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Woods Blade
- Thread starter ChrisRaRi
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This. Then I'd get a BK2, those are really light.
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Since you carry the axe already, a smaller blade and perhaps a pocket knife would probably cover your practical needs. I would look at the ESEE 4 or the Kabar Becker BK-16 or BK-17. The BK-10 is another more heavy duty knife that is popular that doesn't have the weight issue like the BK-2. I have the BK-2 and it simply does not get used because of its weight. It is such a beast and to me, impractical other than to have for fun.
Thanks for the recommendation, I was also considering going with a smaller blade for the same reason you mentioned a while back. Would you go with the BK2 compaired to a knife like the RAT5/ESEE 4? I never really got into looking into smaller knives, so it's a new game.
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LOL...yeah it's a feather weight alright.
Honestly, if I were carrying an axe I'd go with something light like a mora or even a pocket knife. A spydie military and your axe would be a great combo. Or your folder of choice. Even a sak would be good. The larger chopper knife and an axe are going to have more overlap then not and to me 2 tools that are used for most of the same duties doesn't justify the weight.
That being said the scrapyard 711 is pretty light for that size of knife at about 14.5 ounces. The same or less then the BK2. Keep in mind though you're going to have 5-6 ounces of sheath on top of that which means you're getting into hatchet weight territory. The lightest option is probably going to be a cut down machete. Something super thin but soft enough to take some real abuse. Most of the knives in the size you're asking for are going to be in the 1 pound range or more. I've never weighed one but a 12 inch tram feels like nothing compared to my 711. If you were to cut it down to 7 inches it would be even lighter. Not as cool though.
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Nothing against the Beckers, but I feel the BK-2 is not a very practical knife for most. A year or two ago, every time someone like you were looking for a woods knife, the BK-2 got strong recommendations. I bought one simply because of all the recommendations. It remains unused for the most part. If you like the blade length of the BK-2, consider the BK-10 which is lighter with 0.188" steel versus the 0.25" steel used in the BK-2. I wish I would have bought a BK-10 instead of the BK-2. I have other knives in this size range, and I doubt I will get the BK-10 just because anymore, but I tend to be spontaneous with purchases and you never know.
The RAT5/ESEE4 or 5 pushes things to the bigger knife catagory like the BK-10. I like the factory handles on the Beckers better, but many replace them with micarta handles like come on the ESEE 4 and 5.
For practical using, it is hard to beat the BK-16 or BK-17 in the woods. You just won't be chopping with either of these. Batoning, sure. Some of the Condor products aren't bad either.
I sense that you really want something in the 5-6" blade length, so go with your gut and experiment like most of the rest of us.
The RAT5/ESEE4 or 5 pushes things to the bigger knife catagory like the BK-10. I like the factory handles on the Beckers better, but many replace them with micarta handles like come on the ESEE 4 and 5.
For practical using, it is hard to beat the BK-16 or BK-17 in the woods. You just won't be chopping with either of these. Batoning, sure. Some of the Condor products aren't bad either.
I sense that you really want something in the 5-6" blade length, so go with your gut and experiment like most of the rest of us.
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Shotgun got my joke.
Yes, for Crissake, yes, the BK-2 is little other than a sharpened pry-bar. Weighs as much as you'd expect for something like that. That said, I do love mine, even if I don't get as much chance to use it as I'd like.
My honest answer to the OP would be, since you already have an axe you're carrying, why not go for a Mora? I think the Mora Bushcraft Black can be had for like, $50. It's a fantastic knife, and honestly, something like that would be all you need. Hell, get one of the cheaper Moras for $15-$20 and save some cash.
Yes, for Crissake, yes, the BK-2 is little other than a sharpened pry-bar. Weighs as much as you'd expect for something like that. That said, I do love mine, even if I don't get as much chance to use it as I'd like.
My honest answer to the OP would be, since you already have an axe you're carrying, why not go for a Mora? I think the Mora Bushcraft Black can be had for like, $50. It's a fantastic knife, and honestly, something like that would be all you need. Hell, get one of the cheaper Moras for $15-$20 and save some cash.
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I would recommend something in the 4 to 5 inch blade length range. Moras or other nicer Scandis (Helle, Kellam and so on, Woods Jewels are nice also), Fallkniven F1, Cold Steel Master Hunter, ESEE 3 or 4, Spyderco Moran, Bark River Canadian Special, BK 16 or 17, etc.
Somebody mentioned a cut down machete, if you like that idea take a look at the Cold Steel Bushman. It's a relatively thin one piece knife of what feels like 1055 steel. I've got a couple and found them really useful. They are inexpensive, too.
Somebody mentioned a cut down machete, if you like that idea take a look at the Cold Steel Bushman. It's a relatively thin one piece knife of what feels like 1055 steel. I've got a couple and found them really useful. They are inexpensive, too.
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A light weight, inexpensive, yet effective option is the Condor Kephart. I have one and it is a great knife that would suit your needs. It has a 4 1/2 inch blade, nice hardwood scales, and comes with a quality leather sheath. Its very lightweight and I've found that the 1075 steel blade takes and holds a shaving sharp edge. And its around thirty bucks.
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That's a solid choice. It's not the lightest knife around, but it isn't a sharpened prybar. I think you could go for something smaller and shed some weight, but if you don't mind lugging it around a solid slab of 1095 is not a bad thing to have.
I remain entirely unclear on what the purpose of this woods knife is? Especially when an axe is already in the pack.
I'm in the woods all the time and generally carry an Opinel N9. Occasionally, if expecting to build a fire, carry a folding saw. And even rarer, carry a 5" fixed blade for batoning, but honestly, an Opinel N9 or N10 will handle occasional batoning. Style of camping plays a huge role.
This past weekend's ski tour destination (no camping).
South View from Pine Island by Pinnah, on Flickr
Fire was handled in an Emberlit stove, which consumes less wood than an open fire, causes less impact and can generally be managed by burning stuff that can be processed by hand. Didn't even need the Opinel for this. Shelter was handled by a light tarp, which saves time and, again, minimizes impact.
Hot Chocolate by Pinnah, on Flickr
If the real question is, what's a cool knife that's fun to carry... well... that's legitimate and hte answer is, what ever makes you happiest. It's your pack and your outing.
Sometimes I carry this, just for the heck of it. About the same size as the Rat 5
Schrade H-15 Modified by Pinnah, on Flickr
But, I find it a bit big for every cutting task except for battoning. IMO, the ideal blade length for a woods knife is about 4". YMMV territory though.
I'm in the woods all the time and generally carry an Opinel N9. Occasionally, if expecting to build a fire, carry a folding saw. And even rarer, carry a 5" fixed blade for batoning, but honestly, an Opinel N9 or N10 will handle occasional batoning. Style of camping plays a huge role.
This past weekend's ski tour destination (no camping).
South View from Pine Island by Pinnah, on Flickr
Fire was handled in an Emberlit stove, which consumes less wood than an open fire, causes less impact and can generally be managed by burning stuff that can be processed by hand. Didn't even need the Opinel for this. Shelter was handled by a light tarp, which saves time and, again, minimizes impact.
Hot Chocolate by Pinnah, on Flickr
If the real question is, what's a cool knife that's fun to carry... well... that's legitimate and hte answer is, what ever makes you happiest. It's your pack and your outing.
Sometimes I carry this, just for the heck of it. About the same size as the Rat 5
Schrade H-15 Modified by Pinnah, on Flickr
But, I find it a bit big for every cutting task except for battoning. IMO, the ideal blade length for a woods knife is about 4". YMMV territory though.
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