do you carry knifes on hikes.

[SHD]

I've carried a Fallkniven TK 6 in a leather sheath for a while now and find it suits my needs. Back up SAK in pack.

[TerraMer]

On a knife tangent: I used to work on ships and a variety of smaller vessels for many years and carrying a knife on the belt was an unspoken rule. A knife is much more useful on the water than in the bush. When things go wrong they can go terribly wrong very quickly but a knife can solve some serious problems before anyone gets badly injured or killed. On some of the bigger ships it was good to remember where to find the closest axe (bigger lines). However, it is easier to lose good knives through the scuppers while working on the deck in any kind of weather but it is rare to lose a good knife in the bush.

For personal protection against predators (ie humans) I don't worry about a knife. If they're close enough for you to need to use a short blade they must already be attacking with equal or greater force so they are too close for you to get an advantage. I carry a pocket size can of Bushmans insect repellent, not just for bugs but if a human threatens me they'll get it straight in the eyes before they're within lunging distance (if OC spray was legal I'd carry that like I did in Africa and use it as I was trained in the police). Then you just need to know a bit about balance and pressure points and, if luck is on your side, you'll gain the advantage.

When i was in the police this is what we were taught regarding blades. Legally, when carrying a blade you need proof of your occupation and why you need knives, eg, chef, butcher, farmer, deckhand, etc. Generally speaking genuine pocket knives/multitools (NOT flick knives) are not a problem. Carrying a dive knife in your dive gear is acceptable as is a knife in your tackle box while fishing. There are also exemptions for traditional and cultural use like aboriginals hunting on land or sikhs wearing their kirpan. A blade, as some of you are talking about, isn't technically within regs and you could be fined for carrying it.

[kyubi]

I'm sure almost every bushwalker that l know does, I carry a GERBER - LMF II Infantry Tactical Survival Knife - BLACK

Awesome knife, I have one in coyote brown. Bit on the heavy side for hiking though at nearly 700 grams.

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[north-north-west]

Side note: 'protection' is a perfectly valid reason to carry a knife (in the bush).

Against what? Packs of wild dogs or pigs - you don't want them getting that close. Snakes - you're more likely to get bitten if you go after one with a knife. Nor is a knife likely to be much use against the Ivan Milats of the world.

Last edited by north-north-west on Wed 05 Jun, 2013 9:16 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[davidm]

I mean as far as a legal reason goes. It's legal to carry a knife for sporting purposes, and it wouldn't be too hard to justify why you need a knife if you're on a multi day bush walk.

[Strider]

Against what? Packs of wild dogs or pigs - you don't want them getting that close.

What's your alternative?

[cooee]

I'm sure almost every bushwalker that l know does, I carry a GERBER - LMF II Infantry Tactical Survival Knife - BLACK

Awesome knife, I have one in coyote brown. Bit on the heavy side for hiking though at nearly 700 grams.

It is, does almost everything. Carry it on my Ribz so don't really notice the weight.

I'm sure almost every bushwalker that l know does, I carry a GERBER - LMF II Infantry Tactical Survival Knife - BLACK

But does it get used to its full potential?

It sure does Strider. Mind you, not too many Taliban around my part of the bush.

[north-north-west]

Against what? Packs of wild dogs or pigs - you don't want them getting that close.

What's your alternative?

Climb the nearest tree.
Seriously, a wild pig will take you out if it's in the mood and it gets close enough for you to use a knife. Those *&%$#! are big and tough and mean.
Wild dogs travel and hunt in packs. One person and one knife against a pack of dogs is not going to make much headway. I'd rather use a club - at least it would keep them a bit further off, because they have the advantage at close quarters.
And the likelihood of coming across a pack of wild dogs hungry enough to have a go at you, or a wild pig in a bad enough mood to decide to get quarrelsome, is not great. You're more likely to run into a psychopath with a big gun.
I wish you luck with your knife against any of the above.

[justacouch]

When bushwalking I take a folding knife (Chris Reeve Sebenza, not that large and more gentleman than 'tactical'). It's good for lots of stuff and I reckon a knife is the ultimate multi use item, especially when using a trap or wood stove.

But be careful importing folding knives into Australia. Customs 'reinterpreted' the law in December 2011 and now seizes any knife that can be opened using a wrist flicking action. This includes most folding knives. They're still legal to have and use according to State laws, just not to import.



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[Strider]

But be careful importing folding knives into Australia. Customs 'reinterpreted' the law in December 2011 and now seizes any knife that can be opened using a wrist flicking action. This includes most folding knives. They're still legal to have and use according to State laws, just not to import.

And the law was changed again on 1st January 2013 to ban the importation of ANY knife that can be opened with one hard. This includes thumb studs, Spyderholes, everything.

[photonaturally]

Against what? Packs of wild dogs or pigs - you don't want them getting that close.

What's your alternative?

Climb the nearest tree.
Seriously, a wild pig will take you out if it's in the mood and it gets close enough for you to use a knife. Those *&%$#! are big and tough and mean.
Wild dogs travel and hunt in packs. One person and one knife against a pack of dogs is not going to make much headway. I'd rather use a club - at least it would keep them a bit further off, because they have the advantage at close quarters.
And the likelihood of coming across a pack of wild dogs hungry enough to have a go at you, or a wild pig in a bad enough mood to decide to get quarrelsome, is not great. You're more likely to run into a psychopath with a big gun.
I wish you luck with your knife against any of the above.

Most of the time, a wild pig will usually bolt. But when you get one that is having a bad day to begin with. Tree. quick. A knife will hardly make a dint in his skull, serving only to make it EVEN more pissed off. Their charge will break some/many bone and their tusk will pierce some organs. They are as dangerous as tasty.

Wild dogs and psychopaths I have never encountered.

[Strider]

A knife will hardly make a dint in his skull

Hence why pig hunters go in under the front leg.

[doogs]

This justification for carrying a big knife is getting more bizarre each time I look at the thread!!!

[Nuts]

Ho hum. I always whip out my trusty boker for topics like this.

Screen Shot 2013-06-06 at 4.05.58 PM.png (504.74 KiB) Viewed 23752 times

and yes, i have been charged by a pig, they would likely be on you before you could make a second thought.. go with the first.. run!! at least you'll get a chance for a second thought... climb something!!!

[Strider]

This justification for carrying a big knife is getting more bizarre each time I look at the thread!!!

Sure is. For the record, its a Mora Companion for me - hardly a big knife.

[Lindsay]

But be careful importing folding knives into Australia. Customs 'reinterpreted' the law in December 2011 and now seizes any knife that can be opened using a wrist flicking action. This includes most folding knives. They're still legal to have and use according to State laws, just not to import.

And the law was changed again on 1st January 2013 to ban the importation of ANY knife that can be opened with one hard. This includes thumb studs, Spyderholes, everything.

Not quite. Item 16 of shedule 13 of the Prohibited Import Regulations 1956 reads:

' Single handed opening knives, being knives that have a blade folded or recessed into the handle which is capable of being opened by gravity, inertia or centrifugal force'

Therefore the Prohibited Import regulations do not apply to knives where the blade needs to be pushed open with the thumb, like the SAK 'one handed' types and other similar knives.

[Strider]

But be careful importing folding knives into Australia. Customs 'reinterpreted' the law in December 2011 and now seizes any knife that can be opened using a wrist flicking action. This includes most folding knives. They're still legal to have and use according to State laws, just not to import.

And the law was changed again on 1st January 2013 to ban the importation of ANY knife that can be opened with one hard. This includes thumb studs, Spyderholes, everything.

Not quite. Item 16 of shedule 13 of the Prohibited Import Regulations 1956 reads:

' Single handed opening knives, being knives that have a blade folded or recessed into the handle which is capable of being opened by gravity, inertia or centrifugal force'

Therefore the Prohibited Import regulations do not apply to knives where the blade needs to be pushed open with the thumb, like the SAK 'one handed' types and other similar knives.

