Need a good backpacking knife! (Philmont)

J

JAKs Bladeworks

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If you don't care to read this whole thing... :P Answer this: When you go backpacking, what knife do you take?

Edit: Yeah I'll be taking a multitool as well. SAK probably in my pack, then a Leatherman Style PS clipped to my pocket. Not very interested in a fixed blade though, as they're "technically" not allowed in boy scouts. Not that that is strictly enforced... ;)

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Hey all!

I'm an avid backpacker, and I'm looking for a thin/small (yet still sturdy) knife that I can go backpacking with. I've been taking the Benchmade 522 with me for the past year or so as it's my most "hard use" knife, but that thing is just WAY too thick. Having something .64" thick in your pocket while 1/2 climbing 1/2 hiking up and down mountains is just incredibly uncomfortable. Plus it's a bit too heavy for my tastes. I also wear the lightweight zip-off shorts, so heavy knives bulk up a lot more noticeably compared to wearing jeans or something.

So this summer I'm going on Philmont (for you Boy Scouters out there! ayy!) and I think it's time for somethin' better. :) I'm open to suggestions but here are the things I'm looking for:
• 1st of all I'm just looking for an "utility" backpacking knife, not for bushcrafting. It's gotta be rugged, but still small.
• Thin! HAS to be thin.
• Preferably an axis-lock-type knife. Axis lock, ball bearing lock system, etc.. I just like the ease of those locks
• Fairly light. Anything much over 4 or so ounces is just a 'lil heavy.
• Blades much over 3" is just about my limit. This isn't set in stone though :rolleyes:
• 154CM is fine, S30V is cool, but I probably want more than Aus 8 or 8cr13mov. I'm "chill"
• Price range probably $30 to $150ish (yeah that's a big price range, just deal with it! haha)



So that said, here are some things I've been looking at:

Benchmade 707 Sequel vs Benchmade Mini Grip, or Spyderco Manix 2, maybe Spyderco Dragonfly 2?... (Just blades that I like and don't have)

I'm also really liking the look of the 707 Sequel a lot. VS. the mini grip it's a bit thinner, and I like the design more. it sounds sturdier too. But the price difference is a lot. Is it worth the extra $$? And considering BM Mini Grip of course... This is nice and small, though benchmade has pretty thick-handled knives. The mini grip isn't a whole lot thinner than the 522... Would it be too thick for hiking with? Thoughts? I also like the look of the manix 2, but it's pretty heavy, and . Not a huge fan of the lockback on the Mini manix, though I might be able to do it. What are some other spyderco options out there? I'm probably the only one that has this opinion, but I'm not a huge fan of the para 2 lol :P

SO! Please give me some advices ya'll! When you go backpacking, what knife do you take?

Thanks a lot!
-AJ

P.S. I think I'll be getting the Benchmade 943 soon, but that will be more for edc probably.
 
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Personally I always take a smaller fixed blade went camping or hiking. In that price range I would probably go with a Fallkniven F1, or if you want something smaller a Fallkniven WM1 or ESEE Izula.

Of the folders you have listed, I'd say Griptilian or Manix 2 as they're both pretty sturdy (for folders) and IMO the most ergonomic/comfortable if you use them for more than 5 minutes at a time especially on harder cutting like use on wood, those small, thin, easy to pocket handles will become quite uncomfortable quickly.
 
If your set on a folder the 707 is amazing its the only knife so far that i have more then 1 of and planning on getting a 3rd. I prefer the thinner aluminum handle on it compared to the plastic on the mini grip.
 
Also look into the kershaw knockout its not an axis lock but its a good size thin knife with a great blade shape
 
Philmont sounds awesome, all of my friends went and I'm the only one that couldn't go :( However, I do have a lot of experience backpacking and I would say that I personally get more use out of a SAK or multitool as opposed to a knife. If you already have a multitool for your bag and just want a knife to carry, I would suggest either the mini grip or the 707 sequel. If I bring a dedicated knife backpacking, it's my mini grip :)

Have fun out there, it sounds amazing!
 
Becker bk-14 or bk-24 if you want a small light fixed blade. Spyderco paramilitary 2 for a folder if you can find one.
 
Consider the lightweight Manix 2, every ounce counts when your backpacking. However, I prefer to take a knife that will work, and I won't have a hard time cleaning after. My favs lately for camping/backpacking are a Becker bk14 or Mora Classic 1, and a folder like a Svord Peasant. The Peasant is beyond easy to clean up after, it has 2 screws and no tiny pieces.

I'd also recommend a good multitool, Leatherman style, or Victorinox Swiss Army.
 
I would probably go with a little bigger fixed blade myself, but since you want to replace a folder, I will second the small fixed option. An ESEE Izula II with the handle slabs is an awesome little blade that should handle anything you need done and be unnoticable in your pocket or on your belt. Give it a thought. Good luck and have fun!
 
