Spyderco Native For Hiking?

I do a head to head comparison in my ultimate spyderco edc rundown review in the reviews section if that'd interest you.
 
I got a question ?
How big a knife do you need to go hiking ?
I'm over 50, Hiked some of the best trails here in Colorado.
Usually with just a slipjoint in my pocket a SAK usually or now a leatherman..
Why why why do some people think you need a large knife ?
A Native is a fine knife, would work real well for hiking.
so would a small 3 - 4 inch fixed blade
So would a world of knives
Jack
 
I've climbed all the 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado, many of the 13,000 ft technical ones too. In all my thirty years, of backpacking and climbing out west, all I've ever needed was a 3-4 inch folding knife that's very sharp.

I personally do not see the need for a heavy knife, especially with one or two backups. :confused:

Weight is important and for me and many others, one 3-4 ounce knife is all it takes to do a job well done. ;)
 
The Native (or even the Delica) will do just fine.

I've spent plenty of time in the woods, and while I have been known to carry a fixed-blade or a heavy folder on occasion, it really is hard to justify the extra weight.

If you simply LIKE a fixed-blade or a heavy folder, then that's fine--heck, I was recently EDCing a Cabela's Buck 110!

But to be honest, I can't do much with a Buck 110 that I could'nt with a Spyderco Endura.

The Buck is a much more attractive knife however, and the pouch is very secure too.

Good luck,
Allen.
 
I'm certainly no expert on the matter, but here is what seems safest and most logical to me in regard to carrying a big knife. When out hiking for an extended period of time in an area were it has been raining a lot or could begin to, being able to baton larger diameter logs to get to dry wood is very important. This is also the case for snow soaked wood as well. It can be hard to build a substantial fire without a tough 6" to 7" blade to baton the heavier wood. When hiking I carry my beloved Camp Tramp. For the crowd looking to go a little lighter check out a Coldsteel SRK or Ontario RAT 7 in 1095. Just not quite as well suited to prying as the Tramp if you intend to use either in this fashion. Back up one of these big blades with a SAK that's got a saw and you're set IMHO. I prefer the lockblade 110mm Fireman model.
 
I breckon you need a slightly longer blade than the Native for the all important life saving tasks of slicing cheese and cutting up fruit. Many a hiker has also met a grisly fate for not being able to easily spread peanut butter.

Of course all I took bush for years was SAK rucksak model, until I came here.....
 
Do I detect an heir of condescension and sarcasm Ming? ;) Do you seriously carry a bigger blade now? As I stated: I am no expert and that is what seems logical to me. Personally I feel it is better to be over gunned or "knifed" in this particular instance than not to be well equipped enough. If I could only take one knife into the bush it might very well be a SAK lockblade with a saw. No disrespect intended, just trying to figure on where you're coming from ;) .
 
Franciscomv said:
The Native is a great knife. I like the 3D version more because of the handles, they just fit my paws like a glove.

I wouldn't consider it suitable as a main outdoors blade simply because I don't think ANY folder can be a main outdoors knife. I might be an old fashioned guy (even though I'm 23), but outdoors and fixed blades go hand in hand in my book. A folder is a great back up and a great tool to have for fine work, but you need a fixed blade if you're escaping the great indoors.
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My thought exactly
 
Damn, all the Coloradons are chiming in. When I said I thought the Native was small, its because I have relatively large hands. I like a little more handle. All my folders are between 3 and 4 inches, none bigger. Plenty of blade for hiking and backpacking. I lock blade SAK like a Trekker is also fine.

BTW. We should get a Spyderco tour lined up.
 
PC356 said:
Do I detect an heir of condescension and sarcasm Ming? ;) Do you seriously carry a bigger blade now? As I stated: I am no expert and that is what seems logical to me. Personally I feel it is better to be over gunned or "knifed" in this particular instance than not to be well equipped enough. If I could only take one knife into the bush it might very well be a SAK lockblade with a saw. No disrespect intended, just trying to figure on where you're coming from ;) .
Click to expand...

No mate, just a bit of self depreciating humour. Taking the piss out of myself as much as anyone.

But seriously - Basic food prep is difficult with a smaller blade like the native. I take a longer folder like the Military, Pacific Salt or D'Alara for precisely that purpose. The large locking SAK is good for this too (and an Opinel)

Cold weather survival is not really an issue here in oz, but I remember being caught by a sudden storm when hiking in California in '86. Not being able to light a fire was a serious problem and one more night in the cold might have done me in I reckon. I would definetly take firestarting gear and a fixed blade if hiking anywhere where the weather can turn cold in a hurry.

A large locking SAK was all I used in the bush for many years. For any extended, medium to long term, bushwalks I reckon I'd take my RAT7, not because I'd strictly need it, just because it get's things done a bit faster.

Onya PC356:)
 
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