Which Backpacking Knife?

Swamp Rats are Busse family knives. They have a ... different ... business model.
You can't buy one when you want one, only when they make them. :D

RAT RC-4
Bravo-1
F-1

Woo woo! All TOP quality, excellent designs, devoted followers. Toss a coin. I prefer a solid handle rather than the Fallkniven Kraton but you may be able to get Micarta handled Fallknivens from Knives Ship Free -- he gets them modified by Bark River! :)

You can get the Bravo-1 as a package with the sheath carrying a piggyback sheath with a Micro Canadian or a similar small knife and a firesteel, with coordinated handle materials. That's pretty much the ultimate setup -- and just happens to be functionally as good as it gets, too.

RAT Cutlery might be the least expensive but might be the best place to start, being great knives that specialize in being used hard, designed by guys who beat themselves up, too. Adventure, ha! :p (Check out the RAT Cutlery forum here!)
 
Really, for what you want to do, and wanting one knife to do it, I'd want something with more heft than most of the ones you listed. For your needs, I can't think of one better than the RC-4.

ETA: if you want a really nice knife, that isn't so great on chopping, but a wonderful knife other than that, look at the BRKT Aurora.
 
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Bravo-1

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Doc
 
They all seem too big and heavy for Backpacking knives!
Try an SAK.

If you want a small fixed get a Gossman PSK w/micarta or Landi PSK, thats all the knife you will need for backpacking. You will heve your shelter and firestarting material already if you are just backpacking.

-RB
 
There's a lot an experienced woodsman can do with a SAK or an Opinel that the rest of us might want a heavier tool -- just in case. Also, there's the learning element in taking more knife than he needs for a simple hike, but gets a chance to play with the capabilities. 4"-5" is not even a weight problem on a short trip through familiar territory.
 
There is backpacking with all your gear and there is backpacking while fantasizing of survival too. Both fun!
-RB
 
True. I've gone out for a few hours and set up for a couple of fires -- with NO intention of even striking sparks off my firesteel. Just gathering branches and tinder and shaving fuzzsticks to practice up to but not including setting the park on fire! :D
 
There are no places I have ever backpacked in that allow backcountry fires in Nevada, Arizona, and California. There are many car camp sites that don't even allow camp fires in California, I guess I understand this since we get hit with the worst fire seasons every sep-nov.
-RB
 
bearthedog said:
There are no places I have ever backpacked in that allow backcountry fires in Nevada, Arizona, and California. There are many car camp sites that don't even allow camp fires in California, I guess I understand this since we get hit with the worst fire seasons every sep-nov.
-RB
Click to expand...

Sometimes they ease up a little in Jan - Feb (rainy season) for car campers. Depends on if we get enough rain that year. But all my California backpacking was done with a stove only. No open fires.
 
knarfeng said:
Sometimes they ease up a little in Jan - Feb (rainy season) for car campers. Depends on if we get enough rain that year. But all my California backpacking was done with a stove only. No open fires.
Click to expand...

I hate car camps, I always get that family or group next to me that make way too much noise and blast music. These people are usually the type that leave food and trash out at night. The trail is for me!

Car camping is a good way to test gear out! :)

knarfeng,
I spend lots of time in San Juan Capistrano if you want to hike.


-RB
 
HCSchluge said:
EDITED: Sorry wrong group.
(edit: got that for ya.)

I am looking for a belt knife for backpacking and cant seem to decide. I need it do do everything from chopping for small campfires to slicing sausage. I want to carry one knife that does it all. I don't intend to abuse it, but it will get a real workout.

Choices:

  • Fallkniven A1
  • Chris Reeve 7" Green Beret
  • Bark River 1855 Hunting Bowie
  • Ontario RAT-7 D2

I am sure any of these would do the trick, but wanted to get some impressions.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...

Out of your list of chores, I'd go with the A1. I own them all, and the A1 works best, IMO, for the criteria you set out.
 
I'm not much for fixed blades (I know, a curse and plague upon me :foot:), but I've always found my SOG Field Pup to be of great use and it has a 4" blade for under $40.00. They're easy to find and even easier to replace. Mine has lasted about a year, and it's a great little hiking knife. It batons very easily, but isn't really heavy enough for any sort of chopping (nor long enough).

I would go with a RAT knife, not just because others have said so, but also because I want one :D. With the list that you have, you can't go wrong. Don't under-estimate a fixed blade of any size or thickness. I've batoned and hacked through countless things with my folders, and if my folders can do it, a fixed blade certainly can.
 
On the east coast, fires aren't as restricted as out west. It tends to be a lot wetter here. I am planning on several 4+ day treks into the wilderness areas in western NC and into Tenn. I pack pretty light (although not ultralight) so a beefier knife doesn't bother me too much.

Given your feedback here, I am back to a 4-5" knife which is where I was at the start. Ideally, I would like something I can strap inverted to my shoulder straps as well as carry on my belt. I want a nice handle, which is pushing me away from stock Fallkniven. The Bravo-1 sounds absolutely awesome, but might be a bit spendy right now. I plan on getting something this weekend, a nearby store is having a big knife sale (especially on Chris Reeve knives) and some custom makers. He's got RAT and Ontario RAT too. I will let you know where I land. Thanks everyone!
 
I don't see them mentioned much in the different forums but I really think Ruana Knives are one of the best.I use a model 95mp for hunting and camping and it's a great knife.Carbon steel [not sure what type they use] but they come razor sharp and aren't bad to re-sharpen.Nice comfortable handles on them also.
 
It's hard to 'chop' with anything that has a blade shorter than 9". Sorry 'bout that. No leverage you see. If it weren't for the chopping, I recommend a Mora, otherwise.... drum roll please, a 12" Ontario machete is what you need.:D

HCSchluge said:
EDITED: Sorry wrong group.
(edit: got that for ya.)

I am looking for a belt knife for backpacking and cant seem to decide. I need it do do everything from chopping for small campfires to slicing sausage. I want to carry one knife that does it all. I don't intend to abuse it, but it will get a real workout.

Choices:

  • Fallkniven A1
  • Chris Reeve 7" Green Beret
  • Bark River 1855 Hunting Bowie
  • Ontario RAT-7 D2

I am sure any of these would do the trick, but wanted to get some impressions.

Thanks!!
Click to expand...
 
Yes, it is hard to chop with a shorter knife. However you can achieve almost the same result with a shorter knife and a baton. How? Hold the short knife on the branch or whatever you want cut and hammer on the knife with the baton (a piece of wood or such).
It works really great.

It is a good selection you have got in the F1, RC4 and Bravo-1. Any of those knives will serve you well in whatever situation you might imagine.
Complement that knife with a smaller folder or multitool and you will have a very nice vacation or whatever.
 
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