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Posted by kutenay on May 6, 2008 at 7:42:10 pm EDT
In reply to knives and hiking posted by redpatch5 on May 4, 2008 at 10:00:14 pm EDT

James Gary Shelton, a respected bear/Cougar defence instructor here in B.C. and author of three well-known and widely read/used books on this topic, DOES recommend carrying a large, sharp, pointed knife along with two fresh canisters of bear spray, in holsters on your belt while in bear/Cougar habitat. This is largely due to most people being banned from carrying a handgun in Canada's wilderness or anywhere else and he feels that such weapons CAN be useful in the event of a Cougar or bear attack.

Gary is from California and has an American's attitude toward handguns, however, he came here in 1965 and actually LISTENED to the old timer's where he settled and thus learned what/what not to do where these animals are concerned. I own and have read all of his books and respect him, his honesty, experience and conclusions, most of which I agree with.

A guy successfully fought off a hungry Black Bear in William's Lake a couple of years ago, using his belt knife and, I would rather have a good knife than my hands if tangling with a bear.

I do not carry spray, DO carry a 4-4.5" heavy duty sheath knife at all times when in the bush and I keep it sharp enough to do surgery with. I also carry a Letherman TTi Charge and a small SAK in my 1st aid kit.

I don't carry a knife especially FOR use in defence and I can obtain a permit for my Redhawk .44, but, I can't be bothered as I hate having a handgun around in the towns we have to pass through as it is just one more thing to worry about.

Would I use a knife for self defence against a bear or Cougar, hell, yeah, no point in going down without a fight. That said, my buddie's Busse Battle Mistress on his pack strap makes me chuckle....my custom P-64 Mod. 70 "shorty"in .375 H&H with firesights is a FAR better option in bear country and doesn't weigh much more than that "toadstabber"on steroids!

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