The pocket
knife: A handy and versatile tool for campers, hikers and other
outdoor adventurers
Whether you're repairing a line
on your mountaineering gear or whittling a walking stick, a pocket
knife can prove to be a valuable tool in the wilderness. You can
find specialized models for hunting, camping and hiking, and
fishing. But regardless of what it's used for, there are several
key features you should look for when choosing a pocket knife.
A pocket knife can be single or
multi-bladed. The familiar Swiss Army knife is a good example of a
multi-bladed model, although single-bladed knives are just as
common and often more expensive. Usually made of stainless steel,
a quality blade will sharpen well and resist corrosion.
The blade should have a good
balance of edge holding, toughness and abrasion resistance. Some
blades have a feature that locks them in the open position. A
lockable blade is safer to use, but can cost more. A serrated
blade will allow you to cut rope or line with a sawing motion and
requires less sharpening. A non-serrated blade will cut more
precisely but doesn't work well on rope and doesn't hold an edge
as long. A good compromise is the hybrid semi-serrated blade,
where only half the edge is serrated, providing benefits of both
types of blades.
The blade usually folds and locks
into the handle for compactness and safety in carrying. The handle
can be made of anything from titanium to high-impact plastic, but
aluminum and stainless steel are more common. Some handles are
highly decorative, carved out of bone or antler and trimmed with
brass. Textured rubber handles are less slippery in wet
conditions. A lockback knife requires two hands to open. A liner
lock knife requires only one hand to open. A pocket knife for
camping, hiking, backpacking or other outdoor activities should
have an integrated clip, hole or loop for attaching to belt, pack
or carabineer.
You'll find yourself reaching for
it again and again if you choose a quality pocket knife with the
right mix of features for your backcountry trips.
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About The Author:
Rita Liotta
is a successful author and publisher at
www.1st-at-camping-gear.com. Recommending
camping equipment, tents, backpacks, GPS, binoculars, sleeping
bags, hiking boots, camping stoves, containers, water purifiers,
compasses, topographical maps, pocket knives & hammocks
15-04-04
