Which knife for a tramper

[RAT 54]

Hello All,



So heres the question. Which knife? I’m after a larger knife, i.e. around 100mm (4 inch), to carry when tramping, or doing widerness SAR type things. The knife needs to be strong and keep a good edge.



I’m leaning towards a Milli, but I have never liked liner locks. (I’m sure the Spyderco one is good, but liner locks just don’t feel right somehow) I’ve tracked down a NZ web site that has then at a good price. Can the Milli unlock if the handle is gripped hard? Never have had a chance to play with one, and given that the best place to get them is from an on line store I won’t till I buy one.



I though about one of the FB designs, but am not sure. I like the look of the Tek-Lok, but like the idea of a folder because it fits into the top of my pack. The Endura FRN CE is another option, but would cost me more than the Milli.



I don’t hunt, so skinning is not a thing that is high on my list of things I knife has to do. The worst that the knife would be used for would be knocking up a biv’ (temporary camp/shelter) or cutting splints.



Anyway ‘nough of me rabbiting on, what do you guys suggest and why?





Ian

[Shards of Narsil]

I think you are looking for a Moran FB. They are really light and should be able to go with your pack easy.

For lockbacks, the Endura is great. The Goddard is a pretty tough cutter too if you can take a slightly shorter blade.

Try New Graham Knives. Can't see why a Mili would be cheaper than an Endura...

Shards

[Mr Blonde]

What exactly is 'tramping'?

Wouter

Spyderco photos and reviews at: <a href= http://www.geocities.com/mrblonde50>Mr Blonde’s Blog</a>

[SpydercoAngel]

I recommend the James A. Keating Chinook II. It is designed for hard use camping, the blade length is only 3 1/4 inches but it's a cool knife. The blade steel is CPM S30V, very durable, it has heavy liners and a G-10 handle. With a bowie style blade, I don't think there is really any other choice. It's what I camp with. It is about $10 more than a mili. But worth every penny. Bonus, it's made in Golden, so is the Mili, you can't go wrong with either.

[Simple Man]

Personally, I go not like linerlocks either. I have had problems with just about every one I have tried. That said, I have EDC'd a S30V Millie for a year and a half now and have had NO problems with it and it's lockup. It is almost worth calling the Millie's linerlock something different because it works so much better than most any other linerlock out there. The Millie still has not changed my mind about linerlocks in general though.

“…tractors don't have to look like Ferraris” – Sal <><

[CKE]

With the Millie or Endura you can't go wrong. I would also recommend the Perrin bowie although 5 inches in blade length. Not a full tang fixed blade either. Have heard concerns about it but it has never given me any problems. The Millie will take abuse more so I would say then the Endura and those are the two <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>'s I have EDC'd the most. Seriously you can't go wrong with either. If you are going to be batoning logs you really should consider a fixed blade. How about a combo...Millie and Moran/Perrin???? Take Care and let us know how you make out<img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

One day at a Time....I WILL BEAT THIS!!!

[BigDog96]

I guess if it was me a folder would not be my primary while tramping , a large camp knife , ( Perrin ? ) for example would be my first choice . A folder would be my secondary to do the small chores were a biggie is not an option . Nothing wrong with the Military , I don't own right handed folders but many here can attest to the great benefits of choosing that knife . I guess the name speaks for its self . Chinook II would be another great option if you favor a lockback and for you a PE blade may be the best option . Happy Tramping !

[Ray.Hood]

What about a Simonich mid-tech?
Bad knife dude, or a cold steel. Way sharp
man. Later Bro.

[Nicky]

Impala! that's it, that's all!

[DAYWALKER]

Hey my friend!

"Tramping"?! That's not legal where I live...LOL! KIDDING!

Okay, I would have to say the Endura. I have put one through **** and it is still in use today! It was one of the older G2 madels in PE. Man, let me tell ya, I abused the heck outta it. Still had LOTS of mileage left so I gave it to a co-worker who USES his knives hard on a ED Basis. I'd simply choose this for the fact that during your "tramping", ya might lose it. WAY cheaper to replace than a Mili...I've "lost and found" that Endura many times. Sometimes after weeks...LOL!

Why would the CE, my fave edge BTW, cost you more than the Mili?

ROM831 said he didn't like liner locks...well, I don't care for them either, and my Mili CE NEVER gives me any probs.

Well, "ask" for wisdom my friend. NOTHING is "trivial" to Him!

Proverbs 16:3...Commit YOUR works to the LORD, and YOUR plans WILL succeed!

[pmel018]

Hi Guys
I wondered if 'trmping' was going to be a problem. NZ may be a small country but there aren't many of us and there is alot of bush/forest.Many people hunt, fish or hikein the great outdoors. Locals call it tramping, rambling i you are in the UK.
Ain't English fun.
Phil

[pmel018]

Hey RAT54
what is the NZ web site that has knives at a good price??? Spydercos are really expensive when bought at retail here. I haven't bought from a local shop since I discovered Bladeforums.Now have 15 Police models alone.A Police Model might fit your needs, the stainless one is a bit heavy but you canstill pick up G10 or Carbon Fiber ones .A Renegade Bowie would also fit the bill. A Spyderco take on the Buck 110.You will have to search for that one though, itwas discontinued some time ago.
Regards Phil

[Jimd]

If I'm out in the woods, I make certain to have some type of fixed blade with me, in addition to a large folder and a smaller folder.

The fixed blade can get you shelter and firewood, both of which require a substantial blade, for the most part.

Pounding on logs to make firewood is not something most folders will tolerate well for extended periods, with some exceptions.

Show me your 'fly. Not that one- your Dragonfly!

[RAT 54]

Thanks for explaining tramping Phil.

The site in question is http://store.legearstore.com/spmimosp.html

It has a dot co dot nz url as well, which is how a found the site. I have never used them is the past so have no idea what the service is like. They have some of the original rescues on sale as well. The ones with the drying slit in the side. The Milli is $169 plus GST last time I looked. Cheaper than the $200 King of Knives wants for an Endura.

Thanks for you comments guys. I have still have not made up my mind, but that said I think half the fun is in picking which one is next. :-)


Ian

[pmel018]

Hi RAT54
Thats a good price on the Mili if its $NZ. i paid about $300 in Adelade at King Of Knives. They were having a sale. Also had Emerson and a few others not seen in NZ.
Phil