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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: vstevens on May 24, 2016, 09:11:30 AM
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Recommendations for a good all around knife:
Easy carry
Holds its edge
Good at a campsite
Not too big or too small
Too many options out there and I don't really know what to look for.
🏍
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Fixed blade or folder?
Cooking or cutting wood?
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Swiss Army
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^^^^^ Yep.
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This one is issued to the German Army. Made by Victorinox..origina lly made for Swiss Army.
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-One-Hand-Trekker-German-Army/dp/B00D6LJR90
It's a bit large but sturdy and handy, without stuff you probably won't need.
Peter Y.
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This one is issued to the German Army. Made by Victorinox..origina lly made for Swiss Army.
http://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-One-Hand-Trekker-German-Army/dp/B00D6LJR90
It's a bit large but sturdy and handy, without stuff you probably won't need.
Peter Y.
No corkscrew, a must for a camp tool.. :smiley: :boozing:
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Leatherman, or similar.
If I need anything more then it is a fixed and longer blade.
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Recommendations for a good all around knife:
Easy carry
Holds its edge
Good at a campsite
Not too big or too small
Too many options out there and I don't really know what to look for.
ðŸ
In addition to sturgeon:
What is your price range?
What is too big?
What is too small?
Does it need to be multi purpose?
How or do you sharpen your knives?
Holding an edge has mostly to do with the metallurgy but also has a lot to do with the blade angle and how you want/need the knife to perform. Gleaned from Lansky's site:
17° Angle - A severe angle recommended for razor blades, scalpels or similar tools. Provides an extremely sharp but delicate edge.
20° Angle - A commonly used angle for higher quality blades and provides an excellent edge for kitchen cutlery and filet knives.
25° Angle - The recommended angle for most knives that need a durable, sharp edge. Ideal for hunting and outdoor knives.
30° Angle - An outstanding angle for knives that see the heavy use of cutting cardboard, wire or carpets. Recommended for heavy duty use.
If you don't, can't or are not comfortable sharpening your knives you can buy folding knived that use utility knife blade as replacment blades.
With all of the above said I am a huge fan of Benchmade knives. Quality product and priced accordingly.
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No corkscrew, a must for a camp tool.. :smiley: :boozing:
French Army Knives have corkscrews.
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Benchmade 4". Best knife I have ever owned. Not cheap but stays razor sharp and is easy to carry. Large enough for the outdoors yet small enough to carry every day (which I do). :thumb: :thumb:
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Out of the house or garage the only sharp knife I ever found useful is a 4" Pruning Knife, so many uses. Am I missing something?
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Leatherman, or similar.
If I need anything more then it is a fixed and longer blade.
I agree with Charlie. Leatherman, the Wave model is my fav.
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I agree with Charlie. Leatherman, the Wave model is my fav.
I would call that a multi-tool, I think he wants a knife.
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I'm a fan of the Mercator K55K. http://www.thetruthaboutknives.com/2013/07/gunknife-contest-entry-mercator-k55k-review/
It won't drive screws or open wine bottles, but as a knife it works very well. Big and sturdy enough to be useful, with absolutely minimal weight and bulk.
Relatively inexpensive, too.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jq4AAOSwAYtWOsdU/s-l300.jpg)
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French Army Knives have corkscrews.
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.
(http://www.longwalking.com/wp-content/themes/longwalking/images/gear/opinel4.jpg)
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Benchmade 4". Best knife I have ever owned. Not cheap but stays razor sharp and is easy to carry. Large enough for the outdoors yet small enough to carry every day (which I do). :thumb: :thumb:
What model Benchmade are you referring to?
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Some time ago now, I picked up a hobo kit from Knives of Alaska. It's titanium. there is a very sharp knife, spoon, fork, bottle opener. It does have a pouch but could be kept in a pocket.
But, as others have asked, what do you want to use it for?
John Henry
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What model Benchmade are you referring to?
The Mel Purdue 556.
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(http://www.longwalking.com/wp-content/themes/longwalking/images/gear/opinel4.jpg)
Mad isn't it. 25 miles away across the channel in the UK those are illegal to carry in public
From the HM Gov web site "Lock knives (knives with blades that can be locked when unfolded) are not folding knives, and are illegal to carry in public without good reason."
https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives
Folding knives are also limited to 3" long
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I have a number of Benchmades. Sadly- the price has gone up and the build quality down. In general, they have good designs. It's hard to recommend a specific model if you do not offer a budget and precise use. My knives are more of the EDC variety- so max blade length 3". In terms of edge retention, you might consider reading up a bit on blade steels. It does make a significant difference once you step up to the better grades. Another factor is sharpening. If you want the knife to perform, you need to commit to a decent sharpening system. I have a Spyderco triangle ceramic sharpener and it's pretty idiot proof.
As a rule- i don't like multi tools. The knife blade is usually pretty soft and the tools are small and ineffective.
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Gerber multi-plier tool. Seems to be what I need while camping.
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are illegal to carry in public without good reason.
