Only One Knife

anthony cheeseboro

anthony cheeseboro

Joined
Aug 8, 1999
Messages
5,094
The thread posted earlier about a good knife for the army got me thinking. I plan to be working in tropical West Africa this summer for about six weeks. Considering the increased security, it will probably be difficult to take a bunch of knives like I used to even in checked baggage. Although I imagine that I will be able to take at least a multi-tool and a couple of good folders, what one knife if would any of you take if you were going on such a trip to both rural and urban environments for an extended period?
 
Depending on what limitations are set, I would take one of the following:

Folder:
Al Mar SERE 2000

large fixed:
Fallkniven A1

medium fixed:
Gerber Yari

small fixed:
Fallkniven F1

This is not hard and fast. The choices may change tommorrow as I think on it further. These are just off the top-o-my-head choices.:rolleyes:
 
If practical, these would be my choices:

Al Mar SERE 2000

&

Mr. Mojo ;)

--The Raptor--
 
sebenza.jpg


It would have to be my CRK Large Sebenza. It is not my ideal pick for defensive use, but it is the toughest folder I've ever handled. If I can only have one I want it to be versatile and indestructible.

--Bob Q
 
I agree with bquinlan. If I could only carry one knife it would have to be my large sebbie. Of course then I would have to decide between the wis and my regular model! Oh what the heck. I would carry the large ironwood inlaid Sebbie and be done with it!

I really like the Gerber Yari as a fixed blade. One tough KNIFE!
 
We are just talking folders here?

I would take my REKAT Sifu (if no blade-limit), but if there is a limit to 4 inch or under, I'd take my REKAT Carnivour. Both are very tough, easy to sharpen, and hold an edge pretty well.
 
If I could have only one knife it would be a folder so that I could carry and use it most places in an urban environment without causing too much trouble I think it would have to be an Emerson Commander plain edgedor Mini Commander. The recurve is a very useful blade and make it cut like a bigger knife. plus when you're bored you can sit around and play with it Waving in topen
 
You guys have some good suggestions so far. Although I may carry a custom or high-end knife, I might just go with budget blades in case I run into sticky fingered customs agents or cops when I get to my destination. A couple that I have thought of are a Spyderco Endura or an Outdoor Edge Magna for a large folder. I guess that a Delica, Native, or SOG small BG-42 Autoclip would make good small folders.
 
ANthony,

What kind of terrain will you be in? What will you be doing, etc. -- will your work involve using your knife? I'd buy a nice cheap machete once you get there for a fixed blade, and bring along a few budget, tough folders. You can keep a couple, and usw others for trade items. Budget folders are high-end to many indigenous peoples the world over. It's fun to see the look on their faces when you hand them a nice folder.

I think you're right on to leave your custom stuff home -- too easy for them to be confiscated by knife-collecting "cops" over there.

Best,

Brian.
 
Assume that there's a darn good chance any knife you bring to a third world-type country could go missing. With that in mind, I'd pack my plain-edge frn Spydie Endura and a Leatherman Wave.

One other thing to keep in mind - while greedy customs agents, corrupt cops and pickpockets all come to mind, there's another, more-pleasant way to lose your knives over there. With any luck, you will meet some great people and make new friends. You might find youself in a position where the budget/everyday folders that you decide to bring might also make wonderful gifts for those new friends. The bargain folder you leave behind could be the knife that's used and cherished for years by the recipient. (So leave the Sebbie at home! ;) )
 
Since your going somewhere tropical you may want to consider something that won't rust. Maybe something along the lines of a talonite blade and a titanium handle. Take your pick.
 
Primarily, I will be in an urban environment working in an archive at Ibadan, Nigeria. At this location, I would not carry anymore than I would carry at a similar location in the U.S. ,however,
a large folder would be good for food preparation around the house. On occassion, I will get to out into rural areas for research. These areas are pretty remote and a bigger piece will come in handy. From what I hear, road clearing may be necessary once and a while.
 
Sounds like the perfect mission for the new 440C Griptilian Axis lock from Benchmade. Not sure what I would take along as a bigger piece though. Road clearing sounds like a job for a machete.
 
Anthony, the Outdoor Edge Magna would be a good choice. Large and strong enough but still relatively cheap and easy to carry. As mnblade suggests for a backup I would take a strong multitool with pliers and saw (Swisstool, Leatherman Supertool 2000 or Wave).
 
For a budget folder I very much like the CRKT M16-03 with Flipper and the new Benchmade 806 D2 looks like a big winner as well although a little less "budget".
 
Antony,

if I were you, I wouldn´t take one of my good knives to the black continent. I heard to much stories about harsh luggage checking and custom officers, who confiscated things, they couldn´t otherwise afford. The security madness of some of these countries (dictatorships) gives them the right to confiscate anything what could be used as a weapon - including pencils.

Take a SAK with you - (the custom officer will still have one) or buy a local knife.

Very common are the french made Douk-Douks, especially in northern Africa. They are very easy made, but of superior steel, can be sharpend like hell.

http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Set/2292/doukdoukrev.htm

Some small kitchen knives would be a good idea, because most time you will be preparing food.

Keep in mind: "Peel it, boil it, or forget it!"

Enjoy your trip, hope you will have a great time!

Claus
 
Anthony,

Initially, I would have said the large Sebenza, like some of the other posters, but I agree that the risks of having a Sebenza "lifted" by the "authorities" are not worth it.

I'd agree with the above posts that a less expensive Spydie or something from CRKT would be more appropriate. Maybe the Delica. Maybe you should also consider a non-serrated blade as well. Not as threatening.

Your summer project sounds fascinating. Let us know of your adventures when you return. Maybe you can make it onto the next "Survivor" series.:eek:
 
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