Backpacking Blades - Knife Safety, Sharpening, & Types - CleverHiker.com

[@Oldsparkey]

The knife that works for me is a Victorinox Swiss Camper ( 2.6 oz ) . It has two cutting blades and a small saw blade plus a couple accessory blades. The standard blades are for cutting and the saw blade is for small branches ( 3/8 to 1/2 inches diameter ) that need to be trimmed for the wood burning stove. I also take a alcohol stove as a , just in case , heat source for the wood burning one. If I want a tool box with me I take a Victorinox Swiss Champ.( 8.0 oz including the leather pouch )

[@timb171]

If you like a fixed blade the Mora knives are a good choice, a decent compromise between functionality strength and weight. The Mora clipper is light and the Mora companion is a little heavier but also stronger. If you need something really bomb proof without being too heavy, check out the Bahco 2449 (Curved Blade Wrecking knife) - that's my knife of choice if I'm backpacking with a wood stove for cooking. All the knives I've mentioned are very inexpensive so you wont be too upset if they get lost on the trail.

[@CleverHiker]

+timb171 Thanks for the great tips! Much appreciated.

[@markbaker8849]

This is a great vid. People take knife safety for granted and this was an excellent refresher for me. Keep up the great work Dave and crew!

[@CleverHiker]

+Mark Baker Thanks so much for the comment! Much appreciated.

[@bradsimpson8724]

I carry two blades in my gear. My Leatherman Juice(only slightly different than the orange-handled Leatherman shown in the clip) is an absolutely great piece of kit that I'd recommend to everyone. I take it with me everywhere. In fact, I had to replace my old one, as I had to give one up to airport security. My working fixed-blade knife is specifically for camping, hiking, and outdoor use. It's a Blackbird SK-5. I'd recommend that knife to everyone with an interest in any kind of outdoor pursuits. If you're an ultralight backpacker, you'll definitely find it on the heavy side, but I'm happy to carry it, having found so many uses for it.

[@CleverHiker]

+Brad Simpson Thanks for sharing! Good tips.

[@sotto2382]

I remember learning this stuff from my grandpa when I was 5 yrs old.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Your advice on knives agrees with my experience of over 60 years hiking and camping. For some reason most KZbin bushcraft and survival videos focus on "batoning" a knife, something I have never encountered the need or desire to do. I refer to it as beating your knife with a club. No way! They also seem preoccupied with feather sticks. With so many better, easier alternatives, I don't see why they obsess on feather sticks. The two practices seem to be important in the KZbin genre, but I have never encountered them in use by a real, experienced woodsman. I have always advised youngsters that if they start thinking of their knife as a weapon, to put in a drawer until they get their head straight. That's not bad advice for adults either. Nice video.

[@markbaker8849]

tom jackson Hi tom. I have not found the need to use a feather stick either but I'm thinking if I was left with no other way it would be a good thing to know how to do. With regards to batoning, I have not needed to do it yet because I've found enough deadwood of the right size to use for the early stages of a fire and use my svensaw to cut smaller logs. I do think it is important to know because if I couldn't find the right sized smaller wood I like to know my knife could be used for batoning. I have found that my fixed blade knife is great for limbing deadwood logs as I don't carry a camp axe. I think you are right though, a lot of the vids are showing skills that are not all that needed with regards to knife usage tom.

[@s0nnyburnett]

tom jackson Batoning is important for fixed blades because if you can baton with with a knife you can process larger pieces of wood and negate the need to carry a hatchet or small axe. Bushcraft and hiking have similar areas of discipline but generally hikers aren't interested in staying in one place long enough to build a camp the way someone doing bushcraft would. It's a good idea for someone hiking to be aware of bushcraft practices so if they should get into trouble they can survive and take care of themselves with minimal tools.

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

"Campcrafting" was big in the early 1900s. Do you really want to come on a nice campsite only to find someone else's rotting log furniture, crumbling blackened fireplace, and a bunch of other evidence of his having been there? With more people using the outdoors, No Trace camping is best for everyone. A day or two after I am gone, a new arrival finds no trace of my having been there. It also discourages pursuit in an extreme stealth situation.

[@markbaker8849]

tom jackson Agreed. I love a camp fire but I'm sure to make sure when it's done that no one knew I had one there. I wish others would

[@CleverHiker]

+tom jackson Thanks! I really appreciate your comment and agree with you. It's the same with starting fires. Some people are opposed to using lighters to start fires. I just think they're smaller, more functional, and more practical. To each their own though. Thanks again for the great comment!

[@sepehrjafari793]

You changed my view about hiking Dave!

[@CleverHiker]

+Sepehr Jafari Thanks! That's awesome to hear!

[@alistairhunter5724]

Hi vis coloured grips are a good idea. Lots of survival knives sold in macho black and camo colours with are useless unless you soldier are seeking around . For a wilderness knife something that is easily visible if you drop it is fare mor useful. I have orange Morakniv,s and a Swiss army knife with a very useful saw blade . It was only available at the time with silly camo painted scales. I popped these of and resprayed the orange.

