My tools for the woods

S

Scottman

Joined
Jun 24, 2007
Messages
1,079
I posted this on survival.com. I am looking for more input since I recently discovered bladeforums.com. I am very impressed with what I am seeing on this site. Thanks for the help. If you have any experience with the tools I am speaking of I would like to hear your experiences. Thank you.


"Hello, this is my first post. I am Scottman, you can read my other "first post" in the the welcome section.

I am getting serious about the tools that I take into the woods. I want to have good setup for what I need to get done while I am in the woods. I need peoples opinions, as some of these tools I do not own and am looking for advice on my Setup.

1. The Sak= The Trekker model. I already own it, good piece. I carry it in a Buck 110 leather sheath. I like it for the tools- really for saw.

Now..... what I want....

Chopper= Cold steel tomahawk. For the big stuff. I think this would be pretty good for my location (michigan). I am looking at the model with the hammer poll- which seems like it would be handy. It is called the Trail hawk. Any opinion on them? Will use for splitting pelvic bones on deer, and for a chopper. Will have to figure out some kind of sheath for it, I want it on a belt type setup. Or at least I think, I don't know, never owned a hawk before. Anybody carry one on their belt?

Fast access knife= Ka-bar TDI. I am looking at the model in the AG russel catalog. I think this one will be for defending myself- or just for when I need a fast access knife. It looks like a good knife. I want a shorter bladed fast access fixed blade so I don't have to worry about opening it (folder) or having is so big that it is hard to deploy. I think this will fit the bill. Since it is a fixed blade, it should be pretty tough, and the handle looks like it won't absorb blood- something I don't want when cleaning animals. Opinions on this one?

Lightweight Folder. This one really interests me. Its the AG russel featherlite one hand knife. I read about it here. http://outdoors-magazine.com/s_article.php?id_article=150
I think I will pay the extra for the ATS-34, which appears to be the better steel. This one looks like a sweet knife, and I like this blade shape compared to the clip type point on the other featherlite model. It weighs 1.5 ounces, that is super lightweight, only twice the weight of the Sak classic (a good little key chain knife (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) )

Gossman PSK. I just want one. I have read about it on this forum, and it seems everybody likes it. Also, it is from a guy who makes custom knives for a living, that is one of the coolest jobs out there!!!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/thumbsup.gif) I don't know how to make a sheath, going to have to figure that out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Should make a good piece to put in my "woodswalking bag". For small camp chores and such.

This is my future setup. I think I will have the basics covered with these good tools. I will save some of my money to get these, for I believe these are tools that I could rely on, depend on, and trust my life to them.

What does everybody think about my "future setup"? Let me hear your experiences, for there are some Very Very Wise members on this forum. Don't disappoint me"
 
Those choices look like you're trying to go it on the cheap. Not much can really be said in that case, other than 'yep, that's decent cheap stuff'.
My .02:
SAK: Meh. I don't use one.
Forget about the tomahawk and 'fast access knife'. replace both with a heavy knife or a Kukri. Himalayan imports make a few that are very economical and perform great. (Just ask the guys over at the H.I. forum.) If you have the dough, try one of the larger Busse or Chris Reeve knives, either will chop like a champ.
For your folder, please buy something better than that featherlite piece of dog poo. A used spyderco will serve you better and last longer.
PSK: Dunno, I make my own. I'd rather trust the kit that I put together than something that can be purchased complete. Just my opinion though.

Here's what I bring into the woods:
10'' Folding razor saw.
Chris Reeves Shadow IV or Aviator (depending on where I'm going and with how much gear).
ATC VTAC (Also depends on where I'm going).
My own PSK.
CRKT Tigh Tak (for whittling :) )
Etc.
 
