One Becker for the AT...

I've done some stretches of the Trail, mostly in the Smokys, and I think that the BK11 coupled with a good multitool would be more than sufficient. Weight is a big factor, and the first time I went hiking I carried a big knife, and found that the small folding Gerber I also carried was more than sufficient, and the multitool would be great for working on equipment, picking up hot pans, ect. My 2 cents...

slik
 
I agree, I'd take at least 2 knives, the BK15 on my belt, and the Machax in my pack. Probably even the BK2 packed as well.
 
CRAZY PEOPLE!!! Hatchets! Hawks! The King??!! Its all about the weight, cutting anything other than your food and some rope is a no no. No fires, this is high elevation sensitive alpine eco systems. Id take a 16 and that is even overkill, ultra lighters would take a 13 but I think 11, or 14 are more realistic. Id take a 16 cuz Im an ultralighter/knife nut.
 
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HardTripper said:
CRAZY PEOPLE!!! Hatchets! Hawks! The King??!! Its all about the weight, cutting anything other than your food and some rope is a no no. No fires, this is high elevation sensitive alpine eco systems. Id take a 16 and that is even overkill, ultra lighters would take a 13 but I think 11, or 14 are more realistic. Id take a 16 cuz Im an ultralighter/knife nut.
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The AT barely gets over 6000' elevation, not exactly alpine. You come across towns about every 50 miles so you can ditch your fixed blade and pick up a SAK which is all you will ever need. The AT is about survival of the fittest not exactly a skills competition.
 
BK16 is what I would bring along. It's a giant small knife ;). I'd ditch the sheath for some kydex tho
 
RUNIT said:
The AT barely gets over 6000' elevation, not exactly alpine. You come across towns about every 50 miles so you can ditch your fixed blade and pick up a SAK which is all you will ever need. The AT is about survival of the fittest not exactly a skills competition.
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Totally agree, but its more like endurance of the fittest.
 
thanks for all the replies guys.

Back in may when I hiked a stretch of it, I took the 11 as my only blade. It served way better than I could have hoped for.

CK
 
I like carrying a chopper, and usually bring along the nine.

But for long range backpacking where weight is a concern, the 14 would suffice. With a baton, it can cut down trees and build shelter if necessary.
 
BK-14 w/ zytel scales and my Godspeed! sheath, without a doubt. A ton of utility in a small, lightweight package!
 
52100 said:
Considering that most (all?) AT hikers are gram weenies, I'd say a BK14 is your best bet. If you've also got some gorilla tape, super glue, and a tool for your stove, I think you'd be GTG with the BK14. I can't see any reason to carry something heavier over 2200 miles.
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One of the advantages of a 14/11 that I just realized- you can wrap the sheath in tape to use, and wrap the handle with enough cord to hang your food every night.It's not too hard to do a quick wrap that you can redo each morning. It might not work as well as I see it in my mind's eye, but it's an interesting idea.
 
Guess I will be different and say the BK 2, a little big I know, but if I can only have one knife, I want one that will do anything I need it to do.
 
the BK2... very capable of camp chores normally associated with a smaller knife, and smaller than the BK9 to save space
 
Yeah im sorry id never do 2100 miles with one knife but this is your thread:-P
Im sorry guys i know weights an issue on a trek like that so i'll have to go with a bk10 and i'll ditch some other comfort to make up for the weight.

If Becker made a multitool THAT would be my choice as its really what you need
 
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