Recent Comments

Good knife for exploration

Q. I need a good knife for exploring a forest. I want a knife that either unfolds or stays open. Any suggestions?
—Matt the Explorer, Kent, Wash.

A. Exploring a forest, huh? Sounds fun. I think your best bet is a folding knife like the new Gerber Mini Swagger ($27; gerbergear.com). It has a 2.8-inch long fine edge stainless steel blade that locks open so it won’t fold back on your fingers while you’re using it. The Mini Swagger is pretty compact and weighs just 2.9 ounces so you can stash it in your pants pocket or pack, but it’s still plenty big to handle any kind of cutting jobs you’ll encounter out there on the trail. Plus, with its jet black color and machined handle, this knife looks super cool, like something a Navy SEAL would carry!


Ask the Gear Guy

Not sure which gear to buy? Need tips for maintaining your equipment? Click here to send in your questions for the Gear Guy. Selected questions will be answered here and in the printed magazine.

11 Comments on Good knife for exploration

  1. I don’t suggest a frost cutlery knife they dull constantly and the handle needs to be tightend at first as well i suggest the knife in the picture or another knife from the same brand.

  2. Yankee Jim // May 20, 2011 at 7:34 am // Reply

    Remember the best knife is a sharp knife.
    A sharp knife does a better job and is less likely to injure the user. Keep a “small” pocket knife with you when exploring it will come in handy.

  3. Matt, I think you should use a 3 inch blade flip knife. You could probably get one from your local super market or flea market for $5 to $8, but they don’t last long. I know one place to go to get this item, your local Bass Pro Shop. The name brand I recommend is Cabela’s, It never let me or my brother down.

  4. AbCdEfGhIjKlMnOpQrStUv // May 19, 2011 at 1:55 am // Reply

    you need a parang

    • That’s a little over kill unless your going through thick brush.
      I have one Bear Grylls parang and it works better than any other machete. You can also use it as a hatchet.

  5. 🙂 cool

  6. Epic

  7. Another great knife is the Gerber Kiowa. It’s kinda pricy ($45) but it is a great knife. It too locks.

  8. explorer367 // May 18, 2011 at 6:11 am // Reply

    I have a “parfive” winchester folding knife. I have had it for 3 years of rough use and it is holding on strong. It keeps its edge for a long time, because it is titanium steel. the other plus is that it only cost $15. The blade is about 2 3/4 inches long, this is a great knife!

  9. I says to Mabel I // May 17, 2011 at 2:29 pm // Reply

    sweet

Leave a Comment

Please don't use your real name.