recommend Hiking Backpacking knife under 300 bucks

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marcovgv

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Jun 29, 2005
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I am in the market for a new knife to be used for hiking back packing and camping. I have had my eye on the Zero Tolerance 0561 for a while but before pulling the trigger id like some feedback. i also like a the Bench made rift, Carey Tremor. i think i want a flipper. please let me know what you guys think. definitely must be a folder as o have 2 pml Paul Letourneau fixed blades already.

I have a trip to zion Bryce canyon in three weeks so id like to have it before then.

let me know what you think .

thanks
 
a folder for backpacking?

not my choice by any stretch, but the ZT is the optimal choice if folder you must have
 
If you already have fixed blades, then you're set. If you insist on getting a folder, get something small and light to complement what you already have. A big ass folder will only do (poorly) what your fixed blades already do.

Now, a ZT 0560/0561 is a good choice. In fact, I have one in my pocket now. I wouldn't take it backpacking, though. It's too big for a backup, and it won't do anything better than the ESEE 3 I already have strapped to my bag, or the Ratmandu that I'll be taking possession of next week.
 
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I'd go for a fixed blade. An Esee 4 should be of ideal size for backpacking and it's a lot less than $300. Could also go for an Esee 5 or 6 if you want a larger blade.

If you want a folder, then I suggest 2 knives, a fixed blade and a smaller folder for lighter tasks like food prep.


Anyhoo, if you want a "better quality" fixed blade, then try out the Fallkniven F1/S1 or a BRKT Gunny/Bravo I, they are more expensive and use better steel.
 
Cassull said:
I'd go for a fixed blade. An Esee 4 should be of ideal size for backpacking and it's a lot less than $300. Could also go for an Esee 5 or 6 if you want a larger blade.

If you want a folder, then I suggest 2 knives, a fixed blade and a smaller folder for lighter tasks like food prep.


Anyhoo, if you want a "better quality" fixed blade, then try out the Fallkniven F1/S1 or a BRKT Gunny/Bravo I, they are more expensive and use better steel.
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I have a fixed blade mini tusk 3 inch blade in s35vn and a tusk large camp knife 5 inch blade in 3V steel. as far as fixed blades im set the PML knives are built like tanks and the 3v can sure take a beating.

i kinda wanted something middle of the road size but a folder. i like having the fixed blade strapped to my pack but need something to always have in my pocket.

so the 0561 is to big for a back up but not to big to EDC???
 
SAK. I've done some backpacking and really a SAK is all you'll need anything larger or tactical usually just ends up adding weight and doesn't get used as much. Remember with backpacking every ounce counts. Of course if you are going to by a knife that size I would suggest comparing weight first.
 
Why do you need so many knives to go backpacking?

I carry a medium sized fixed 3-4" blade. Maybe a folder in my pack for an emergency or another small fixed blade (Izula/BRKT Necker).

I usually don't chop wood with a knife because there is usually plenty laying around.. but if I need to get to the center of a log to get the dry part, then I'll baton.

Not dogging, but just trying to understand. I try to pack as light as possible if really backpacking. Ounces become pounds real fast.
 
When I think "Backpacking" I think of my Mora and SAK.
Sometimes I take something else. But If I'm on the move and want to keep things light weight it is just those two.
 
Hawk45 said:
Why do you need so many knives to go backpacking?

I carry a medium sized fixed 3-4" blade. Maybe a folder in my pack for an emergency or another small fixed blade (Izula/BRKT Necker).

I baton to chop wood if dry centers, but usually plenty laying around.

Not dogging, but just trying to understand. I try to pack as light as possible if really backpacking. Ounces become pounds real fast.
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lol yea i know what you mean. im only taking one fixed blade with me but i want to take a folder also. like you said one fixed blade and one back up . im not taking three knives with me. man i love my steel but not that much. maybe i should clarify i have the camp hiking knife already i want a good EDC folder thats made of a stainless S35 or similar that i can take camping with me that will stay in my pocket. it just happens to be that i will be using it on this trip. i have folders but gentlemen style ones that i carry daily nothing over three inches and not one i would even consider to put in the water or dirt.
 
another one that grabbed my attention was the syderco para 2.. but ive never owned a spyderco it looks like an aquired taste tho alot swear by them
 
marcovgv said:
lol yea i know what you mean. im only taking one fixed blade with me but i want to take a folder also. like you said one fixed blade and one back up . im not taking three knives with me. man i love my steel but not that much. maybe i should clarify i have the camp hiking knife already i want a good EDC folder thats made of a stainless S35 or similar that i can take camping with me that will stay in my pocket. it just happens to be that i will be using it on this trip. i have folders but gentlemen style ones that i carry daily nothing over three inches and not one i would even consider to put in the water or dirt.
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If you're already taking a fixed blade, I would take a multitool or SAK instead of a folder. To each his own though, if you want to carry a fixed blade and a 0561, then go for it. It's ultimately your choice.
 
i think you are right a multi tool will serve me better im not an ounce counter but it easilly justifieds the extra weight in several tools and there is a knife blade in there also. now which one man leather man offers a shitload of them

Cassull said:
If you're already taking a fixed blade, I would take a multitool or SAK instead of a folder. To each his own though, if you want to carry a fixed blade and a 0561, then go for it. It's ultimately your choice.
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Yes, SAK or multi-tool is definitely the way to go.
 
Get a Leatherman Skeletool(the CX version would be best, has a 154cm blade) if you want something simple. Or check out the Leatherman Charge TTI if you want something great with lots of tools(s30v blade).
If you want something small, pick up one from the Leatherman Juice series.

If you are set on a folder, I would say pick up the Spyderco Para2, or you could pick up a Sage 2(smaller) which is a great knife too. Or even a Titanium Military(large).

If you really want a big heavy use folder then the ZT is great.
 
Get something with a bottle-opener, can-opener, tweezers, scissors, a smallish sharp blade, and, me; I like a wood saw too! :)

Pliers can also be handy!
 
The question should be. "I want a really cool folder to carry around on my trip" Which is OK in my book! Sometimes wants are not practical. Get what you want and have fun with it!
 
I'd carry a Leatherman Squirt S4. The old style with the decent set of tweezers. Small, light, and the scissors and tweezers are good quality for cutting tent/air mattress patches and for removing ticks. The small screw drivers are good for doing some of the maintenance on a stove if you're carrying something like an MSR Whisperlite. If you are already carrying a good quality decent sized fixed blade there isn't really a reason to have the weight of another large blade. The weight is better used on comfort items that help morale, like a decent toothbrush or a large packtowel instead of a tiny one. Or add another small item or two to your first aid kit. Ounce for ounce at the end of a long day you're going to miss those more than wishing you had another large knife.
 
I have to agree with Bladechick777 on this thread - I actually think a Sage 1 would be an ideal companion to a fixed blade on your pack.

It carries really light, opens smooth and fast and slices like a laser. (Mine is in my pocket right now!) That said if you were looking for a kind of back-up to your fixed blade then you'd struggle to do better than the ZT0550. I love mine as close to an alternative to a fixed blade as I have...

Ben
 
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