Sharp gear for Kili

E

edgetrip

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Aug 10, 2004
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So it looks like I am going to have the chance to climb kilimanjaro in Septmeber and I was thinking about what sharp things to bring. Its about a six day hike on the route we are doing and we sleep in pre-established base camps so I think the likelyhood of it turning into a serious survival situation is prety slim but hey I am a knife guy so I am thinking about what I would like to carry up the highest mountain in Africa. Also apparently we aren't carrying all our own gear but using porters. So weight for personal equipment is less critical. I am thinking a Charge xt, a serrated spydie rescue and some sort of small or perhaps medium sized fb, 6 inch or shorter blade. Maybe a CRK, after all it is Africa.
Anybody done this trip before, any thoughts on what I am considering?
Oh yeah, I already know that a buck 110 and a SAK are probably equally good options to what I suggested;-)>

thanks
 
edgetrip, I envy you the trip. It is an awesome location, one of the pivotal areas of the world for the human race, with a lot of the magic it had when we were first developing.

Do not underestimate that mountain. Experienced climbers have run into trouble there. It isn't Everest, but it is nature in all its massive power.

As for knives, the farther you are from home, the less control you may have over your property. Since you will have porters, and therefore others to look after most of your needs, keep it light. It is much more than a walk in the park. By the summit, you will feel every ounce.

I'd bring a Bushman rather than either a big machete or a CRK. A big Opinel might even be a better idea. A good multitool is always an asset.
 
6 days is nothing, really, but man are you lucky to hike Kili!!!

I'd be happy with a Leatherman/SAK, and a 4-6" FB just in case you run into any critters (them African critters come big!) or get lost.

Better to be prepared! If you don't like the blade on your SAK/Leatherman then bring a medium folder as a third, keep it on your pocket. SAK/LM on belt, and FB on side of your pack for easy access. Rock on!

_z
 
aside from bringing yourself a nice knife ,you might want to consider bringing a few "cheap" knives to give out to your guides as presents . im not sure what the conditions are in that part of the world but most 3rd world countries dont have a lot of good knifes ,,so even a cheap one from "here" would probally be a big bonus to your help
..shaker
 
Good idea on the knives as gifts, I was thinking of bringing some saks or delicas as gifts. I hadn't thought of the bushman, I actually have one of those that has never seen any use and it might be perfect for this trip, useful, expendable and simple.
I am still a little stunned to have this oppertunity, it came totally out of the blue. I am sure its not going to be easy but I am equally sure its gonna be awesome on a number of different levels.
Thanks for your comments and suggestions.
 
The gifts would work well. Still give a cash tip though.

Definately take a multitool and a folder. With a good folder, a fixed blade may not be needed. A CRK One-piece would be a nice choice though, as I would make a point of carrying it myself, so weight is an issue.

On another note, get a good headlamp. The last day to the summit leaves super early so you can reach the top by sunrise. You'll need the light!
 
I've heard many many negative things about gear walking away in Africa, I might be tempted to bring 3 or 4 cheaper knives rather than 1 nice expensive one.
 
BlondieAlmostEdge said:
I've heard many many negative things about gear walking away in Africa, I might be tempted to bring 3 or 4 cheaper knives rather than 1 nice expensive one.
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Don't leave things laying around and you won't have a problem.
 
Well, yeah, the heavy stuff anyway... I just figured he'd be carrying his knives himself. I can't imagine having someone else carry my blades for me.
 
Benchmade recently sponsored an Everest expedition. My guess is that there were some good lessons learned there. My second guess is that if you called them up, they'd be happy to share some of those lessons with you. You might even be able to scare up some threads on their forum.
 
For folding knives, I think the lubricant you choose may be as important a selection as the knife itself.
 
Gollnick said:
For folding knives, I think the lubricant you choose may be as important a selection as the knife itself.
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How so? Kilimanjaro isn't nearly cold enough to freeze any knife lube I've seen.
 
If you're climbing the two peaks of Kilimanjaro, make sure John Cleese isn't your expedition guide. :D

sirgeorg.jpg
 
Just a couple of suggestions for gifts

Camillus EDC
KA-BAR Dozier Folder
Delica
BM Pika/Mini Pika
BM Monochrome
Buck 110 if you get lucky at Wallyworld
Gerber Paraframe
 
PlanterZ--I loved that episode of Flying Circus!!! Cleese was absolutely hilarious! Made the whole MP experience IMO....

Congrats though, Edgetrip, have a good time and take care.

-Matt
 
Steven Roos said:
How so? Kilimanjaro isn't nearly cold enough to freeze any knife lube I've seen.
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Having never been to Kilimonjaro, I wouldn't know.

I saw a documentary of an Everest expedition, an IMAX movie. This is amazing because IMAX cameras are not small things nor is IMAX film (70mm film) non-trivial to carry either. In the documentary, the mentioned that one of the challenges was finding a new lubricant for the camera because of the cold.
 
blade man said:
PlanterZ--I loved that episode of Flying Circus!!! Cleese was absolutely hilarious! Made the whole MP experience IMO....

Congrats though, Edgetrip, have a good time and take care.

-Matt
Click to expand...

What part of Flying Circus is not to love?
 
Living about 80km from Kilimanjaro, I can tell you that it is a magnificent mountain indeed. I have treked a bit on kili but never actually gone the whole way up. You will be going on proper paths, much of it is a natural reserve, so there won't be much chopping through thick jungle to be done. All i figure you'd need is a small fixed blade or a folder to cut some food and maybe fashision a walking stick.

The idea of bringing a knife as a gift for the guides is nice. As someone said quality of cutlery is not very good here, so anything you give will be much appreciated. When I go to Sweden I usually bring back a few Mora knives to give to trakers or helpful Maasais when we go hunting.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here.
 
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