Archived Posts » 59,646,491
Ideas for a do-all hiking knife?
1/22/2012 3:12:05 PM
I'm planning a month-long trip to South America, during which I'll be hiking in different climates, from jungle to desert. They hikes will probably be relatively low-intensity, though. We'd be going for only a few days at a time, and probably not hiking for more than 10 miles per day.
I have a few good CRKT large folders and a Leatherman Charge TTi, but am thinking about a large blade that can hold up to a little more punishment.
I've been thinking about the ESEE 5 vs ESEE 4, Benchmade Nimravus, Benchmade LFK, Gerber Prodigy and LMF II mostly. I'd appreciate any experiences or opinions you guys have about these knives, or if there's others you think I should be considering. Thanks
I have a few good CRKT large folders and a Leatherman Charge TTi, but am thinking about a large blade that can hold up to a little more punishment.
I've been thinking about the ESEE 5 vs ESEE 4, Benchmade Nimravus, Benchmade LFK, Gerber Prodigy and LMF II mostly. I'd appreciate any experiences or opinions you guys have about these knives, or if there's others you think I should be considering. Thanks
1/22/2012 3:53:01 PM
The ESEE 5 is too big and heavy to be of much use.
1/22/2012 7:12:38 PM
From your list, I would choose the ESEE 4. I have a Nimravus and the blade is too thin for camping/hard use IMO. I've heard good things about the LMF II but have no direct experience with it.
1/22/2012 8:01:03 PM
The ESEE-5 is the most robust of those you have listed. If I were to go back into South Central America or the northern portion of South American again, I would likely take my ESEE-5 and either a my BK11 or pick up an Iszula. It’s a different world down there. I wouldn’t do it on the Appalachian Trail, but that is completely different. Make no mistake about it. That environment, “down south”, is as demanding as it comes. If I were to go back, there is absolutely no question that I would grab the ESEE-5. If for any reason, I’d have to E&E, that is the one knife I’d want.
I don’t think to many people experienced in that region would argue with relying on an ESEE. I’d recommend going to their site, looking at the knifes, checking their school out, finding their contact information for their Survival Course instructors, and ask their opinions.
On the other hand, from another thread :
Some knives can be pretty common and inexpensive. Here are some of my EDC assets. I have a lot more, but these are what I usually grab.
There is a common Ka-Bar in there and a Becker Necker , BK11.
There are better quality knives that are not custom but have a reputation for the highest levels of performance. ESEE is one such company.
As an example, here is my ESEE - 5 .
Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. It is not my everyday carry. Just a good all purpose adventure knife.
Some carry a custom knife. I do have some, but I don't carry them often. Here is an example.
Randall
I don’t think to many people experienced in that region would argue with relying on an ESEE. I’d recommend going to their site, looking at the knifes, checking their school out, finding their contact information for their Survival Course instructors, and ask their opinions.
On the other hand, from another thread :
Originally Posted By alpha23niner:
Nice knives! I personally own the Izula and 6, as having two specific tools is more effecient for me than having one tool that's just OK at everything, YMMV.
A word about the different models.
ESEE 6 is great for camping, backpacking, around the house, etc. It's thin enough to be somewhat light weight, thick enough to take a beating in stride, and perfect size for being a handy machete if needed. In the ESEE catalog they call it their flagship knife.
ESEE 5 is intended for pilots and other extreme adventures (think SERE knife). The 5 allows the user to carry one knife which can be used to aid in fire making, as a camp shovel, to handle various cutting tasks of course, but most importantly to cut through the body of an aircraft and sturdy enough to pry the doors open in order to escape. When using the 5 for splitting firewood, you'll have more friction because of the saber blade grind compared to the 6. For most people the 5 is overkill but boys love their toys.
ESEE 4 is slightly longer and thicker than the 3, intented for bushcraft. Great carry size, comfortable in the hand, and like the previous models can handle any task that comes its way. With proper technique you can take down a tree (even with the Izula), shape branches and sticks for tools/traps/etc.
ESEE 3 is thinner and shorter (but not by much) than the 4. Again it's a great carry size and in the ESEE catalog is billed as the EDC knife.