Well, dang it.. I need a knife. <shrug> Seems like a good reason to me. :smiley:
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I would call that a multi-tool, I think he wants a knife.
Well, the OP said camp knife. The multi-tool is the perfect camp knife. But, since he hasn't responded to any of this we don't know yet.
I have a bunch of knives that sit in a drawer because I carry the Leatherman all the time.
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Big enough to kill a bear, small enough to clean your fingernails, sharp enough to shave with, tough enough to chop firewood, handle should be something that can pound tent stakes. Now were talking about a camp knife.
Before you laugh too much, Yes I have one. It is a medium size Tanto. Yes, I once shaved with it just to prove that it could. The chisel looking tip is very strong and yet can clean under my nails. It can also be used as a chisel. The spine of the blade is strong enough that you can pound on it with a club or other tool to chop through or split firewood or even be used like a fro to split shingles if you are roofing an elaborate lean to.
It can do kitchen duty on meat , fish chicken veggies and fruit. It is one of the few knives that can open a coconut. I haven't tried to kill a bear with it yet. I haven't had the need to but I think it could. I can wear it on a belt or carry it in the pack. There simply is no more versatile knife than a GOOD quality tanto.
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Late gettin back, but great replies, comments, and recommendations.
To answer s couple questions:
Primary use for camping... yeah, that's vague. Everything from cutting tent stakes to beef steaks. Likely not a multi tool. Have had cheap versions and the tools are usually not too useful... Course, I've not had a leatherman... That may make a difference.
Fixed blade might be sturdier, and easier to keep clean. I have a couple older folding pocketknives that are about 1-2 inch blades. Too small for what I have in mind, I think.
I have an old USMC K Bar but the blade is notched and worn.
Maybe a small camping axe might be useful, too. But too much stuff is harder to carry on the V7.
Haven't been camping since my military days... and that wasn't very fun, lol. Kind of burned me out on sleeping outdoors. But reading Nick's books has me thinking about it, hence the search for camp knives and tools.
All suggestions are considered, especially those involving bears. 🐻
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(http://leonelliattrezzi.com/wp-content/uploads/roncola.jpg)
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(http://leonelliattrezzi.com/wp-content/uploads/roncola.jpg)
Wow... Now that's a knife! 🐊
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I'm a fan of the Mercator K55K. http://www.thetruthaboutknives.com/2013/07/gunknife-contest-entry-mercator-k55k-review/
It won't drive screws or open wine bottles, but as a knife it works very well. Big and sturdy enough to be useful, with absolutely minimal weight and bulk.
Relatively inexpensive, too.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/jq4AAOSwAYtWOsdU/s-l300.jpg)
That may be just the thing! Thanks for the suggestion, I'd never heard of Mercator knifes before.
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Advice re bears , don't make 'em mad , they will always win :rolleyes:
Unless you are backpacking where weight and bulk are critical , almost any good quality knife will do, my favorite is the old standard Victronix Swiss Army model . A small folding axe/hammer will dig a decent hole , and cork screws , well who drinks corked wine while camping , sheesh :laugh:
Dusty
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Wow... Now that's a knife! 🐊
The roncola is the multi tool with a single blade. It serves as knife, axe, hook, hammer and hoe. It can open cans, or cars for that matter, and any sane bear would shit himself only seeing it.
2000 years of uninterrupted usage can't be wrong
(http://pompeiisites.org/immagini/Boscoreale/Museo/roncola.jpg)
Roncola from Pompei.
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Why not just take the K-bar to a professional sharpener?
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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.
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I own 3 benchmade knives, but I carry this one
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jQvWyv/image.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jQvWyv)
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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
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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
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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.
(http://www.longwalking.com/wp-content/themes/longwalking/images/gear/opinel4.jpg)
I have a couple of these knives; at least 30 years old and still in good shape.
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(http://www.longwalking.com/wp-content/themes/longwalking/images/gear/opinel4.jpg)
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 (http://rusknife.com/uploads/monthly_10_2012/post-167-0-31070000-1350912374_thumb.jpg)
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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.
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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/
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I own 3 benchmade knives, but I carry this one
(http://thumb.ibb.co/jQvWyv/image.jpg) (http://ibb.co/jQvWyv)
Well, there ya go. Decent blade, couple of screwdrivers, bottle opener, corkscrew, maybe even a toothpick. What more does a guy need in camp? :smiley:
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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...
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(http://leonelliattrezzi.com/wp-content/uploads/roncola.jpg)
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
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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)
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(http://thumb.ibb.co/eivjka/P5260001.jpg) (http://ibb.co/eivjka)
Top to bottom: Wenger, Benchmade, Fallkniven
I usually carry the top one on motorcycle trips, the bottom two in the wilderness.
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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.
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That billhook looks like something the royal inquisitor would use in the movie Brave heart.
He really knew how to hurt a guy.
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Royal Inquisitors retires too.
(http://www.retaggiodellegenti.com/public/MyFile/testimoni_roncola_e_legno.jpg)
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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!! :thumb: :cool:
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I haven't screwed a cork in years.
I don't drink anymore.
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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
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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). :thumb: