Need climbing and camping knife

T

tuckman81

Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Messages
6
Hey everyone, I am just getting started using the blade forums and I have a few questions. First of all I need a small but strong folder for mainly Rock climbing but also for some camping does anyone have any recommendations? Also I need ideas for how to convince my parents to let me get this knife. I know there have been other threads on this subject but I would like some personalized results if that will work. I am a 16 year old guy living in Colorado so there is tons of use for a nice folder like this but both of my parents a very big against "weapons" they let me get a leatherman wave because they think it will be good camping but it is way to big and heavy to be used for climbing or storing in a pocket. They say that single blade knives seem "barbaric" please help. Thanks so much sincerely, Tucker
 
I would look for something that's pretty rust resistant like VG-10 or Elmax.

Spyderco makes some nice VG-10 blades, check out the Endura or Salt series (and they are pretty light knives) You can get these for $50-$70, pretty cheap.

Or Zero Tolerance makes good Elmax blades but the prices can get high compared to the Spyderco knives and they can get pretty heavy.

Still, a good high quality fixed blade would be better for climbing and camping.

Good Luck.
 
Yeah I agree, Rust resistance, if you are looking for something cheap and good quality you may have troubles with thats, the only thing I can think of is a bench made in 154cm, not the best for rust resistance but holds an edge good, light weight, and small. I have had a BM 585 and you can get them fore around the same price as the spydies and they are good knives! I agree with the Zero tolerance also, good knives but heavy, you will find them to have a good weight to them but they are heavy duty. As far as the parents go, I don't know man just tell them the price you are paying compared to msrp if there is a big difference and just mention all the uses and how you will be responsible with it which you should be anyways.
 
For climbing, I'd recommend a Spyderco Dragonfly Salt, with serrated blade. Light weight, rust resistant, very visible, serrated edge is awesome at cutting cordage. Pretty much the perfect knife for that use.

You might also consider a fixed blade Spyderco Enuff Salt, if you're more of a fixed blade person.

Obviously if you're planning to chop wood while camping... these are not your best options. But in that case, get two knives. One for climbing and one for camping.
 
Check out Swiss Army Knives, they have a few knives with locking blades and some that have one-handed opening functionality. Check out the Victorinox Trekker (comes both in serrated and non-serrated depending on your preference). The classic red one looks very non-threatening, most people recognize them as boy scout knives.
 
Take a serious look at the Spyderco Salt series. For primary use in climbing, a serrated blade would be best. As far as your parents are concerned, several of the Salt knives look pretty benign (e.g., the dragonfly mentioned above if you need a point or the Atlantic or Assist if you don't). Remind you parents you need a tool for your personal safety, not a weapon. If you wanted a weapon you could just use the family kitchen knives.
 
Spyderco pingo would be a good choice for a lightweight folder it would be great for the activities you mentioned and it is not really pointy or threatening and does not lock. By the way I am glad you came here to find help and I am sorry your parents have such an alarmist mentality , I hope you can help change how they think by being a symbol of responsible knife use.
 
If you need a knife to cut old slings ay anchor stations or to cut rope, cordage and webbing to self rescue etc. My favorite knife to attach to my harness is a Spyderco Ladybug with full serrations. It wont be that useful around camp but anything larger with your climbing gear gets in the way. When I climb I usually have the Ladybug on my gear-loops and a Swiss Army Farmer shoved deep into my shorts/pants pockets (this is more for emergencies like fire making and shelter building).

I definitely suggest a one hand opener for rock climbing, chances are the other hand is going to be busy.
 
In two years you can buy whatever you want. The wave is not that heavy. If the weight of the wave is going to hold you back either lose a few ounces or build up the strength needed to carry such a beast :D

Do what your parents say and when you have the right to decided for yourself there are many great options out there, a delica or endura would be prefect. I have an Endura but personally prefer the Salt line from Spyderco (lighter than the previous but also rust proof for outdoor activities).
 
