Inexpensive camp knife?

M

maury

Joined
Sep 24, 2000
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606
OK - Here's my problem: Several times a year I have been fortunate enough together with a bunch of old friends to camp for a bit, deplete the beer reserves, etc. The trip involves a plane flight. Amost always fly w/carry-on luggage, since am usually on standby.

Now, no blades in carry-on. We will all agree that camping w/o a good knife is just plain stupid. One solution am considering is to mail my knife ahead (and back). I really don't want to "loose" a good blade in the mail, so would appreciate any suggestions on something inexpensive enough so that I won't be kickin' my self if I find that has happened, but good enough for hard camp use.

I perfer a folder. Maybe in the $20-30 range if that's not being too unrealistic? Looking around, one of the Gerber Gators (eazy-out?, studgator? looks like a possible, but have never actually used one. Anyway, any suggestions on a choice would be much appreciated. Thanks!
 
If it needs to be a folder, try a Buck Goliath lockback. Big, broad clip point blade with equally large zytel handle. Light, functional, inexpensive. They are discontinued. But there was one posted on the F/S forum just recent. About $35 MSRP.

Nakano
 
Who camps with a folder?!! ;)

One of the great things about camping or hunting in the great outdoors is the freedom to strap a giant blade on your hip without any fear of PC reprisals.

It ain't a folder, but I am considering the CRKT Companion for just such an inexpensive camper: http://www.onestopknifeshop.com/images/crkt/cr-2773-2783-catalog.jpg Comes with two sheaths (belt and neck), cord, and chain. One stop has the whole set up for $33.
 
If you are going to ship your knife, why wouldn't you ship a fixed blade? Toss in a SAK (Victornox/Wegner) for the small jobs but, use a fixed blade for everything else. You probably already own one that works well. Shipped UPS your covered for $100 loss. At the post office, 3-day priority with insurance isn't too bad either.
 
or a spec plus any size. they are cheap and make it through 1 camping trip at least.

even before 9.11 I was sending my knives ahead priority insured, never had a problem.all my trips to CA, NYC, my 2 $120 & $189 knives were sent ahead.
 
As long as loss is a concern there is only one choice that will work when you get
there. ANY Spec-Plus knife of your choice including the folders. I've used both
from them and find them all to be acceptable using quality that I'm not afraid to
beat the dickins out of using them. For what they cost loss is a non-issue.
 
I recently picked up a Buck Pathfinder at Wal-Mart for 18.00, for a small BOB for a female family member, and it seems to be a pretty durable 5" bladed camp knife.

Due to arthritis, she has trouble handling folding knives.
 
I also would not recommend a folder as the primary camp use knife. At your budget I would get a Ka Bar from Ka Bar or Camillus as the camp knife.

7" fixed blade in a good steel (1095)

One of the best deals in the industry IMHO:D
 
...maybe not the best and certainly not a folder, but my camping must-have is a Schrade Sharpfinger. For around $30 this knife has gone through more than its fair share of hard use and is still one of my favorites. It is one of my best investments, practically speaking.
Actually, http://www.bullmancutlery.com/catalog/schrade/ has it for $21.63.
Happy Camping!
FM.
 
These are all good suggestions. However,if "cheapness" is really an issue the best way to go might be "Wally World's Best" Old Hickory kitchen knives. These are good old carbon steel knives that take and hold a great edge and are sold at prices that make them almost "disposable". Since "Wally's" are practically everywhere, unless one is really up in the tall lonesome, one may do well to purchase one of these knives after arrival at the destination. Also, "WW" has greatly expanded their selection of Old Hickory knives, recently, and many stores devote a separate display to them. Pick up a cheap Mountain Man sheath from Dixie Gun Works, or make one yourself, and an Old Hickory will outfit you as well as any old time Mountain Man or Indian.
 
1095, torch drawn, leater sheath, 10.5 oal

16_4_4648_image.JPG
 
This is a perfect application for the Frosts of Sweden fixed blades. Plastic/rubber handles and sheaths, so you won't have to worry about water damage.

Sharp and easily re-sharpened utility shaped blades. I would recommend the Swedish army model. 4" stainless blade, OD plastic handle and sheath. $6.99 at www.eknifeworks.com. Stick it (or a couple) in a tube or a small box and mail it away.
 
Don't know how I forgot the inexpensive Skandahoovian knives but they are good ones, too, though not always as convenient to get or replace as the Old Hickory knives. The Frost carbon steel "Clipper" is a particular favorite of mine. "Ragnar" (www.ragweedforge.com) also has some outstanding Nordic knives at excellent prices.
 
Hey Maury!

Why not make one? You're certainly able! :D

I carry a SAK Recruit or similar, or a Camillus Pilot's survival knife. A Spec-Plus Survival Bowie (SP-5) works fine, too.

Mike
 
Take this as another vote for the USMC knife. Years ago I recommended one to a good friend's brother-in-law for an outdoor adventure. He loved it. He almost bought a $200 knife but liked the Spec-Plus Ka-bar as it was cheap enough he wasn't afraid to use it!

Of course, pack your knife before you go to the post office (but you knew that) and insure it for what it is worth TO YOU. In other words, they do not care if it cost only $40, if you will replace it with a $100 knife, that $100 worth of insurance

BTW, I am not advocating you “beat the system” that is how USPS works.
 
Originally posted by Guyon
I am considering the CRKT Companion for just such an inexpensive camper Comes with two sheaths (belt and neck), cord, and chain. One stop has the whole set up for $33.
Click to expand...

Only $33!:eek: I just might need one myself.;) Oh, I forgot! I live in Cali and in the barracks too:( If the MP's don't bust me CHiPs will:barf:

Still, it is good deal though.
 
Originally posted by King Grinch
Try NOT to ship with the US post office. They hate "WEAPONS".
Click to expand...

WHAT?! Where'd you get that? I get all my knives via USPS, and am currently waiting on a Estwing Campers Ax. I guess they're gonna lock me up!!! :eek:

I think they have better things to worry about than knives right now. As long as the postage is paid at the office, and the package is wrapped in the right manner, with no wires (or blade tips, maybe) poking out, I don't think you'll have a problem.

I'd recommend just getting a Kabar or Camillus of same style and send it forward. And why can't you check anything if you're flying standby? Can't they toss it in the trunk once you get assigned? Oh, I guess you can't get into the waiting area though, can you. Bastids!!!!
 
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