Your favorite day hiking folder

Popsickle

Popsickle

Joined
Jul 25, 2010
Messages
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lets see them. I realize fixed blades are best for outdoors. I just moved within 20 minutes from the Smoky Mountains National Park and would like a new folder to carry for day hiking.

Thanks everyone!
 
I don't hike though I would certainly like to.
the Victorinox hiker is the obvious choice, and that's what I would get if I ever do.
 
I like an Endura. They're big, inexpensive, well made, brightly colored and lightweight.

C10FPcollage.jpg


There's an Orange version as well that's not pictured here.
 
T.L.E. Sharp said:
I like an Endura. They're big, inexpensive, well made, brightly colored and lightweight.

C10FPcollage.jpg


There's an Orange version as well that's not pictured here.
Click to expand...
I have the orange Endura and it is a great camping/hiking knife. It’s big, durable, light and the orange is easy to see at night if you drop it.
 
I go hiking and gold prospecting locally. I always have either my Rat Worx mini MRX or my Launch 7 on my belt in a case.
 
Hi! For one day hikes, I normally always pack just a folder. It’s normally the one I have in rotation for that week :). Have to say I always carry a multitool with me (SOG Power Assist), hiking or not. Anyway, what I can consider my “dedicated” (so to say) outdoor folders are the Pohl Force M1 and the ZT0909. Both sport robust constructions and good ergos, at least for my own liking.
 
SoCalEDC said:
I go hiking and gold prospecting locally. I always have either my Rat Worx mini MRX or my Launch 7 on my belt in a case.
Click to expand...

How do you like the MRX and how does the chain driven action handle as a hiker? I’d be worried about dirt and such.

I have a Hawk MUDD auto coming, and would like to take that but seeing as it’s a bit more expensive I’m scared of losing it lol.
 
If you are just going for the day why only pack one? I say pack a whole bunch and take some cool pics!

https://flic.kr/p/ZtC6Cq https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/


In all seriousness it depends on where I am hiking for the day and what else I need to take. I typically have a Hinderer or a ZT in my pocket. Here are some of my favorite recent hike pics!

https://flic.kr/p/23A5HFp https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

https://flic.kr/p/21qWiU3https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

https://flic.kr/p/XyLbUj https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

https://flic.kr/p/WT5N8Ahttps://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

https://flic.kr/p/XduGrq https://www.flickr.com/photos/57703464@N02/

I hope others throw in some pics too. I love seeing knives in nature shots!
 
Do they prohibit 4-5” fixed blades? If not, a good fixed blade is a better value than a good folder. For $100 or less if you look, you can get a great fixed blade of that size, and would be way more useful!

So I know you already said that, so for a folder in addition to a victorinox a spyderco would be ideal!
 
If I go for a nice walk in the park, I take enough knife to "process" my lunch, "baton" a piece of fruit, and possibly whittle a toothpick since I like to chew on some spicy jerky while walking. I don't need a hunk of steel as I won't be practicing bush craft, and won't need to build any fires, and won't be using a knife extensively during my walk. I rarely walk more than 10 miles these days on a day hike so I focus more on lunch, allowing plenty of time for gawking, snacks, a good first aid kit (plenty of snakes around here) and water during our 100 degree summer days. I have a couple of really slim single blade AGR folders that slip right into my pocket and disappear, and if I am feeling a little more in touch with the woods I carry my Queen Country Cousin. The bright yellow handle makes it hard for me to misplace if I drop it in the grass.

That being said, unless I use the knife for a couple of seconds it never comes out of my pocket. I get to use my knives all day long and don't need a reason to pull them out for fun. Respecting the comment about it being a day hike, I don't carry any of my 5" or 7" camp or hunting knives or even my large folders on the trail. What would I use them for? The biggest folder I think I have carried out on a day hike is my RAT1. It worked fine on my lunch!

BTW, congrats on moving to the Smokey Mountain Park area. What gorgeous terrain.

Robert
 
For day hikes, I tend to think that the main tasks won't be traditional camping/bushcraft/firecraft, but rather more food prep/etc.

