Worth it to buy a knife?

J

J1427

Joined
Sep 2, 2013
Messages
171
So I'm planning a month long hiking trip for next summer. I'm trying to reduce spening and the weight I'll be bringing, and was wondering if I should bother buying a knife. I'm for sure going to bring a folding saw, and will probably bring a small hatchet as well. Is there a point to getting a knife (would probably be the BK22 or the classic USMC KABAR) if I bring a hatchet? Or should I bring a knife instead of a hatchet? Or both? I have a fireman SAK, so I already have a longish blade that I could cut rope with.
 
Why not a belt carried machete? I don't go anywhere without my Swisschamp but if I was doing a month long hiking trip I'd have a few different cutting options as well as a rifle most likely(depending on where I was) Can you list what you have so far?
 
I think the SAK might do it. What kind of terrain? That could change your choices too.
 
hmmmm.... It's kind of a "broad" statement-"I'm planning a month long hiking trip for next summer."

Hiking where? What state? Appalachian Trail type of a hike? Proximity to 'civilization'? See what I'm getting at...?

Most people going out for a "month long hike" that I know are cutting down weight every conceivable way you can think of. They even cut the handles off their toothbrushes to save weight. They also carry tiny trail stoves and forego fires for the most part.

So when I read "hatchet" or "machete" or "Kabar" I'm thinking "oh-oh". Are you building a cabin or sleeping under a tarp? Are you clearing a path to Mr. Livingston (I presume) or walking on fairly established trails? Not sure where you'll be, but around here most people frown on trail cutting.

I just read someone posted "Mora" above. I love that suggestion. Light and cuts like a SOB. Couple that with a decent scaled down multi-tool or SAK and I'd be pretty confident and comfortable on most trails.
 
Mongrel said:
hmmmm.... It's kind of a "broad" statement-"I'm planning a month long hiking trip for next summer."

Hiking where? What state? Appalachian Trail type of a hike? Proximity to 'civilization'? See what I'm getting at...?

Most people going out for a "month long hike" that I know are cutting down every conceivable way you can think of. They even cut the handles off their toothbrushes to save weight. They also carry tiny trail stoves and forego fires for the most part.

So when I read "hatchet" or "machete" or "Kabar" I'm thinking "oh-oh". Are you building a cabin or sleeping under a tarp? Are you clearing a path to Mr. Livingston (I presume) or walking on fairly established trails? Not sure where you'll be, but around here most people frown on trail cutting.

I just read someone posted "Mora" above. I love that suggestion. Like and cuts like a SOB. Couple that with a decent scaled down multi-tool or SAK and I'd be pretty confident and comfortable on most trails.
Click to expand...


+1. Is someone throwing you in the middle of the woods and saying good luck or do you plan on being pretty prepared? Keep in mind I'm actually quite jealous of you since this sounds awesome I'm just curious
 
The answer is yes.

Anytime you ask yourself "Is it worth it to buy a knife?", the answer is yes. :)

Sorry guys, but someone had to be the voice of reason. :D
 
stabman said:
The answer is yes.

Anytime you ask yourself "Is it worth it to buy a knife?", the answer is yes. :)

Sorry guys, but someone had to be the voice of reason. :D
Click to expand...

Wow...I've been schooled! (lol)

I just realized I completely MISSED THE QUESTION! haha...

BUY A KNIFE...A BIG KNIFE LIKE A BUSSE BATTLE MISTRESS! Cut everything you possible can around the yard, in the basement, the neighbors yard, local parks etc. Clean it up and oil it...

Then when you go hiking take a SAK and a Mora....

(hahah)
 
Aha thanks for the replies guys. I'm planning on hiking through ontario on the bruce trail. So the terrain will be almost all forest. @Mongrel you raise a good point. Probably will not need a hatchet because most nights I'll be using a little stove. I may also be going on a week long canoe trip to algonquin park. Would a hatchet be worth it for that? I would prefer something a bit bigger than a mora if I were to buy a knife, my reasoning being that my SAK can do everything a mora can.
 
I'll just leave this here...

izula01.jpg


Good luck and have fun! :thumbup::)

-Brett
 
Folding saw, hatchet, and a 3-5" blade would be perfect... Or just exchange the hatchet for a fixed blade... I am a believer in SAKs and everything but you cannot go wrong with a good fixed blade. The two you mentioned might be slightly overkill for what you might want. May I suggest...

Mora MG or Bushcraft Black
KA-BAR Becker BK14, 15, 16, or 17

Heck you know what? Do what is going to fit you the best, look at your tool set, go outside and do a little testing, then figure out what you are most comfortable with. Good luck to yah.
 
Yes, bring a knife, and bring something to sharpen it with. A sharp knife is useful, but a dull knife is dangerous.
 
To be honest instead of a hatchet id get something like a Condor Golok or Pack Golok. I live in the forest too and can say that the Golok is suprisingly versatile
 
Sorry to butt in lads but I'm new to this forum and I was wondering if someone could tell me how to make a new post, as in start a new thread?
 
I'm very jealous! Whatever knife or knives you choose don't forget to pick up a pocket stone to keep it sharp! Better than scratching your gear up on a rock. I saw some awesome dude sharpen a knife on a rock. I thought I could do the same and I did not great AND I scratched up the whole blade and scales!
 
santabongo said:
Sorry to butt in lads but I'm new to this forum and I was wondering if someone could tell me how to make a new post, as in start a new thread?
Click to expand...

Find the forum you're looking for, and in the upper left there will be a big button that says "+ Post New Thread".
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top