Light knives choice for hiking

defaultuser

defaultuser

Joined
May 3, 2006
Messages
2,401
Hi all,

I've been trying to reduce my pack weight in the last year or so, in order to hike greater distance and enjoy the ride just a little more. Nothing drastic or fanatical about it; just common sense thinking, and making sure I don't compromise my security.

This gave me the opportunity to try new hiking/camping gear, and really evaluate my needs when I'm backpacking far away from home.

Some personnal discoveries (YMMV, of course):
- I tried hammocking and loved it! I now use my Hennessy Hammock on my solo outings, and really enjoy it. No more tents for me, unless in groups.
- I changed my MSR naphta stove for an alcohol homemade stove. I experimented with the pepsi can stove, but ultimately, the simplicity of the super cat won me over, for a comparable efficiency.
- Changed my 6 pounds/85 liters pack for a golite 2 pounds/50 liters. I still have plenty of pack real estate for my needs!
- Gatorade or soda bottle makes the lightest/cheapest water bottle.
- Simple running shoes have been a bliss so far; no more sweaty and sore feet for me. Yes, you loose a little traction and ankle support, but since you don't have a big weight on your back, you don't need it as much.

Being a knife nut, one area I constantly revisit is my knife choice.

I still think a fixed blade is a must, especially for remote areas. Of all the knives I have, the Mora is the lightest. I made a kydex sheath for it so I can clip it on my left shoulder pack strap, upside down, for a quick and easy access while walking. The G-Clip makes it easy to put the knife on my belt when setting up camp, and to clip it on the hammock ridge line at night. The knife and sheath, which includes a firesteel in a side loop, weigh a whooping 4.8 oz.

As for the backup blade, I experimented with the Leatherman Micra for a while (good scissors). I also tried my Victorinox Rucksack
(really liked the idea of having a decent saw), but at 3.6 oz, it was on the "heavy" side (compared to my fixed blade setup). I'm now experimenting with the Leatherman Squirt PS4. Having pliers is pretty useful (repairing gear, picking up a hot pot, etc). Lots of functionality in a very tight package. Weigh 1.9 oz.

Total knife weight: 6.7 oz.

The purpose of my post (finally!) is:
Is there other "light" knives/multitools out there I should consider experimenting with?
By "light", I mean close to or under 4 oz for a fixed blade (without sheath), and close to or under 3 oz for a backup tool/multitool.

Please, don't turn this into a flame war! We know for ourselves where we fit in the "maniac ultra-light"<->"kitchen sink" spectrum...
If you decide you need your 100 liters pack full of gear, please do so!
I'll happily share the little bourbon I brought on the trail with you :D

I believe this post needs pics...

Mora510_PS4_04.jpg


Mora510_PS4_02.jpg


Mora510_PS4_01.jpg


Thanks for your input in the matter!
 
I picked up a Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point a little while ago because it was on sale(impulse buy:o). Weighs in at 3oz, and comes with an awesome kydex sheath with G-clip. I think it's an awesome lightweight knife, and would make a great choice for a go-fast set up.
 
6shooter said:
I picked up a Spyderco Bill Moran Drop Point a little while ago because it was on sale(impulse buy:o). Weighs in at 3oz, and comes with an awesome kydex sheath with G-clip. I think it's an awesome lightweight knife, and would make a great choice for a go-fast set up.
Click to expand...

6shooter beat me to it!;)

fb02.jpg


I have both versions...light and excellent backpacking blades! Both are listed at 3oz.

By the way; both your knife choices are excellent! That Leatherman Squirt w/pliers is a great little tool. I love the load out and completely agree with hammock camping. Great set up and light-weight loadout:thumbup:

ROCK6
 
The Bill Moran, eh! Certainly didn't think about that one! Thanks...I'll look into this one :)

Keep 'em coming guys!
 
You can get a hell of a lot of knife in around 6oz with a Fallkniven F1.... of course the sheath will add a little to that... but since you have plenty of room for bourbon, I would imagine you could spare 2 shots for a solid little knife that will serve you greatly.