For the knife, go with the Spyderco salt series. But it really depends on your budget.

For the parents, maybe try explaining all the uses for the knife that you can't get from a smaller blade like in your leatherman
 
My recommendation would be to bring your parents to your gear shop and have a professional explain the reasoning for having a single hand deployment knife while rock climbing.

I'm not a rockclimber, but have hiked a lot in Colorado, it's very dry so im not sure why rust prevention is being brought up so much. Id be fine with anything of quality and AU8 steel or something similar. Cold steel would work just fine and not break the bank.

Just my 2 cents. Mike
 
Is a 16 year old going to be pulling off those climbs where you have to cut your partner off belay or you'll loose your own life?

Most likely some sort of Swiss Army knife will do for all the rope prep chores and around the campsite. It's light, and non-weapon like. And then a couple years down the road after you move out you'll be able to pick out something else.
 
A RAT series knife would fit the bill, either fixed or folder depending on the type and size you decide on. They're inexpensive enough that if you lose/break one it won't be too hard of a hit.
 
Tell them you want a Swiss Army Knife, but how specific you get is up to you. A Victorinox Trekker or Soldier model with serrated blade would be a good choice *I* think, although there are plenty to choose from. Might be an easier sell than some other brands/models as far as your parents are concerned, and plenty capable. I guess I'd sooner choose a fixed blade, personally, but keeping it "family friendly" and unobtrusive during climbing might be harder to accomplish.
 
Under the circumstances, I would suggest something along he lines of the Vic One handed Trekker with the serrated blade or a SAK rescue type knife. Be sure to use a lanyard to secure it to your person even after using it as you might have some problem closing it if your hands are busy.

With fixed blades, I would suggest a Kabar Becker BK-14 or BK-24 with handles. Should be enough knife for camping as well and plenty tough.
 
Your parents stay in college a bit too long? :) They need to realize that on a mountain you may need to get to a blade FAST...not have time to take out your Leatherman and select a kiddie blade. Which is also why a fixed blade should be your primary knife, and always a good SAK in your pocket.

Best folder for your circumstances would be one of the DPx HEST 2.0 folders. In your favor is the fact that they are non-threatening and do not come off as tactical. They are good, tough knives that come in handy where you are going.

Other than that I'd recommend anything Emerson but they might scare the parents.
 
Check out the Benchmade Griptilian range, particularly the Mini in yellow. The plain edge would be good for camping, although a slightly longer blade would be better. The size and color might help with your folks' reluctance. Lots of good suggestions for knives. Single blades are lighter, but people will think them are more weapon like since there aren't other tools in there to dilute the view.

As for your parents, don't give up hope that they will come around. Sounds like they are working off what they see in the media, without the benefit of positive personal experience. Over time you yourself can provide that positive influence by demonstrating both your own maturity and responsibility and that such a tool can be useful in ways they haven't thought of. A lot of people who haven't got used to knives as tools have had to find alternative ways to do things and can be surprised that a knife can be as handy as they are. At the end of the day, you want to go outdoors and do things where your safety and comfort will be enhanced by having a knife as a tool. That can be made as a sensible and well reasoned argument.

When I was a bit younger than you I wanted to get into shooting air rifles and hunting small game. I was lucky in that I had been allowed to carry a knife since I was six, but my mum had always been totally anti guns, to the point she didn't want to buy water pistols or cap guns when I was little. It took a while, but I did get her permission, and my folks even drove me to the other side of our (small) country to buy my first rifle. I had to talk through all the emotional reasons she didn't like guns, try to see things from her side and then present counter arguments that addressed her fears. It took some patience, which in itself is a good thing to demonstrate ;), and some time.

Technical details always make things sound boring. You want your choice of knife to sound like it is boring and you want it for a long string of technical reasons that have nothing to do with style, drama, cool, or prestige value with your friends.

I am sure you will be able to persuade your parents if you can keep them talking long enough:) I wish you the very best of luck!!!

Chris
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top