Izula is a great little big knife. It can perform many of the same tasks as the larger models and is very easy to wear either around the neck or on a belt. Belt clip adaptor and micarta scales are available.
The steel Rowan uses is 1095 high carbon steel, the same you'll find in bandsaw blades. This steel has a very good carbide structure and really performs well when a keen or utility edge is applied. Being high carbon it is prone to rust especially after being exposed to blood, sweat, or other salty/acidic conditions. Tuff Glide is recomended to wipe the blade down as it's a dry film lube unless you'll use it for skinning or to cut food, then a vegetable oil is suitable.
I'm a fan of ESEE
Nice knives! I personally own the Izula and 6, as having two specific tools is more effecient for me than having one tool that's just OK at everything, YMMV.
A word about the different models.
ESEE 6 is great for camping, backpacking, around the house, etc. It's thin enough to be somewhat light weight, thick enough to take a beating in stride, and perfect size for being a handy machete if needed. In the ESEE catalog they call it their flagship knife.
ESEE 5 is intended for pilots and other extreme adventures (think SERE knife). The 5 allows the user to carry one knife which can be used to aid in fire making, as a camp shovel, to handle various cutting tasks of course, but most importantly to cut through the body of an aircraft and sturdy enough to pry the doors open in order to escape. When using the 5 for splitting firewood, you'll have more friction because of the saber blade grind compared to the 6. For most people the 5 is overkill but boys love their toys.
ESEE 4 is slightly longer and thicker than the 3, intented for bushcraft. Great carry size, comfortable in the hand, and like the previous models can handle any task that comes its way. With proper technique you can take down a tree (even with the Izula), shape branches and sticks for tools/traps/etc.
ESEE 3 is thinner and shorter (but not by much) than the 4. Again it's a great carry size and in the ESEE catalog is billed as the EDC knife.
Izula is a great little big knife. It can perform many of the same tasks as the larger models and is very easy to wear either around the neck or on a belt. Belt clip adaptor and micarta scales are available.
The steel Rowan uses is 1095 high carbon steel, the same you'll find in bandsaw blades. This steel has a very good carbide structure and really performs well when a keen or utility edge is applied. Being high carbon it is prone to rust especially after being exposed to blood, sweat, or other salty/acidic conditions. Tuff Glide is recomended to wipe the blade down as it's a dry film lube unless you'll use it for skinning or to cut food, then a vegetable oil is suitable.
I'm a fan of ESEE
Some knives can be pretty common and inexpensive. Here are some of my EDC assets. I have a lot more, but these are what I usually grab.
There is a common Ka-Bar in there and a Becker Necker , BK11.
There are better quality knives that are not custom but have a reputation for the highest levels of performance. ESEE is one such company.
As an example, here is my ESEE - 5 .
Nothing fancy. Nothing expensive. It is not my everyday carry. Just a good all purpose adventure knife.
Some carry a custom knife. I do have some, but I don't carry them often. Here is an example.
Randall
1/22/2012 9:34:52 PM
Fallkniven S1
1/22/2012 9:38:00 PM
Originally Posted By Reorx:
Fallkniven S1
Fallkniven S1
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
1/22/2012 9:40:11 PM
JMHO, buy a decent machete when you get there. Alternately by a cheap knife like the cold steel bushman so if you lose it you aren't out as much cash, additionally, if you have a guide or some one that helps you out, you can gift it to him. They will probably love it and you're only out a $20.
1/22/2012 11:27:36 PM
Originally Posted By FredMan:
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
Originally Posted By Reorx:
Fallkniven S1
Fallkniven S1
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
The S1 does look like a nice knife. It's a good middle point between the ESEE 4 and 5, with a nice stainless blade.
Paddymurphy- I see your point. I do pretty well hanging on to my knives, though, and if I do any heavy jungle hiking I'm sure I'll pick up a machete.
KYVENOM- Thanks for the great response. I've been leaning towards the ESEE 5 because of its size and chopping ability.
1/22/2012 11:30:46 PM
If it's just a month long, order a Mora or two and bring them along. Then when you are there buy a nice machete. Between the two you will be set.
