What is the best 2-tool combo?

I like vic SAK's over multi-tools. If i need a pair of pliers I bring a pair of pliers. Plus with the weight and size reduction saks carry a lot easier.
 
Yes, I would much rather go SAK than multi-I jsut dont find much of a use for them.
I say SAK and Hatchet. I usually throw my Mora in that mix too.
 
Well, I definitely think the SAK makes a better knife than the knife on a leatherman. However, if I were going to spend two months in the bush and could only take two tools, one would definitely be an axe, and with a bit of practise, an axe can be used for much of the fine work you would do with a knife anyway - so the knife on the multi-tool is really a backup item anyway (for me.) Consequently, the value of a pair of pliers outweighs the superior knife that an SAK makes (for me.)

However, on a day to day basis, I carry an SAK far more often than a multitool. Well, actually, that's not true - at work I carry a backpack which includes a Supertool 200. But when off work, I consciously put a Victorinox soldier in my pocket. So I always select an SAK for carry, while the leatherman is just part of my always-there tool box.
 
Thanks for all the replies! Right now, I think my preferred combo would be Mora Clipper and Wetterlings hatchet, with my LM Wave thrown in there for a 3rd tool if needed. I could switch out the hatchet for my Tram Bolo, and the Mora for my Becker necker, if I get bored. Hate to leave behind my Spydie Delica, but thems the breaks I guess. I really want to find a place for a folding saw, but I guess you gotta leave something behind. Thanks again everyone for the fantastic input.
 
Wow, nobody likes folding saws? I think their either being forgotten or uderestimated for their worth.

3 different blades is IMO unescessary, if your gonna go with a 3 tool set a saw will benefit much more than a multitool. Right?
 
I guess it depends on your area. I live in CO, and a machete is not the most appropriate tool most of the time (although I really want it to be, I have 2 that don't see much use). In the high country woods around here, either a hatchet, or a saw would be preferable. I think a Mora would combo up nicely with either, and maybe a SAK over a LM, because of the weight savings if nothing else (I'm always torn between the 2).
 
Leatherman and Hatchet/Leatherman and 7"+ knife.
I prefer the Wave because it has 2 knife blades, a saw, a file and a mini screwdriver for my glasses. The pliers are just gravy IMO.
 
A big chopper and a smaller (3.5"-5") fixed blade. A Busse FFBM and a Swamp Rat Ratmandu fit the bill for me! (my newest setup). I always have an EDC folder in my pocket so I wouldn't count that as one of the 2 tools. Right now I like the Benchmade Nitrous Stryker.

I used to carry a Ka-Bar cutlass/machete and a CS SRK when doing outdoorsy stuff and I never felt like I needed anything else. I'm just able to afford fancier knives now.
 
I carry my RAT-3 and a gerber folding saw & LM . I like a folding saw ,weight ratio vs. the weight of a axe/Kurki or machete, more compact also.
 
Raindog, two edged tools for the backcountry WHERE? "Where" makes a lot of difference. Backcountry Alaska, backcountry Arizona, backcountry Arkansas, backcountry South Louisana, backcountry North Idaho, backcountry South Florida, or backcountry Maine? Vegetation, terrain, weather, etc. all enter into the decision of which two blades to take with you.
 
Grand Junction CO. Most hiking is split between desert (think Moab, 1.5 hours to the west), and subalpine forest (think high country CO, around 10,000 ft and up). That's why I think the machete is not the best tool, that an axe or saw would be better. Not much foliage to have to cut through up here. That also makes carbon steel less of a problem as far as rust goes, not much salt air, or large bodies of water to worry about.
 
TimeConstant said:
I like vic SAK's over multi-tools. If i need a pair of pliers I bring a pair of pliers. Plus with the weight and size reduction saks carry a lot easier.
Click to expand...

