Looking for a suggestion for a camping knife/multi tool for my wife. She is a girl scout troop leader and next spring is taking her troop camping. It will be far from roughing it but its a start. I don't know much about such things. She doesn't need something like what Rambo used. I was thinking something along the line of what a Leatherman or Swissarmy type thing. Easy pocket carry or in a backpack. If it were available locally southeastern MA that would be even better. Not looking to spend a ton as it will probably end up as a stocking stuffer but not afraid to put a little bit out there.
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Camping knife
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Any of the sub-$100 Leathermen would suit her just fine. Some like Gerber, and they're well-made, but I don't like how they're designed.
For use in the woods, I am a fan of carrying a fixed-blade knife. If she's in that market, then bang-for-the-buck wise, it's difficult to beat a Mora.
For use in the woods, I am a fan of carrying a fixed-blade knife. If she's in that market, then bang-for-the-buck wise, it's difficult to beat a Mora.
ChevyGuy91
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I agree, get a solid fixed blade and whatever multitool fits the bill. I also have a stainless Mora Garberg that I am straight up unkind to. It is my usual camp site knife and I love it. My other go to is my ESEE6, it's what I take into the woods if I'm not taking any other tools.
In case you're not an experienced Leatherman shopper, OP, it occurs to me that I should suggest some models; Leatherman makes some good stuff that isn't really a multitool. She wants pliers, a screwdriver, and a decent blade; bonus points if that blade can be deployed without her having to unfold the tool.
I'd suggest the Wave, Sidekick, Curl, Wingman, Surge, something like that. Browse the site and pick out something that fits her aesthetic.
ChevyGuy91
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I was issued a Wave when I was in the Navy 20 years ago, I still use it often. Excellent tool.
Sparkey
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Girl Scout Swiss Army Hiker Knife
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Old Timer Traditional Scout Pocket Knife 2.44 Drop Pen Point Blade
The Old Timer Traditional Scout Folding Pocket Knife features a drop point blade, can opener, screwdriver and cap lifter, and awl. The Traditional Scout...
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Daddy Mac
NES Member
WWED. What would enbloc do? The Walmart near me has a surprisingly nice selection of moderately priced camp knives from a variety of manufacturers and you get to see them up close before you buy.
Camp knife or multitool? Two different applications. And maybe both are needed. I like to have a fixed blade camp knife. Esee makes a range of good ones. Just pick the blade length you’re looking for. For her I’d say 3-4”. I’m currently carrying the JG5 and loving it but it’s probably a little bigger than she’d want to carry.
EMTDAD
NES Member
I'm not a big knife guy, but I've been carrying one of these camping and hunting for a while now.. Years ago, this was a Gerber Bear Grylls knife, but they appear to have parted ways on endorsements.. same knife, only mine has the BG bling on it.. Not overly priced, holds a decent edge.. performs multiple functions, sturdy
I've used it to slice, pare kindling, cut small branches, even split wood using another log as a hammer.
www.gerbergear.com
I also carry a small folder and a Swiss army knife in my pockets as EDC.
I've used it to slice, pare kindling, cut small branches, even split wood using another log as a hammer.
Gerber Ultimate | Gerber
Loaded with innovations, this knife has everything. The Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife features a half serrated, drop point blade, a textured rubber grip, a steel hammer pommel, and an emergency whistle. The durable sheath has a sharpener and a firestarter.<br />
www.gerbergear.com
I also carry a small folder and a Swiss army knife in my pockets as EDC.
Individualist
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I recommend …
1) Leatherman, but not an overly complicated model. Something with at least a good pliers, serrated blade for cutting rope, flat & philips driver, maybe tweezers. The Sidekick or similar.
2) Silky folding saw. Because most scout camp saws suck ass. Maybe the 170mm Pocketboy with med or large teeth. Big enough for 3-4” branches, but small enough to carry.
Those should be sufficient for car camping, assuming they also have troop gear for chopping and sawing wood.
3) If hiking or backpacking or frequent camping then a more robust folding knife like full size Benchmade Griptillian partially serrated. Get something with decent steel. Nothing worse than a cheap knife that won’t stay sharp.
3a) A pocket sharpener is a good idea too. Something like a Lansky blade medic or Smith’s.
4) Unless she is doing frequent or back woods camping a sheath knife is probably overkill. ESEE is a good brand to look at for good value working fixed blades.
*** My personal preference is to have bright color grips (orange, yellow) or bright duct tape on your tools so you can find it when it gets dropped in the woods.
For your browsing pleasure:
1) Leatherman, but not an overly complicated model. Something with at least a good pliers, serrated blade for cutting rope, flat & philips driver, maybe tweezers. The Sidekick or similar.
2) Silky folding saw. Because most scout camp saws suck ass. Maybe the 170mm Pocketboy with med or large teeth. Big enough for 3-4” branches, but small enough to carry.
Those should be sufficient for car camping, assuming they also have troop gear for chopping and sawing wood.
3) If hiking or backpacking or frequent camping then a more robust folding knife like full size Benchmade Griptillian partially serrated. Get something with decent steel. Nothing worse than a cheap knife that won’t stay sharp.
3a) A pocket sharpener is a good idea too. Something like a Lansky blade medic or Smith’s.
4) Unless she is doing frequent or back woods camping a sheath knife is probably overkill. ESEE is a good brand to look at for good value working fixed blades.
*** My personal preference is to have bright color grips (orange, yellow) or bright duct tape on your tools so you can find it when it gets dropped in the woods.
For your browsing pleasure:
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