what sort of knife should I bring camping?

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andrew7978

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Mar 19, 2007
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I am looking for a knife to bring camping. I am not hunting or fishing, but I might need to cut some wood for fire. (I might bring along a little saw). So my question is should I get a fixed blade or folder? I think a folder might be more practial, however, all the survival stuff glorifies fixed blades and makes me sort of want one? I have never actually been backwoods camping so I would like some recommendations on fixed or folder. thanks guys.

PS this is my first post.
 
Both, actually a trio is best. Each is good at specific tasks.

A bigger knife, or hatchet for chopping. A good fixed blade for chores such as chopping food, and a folder for finer work.
 
I recommend you read George Washington Sears(Nessmuk) articles on backwoods camping he is said to have used three cutting tools, small pocket knife, small fixed blade and small hand axe Excellent reading and very good advise on cutting tools for the bush
 
Fiddleback is correct---

Are you camping near your car--or will you be backpacking in several miles?
 
i find i can get by nicely with 2 blades: a vic Swisstool spirit and a Cold Steel master hunter in Carbon V.

if you are car camping bring as many knives as you want. if you are hiking, just 2 should be sufficient (plus maybe a folding saw).
 
Yep. If you're car camping there is no reason not to bring a HEAVY chopper. I usually opt for a nice big khukuri. (and an axe too)
 
andrew7978 said:
I am looking for a knife to bring camping.
I am not hunting or fishing, but I might need to cut some wood for fire.
. So my question is should I get a fixed blade or folder?
I have never actually been backwoods camping so I would like some recommendations on fixed or folder. thanks guys.
.
Click to expand...

(I assume you are old enough)

My advice is:
The moment you listed "firewood" in the things you might have to deal with while in the woods, it makes it very easy to suggest a fixed blade is the best in this situation.

Starting a camp fire is one of the most fun things to do in the woods. However it is also where a lot of guys find that they took the wrong knife into the woods on their belt.

So I believe that (again as long as you are old enough to understand the dangers all knives can become) you should look for a good fixed blade to take with you into the woods that first time.

ON THE OTHER HAND....
There is no harm in slipping a nice folding knife into a pocket too, just in case...
 
For regular camping via backpack, canoe travel light. I would carry a good fixed blade and a locking folder, both of which will fit on the belt.

If you are camping with the car/pick-up or using the boat, then I would include a chainsaw and an axe. Handsaws and machetes are always an option whether camping light, or camping with the car.
 
There are lots of different ideas on what "camping" or "campfire" means. Here's my take:

My camping knife is an AG Russell Hunters Scalpel, a very small and lightweight fixed blade. In the past I've also used a BuckLite and Opinel knives. All were easily able to accomplish any cutting task ever encountered.

The best fire material is small sticks the diameter of your finger. It's easy to control the fire temperature for cooking. But more importantly it's easy to burn material of that size down to white ash for camp cleanup, leaving no charcoal mess behind. You don't need an axe, saw, or chopper if using fuel of that size.

And be sure to check the regulations where you're going. Open fires are not allowed in many areas, especially during dry seasons or outside of developed campgrounds.

Good Luck and have fun,
-Bob
 
Different locals have different plants that are best cut with different knives (ie tropical forest in FL or Hardwood forest up here in Canada). It would be better if you tell us where you're going.
 
i think the choice of axe/knive/saw would depend on what time of year, where you are going, how many are going with you, what else your bringing, how much weight your carrying and how long your going to be in the woods. eg are you bringing a stove with you or are you relying on wood fires for cooking. is it spring or summer ? is it northwest woods? etc. The more info you can give the guys on this forum (not me, i am still largely inexperienced), the more specific they can recommend be for your camping trip.
 
Here comes my standard answer to the question "what knives...."
The small set: Fallkniven U2, Fallkniven F1, Sandvik Laplander saw. I EDC this.
The bigger set: FK WM1 and S1 and the saw.
The biggest set: WM1/F1 and A1/A2 and the saw.
Options: bring a SAK or Leatherman as well.
The survival specialist Lars Fält shows in his books "Uteliv" that you should bring two blades, and he illustrates that with a 4" blade in neck sheath (I guess its a handmade special issue for instructors) and a LM PST.
So go out and get yourself a F1, a PST, a firesteel and a Laplander.
It can not be that wrong.
 
I'm with Bob W. If the area you are camping in is forest, gathering small standing dead wood will be all you will need for a cooking fire. No need to chop down trees or split logs just to boil a half liter of water for tea and a meal. My favorite camping knife is a lock blade swiss army knife with a saw. If you are preparing much food then an easily cleaned fixed blade is nice to have along but not essential. Since you are talking about a 40-60 mile round trip and didn't mention any layover days I'll assume you will be on the trail anywhere from 3 days (if you are in great shape and hike 40 miles) to 8 days. this means a pretty heavy pack due to the amount of food you will be carrying. Maybe your pack will 45-50lbs. You won't want to carry anything you won't be needing. Axes, saws, machochoppers all add a great deal of weight every day and every step of the way. Even a Bahco Laplander has a weight penalty.It is your call.

Don't neglect to leave your plan and route with a reliable person who will make sure you show up when you are supposed to.
 
I know the axe, big knife, small knife is the great, but is an axe so really good for less experienced persons. Would it be totally heretic to suggest a folding saw instead.
 
My favorite camping knife is a lock blade swiss army knife with a saw. If you are preparing much food then an easily cleaned fixed blade is nice to have along but not essential.
Click to expand...
I prefer a small fixed blade over a folder. Comparing a fixed blade to a folder of the same same size and materials, the fixed blade is more durable, easier to clean, and lighter weight.

But of course more outdoors people probably carry a SAK than any other knife or tool. The scissors, tweezers, and other tools could be quite handy in pinch, and eliminate the need to carry those as seperate tools in the first aid kit.

My preferences are based on my experiences developed over years of living and working outdoors. As Andrew, or anyone else, gains experience they will develop their own set of preferences based on their own experiences.

-Bob
 
Nodh, it's not heretical, as long as they can split wood with the "big" knife that you mention. Saws aren't so good at splitting wood. On the other hand, they are really good at sectioning wood, take less effort, are arguably safer to use, and much lighter.
 
If you're hiking forget about anything like an axe, its way too heavy.

In my opinion, you need three basic cutting tools - a small to medium size fixed blade (3" - 6"), a locking folder, and a folding saw. If for some reason you need to build shelter etc., the folding saw is by far the most efficient tool for the job. In my opinion this forum pays far too little attention to them.

Second thing - a knife is not the only thing you need for survival. You must also have with you at least 2 methods of creating a fire (firesteel / lighter / waterproof matches) as well as dry tinder (cotton wool dipped in vaseline is good), cord for shelter building, a whistle, a signal mirror and water purification tablets. Also take a map and compass, and plenty of water. The other crucial thing is a first aid kit.

Please don't assume that these things are only for the survival enthusiasts who frequent this forum, and that you won't need them. It is not hard to get lost when you're inexperienced, and these few simple things are the difference between life and death if you get lost in the backcountry.

Take care and have a fun trip.
 
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