For a long time I've been considering a LM Wave, in part because of some good reports here. Well, today, I took the plunge (local store had them on sale - $30 off [this week at Canadian Tire for you fellow Canucks]) Picked it up about 2 this afternoon and took it back about 5. I just can't see the big deal about these. Flimsy blade, and weighs a ton. I really never have a use for pliers in the outdoors and if I thought I would, I would throw a pair of mini vise grips in my pack.

I'm a firm believer in "to each their own", but it's back to the Vic Ranger for me.

Doc
 
Raindog, based on your location of Grand Junction, Colorado, and sticking to your limit of two edged tools, I would think a small to medium size (4 to 6 inch blade) fixed blade knife plus a fairly small hatchet or tomahawk should handle your hiking, camping, and survival needs in that region. Being a long time (read: 15 years) fan of Cold Steel's products, I think their Master Hunter or their SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) and one of their smaller tomahawks would be good choices for your use. If you get one of the CS tomahawks you might want to get a spare handle or two while you can. They are cheap and one day you might want it. I've never had a problem with the handle on any of my CS 'hawks, but I don't throw or otherwise abuse them. Still, I've got spare handles put away. If you are on a budget and CS has any "seconds" available in the knife you are interested in, the flaws are only minor cosmetic blemishes, and their seconds are excellent bargains in my opinion. I realize that not everyone shares my opinion, but that's OK, too. :D
 
Gunknifenut, I'd say in all fairness that the U-dig-it is not up to tasks of a full sized shovel, or even an e-tool. :) What it is does trounce is a plastic trowel. Where it be beats a more conventional metal trowel is that it folds up so it is more compact. It's a trowel- it works, it's compact, and it doesn't have the issues of plastic, but it somewhat heavier than it looks and is a lot heavier than any plastic trowel. The hinge is good for it's size- I wouldn't want to knowingly stand on it, but it will hold up for small fire holes and cat holes, which is what it was designed for, but if you want something to dig trenches and foxholes.... nah, it won't take that.
 
DOC-CANADA said:
For a long time I've been considering a LM Wave, in part because of some good reports here. Well, today, I took the plunge (local store had them on sale - $30 off [this week at Canadian Tire for you fellow Canucks]) Picked it up about 2 this afternoon and took it back about 5. I just can't see the big deal about these. Flimsy blade, and weighs a ton. I really never have a use for pliers in the outdoors and if I thought I would, I would throw a pair of mini vise grips in my pack.

I'm a firm believer in "to each their own", but it's back to the Vic Ranger for me.

Doc
Click to expand...

Try a Victorinox Swisstool sometime. Your Leatherman will languish in a drawer.
 
That's been a teeter-totter decision for me and I've been researching here and other resources on the web. I see several classes of tools for use in the woods. I'm giving examples that come to mind and my favorites, and of course there are more.

Mini knives and multi-tools:
SAK Classic
Leatherman Micra
Bucklite Mini multitool (discontinued)


Small neck knives:
AG Russell Woodswalker
Buck Hartsook

Swiss Army knives:
[enter huge list and many opinions]
Victorinox Trekker

Plier type multi-tools:
Leatherman
Gerber
SOG
Victorinox

Medium folders:
[enter another huge list and even more opinions]
Benchmade Griptilian
Boker Trance
Ontario RAT 1 folder

Medium fixed blades ~4"
In general a 4" flat ground blade with high quality steel and robust handle.
Moras
Ontario Rat-3
Ontario Rat-5
SOG Pup series
Benchmade Fixed Griptilian
Bark River (several models)



Big knives ~7" plus
In general, large heavy thick knives that can be used like a machete or small axe as well as slicing and cutting.
Busse knives
Becker knives
Larger Ontario RAT series
Khukris
Ka-Bar
Cold Steel Bushman
[add many more well loved monster choppers]

Machetes, goloks, etc.
These are large long chopping tools made for clearing undergrowth and used for all kinds of general cutting in the countries or orgin. Many are farming tools. There is wide range of lengths, blade types, steels, handle contstruction, etc.

