knife bought for hiking personal protection

msiley said:
If you fight a bear with a knife it will most likely kill you.
It is best not to fight with a bear but to give in and "play dead" if it is on top of you.

If a big cat sees you and really wants to eat you there is a good chance it will,
unless you are armed with OC or a firearm.
Although this is rare, I've had a friend attacked by a mountain lion.
Luckily she survived but is now missing an eye.
It was an old sickly mountain lion, which her friend dispatched with a knife
from behind.

With a big cat make yourself look like less of a deer as possible. Take your shirt
or jacket and raise it to chin level so your neck is not exposed. Since, a cat
will go for your neck, if it has trouble discerning your neck it will be less likely to attack. Also, look the cat in the eyes and back away slowly.
If you turn and run it will chase you.

In areas of known bear or cat populations I take bear spray. So, far never had to use it.
But it's legal and has a seemingly effective track record.
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I would agree if we are speaking about a Grizzly or Polar bear...the Black Bear on the other hand is going to eat you right then and there...fighting hard is highly reccomended..a cat will most likely be attacking from the rear, as a suprise..you might have a split second to react, stay on your feet if possible...and fight like hell. This is ofcourse just theory, but the cat is very agile, and will have you at a serious disavantage if you are on the ground...
if all you have is a knife, it isn't a bad alternative to a gun if used as a stabbing impliment, slashing doesn't get the job done very well. All combat usually means both parties are wounded..particularly when sharp stuff is involved (claws, teeth and blades)....hopefully nobody here ever has to deal with any of this nasty stuff. JMO
 
I don't really fancy my chances at beating a bear or cougar with my knives but stranger things have happened and I'd rather have a knife than just my hands.
For this reason I always make sure that I can draw my knife real fast, if a bear charges you then the knife strapped to the side of your backpack ain't gonna do you much good !!!
This is the only knife I have that was actually designed for defence against predatory animals....
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However out of all my knives I think this is the one I'd like to have when faced with some wild animal.....
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Couple knives and the 41 Mag Ruger Blackhawk. My Nessie and Junkyard Dog ll



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I don't carry a knife to ward off wild animals, whether they are wearing four legs, or two. I am always armed out in the boonies, whether just recreating, camping, hunting, fishing, or scouting for hunting season.

Last September, I and a buddy went into the Idaho mountains on a five day elk and deer scouting trip. Neither of those seasons was open, but Mountain lion and Black bear seasons were. I had tags for both, although I was not "hunting" either. Just had the tags in case I did have to shoot one and would avoid all the "red tape" I'd have to file with F&G, etc., were I not to have a tag.

My buddy was scouting in a drainage about three miles from another very remote drainage where I was scouting. I was completely alone.

Here is what I carried for those scouting trips. I also had a very good day pack with the standard "survival" goodies, but it's not in the picture. 'Bout the same stuff most of us carry for a day hike, with possibility of having to siwash overnight.

MyStuff.jpg


My ancient Camillus Stockman and ever faithful Ruana Workman. Marlin .30-30. Ruger B.H. .45 Colt, and Silva compass.

If I need protection, I'll call on my firearm. My knives handle the standard cutting chores. ;)

L.W.
 
The 3 legged critters are the ones that attacked before and have come back for another try :D
 
I think I'd go with a hawk, or blackthorn stick before I went with a stabbing attack on an animal. I carry a gun myself, but often for dogs I use a sap, asp, or a bandanna snapped at them. They hate the sound.

A lion isn't going to stand and do battle if you fight back, and a knife won't matter against a bear. You'd better have something in a caliber that starts with a 4.
 
sorry about the 3 legged misprint, but you get my point. firearms and an alert sense are my first weapons of choice, but alot of places just don't allow it . i carry a wooden oak walking staff, but it is nice to have a knife handy. i have tried stun guns and pepper spray, but i am not as confident in them as i am a knife. so, what would be your knife of choice if you had to choose one.
 
The peck'n order of most likely threat and threat level in my neck of the woods are...

1. - Mtn Lion
2. - Black Bear
3. - Homo Sapien(s)

The best defense is situational awareness, avoidance, prevention, team tactics, and a layered defense.

Generally I train and live in a wilderness setting with the same group or at least with one team member...we never have less than 25% on overwatch with a minimum of 50% in a potentially hostile environment 24/7/365 (2 or 4 legged threat situation/possibility). We have both human and mechanical perimeter alarms and other 2/4 legged & vehicle detection devices/processes. When moving we utilize small unit tactics, movement & communications - we generally don't go trudging through the woods on a "nature hike!"

But what the heck do I know?
 
That knife looks a little small for animal defence.
Animals require much deeper penetration than humans.
Mother nature put vitals in deeper in animals to contend with teeth from other animals.

If you would have asked what pistol or revolver you should get for protection from animals you would get a bunch of people telling you to get a shotgun or rifle.
Good advise but not an answer to the question.
 
Lets change the question a bit.

What knife if you screwed up so bad you have a bear or wild boar on top of you and you don't have your gun?