1/23/2012 8:05:11 AM
Originally Posted By Tolip:
The S1 does look like a nice knife. It's a good middle point between the ESEE 4 and 5, with a nice stainless blade.
Paddymurphy- I see your point. I do pretty well hanging on to my knives, though, and if I do any heavy jungle hiking I'm sure I'll pick up a machete.
KYVENOM- Thanks for the great response. I've been leaning towards the ESEE 5 because of its size and chopping ability.
Originally Posted By FredMan:
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
Originally Posted By Reorx:
Fallkniven S1
Fallkniven S1
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
The S1 does look like a nice knife. It's a good middle point between the ESEE 4 and 5, with a nice stainless blade.
Paddymurphy- I see your point. I do pretty well hanging on to my knives, though, and if I do any heavy jungle hiking I'm sure I'll pick up a machete.
KYVENOM- Thanks for the great response. I've been leaning towards the ESEE 5 because of its size and chopping ability.
If you really think that you will need something with chopping ability, instead of a 1 pound knife (esee5), get the S1 and also get/carry a Bahco Laplander folding saw - under $25 at Amazon!
The combined weight of the S1 and Laplander is less than the ESEE5 and the combination is also more versatile! 
1/23/2012 8:33:55 AM
Great choices already mentioned. However, for SA I would go with the CTD Rough Use Knife. $10 and you can beat the tar out of it with little damage. The knife destruction guy on youtube tested one and it held up as well as $200 custom knives. ( Yes, I know his tests misuse knives. In this case, it does show that the knife will hold together, a concern with a $10 knife.)
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
1/23/2012 3:04:51 PM
Originally Posted By KingRat:
Great choices already mentioned. However, for SA I would go with the CTD Rough Use Knife. $10 and you can beat the tar out of it with little damage. The knife destruction guy on youtube tested one and it held up as well as $200 custom knives. ( Yes, I know his tests misuse knives. In this case, it does show that the knife will hold together, a concern with a $10 knife.)
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-443.jpg
WOW!!! great (not so) little knife for the price... you can't beat that with a stick!... It is also available in a spear point version at the same price >>>
Great choices already mentioned. However, for SA I would go with the CTD Rough Use Knife. $10 and you can beat the tar out of it with little damage. The knife destruction guy on youtube tested one and it held up as well as $200 custom knives. ( Yes, I know his tests misuse knives. In this case, it does show that the knife will hold together, a concern with a $10 knife.)
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-443.jpg
The only question is which one to get??? (A true ARFcom-er would, of course, get both!
) I don't know that it fits into what the OP had in mind on this particular trip but I can see this knife having 1001 uses - mostly punishing/abusive tasks that you wouldn't want to put your "good knives" thru - or to use as a "disposible" knife...
Priced like a Mora, only bigger!!! What's not to love?!?!?!
P.S.: The manufacturer of these is MTech. The bowie is an MTech MT096 - the spear point version is an MTech MT092. If they made it thru 5 minutes with the knife torture guy, they are worth every penny of their price.
1/23/2012 7:43:03 PM
The "All in one" knife would be great, but not practical. I would bring a machete & a small fixed blade if I were u. I do alot of backpacking and find my Cold Steel Kukri & Izula are a great combo. I recently bought a BHK Frontier First Patch (Scandi grind) and that may replace my Izula. I personaly would like to get an ESEE Lite Machete, but in the last 5 years that I've had my $20 CS machete, it has never failed me I know Condor and Imacasa make some nice low cost quality machetes as well
http://www.machetespecialists.com/
I know Condor and Imacasa make some nice low cost quality machetes as well
http://www.machetespecialists.com/
1/24/2012 5:38:03 AM
South America = jungle = machete.
1/24/2012 11:41:45 AM
Between the ESEE-4 and -5 as a walk around knife, my pick is the -4. The -4 is a great bush knife and a very useful survival knife. The -5 is more for prying open the door of a sinking submarine.
1/24/2012 11:56:17 AM
Originally Posted By paddymurphy:
JMHO, buy a decent machete when you get there. Alternately by a cheap knife like the cold steel bushman so if you lose it you aren't out as much cash, additionally, if you have a guide or some one that helps you out, you can gift it to him. They will probably love it and you're only out a $20.
