How "BIG" of a knife, before I revert to "NEWBIE" status.......?

OK, Rick sheepishly let out that he owns a RAT-7. Now I want a BIG Tool also. I feel inadequate in the tool area. However I don't want to go so long of a tool, that I am laughed at as a "Newbie".

So, yes 4" to 6" is a good blade length for "General" camp/outdoor work. But is there any justification for a 8"/9"/10" or longer blade on a fixed blade knife...????

Maybe a Ontario RTAK-II for quasi-machete, and camp work......? http://wilsonswilderness.webs.com/pr...eviews2010.htm (See review # (6) SIX)


So.......how long of a blade is too long....??? (Note: Assume you would also have with you a 3 1/2" to 6" knife).

6 inches is my choice.

Sure. Think of a machete. I use one that is 18" I believe. And also my khukuri's are quite big.

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Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

6 inches is my choice.

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So this is NOT a first choice knife, you have your first choice knife and it is an additional tool.

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Originally Posted by Sourdough

So this is NOT a first choice knife, you have your first choice knife and it is an additional tool.

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Not sure I understand the question properly but I use an axe for bigger jobs not a knife. A heavy 6" blade is a very capable knife you can apply some force to.

more then 6-7 inches starts getting too large for some precise manipulation. i stick with a 6 inch, and a smaller backup or multi tool.

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Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Not sure I understand the question properly but I use an Axe for bigger jobs not a knife. A heavy 6" blade is a very capable knife you can apply some force to.

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OK, I agree and I often have my "ESTWING" mid-length (Cruiser length) Axe. However it only works on Alder limbs 1" to 3 1/2" if you bend the Alder limb over and create tension.....

The pole says "general camp work". I need further definition. For me general camp work is accomplished with a Swiss Army knife.

Shelter building, firewood splitting and forest clearing is not "general camp work" appropriate for a knife IMHO.

I prefer a 7" blade as a do it all knife myself. It is not too large nor a hindrance for me. I find it just the right length to be able to complete the trinity that a camp / wilderness knife is for, Fire, food and shelter.

I also think that geography plays a large part in the style and size of knife used.

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Originally Posted by Sourdough

OK, I agree and I often have my "ESTWING" mid-length (Cruiser length) Axe. However it only works on Alder limbs 1" to 3 1/2" if you bend the Alder limb over and create tension.....

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So my guess is you are looking for a machete. If you find a good one they are great but I have used a lot of ones not so good. The best I have ever used is the WW II army issue.

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Originally Posted by kyratshooter

The pole says "general camp work". I need further definition. For me general camp work is accomplished with a Swiss Army knife.

Shelter building, firewood splitting and forest clearing is not "general camp work" appropriate for a knife IMHO.

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To me a general camp knife needs to be able to make a camp and handle camp duties Ie shelter, fire and food. Ever butchered a hog with a swiss army knife? The knives I use are not stressed by the task at hand nor am I.

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Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

So my guess is you are looking for a machete. If you find a good one they are great but I have used a lot of ones not so good. The best I have ever used is the WW II army issue.

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Yes, The Army had some that had about a 12" blade by 3" wide & maybe 5/16" thick, wood handle, leather sheath. That would be perfect. They were round on the end and sharp on top and bottom.

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Originally Posted by kyratshooter

The pole says "general camp work". I need further definition. For me general camp work is accomplished with a Swiss Army knife.

Shelter building, firewood splitting and forest clearing is not "general camp work" appropriate for a knife IMHO.

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This would replace an Axe, I would still have my "Old Timer" Folder, and maybe a 5" Fixed Blade. But we have a lot of Alder brush, they are very springy, maybe 12' long and about 2" Diameter average. (Note: I own about 40 to 60 work knives now)

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Originally Posted by Sourdough

Yes, The Army had some that had about a 12" blade by 3" wide & maybe 5/16" thick, wood handle, leather sheath. That would be perfect. They were round on the end and sharp on top and bottom.

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Not the one I was thinking of. Sure of your measurement, that awfully thick. I have found it takes a balance between thich enough and not too thick to make a good chopping machete. The thin blades sink deeper in wood but some are just to flimsy.

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Originally Posted by Sourdough

This would replace an Axe, I would still have my "Old Timer" Folder, and maybe a 5" Fixed Blade. But we have a lot of Alder brush, they are very springy, maybe 12' long and about 2" Diameter average. (Note: I own about 40 to 60 work knives now)

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Now I know what you are doing. You're fighting a loosing battle. Get a root rake for your dozer!

Read the review in the first post, use the link, it is the sixth idem reviewed, the "Rocky National" You'll have a better idea what I am looking for.

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Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Now I know what you are doing. You're fighting a loosing battle. Get a root rake for your dozer!

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Spoken like a man with some experience in "Alder HELL".

Hi. I'm Rick. I'm a newbie.

OK I think I get it. I'll still stick with a 6" blade and live within it's capability.

Sourdough, I have the RAT 7 but I also carry a Mora 780 or equivalent (4 inch blade) as well as an Onion folder (about 2 1/2 inches) and a Kershaw Blackhorse (folder about 4 inches). Depends on the job as to which one gets used.