I was told this by the owner of a well respected Hobart knife shop, who said he is no longer able to import one handed opening knives of any variety.

[photonaturally]

[quote="Nuts"]Ho hum. I always whip out my trusty boker for topics like this.
/quote]

What about that kukuri like blade in the background.

[Moondog55]

Maybe we should have a "Show and Tell" with our knife collections pictured.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25510659@N07/4905723493/

[wander]

What doogs said.

The wild dogs I have come across have been very very shy and had no interest in getting close, like wise the only location I know there are wild pigs.

But I have not wandered where pigs are thicker on the ground. My dad used to talk about going pigging in the 50s in the back of Qld with just a ute a couple of dogs and maybe a knife amongst a crew. The knife was only pulled out when the pigs was down and held, too early and the pig would break the knife. They used to go thru dogs like underwear. Good dogs were worth more than the ute. An utes were scarce then, Dad made good pocket money doing ute jobs after work and on the weekends, he was a teacher.

[22F]

Show and tell Moondog?
Yeah, why not?

If I'm wearing pants out scrub, then I have a decent folding knife:


For those hunting trips, or when feeling a wee bit paranoid, then a fixed blade:

[Strider]

If I'm wearing pants out scrub, then I have a decent folding knife

IF you're wearing pants?

[22F]

*innocent blink*
Well, of course!

Like many of my background, I like to get my gear off whenever possible.
Comes from having to spend long periods not being able to take clothes or boots off when working.

When I was at uni, we were somewhat famous for getting about sans clothing when over-indulging in silly juice. Since most of us are now middle/senior management and consultants, some of the conversations our old crew have with employees about our uni days can get quite humorous when people get embarassed for us

Veering back onto topic:
I like secaturs for those really thick jungle moments, and a tomahawk for the bigger chopping tasks. The tomahawk in particular, is one of those things intended to bury in someone's head should the Zombie Apocalypse ever kick off.

[Rico]

I usually carry my Fallkniven S1 forest knife with zytel handle. It is light and it doesn't scare other hikers, but in the same time it is one of the best steels money can buy, and it will survive to pretty much anything you throw at it.
I also sleep with a knife next to me when in a tent, but not to protect myself from ninja attacks, i think that this is a personal phobia... If something heavy (like a large animal ) fall on the tent, or in case of flooding or fire, I know I can make my way out of the tent without looking for the zip!

[inmused]

Of course.

This is what I carried on my last hike. A SAK Dual pro and a Leatherman Juice PS2


EDC - 27MAY13 by InMused, on Flickr

I do not view a knife as a weapon. It is a tool. And the (Victorian) law sees it that way if read correctly: a person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes: a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment.

I solo hike most of the time so I take survival very seriously and a good knife is a part of that.

[Strider]

I take survival very seriously and a good knife is a part of that.

I find, these days, many people tend to scoff at these sorts of claims. Usually based on the likelihood of it being needed. In some ways, Bear Grylls has done no favours for the survivalists, but I don't think many would disagree that Bear has well demonstrated just how useful a good knife can be. When its needed, you'll certainly be glad you've got it! The same argument can be applied to PLB's and first aid kits.

[bmak]

I carry a multi tool and a medium size lock knife and use both regularly for various tasks.
I keep the lock knife at close reach for comfort reasons and the only time I've held it while was walking was on the weekend when wild pigs were close by but realistically I'd be up the nearest tree before standing and defending myself.

[Moondog55]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/25510659@N07/4905723493/

Nuff said??

[22F]

Nice collection mate.
I just received a really nice little custom made fixed blade as a wedding present from my darling wife. I should get a picture of that posted up...

[north-north-west]

Forget the knives, I just want a good machete.
Or, for routes like this last weekend, a small bulldozer . . .