What knife to take bicycling the Great Divide?

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EricFallkniven

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May 9, 2010
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What knife(s) would you take on a bicycle trip down the Continental Divide?
This trip, of course, is only theoretical at this point in time because I am not in the shape for such an endeavor, nor do I have the funds or the two months off that it would require.

I did this trip on a dual sport motorcycle when I was 17 (two summers ago) so I’m aware of the length (~2500 miles) and the amount of elevation changes (It’s been compared to scaling Everest 28 times or some madness along those lines. In terms of the change in elevation, mind you). On a bicycle, it could potentially be 3-5 days (averaging between 20 and 45 miles a day) in between seeing civilization and its many benefits, so I’m not sure if it would be better to pack lightly or to pack for armageddon (in terms of knives...).

In theory, we’ll have sleeping bags, tents, warm clothing, what should be plenty of food and water, and a gas stove; so, basic survival requirements are covered.

So, would you pack a knife like an ESEE RC-5? Something that is heavy (~1 lbs./16 ounces) and thick (~.25), that is more or less ready for anything and is practically indestructible? Maybe I could pair this with an Izula or a Swiss Army Knife Adventure for finer cutting.
Or, would you pack something like a Fallkniven F1, ESEE RC4, or Bark River Bravo 1? Which are smaller (~4 inches), lighter (~6-7 ounces), and still fairly robust.

Either way, let me know what you think. Other knife suggestions are welcome. The examples I used are knives that I’ve found to be well liked and have gotten good press from pretty much everywhere. That, and part of me is simply looking for an excuse to pull the trigger and start crossing these off my list. (That is not a figure of speech, I literally have a list of knives that I need... err.. want).
Having said that, and ignoring the fact that I’m addicted and want to spend my (little) money on knives, what would you recommend?
Thanks in advance!
-Eric
 
With that much elevation change I would pack as little extra weight as possible.
A Delica would be as much knife as I would want to take.
 
I would go minimal. Take a look at this:

http://tourdivide.org/

Ask yourself what you'd be using the knife for. If you bring a stove and aren't planning on chopping wood for fires, then do you need a large heavy knife. Some guys race this route in 18-20 days. Ok they are freaks of nature, but still...

Have fun if you ever decide to do it, it's on my list as well.
 
there have been a few times that i have been VERY happy to have a leatherman on me when biking. although, im sure on a trip like that you would make sure to be covered for any bike maitinence you might have to do. but if you decide to go lightweight or want to pair a smaller blade with an A1 or an esee or barkriver, and are strapped for cash, i think that the kabar dozier folding hunter is pretty awsome. it locks up tight and its really light!
good luck!!
 
something thin and light. And only as long as you'll need. You probably won't have to cut anything substantial, so yeah Delica would sound about perfect, and you could still get away with larger cutting chores with something like the Delica.
 
I'd slightly favor a Salt instead of a Delica, if you're going to be carrying it on your person. Sweat and all that. Plus it's a bit lighter.

Other suggestions: Izula, Bravo Necker or other similar knife, Victorinox of some kind, multitool (Vic or Leatherman), Mora...
 
There actually was a person from Canada that rode from WA state all the way down to California on a bicycle. He carried a Busse but used it for chopping wood etc.
 
I never go into the field with out my Leatherman, it's come in handy more times than I can remember. A Leatherman Charge Ti along with a Becker Necker would make a great light weight combo.
 
I do a fair bit of road riding and a little MTB riding. I bought a Pacific Salt (and a Salt-1) and love them for my riding knives (prefer the Pacific).

Not sure what you wear when you ride, but I tuck mine in the base of my shorts so it is always available, and surprisingly comfortable. I do the same thing on a MTB and have come to appreciate having the knife immediately available instead of tucked in a pocket or pack. No one ever understands this exactly so I made a short video if anyone is interested. It is not very interesting, but it shows my carry method on the bike for those interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUFMeFZEAE0
 
I would take a fixed blade about 4 inches in length. Wear it on a sheath if you are going to be wearing a belt if not put it in your pack and keep something small clipped in your pocket.
 
If it were me, I would definately go lightweight. The chances of needing a zombie killer are nil, but the chances of severe pain due to more weight is certain. I would probably go with a esee izula around my neck or some other lightweight offering.
 
Awesome, thanks for all of your responses.
I know I felt that lighter is the way to go. I guess I'm just trying to justify buying an RC5... haha
I've been considering buying a delica but the Salt models are pretty cool too. Just have to buy them all... :D
 
I would not carry a fixed blade on my belt while on a bike with a leather sheath. The last thing you need is to take a spill in a remote area and have the tip of the knife stab thru the sheath and into you. I would make sure it was a kydex sheath for biking and belt carry for a fixed blade. 4-6 inch should be all you will need that is all Bear ( Man V Wild) and Les
(Survivorman) use.
 
It really depends on how you plan to camp,with a fire or without? Definitively suggest a good multi-tool,my preference is a Victorinox Swisstool.It's a brick,but I've found nothing better,all other multi's seem cheap and poorly built in comparison. I know if I was camping I'd want a fire.
 
I've done a fair amount of bicycling and lightweight is the way to go.

I'd skip the Leatherman. There are lots of bicycle specific multitools that would be a better choice, such as the Topeak Alien. Most modern bicycles need metric allen wrenches and other specialized tools (spoke wrenches, chain tool, etc.) to make repairs and adjustments, and common multitools like the Leatherman and Swisstool lack them. Here's a link to one of the versions of the Topeak Alien:
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Alien-...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1275669500&sr=8-1


I'd recommend a simple 2-layer SAK like the Tinker along with an ESEE Izula or Swamp Rat Swamp Warden for a lightweight fixed blade.

The ESEE RC-5 would not be on my list due to its weight.
 
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I prefer a fixed blade over a folder "just in case".

Rather than the weight of the RC5 I'd go with either the Swamprat Ratmandu or the Fallkniven S1. Both are big enough for serious survival use and yet handy enough for most other tasks as well. Both will take being batonned through small trees etc without any problems.

Back it up with a SAK Farmer and your set. Make sure to carry a really good multitool as well.
 
KeithAM said:
I've done a fair amount of bicycling and lightweight is the way to go.

I'd skip the Leatherman. There are lots of bicycle specific multitools that would be a better choice, such as the Topeak Alien. Most modern bicycles need metric allen wrenches and other specialized tools (spoke wrenches, chain tool, etc.) to make repairs and adjustments, and common multitools like the Leatherman and Swisstool lack them. Here's a link to one of the versions of the Topeak Alien:
http://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Alien-...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1275669500&sr=8-1


I actually have a Topeak Alien. Helpful little gadgets they are. Thanks for your post.
Click to expand...
 
And as far as fires are concerned, I would have a small gas powered stove. However, I also like the added security a small fixed blade would provide. Just in case something happened and I ran out of fuel for the stove or something along those lines. Although, I've heard those stoves can typically last about a week with regular use..
 
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