Ideas for forest fire fighter knife?

F

forester316

Joined
Sep 29, 2010
Messages
6
I need a fixed blade that can be extremely versatile some what along the lines of the Gerber LMF II or the Becker bk7. This will be used from anything from clearing small brush, hammering, camping, and hiking. Thanks for the help open to all sugestions.
 
You need it to fit in any of the pockets on your bunker gear?


Our largest pockets are like 8x8 maybe. Not big enough to carry anything huge... which is why I carry a Izula in one of mine. :)

I'm a fire fighter for my city... but we don't have any forest fires in this part of Texas (or any part?). Just brush/grass.
 
For the price I like the KaBar heavy bowie. At around $50 I wouldn't feel bad if it was lost or damage... or just got a little too hot and the handle or whatever melts. :)
It's surprising to see what kind of gear melts when close to a fire. I've lost a few lights on my helmet. :(

The KaBar does have a crappy sheath though.



Edit: Yup. ^^ BK9 would be good too.
 
i like the looks of the bk 9. will there be that much of a noticeable difference in weight and ease of use for smaller jobs than the bk 7
 
I have an LMF II ASEK. I think it's construction would suit you, but I'm not sure that the handle material will sustain heat. If you want something under $100, Ontario/Ranger RC-7 and company would suit you. They have micarta handles and can be had for around $70. I'm sure all the anti-Ontario fanboys will jump all over me on this one.
 
Another vote for classic Ka-Bar. With leather handle and leather sheath, there's nothing to melt.
 
I vote...One with a chain around the blade and a rip cord attached to the back end. They clear brush pretty fast. Finding one for under 100 might be an issue though. J/K

Sorry, I just had to do it.
 
Man, seriously, for forestry and what you are describing, go with a hatchet. Maybe one of those small Iltis Forestry axes or Gransfors. You can get on of these for around a hundred bucks, and likely get more use out of it. Gransfors makes some small hatchets that you'll likely not even notice they're there. Good luck with whatever you choose, knife or hatchet.
 
How heat resistant is micarta? Several people are pointing to micarta grips but I'm not sure it would be any better than the polymer or rubber grips on other knives at high heat.

I think that a leather handle would be a better option. If it were me, I might look at a custom skeletonized knife and wrap the handle with leather lace or leather rope. You'd have a great grip that would be easily replaced if need be.

Of course, you can buy a factory knife like the Ranger or the Becker and take the scales off and wrap it with leather lace/rope too.
 
Why would you need a big knife at all on wildfires? I've ran crews on more burns than I can count and I think the best thing you could have along would be a multi-tool. If something really needs clearing or chopping we had axes and chainsaws. A change in the weather, water and big tankers is what always ends up putting out the major burns.
 
yea id go with one of the Ka Bars too. I have a Ka bar for my turnouts here and its been a great knife and hasn't melted or anything and it was cheap enough that if it does get melted or broken i wont be heart broken
 
We allready have hatchets i just like to be prepared and a fixed blade would be handy for all outdoor activities in my opinion
 
Machete would be more useful than a 7-9" blade if you will be using it for brush clearing.
 
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