Why bring a folder into the woods?

Macclint said:
You can go on about sheeple and all, but out on a trail, a lot of people are made really nervous by strangers approaching with a big knife. (I carry a Spyderco in my pocket and a becker in my pack) Hell, it made me a little nervous when two hairy strangers stopped by my camp with USMC knives on their belt, and I had the same knife under the jacket next to me.

I can clean a trout easily with my small fixed blade, but it IS heavier than my SAK Rucksack or trekker both of which I will carry as the mood strikes me... (though I will admit, not THAT much heavier, and a small fixed CAN fit in the front pocket).

There, did that post ramble back and forth enough?
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Ok I admit that I'm used to hiking and camping here in Sweden and I don't walk on trails very much. If a stranger stops by your camp it can be frightening especially if you haven´t seen anyone for several days.
 
Morablades said:
Tonight I'm going to try to get a Buck 110 into the house, but I've got to get it past the wife. Where there is a will, theres a way. She thinks I'm buying too many knives. It's part of my folder binge. I tell her I'm just another misunderstood knife nut.
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How about a trade: If you buy a Buck 110 she can buy a handbag (or whatever women buy)
 
I have to go to sleep now. Thank you all! This is what I got (sorry if I missed someone):

Cause I can
Completeness
Back up
Folder main user, fixed blade or axe/chopper back up
Personal preference
I always carry it anyway
A fixed blade makes people nervous even in the wood!
It's an old friend
It's lighter
It is the perfect tool for every day use even in the woods
 
It's all about options and needs. If I'm going for a day hike in familiar territory, then something like an SAK is a great way to go. If I'm going further afield and solo, then I need to be able to depend more on the resources I have at hand and a large knife and a folding saw can be used for making shelter, fire, cleaning game and the rest.

I agree with the post that mentioned he carried a folder everyday anyway. Some sort of folder or multi-tool is just part of my EDC and works in the woods too. There is an SAK Classic on my keychain for grooming and small repairs and the toothpick gets regular use. I had the tweezers out yesterday to fish out a small screw that I dropped. I EDC some sort of 3"-ish folder -- a Kershaw Needs Work of late--- and I have a couple larger SAK's that can be used too. My new Fallkniven P folder is due Tuesday-- can't wait!

The idea is to give yourself some sort of advantage and improve the odds of getting home in one piece. IMHO, any knife of reasonable quality, used properly and coupled with some brains, will do the trick. Of course your knife is just one part of a decent kit. I was reading one of the SAS survival books by Lefty Wiseman and the section on knives is quite short, but there are all kinds of techniques that require cutting tools to accomplish. Very few require more than a mora or other medium-sized knife.
 
Saying your carrying too many knives into the woods is like saying your carrying too mags to a fight.

You never know what may occur in the woods, one false step, you fall down a mountain and lose alot of cool stuff along the way. Maybe that lil folder in the hip pocket is all that makes it through with you.
 
Hey batosai117, what troop are you in that lets you carry fixed blades?

On topic...my folder(s) are just always on me. Period. I feel naked without them, because they've become such a part of me. So its a combo of "completeness" and the fact that I never put them away.
 
Midwest Ninja said:
Hey batosai117, what troop are you in that lets you carry fixed blades?

On topic...my folder(s) are just always on me. Period. I feel naked without them, because they've become such a part of me. So its a combo of "completeness" and the fact that I never put them away.
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I'm not sure if that was meant in a funny way or a dumb way :confused:.

Fixed blades have been looked down in scouting for a long time now. In the beginning of scouting in America we used to have our own fixed blade knife massed produced and some can still be bought on ebay. I am 21 now so that is a few years behind me. I always carry a folder, not a fixed blade. That is also the more advised choice in scouting for the sake of following knife laws and sheeple parents freaking out when their sons are running around with fixed blades. Young boys + fixed blades = law suit. To be more blunt, it is not allowed in Boy Scouts. You may have an adult leader who doesn't care, but it's not normally permitted.
 
batosai117 said:
Fixed blades have been looked down in scouting for a long time now. .
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Because some kid you cut himself with one who had a lawyer for a mother.

Scouts went for a s hit when they let women and girls in. Friggin feminism it is the downfall of the modern man.

Skam
 
skammer said:
Because some kid you cut himself with one who had a lawyer for a mother.

Scouts went for a s hit when they let women and girls in. Friggin feminism it is the downfall of the modern man.

Skam
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Agreed, I mean we used to have our own massed produced fixed blade!!! What's more cool than that. I would have carried it everywhere if I would have had that while I was in scouting.

Here is one that I found: http://cgi.ebay.com/Vintage-Boy-Sco...ryZ13888QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
 
Compactness- the primary reason for folders. Don't like stuff on my belt or packs around my waist. I wear a vest and use my pockets, though making a concession in hot weather for a canteen here in the desert southwest. Sheaths other than wide mouth pouch types are awkward to resheath. I can have a folder with multiple blade types and carry more than one. The only time I carry a sheath knife is on big game hunts for processing and mostly just use a folder even then.

Chopper? I use one around the house and carry one in the truck and ATV but can't remember the last time I had the need for one in the bush. Folders get it done with portability, versatility and convenience. Sheath knives get in the way when carrying a handgun, catch on brush, and...OK I've gone too far:D. :)Regards, ss.
 
skammer said:
I'd bring a large SAK with saw before a Mora.

Skam
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Damn, come on man say something I can jump on you for. :D

My trekker is always in my pocket, folders are just more convenient for most jobs. I can't open a can or turn a screw with my fixed blade, with my trekker no probs. Chris
 
I never carry anything but a folder and/or a leatherman. I add a hatchet or machete if I think there is a probability of spending the night. I've spent most of my last 5 years in the field and a good bit of the late 80s and early 90s in the field living under ponchos and poncho liners. I guess it's amazing I survived without an $800 supermanly fixed blade. Can't say that I can think of a time I ever needed a fixed blade. I know you guys are naturally knife-ophiles and gearwhores, but sometimes the hype gets a little TOO over the top.

EDIT: just remembered that I used to carry an AF survival knife for a while in the 80s but stopped carrying it because I had no use for it. Never needed to lash it to a pole and stab a boar. :)
 
I think folders are just easier, as long as you are wearing pants. Plus I would stack my Manix against many fixed blades for stength and utility. I bring a fixed blade or a hatchett on longer excursions, but the folder in my front pocket sees more use than anything.
 
I carried a 110 for many years. It was also a duty knife. I finally replaced it (though I still have it) with a 119 and later with a Fallkniven F1.

The 110 is quite serviceable as long as you realize its limits being a folder.
 
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