I love knifes. I have a few that I have collected. I have always carried knives into the woods. Remember this when I ask some critical questions. Basically I am going to play devil's advocate to get a good discussion out of this, and to stir things up.

[quote]I love backpacking and wilderness survival. I wanted to share some feelings about knives and their place in backpacking and hiking. I am a gear tester of sorts and write reviews on outdoor gear and post them on many outdoors sites. I usually am contacted by companies to do photos and tests of knives in the outdoors.
When I am backpacking I usually just carry a Swiss Army Knife. When I am day hiking I have less gear as far as shelter and sleeping gear but always carry the survival basics. I also tend to carry a small stout knife for emergency shelter construction, fire and food prep. I wanted to share a knife that you backpackers, and hikers might find usefull. I just did a huge phot review for a knife maker from Nebraska and wanted to share this with you guys.

Breeden Knives
PSKK II (Personal Survival Kit Knife)
It is only 2.5 oz. and has a full tang. Perfect for backpacking and summit attempts.[quote]


You say that when you are backpacking that you usually just carry a swiss army knife. Why would this knife (the PSKK II) be better for backpacking? Why is it perfect for backpacking, as opposed to a small knife and a pair of scissors for the same weight? I can see the benefit for a day hike while not carrying shelter, sleeping gear, or cooking gear, and why it might be considered a survival basic. But, remember this is lightweight backpacking. Normally a lightweight backpacker doesn't need to leave his/her gear at a camp site to go on a day hike.

Now, I don't summit much, and I have never summited a peak with year round snow (Mt Rainier, Mt Baker, etc.). What are the benefits of a fixed blade knife while summiting? Why is this knife perfect for summit attempts?

Before you think I am trying to overly criticize the knife, I will add a few things. I really like the knife. The size is great, the choice in steel is well made, and the overall craftsmanship looks superb. I also normally carry a large fixed blade knife when I go backpacking, but I can honestly say that I have never, ever, used it for anything.

Something to think about and debate.

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