Most functionally versatile woods knife???

on_the_edge

on_the_edge

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Jan 31, 2006
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As I think about what I take into the woods in terms of a blade, first and foremost, I want to take the most capable and versatile knife I have. I know that choice somewhat depends on where I will be. So, for example, I might choose a small blade if I am in a very cold landscape with few trees. I might choose a larger (read as "chopper") knife if I am in a forest setting. But I don't know which one I would pick if I had to do it regardless of setting, and am therefore curious to know what size fixed blade you folks think would be the most functionally versatile knife if you had to take one without necessarily knowing where you might end up. Please do not consider things like weight, knife materials, grinds, designs, etc., but just the blade length only.

I know a single large knife is the only thing available in some cultures, and it seems that the folks in those cultures become very proficient in using the one edged tool they have. Yet other cultures seem to prefer something smaller such as an ulu, at least that is my understanding.

So what length do you folks feel would make the most functionally versatile woods knife and why???
 
Great question! I think most people's decisions will be based mostly on where they are located and what they're comfortable with. I carry mostly a small 4"-5" fixed blade and a saw, but I would probably really consider taking my 12" Golok if I had to choose just 1. However, I don't practice using it nearly enough for smaller detailed cutting tasks. I will have to get on that...
 
on_the_edge said:
Please do not consider things like weight, knife materials, grinds, designs, etc., but just the blade length only.
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size queen? :rolleyes:

kinda hard to give a valid answer to the size question without knowing what use it's for, and that would include knowing the AO and climate.

i.e., a machete is probably not the best choice for the arctic... or the desert.
 
I'd likely choose a short machete, or possibly a large chopper. I would need to be able to get wood easily if none is laying around, but I don't think that would be very easy with a shorter blade.
 
My 8" Busse Terror Monkey Desert Storm Fighter is my choice.

I have a deep seated fear, based upon experience, of having to build a fire or shelter quickly to overcome hypothermia which anchors my need to carry a longer, heavier, blade.

-Stan
 
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haha. this ol' topic.

it depends on where you live, the cultures that carry a large blade(and thinner) tend to be more tropical, (brazil, the philippines) where some fishing cultures use the smaller blade like a puukko. (finland) also the quality of life in these places are different (how easy is it to get food, or supplies). some of them are more industrial.

in the modern world i think it depends how long you plan to go out. if i go on a day hike i carry a Kellam Fang, or BK11 or BK2. if i go out for multiple days i carry a BK9, and carry the BK11 as a back up.
 
Something it the 5-6" range. I find that range is decent enough for most small knife work, while being long enough to handle some heavier knife work. I don't think you gain much as far as chopping, etc... goes until you increase the length to 9+" inches in length or so, but then you lose a good amount of dexterity.

Thickness 1/8"- 3/16". Anything more is heading into the over built class for that size of knife.

Shape- Woodcraftian or wider trailing point. It sticks well, while still being able to slice/make sweeping cuts.

Handle- Plain with some rounding. No finger grooves, etc.....

On the cheaper end, I like the Cattaraugus 225Q. On the higher end, the Ruana 14b, if you can still find one.
 
If the question is just blade length, I'd say 4-5". That's enough to split small logs. It's handy to prepare traps and things. You can clean game with a blade that size. You can carry it easily.

Of course, most of my experience is with midwest deciduous woods (hunting, camping, hiking, etc.) so that blade may suck (for all I know) in a jungle or swamp where a machete or something would shine. Whatever - I'd stick with one 4-5" long.
 
ESEE-4 without a doubt for me when talking versatile. Capable of doing anything I have ever asked of it. On longer hikes or camping I usually add a Condor Inca knife and/or folding saw. Basically around 4"-5" blade. I've had great success with my beloved TOPS Mohawk Hunter at 5". It has great sentimental value to me)
 
4" -5" or slightly longer. My go-to knives are a Bark River Aurora, Helle Brakkar or a BK77. But it seems there is always room for more(and bigger) knives.
 
Choosing blind without knowing where or what? I guess right now I'd say 5-7 inches depending on the build of the knife....There are techniques for making a smaller knife do heavier work but doing finer work with a larger knife can be frustrating and fatiguing. That may change after I get the 12" machete I have coming though, this one has a different (better) point than my last 12" machete and a much better handle. I'll know after I try it out on some finer tasks.
 
About a foot of machete. In a game of scenario-roulette for knives jungle is the one I think it would be hardest to make do with something else.
 
It seems to me that a 3"-5" blade is most versitile.
Regardless of terrain or climate, and regardless of what other bladed implements the indigenous peoples might carry, it seems that all cultures have handy 3"-5" blades in common use.
 
With all the hardware I have, I keep coming back to my Esee4 or my FK S1.
even though I sometimes use others. They're just that "middle-of-the-road" size and thickness that I can perform the most tasks with them , yet not be hindered by slogging a lot of weight. To me, there never will be a knife that performs all tasks perfectly , so I accept compromise. But definately not on blade quality.
 
Id choose my Bravo1. Not much I need to do that I couldnt get done with that. Id like to say my 14in Condor El Salvidor, but I just dont have the time in with it.
 
My 20" CAK.

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While just about every culture has a secondary blade in the 3-5" range, when it comes to crunch time, they want their big tool.
 
A blade around 5" long outta 3/16" high carbon will pretty much get done anything I can think I'd need done !
 
I'd go BIG 9-12in if it were the only tool I had. You have to think about SD as well, even tho it is unlikely it's still a possibility. But in reality you will need at least two blade's.
 
Cpl Punishment said:
My 20" CAK.

While just about every culture has a secondary blade in the 3-5" range, when it comes to crunch time, they want their big tool.
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You do bring up a good point here. This would even go for me too I guess. I LOVE my ESEE-3, it is my go to knife for most things. Lately tho it has been being accompanied with my Condor 14" El Salvador machete. But come to think of it, if it came right down to only one I think I would stick with the Condor just 'cause I am getting very comfortable with it. Now granted this is a WORST CASE scenario and really depends on the environment because it would really suck to have to clean a deer or a fish with only that thing. Lets just leave it at that I really wouldn't want to get stuck with just that one. I'd much rather have my pair, or make it my preferred trio and toss in my LM Wave, but now I'm just getting greedy.
 
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