Light camp knife

L

LJTanzer

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Aug 4, 2013
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Looking for a light camp knife, fixed blade, mainly for food prep. So I don't need anything too large or heavy.
Narrowed it down to the ESEE-3PMS35V-001 S35VN Stainless Plain Edge with G10 handles, and the CPM-3V Satin Benchmade 200 Puukko.
Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
 
LJTanzer said:
Looking for a light camp knife, fixed blade, mainly for food prep. So I don't need anything too large or heavy.
Narrowed it down to the ESEE-3PMS35V-001 S35VN Stainless Plain Edge with G10 handles, and the CPM-3V Satin Benchmade 200 Puukko.
Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...
I agree with the Mora recommendation. If you want super low cost and super light weight and supreme slicing ability and near indestructibility, go for the Mora 510. Stainless or carbon (I prefer carbon for ease of sharpening, but you have the choice). About $10 including shipping. If you want a hulk version of the Mora, go with the Robust Pro. A little more awkward for food prep with the finger guards top and bottom (it's designed for construction work), but it truly is indestructible. Carbon or stainless and 3.2mm thick.

I have dozens of knives but for a fixed blade in a weight-conscious backpacking situation, it's the Mora 510 hands down.
 
Can't get any lighter than a Hellefisk which has a 4 7/8" blade but weighs only 2.25 oz.

It has a fillet blade but it's not super thin/bendy, so it can be used for "general" camp purposes (not just filleting fish). Its total length is about 10" inches but it's thin profile makes it was to store/carry in a corner of a backpack (or on your belt) in the puuko style sheath that comes w/it.

See: https://helle.com/products/helle-hellefisk

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LJTanzer said:
Looking for a light camp knife, fixed blade, mainly for food prep. So I don't need anything too large or heavy.
Narrowed it down to the ESEE-3PMS35V-001 S35VN Stainless Plain Edge with G10 handles, and the CPM-3V Satin Benchmade 200 Puukko.
Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

A Mora Kansbol will outperform all of those for food prep and other camp chores and is very light. It also will be better than those knives or any other Mora (other than the Garberg) at getting peanut butter from the bottom of the jar.
 
LJTanzer said:
Looking for a light camp knife, fixed blade, mainly for food prep. So I don't need anything too large or heavy.
Narrowed it down to the ESEE-3PMS35V-001 S35VN Stainless Plain Edge with G10 handles, and the CPM-3V Satin Benchmade 200 Puukko.
Any advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
Click to expand...

Of the two knives you asked about in your original post, I would suggest the ESEE. The main reason is that the handle is above the mid-line of the knife, which will make it easier to keep your knuckles from rapping your cutting surface in long cuts.

Moras, are primarily Pukko-style knives. If you are doing a lot of filetting and related chores, they will work. But chopping and cubing cuts are going to end up with the bony bits of your hands against the cutting board. Or worse, against the griddle!
 
There is a thing called a pit knife I picked up that is kind of fun. But you would have to make a sheath for it.

It is a modified cleaver. Which I like for outdoor cooking.
 
Not necessarily light weight but a Jaakariapuuko 110 works.
 
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LT Wright makes a bunch of useful designs.

I recommend the Traveller. Very underrated knife.
I could do anything with mine.
I think it would be Perfect for your needs.


It's the second one down. Not my picture, I couldn't find any on my phone....I'll Have to change that! ;)
 
for food prep id pick the one with the thinnest blade stock and slicing geometry of the grind. such as kitchen knives tend to use for good reasons.
 
The one style of knife that is in every pack of mine wherever I go is either Mora companion or Hultafors. They are sturdy, comfortable, very sharp, and can do most food prep work. Mora also makes the 731 which is a bit longer for bigger kitchen and outdoor jobs. That is a nice knife. Best of all, if you lose it, you don't lose your mind. Just take two. At 20 bucks its no problem and even two are light.
 
Either of these. Mora Number One. (Scandi grind edge.) (I sanded the ugly red paint off the handle, and obtained a leather aftermarket sheath)
View attachment 1611133
or Cold Steel FINN BEAR (Hollow Ground Edge)
(mine is an older issue that came with a nylon sheath. If you get one with the daRn fiberglass reinforced "Secure Ex" sheath, you'll want a aftermarket sheath that won't dull the blade when you take the knife out or put it in. The leather sheath shown with my Mora fits.)
View attachment 1611134
Both are suitable for heavier tasks than just food prep, as well.
Just the other day, I used the Mora to whittle off some pine branches to 3 inch OD. Edge didn't need even so much as a strop after.
 
Another vote for a stainless steel bladed Mora.

If I had to choose from the 2 you mentioned, the ESEE.
 
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