Camp Knife recommendations - wrapped up (NGC)

[BRIO]

Why not just take the K-bar to a professional sharpener?

[vstevens]

Why not just take the K-bar to a professional sharpener?

Thought it might be too far gone, but that's a good idea. Works as a bayonet if you have an M16... I lost interest in firearms, though, not my thing anymore.  I prefer Olympic archery. 

[Guzzistajohn]

I own 3 benchmade knives, but I carry this one

[Sheepdog]

When you say "knife," I will take it to mean a blade rather than a multi-tool. My favorite is the Grohmann D.H. Russell Canadian belt knife. The original version only has a 4" blade, but the ergonomics of it are just about perfect; it feels great in your hand. In most states, it may be legally carried due to the length. It comes with a discreet sheath, a Rosewood handle, and is beautifully constructed. Highly recommended...

http://www.grohmannknives.com/index.php/products/outdoor/all-items/1-original-design-182-detail

[MGPilot]

I like the Benchmade knives, but I carry a Twitch II.

I particularly appreciate being able to open the knife fully to locked position with one finger on the hand that's holding the knife. Most knives require two hands to open. Makes a big difference if you're in the middle of a task, want to cut something, then can reach in your pocket, pull out the knife and open it to locked position with one hand.

Outer case seems indestructible. Low profile (flat; low bulk) means it comes with me in a pocket.

http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Specialty-Knives-TWI8-CP-2-65-Inch/dp/B0001WC73K

[Steve Cas]

Does it come with a French maid to open the wine?

Because that would be a welcome addition to my rally tent.


But to be real, I like the French Opinel knives.  The only folder whose lock won't fail on you.



I have a couple of these knives; at least 30 years old and still in good shape.

[dibble]

Every year as a child I used to by one on holiday in france.

I went up a size each year slowly pushing my parents tolerance, by the age of 12 I was up to an Opinel 13

[charlie b]

Yep, I would not use a folding knife for kitchen duty. 

Yes, Leatherman and similar (eg, Gerber) are sturdy tools, not like the cheap stuff you find around.  Knife blade operation is one handed.

For camp kitchen I just keep a paring knife in the kit.

And, yes, I'd get the KBar sharpened and carry it.

I'm another Army type who was burned out on camping.  Got back to it a few years ago.  It is a lot more fun when you aren't slogging around in the mud.  I also like the modern gear a LOT more than the stuff we used to use.  I do still use my rubber ducky air mattress, but, new stuff will pack smaller and work as well.

[boatdetective]

First of all- have some fun researching!  This class of knife is now termed "bushcraft".  The article below is a start. There are many youtube video reviews as well. the Benchmade is cool, but pricey. There are some really inexpensive fixed blades that seem to work well.

http://gearpatrol.com/2015/05/26/best-bushcraft-knives/

[Chuck in Indiana]

I own 3 benchmade knives, but I carry this one

Well, there ya go. Decent blade, couple of screwdrivers, bottle opener, corkscrew, maybe even a toothpick. What more does a guy need in camp?

[Dogwalker]

A big combat knife is one of the least useful thing you can have in camping.
It's heavy, but not enough (and the weight is not enough close to the tip) to be used as an axe, hammer, or machete. To cut meat, vegetables and ropes, there is far better that weights far less. Certainly is sturdy enough to be used as lever, or wedge, to open nailed wood boxes, but, if you are not an army, there are not much chances you have to carry much material in those...

[tris]

So what do you call that weapon over in the US

Here its called a billhook and often used for laying hedges and the like

[uncle]

I always recommend the Opinel - they are inexpensive (cheap) and come in every imaginable size.  They are a low carbon steel that doesn't hold an edge over time,  but can be sharpened to razor sharp on just about anything (a nail, rock, hammer...) - you can get one with a stainless blade but I like original.

A solid choice that's been in my pocket for over 20 years - (the #6 old school)

[sturgeon]

Top to bottom: Wenger, Benchmade, Fallkniven

I usually carry the top one on motorcycle trips, the bottom two in the wilderness.

[Dogwalker]

So what do you call that weapon over in the US

Here its called a billhook and often used for laying hedges and the like

I'm Italian, to me is a "roncola" (many Italian palcenames and surnames came from that root: "ronchi", "roncato", ecc...).
In the US I think is a billhook, or a brush axe. 

[Sasquatch Jim]

 That billhook looks like something the royal inquisitor would use in the movie Brave heart.
 He really knew how to hurt a guy.

[Dogwalker]

Royal Inquisitors retires too.

[JJ]

Agree with all the folks who said a Swiss Army knife (Wenger or Victorinox) and/or a good Leatherman...and YES...one does need a cork screw!!

[Sasquatch Jim]

  I haven't screwed a cork in years. 




  I don't drink anymore.

[bmc5733946]

At any given time I have three knives on my person. A small Victorinox with small screw driver blades both phillips and flat, tiny scissors, tooth pick, and tweezer.  A Smith and Wesson lock back 3" blade, and a Spyderco Delica lock back.  I think that liner lock knives are dangerous for heavy use, I have some but never carry them.  I sometimes carry a 4" or 5" folding knife, maybe a Buck 110 or a Glock military fixed blade or Marbles Plainsman fixed blade when going into the woods.  I carry a Leatherman in my tank bag when travelling and I sometimes carry my Moto Guzzi knife made by Victorinox.  I love knives and have some favorites.  I have never met a knife I couldn't find a use for.

Brian

[vstevens]

Great recommendations from all, but decided to go the cheap route and get my old K-bar sharpened.  It looks great and is ready for the campsite.  A small camp axe will accompany the K-bar and a smallish pocketknife.  Thanks for suggesting sharpening, I thought the knife was too far gone... but I was wrong.  It works like new again thanks to Greg's cutlery and sharpening service in La Mesa California (eastern edge of San Diego).