In total contradiction to my buddy Jimshaw's "dull knife post", i am looking at a few titanium knives and would like some opinions. I will be needing a general purpose knife for backpacking, climbing, kayaking and, well, just a SHARP, reliable tool. I tend to favor larger handles being i have larger hands. I would like the lowest possible weight that still remains comfortable and usable ( i looked at the Buck Hartsook neck Knife and it was a small little toothpick!). It makes no difference to me if the knife is a folder or fixed blade.I have listed my top choices in order below:

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/BLRKTF.html?Search=op%3ddtSearch%26Term%3dtitanium%2bknives%2

http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/BLRKMT.ht...%3don%26Hit%3d1


http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/SQTKET.html?Search=op%3ddtSearch%26Term%3dtitanium%2bknives%


http://www.leisurepro.com/Prod/AQUKTRT.h...%3don%26Hit%3d1


Thanks for the help!
BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Are you particularly looking for Titanium and a dive knife? or just light weight, and doesn't need to be Ti?

Titanium is what i am looking at because of the light weight, ability to keep an edge and the fact that it will not rust (i do a lot of beach camping in the summer). Dive knives seem to fit the bill and have some added bonuses like line cutters/gut hooks built in and they are all very light weight. But i am open to anything. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

There are also ceramic knives out there. I have no idea if they're lighter than normal, but they might be worth a look.

When you say: "general purpose." What does that mean? Those knives look very ferocious.........they might be over"kill" (Pun intended) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> Are you looking to split wood, gore/clean fish, defend yourself? For dive related stuff you need knives in case you get tangled in wire, etc.......but on land,,,,,,,,not sure..........

Just offering a free opinion (which is usually worth what you paid for it <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Normally I wouldn't recommend other knifes because you already listed the ones you were looking at (see JasonKlass's post about Backpacking Complaint Dept.), but you mentioned that you are open to other choices. So, here are my two choices, #1 and #2 . They are to be carried together. The scissors are used for almost everything, and the knife for those very few times when you need it. I know that JimShaw doesn't like the knife choice. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Anyways, knives are very personal. What works for one doesn't work for all. I liked your first choice better than the other ones. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I recommend and use one of these:

http://www.ragweedforge.com/SwedishKnifeCatalog.html

I use a #1 Eriksson, carbon steel, wooden handle knife as my general purpose hiking and bushcraft knife.

There are plenty of handle and blade options to choose from. I'd get a stainless steel one with a rubberized handle for kayaking, and a carbon steel or laminated one with your handle preference for dry use.

I soaked the carbon steel blade in vinegar overnight to patina it, and then wiped mineral oil on it as protection.

great prices for a titanium knife. I have Gerber everything and am happy with their quality. I like the idea of an orange handle cause my frame knife is easy to misplace.

bf2:

I really liked that Blue Reef one, your first choice. But am I blind, or am I NOT seeing any weights listed here? That's the point of the titanium, right? Divers wouldn't care, heck, they'd probably rather not have them float to the surface.

So what are the weights for these favorites of everyone?

BFMP

I like the Aquamat - the last one
BUT
these are SCUBA knifes and they are not titanium to be light - they are titanium to be expensive and corrosion resistant. However the third one with the rope cutter and long straight serrated edge looks interesting in a survival sort of way.

I was looking at my knife collection tonight and even my fillet knife is dull. I have a really mean looking Tantau knife and its dull too. ALl of the kitchen knifes are dull and I rarely even take a file to my axe anymore. My hatchetis dull so it won't cut my fingers - if I was dumb enough to hold a stick while splitting it - duh. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

it is my own humble opinion that the vast majority of "cuts" happen when holding the knife in one hand and the work in the other and the knife slips. Use a vise or pliers or something not protoplasmic. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

OTOH my 28" blade Short Sword is razor sharp but I hold it in both hands. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />A friend picked it up and proceeded to play twirly under the arm and over his head while I'm like trying to stand back and whisper "Its got a working edge on it". I could just almost see blood gushing everywhere but he stops and gives me a very solemn sad look and says "I won't cut my self". He has gone into combat with a sword in Asia. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
I would not want to trade his dreams for mine.
Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I posed that exact question to the person on the phone at LisurePro and never did get a straight answer. I have decided to go with my first choice for water sports like kayaking and to order a Columbia River Knife and Tool M16-12Z E.R. folder for everyday backpacking and general use. I love the tanto tip and relatively low weight for the features. It has an orange safety colored handle, too. Yes, Jim Shaw...it WILL be razor sharp <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

http://www.rei.com/product/760507

BF

And that, Folk, is why i call Jim "Dull Knife" <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Titanium is softer and holds an edge worse than the cheapest steel. Diving is a specific application. Buy a small, $2.99 neck knife and it will do everything at only two OZ.
A CRKT M 16Z is a man's knife alright, but is about 6 oz.

http://www.eknifeworks.com/webapp/eComme...mp;SKU=DBHK6605

Thanks for the help, but i decided to go with this:
http://www.knivesplus.com/columbiariverknifem16-cr-m1612zer.html

3.6 ounces of pure function and cutting ability with a bright orange handle so i will never lose it.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

I have one of those folders (gray, not orange handle). Keep it very clean at all times or it will corrode quickly and is a female dog to get polished back up. The forward edge of the tanto is what I use most on it in the woods, but I don't carry it any more. I carry the little toothpick of a Hartsook with a three-finger lanyard of reflective cord. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

How does the Hartsook work? Does it fit in your hand? Hard to use? It was my second choice, actually. Thanks, Hector!

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

First two fingers and thumb go on the blade, other two in the lanyard. It works fine for the typical things you need a knife for walking around in the woods. Carved summer sausage slices fine while sitting atop Flatside Pinnacle, for example. If I anticipated bushcraft being required, I'd bring something more substantial, like my old Carbon V SRK.

Did you look at this?

Yeah....not orange enough <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I wanted an all around knife for backpacking, fishing, etc. that was not too big, not too small, with a very strong tip...that seems to be where my knives break. BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Good choice! I really like their quality and design. Congrats!

Titanium in knives is good only for handles or handle inner liners & springs.

Eric

Thanks! Still, i think i might buy my first choice, also. Just to see what a full titanium knife would be like.

BF <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Hopefully you will have better luck with CRKT than I did.

If you are looking for just a stabing type knife that is a UL check out this one at only 2.6 ounces for the knife and sheath


http://www.wilsontactical.com/detail.aspx?ID=56

Only 0.6 oz
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=6050

My daily knife, used for everything and has outlasted every other pocket knife I've had from 10$ to 75$ only 1.4oz. (Made in USA at the Oregon plant to boot).
http://www.gerbergear.com/product.php?model=6050

My new Gerber for use as a outdoor field knife is built like a tank but its also 11.4oz.

Dimitri

Bigfoot,

I'd far prefer a good stainless blade, folding knife for the blade. Good quality stainless holds an edge far better than titanium, thus needing sharpening far less often.

If you want titanium in your knife look for those made with stainless blades and titanium liners (bolsters).

A.G. Russell has knife great catalogs that come out quarterly. Take a look there or at their online catalog.

Eric