Small axes and hatchets
Gerber/Fiskars
Wetterlings
Gransfors Bruks
Vaughan Sub Zero

Folding Saws:
Gerber/Fiskars
Kershaw/Bahco
TrailBlazer

It all comes down to weight and utility for me: what are you going to do with the tool and how much weight are you willing to pack for that utility. On a day-to-day basis in the woods, I'm going to use cutting tools for cooking, small repairs, and personal grooming. An SAK with scissors would cover all those needs. If you hunt, then game cleaning and butchering enter the list. If you hunt from platforms and blinds, then some wood cutting needs come up. If you want to make campfires, then chopping and splitting and wood cuttngs tools are needed. In terms of survival, all these areas need to be covered-- I need to cook, groom, repair other gear, clean small game, make tools, and make fires and shelters.

Fire and shelter-making tools make more trouble for me than anything else on the list of survival needs. I don't usually make fires when camping. I cook on a butane or solid fuel stove and commonly hike where fires aren't allowed, and I try to practice the principle of Leave No Trace so those who follow me can enjoy the woods too. I also carry my own shelter, so shelter making needs are extreme scenarios only: my shelter has been lost or damaged beyond repair and the weather dictates making a shelter to stay alive.

So I'm going to go on a hike right now and I'm going to pick a couple tools to take with me. What's going to go in my pack or on my belt?

First of all, I have razor blades, an SAK Classic, and a wire saw in my PSK. On a day hike I carry an Adventure Medical bivy bag and rain gear -- a poncho at least--- regardless of the weather. I've cooked up a pocket/keyring sort of kit with an SAK Classic, whistle, spy capsule with tinder and candles, firesteel, LED micro light and a backup compass. That kit is in my pocket and has a lanyard to my belt--- the rest of my PSK is in my pack. A larger knife or multitool rides on my belt. The biggest survival threat to me in terms of equipment is getting separated from my pack, so the real essentials need to be on my body, all the time, every time. If I can make a fire and shelter, I can live.

Summer day hikes: SAK Trekker or Leatherman Wave -- multi purpose is the thing. A good folder and a saw would work fine too.

Winter day hikes and multi-day trips: 4" fixed blade and folding saw.

Traveling with any mechanical devices-- bikes, ATV, boats, etc: Leatherman Wave, plus a general pupose knife and a saw.

Note I don't list big blades and axes. Just personal taste, but I'd rather use other tools. Big choppers can hurt the operator, they are heavy, and most big knives are expensive. I do have a Cold Steel Bushman and it could be combined with an SAK or other folder, but I lean to a saw before the Bushman.
 
You know what, I have to take back what I said about my leatherman wave hardly getting used. I usually go camping were I can fish, and I use the pliers alot for removing hooks. But other than fishing it hardly gets used and it could easily be replaced with a small pair of pliers. My leatherman gets a lot more use in my day to day city life. I still stand by my hatchet and mora suggestion for your area, which are my favorite two tools besides my leatherman.
 
DaleW said:
That's been a teeter-totter decision for me and I've been researching here and other resources on the web. I see several classes of tools for use in the woods. I'm giving examples that come to mind and my favorites, and of course there are more.

Mini knives and multi-tools:
SAK Classic
Leatherman Micra
Bucklite Mini multitool (discontinued)


Small neck knives:
AG Russell Woodswalker
Buck Hartsook

Swiss Army knives:
[enter huge list and many opinions]
Victorinox Trekker

Plier type multi-tools:
Leatherman
Gerber
SOG
Victorinox

Medium folders:
[enter another huge list and even more opinions]
Benchmade Griptilian
Boker Trance
Ontario RAT 1 folder

Medium fixed blades ~4"
In general a 4" flat ground blade with high quality steel and robust handle.
Moras
Ontario Rat-3
Ontario Rat-5
SOG Pup series
Benchmade Fixed Griptilian
Bark River (several models)



Big knives ~7" plus
In general, large heavy thick knives that can be used like a machete or small axe as well as slicing and cutting.
Busse knives
Becker knives
Larger Ontario RAT series
Khukris
Ka-Bar
Cold Steel Bushman
[add many more well loved monster choppers]

Machetes, goloks, etc.
These are large long chopping tools made for clearing undergrowth and used for all kinds of general cutting in the countries or orgin. Many are farming tools. There is wide range of lengths, blade types, steels, handle contstruction, etc.

