Why bring a folder into the woods?

[Mikel_24]

I also think a fixed blade is unnessesary and unsafe for most purposes

Don't be so hard on BigFrov guys... I guess that when he states the above he is thinking about +7" heavy blades (choppers)... I am sure that he, just like me, agrees that... let's say an F1... is a safer tool for anyone than a traditional slippie or even a non locking SAK. It can't close on your fingers and the beefier handle let's you get a better grip and therefore a better control of the tool.

Mikel

 

[mrostov]

Fixed blades are a bit of better for hunting and fishing as they are easier to clean, but most of the time, a folder is what most people will have on them on a day to day basis. They are compact, easier to carry because you really don't even need a sheath for them, and a fixed blade can be a hassle legally and socially.

 

[skammer]

Don't be so hard on BigFrov guys... I guess that when he states the above he is thinking about +7" heavy blades (choppers)...
Mikel

If hes talking about any fixed blade he is doing a disservice to the boys.

Skam

 

[Eyegor]

In the 80s most of the guys in my troop ran around with the crap "Rambo Survival" knives that were all the rage. But when we actually wanted to use a blade out came the Vics, Camillus, Buck, etc. All folders.

 

[beckerhead]

I Carry folders in the woods My SOG Flash II and a leatherman wave and a Buck Hatchet in my pack for chopping.
I am a Boy Scout Leader and I like to set the right example for the boys.
I also think a fixed blade is unnessesary and unsafe for most purposes

OK, jokes over. Come back and give the punchline.

 

[Trout Tamer]

I Carry folders in the woods My SOG Flash II and a leatherman wave and a Buck Hatchet in my pack for chopping.
I am a Boy Scout Leader and I like to set the right example for the boys.
I also think a fixed blade is unnessesary and unsafe for most purposes

I think you have a good assortment of woods tools with that selection, BigFrov. Like others on this board, though, I must disagree with your assessment that fixed blades are unsafe for most purposes. My evidence for this is 2-fold:
1) Basically all kitchen knives are fixed blade knives. People the world over use fixed blades several times a day, every single day. If fixed blades were inherently more dangerous, they'd have been phased out millenia ago.
2) The wilderness survival training I received was centered around a strong, carbon steel, fixed blade knife. The very capable instructors were of the opinion that it's easier for a novice to safely learn woodcraft with a large knife than with an axe or hatchet. In their experience, more people were injured with hatchets than large knives. My own experience has taught me the same.

 

[Trout Tamer]

Back on the subject, I think there's a place for both fixed blades and folders in the wilds. If I'm only bringing one edged tool, I'll opt for a fixed blade. If I'm bringing more than one, though, a folding knife is a great addition.

Did anyone read the most recent Tactical Knives magazine? There was an article about Jon? Berger. Evidently, this man has spent decades living from a canoe in northern Canada, mapping the uncharted waterways. He's spent most of his life living off the land. He's now putting out a book about his life's work and it'll probably be worth reading :thumbup: His wilderness tools of choice are:
-Estwing 26" camp axe
-Victorinox Rucksack
-Buck 110

He also carries a bow saw in his canoe. With that set-up, all his bases are covered. Yeah, he can say that with much greater authority than I

There IS a place for folding knives in the wilderness. In my mind, though, the folder shouldn't supplant the fixed blade, simply for those "what-if" scenarios, which I've had happen to me.

 

[Don Rearic]

Why ask why?

If anyone is interested in trading their Benchmade Ritter LARGE Folder for a Becker 7, E-mail me.

I'm serious, I would put it in the trade forum but it might not get much play in there at all.

 

[Stainz]

I guess I carried a 110 in my pocket because a 119 was too big! Les Stroud, aka 'Survivorman', often has a 119 sheathed on his belt - and a multi-function in his pocket. I do like the 102, but mine, the BR variant, cost what two of the 110s do now - and those 110's have a larger handle and a little more metal in the same length blade. Additionally, the 110 can be had in CPM154, BG42, and S30V steel, as well as their excellent 420HC. Of course, Christmas Eve brought me a Bark River 'Huntsman', whose original sheath has made it a front pocket rider already - should be better with the KSF pocket sheath, when it arrives.

Stainz

 

[Ron53]

I'm going back to the original question: "Why bring a folder into the woods?"

Simply this: because it's useful.

Ron

 

[Halfneck]

Because my folder has a small, but effective Saw, and a Awl/Punch, along with a blade.

 

[Angus McGunnigl]

Because thay are small, lightweight usefull tools.

My Vic Farmer will do just about anything I need to do on a normal day.

