you keep them both in focus you do fine. I have some higher end knives like my Skookum Bush Tool that I highly enjoy and won't part with. The thing is though if you develop your skills in terms of use and sharpening then simple tools will take you far. Those same skills will allow you to bring the best out of a high end knife as well. The high end knife alone won't get you there.

My mom plays violin, really well. She eventually got to the point that her violin was actually holding her back so she invested in a really expensive one. If she had bought it forty years ago it wouldn't have made any difference in her playing. Mac
 
Boondock Saint said:
I have slowly come to the realization that as far as blades are concerned, all I really NEED in the wilderness is a modified (Thanks to PICT) $7.00 Tramontina machete, and a $10.00 Mora. The more I work with these tools, the more I realize that I don't really need much else as far as blades go. Does this mean I want to get rid of my ESEE's, KaBars, Spydercos, Leathermans, or SAKs?...HELL no, I love those tools...BUT, I can't decide if I like the fact that those two CHEAP knives are all I ever really need. The Tramontina (with the Idea from PICT) I sanded down the handle to where it is CRAZY comfortable for me. Then I modded the blade to where it is a multi tool in it's self. LOVE this thing. And my Moras?..."sigh"...They are addictive and unbelievable performers for the price. Oh well, anyone else feel this way?

IMG_6039.jpg
Click to expand...

I came to that conclusion many years ago, and that led me to what I call the great downsizing. The more I used my old Ontario and 12 inch Tramontina, and Mora's, the more I seemed to loose interest in my high end stuff. I ended up shipping my Randall collection and other custom stuff down to A.G. Russell for selling off. My factory stuff I gave to my kids and grandkids. These days, in retirement, I get to do way more fishing, canoe/kayak camping, and woods rambling than ever, and I trust to my 12 inch Tram and Ontario's in my pack, with a mora on my hip. In mild weather when I don't carry a chopper, a Fiskars saw is in mine and my better halfs pack. Too effective and light weight to leave behind.

With a 10 dollar Tram, a 10 dollar mora, and a 10 dollar Opinel, I seem to be able to most anything that needs to be done. But sometimes I carry a sak too. That's more than 10 dollars.:D

Carl.
 
I have recently come to that conclusion as well, but the enjoyment I get out of owning and carrying a well made, beautiful tool (especially handmade) means that I still spend money on high end stuff and carry the customs and expensive production knives a lot more than the Moras.
 
You could buy a *real* bushcraft knife like "the bushcrafter" from Off the Map Outfitters. I bet you forget all about the Mora.
 
Which tram is that the 12 or the 14?

I echo your thoughts although my tools are a cold steel trail hawk and a SAK Farmer. For me, even a fixed blade is more something that's cool than something that's necessary.
 
boondock I'm really surprised you haven't had to use your flame resistant suit..:D

man you couldn't have said it better, I've been leaning more toward this way of thinking.. the only thing that differs is I throw a folding saw into the mix, works awesome for me..

I love machetes and have most of them set up the same, for now I only have one Mora.. I believe its the original, i pulled it out of a Swiss Army first aid kit I bought at an auction a while back.. OUTSTANDING blade, can't wait to get another.. maybe the clipper??

you are not alone, by a long shot.........................................

btw, I tried watching boondock saints the other day, just couldn't get into it, maybe I'll give it another go..

take care,

Rob
 
pict said:
My mom plays violin, really well. She eventually got to the point that her violin was actually holding her back so she invested in a really expensive one. If she had bought it forty years ago it wouldn't have made any difference in her playing. Mac
Click to expand...

very well said !! I've played a lot of extremely expensive guitars and they haven't helped a bit..... :D

in music as with many things its all in the 'set up', with a properly set up (you fill in the blank) you can make it perform like a million bucks.. especially if you have the skills to get it there..
 
Its not what can I play with, its what do I want to play with. From one side to the other, I like inexpensive to expensive. Can I get by with a Tram and Mora? Yep, is that all I want to own? Nope. I'm a knife hound, and I likes me some steel. In a WTF scenario of anyones choosing, the knife you have is the knife you use. Your skill level has progressed to allow you the use of inexpensive, but good tool. Congrats on that. Some folks haven't, but either way, a good fixed blade and a machete is a great combo, no matter who makes it.

Moose
 
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