Small axes and hatchets
Gerber/Fiskars
Wetterlings
Gransfors Bruks
Vaughan Sub Zero

Folding Saws:
Gerber/Fiskars
Kershaw/Bahco
TrailBlazer

It all comes down to weight and utility for me: what are you going to do with the tool and how much weight are you willing to pack for that utility. On a day-to-day basis in the woods, I'm going to use cutting tools for cooking, small repairs, and personal grooming. An SAK with scissors would cover all those needs. If you hunt, then game cleaning and butchering enter the list. If you hunt from platforms and blinds, then some wood cutting needs come up. If you want to make campfires, then chopping and splitting and wood cuttngs tools are needed. In terms of survival, all these areas need to be covered-- I need to cook, groom, repair other gear, clean small game, make tools, and make fires and shelters.

Fire and shelter-making tools make more trouble for me than anything else on the list of survival needs. I don't usually make fires when camping. I cook on a butane or solid fuel stove and commonly hike where fires aren't allowed, and I try to practice the principle of Leave No Trace so those who follow me can enjoy the woods too. I also carry my own shelter, so shelter making needs are extreme scenarios only: my shelter has been lost or damaged beyond repair and the weather dictates making a shelter to stay alive.

So I'm going to go on a hike right now and I'm going to pick a couple tools to take with me. What's going to go in my pack or on my belt?

First of all, I have razor blades, an SAK Classic, and a wire saw in my PSK. On a day hike I carry an Adventure Medical bivy bag and rain gear -- a poncho at least--- regardless of the weather. I've cooked up a pocket/keyring sort of kit with an SAK Classic, whistle, spy capsule with tinder and candles, firesteel, LED micro light and a backup compass. That kit is in my pocket and has a lanyard to my belt--- the rest of my PSK is in my pack. A larger knife or multitool rides on my belt. The biggest survival threat to me in terms of equipment is getting separated from my pack, so the real essentials need to be on my body, all the time, every time. If I can make a fire and shelter, I can live.

Summer day hikes: SAK Trekker or Leatherman Wave -- multi purpose is the thing. A good folder and a saw would work fine too.

Winter day hikes and multi-day trips: 4" fixed blade and folding saw.

Traveling with any mechanical devices-- bikes, ATV, boats, etc: Leatherman Wave, plus a general pupose knife and a saw.

Note I don't list big blades and axes. Just personal taste, but I'd rather use other tools. Big choppers can hurt the operator, they are heavy, and most big knives are expensive. I do have a Cold Steel Bushman and it could be combined with an SAK or other folder, but I lean to a saw before the Bushman.
Click to expand...

Dale, you always show so much insight when you post:thumbup: . Everything you say I can agree with and emphasize.

My primary pair is a D-2 Hunter by Whit on the makers forums and a saw when trekking round my yard and nearby conservation lands. Substitute the Hunter for a RD-4 and you've got what I carry on day trips up in the Whites when having something a bit more rugged is helpful.
 
Here's a picture of my perfect two tool combo:

knifepics049.jpg


Nice and simple, works perfectly for me. :thumbup:

:D

~ Wabajack
 
It depends. If I just had only two tools to survive in the wilderness with, it would be my Leatherman Charge and my Norlund hatchet.

If it happened on a regular day with just what I had on me, it would probably be a Leatherman Charge and a Kabar Mule 3-3/4" folding lockblade, though sometimes it might be a Leatherman Charge and a 5" sheath knife.

Given my druthers, I'd have several tools.
 
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