Nessmuk Trio

H

Hybridvox

Joined
Jan 9, 2013
Messages
23
Hello everyone, I'm new here and am hoping some of you can share your knowledge with me. My wife and I enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping, particularly at the lakes in our region. I have been doing alot of research, and I like the idea of a modernized Nessmuk trio to fit our needs. I would like to purchase a trio of blades for each of us. I was thinking of a couple of set ups, I'll list them and any opinions or input would be greatly appreciated!

For me:
1. Carbon steel fixed blade, less than 3.5 inches, can be used for EDC/self defense/small chores like whittling. Thinking the BK11 or BK14 for this one.
2. Stainless steel fixed blade, at least 4 inches, can be used for cutting rope, food prep, cleaning small-medium game, and last ditch self defense. Thinking the Gerber Big Rock (440a) or LMF II (420HC) for this role.
3. Tomahawk or Hatchet/Small Axe. I have a couple ideas for this one, but really not sure. I am considering the Condor Woodworker or one of the Cold Steel Hawks. I live in the Southwest, we mostly have Junipers, Pine and Oak around here. I may make a separate post in the axe forum.

or

1. Stainless fixed blade, less than 3.5 inches, etc. etc.. Thinkin the Gerber Guardian K3 (420HC).
2. Carbon steel fixed blade, at least 4 inches, etc. etc...Thinking of the Kabar USMC full size or Mark I with leather handles.
3. Same as above.

For her:
1. Carbon steel fixed blade, less than 3.5 inches, can be used for EDC/self defense/small chores like whittling. Thinking the Izula for this.
2. Stainless steel fixed blade, at least 4 inches, can be used for cutting rope, food prep, cleaning small-medium game, and last ditch self defense. Thinking the SOG Seal Pup Elite (AUS8), Gerber Prodigy (420HC), Cold Steel Roach Belly (4116 Krupp) or Cold Steel SRK.
3. Kukri. Either the Condor Heavy Duty Kukri, Kabar Kukri Machete or Kabar Combat Kukri. These all have more of the traditional Kukri shape, as opposed to the Cold Steel Kukri Machete. Also considering the kukri Gerber is coming out with, full tang 1055.

So thats it...School Me! haha. Thanks everyone!
 
The Nessmuk trio will handle most chores that you're likely to run into while out hiking and camping. However I'm of the school of thought that a folding saw is incredibly useful and thus my trio is as follows:

Fixed blade: Fiddleback Bushcrafter / Ladyfinger
Folding saw: Silky Gomboy
Axe: Gransfors Bruks Small Forest Axe

To me there are 3 types of chores for sharp things, and using the right tool for the right job minimizes the chance of something breaking or going wrong: Cutting (knife), Sawing (saw), and Chopping (axe). There are lots of quality tools that can fill these roles at various price points. Mora Companion, Bahco folding saw, Fiskars hatchet would be a fine, more affordable combo.

Just my .02, there are lots of differing opinions on this topic
 
Thanks for the quick responses! I forgot to mention that the reason I am leaning toward a stainless main blade is that we spend the majority of our time near water and rust is a bit of concern. I won't be doing any batoning with the main blade and prefer a combo edge for it. I have been thinking about a Fiskars/Gerber axe but like the idea that if a wooden handle breaks, I can make another one :). I know Buck makes quality blades (watched my father in law skin two mule deer without sharpening), however, the designs don't really appeal to us. Also the BK4 is out of our price range for a clearing/light chopping tool. I'd like to keep it at around 100$ for an axe and kukri.

zcd, i am planning on also buying a saw, but not counting it as part of the trio :). I do like Moras and am thinking of also purchasing one to keep with my tackle. I do love the look of GB axes and read a review on woodtrekker.blogspot.com that the Condor was kind of a poor man's GB. I've also heard good things about Husqvarna axes.

Keep it coming guys! this is very helpful!
 
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My current set-up

Hatchet - Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
Fixed Blade - Helle Symfoni
Folder - Victorinox Red Alox Farmer
 
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