Knife recommendation for Utah Work Crew

Buck Vantage
Estwing hatchet (blue handle or leather handle, your choice)
Folding saw

This sounds like a place for the "bushcraft trio". Possibly a little over your price range, depending on the hatchet, but if you have to live on what you can pack, you're going to want the option to break down bigger timber.

I'm hoping the OP's friends are going to bring trucks and chainsaws on this woods expedition, because a 24" trunk across a trail is a job for heavy equipment.

I'm also hoping that they are open to the idea of you having a hatchet. If they are not, then I would question whether or not this organization has the knowledge to keep you and themselves safe.
 
Bring a pliers type multi-tool. Pick from the big 3, Gerber, Leatherman, Victorinox. It will be much more useful for doing trail crew type tasks.

I've run trail crews before. It's a ditch digging manual labour kind of job. No time for bushcrafting or fooling around with knives. The group that's either employing or taking him on as a volunteer has a few rules. If someone on a crew I was running turned up with something they shouldn't have (I can't imagine what since we don't have rules; Boring Company flamethrower maybe in fire season) I would have them leave it in their car, leave in my truck or they could leave. I'm a my way or the highway kinda guy when there's a timing to meet.

Worry more about good boots, good socks, comfortable work gloves and something like a Camelback for water. I like the Mil-spec ones because they have a cover on the nipple.

No doubt that at some point in the organization's lifetime someone showed up with a Rambo style survival knife and managed to hurt themselves on the job; thus the rule.

You probably won't be swinging a hatchet or using a chainsaw unless you're already certified. Two tools to practice with ahead of time are a Pulaski and a Mcleod. These dudes here have the right idea. Mustache is optional.
CobrasHS_1003ALXSw.jpg
 
Shorttime said:
I'm hoping the OP's friends are going to bring trucks and chainsaws on this woods expedition, because a 24" trunk across a trail is a job for heavy equipment.
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Shorttime said:
I'm also hoping that they are open to the idea of you having a hatchet. If they are not, then I would question whether or not this organization has the knowledge to keep you and themselves safe.
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I agree that a hatchet is a great idea, but I question whether there will be a need for serious outdoor equipment like chainsaws. Based on the description of their policies, I'd be willing to make a small bet that the organization is one of those that exists to give young people a socially acceptable volunteer activity to put on their college applications. I strongly suspect that "Trail maintenance" and "Invasive species removal" means picking up litter and pulling weeds.

Certainly an organization that doesn't allow its workers fixed blades isn't planning for them to do any real survival work...

Edit: I posted before I saw the message from the poster above me, who has far more experience in the field than I do. I expect he's closer to the mark than me, but the end result is the same.
 
You don't need hatchets for trail work plus they're a great way for an untrained crewmember to hurt themselves. You can hurt yourself or someone else with a Pulaski but you have try a lot harder.

I do use a hatchet when I'm working a chainsaw. I use it as a wedge in a pinch when I'm felling or to help move the log around when I'm bucking.

But every picture of Utah I've ever seen was a desert. I don't know how much use a saw would be. I think 2 hand tools I mentioned would be much more useful especially if they're pulling up carpets of invasive species.
 
For this kinda work think more chain gang (no chains or guards with shotguns but you get the idea).

Not frolicking through the woods making feather sticks and stuff.
 
For this I would say a Buck 110 and if you can get away with it an auto version it will generally look the part of old fashion pocket knife and if you can swing the auto version you get the quick easy open. Here is a list of some other options/suggestions

PM2 S30V
Manix2 S30V
Griptilian w/ Thumbhole
 
rje58 said:
Buck Vantage Force Pro is made is the U.S. with S30V blade steel, can be had for around $90.
Spyderco Manix 2 G10 - U.S. made - $120 or so...
Benchmade Freek - U.S. made for around $130.

I went with all U.S. made knives.

Can't recommend a Benchmade with G10, because it's over the $150 budget, nor can I recommend the plastic scaled models within budget. Crooked River and Mini-Crooked River are also out of budget. But in my opinion either one of the Crooked Rivers or a Grip G10 would be a great choice for a little more cash.

Of the ones I recommended, I would go with the Manix 2 G10 unless cost is a driving factor, in which case the Buck Vantage Pro would carry the day.
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Love my buck vantage pro.
I bought 6 regulars til I finally bought the pro. It's great, but I'm afraid to ruin my razor edge. Kinda dumb.
 
kemikos said:
I agree that a hatchet is a great idea, but I question whether there will be a need for serious outdoor equipment like chainsaws. Based on the description of their policies, I'd be willing to make a small bet that the organization is one of those that exists to give young people a socially acceptable volunteer activity to put on their college applications. I strongly suspect that "Trail maintenance" and "Invasive species removal" means picking up litter and pulling weeds.

Certainly an organization that doesn't allow its workers fixed blades isn't planning for them to do any real survival work...