well...you need to break it down into what each knife will be used for
my carry kit
daily
bm mini rukus,sak huntsman,leatherman wave
woods/fishing
bm mini rukus,oh trekker with pocket clip,leatherman wave
grohman #4 survival or #1 depending if fishing or woods
now thats my carry i base it typically on the ideal carry of three
city
[B]1-multiplier 2-one hand folder 3-sak because their handy[/B]
woods
[B]1-multiplier 2-4-5"fixed blade seal pup or #4 survival 3-one hand folder[/B]
spyderco endura or delica sog trident or seal pup,bm dejavoo
or mini rukus,orcold steel voyager or recon go to sportsman warehouse
pick up the knives find the ones that feel good and you like to carry
a knife left is one that will not save your life if needed
tyrantblade
 
you could get by perfectly fine with low cost stuff in the woods. you'll see hear that moras are just as popular as benchmades....I wouldn't worry so much about a self defense knife or a second folder....the chances of being attacked in the woods are small and a tomohawk or a long stick is a bnetter weapon...I would keep the sak, try the hawk out see if you like it....and get a stout 3-4 inch fixed blade for your in between stuff... my setup is a 12 inch ontario machete, a vic field master sak and a fallkniven f-1, 3 blades...and alot of bases covered...good luck in your quest.
 
RescueRiley said:
you could get by perfectly fine with low cost stuff in the woods. you'll see hear that moras are just as popular as benchmades....I wouldn't worry so much about a self defense knife or a second folder....the chances of being attacked in the woods are small and a tomohawk or a long stick is a bnetter weapon...I would keep the sak, try the hawk out see if you like it....and get a stout 3-4 inch fixed blade for your in between stuff... my setup is a 12 inch ontario machete, a vic field master sak and a fallkniven f-1, 3 blades...and alot of bases covered...good luck in your quest.
Click to expand...


RR-- very well said..:thumbup: :thumbup: my thought exactly....:)

WELCOME TO THE FORUMS...

cheap or not.. carry what you have until you feel ready to upgrade.... mora's, SAK's and opinels are some of the sharpest knives you can find, for the price.... a bowhunting friend of mine swears by opinels and moras.... he scoffs at my fancy knives...:D

keep the SAK and maybe look into another good sized fixed blade.... in 3.5-4.5 range.... and down the line you can check out some of the gransfors and bruhks axes.....
 
Scottman said:
Gossman PSK. I just want one. . . . I don't know how to make a sheath
Click to expand...

He'll make a very nice (i.e., rugged, not fancy) sheath for maybe $10 or something - I can't remember. But its not much.

I got one too, just because. Have not used it yet but am looking for an excuse. Its just a sharpened hunk of no nonsense O1 steel, and looks as though it would take a beating and beg for more. Save up your pennies and get one if it floats your boat.

cheers
 
Welcome aboard! Pair your SAK with a good medium fixed blade like a Mora and you are pretty much set. Add a good folding saw like one from Gerber, and you have a woods combo that can't be beat. It comes down to whatever works for you and the environment you visit. Inexpensive doesn't have to mean "cheap". That's the great thing about woods tromping, it doesn't have to cost much, just get out there and have fun!
 
powernoodle said:
He'll make a very nice (i.e., rugged, not fancy) sheath for maybe $10 or something - I can't remember. But its not much.

I got one too, just because. Have not used it yet but am looking for an excuse. Its just a sharpened hunk of no nonsense O1 steel, and looks as though it would take a beating and beg for more. Save up your pennies and get one if it floats your boat.

cheers
Click to expand...

i have a gossman PSK.. i love it... a lot of knife, in such a small package...if i'm in the woods, it's with me.... :thumbup: they are rediculously sharp too....:eek:

i can also make you a really basic leather neck sheath if you're interested...

allscared@yahoo.com

mike
 
Thanks everybody. Yep, I am trying to try out things for cheap. I am only 18 years old and can't justify spending big bucks for one great knife when I don't have enough experience with all of the edged tools.I thought it would be helpful if I listed some of the knives/edged tools I own.

-SAK recruit
Sak trekker
SAK classic
Sak -don't know model- it's a wenger
-Cold steel clip point 4 inch voyager. That steel won't seem to resharpen on my Lanksy system.
-Cold steel bushman-full size
-2 of the Ka-bar Dozier folding hunters. My favorite knife-even if it is cheap.
-Other low quality knives.

