High Sierra Topix

I was almost interested in that knife since I hadn't bought any outdoor gear in 3 days (last purchase a new pair of backcountry skis, less than half price from Sierra Trading Post) but noticed it has that damn flimsy spring in the scissors that always breaks in two seasons. Generally my little knives last about 3 seasons before I lose them.

As I remember it I cleaned the fish but Mark cut it up into 3 remarkably equal chunks for the 3 of us and then did his magic with the seasoning and cooking.

Mike

This is the combo i carry:
I too, had one of those scissor contraptions on a previous knife. It was too flimsy to work well with the moleskin. The Hemostat i carry has a scissor blade built in that works fantastic for moleskin, or cutting line or anything else. I've carried these for about 20 years now. Note i don't lose them like some people from Oregon, maybe due to the lanyard. The hemo's only come out during fishing and clip snuggly to my pants for easy access.

If i could repurpose the corkscrew, which serves absolutely no purpose in the backcountry, i would.

I have an old 6" straight blade Buck knife that I have had since the mid 70's & will continue
to bring it along on my pack trips. It comes in handy for lots of things, so far no bears have
jumped on Me but If one did, I would rather have a descent sized knife than a little red
folding knife with a cross on it.

What do you mean? I carry this knife with me everywhere!

I take along this knife: http://www.bensbackwoods.com/servlet/Detail?no=108 It's cheap, light, surgical steel sharp and holds a great edge.

rlown wrote:hmm. i've never seen a real backpacker carry a knife like that. The rant might be a bit overblown.
Anyone who does carry one of those either doesn't get 2 miles from their truck, or know's of a great lake with really, really big fish.

Hmmm, the first guy I saw when I was going in last week out of Hetch Hetchy (he was heading out, hiking solo) had a big knife like that and he was coming from Vernon Lake where there are HOGS!!! Maybe not necessary I'll agree, but this person seemed like a "real backpacker" to me and Vernon is 12 miles in.

cmon4day wrote:

rlown wrote:hmm. i've never seen a real backpacker carry a knife like that. The rant might be a bit overblown.
Anyone who does carry one of those either doesn't get 2 miles from their truck, or know's of a great lake with really, really big fish.

Hmmm, the first guy I saw when I was going in last week out of Hetch Hetchy (he was heading out, hiking solo) had a big knife like that and he was coming from Vernon Lake where there are HOGS!!! Maybe not necessary I'll agree, but this person seemed like a "real backpacker" to me and Vernon is 12 miles in.

Nice there are hogs there, but you don't need a 6" blade to deal with them. Still, can someone explain why they need a 6" blade in the backcountry? Can't be a bear, because, well, why? A rock is enough. Not like it's Dan'l boone time up there..

Balzaccom-
I have two knives and a mini multi tool. The knives are made by CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Took), GREAT knives - durable and holds good sharp edges. They're both, folding models, approx 3" in length; ones a standard straight edge blade the other a combination, straight and seraded. Love 'em both, recommed CRKT to ANYONE! The mini multi tool is made by Leathermen (surprise surprise) but, its GREAT. Use it primarily for snipping fishing line, other fishing applications and various repair/maintanence jobs while in the backcountry. I do however want a fixed blade CRKT approx 5" in length- just 'cuz (if anything just to satisfy my inner Ramdo - LOL!)! I do however agree that the huge machetties are overkill! Someone else said something to the effect of "if a bear is charging you, run like hell" or my favorite "you've got one knife, the bear has nine more knives (claws) lol!
-Evan

I have been carrying a Buck 121 "Fisherman" for over 45 years. Its about 9" long and doesn't make me feel like "Mr. Bad Ass" for carrying it either. Its light and it was a gift from my Dad. All the reason I need.

my son's knife, which now has become my knife (he needed cash for a new snow board...)

love it, but even though I have great sharpening stones, these hard blades don't stay sharp anywhere near as long as my ancient pocket knife from the 1970s. I expected a knife that well made and that expensive to stay sharp for a few weeks of light use