Knives and Tools

Recent Knife/Tool Reviews

Gerber Epic Knife

Excellent as a backup fixed blade when camping, or as an EMS boot knife. I like it because it's a "small-ish" fixed blade (better/stronger than folder) and it doesn't have a pronounced pointed tip to poke yourself/others with. Sharpens up nicely and has serrations for added oomph when cutting thicker things. What sold it for me was the sheath. I'm a volunteer EMS Medic and the fact I can securely carry it in my boot w/o being conspicuous is a huge deal. The extra long clip can be carried upright… Full review

TOPS Knives Steel Eagle 107C Delta

Solid 7-inch full tang knife, with a functional saw on the back edge of the blade. Best used in the processing of firewood and as an all around knife for use in the backcountry. It has a super sturdy design, and can handle serious use and abuse. Highly recommend. This knife is an all around beast. I absolutely love it, works like a charm, holds its edge, is super sturdy, and can be used in a wide variety of ways from splitting logs by "batoning" through them, to sawing through small sticks or branches,… Full review

Fiskars Chopping Axe 28"

The Fiskars Chopping Axe (WALMART $34.47) is basically just a longer handled version of the Fiskars X15 axe (Amazon $33.98) with a new paint job. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the two axes. (New black longer Fiskars Chopping Axe on the left, and the Fiskars X15 on the right) If you like winter camping using either a hot tent with a wood stove or bush craft with tarps and a long fire, you shall process a lot of wood. In the winter, you need to find standing dead trees because the downed or… Full review

Estwing Leather Sportsman's Axe

I used to only take a saw along on my outdoor adventures, but recently I've added a small hatchet to my backcountry tool kit. I was gifted with the Estwing Sportsman's Axe, a medium-sized hatchet constructed from a single piece of forged steel. This axe has a nice balance and weight to it, although it would be easier to trek around if it weighed a few ounces less, but it seems to get the job done. I've put together a short video review of this handy little axe. Please check it out. Here is my video… Full review

Estwing Camper's Axe

Not a backpacking item, but it is a great Camper's Axe and for around the house for the firepit. It's a great item when camping and holds its edge well. I picked it up at the local big box hardware store for under $50 plus tax.  Full review

Gerber Freescape Camp Saw

Looks great, and the folding mechanism is clever, but it's too small, and I was disappointed in the quality... Ease of Use (4/10): I'll talk about the folding mechanism later, the actual use of this saw is fundamentally the saw as any other bow saw. You'd think there isn't anything that Gerber could screw up, but there are a few impediments inherent in this particular design which make it difficult to use. The blade length is very short, which means the logs you can cut cannot be more than about… Full review

TheTentLab Deuce of Spades #2

The #1 item for when I need to go #2. The Deuce of Spades is a great little trowel that works like a charm. I wrap a bandana around the handle to make it a little easier to use. I received this as a prize from Trailspace for being a Reviewer of the Month. A quick note: I was initially hesitant to write this review, since this product is already well covered here on Trailspace (at the time of writing, there are six reviews, all 5-stars), but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that… Full review

Cold Steel Master Hunter in San Mai

This trail companion is a keeper for life. Full review

Morakniv Companion

This lightweight knife will be the only one needed. Having a extensive collection of knives and katanas I've come to find that high carbon steel knives are my favorite. When compared to stainless steels, carbon is softer, but tougher. That means that it's easier to sharpen and less likely to chip, as it's not as brittle. It will rust if left wet, but that's not necessarily bad, as long as it's not kept wet to the point it eats away steel. The Companion comes very sharp and highly polished and all… Full review