Mountaineering knife needed

A

alligator

Joined
Apr 30, 2011
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2
I'm having trouble finding a good knife specifically to carry when I climb various mountains. I'll be heading up to about 14,000 feet this summer, and I want to carry a lightweight knife with a 2-3 (?) inch blade. I will most likely need to carry it on a lanyard around my neck or in my climbing pants pocket.

I have a Spyderco dragonfly (etched), but it is a little smaller than what I wanted. I will use the new knife to cut open food and other general tasks, and in the worst case, to cut a rope. I would also like to use this particular knife for EDC with jeans.

What do you recommend? I'm preferential to Spyderco.

Here is what I have, but it is very small:
C28ET_M.jpg
 
Interesting! I'm a little scared of how I would sharpen such a knife with that blade, but I really like the look. Also, money is not really a concern here, selecting the best knife is my main issue.

2007_0916hawkbill0497.jpg
 
alligator said:
Interesting! I'm a little scared of how I would sharpen such a knife with that blade, but I really like the look. Also, money is not really a concern here, selecting the best knife is my main issue.
Click to expand...

That opens up a whole range of possibilities. How about a strider PT?

Sharpening serrated edge hawkbills is no problem with a spyderco sharpmaker.
 
Yep, that pretty much exactly describes a Delica 4 FFG. Or maybe a different Spyderco Salt series knife.

Striders are definitely not light, BTW. The value is also questionable...
 
Victorinox with scissors, tweezers, screwdiver blades for the equipment you have, an awl, and a good blade. Every ounce counts. I have never needed a big heavy blade up in the mountains.

Maybe something heavier if you do the "127 Hours" thing, but I hope you don't need to do that. Travel light and move fast in the mountains.
 
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I would personally go for a fixed blade. Fidgeting with locking mechanisms while mountaineering can be a bit of a hassle. I have summited Mt. Rainier a couple times and did a 52 day backpacking/climbing trip on the continental divide trail...and to be honest the ease of access and versatility of a "necker" or "neck knife" makes them the best choice. I would recommend either the Swamprat Swamp Warden made of SR-101 steel or the ESEE Izula II with the kit. A little paracord used as a necklace and you're good to go. I have used both of these neck knives and both have their up sides. The ESEE Izula II is best suited for the finest work whereas the Swamprat Swamp Warden due to its SR-101 steel maintains an edge like no other and requires 5x less sharpening (frequency).

Good Luck!

www.swamprat.com
www.eseeknives.com

These sites will provide you with specs, etc.
 
For cutting ropes I'd choose a serrated blade, such as found on the Victorinox Rescue Tool or Victorinox Dual Pro. The military version of the Dual Pro X is currently issued by the Dutch army.
 
Another vote for the part-serrated Delica. Its light, reliable and robust.

If you need to go fixed blade, then the Fallkniven WM1 would be an excellent choice. But id have no qualms taking the Delica along.
 
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Another vote for a fixed blade. I lived in Colorado for several years and did a lot of fourteeners. I carried a Fallkniven F1 a lot, which is a very compact, but robust fixed blade, but if that is too large, and heavy, an ESEE Izula or one of the other "neck knives" is fine.

That being said, if you really want a folder, the Benchmade 550 Grip series or Spyderco Manix 2 would be good choices.
 
These are made for cutting line. You can pick up a kydex sheath for them. I don't believe that you can find a lighter more cost effective better preforming tool for cutting line.
V40603.jpg


For edc, I'm partial to my new Hogue EX01 ymmv
 
I would vote for a fixed blade too.

My suggestion would be a Ontario RAT 3 Utility Knife w/ 3.5" Serrated Blade combo. Though it's a slightly longer with (3.5") blade and micarta handle ((4.3'') that work well with/w'out gloves, serrations that allow for easy cutting of rope and a sheath with multiple carry options.
 
folding knife= spyderco delica full flat grind,= ffg
fixed blade= esee 3
thoes are my picks
 
Lots of guys love the Moras, they don't have the exposed tang, that gets real cold. If you are worried about using the knife with gloves, I'd get a thicker handle.
What's the best sheath for 14,000 ft? Would Kydex get stiff and crack, or not flex enough to release the blade? What happens to frozen leather?

I'd be looking for a 1/2 serrated, fixed blade with a thick handle,(good for gloves), all in a kydex type sheath. Depending on the size, belt or neck carry options. Lastly, I almost lost my pack once, just once. Don't strap your only knife to your pack.
 
The FFG Delicas are nice, but I'd go with the half serrated saber grind for rope and such. I had one for years and years, makes a great everyday knife too.
 
I would suggest a Fallkniven WM1. I am not a fan of serrated knives. Even if you have to cut some rope, the WM1 would off course be able to do so. And a serrated edge is, in my opinion, best suited for a dedicated rescue knife.

Stig
 
The New manix 2 lightweight seems like a good option, but If you want some flair and a but smaller the Spyderco Leafstorm is great, very light, solid grip, S30v, frame lock (a bit thin, but it's a light folder, you can't have everything), plus its so smooth and easy to take apart for maintenance and cleaning.
 
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