Recommend best model for a backpacker

By handle size I mean 4 inches minimum. So 4.5 inches is okay. Nothing more than 8.5 inches OAL though.
 
If you are willing to accept a 4" blade with 4.5 handle I would look hard at the Ladyfinger as well. It quick and nimble and has a narrower profile which saves some weight. The narrow profile also lends itself to more fish prep applications in my opinion. I'm bias, it's my favorite profile he makes.
 
For serious backpacking, I think I would suggest this configuration of Hiking Buddy :) .

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mistwalker said:
For serious backpacking, I think I would suggest this configuration of Hiking Buddy :) .
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Really like that configuration. Hidden or exposed tang, it doesn't matter to me but that's the kind of grind I want. Something with osage or lignum vitae handles would be perfect for me. On another note to future responses, I still need to consider weight. So nothing too bulky. Even small things can quickly add up in weight resulting in a overloaded pack. In any case it looks like I'll be searching for a hiking buddy, but I'll keep other models in mind.
 
Bladenoobie1 said:
Really like that configuration. Hidden or exposed tang, it doesn't matter to me but that's the kind of grind I want. Something with osage or lignum vitae handles would be perfect for me. On another note to future responses, I still need to consider weight. So nothing too bulky. Even small things can quickly add up in weight resulting in a overloaded pack. In any case it looks like I'll be searching for a hiking buddy, but I'll keep other models in mind.
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The weight and balance of that particular hiking Buddy is why I suggested it. The hidden tang models are noticeably lighter.
 
Have you considered the Asp? 4" blade and 4.5" handle. Not as slim as the Hiking Buddy but possibly a better all rounder- considering your intended use I think it should be in your short list. There is a side by side in the HB picture thread. I have one on the way for similar use and if the ergos are as good as the Sneaky Pete then it will be a great tool.
 
I used to carry a 4" blade (Spyderco Bushcraft) but found I left it in the tent too often because of it's size and weight. I've recently switched to a scandi Hiking Buddy (mine is a SFT) and even though I've only tested it on a few day hikes so far I think it's a winner. I barely notice this knife so no longer have an excuse to not have it on me. It's not even half the weight of the Spydie yet large enough to make the small kindling and firewood that I use in my woodstove. I do pair it up with a folding saw by the way, as I did with the bush Spydie as well.
 
I'm an old backpacker and I'd go with the hiking buddy too. It's the perfect size for the kind of tasks backpackers routinely need. Not too big, not too small.
 
1/8" (3/32" is rare, but should do fine) Recluse, Ladyfinger or Hiking buddy. They are all light and often with food prep and splitting wood for lighting a fire I like a 4" blade over something shorter.
 
No love for the Bushraptor?
Hiking Buddy size, same or similar handle, nice straight edge for feathering / camp-kitchen duty, just enough tip to still be able to "drill" ... great knife.
Just sayin' ...

~ edge
 
Ed G said:
No love for the Bushraptor?
Hiking Buddy size, same or similar handle, nice straight edge for feathering / camp-kitchen duty, just enough tip to still be able to "drill" ... great knife.
Just sayin' ...

~ edge
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I love the Raptor. But due to some of the meltdowns I have seen happen in various sections of Blade Forums I am always reluctant to promote any design I had a hand in anymore. Even though it was an existing FF handle, and just the blade profile that was my idea with the end result all being Andy's interpretation of that idea...I have a hard time going there. If I ever do recover from the financial disaster that was the last year and a half I will land one in SFT 5/32 for the edc I wanted when I suggested the idea. Thank you for stepping up and mentioning it. I too think it is an awesome design, but it could be argued that I am biased, so I just don't even go there...
 
I'm a Sierra Backpacker too, and in my years tramping around up there, I've never needed anything more than a decent folder. Campfires are mainly a no-no where I go in (Desolation Wilderness, and much of the East Side around Bishop) so wood processing for a fire isn't really an issue. That said, I've been recently been stricken by the FF sickness, and now have a Hiking Buddy, an Esquire, and a 2 Finger Karda! If you're a mild ounce counter, I would feel pretty confident taking an Esquire as your main blade, it's a very stout and capable knife IMO. But I'll be packing my Hiking Buddy!

~Jim
 
SonnyJim said:
I'm a Sierra Backpacker too, and in my years tramping around up there, I've never needed anything more than a decent folder. Campfires are mainly a no-no where I go in (Desolation Wilderness, and much of the East Side around Bishop) so wood processing for a fire isn't really an issue. That said, I've been recently been stricken by the FF sickness, and now have a Hiking Buddy, an Esquire, and a 2 Finger Karda! If you're a mild ounce counter, I would feel pretty confident taking an Esquire as your main blade, it's a very stout and capable knife IMO. But I'll be packing my Hiking Buddy!

~Jim
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I suppose I don't really need a knife for backpacking as I never have brought anything than a small multitool, but they're just fun to use and have haha.
 
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