I've just bought a Swiss Army Knife- should I buy an actual knife too?

Question

Hi! I am just starting to get interested in outdoor recreation and survivalism and I am currently trying my hand at camping, climbing, hiking, orienteering etc etc.

I've bought a S.A.K as I thought that for £15 all it's functions would come in handy around the house as well as outdoors, and I wouldn't be using it too heavily.

My question is, for when I head out in to the British countryside for long periods, should I have another dedicated knife for heavier work? The blade on a S.A.K isn't great.

If so what sort of knife should I opt for, with a budget of around £20-£30? There are so many types and materials I'm really lost! Sheath-knife, folding knife, carbon blade, steel....

What sort of size blade is ideal? I aim to be outdoors for up to a fortnight at a time in British wilds (breacon, exmoor) and so want something capable but that isn't going to seem over the top. Where should I keep the two knives, in a pocket or my pack?

Thanks for any serious help!

Answer 1

i have carried a Swiss army knife since 1985,a tinker deluxe and it has served in many capacities

from camping needs to self defense,keep it  sharp and ready ,a fillet knife in the backpack would serve double purpose,unless you are in a jungle this should be enough

Answer 2

You should have a go with a Swedish army knife. It is very cheap and fantastic to use. A very good knife to start with before you progress.

http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shops...

Answer 3

In life I would buy the tool that is designed for the job. If you want a knife, buy a knife, if you want a bottle opener buy a bottle opener.

So yes, I would get a good quality knife. Blade about 5" long should be OK and make sure the blade is good and able to be sharpened. You get what you pay for afterall - and £15 for 10 tools or £15 for one tool wonder which would be better quality.

Apparantly you should go for one with a wooden handle (unvarnished),and I think Ray Mears does one that he (obviously) recommends - looks OK.

Fixed blade is better - a sheath knife - wont collpse and chop your fingers, failing that a lock knife.

You are unlikely to need a knife in a hurry when you are out, you should have time to get it out of your pack - so dont carry it in your pockets (easy to forget about it, go to the pub and then get arrested for carrying a knife). If you are stopped when you have your pack on you with the knife, a police officer will appreciate that you arnt carrying it to cause trouble and is part of your outdoor kit (unlikely you will get stopped though)

All in all, be sensible. Get a 5" fixed blade with wooden handle and a good quality blade. You might want to invest in a stone to sharpen it with too.

Answer 4

I do a bit of hiking and camping in the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. My most handy "knife" is a basic gardening machete. Does just about everything a knife will do, and doubles as a trenching tool, hammer, fire poker, hatchet, etc, etc.

There is a tool that is advertised over here called "the woodsmans pal", that I've been looking at.