Need help choosing survival knife

Mr Patti said:
Please don't tell me I can't handle the weight. An extra pound on my belt isn't going to make or break things. I routinely hike with a pack that weights about 50lbs.
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A 50lb pack weight including food and water doesn't seem at all unreasonable for the AT especially if it includes lots of food cause it seems folks can never have enough food.

If you're thru hiking it this year you have to be traveling north to south so hop on let us know if you make changes to your load after the 100 mile wood.
 
Mr. Patti
Hi I'm going to be thru hiking the appalachian trail and I'm in the market for a high quality fixed blade knife. I
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While I have not thru hiked the AT, I have been on most of it. Frankly, its more like walking in a park then a wilderness. Take a good SAK, and don't worry about it.
 
I've done a few long distance hikes (longest was about 900 miles), spent a while in the military and spent more than a decade as a professional alpine mountain guide.

For me weight matters. If you feel you need a fixed blade then I would go with something like a Mora for weight savings and ease of maintenance. A 510 or 2000 would be just fine, have very usable sheaths and will get anything done that you need it too, for the AO you're working in.

If you talk with people who have hiked it you'll find that most of them carried a small SAK. You're not bushwacking, you're hiking a very well groomed trail.

My Spydie military was more than enough for most of my long hikes, although I like a SAK for it's versatility and it's nice to have a saw. Your multi-tool probably has all you need, but they're not as convenient when you just need a blade, which is where a fixed blade, neck knife or pocket knife clipped into a pocket really begins to shine.

Don't forget the nail clippers. They're a life saver for long trails.
 
Your choice of an ESEE 6 is a sound one.Paired with a good multi or SAK and you should be good to go.If I were to pack a long ways,I would also pack my SP101.
 
Yet again I CAN handle the weight of a 1 pound knife. To the people who suggested guns I would love to bring my 9 mil but guns are illegal on the trail. To whoever said the trail is more of a park then wilderness, that's not entirely true. Up in the northeast especially Maine and NH it's mostly wilderness. Parts like the Shenendoah park are depressing though.

Since my decision is the ESEE 6 as far as the knife goes I just need to figure out the best option for field sharpening. Someone suggested the DMT diafold. The only thing I'm not sure about is which version of that sharpener to get. The only way I've ever sharpened knifes is my oldschool massive sharpening stone so I suppose I'm not very experienced in knife sharpening.
 
I recommended the Diafold.

Here's one option (don't mean this as price spotting): Sharpening Supplies I use a coarse/fine. I figure the coarse is nice if I really bugger an edge, and the fine keeps a good enough edge on it. If you want to have a finer edge, the same place has pocket Arkansas stones that are light. Between the diafold and a soft Arkansas, you'll likely have more sharpening ability than you'll need on the trail.
 
I'm joining this conversation a little late, as the OP has decided on the ESEE-6, but I say this is large for AT thru hiking. I've done pushing 500 miles worth section hiking over recent years in places from GA to ME. I've not seen anyone with a knife that large. In fact my RC-3 (now ESEE-3) looks large compared to what is carried out there. The ESEE-3 is suited for the task of thru hiking. I'd go no larger than the ESEE-4.

That said, I second Cpl Punishment's recommendation of the Diafold. Use one often. Take a look at the DMT mini-sharp. This is what I carry for backpacking if needed.
 
gander6 said:
I'm joining this conversation a little late, as the OP has decided on the ESEE-6, but I say this is large for AT thru hiking. I've done pushing 500 miles worth section hiking over recent years in places from GA to ME. I've not seen anyone with a knife that large. In fact my RC-3 (now ESEE-3) looks large compared to what is carried out there. The ESEE-3 is suited for the task of thru hiking. I'd go no larger than the ESEE-4.

That said, I second Cpl Punishment's recommendation of the Diafold. Use one often. Take a look at the DMT mini-sharp. This is what I carry for backpacking if needed.
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I'll check out the mini sharp. Also what do you think of these. I know the ESEE 4 would most likely be perfectly sufficient but I've always wanted a large blade knife.
 