 

[nemoaz]

I never carry anythin smaller than me claymore. Anythin else looks wrong with me kilt.

 

[Hang_them_later]

I'm back from work! Lets have a look at the list again. There are som new additions.


1) Cause I can
2) Completeness
3) Back up
4) Folder main user, fixed blade or axe/chopper back up
5) Personal preference
6) I always carry it anyway
7) A fixed blade makes people nervous even in the wood!
8) It's an old friend
9) It's lighter
10) It is the perfect tool for every day use even in the woods
11) Improve the odds of getting home in one piece
12) Large SAK with saw prefferred before a Mora
13) You can never carry too many knives
14) Boy scouts are not allowed to carry fixed blades (!!?)
15) Compactness important even in the woods
16) Sheaths other than wide mouth pouch types are awkward to resheath
17) folders are just more convenient for most jobs
18) I can't think of a time I ever needed a fixed blade
19) I can't have some long huge fixed blade hanging from my waist, and flapping all over the place.

20) I am a Boy Scout Leader and I like to set the right example for the boys.
I think a fixed blade is unnessesary and unsafe for most purposes.
21) Familiarity.
22) there's room enough in my heart and in the woods for both....(A fixed blade and a folder)
23) you really don't even need a sheath for them
24) a fixed blade can be a hassle legally and socially
25) Because thay are small, lightweight usefull tools


Well.... #20 is a surprise. I don´t know if this applies generally to Scouts all over the world.
I´m not sure but I think the Scouts here in Sweden are allowed to use a fixed blade. I never joined the Scouts. I can't stand when other people treat me like a criminal and prevent me from using the tools I like to use.

#24 It is strange that a simple tool can be so frightening to some people. Maybe because of TV or Movies? Who knows.

This fixed blade knife is called a "classical Scout knife" in Sweden:

 

[Hang_them_later]

Why ask why?

I usually bring a fixed blade when I'm camping or hiking because there is no need to hide it in my pocket. A fixed blade is more accepted in the woods than In the city (or so I thought).

In the city I have the folder.
In the woods I feel more free and can use a less compact knife.

Why ask why?

Well, I wanted to know how other people think about this. Maybe I have missed something important.

 

[Bernoulli]

Or, that fixed blade may go through the sheath and do you serious harm. I never carry a fixed blade in the bush. Mine are back at camp. My family from Eastern, OR who hunted all their lives never carried one on their person. Most of their hunting was horseback and they deemed fixed blades to dangerous to have if you fall off your horse. In fact, I've watched my uncles cut (castrate) calves, skin deer, make toothpicks, clean fish and basically do everything they ever needed to do with a knife with a folder similar to this: http://www.wrcase.com/knives/pocket_knives/browsefolding2.php?Family='Ruger'&Folding='1'&Item='6557'
If the link doesn't go through it's a three bladed Case medium stockman.

 

[stabman]

Why carry a folder in the woods? Why not? I carry one everywhere else, so for the woods, I just add some gear.
It's not like the folder takes up alot of space, and for kindling work or bordom-time whittling, a folder is nice.

 

[Torm]

Or, that fixed blade may go through the sheath and do you serious harm.

With any decent sheath thats EXTREMELY unlikely. People have been using fixed blades for thousands of years and, unlike folders, they have no moving parts to fail so to label them as dangerous and a folder as safe seems a little...odd.

 

[k-spar]

Speaking as an assistant scoutmaster:

From what I understand it is not actually a BSA policy that fixed blades aren't allowed, it is a district or council level policy. The reason they don't allow them in some districts is that for young boys there is more temptation to use them as toys, swords, whatever. Considering some of the kids we get these days, I can understand where they are coming from, but I don't really see the folders being less of a temptation. Another issue for me is that splitting wood by chopping with an axe is not supposed to be taught anymore either--they're supposed to baton the head through logs to split.

Pretty disappointing how far they've gone. It's best to supplement the normal scouting skills with some other wilderness skills as well, because it keeps the kids interested. I am pleased with the quality of the first aid being taught (not that they ever pay attention to that though).

 

[Midwest Ninja]

Speaking as an assistant scoutmaster:
Another issue for me is that splitting wood by chopping with an axe is not supposed to be taught anymore either--they're supposed to baton the head through logs to split.
Pretty disappointing how far they've gone.

BATONING the axe through logs? What a dumb idea! In my troop we were permitted to actually swing the axe-and its a helpful skill. I'll have to look into the FB thing though. (Btw, I got my Eagle in June, and continue to be an adult leader in that troop, so this is some very nice info to have. Thanks:thumbup