Where best to carry blades?

[Helle]

I use a dangler on my strong side.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

Doc Canada, I really like your set up for the baldric.

Have you ever used a bigger type straight knife ? Hey Bryan, other than machetes, no.
The reason I ask is I am working on a knife right now for a fellow who wanted his knife more like the Kuri / machax type of knife.
Is the curved knife a better al round knife for most cutting chores do you think? I don't want to say it's better, although I think it is.I have my MEGA One Zero ( straight blade) and then I have a cold steel Kuri type of knife. so I have used both for trail clearing and stuff like that. Both work, but I have been thinking about the curved knife design more and more since I started on this curved knife for a customer I have.

After working on his, I am going to make one for me, but with some changes. (ie. Slanted guard, longer blade, narrower blade than his, stuff like that).

I have a old cold steel kuri type knife and like it, but it is just not right in my thinking. So I have a idea in my head and I hope to start on it in January sometime.

Again, I am just wondering what your thoughts are.

When I look at your set up It looks like the handle is easyer to get at.
Also do you ever wear that set up while canoeing? No, I usually stuff it in a pack, while in a canoe, although it wouldn't really be in the way. I would just worry about losing it, if my drunk bow paddler dumps us.

Bryan

Below is the first report I read about the Machax in American Survival Guide. That's what got me interested. I can honestly say, it is my absolute favourite knife. I haven't had a chance to compare it with my new HI Khukuri yet, but it would still come out the winner due to weight considerations, as an all around blade.

Bryan, if you want, I'll send you a 1:1 scale drawing of the Machax.

Doc

 

[jlouis976]

On the belt - dangler - right side. I want that sucker ON ME - not my pack.

TF

It's funny you mention this. I was backpacking with a buddy and we had to do a log crossing over a river. We took off our packs in case we fell in the water so that we wouldn't be weighted down.

Well he fell in the water and his pack floated away. We never found it. He had absolutely nothing, and was soaked.

From this experience, I have since always had a fixed blade knife and a firesteel secured firmly to my body.

If he had been alone, he would have froze to death.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

It's funny you mention this. I was backpacking with a buddy and we had to do a log crossing over a river. We took off our packs in case we fell in the water so that we wouldn't be weighted down.

Well he fell in the water and his pack floated away. We never found it. He had absolutely nothing, and was soaked.

From this experience, I have since always had a fixed blade knife and a firesteel secured firmly to my body.

If he had been alone, he would have froze to death.

Good lesson!

Doc

 

[Rat 1]

I like carrying my Ranger RD-6 strapped to the outside of my backpack. That way I don't have to open my backpack to retrieve it and I can show it off to people passing by.

 

[Rat 1]

It's funny you mention this. I was backpacking with a buddy and we had to do a log crossing over a river. We took off our packs in case we fell in the water so that we wouldn't be weighted down.

Well he fell in the water and his pack floated away. We never found it. He had absolutely nothing, and was soaked.

From this experience, I have since always had a fixed blade knife and a firesteel secured firmly to my body.

If he had been alone, he would have froze to death.

Damn that kind of makes me think twice about carrying my knife on the outside of my pack.

 

[sicily02]

Hi all,

Doc, thanks for answering back. Yes I would like to have that 1.1 scale drawing if you would send it to me. After I wrote in here this morning I have already started drawing what I wanted my machax style knife to be like lol.

I remember that article. Boy does that bring back memories lol. That was a cool magizine.

Man that would suck to have your pack lost in a spill or something. Better keep it on you from now on lol.

WOW great story jlouis976. it really goes to show having your main gear attached to you and on your person is the best thing to do.

Bryan

 

[Calebklyne]

i carry my knife on my belt but usually have my axe on or in my pack until i get to camp

 

[mariobab]

I carry billhook or machete crossdraw in dangler, axe on backpack.

 

[squishware]

No whitewater in Florida... but why not tie the pack to the boat?

 

[crossada]

i like the traditional "frog" carry for my bowies. it allows the knife to ride comfortably but will allow easy concealment by pulling your shirt over the handle.

 

[revolverman357]

Thanks for all the replies and ideas. I will just have to experiment. I usually, keep a knife on my belt, but there are times I need to take the hatchet and/or a machete also so these go on my pack. I have a hard time trying to figure out how to properly lash them to my Alice Pack.

 

[LMT66]

Docs true identity revealed!
[youtube]VNru0P7hOw0[/youtube]

I carry my big blade inside my pack but always have a 4" blade attached to me just incase I get split from my pack.

 

[C_Kyle]

It depends on the size, weight, and the frequency of use of the blade/axe. It also depends on the available ways to secure and carry the blade/axe, and the pack. For example:

SAK Climber gets carried inside my front left pocket, and also inside my pack.
Small fixed-blade always rides inverted on the right shoulder strap.

Old Style Kelty Redwing Pack:

Machete/Axe slips in between the left side pocket and the pack. This area is hollow. Anything long or hooked can ride here.

Deuter Futura and Gregory Z55 Packs:

Small Fixed Blade rides inside the top-lid compartment or strapped to my belt or the pack's belt.

Gregory Z55 Pack: Machete/Axe rides fully inside the pack because that pack doesn't lend itself to having things strapped to the sides.

 

[Big Mike]

...i like the traditional "frog" carry for my bowies.

Double ditto on that my friend. :thumbup: :thumbup:



Big Mike

 

[Mack]

If I'm carrying a large knife (like my Machax) I also use a baldric, like Bryan.

Depending on which smaller knife I'm carrying, I either wear it like the Mora in the picture or on a diagonal, with the handle down.

Doc

Docs true identity revealed!
[youtube]VNru0P7hOw0[/youtube]

Doc had quite an acting career before coming here to teach us.

 

[LMT66]

Doc had quite an acting career before coming here to teach us.

A man of many talents and for the record...... He doesn't carry a blade ..... the blade carries him!

I like Doc's baldric setup. I think even with a pack over it, it might be the best way to carry.

 

[DOC-CANADA]

"........mumble, mumble..........peanut gallery....."

Bryan, I will get that in the mail in the next couple days. If you don't get a "it's in the mail" heads-up by Friday, remind me. (damn 63 year old memory )

 

[Foilist]

I dont own any large blades....

Nor do I, although I have been looking at HI Khukris lately . .

I doubt that I would take a large blade backpacking or on a long hike, though. I want one for around the yard and stationary camp use.

 

[Darteres]

I was snooping around Harbor Freight last night as I tend to do when I have a few extra bucks. They have a padded tool belt that's really two belts in one. The main part is a 2 inch leather belt. The second padded part is attached at several spots, but is easily removable. I snagged it for an idea that I've had of using a belt to hold my knife and fire kit, but having a strap run from the belt around a shoulder and back...kind of like a cross-body suspender strap but made from braided paracord to assist in keeping the belt in place and the knife in place on the belt.