Hiking Knife --

A Hiking Essential with Many Choices

Many hiking knife selections are available for your outdoor adventures. The only hard part is choosing one.

Pocket Knife or Multi-function Tool?

Many hikers choose a multi-function tool, which at its core, is a knife with a variety of useful accessories. It is not necessary to choose a multi-function model. Many hikers are well served and very satisfied with the Swiss Army model that they have carried since Boy Scouts. The options are endless.

Lightweight multi-function models are available weighing as little as 5 ounces. Of course, the more accessories that you add, the heavier it will become. Evaluate your needs. Do you really need the corkscrew on the trail? Have some fun choosing your personal favorite.

You will, of course need a good sharp knife blade to whittle kindling, cut nylon cord to repair a tent or backpack. A good, versatile knife can serve a multitude of uses. Everything from cutting wood for a fire to spreading peanut butter on a tortilla. You will want to make a purchase with flexability in mind.

Some of the more useful accessories include:

• A locking knife blade for safety
• A pair of pliers
• Pocket Clip
• Carabiner
• Wire Cutters
• Ability for one-handed opening

Keep it Handy

Many hikers wisely choose to attach their knife to a lanyard and hang it around their neck or to a belt loop or zipper pull. This keeps your knife handy and helps to prevent loss. Have you ever laid your knife down while performing a task and walked away from it? Then you get ready to use it again, reach for it, and it isn't in your pocket? I have. This would not be amusing if the last time I used it (and laid it down) was 5 miles back down the trail.


Keep it Sharp

A good knife is only useful if it is sharp. A dull knife is not only frustrating but requires extra effort to use. Attempting to force a dull blade through wood or any other object often causes your knife to slip which can result in a nasty cut.

The last thing you need is to escalate your backwoods emergency with a bleeding injury. Keep your hiking knife sharp and it will serve you well.

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