However, I do also try to plan for a "bad outing", so id want something capable enough to get buy in case of a freak accident/emergency overnight.

With that in mind, I really like my Svörd peasant for this kind of backup work.

As a friction folder with an exposed tang, it's actually a small fixed blade knife, with a folding handle extension. It's tough enough to handle some firecraft, cuts well for the more frequent good prep, comes in all manner of bright colors to make sure you don't lose it (or scare other hikers), and cheap to replace if you do misplace it. It's also lightweight, so it doesn't weigh you down when putting down lots of miles.

I keep mine in my work bag for this type of reason (normal use plus "just in case" potential), as I used to commute along a nature path as I cycled to work.

Its a bit different than the other suggestions, but I thought I'd suggest it either way.

Good luck finding something you're happy with :).
 
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Popsickle said:
How do you like the MRX and how does the chain driven action handle as a hiker? I’d be worried about dirt and such.

I have a Hawk MUDD auto coming, and would like to take that but seeing as it’s a bit more expensive I’m scared of losing it lol.
Click to expand...
This thing is a tank. Don't worry about the chain.
Popsickle said:
How do you like the MRX and how does the chain driven action handle as a hiker? I’d be worried about dirt and such.

I have a Hawk MUDD auto coming, and would like to take that but seeing as it’s a bit more expensive I’m scared of losing it lol.
Click to expand...

Uh..do not worry about the chain and crap getting into it. Not happening #1 and built like a tank #2.
If you've never owned one and never put it through trials or hard use, well.

https://sofrep.com/90189/rat-worx-mrx-automatic-chain-driven-knife/
 
When in the woods, I usually carry a SAK Spartan but thats most often as a backup for a smaller fixed blade knife (currently a Spyderco MicroMelt Mule mod or small custom bushcraft knife) used for when making a quick brew or meal. Also for whittling sticks or aid in setting up a tarp in brush, should it start raining heavily whilst taking a break.

You mention, that you'd use the knife for hiking - which specific knife related tasks did you have in mind?

If just for any light task, many folders will do; SAK, PM2 etc etc.

For a folder for heavy duty or alround use, check out the BHK TreeFrog.
 
I am finding I like my Alox SA for small things, not really hiking too much besides the trails next to the campground. I also have a Mora 125 year anniversary knife I would like to try out, light weight and I do like a fixed blade. One other that caught my eye is the Mora Eldridge, looks like a capable small knife.

O ocnLogan , I have a smaller Svord peasant, how did you get a good edge on it? I am not the best at sharpening and the grind is rough on the edge, any special thing you did to yours to get it good and sharp? Do not have an expensive sharpening system to regrind the edge down, just diamond two sided flat that folds out of the plastic handle, and a ceramic rod system.
 
I don't really find myself needing a knife in general for a day hike. I think it is more of finding stuff to use a knife for rather than actually needing one. However, I do carry a knife on me pretty much at all times just because I feel naked without one. For a day hike, I usually go for a Benchmade Bugout or a 940-1. I like something with a clip. Both are probably much stronger than you'll ever need. Bugout would be easy to spot if you drop it. If I do something really stupid and end up breaking either, the repair bill would be inexpensive.

The most important thing to me for a day hike is carrying something that I'm not going to feel digging into me with every step I take. I think either of these knives are plenty strong enough for a day hike.
 
Typically, my go to has been a PM2. An Endura would be a great choice as well.

Lately I've been using a small fixed, the LT Wright Plainsman with assorted folders.
 
Also got a RAT 2 folder in D2 that I need to take out and christen, again if I can improve my sharpening skills when it it eventually does need it. Small, good steel, light weight, and debris can be taken out of the handle since it is open on both sides. If you have nt guessed yet, only go out once and awhile glamping with a trailer. :p
Kreyzhorse, how has the Great Plainsman been for you?
 
I always have a multitool on me. I don't go to the office without it, so any hike it's an automatic requirement.

If it's a light hike, I'd be totally good with a ZT909. It's perfect for my needs.
 
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