What is the best kind of knife (pocket or otherwise) for an outdoor adventure?

Question

I have limited cash to work with as well.

What kind of knife does Bear Grylls use on his television show Man vs. Wild? I like that one, so I was wondering what it is or something close to it.

Answer 1

"Bear is using different knives on each episode. On the Sierra Nevada episode he did not use a knife, just a bit of obsidian for cutting. As far as I know Bear does not have a contract with any knife company to showcase their knives. He does use Gerber (Lmf11) knives sometimes, as well as a Swiss Army folding knife in the Alps episode.

I’m not big on folding knives for a survival tool. Read my article on the survival knife here on the Newsletter for valuable information about the type of survival knife you want to invest in.

Though with Bear using a variety of knives in the different survival scenario’s, one could gather some good information about how they hold up. I have put two beefy knives over the last year to the test. One a Bola, the other a Kukri, these are big knives not your average working knife. I trashed them both by using them just like I would any large working knife. Carving, chopping small trees and brush. Both of these knives were made by an American knife manufacturer. Can’t recommend the company that made these two knives though their customer service is great."

Answer 2

The best knife is the one one you have when you need it. Don't get one you won't carry. If it is too big for you pocket it will be annoying.

I have a few knives I use reguarly. Mostly lock-back folders. A single blade that locks open. Be very careful if the blade does not lock. Have it fold closed on fingers is very nasty.

I do have a Leatherman, but do not use it for a knife, tho it does have two nice blades. They are handy pliers, and the srewdriver is useful.

A good sheath knife is nice IF you need a larger blade. Seldom is a large blade really needed.
A blade of 2 or 3" usually does what is needed. It will fold and fit nicely in a pocket.

The main thing is learning to keep it properly sharpened. Take practice. And needs to be good steel. Some cheap knives are just as good as fancy name brands. But I am rather partial to my Kershaw. And I have a Gerber I've sharpened so much it is shrinking. Still keeps a good edge too.

Answer 3

I am going to get some thumbs down on this answer but I camp, I cave, I trail,. The Knife I use I got at a swap meet for a buck fifty. It has a pocket clip. I recommend this. So the knife isn't in the bottom of your pocket and can be put in a coveralls pouch pocket Side pocket or where ever. Just put the knife in the pocket the clip out. Serrated edge is also important. In my case if I have to cut a rope. The multiple use knifes pliers,scissors etc... I don't use other then at camp and my truck is usually there with all kinds of tools. My light has a screw that holds the battery's in . I use a penny to take that screw out while in cave. Name brands To $$$$
Happy Caving Carroll

Answer 4

I would say there are two: A good Swiss Army Knife with lots of gadgets and a nice Leatherman that folds away when not in use. You could probably get both of those for under $100.

Answer 5

I have a Victorix Swiss multi use knife that I love. I also like my Gerber diesel. Both very good knives.

Answer 6

Leatherman for limited funds

Answer 7

Katana

Answer 8

Swiss army

Answer 9

A leatherman pocket tool is handy...