What are you more passionate about: knives or the wilderness?

BryFry

BryFry

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 29, 2009
Messages
1,722
Or to put it another way:

Do you like knives because they are useful in the wild, or do you find that you go out into the wild because you get to use your knives and other toys?

I realise that for most it's a little of both. I just couldn't help but notice how many people here (on a dedicated KNIFE forum) seem to be perfectly happy going on extended hiking/camping trips or cabin stays, and taking nothing more than a folding saw and a SAK, or some similarly minimal amount of steel.

And I'm not saying there is anything wrong with that. If they have the skill to get by with it, and enjoy doing it that's great. I am just a little surprised is all. To me when I hear someone say they spent a week out in the woods with nothing more than a 3 inch knife I think, where is the fun in that?

It made me think, and I quickly came to the realization that, although I "like" the outdoors anyway, I could never "love" the outdoors if I were left without the knives and blades that I am truely passionate about.

I find that for me at least, I get all excited about useing my knives, or trying out new knives and equipment, and that is a big part of what gets me motivated to get out side in the first place. I know that I don't truely NEED to take two large choppers, a set of throwing knives, a multitool, necker, and other knives with me on a day long hike, or car camping trip..... but it just wouldn't be as enjoyable for me without them.

....does that make sense to anyone else, or am I just weird? .....well ok, I KNOW I'm kinda weird, but still, I can't be the only one right? :)
 
I ALWAYS bring more knives than I need when I go hiking and or backpacking-because I enjoy using them.(so much so I have a Knife Testing area set up in my shed)

But I can enjoy the wilderness without using my knives at all.

Went to Yellowstone State Park(on a Motorcycle) many years ago--did not have any knife with me.Enjoyed the Wilderness fine.

I view Knives and Wilderness like I do Ice Cream and Apple Pie.I can enjoy them alone or together...and either way I'm happy.

And NO you are not weird Sir---Most of us feel just like you do.
 
It's the wilderness that I am passionate about,

...it is my escape and refuge, my recharge zone, my ancestrial home.





As much as I like knives, they are just tools.







Big Mike
 
Last edited:
I bet im about the same as you hell i keep my benchmade in my gym shorts when i run or go to the gym and reach for my tomahawk instead of pistol when things go bump in the night and as much as i love the woods i would never dream of heading out with at minimum 1 knife usually about 4 different types of blades
 
Woods and knives are two seperate passions for me....but I have knives without woods much more often than I have woods without knives.
 
I've never really thought about it, but, I would say I like both the same. I like the woods to test my skills and I like the woods to test my knives! Lol. :)
 
I like messing around with knives and other outdoor gear, but I LOVE just being outside.

Jeff
 
Big Mike said:
It's the wilderness that I am passionate about,

...it is my escape and refuge, my recharge zone, my ancestrial home.





As much that I like knives, they are just tools.







Big Mike
Click to expand...

Nice pic and sentiment. I second the latter. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
Woods, hands down. Knives just make it easier to cut stuff in the woods.

Knives are a hobby. Duh wuhdz is a way of life.

For me, innywayz.
 
Great posts guys!


Big Mike said:
It's the wilderness that I am passionate about,

As much that I like knives, they are just tools.

Big Mike
Click to expand...

Beautiful photo Mike! I get where you are comming from, but your last statement is where my perspective is different. For me knives are often more than just tools, for me they can be tools, toys, weapons, works of art, or displays of master craftsmanship.

I tend to like all kinds of size shape and style of blade, and for many different reasons and uses.

I can't say exactly why I've always been facinated by steel, I just am. I think it's something primal, about having such a simple object that can do so much to provide food, shelter, security, and entertainment. :)
 
Amen Mike! I concur. I'm passionate about the wilderness irrespective of the tools. I test and use various firearms, knives, axes, cook sets, sleep systems, traps, snares, etc. They are just tools to help me co-exist in the wild. I'm not consummed with the stuff, but consummed by the existance with the stuff in the wild. "Different strokes for different folks."
 
My passion is for the wilderness. I enjoy collecting and using knives, and knife use has worked its way into my outdoors activities, but immersing myself in the wilderness remains the purpose of my outings.

All the best,

- Mike
 
The wilderness is an essential part of my soul. Knives are just tools...



... but the proper use of tools is very soul-satisfying, and fun as well.
 
KEmSAT-Survival said:
Woods, hands down. Knives just make it easier to cut stuff in the woods.

Knives are a hobby. Duh wuhdz is a way of life.

For me, innywayz.
Click to expand...

Well for most they are both a "hobby" since very few of us in this day and age are true full time mountain men, or are truely required to go out into the woods for a living. :)




.
 
Last edited:
BryFry said:
Do you like knives because they are useful in the wild
Click to expand...

^This one would be me.^

I love the wilderness above all. I like knives too, but I'm not going to burden myself with a bunch of steel when I may not even cut anything while I'm out. I'm perfectly happy with a nice 4" belt knife, for the occasions that I do need to cut something, and I'd happily spend a week outside with that being my only cutting tool.

I'm the opposite of you it seems. I often wonder what is the fun in lugging around 50lbs. of steel all day, and spending half the time cutting/chopping stuff just for the sake of cutting/chopping. Different strokes I guess..:thumbup:

In otherwords, Big Mike said how I feel the best. Although, I don't mind having a nice looking tool.
 
I am with Big Mike. That picture kind of says it all doesnt it?

I love knives, like most everyone here. However like stated they are just tools in the end. The outdoors gives me more than just a place to use my tools. The outdoors is the escape, not the knives. The knives just let you enjoy yourself more in the wild. I dont go into the woods and stare at my knife. I go into the woods and look an be part of nature and if I need to make nature suit my needs a little bit...then I use my knife.
 
I love the outdoors because it's THE REAL WORLD...not the illusory mechanical behemoth that mankind has created for itself. I simply feel more alive and alert when I'm in the wilderness. I suffer from mild depression (as most of my family on my mom's side do) and guess what? The cloud totally lifts when I'm out in the woods. I think there's a reason for that. ;):thumbup:
 
Big Mike said:
It's the wilderness that I am passionate about,
...it is my escape and refuge, my recharge zone, my ancestrial home.

As much that I like knives, they are just tools.
Big Mike
Click to expand...

That is just gorgeous, that pic is what it's all about. Not trying to sound any weirder than usual, but you can't get that calm "zen" feeling with a knife. You can in the woods, on the water, looking out over the valley. I love knives, BUT have to get off the trails more and into a campsite. A lot of knives have lost their luster for me. I've gotten really picky with my collection. I can go to the same spot in the woods though, time after time after time, and always get that feeling.

It is fun hunting for different sharp things though :D.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top