Thanks for the info on the sheath for the PSK. IN this case, PSK stands for Personal survival knife, not Personal survival kit. Hears a pic of the gossman psk http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/791716/
How much do you charge for the sheath for the psk, mtnfolk mike?
The blade is under 3 inches.

The trail hawk is already been ordered. Should arrive in a week or two. I will see how I like it.

Blais- the one hand Ag russel featherlite isn't a good knife? What was your bad experience with it. On outdoors mag it looked like a good knife. What's your experience. I would love to hear about it, as I was seriously considering this knife.

So, I guess I should ditch my idea on the TDI kabar and just look for a general use knife- in 3.5 to 4.5 inch range, on the belt. I am starting to think that the TDI is what it is, a self defense knife, not a woods tool.

So, now I need a "general purpose knife"-Mors recommends the mora. If I got a carbon steel craftsmen would I be able to sharpen it easily on my Lansky system?

But seriously, I think I could due better than the mora for my primary knife. What would be a good knife in 3.5 to 4.5 inch range, that I could easily sharpen, I have little experience-and isn't to expensive?

I think I should just order the mora! Only 16 dollars including shipping from ragweed forge.

Thanks everybody.
 
Scottman said:
Thanks everybody. Yep, I am trying to try out things for cheap. I am only 18 years old and can't justify spending big bucks for one great knife when I don't have enough experience with all of the edged tools.I thought it would be helpful if I listed some of the knives/edged tools I own.

-SAK recruit
Sak trekker
SAK classic
Sak -don't know model- it's a wenger
-Cold steel clip point 4 inch voyager. That steel won't seem to resharpen on my Lanksy system.
-Cold steel bushman-full size
-2 of the Ka-bar Dozier folding hunters. My favorite knife-even if it is cheap.
-Other low quality knives.

Thanks for the info on the sheath for the PSK. IN this case, PSK stands for Personal survival knife, not Personal survival kit. Hears a pic of the gossman psk http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/showtopic.php?tid/791716/
How much do you charge for the sheath for the psk, mtnfolk mike?
The blade is under 3 inches.

The trail hawk is already been ordered. Should arrive in a week or two. I will see how I like it.

Blais- the one hand Ag russel featherlite isn't a good knife? What was your bad experience with it. On outdoors mag it looked like a good knife. What's your experience. I would love to hear about it, as I was seriously considering this knife.

So, I guess I should ditch my idea on the TDI kabar and just look for a general use knife- in 3.5 to 4.5 inch range, on the belt. I am starting to think that the TDI is what it is, a self defense knife, not a woods tool.

So, now I need a "general purpose knife"-Mors recommends the mora. If I got a carbon steel craftsmen would I be able to sharpen it easily on my Lansky system?

But seriously, I think I could due better than the mora for my primary knife. What would be a good knife in 3.5 to 4.5 inch range, that I could easily sharpen, I have little experience-and isn't to expensive?

I think I should just order the mora! Only 16 dollars including shipping from ragweed forge.

Thanks everybody.
Click to expand...


scottman-- the PSK knives rock... i highly recommend them... :thumbup: i'm not worried about the price too much... $15-$20 is fine with me.... it'll be a basic neck style sheath.... drop me a line if you're interested...

allscared@yahoo.com

mike:D
 
Blais said:
For your folder, please buy something better than that featherlite piece of dog poo. A used spyderco will serve you better and last longer. Etc.
Click to expand...

WOW! You sure mailed me and mine. I hate to think that 15,000-20,000- troops in Iraq and Afghanistan are carring around dog-poo in their pockets.

Please be kind enough to tell me what your problem is with my knife. Have you ever owned one? If you did, did you have a problem? We have sold many thousands and the customers almost universaly love them, many have come back and bought them for friends. I carry one every day and have for about 15 years, I guess, in yoiur mind that makes me (as well as over 50,000 others) pretty stupid. Would you be kind enough to explain to this thread whey you think that?
A. G. Russell
 
You already got the SAK covered. Great little knife that'll do a whole bunch for you.

