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

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09-02-2010, 04:40 PM
Sourdough

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).
09-02-2010, 04:49 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

6 inches is my choice.
09-02-2010, 04:52 PM
RangerXanatos

Sure. Think of a machete. I use one that is 18" I believe. And also my khukuri's are quite big.
09-02-2010, 04:54 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

6 inches is my choice.

So this is NOT a first choice knife, you have your first choice knife and it is an additional tool.
09-02-2010, 04:59 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sourdough

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

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.
09-02-2010, 05:12 PM
ATough

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.
09-02-2010, 05:19 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

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.

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.....
09-02-2010, 05:21 PM
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.
09-02-2010, 05:23 PM
Erratus Animus

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.
09-02-2010, 05:23 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

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.....

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.
09-02-2010, 05:27 PM
Erratus Animus

Quote:

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.

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.
09-02-2010, 05:29 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

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.

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.
09-02-2010, 05:36 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

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.

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)
09-02-2010, 05:46 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

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.

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.
09-02-2010, 05:48 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

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)

Now I know what you are doing. You're fighting a loosing battle. Get a root rake for your dozer!
09-02-2010, 05:50 PM
Sourdough

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.
09-02-2010, 05:52 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

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!

Spoken like a man with some experience in "Alder HELL".
09-02-2010, 06:00 PM
Rick

Hi. I'm Rick. I'm a newbie.
09-02-2010, 06:05 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

OK I think I get it. I'll still stick with a 6" blade and live within it's capability.
09-02-2010, 06:09 PM
Rick

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.
09-02-2010, 06:11 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sourdough

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

Yeah, I don't know what the world is going to do when I die. Sometimes I think I am the only thing standing between them and global domination!
09-02-2010, 06:20 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Yeah, I don't know what the world is going to do when I die. Sometimes I think I am the only thing standing between them and global domination!

For those who don't know Alaskan Alders.........they interweave with stalks 1" to 4" with most about 1 3/4" they run horizontal & vertical and every interwoven angle in between. A man with a pack on often finds himself swinging with his feet off the ground.

But the Moose and Bears love them for cover. On the Alaska Peninsula where winds of 115 MPH are a weekly event, we hack our way into Alders and make a safe wind proof camp.
09-02-2010, 06:35 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

I can tell you one NOT TO GET! I saw a ninja sword advertised as a brush cutter. What a waste of 35 dollars. I think it would work good for ninja stuff but was crap for cutting brush.
09-02-2010, 06:49 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

I can tell you one NOT TO GET! I saw a ninja sword advertised as a brush cutter. What a waste of 35 dollars. I think it would work good for ninja stuff but was crap for cutting brush.

This is ONE of the ones I am considering:
http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/38
09-02-2010, 07:06 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sourdough

This is ONE of the ones I am considering:
http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/38

I have this one

http://www.ontarioknife.com/catalog/item/37

I like the construction of Ontario knives. I use fighting knives for survival because when things get bad they will get violent too. I would rather use a fighting knife for camp chores and skining than use a skining knife in a fight. It is a matter of worst case senario. My favorite is the Navy SEALS MK 3.
09-02-2010, 07:21 PM
BENESSE

AS and SD,
sitting in a tree.
k i s s i n g.
(sorry, just couldn't resist with all this knife luv fest) :)
09-02-2010, 07:24 PM
Rick

Sourdough, if you want to use it on alders then you might think about a Seymour corn knife. I'll bet you used one when you were a kid. Full tang, carbon blades, cheap as dirt.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...24-103044039-2

Look down on that page and you'll see a Truper Corn Knife as well.

Another version. A bit more expensive.

http://www.usahardware.com/inet/shop...mour/2c_99.htm
09-02-2010, 07:44 PM
klickitat

Spend 100 full days in the field and what ever you choose to use is the best for your situation.

A person will find needs, likes, dislikes and what works in his/her area.

BTW: After 100 full days in the field you could care less what they call you.
09-02-2010, 07:45 PM
welderguy

Since I bought the cold steel bushman that seems to be my knife for dang near everything I do when im out and about or camping. and thats a 7 inch blade
09-02-2010, 07:45 PM
kyratshooter

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erratus Animus

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.

I want an axe then. If the knife is big enough not to be stressed by that kind of work it is wasted metal.

I prefer my Old hickory 6" buther knives for hog dressing, which has nothing to do with camping. Unless I am hog hunting, and the last time I did that I dressed it out with a Mora and hauled it home in the truck for processing.
09-02-2010, 07:56 PM
Sourdough

Quote:

Originally Posted by klickitat

Spend 100 full days in the field and what ever you choose to use is the best for your situation.

A person will find needs, likes, dislikes and what works in his/her area.

BTW: After 100 full days in the field you could care less what they call you.

Best I ever did was 84 days straight on the Alaska Peninsula guiding Alaskan Brown Bear Hunters.
09-02-2010, 08:12 PM
klickitat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sourdough

Best I ever did was 84 days straight on the Alaska Peninsula guiding Alaskan Brown Bear Hunters.

Nice, I am envious. I meant total, but hell you can carry anything you want and I don't think anyone's opinion would mean a whole lot to you.
09-02-2010, 08:22 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Being a prospector and whiskey drinker it was all I could do to keep up with the change of seasons.
09-02-2010, 08:23 PM
klickitat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

Being a prospector and whiskey drinker it was all I could do to keep up with the change of seasons.

Sounds like a great working vacation.
09-02-2010, 08:26 PM
FVR

Ya'll can carry those itty bitty teeny weeny knives if ya want. For me it's a Bowie or a Kabar.

I will also be strapping on a WWII short machete this hunting season as it just makes me feel good.
09-02-2010, 08:30 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by klickitat

Sounds like a great working vacation.

More like a lost decade. I finally pulled 70 ounces out of one paystreak and never looked back.
09-02-2010, 08:32 PM
klickitat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alaskan Survivalist

More like a lost decade. I finally pulled 70 ounces out of one paystreak and never looked back.

:drool: Decade......:drool:
09-02-2010, 08:40 PM
Rick

AS - Do you dredge or pan?
09-02-2010, 08:45 PM
beetlejuicex3

Quote:

Originally Posted by welderguy

Since I bought the cold steel bushman that seems to be my knife for dang near everything I do when im out and about or camping. and thats a 7 inch blade

Agreed and it's hard to beat the price, frankly. A very versatile survival knife.

To the topic, other posters are right. A quality folding blade will do the trick around a typical camp site. One feels a little more 'secure' with a fixed blade, but more than 6" gets unwieldy for the small tasks. Now, if you're talking about a straight up long term survival set up: fixed blade + multitool.
09-02-2010, 08:52 PM
Alaskan Survivalist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick

AS - Do you dredge or pan?

I prefer highbanking, sniping and trapping, but done it every way there is to do it.

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