Edit: I posted before I saw the message from the poster above me, who has far more experience in the field than I do. I expect he's closer to the mark than me, but the end result is the same.
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I am working under a USA Conservation that is part of Americorp (ages 18-25). All the tools we will need for the job will be provided. This means axes, hatchets, saws, shovels, pulaskis, etc. The pocket knife would be for my own use. The work is physically demanding and will be in the mountain west region of Utah, which is forested. I will be working 8 day shifts in the backcountry and will have 3-6 days off. It will be very physically demanding.

Danke42 gave great advice about the nature of the work and I've decided that I'm going to bring my PM2 and Leather man.

The welcome packet they sent me has a list of required gear so I'm focusing on that right now, if you guys have any good recommendations for logger's boots that would be great.
 
Dogpiss said:
Love my buck vantage pro.
I bought 6 regulars til I finally bought the pro. It's great, but I'm afraid to ruin my razor edge. Kinda dumb.
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You won’t ruin it, easy way to brink edge back to real sharp is the green dmt diafold!
 
Danke42 said:
Go for Chippewa boots. Buy them ASAP and break your feet into them before you get there!
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Do they need sno-seal applied before using if weather could be wet? I always do mine before winter. They last until the sole goes out!
 
My first thought was Buck 110, as far as one hand opening, add a thumb stud. Anybody who carries a 110 for any amount of time will figure out how to open it one handed anyway.

Another great choice Benchmade Triage.

As far as the quick draw sheaths, they are a felony in some places.
 
Yonose said:
Do they need sno-seal applied before using if weather could be wet? I always do mine before winter. They last until the sole goes out!
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For leather for sure. Sno-seal is the stuff, breathable and waterproof still.
 
flash6605 said:
I am working under a USA Conservation that is part of Americorp (ages 18-25). All the tools we will need for the job will be provided. This means axes, hatchets, saws, shovels, pulaskis, etc. The pocket knife would be for my own use. The work is physically demanding and will be in the mountain west region of Utah, which is forested. I will be working 8 day shifts in the backcountry and will have 3-6 days off. It will be very physically demanding.

Danke42 gave great advice about the nature of the work and I've decided that I'm going to bring my PM2 and Leather man.

The welcome packet they sent me has a list of required gear so I'm focusing on that right now, if you guys have any good recommendations for logger's boots that would be great.
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Should be all you need for yourself! Have fun and be safe! Keychain dmt’s will keep your pm2 sharp forever! Some say use red, I find green best for me. Good part is they are $9 each, and take up no room at all.
Army surplus day packs are a good idea, such as the molle II waist pack, utility pouch, and sustainment pouch. Won’t get in the way while working, and Can be a much better value than branded items. I use a Alice belt and suspenders for attaching whatever gear I need to bring along, so my pants don’t fall down! Definitely go Chippewa as danke42 suggested, if you can afford them. Also, field pants over your jeans like the Belgian army surplus are like $7 brand new and keep your legs warm and dry and keep all the thorns and mud off your own clothes. Don’t forget some kind of bug netting if you’re out long enough to be during bug season. They can literally prevent sleep on some nights! Also, a 2 liter collapsible water (canteen) with allice clips and shoulder strap cost like $15.


Edit: I reread your post, and since you’re going in summer, bug netting over your cot or hammock, even over the face while working, can help you avoid a lot of discomfort. You don’t want your boots lined with any insulation as well. Knee pads and elbow pads, and plenty of gloves, some bug netting between your hat and neck, as well as a large molle waist pack to store the items you aren’t in need of at the moment will provide a lot of comfort.
 
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Ritter Grip would be my first choice but they’re NLA new from KW. So, a used Ritter Grip or a regular drop point Griptillian.
 
image.jpg
It’s s30v, a tight,thick liner lock, finger guard, and they sell for $75 on secondary market.


kemikos said:
Here's the one I have:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/260173...ick-draw-knife-sheath?ref=shop_home_active_18

It's very well-made. There's a video on his page demonstrating how it works. If you don't want it to automatically open for whatever reason, it works perfectly well as a normal horizontal sheath too.

Hadn't seen the Open Season yet, but it looks like a nice knife!
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flash6605 said:
I am working under a USA Conservation that is part of Americorp (ages 18-25). All the tools we will need for the job will be provided. This means axes, hatchets, saws, shovels, pulaskis, etc. The pocket knife would be for my own use. The work is physically demanding and will be in the mountain west region of Utah, which is forested. I will be working 8 day shifts in the backcountry and will have 3-6 days off. It will be very physically demanding.

Danke42 gave great advice about the nature of the work and I've decided that I'm going to bring my PM2 and Leather man.

The welcome packet they sent me has a list of required gear so I'm focusing on that right now, if you guys have any good recommendations for logger's boots that would be great.
Click to expand...
I carry my PM2 on work days with no worries. I might prefer something like a Manix for the less pointy tip. The leaf shaped blade gives me a better feeling beause I tend to pry and twist as I cut stuff.
 
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