Instead of the CS tomahawk, I would go with a small SA Wetterling axe/hatchet. They come with a belt sheath and are hard to beat. Add a 3-5" fixed blade knife and you are set to go.

As for self defense, try taking a 5 or 6 foot staff and learn to use it in a self defense situation. Unless the other guy has a gun, you are going to put a serious smart on the dude.

Here is a package that I carry from time to time. I've added a Fiskars hatchet and added it to my vehicles GHB (get home bag), along with a Frost Mora and a Vic SAK.

edgedtrio.jpg


Here's the Fiskars hatchet
P1020902.jpg
 
A SAK with a saw (like your Trekker) and a full tang hunting knife with about a 4” blade is an excellent combo to start with. A locking single blade folder is very nice to have either as a stand in for or supplement to your fixed blade knife.

Big choppers likely won’t see as much use as you may think, so I wouldn’t spend a lot on them until you a sure of what you want and need and have learned to use them safely.

There are endless combinations that you can come up with, here’s my suggestions:

SAK with a saw - my favorites are the 111mm Hunter (locking blade), the Hiker/Camper and the Alox handled Farmer.

Fixed blade - Ghrohmann DH Russell No. 1 Belt Knife (preferably the flat ground stainless version). This is also available in an easy to build kit. The factory leather sheath is not that great, but a Kydex replacement sheath from One Scene Tactical will take care of that nicely.

Lightweight folder - Spyderco Salt (Salt I, Atlantic or Pacific, which ever one floats your boat). The Salts are completely rust proof. Get the hi-visibility/hard to loose yellow handles.

Sharpener – Spyderco Sharpmaker. The ceramic dog bone type sharpeners and the credit card size DMT diamond hones are handy for field sharpening.

“Chopper” (optional) Fiskars/Gerber Sportsman’s wood saw (the one with the retractable blade, made in Finland) - very lightweight, safe and easy to use.

E-tool (optional) CS SF shovel, also useful as a chopping tool and even as a passable machete.

Machete (optional) 18” Ontario with the orange D-guard handles and a plastic GI scabbard and a file for sharpening.


Get out there, have fun and let your experience guide you!






- Frank
 
I have the cold steel shovel- but I want to try something different.



Thanks for the staff idea. When I meant self defense it was more about animals, but I guess your fellow humans would be sometimes more dangerous than beasts. I use my cold steel blowgun as a walking stick, currently.

Thanks for the help, keep it coming, I got some questions that need answering.:)
 
HPIM0633.jpg


I'll be using this trio on the Nessmuk weekend coming up in September. The top two are fairly new to me.

GB Mini
SWC Bushcraft
SAK Farmer
 
Three cutting tools I always take to the woods are an 8" camp knife, 4" fixed blade and a SAK with a saw. The knife in my sig is always with me when I hit the woods. Never leave home without it.
Scott
 
I purchased one Featherweight ATS-34 clip point for my dad and one for myself early this past spring and here's my take:
The lock was especially hard to get used to and really made me nervous. For fifty a piece, I woud have liked a liner lock or a solid lock back. The Spyderco-like hole was certainly not the easiest or most reliable example of this type of apparatus I've ever used and I wasn't satisfied in the least until I stuck a zip tie in it to wave it open. The handles were too thin for my liking and felt almost like a bad interpretation of the Cold Steel Voyager handles, exept for the wierd rim around the perimeter of the handle. The ATS-34 was really the selling point for me but dissapointed me when the edge chipped and flaked under moderate cutting. I don't know what the claimed RC is but it must be pretty high because sharpening was a PITA, even A2 seemed easier. When I asked my dad if he had the same problems, he told me he used it once and went back to his Buck 110. In my opinion, it's a 15-25 dollar knife, not 50. $49.95 is better spent on a Spyderco Endura or Cold Steel Voyager (and I don't even likeCS). This is not to say that I dislike ALL A.G. Russell Knives, almost all of the other offerings are pretty appealing and I own an Ultimate Pen Kife that I think is the coolest little 20-dollar knife in the world. I come off as kinda harsh on this stuff but I'm picky about my knives.
 
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