You need to decide if a folding knife or fixed blade knife is better for you. I like fixed blades, but it seems we have to make compromises. Folding or fixed blade. The first thing to consider when searching for the right backpacking knife is if it’s going to be a folding-type or a fixed-type. The most common types are multi-bladed, double-bladed, single-blades and Swiss Army style. It even comes in over a dozen colors to suit any aesthetic preference. When I’m going on an ultralight backpacking trip or a long thru-hike I’m traveling light and moving fast. Fixed-Blade (63) Folding (74) all Knives (4) Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty. Jul 18, 2017 - Explore EKA's board "EKA SWEDE 9", followed by 363 people on Pinterest. Knife Anatomy 101. Just as in our article on folding knives, let us quickly recap some of the major differences between the folding knives and fixed blade knives. This knife can fulfill most tasks like preparing food and even carving. Choosing your everyday carry (EDC) knife is mostly a matter of personal choice. This beautiful knife came razor sharp, is easy to maintain a sharp edge, and the price to purchase was amazing. However, fixed blades tend to be safer, cleaner, and even stronger than their folding counterparts. This will be particularly helpful when you shop for the best backpacking knife for your needs. If you are looking for the best backpacking knife for your next adventure, you've come to the right place. The folding knife market is heavily saturated with many manufacturers and vendors providing a myriad of options. The ultimate serrated fixed-blade knife for camping and everyday backpacking, the Gerber StrongArm wields a partially-serrated, ceramic-coated 4.8’’ full-tang 420HC steel blade. for a backpacking knife for the purposes I've listed above it is very well suited. Folding Knives vs. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Folding Knife / Multi-Tool Retail: $13-$25. A folding knife, on the other hand, is easier and safer to carry around. Check out my companion article How to Pick the Perfect Backpacking Knife . Others claim in critical moments, the simplicity and robustness of fixed blade knives outperform everything. They can vary quite a bit regarding … Secondly, since a fixed knife has no moving parts, it’s far more efficient to use when performing difficult tasks like cutting wood. Chopping, processing wood and other camp utility stuff. See more ideas about Knife, Folding knives, 15 blade. The Backpacking Knife vs. the Multi-tool When you are preparing for a trip into the great outdoors, no doubt a knife of some sort is high on your list of priorities. Ideally, folding knives should also have a locking mechanism to provide stability when cutting, to prevent them from opening up when closed, and to ensure users keep all of their fingers! BPL Member. Morakniv Companion. I only use a havalon piranha pro and a benchmade griptillian. As with other specialized knives, a quick search reveals that there are more than you can count. Folding vs. fixed Blade. A well-constructed folding knife blade is as tough as fixed blade; That’s the basic argument for folding knives. Folding Knife vs Fixed Blade: How to Choose Your Next Knife. Fixed blades are durable and hold up to the elements well because of their straight, simple construction without folding mechanisms. Folding blades will do many jobs just fine for when you’re walking on trails or when you’re hanging around a campsite with your mates. Pocket knives sure do come in handy in several situations of different circumstances. I always carry a folding knife in my pocket, but when hiking I have a fixed blade strapped to my pack. For dangling at the campsite or walking around the road, a knife is going to do the job just fine. A Mora knife is a kind of sheath knife that has a small size and a fixed blade. For the purpose of this article, we’re going to take the position that this argument is completely wrong. A folding knife is a key piece of equipment that any hiker should have on them while trekking or adventuring. As mentioned earlier, most outdoor experts advise to have one of each in your gear collection and carry the most suitable one based on your requirements. Perhaps because of the way they are depicted in so many movies, fixed knives have a reputation for being more “serious” knives. A fixed vs. folding knife. If you want a folding knife I recommend playing around with different opening mechanisms to find which is fastest for you. One of the most frequently asked questions about camping knives is which is better a fixed or a folding knife. The Ten Best Backpacking Knives in 2020. Whether it is that you need to open a package, pop a beer bottle opener, or cut a… I prefer to use my fixed blade for batoning, both for safety reasons, and the fact that it has a wider blade which can give you more penetration. Both have their advantages, just in different ways. Sometimes the blade and handle are one unit where the handle is covered with a non-slip material. Below is an infograph of a folding and fixed blade knife, so you can identify the different parts of a knife, plus a glossary of terms. A fixed knife is stronger, tougher, and easier to use for outdoor activities, and it is, therefore, better suited for camping, compared to a folding knife. From being handy when you are