Smiths 1x4'' arkansas hardstone and a 2x2 inch square of 1000, 1500 and 2000 grit sandpaper. It's the cheapest, smallest, lightest and in my opinion most effective route for field sharpening anything softer than 60RC
 
Mr Patti said:
I'll check out the mini sharp. Also what do you think of these. I know the ESEE 4 would most likely be perfectly sufficient but I've always wanted a large blade knife.
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Here's what I use for the majority of my sharpening needs...home and on the trail.

sharpeners01.jpg


Top = DMT mini-sharp
Left = DMT diafold
Middle = Lansky crock stick
Right = GATCO tri-seps

I use the diafold, crock stick, and tri-seps at home for all of my blades. I carry the mini-sharp on the trail (sometimes the tri-seps as well).

DMT calls red "fine" and green "extra-fine." Even though red is "fine," I generally do not need a sharpener that is more coarse. As most here on the forums, I maintain a decent edge all of the time, so anything coarser is really not needed (in cases where I do, I use an EZELAP diamond wallet sharpener that works well for me). The crock stick and tri-seps remove any burrs and give me a hair shaving edge.

BTW, I'm not trying to talk you out of an ESEE-6, I'm just saying I don't see anything like that with thru-hikers. In fact fixed blades are a rarity.

I like the ESEE-3 because I have a fixed blade in a small package. I can carry it around town in my front pants pocket and keep it out of sight. So, I'm always with a fixed blade, whereas I couldn't do this with something like an ESEE-6 without if being noticed.

Hope this info helps.
 
Here's is a really great selection of some of the toughest and most affordable knives on the market. http://scrapyardknives.com/knives.htm

I don't know whether you are familiar with this company or not but the most common steels that they use are SR-77 and 101 which as far as I am aware are classed as shock steels and are employed in the tips of jackhammers!!! Very tough steel but not rust proof. If you have a coated blade and don't leave it sitting around wet you won't have any problems. I think the Son of Dogfather would be in the lines of what you're looking for... They go for around $200 and I can guarantee that one will last a lifetime.
They are guaranteed by the company for life after all!

Have an awesome trip, I'm jealous as hell :)
Also I have a busse ASH1 for sale which is quite a bit out of your price range but is a born chopper with a 6.5 inch blade and .32" thick INFI steel. Easy to sharpen and never chips... Lifetime guarantee.

Best,
Gabriel.
 
I've hiked much of the Rocksylvania and New Jersey portions. The ultralighters and hippies will mock you, but who cares.

Have you mapped out your re-supply?

Port Clinton is a decent trail town, with Cabelas 3 miles south of the trail hwy 61 crossing. Also hotel and diner there.

Delaware Water Gap is also a decent trail town before you cross the Delaware into New Mugmey. Has a couple of gear shops as well.

Some very nice vistas along the way as well as it follows the mountain ridges:

SANY0011-5.jpg


http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-162.html
 
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Get a Mora 511, it'll cost you about $10 the get an EZE-LAP Hone & Stone and cut the handle down.

For the money you can buy one and try it out.

All the knife you'll need or want.

Good luck.
 
Mr Patti said:
Hi I'm going to be thru hiking the appalachian trail and I'm in the market for a high quality fixed blade knife. I'm looking for something in the 6" - 7" range. The knife needs to hold an edge well since I'll be in the wilderness making sharpening opportunities rare. The knife obviously needs to be very tough as well as being able to handle some moisture. Knives I've been considering are the ESEE 6, KA-BAR Becker BK7, and the Buck 119 special. The pricetag on the ESEE 6 is the highest I'll spend so please don't recommend anything over $140 or so.

Thanks everyone.
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I think you will like a Fallkniven S1. It is a little shorter than you mentioned (just over 5") but otherwise right in your ballpark... I assume you will also be carrying a larger "knife" like a machette and a smaller knife like a Mora Clipper so a large primary knife may be a bit of overkill... The F1 (mentioned earlier) is also an excellent choice...

The S1 and the F1 are laminated SS and the edge is hardened to 59 HRC... I think you will like either... :D
 
gander6 said:
Here's what I use for the majority of my sharpening needs...home and on the trail.

sharpeners01.jpg


Top = DMT mini-sharp
Left = DMT diafold
Middle = Lansky crock stick
Right = GATCO tri-seps

I use the diafold, crock stick, and tri-seps at home for all of my blades. I carry the mini-sharp on the trail (sometimes the tri-seps as well).

