Which folder for hunting/camping/survival?

D

D. Epstein

Joined
Oct 17, 1999
Messages
98
A while ago I read a thread here which asked the question "which folder would you bet your life on in combat?" On a similar note, I'd like to ask which folder would be ideal for hunting/camping/outdoor survival.

It would have to have a blade of the right size and shape and made of the right steel, a lock that is strong and would not fail or get gummed up, and a grippy handle for heavy work.

A lot of people might automatically say "Sebenza", but not everyone can shell out that kind of money for a knife. My vote goes to my new Pinnacle.

What do you think?

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People who don't like knives should be condemned to using sporks for all eternity.
 
I'd go to Buck's custom knife shop and get a Buck 110 made with a BG-42 blade and either a stag or checkered grip. The 110 blade and handle shape are very practical from a hunting and utility perspective. You can skin a rabbit or an elk with a Buck 110. BG-42 is my pick for toughness and sharpness. The price is in the $100.00 range. If you can live without checkering Dennis Wright has some less expensive 110's with BG-42 blades on the Knife Exchange forum.
 
I'd put my vote down for a CS Twistmaster drop-point or clip. The handles provide good grip, blades are Carbon V and the lock is very strong. Not easy to open with one hand, though, and with the thick grips they are a bit bulky.
 
Sure I cannot shell out that kind of money for a Sabenza, so my choice is just a plain Carnivore, with strong rolling rock. The blade is made from talonite so I don't have to worry about rust. Edge holding is impressive!

talonite_carnivore.jpg


This one is from Pat&Wes Crawford. One can also order from Rob Simonich & REKAT.

Dew.


[This message has been edited by Dew (edited 27 November 1999).]
 
Someone is going to ask, it may as well be me. Why not a fixed blade? When the chips are down, and the mud is ankle deep, isn't that what you should really be packing? Even the finest folder can get mucked up. My feelings are the right tool for the right job, that's all.
 
Phil, a fixed blade is the best primary cutting tool, but I always carry a folder as a backup to my fixed blade. If I lose my fixed blade, or chip it skinning a deer (which does happen) then I must resort to my backup folder (assuming I don't just go home).

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, it may come to pass that you have to rely on a folding knife, especially if that survey is correct that 75% of knives purchased (by BF members) are folders.

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People who don't like knives should be condemned to using sporks for all eternity.
 
A large KIT CARSON model 4. I have an older one with clip point blade of ATS-34. I have had this knife for 4 years, 2 months, and 16 days. I have cut numerous things with her. I have yet to have the need to sharpen her, though. I have even been known to sleep with her.
 
A CS Twistmaster if you want a larger folder. It's available with decent sized blades, a strong lock, maybe one of the strongest ?, good steel, and the price is hard to beat.
 
For hunting/camping folders, I've always thought(as my name will attest) that the Gerber Gator is a fine tool, and CONSIDERABLY less expensive then any of the knives previously mentioned. I got mine for $45 a year or so ago, but have seen them other places(try K-Mart or an equivalent) for around $25. That's a giveaway for a knife I just can't put down. For survival though, carry's kind of hefty, in a Kydex sheath. In the pocket, it's large and akward. But if you're talking about skinning a deer, I know more than a few hunters who use their Gators to skin. I'd go with a partially serrated blade.

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"How I wish that somewhere there existed an island for those that are wise and of good will." -Albert Einstein
 
Either a Gator, a Buck 110, or something similar. These are reliable and reasonably priced pieces. Folders in the field have a habit of walking off on their own. So its usually best to buy something reasonable enough that you keep an extra one in your pack. Also, it is hard to keep a knife clean in the field, especially a folder that has been used to clean game. And anything left on the blade (plant sap, animal materials, etc.) will damage the finish on the knife.

Besides you are there to enjoy the hunting, camping, and hiking. There is nothing more fustrating than having to backtrack to try to locate somebody's stuff. So take something you can afford to loose; something that is not going to spoil your trip if it breaks or goes astray.
 
I was looking over my pile of old lockbacks and found that almost every one had some vertical play in the blade, even my built-like-a-tank Kershaw 1050. So I was going to say my old Gerber lockback (don't know the model) but I guess if I was going to pick a do it all knive, I might choose the BM 710 Axis. I love the lock, you can take the thing apart to clean, and the blade is versatile.


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Hoodoo

He who slings mud generally loses ground.
Adlai Stevenson
 
It depends on the scenario/ situation. In this case it is something that you have to stake your life on. Since a fixed blade is preferrable as already mentioned, the folder should be a high carbon tool steel. It should be easy to sharpen in the field and be capable of generating sparks to start a fire when necessary. To be "stainless" enough a relatively high chrome content close to 12- 13% is preferable. If cost was within reach then I' d ask Bob Dozier to bulid a D2 folder for me. The only production folder I can think of off the top of my head that would fit the bill would be an M2 BM AFCK.

L8r,
Nakano
 
I`m gonna buck the tactical folder trend and say a SAK Rucksack. If you`re only using the folder for light chores and backup it should be just the ticket. Marcus
 
Well, you know me, the folder I choose won't be a liner lock. For production folders, I'd be looking at the Axis and Pinnacle in the high range. Since my folder would be at most a backup to my small fixed-blade, I might want to totally minimize on weight (while still keeping blade length large enough to be useful), in which case, it's an Endura for me.

Joe
 
another vote for the large Wegner.

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Dennis Bible
Knoxville, Tennessee


 
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