JMHO, buy a decent machete when you get there. Alternately by a cheap knife like the cold steel bushman so if you lose it you aren't out as much cash, additionally, if you have a guide or some one that helps you out, you can gift it to him. They will probably love it and you're only out a $20.
ESEE-6 plus above. Buy a couple Bushman's and give them away or have them as backups.
Good luck on your trip!
1/24/2012 4:26:37 PM
I have a suggestion. This may annoy some knife nuts out there but wait until you get there and then find one in the markets. I have done some travel to 3rd world countries and find that they have inexpensive useful carbon steel blades out there that they use that work well and are not too heavy or large. SA has a lot of machetes of all sizes that you can get with a sheath for 10 bucks or even less. Just look for something small, heavy bladed, and sharp. I have modified many many machetes for people to use down there and they work well for a lot of things. If you are going to buy one here and do it I can give you a few suggestions including put on a new handle.
Modified Corona Machete 1/8" thick carbon steel with clearcoat K&G Gun Kote
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
As for the ones you have listed, the ESSE 4 is going to be lighter with the sheath than the rest. I might add in there a becker Eskabar but the blade is 3 inches instead of 4. Put some 550 cord around the sheath. You should be able to wrap about 15 to 20 feet around it. Get a flint and steel set as well. Let me know if you need any gear as I can find some small stuff here that will make your trip better.
Modified Corona Machete 1/8" thick carbon steel with clearcoat K&G Gun Kote
Uploaded with ImageShack.us
As for the ones you have listed, the ESSE 4 is going to be lighter with the sheath than the rest. I might add in there a becker Eskabar but the blade is 3 inches instead of 4. Put some 550 cord around the sheath. You should be able to wrap about 15 to 20 feet around it. Get a flint and steel set as well. Let me know if you need any gear as I can find some small stuff here that will make your trip better.
1/24/2012 4:42:02 PM
I bought a CS Bushman for hiking three years ago and it's still new. The Bushman looks downright scary to stab with. The handle is slick and tapers towards the blade, so figure out what you think would happen. Bring a baggie to carry your fingers home in. 
1/24/2012 9:38:33 PM
My vote goes for the ESEE 4. i have an izula 2, a 3 and a 4..will be adding a 6 to the family also––-or if they ever come out with the stainless 4
1/26/2012 7:41:55 AM
I use/abuse an ESEE 4... it can handle a lot
1/26/2012 8:35:43 AM
Cold Steel Roach Belly is my truck knife and I also have one in my fishing gear and my hiking gear. At $15 bucks, this things holds a SHARP edge, is very light weight and you don't care if you lose it.
If you are looking for a knife you can pry doors open with, this is obviously not it.
Sharpie sticky thingy.
Ymmv
Bev
If you are looking for a knife you can pry doors open with, this is obviously not it.
Sharpie sticky thingy.
Ymmv
Bev
1/28/2012 6:12:47 PM
Originally Posted By Tolip:
The S1 does look like a nice knife. It's a good middle point between the ESEE 4 and 5, with a nice stainless blade.
Paddymurphy- I see your point. I do pretty well hanging on to my knives, though, and if I do any heavy jungle hiking I'm sure I'll pick up a machete.
KYVENOM- Thanks for the great response. I've been leaning towards the ESEE 5 because of its size and chopping ability.
Originally Posted By FredMan:
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
Originally Posted By Reorx:
Fallkniven S1
Fallkniven S1
Or F1. The S1 gets the nod for more "knife as a tool to to do more than just knife tasks", the F1 for a more strictly cutting tool.
The S1 does look like a nice knife. It's a good middle point between the ESEE 4 and 5, with a nice stainless blade.
Paddymurphy- I see your point. I do pretty well hanging on to my knives, though, and if I do any heavy jungle hiking I'm sure I'll pick up a machete.
KYVENOM- Thanks for the great response. I've been leaning towards the ESEE 5 because of its size and chopping ability.