Matt Markell said:
Fixed blade! Get in touch with Daniel Fairly here on the forum and see when his next batch of Titanium Backpackers will be ready.

Edit, I am pretty sure this one is still for sale: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1066300-Milled-Backpacker!
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that's a good looking blade! I'm just not as much of a fixed blade kind of guy, but I'll have to think about it. Fixed blades are "technically" not allowed in boy scouts, though I've had friends get away with it just fine. Something like that would be perfect though! Thanks for the link!
 
I've never had an axis lock knife that felt "thin" in my hand or my pocket, except for the 530 which was very delicate and fragile (could pinch the handle together with my fingers, enough so you couldn't close the blade).

• Thin! HAS to be thin.
• Fairly light. Anything much over 4 or so ounces is just a 'lil heavy.
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The lightest, thinnest 4" knife I've enjoyed is Spyderco's Endura FFG. The full flat ground version slices like crazy. With full skeletonized steel liners under the FRN handle it feels very sturdy.

I bring this one along when I want to shave every ounce, but still want to be able to cut whatever comes along.

Another light, thin 4" knife is the Al Mar Eagle HD.
 
bpeezer said:
Philmont sounds awesome, all of my friends went and I'm the only one that couldn't go :( However, I do have a lot of experience backpacking and I would say that I personally get more use out of a SAK or multitool as opposed to a knife. If you already have a multitool for your bag and just want a knife to carry, I would suggest either the mini grip or the 707 sequel. If I bring a dedicated knife backpacking, it's my mini grip :)

Have fun out there, it sounds amazing!
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Too bad you could never go! Take the chance if you ever do, even as an adult :-) I've been on Northern Tier and I've had friends say that NT is even better than philmont. But yeah definitely taking a SAK! Those things are crazy useful backpacking. A SAK will be in my pack, then a small Leatherman Style ps will be clipped to my pocket. So you go with mini grip? Sounds like you've done a lot of backpacking so that speaks a good deal towards that knife :)

Thanks a lot mate!
 
Blade-fiend said:
If your set on a folder the 707 is amazing its the only knife so far that i have more then 1 of and planning on getting a 3rd. I prefer the thinner aluminum handle on it compared to the plastic on the mini grip.
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Oh wow that speaks volumes that you've got it (well soon) 3 times. Yeah that's what I was thinking. Does the aluminum wear or chip easily though? That would be the only advantage of the mini grip, handle-wise.
 
When I went last year I took a SAK. Most of the time there's a fire ban in place so the only thing you need a knife for is opening food. I definitely wouldn't take anything too nice or expensive. Hope you have fun!
 
I worked at Philmont for ten years, mostly as a backcountry camp director. Congrats on the upcoming trip!

More backpackers carry Swiss Army Knives than any other tool. There's a reason. In addition to a great cutting blade, the extra tools can really come in handy - tweezers, scissors, etc.
I usually carried an Opinel when working there. It easily performed every cutting task encountered.

You want a folder that's thin, modern, and lightweight, you gotta check out the AG Russell Featherlite. Thumbs-up.
My current backpacking and hiking knife is the AG Russell Hunters Scalpel. 0.5 ounces, can't beat that! Plus the hard locking sheath makes for a very safe carry.

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Some general suggestions:
Leave your valuable knives at home!
Light weight is key.
Lanyard, lanyard, lanyard. Either tied to yourself or your pack.
Bright color on knife = good. At least a small piece of orange reflective tape.
A fixed blade, no matter how good an idea it is, may not be allowed at Philmont.
No-Trace is strictly enforced. You won't be chopping trees, digging holes, or whatever "hard use" your knife might experience at home.
Looks like we're in for a dry summer. That means fire bans in the backcountry.
 
Kershaw Knockout for a larger less expensive thin light knife.
Kershaw JYD 1720(you'll have to look around) for a smaller less expensive thin light knife.

Benchmade 530 for a small thin lightweight knife for a little more expensive but under $100.
Spyderco Urban fits this as well.

There are many out there.
 
If I were doing it, I'd carry a Gerber STL 2.0 to have in my pocket and a SAK in my pack for the scissors. I'd work to thin down the shoulder of the edge, but otherwise, it's a good candidate for light, strong, and no sweat if you lose. I second the SAK concept also. As for a multi-tool, I'd ask if anyone else in the group has one, and then know who I needed to ask to borrow it from for the one time I needed something. (If you don't have any phillips screws on your kit, do you really need a Phillips screwdriver?)

Have fun, Philmont was one of my fondest memories.
 
JAKs Bladeworks said:
Oh wow that speaks volumes that you've got it (well soon) 3 times. Yeah that's what I was thinking. Does the aluminum wear or chip easily though? That would be the only advantage of the mini grip, handle-wise.
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I have never had any issues with any of benchmades coatings they hold up very well you might get some surface scuffs which is typical but I have never broke through them not on a handle anyways. I have nothing but good things to say about the 707.
 
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