DMT calls red "fine" and green "extra-fine." Even though red is "fine," I generally do not need a sharpener that is more coarse. As most here on the forums, I maintain a decent edge all of the time, so anything coarser is really not needed (in cases where I do, I use an EZELAP diamond wallet sharpener that works well for me). The crock stick and tri-seps remove any burrs and give me a hair shaving edge.

BTW, I'm not trying to talk you out of an ESEE-6, I'm just saying I don't see anything like that with thru-hikers. In fact fixed blades are a rarity.

I like the ESEE-3 because I have a fixed blade in a small package. I can carry it around town in my front pants pocket and keep it out of sight. So, I'm always with a fixed blade, whereas I couldn't do this with something like an ESEE-6 without if being noticed.

Hope this info helps.
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Thanks for the sharpening information. It basically comes down to me definitely needing a knife for the thru hike. The choice of a larger blade is more because I've always wanted one but never had a reason to buy one. Now that I'm doing this thru hike I have a perfect reason to drop 150 on a knife. Also I live in NH where there are no knife laws. :)

brians said:
I've hiked much of the Rocksylvania and New Jersey portions. The ultralighters and hippies will mock you, but who cares.

Have you mapped out your re-supply?

Port Clinton is a decent trail town, with Cabelas 3 miles south of the trail hwy 61 crossing. Also hotel and diner there.

Delaware Water Gap is also a decent trail town before you cross the Delaware into New Mugmey. Has a couple of gear shops as well.

Some very nice vistas along the way as well as it follows the mountain ridges:

SANY0011-5.jpg


http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/archive/index.php/t-162.html
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Yeah my resupply is all mapped out. There's going to be about 27 resupply stops at post offices. I'm doing bulk food and supplies and having friends + family ship it.

The ultralighters already give me weird looks and tell me in crazy because my pack weighs on average 25lbs more than theirs. I like my comforts even if it means carrying them for 5 months.
 
You won't need that much knife, But I won't tell you to not bring it. People have hiked the trail with plastic flamingos and laptop computers, some have resupplied pony kegs every few days.
This is a knife forum, and if you want an excuse to buy and carry a big knife, most of us will understand, even if we think you might be happier with a little less knife.
Remember, the AT will take you through several towns, one every few days at least until you get to the last stretch NOBO.
Be safe and regale us with your journey when you can.
Bring one more thing, a sturdy plastic bag to Cache things you might decide to lose along the trail. either record it for geocachers or let others SOBO'ers know where the "Trail Magic" is. ultra lighters love to brag about how they got by with nothing, but the reality is they usually parasite off of others misjudgements or kindness. A SOBO might really appreciate the boost, or if they can even mail it to you. if you're lucky. Not everyone is a scurvy dog, and real through hikers are a pretty special bunch.
Safe trails!
 
J.P. Peltonen M95 Sissipuukko - just a lil' bit more expensive than 140 $ but trust me - when SHTF that knife will serve you well.It's also my most used outdoor knife.6 '' blade that is forged and zone tempered - what's not to like :D
 
I had a hard time deciding on my tools loadout for a similar hike. Here's what I decided on:

1. Busse Boss Street ~4" Knife
2. RC Izula Neck Knife
3. Sawvivor 15" Folding Saw and extra blade
4. Craftsman Needlenose pliers

That's it for me... no Swiss Army Knife and no Leatherman multitool. I do have a set of medical scizzors, stainless steel tweezers, and nail clippers in my medical kit.

If I can't get "it" done with those items above then I shouldn't be going in the first place...
 
i don't think that the concern is that you *can't* pack a blade of the size you're asking about, but more will you WANT to be packing that big chunk of steel after a few weeks?

it's an established trail, and if everyone hauled along a big chopper and used it the trail would quickly look like crap!

if i were going, i'd be considering the ESEE Izula (with scales) or 3, or something in the 3" range from Koyote or Blind Horse. or one of the Nesmuk style blades.

i love knives and other gear, but i don't think this is a case where "bigger os better", but rather a case of "less is more"
 
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