I say a good Bowie with a 8 to 10 inch blade and full guard with a sharpened swedge and acute point.
 
Absolutely a big, strong, sharp and pointed knife for killing is best if you are under the animal, but many a bear has been killed with a pocket knife. No matter what knife you carry, odds are you're gonna pay with flesh and blood. Carry a staff while in the woods. Sharpen it, if you want a weapon.
 
Quirt said:
The peck'n order of most likely threat and threat level in my neck of the woods are...

1. - Mtn Lion
2. - Black Bear
3. - Homo Sapien(s)

The best defense is situational awareness, avoidance, prevention, team tactics, and a layered defense.

Generally I train and live in a wilderness setting with the same group or at least with one team member...we never have less than 25% on overwatch with a minimum of 50% in a potentially hostile environment 24/7/365 (2 or 4 legged threat situation/possibility). We have both human and mechanical perimeter alarms and other 2/4 legged & vehicle detection devices/processes. When moving we utilize small unit tactics, movement & communications - we generally don't go trudging through the woods on a "nature hike!"

But what the heck do I know?
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Looks more like military tactics than actually enjoying being in the woods...
 
No one ever mentions what to do against the animals that really can maim you in the woods... and not because they are predators, but out of 'defense'. I am speaking of moose and wild hogs. The former is not just mean - he fears man - and attacks with antlers and hoofs to protect himself. Wild hogs can't see high - they will gore your legs, possibly crippling you.

Of course, the steps are simple - watch them and find a tree you can climb. They don't need you for nourishment, and will travel on. A bear or a large cat may try to join you. Most black bears are meanest, especially mothers, around their young. Make noise if you see them close to you - and the largest size you can - hands over head, etc. A cat will get you from behind. If you carry a knife for protection, a bottle of A1 will be useful, too... for Mr. Bear's palate. And don't run, it makes your calf & thigh muscles tough, too.

Remember, as to credentials, I am licensed in the State of Alabama to drive a car, carry a concealled firearm, and share a domicile with Mrs. Stainz, having had absolutely no formal training in any of those matters... and it shows, just check my automobile premiums and Mrs. Stainz's remarks!

Stainz
 
Quirt said:
The peck'n order of most likely threat and threat level in my neck of the woods are...

1. - Mtn Lion
2. - Black Bear
3. - Homo Sapien(s)

The best defense is situational awareness, avoidance, prevention, team tactics, and a layered defense.

Generally I train and live in a wilderness setting with the same group or at least with one team member...we never have less than 25% on overwatch with a minimum of 50% in a potentially hostile environment 24/7/365 (2 or 4 legged threat situation/possibility). We have both human and mechanical perimeter alarms and other 2/4 legged & vehicle detection devices/processes. When moving we utilize small unit tactics, movement & communications - we generally don't go trudging through the woods on a "nature hike!"

But what the heck do I know?
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Having a nice relaxing time in the woods are you?


Jeez, you must have some crazy animals down there...I would rank threats up here like this:

1. People (not that you see many)
2. Grizzly bears (not that you see many of them either)
3. Cougars (see them from time to time)
4. Black bears (see them often)

Never had a problem with any of them in the bush.


For the record I hike in a single tactical unit of 1-2 members, minimum 0% overwatch, using mechanical and organic means to enjoy the visual aspects of the AO. At rest breaks we issue ourselves some high speed, low drag Oreos and ingest dihydrogen monoxide for enhanced performance.
 
LOL at the reactions to Quirt. Let's just say that Quirt's identity and expertise levels are known to me, and he's quite knowledgeable in the areas of self-defense related matters. We're quite fortunate (quirt fortunate? :p) to have him here. Plus, he likes the tactical thing, so if that makes his woods experiences more fun, all the power to him! :D
 
Everywhere I've been and camped the I've been afraid of people when int the tropics it's the little things that scare me scorpions, and venomous snakes as I've had encounters with both in central america. I've seen plenty of bears, over the years but they've always seem pretty cool. Boars too.. I hear bull moose in the fall are a rough candidate however..
 
Thanks Brian! Sorry guys if I'm a little hard core for some's tastes...we work, live and train hard in the wild...and live in a rural part of the country where much criminal activity transpires in the wild.
 
Quirt said:
Thanks Brian! Sorry guys if I'm a little hard core for some's tastes...we work, live and train hard in the wild...and live in a rural part of the country where much criminal activity transpires in the wild.
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Peace through strength! :D
 
my big threats would be 1. people 2. dogs 3. coyote . although there are bobcats and blackbear in KY, they have not been seen (reported) in this area. this knife is 9 3/4 " long with a 4 1/2 " blade. i just thought it could perform the basic tasks as good as a mora , but would be a step up in quality and in defensive purposes. I chose it over the mora 2000 because of its grips. one thing i do not like about it is it's sheath, but that will be replaced.
 
Threats in my area:

1. Myself. In spite of whatever experience I have, I am still one clumsy SOB.
2. People
3. Feral dogs
4. Black bear
 
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