The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details:
https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
I like Kepharts, too. I just prefer spear points or blades with more spine drop to the edge, rather than belly curve up to the point. I don't have a traditional Kephart, but I do have a miniature version from a handmade maker. Sturdy, simple blade and the neutral handle is accomodating of various hand holds.
The Guardian 3 definitely appeals to me. I have not picked one up yet, but it looks like a good, sturdy small fixed option. Recently, I did grab a Rainier Knives Fastpak - it's a made by the brother of the guy who owns Bradford knives.
It's thinner steel stock than the Bradford and has a lot of steel removed from the tang - it was designed partly for ultra-light travelers.
I have an F1; good knife. I bought it back when everyone was raving about it as the "ultimate" survival/woods knife. There are so many really good choices for woods knives whether it be a long walk in the woods or a several day hike. I still like the F1, but I have so many choices now. Considering I have gradually been leaning toward smaller fixed blades, back when I got the Falkniven F1, I thought it might be a bit too small. I've changed. But I am still a big fan of the woodslore or kephart style of knives for general purpose outdoors use. I used to lean toward a 5-6" knife. Now I lean more toward a 4-5" knife more or less for these woods excursions. Even 3" knives are just fine for my needs.
I wouldn't dream of replacing the two F1's I own with something else. They were terrific survival knives when they were being raved about all those years ago and nothing about them has changed. Maybe I'm not quite into the knife hobby like some. I wouldn't give up a good tool just because another has come along. If the first tool works well, is made well, and does what it's supposed to, I'm good.
I have no intention of getting rid of my F1. I just have a lot more choices now. My F1 has the Falkniven micarta handles and is quite the looker as far as I'm concerned. I considered it pretty expensive when I got it and still leans toward the upper end of my factory fixed blades in terms of price (relative to its size).
Wish I could say that about my F1. It ran about $300 probably 7 or 8 years ago. I suspect it was the Falkniven micarta handle that jacked the cost up. Plus I never liked the plastic or rubber-like handles on the F1 regardless of cost. Some of my SOGs from years ago are like that and I vowed never to get another with a handle I knew I didn't like.
I have the original stock version with the rubberized handle and the basic steel. I did spend a little extra for a couple custom leather sheaths from a past member here with a loop for a firesteel.
A cold steel SRK is a large, strong, very light knife. Lash it to your backpack's hip belt. I also love my Tops Tibo, it is very capable, small and sturdy. For a folder, I always bring a bucklite.
I am lucky enough to have a Professional Soldier also and carry it backpacking. I tie the sheath to belt loop and stick the knife in my pocket. Very light but tough knife.
As both a lifelong backpacker and mountain climber, in both personal excursions and within the commercial outdoor world (guide and outdoor leadership instructor) I am a proponent of the "light is right" practice.
However, my experiences outside lead me to conclude, for knife use in the woods/mountains/deserts, that using a small handled pocket knife worked for cutting string, moleskin, tape, cord, and rope. But, sustained knife use was greatly benefited from having a larger handle. Which inherently lead me to fixed bladed edc's and neck knives.
In the outdoor guide/work setting, I describe this example: extended periods of food prep require a knife to cut, pierce, spread, and scrape. Throw into this common scenario: a late evening mountain thunderstorm, cold and wet temps, end of the day fatigue from hauling your 70lb guide pack around all day while keeping your clients healthy, safe and entertained means that in this case you end up also cooking by headlamp. Having a blade with a handle that fills the hand more than a SAK or Spyderco Lady bug (and is not as slippery as a SAK) and maybe has enough handle for you to keep your liner gloves on, is huge. It increases efficiency and safety during this example above, when one might be less mindful of their sloppy cold digits and minor dehydration headache....when you suddenly slip forward onto the blade and cut a finger, than not only are you trying to provide for others in a difficult environment but your also trying to not bleed into the pile of cheese for their burritos as you reach for the first aid kit.....
....and then, you have to manage that cut for the rest of the trip, because everyday you will be handling someones food and everyday outside means dirty hands and thus, a cut that needs maintenance.
I carried this on the job, for years - Fallkniven WM 1
Plus, fixed blades are easier to clean up, after all of the above.
I know this example is unique to a certain outdoor niche, but even now when I am just on personal trips, I cut weight everywhere else and bring a fixed blade. Usually two, because I like knives.
Hurrul
, this represents some great insights born of real-world, APPLIED experience. Thank you for taking the time. I'm rethinking my backpacking blade.
