Looking for a folder for Hikes

K

Keegaroo

Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
35
I'm looking for a folder to take with me on hikes from 2 mile strolls to 12 miles up the mountain. Weight is not to much of a factor besides it cant be a brick. Needs to be able to handle most little chores and be able to handle a little abuse in the desert (Battoning is not a planned action). Preferably 3.25-4in blade and liner/frame/lock back are preferred and about a $100 budget. Thanks in advance for any help. Also preferably made somewhere besides China. Taiwan I dont care as much.
 
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I'll be honest with you. I EDC some really nice knives. ANY time I go on a hike I feel naked without a fixed blade. For your purposes I recommend an ESEE "3". If you HAVE to have a folder grab a Spyderco Paramilitary 2 (going by the budget).
 
I take along a Vic SAK on most of my hikes for the common uses. I will also carry a 4-6" fixed blade. My latest is my Blackjack 125 which I think would work perfectly for this. But back to the folder...

I like SAKs and use them a lot. I depend on them and keep several spares of the models I like the best. They are relatively inexpenisive, easy to sharpen, and hold an edge sufficiently for normal usage.

I like the folders made by Great Eastern Cutlery. They make a couple larger ones that would work for your size choice. Excellent traditional knives.
Most any Spyderco would work well. The Endura comes to mind, but I prefer the smaller bladed Delica. I EDC a Delica along with my SAK. I would take both the SAK and Endura with me on hikes and maybe add a fixed blade for overnight stays.
 
I second an ESEE-3 for sure. I wouldn't take a folder into the woods as my only knife.
 
I use the Spyderco Endura 4 ffg to hike, super light yet strong with a terrific blade, the saber grind version is even stronger, i have a friend who uses one (his only hiking blade) to go all around the world in expeditions on glaciers etc.. he needs super light gear and he trust his endura i can tell :D
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I love mine too , and i always have a fixed blade like a fallkniven F1 or rat 3 when i'm out in the wild, i don't expect any folder to take batoning well, they aren't made for it after all :P
They exist in all kind of colors, check the spyderco catalog, i personnaly took the orange one because it's REALLY useful to locate it, in the woods or even on my desktop at home wich is full of black stuff lol
Simon
 
I've narrowed it down to either the Stretch or Endura, of the 2 which one would be purposed better. Also if I get the Endura do you get the FFG or saber grind?
 
Both the Stetch and Endura are knives I own and like very much. However, neither is my choice for hiking. I realize you specify a folder, but I cannot stress enough how much I prefer a fixed blade for the setting you describe.

Simply put you can get so much more performance from a fixed blade due to the resources being focused on a comfortable handle and a good blade geometry (no resources put toward a hinge and lock). For 100 bucks you are embarking on the price point for a nice hand made knife from one of the many FINE makers that are members here.
 
unit said:
Both the Stetch and Endura are knives I own and like very much. However, neither is my choice for hiking. I realize you specify a folder, but I cannot stress enough how much I prefer a fixed blade for the setting you describe.

Simply put you can get so much more performance from a fixed blade due to the resources being focused on a comfortable handle and a good blade geometry (no resources put toward a hinge and lock). For 100 bucks you are embarking on the price point for a nice hand made knife from one of the many FINE makers that are members here.
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I understand what you are saying but cutting an apple and opening snacks is mostly what will be done with the knife. In a problem the worst I would have to do with the folder is cut/shave wood down and cut prickly pear fruit. Im simply looking for something that could handle slight more difficult operations albeit a fixed blade more apt at.
 
I think a saber ground Spyderco Endura would fit the bill quite nicely. I normally reccomend the FFG model however you mentioned that it would probably see harder than average use and I feel you could probably use the extra meat the saber grind has to offer. Also don't forget about Cold Steel's new and improved Voyager series with the very sturdy and effective triad lock this model also comes in 2 or 3 different sizes and is well under your budget in fact you could possibly have enough left over to purchase a budget chopper of some sort for hard use like and old Hickory butcher knife or a shorter machete to use in conjuction with your folder.
 
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