cooking, to helping in a potential emergency situation, this is not something you want to skimp on or forget about. But a few reasons are giving the below parameters a second look. Reviewers Like. Another fantastic all-in-one skeletonized knife with a 3-1/4 inch 1095 Cro-Van carbon steel blade and recent favorite of mine. Loki Cuthbert. While "heavy" at 7.3 oz. Looking for your thoughts on a good fixed blade survival knife folding blade combo that is strong and lightweight for backpacking. The entire folding knife weighs in at just 3.1 ounces, so you can comfortably carry it around all day, every day. In all honesty, there is no precise answer to this question as both knife types are suited for different situations. If you have been searching for a tactical knife, you probably have already seen quite a few variations of tactical folding knives and tactical fixed blade knives. Further, a fixed knife is easier to clean and maintain, as there are no folding parts. @lokbot. Inexperienced campers often believe folding knives are safer than a fixed blade knife. Fixed Blade Knives – Which one should you consider? The Fixed Blade Pros. Fixed vs. folding knife: What is better for camping? Fixed blades are considered sturdier than folding ones because the joint that connects the blade with handle is the weakest point. Folding: A folding blade folds into a casing making it compact to carry. Take a look to get … Folding knives uses a blade that locks, and there’s always a chance of cutting yourself due to negligence. Any extra weight just slows me down and contributes to fatigue when hiking twenty plus miles, day after day. It is more complicated to use because the blade has to slide out of the housing before you can use it. It is often attached to the belt for easy access. These can range in size from something the size of your fingertip all the way to something that would only fit in a bag. Fixed vs. Folding - Which One Is Better. Mini Review: The Classic SD is one of the most popular knives on the trail for good reason. Bring a real knife when you go backpacking." This knife is a collaboration between two knife-making behemoths. Here is my EDC folder: And my fixed blade which has a paracord wrap and is strapped to my pack. Fixed Blade vs Folding Blade: Best Style for Self Defense. Unexpected things happen all the time on hikes, camping trips, backpacking trips, etc., so do your part to make sure you’ve adequately prepared for wherever you’re going. Some blades lock when they are open allowing you to use some force while cutting. 1. Like I said above, if I brought everything for every possible thing that could go wrong, I wouldn't be able to carry my pack… The way to a heavy pack is to pack for everything. For an ultralight backpacking knife, I have specific requirements that need to be met before I consider adding the weight to my pack. Billy. A knife, at the end of the day, is still a weapon that can cause serious bodily harm if used irresponsibly, so keep this in mind at all times. If it slips, it may cause fair damage. $27 (3) Benchmade Bushcrafter Family. Dec 12, 2014 at 1:04 am #2156030. This fixed stainless steel tanto blade is five and a half inches in length, so this is a pretty large knife. However, the truth is that more campers get cut by unintentionally opening folding knives than by a fixed blade knife. But before getting down to the exact blade you want, you must choose between two general categories – a folding knife vs. fixed blade. Thanks for watching! Used for light -medium campcraft. A fixed blade is a knife where the handle and blade are fixed together. In fixed blade knives, the blade is one piece of metal that runs the length of the knife. Some people say that they prefer a folding blade knife that they could conceal in their pocket without much difficulty. The best backpacking knife should be folding to save space, and to carry easily and safely. But, you have so much stuff to bring along, and in the world of backpacking every ounce counts. Oh, and I know the 119 special isn't exactly full tang, I was trying to make a general point. Fixed knives feature zero moving parts and are made from one solid piece of steel. It’s better to bring a knife than to not bring a knife, and if you’ve got the space available, a fixed blade will typically be able to take more abuse than a folding knife. No matter what choice you make when it comes to fixed blade vs. folding knife, always treat it well, and it will treat you well in turn. Folding vs. Fixed-Blade Knife. The overall length is just short of a foot at an impressive 11 inches. Tactical Folding Knives vs Tactical Fixed Blade Knives – Which one is better? It’s technically a multi-tool and is of the lightest options available. Full review. There are some knives with unique opening mechanisms. Piggy backing on the other thread: What do most people use and is there an advantage or not to a fixed blade for working up an elk. Because Mora knives are often made of very tough components, they’re quite powerful regardless of their size. Locale: Portland, OR. First, you want to choose a fixed blade knife, folding knife or pocket knife.Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to look at more detailed features like blade material, handle design, and craftsmanship. best folding hiking knife; Uncategorized December 5, 2020 0 Comment.