What 2 knives for my Safari

hunterjrg

hunterjrg

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My wife and I are going on a hunting safari in South Africa in August. I want to bring a couple knives with me. Outfitter says I don't need any as all the skinning and animal care will be taken care of (what knife nut would not bring along some knives). I am thinking of my Cripple Creek in a Murray leather sheath and have not decided on a second. Something smaller and more than likely a GEC. I got a boys knife couple 85s , charlows and a few others.

Any good recommendations?



 
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Peter Hathaway Capstick carried a Victorinox Champion. He knew a thing or two about safaris. I, on the other hand, know nothing about safaris, so I'd take a nice congress. A man needs to whittle.
 
I have heard it is a good thing to bring knives to give to your guides as gifts.
 
Is that Cripple Creek GEC-made?

In addition to your pocketknife I'd suggest bringing a fixed blade of some sort.

- Christian
 
I personally wouldn't bring anything too expensive incase it is stolen or lost. I'd suggest a Leatherman or a SAK in a beltsheath.
 
To be honest I would listen to your outitter. A knife isn't needed. However if you do really feel the urge to bring one make sure you could stand losing it. Theivery at the airport in Johannesburg is well documented. Never loan your knife to a skinner. They think nothing of sharpening knives against stones or concrete.

To quote Capstick, "the purpose of a knife on safari is two fold: to cut biltong and to look authentic". A Leatherman or Swiss Army knife would be more useful.
 
I have had the same thoughts on going on safari. I have a friend who has been 14 times. Yes he is a Dr. He always took an over the counter folder and fixed to give to the skinners. I would consider a nice SAK and a BK15/16/17 model. Leave the Becker with them as a gift. If it is stolen, no large loss as it is easily replaced.
 
Vanguard41xx said:
I personally wouldn't bring anything too expensive incase it is stolen or lost. I'd suggest a Leatherman or a SAK in a beltsheath.
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Not worried much about them being stolen but losing them bouncing around on the land rover is a good possibility. Thinking a knife with a bail and lanyard are a good idea.
 
Vanguard41xx said:
I personally wouldn't bring anything too expensive incase it is stolen or lost. I'd suggest a Leatherman or a SAK in a beltsheath.
Click to expand...

A commonly expressed sentiment, but a curious one. For most people, myself included, a hunting safari is a trip of a lifetime. Were I ever to find myself in hunter's position I would take a fine knife, one that I want to make memories with. Not my best necessarily, but a beautiful knife to match the beautiful surroundings.

- Christian
 
I think a 9" fixed blade would be indispensable, if for no other reason than to look and feel "authentic."
But for sure, it would be mighty useful as well. Something like this Spyderco South Fork.

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I'd steal a knife from the counter in a cheese shop and carry it in an open top sheath. (Readers familiar with Capstick will catch this reference). Sorry couldn't resist.
 
I would go talk to the boys on SA Blade about possible local offerings or maybe even have one of their fine craftsman make you something for pick-up upon arrival. Would make a great mommento.

EDIT: Just saw the August part. Rules out a custom. I would still investigate.
 
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As others have stated, an SAK would make for a very nice complementary tool. Aesthetically speaking, I'm partial to the Alox models, and the Farmer in particular has some great features, though everyday I've been carrying a plastic handled Recruit, and feel that for it's weight, sports everything you need and nothing you don't. Probably the most useful SAK, IMHO anyhow.
 
I'd buy a couple inexpensive knives to give as gifts to the guides, as mentioned above. Condor springs to mind immediately.

As far as what I'd carry for my own uses, a sheath knife of decent quality, and a nice pocket knife. From my own stash , I'd bring my BRKT Settler, and likely my Queen locking MM or maybe even my Lloyd toothpick. :eek: ;)
 
I've been through customs in that part of the world a few times. Dont bring anything you wouldn't mind losing.

I spent my time over there with a Gerber Paraframe and a SAK.
 
Interesting thread. Somehow never heard of Capstick. I like the idea of a fixed blade and a slip joint, as for most outdoor adventures when weight is not a concern. I also think the knives should be memento worthy. Theft seems to be a concern especially from customs as I assume the knives will be checked. Could you put them in a lockbox of some sort. Are you taking your own guns or camera equipment?
 
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