[@harpjason208]

Nice topic. I would say that there are plenty of lite fixed blade options out there that come in considerably liter than a multi tool or a Gerber chunk blade. Buck Pac-lite just to mention one. Thanks.

[@CleverHiker]

Mostly humble 1 Good point humble! Thanks for the comment.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

Good overview. I teach knife safety to cub scouts and you hit the high points. 8 year olds really love the blood circle concept. Makes them remember it. Unfortunately my 8 year olds blade is already showing rust. Nice lightweight knife. Too bad. Thanks!

[@SoCalDaveL]

***** Ah yes, the "Whittlin' Chip". I've taught that as well. That's one time where Cub Scouts give their undivided attention. The "Totin' Chip" in Boy Scouts is the next level.. A knife is a useful tool. Respect it as such. I like the idea of saying "Thank You" to let the other person know you have control of the knife during a handoff too.

[@sinfonianbarelytone9191]

I agree. You don't let go until they say thanks so you know they have firm control of the knife.

[@CleverHiker]

***** Thanks for the great comment!

[@CleverHiker]

SoCalDaveL Good point about the "thank you" before letting go of the knife. I remember that from boy scouts as well.

[@tebv4144]

I would never step onto the trail without a fixed blade ever. mostly because I'm to attached to mine but also because i hate folders, a simple scandinavian blade and a swiss folder for smaller tasks is how I roll. I'm also the type of guy who wear hiking boots instead of trail runners.. but what ever floats your boat :)

[@CleverHiker]

Thanks John! I appreciate the comment and I fully agree, whatever floats your boat. Happy hiking buddy!

[@MrZimmaframe]

John Doe I've been in a group hike where someone twisted their ankle in trail shoes and we had to carry them out. After that I always make sure people wear hiking boots when hiking with me, it's just not worth the risk, it happens when you least expect it too. I hike with a lightweight fixed blade and a Swiss army knife for camp chores also.

[@lenmattsen]

I carry a Swiss Army knife and a 4" fixed blade knife: big enough to be useful and small enough to carry easily, usually in my pack.

[@noahhunsaker6759]

Why don't you upload anymore?

[@BreeOlson9]

I am stunned that my base weight changed from 12 pounds to 21 pounds once I added food and water. Is this normal? Also I'm 5'3, 130 pounds, an armature hiker and in moderate shape. I followed your gear list like a bible. I'm not sure what went wrong.

[@CleverHiker]

Bree Olson Thanks for the comment Bree. Actually, you're doing really well so don't get discouraged! Water and food are often the heaviest items you'll cary in your pack and 12 pounds is a great starting base weight. How long of a trip are you preparing for? 1 liter of water weighs 2.2 pounds and you'll usually want to carry about 2-2.5 pounds of food per day. So if you're preparing for a 3 day trip and you're starting with 1 liter of water than you're right on track. If it's a shorter trip with lots of water sources, then you might be carrying a little extra food and water. Sometimes beginner hikers cary excess food and water weight, but thats an okay starting point until you get more experience under your belt. I think you're doing a great job! The more time you spend on the trail the more you'll get it all dialed in. Let me know how your hike goes.

[@alpinescience]

Bree Olson Keep in mind that your base weight does not include consumables (food, water and fuel), so YES, adding your consumables ..... will add weight and bring you to your TPW / total pack weight. A liter or two of water, food for two or three days like Dave said and YEP, you're right on point!

[@bluesummers5051]

Hey Dave, do you happen to know the weight of that Smiths DCS4? Trying to look for a lightweight sharpener.

[@CleverHiker]

+David N Hi David, sorry I don't know the weight off the top of my head and I won't be around it for a while because I'm traveling. I bet they have the weight listed in the product specs on their website though. Sorry!

[@bluesummers5051]

No worries! Thanks for responding.

[@BreeOlson9]

I'm totally laughing at myself now because it was not that bad to have the pack on even though it was over 20 pounds. In fact, whenever I took it off- I felt weird without it. The trip was great! Top of Nevada Falls took me FOREVER but I kept going. My friend got tired the last day so I left her behind and went on a hike and ran into a bear! That was the most scary/awesome thing to ever happen to me. I did the opposite of what you're supposed to do and ran away while I blew my whistle. No amount of watching your videos could have prepared me for that experience. But it didn't come after me so that's good. I was just too scared. I knew not to but my instinct overcame logic. Anyways!!! Thank you again- your videos are such a huge help and I hope you keep making more! Also- you're awesome at responding to everyone, I know we all really appreciate it. Your gear list- prep list, everything was so perfect- I went with a very experienced hiker and she was blown away by my prep, gear and knowledge, I even taught her a thing or two! Thank you!!!

[@CleverHiker]

Bree Olson Thanks Bree! I'm really glad you had such a good time on your first big trip and I appreciate the kind words about my site and videos. I really appreciate the wonderful feedback. You're awesome. Also, it sounds like seeing that bear must have been pretty exciting! The more experience you have with black bears in the wilderness, the less scary your encounters will be and the more practice you'll have at responding the right way. So, did you get bit by the backpacking bug? Thinking you'll want to plan another big trip?

