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Posted by Mt. Guide on May 22, 2008 at 1:20:05 am EDT
In reply to knives and hiking posted by redpatch5 on May 4, 2008 at 10:00:14 pm EDT

Location, Location, Location....I've gotten by with just a basic swiss army pocket knife on a perlon lanyard around my neck for over 40 years when backpacking or on climbing trips. Ski touring and snow shoeing requires tools to help repair skis or snow shoes and bindings. Hunting or fishing requires different tools, if you harvest venison or fish you will come into contact with blood and this could bring a predator to you and your venison or fish, this is more probable if you are in a true wilderness area with a large predator population, Parts of Alaska are a good example. With documented cougar and bear attacks on the rise in many non wilderness areas, this may apply to you in a rural area. A well made fixed blade knife of full tang construction is stronger than a short pocket knife, You should however consider that if the knife is to be used for emergency self defense that the blade be very sharp and long enough to reach internal organs, How long is a long enough blade? Well a 160 lb. cougar is alot smaller than a 800 lb. bear, you decide. After several encounters with cougars and bears I now carry a large caliber revolver with the heavy bullets, even when hunting with a rifle because my rifle is scoped and after dark it's too difficult to see through. Some people who live in grizzly bear country carry a short 12 gauge shot gun with pistol grips in a special custom made shoulder holster others carry a short 12 gauge double barrell shotgun first shot is into the eyes with bird shot follow up shots are slugs. I carry a K-Bar or Cold Steel fixed blade knife and a pocket knife as well as a hatchet. How long is too long, it depends on what fits your needs, go to the sporting goods store put the knife and sheath on, wear it for awhile, sit down, squat down, will it fit on your belt without getting in the way while wearing it? Does it lash down to your leg. What other ways can the knife be carried? shoulder holster. does the knife rattle in a synthetic plastic sheath ? maybe leather is better for your situation? If you choose to carry bear repellant spray, be aware that you must keep the tip unplugged, so test it daily when in bear country. You must also be sure to keep from spraying yourself by making sure you are up wind and out of the way of drifting spray.

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