What's a good knife for a camping trip?

E

EvanBNW

Joined
Jul 7, 2007
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I'm going on my first camping trip in a few weeks and I'd like to go with something a little bigger than my two little folders that I have. I anticipate some rope cutting, perhaps an attempt at some whittling and something that might protect me if a wild animal barges in my tent. I want something strong and reliable and prefferably around $50. Recomendations?
 
What blade length are you looking for? Would you prefer a fixed blade or folder?

With $50, you can get several Moras and Opinels.

You could also get a Buck 110 or something from the Byrd line.
 
I personally love my full size kabar. cheap, takes a whaling and stays sharp. I wouldn't mind something smaller though.
 
Aceofblades said it well. Start with a good, simple, $10 - $15 Mora, maybe a Frost Clipper from www.ragweedforge.com.

Then get one or more Opinel folders, probably in their #8 size, and in carbon or stainless steel from www.eknifeworks.com. Use their search function for Opinel. Also, see their great Victorinox Solo for only $5.99.

If you are invaded by large wild animals while in your tent, leave via the other end ... quickly! :D
 
Ludwig said:
What blade length are you looking for? Would you prefer a fixed blade or folder?

With $50, you can get several Moras and Opinels.

You could also get a Buck 110 or something from the Byrd line.
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Well I have a couple of small folders and I don't think those would be enough. I'm thinking something bigger, perhaps a 5+ inch blade.
 
Swiss Army Camper. Bought mine as an everyday pocket knife. But it sure came in handy on an unexpected camping trip I took last week. I forgot how much fun camping is.
 
Aceofblades said it well. Start with a good, simple, $10 - $15 Mora, maybe a Frost Clipper from www.ragweedforge.com.

Then get one or more Opinel folders, probably in their #8 size, and in carbon or stainless steel from www.eknifeworks.com. Use their search function for Opinel. Also, see their great Victorinox Solo for only $5.99.

If you are invaded by large wild animals while in your tent, leave via the other end ... quickly! :D
 
Definitely get a Mora. Mora 2000 is highly recommended by many wilderness experts. Go to Ragweed Forge and order the #2000.

I have two Opinels, and I don't really care much for them as duty knives. They take too long to open, the action can be very rough, and the fact that they soak up water and get hard to open makes them rather unreliable for camping use. Take a regular folder, or a SAK instead, if at all.
 
EvanBNW said:
I just looked at the Kabars and they look great.
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Kabars would be a terrible choice at whittling. See that handguard at the top of the knife? Knives for the wilderness only have a bottom guard, if at all (most use choils instead). You can't do whittling effectively if you can't put your thumb on the top of the blade due to the guard.

They're great for what they're supposed to be - combat knives for general battlefield duty, such as opening tins, digging holes, putting in posts, bashing, and combat if godforbid it comes to it. They can do wilderness duty, but really aren't designed for it. Why get them when Moras are cheaper?
 
znode said:
Kabars would be a terrible choice at whittling. See that handguard at the top of the knife? Knives for the wilderness only have a bottom guard, if at all (most use choils instead). You can't do whittling effectively if you can't put your thumb on the top of the blade due to the guard.

They're great for what they're supposed to be - combat knives for general battlefield duty, such as opening tins, digging holes, putting in posts, bashing, and combat if godforbid it comes to it. They can do wilderness duty, but really aren't designed for it. Why get them when Moras are cheaper?
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Though...Evan could use one of his small folders for whittling. Maybe even get a dedicated slipjoint whittler!

Sorry Evan :) ...the Mora is a great idea! Can beat it. Does everything.

Unless, of course, you want to get more than one knife. Which, I think, we all do!
 
The querstion should really be, what 3 knives should i take camping.
I would take a small knife for cooking type cutting, a med folder or fixed for general duties and a large knife for other stuff, then maybe a hatchet depending on where im camping.

For $50?
A kabar would be a nice bet. Big enough for some work but not a beast.
I really like the Benchmade griptillian but i dont know if you can get one for $50. It has a great general use shape, goos grip, good steel, good size.
 
What about a buck 110 or a buck 105 pathfinder? I've read that some prefer the smaller size ka-bars. Or the cold steel bushman may work.
 
I went ahead and ordered myself one of these:
760mg.jpg



Regardless of camping, this looks like a knife I can use for everything and for only $11 I saw no reason to resist. I'm still considering a Buck 119 or a Kabar for bigger stuff.
 
Dr. Mudd said:
If you are invaded by large wild animals while in your tent, leave via the other end ... quickly! :D
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Listen to the Dr. on that one.

I think you already have as much knife as you'll need. I think you chose well.
 
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