No flame intended... honestly. When shedding weight I look for luxury items I can live with out or replace and sadly I don't consider my knife as a "luxury".
 
kmurray72 said:
You can get a hell of a lot of knife in around 6oz with a Fallkniven F1.... of course the sheath will add a little to that... but since you have plenty of room for bourbon, I would imagine you could spare 2 shots for a solid little knife that will serve you greatly.

No flame intended... honestly. When shedding weight I look for luxury items I can live with out or replace and sadly I don't consider my knife as a "luxury".
Click to expand...

:D

I didn't say I have *plenty* of room for Bourbon...I consider I have three luxury items: a GPS (mainly to record tracks and as a navigation aid), mini camera, and a small 6 fl oz container of Bourbon, for the "easier" days on the trail. I don't consider my knife as luxury either.

Thanks for the suggestion - I have nothing from Fallkniven. I'll definitely have to address this issue :D
 
GingivitisKahn said:
Dunno - but I suspect you can get a lighter hammock than a HH. :D
Click to expand...

:) You're right, or course. My Expedition weighs just under 3 pounds, and it includes the hammock, the tarp, two snakeskins, and the suspension. It will do for now; I see a BlackBird in my future, though :D
 
The ESEE Izula comes in at 2 oz. sans sheath. Great little blade with a big following, and quite capable.


Gautier
 
i have an ESEE Izula and it is more than enough knife if you are looking to go light, i would feel a ton more comfortable with it than my mora. However it is a bit pricier
 
Instead of a multitool like the Squirt I use a the smallest Channel lock they make. Super light and I found I don't need all the little extras on a multitool. And an Izula for a light knife. But there is nothing wrong about your set up. Looks well thought out and I would be just as comfortable with it. Main thing is to get out there and enjoy the woods. Not breaking your back with heavy gear will help you achieve that goal. :thumbup:
 
Yeah - Izula is another good suggestion. I made myself a skeletonized neck knife (see pics), which is around 2 oz as well. Reason I'm not carrying it instead of the Mora is the thumb jimpings that makes it kinda uncomfortable. I assumed the Izula would feel the same in hand...maybe I'm wrong.

003.jpg


0053.jpg
 
GhostWolf said:
Instead of a multitool like the Squirt I use a the smallest Channel lock they make. Super light and I found I don't need all the little extras on a multitool.
Click to expand...

You mean the Style? Don't you miss the pliers? If I ditch the pliers, maybe just a fixed blade would be enough. Heresy? :D

GhostWolf said:
Main thing is to get out there and enjoy the woods.
Click to expand...

Exactly bro! Thanks for your post :thumbup:
 
probably not what you're looking for but my lightweight backup tool is a Vaughan Sub-zero at about 10oz

http://www.oldjimbo.com/survival/tinyhatchets.html

IMG_4759.jpg


I'd probably choose it over a Mora 510 (or the BRKT Fieldsman in the picture which weighs about the same) if I had to - I can chop and split wood for a fire and easily make shelters if needed. YMMV but for me it's the ultimate backup tool.
 
I got this Ahti partly because I wanted a lightweight fixed blade for short hikes. It's only 3.5 ounces, and even with the sheath it weighs less than a Buck 110.

ahtijuhla.jpg
 
I do dearly love my fixed blade sheath knives, but for lightness and utility, it is hard to beat some of the zytel (or other polymer) handled folders like the Schrade Lightweight or the Gerber LST. Most manufacturers make a folder of this variety nowdays. They are inexpensive, light, and almost all have reasonably stout lockup. Most also have some sort of lanyard attachment point. It is true that you won't be able to baton with one, but I have found that 99% of my most common woods chores can be accomplished with a relatively small blade. I don't live in a rainforest environment, but I have never found it nessisary to split wood with a knife for my small campfires, and never had a folder close on my hand, much less one with a lock.
 
When going ultra-light, I bring one of the following:
Esee 4
Esee 3
Fallkniven F1
Cold Steel Pendleton Hunter ( Least expensive , but well built.)

The Esee 4 is my favorite and sees the most use. I highly recommend it.

I used to use Moras years ago , but would rather bring a more heavy-duty knife with me.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top