I have an ESEE 5 and an S1. I would not take either to the jungle. The only thing the ESEE 5 excels at is batonning, a machete is much better at chopping. If you take an ESEE 5 you will still need a smaller knife AND a machete. I will sell you my ESEE 5 cheap. The S1 would be a better choice but it can be bitch to sharpen. Both are $$$ if you loose them. I would highly recommend a Mora for sharp work and buying a machete when you get there.
1/28/2012 6:37:35 PM
Originally Posted By Reorx:
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-445.jpg
The only question is which one to get??? (A true ARFcom-er would, of course, get both!) I don't know that it fits into what the OP had in mind on this particular trip but I can see this knife having 1001 uses - mostly punishing/abusive tasks that you wouldn't want to put your "good knives" thru - or to use as a "disposible" knife...
Priced like a Mora, only bigger!!! What's not to love?!?!?!
P.S.: The manufacturer of these is MTech. The bowie is an MTech MT096 - the spear point version is an MTech MT092. If they made it thru 5 minutes with the knife torture guy, they are worth every penny of their price.
Originally Posted By KingRat:
Great choices already mentioned. However, for SA I would go with the CTD Rough Use Knife. $10 and you can beat the tar out of it with little damage. The knife destruction guy on youtube tested one and it held up as well as $200 custom knives. ( Yes, I know his tests misuse knives. In this case, it does show that the knife will hold together, a concern with a $10 knife.)
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-443.jpg
WOW!!! great (not so) little knife for the price... you can't beat that with a stick!... It is also available in a spear point version at the same price >>>
Great choices already mentioned. However, for SA I would go with the CTD Rough Use Knife. $10 and you can beat the tar out of it with little damage. The knife destruction guy on youtube tested one and it held up as well as $200 custom knives. ( Yes, I know his tests misuse knives. In this case, it does show that the knife will hold together, a concern with a $10 knife.)
Depending where you go in SA, you have to consider theft or seizure. You could take two or three of these knives with you for next to nothing. Lose one somehow, and you're only out ten bucks.
http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/DBA443-1.html
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-443.jpg
http://cdn1.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd_images/lgprod/DBA-445.jpg
The only question is which one to get??? (A true ARFcom-er would, of course, get both!
) I don't know that it fits into what the OP had in mind on this particular trip but I can see this knife having 1001 uses - mostly punishing/abusive tasks that you wouldn't want to put your "good knives" thru - or to use as a "disposible" knife...
Priced like a Mora, only bigger!!! What's not to love?!?!?!
P.S.: The manufacturer of these is MTech. The bowie is an MTech MT096 - the spear point version is an MTech MT092. If they made it thru 5 minutes with the knife torture guy, they are worth every penny of their price.
Um, I own one of those. Will not hold an edge worth a shit. The main reason it is "indestructible" is because the steel is so damn soft. OP, DO NOT buy one of these. Worst advice ever.1/29/2012 7:25:20 PM
Glock field knife. About $25.
My favorite though, is a Mora 546G. Great knife for $11 or so, factory sheath sucks tho.
My favorite though, is a Mora 546G. Great knife for $11 or so, factory sheath sucks tho.
1/30/2012 9:54:36 AM
I would not take either to the jungle. The only thing the ESEE 5 excels at is batonning, a machete is much better at chopping. If you take an ESEE 5 you will still need a smaller knife AND a machete. I will sell you my ESEE 5 cheap. The S1 would be a better choice but it can be bitch to sharpen. Both are $$$ if you loose them. I would highly recommend a Mora for sharp work and buying a machete when you get there.
Price on ESEE? IM me, I may be interested.
1/30/2012 11:50:52 AM
I forgot to point out you can very easily get your knife stolen or confiscated for no reason whatsoever. Best to get something cheap, well made, and local if you can so you don't stand out.
1/30/2012 12:51:08 PM
Originally Posted By GoatHerder:
I forgot to point out you can very easily get your knife stolen or confiscated for no reason whatsoever. Best to get something cheap, well made, and local if you can so you don't stand out.
I forgot to point out you can very easily get your knife stolen or confiscated for no reason whatsoever. Best to get something cheap, well made, and local if you can so you don't stand out.
+1
Don't make yourself a target - do what the locals do. If you take a nice knife, give it to your guide as a gift/tip.
