Smallest Knife You have full confidence in !!!

[runningboar]

D2 is good steel if tempered right !!!!

I'm sure, but it seems to be tempered wrong a great deal, I think I have heard of more failures with D2 than anything else. Chris

 

[DaleW]

Using the tool within it's design and capabilities is the thing. To answer the question straight, a 4" knife with a thick broad blade. A Fallkniven F1 is my current choice. I could go out with something an SAK with a saw or a mora and feel perfectly comforatable.

Weight is really more the issue for me. I agree with many that a trio of tools leaves you best equipped: small multi-tool or SAK, medium fixed blade, and a saw or hatchet. I've been working on options to make tool kits.

Here's my collection to draw from:

SAK Classic
Leatherman Micra
Buck Mini-tool
Fiskars #5 scissors
AG Russell tweezers
Gerber Clutch

Victorinox Spirit Multi-tool
Wenger Scout 17
Benchmade Griptilian
Eriksson stainless mora
Fallkniven F1

Stanley Pocket Saw
Gerber Sportsman's saw
Kershaw/Bahco folding saw

Vaughan Sub Zero hatchet
Fiskars 14" hatchet

I've come to the conclusion that multi-tools have a lot of features, but are heavy. I have found that other than a knife, what I was really looking for was a saw, scissors, and tweezers. That was easily solved with some light and relatively inexpensive tools that work better than the clumsier options built into an SAK or multi-tool:

AG Russell tweezers
Fiskars #5 scissors
Gerber Sportsmans Saw or Stanley Pocket Saw

Take those tools and add a knife that suits the journey for a very lightweight, inexpensive and useable kit.

 

[sodak]

I don't know nearly as much about knives as most people on this board, I have discovered a few things that work for me and have stuck with them. So I haven't tried a bunch of different steels and shapes, however, from what I have read here, D2 is something I think I will stay away from. Chris

That's certainly a valid viewpoint. I have had some problems with D2 and thin edges in the past, but this failure surprised me. I'm pretty sure it was due to the geometry of the knife being optimized to cutting game and meat (hunting knife design), and it performs superbly for those functions, no questions asked. I think that the tip was too thin in this knife, and snappo. I'm still bummed out, it's a very nice knife, but I learned that a knife optimized for game is probably not the best choice for woodcraft.

Having to pick one knife, I would err on the side of strength for survival tasks. If that's not a concern, then I would err on the side of cutting efficiency. Of course, it's probably best to have one of each and therefore be truly prepared. Second to that, a knife that is master of none, but good at most would be a good choice.

I guess I'm learning that everything is a compromise. It's finding out the amount of compromise with each design that is the fun part.

I purposely left my Scott Gossman Nessmuk at home in order to evaluate other knives of that size. The problem with Scott's knife is that it fits too well in the hand and kind of pushes all my other similar sized fixed blades away - it's a very nice using knife for a great many tasks. I think the Nessmuk (it's in O1) would have performed flawlessly, I've used it for much harder tasks. Combined with a small folder that's a good cutter, you'd have a great combination.

 

[Vivi]

Buck Hartsook neck knife. And I have tried batoning with it. Not for dry firewood, but to test the durability of my then-new flat to the stone edge. Worked fine. It's a tough little knife with a great heat treat.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

I have 100% confidence in my blade to do all the above and more.

Skam

Skammer you have made a few references to your knife. Did you ever post what knife that is (I might have missed it)? I'm very curious. I love bomb proof knives. And if you don't want to post it for some reason, feel free to email me.

Doc

 

[flnder]

+1 for Fallkniven WM1

 

[RedEdge77]

I'm gonna go with pitdog with TOPS wolf pup. I have had one for awhile and just recently I got good at sharpening so now this thing will finally shave hairs. My only complaint is that the edge is somewhat thick on, but still cuts great.

Next size up would F1. :thumbup:

 

[tomcrx]

Dozier Straight Personal

 

[pitdog]

I'm gonna go with pitdog with TOPS wolf pup. I have had one for awhile and just recently I got good at sharpening so now this thing will finally shave hairs. My only complaint is that the edge is somewhat thick on, but still cuts great.

Next size up would F1. :thumbup:

:thumbup:

 

[enderwiggin]

Yeah and everyone knows you absolutely have to baton, or you will die for sure. Chris

I never used it in eight years of backpacking.

Of course, if you loose your sense of humor outdoors, you're usually in for a pretty rough time!


To add to the list, Benchmade 211/210 Activator. Plenty of handle, very usable blade shape, solid all around.

 

[Will Power]

I like the responses in this thread!

My choices would be my Bark River Woodland or Bark River Colonial Patch knife. Both compact but rugged with fine ergonomics from my perspective.

To be controversial, if it were a folder you'd be amazed with what you can prepare or tackle with the humble Case Peanut. You want shavings for fire-making, food preparation or dressing and it will deliver and more. Batoning...er perhaps not.

 

[pitdog]

I think for some reason you find yourself having more of a soft spot for your small fixed blade, maybe it's cos you carry them more or maybe it's because they need a little more looking after than their big tough brothers !!!!