Folding knives: Are they any good?
The question on folding knives in bushcraft is one of big controversy! In this post I decide to take a solid stand FOR the folding knife. Read on to find out why!
There’s a lot of debate regarding the usefulness of the folding knife. Opinions range from “a good Victorinox is truly all you ever need!” to “Ha! A folding knife have no tang, what good can it possibly do?!” I‘m going to stick my neck out here and confess myself to the first camp. Well, not completely. I don’t think it’s all you ever need, but I do see some great uses of the folding knife in bushcraft!
Folding Knife uses
First and foremost, I almost always carry a folding knife of some sort directly on my person. I like the small format and that you can just put it in a random pocket when not in use. Normally, the type of folder I carry is a small Victorinox or a 6-8cm Opinel. Honestly, almost all the small stuff that needs cutting or carving will be manageable with the folder.
Of course, I can’t do any chopping or battoning or any other type of rough work, but I normally don’t have to. For day hikes, overnighters, and general camp stuff the folder is all that is needed. I tend to use it for things like carving, collecting fire tinder, mushrooms, as cutlery for eating, and general small things in- and around camp and the trail.
Somtimes, however, I agree you do need something sturdier. That is where the full tang bushcraft knife comes in to play! The folder normally aren’t able to handle any type of rough processing, like breaking up kindling for the fire or shaping a spoon you’re about to carve. So, if I’m only bringing my folder, I’m pretty much stuck with collecting small wet twigs for the fire instead of processing the larger pieces of wood down to smaller pieces.
What folding knives do I use?
I tend to bring one of the following 3 types, depending on what I’m about to do.
Opinel 6-8cm
Truly one of the classics! It’s simple, versatile and very pleasant to look at. The Opinel is the perfect companion when I’m out on a day hike or making dinner in the woods with the family. I’ve actually gotten another Opinel purely for the purpose of processing food when cooking in the wild. That way I know it’s clean, sharp and ready to use. It even cuts tomatoes like it’s nothing!
The blade, however is very thin (for bushcraft use) and thus not particularly suited for anything other than very light carving. So, if you’re taking the Opinel to a dinner in the woods, make sure to also bring something sturdier to process the wood with!
EKA Swede
The EKA Swede also locks its blade in place when in use and are a lot sturdier than the Opinel. This knife could possibly be an alternative to bringing a full tang knife to the woods, as long as you also bring an axe or saw to accompany it.
I have the version with a black rubber-like handle, which is very comfortable to use and doesn’t slip when wet. It does weigh too much more than the Opinel so you’ll definately feel it in the pocket.
Victorinox
Another classic! Perfect for everything small on the trail and in the woods. It does not in any way replace your other knife but is great for tasks such as maintaining your nails, open beer- or wine bottles and fixing and maintaining your gear.
Like I said earlier, there are those that say that a Victorinox is truly all you need for your outdoor activities such as bushcraft, fishing, hiking and building a radioactive bombshelter for protection against the fallout (well, not quite, but almost). If you haven’t already heard of Felix Immler I strongly suggest you check out some of his videos as they really are one of a kind! By now he’s been at it for several years practicing survival with only a Victorinox as a tool. Here’s one video to get you started, for those of us saying a full tang blade is needed to cleave larger pieces of wood.
Be sure to take it easy with folders that doesn’t have a locking blade if you’re doing anything other than very light tasks!
Do you use folders or do you prefer the full sized ones?