[@slowfox532]

Hi, I like my portuguese Filmam knife. It is a folder with wooden handle, 8cm blade, verry sharp and only 30 gram light. For me the perfect compromise of lightweight and strong tool.

[@CleverHiker]

Thanks Robert.

[@jonathandelfosse2456]

Your video is perfect cause you speak about the good things to do, the best things to think when you prep your hike.. Really, i like your channel !But for me it's very important to choose the best knife for my safety (tops bob, gerber strongarm, esee 4, becker bk 16, RAT 7...) Use a leatherman juice for make a demo about important tool and know how to use this one is, for me.. I mean "it's a Pocket knife"...!But for me it's difficult to anderstand everything in English.. Sometimes it's handicap....

[@CleverHiker]

+Jonathan delfosse Thanks!

[@BingWatcher]

Nice video. I am a little concerned 😟about inexperienced hikers who watch you carving while sitting on the log. I know you explain to carve away from you, but you failed to mention the "triangle of death" safety concept. Especially when working on carving between your thighs, this can be a high risk maneuver. Thank You

[@crazyirishmedic9535]

Saying fixed blades are heavy and bulky is false, You can get fixed blade knives like the mora fireknife at 3.4 oz or the mora Eldris at 2.8 oz. Both can handle much more then the average folder and at those weights are also lighter in most cases. The kershaw leek you showed in this video to represent pocket knives comes in at 3 oz so if you go with the Eldris you get a fixed blade knife that weighs less.

[@stephenwright3501]

I would add this point: a thin blade is good for food like cutting vegetables and fish, and a thicker blade like the Mora is better for wood and bushcraft jobs. I carry a simple Victorinox (Bantam) for camp jobs and food. I have a thicker Mora that I take if I plan to build shelters from natural materials and cut wood for fires.

[@CleverHiker]

+Stephen Wright Good points! Thanks so much for the comment.

[@ccoddington]

Awesome channel!

[@CleverHiker]

+Chris Coddington Much appreciated Chris!

[@ragingtidegaming2298]

Thanks Dave !

[@CleverHiker]

RagingTideGaming You're very welcome!

[@marycahill546]

I don't see how a folding knife could ever beat the versatility, lightness, safety, and low cost of a Mora fixed blade.

[@CleverHiker]

+Mary Cahill That's a good little knife. Good call. Pros and cons with lots of different choices.

[@jonathandelfosse2456]

French FAN !!

[@CleverHiker]

+Jonathan delfosse Yeah buddy!

[@robertevans8126]

Shared

[@BreeOlson9]

I thought about it and before I look too dumb to people reading this- I'll give a bit more detail about my bear encounter- I was hiking a very populated trail but most people stop once they get to the lake and on this particular day I was the only one that continued the trail. I was about a 15-20 minute hike past everyone and I actually was singing to myself. I even remember the song because it was the only day I didn't have my hiking partner- "All by myself". I was deliriously tired from overworking myself and being on such a popular trail- was expecting to see someone any minute and totally had my guard down (I know- I know). I take the curve and as I'm going around I see the tip of something black and I honestly thought it was someone's dog because a lot of people had their dogs on the trail. I had to look down because the path was rocky and when I looked back up I'm looking at a black bear- looking at me while it's noming on a branch from the bush it's next to. It just stood there and kept eating. My immediate thought was to break eye contact and look down and back away so I did. I backed away for about 30 seconds to keep it in my peripheral to make sure it wasn't coming and it didn't budge so I then turned my back right when I was almost out of it's view and ran as I blew my whistle repeatedly. My instinct was not to make noise at it because of its extremely calm demeanor. It didn't seem phased by me at all so I didn't want to make it phased. Honestly, the only thing I may have done differently is waited to run and kept backing up a bit longer. I mean- every situation is so different. I really don't know... it was totally minding it's own business and I honestly felt bad for even blowing my whistle because I know it probably hurts their ears. This weekend was my first time in the wild where bears are present. I honestly never expected to see one. Especially my first time going on a weekend hiking trip.

[@CleverHiker]

Bree Olson Lol, don't worry, you don't look dumb at all. Bears are scary! Pretty exciting and cool to see them in the wild though right? That's one of the reasons Yosemite is so careful about food storage. Lots of black bears and they're really smart when it comes to getting human food. Did you guys carry a bear canister? That always makes me feel more comfortable at camp after I've seen a bear during the day.

[@apryor324]

I usually just stick with a Swiss Army knife

[@CleverHiker]

Not a bad solution. A simple and stylish classic.

[@georgememeulos]

Do not disrespect the Leatherman wave

[@highplains7777]

It's too heavy for backpacking, though for just about any other activity it's a great tool.

[@CleverHiker]

LOL! Okay, I'll step back. I agree with Dick though, way too heavy for my backpacking trips. Great for most other uses.

[@jonathandelfosse2456]

not this kind of blades...

[@CleverHiker]

+Jonathan hidden kingdom Huh? Not sure I follow.