Packin' Big Knives

[badgerrr]

Recently I decided to try a different approach to my knife system for hunting.

Instead of just packing a mediumish fixed blade and a small steel folder.......How about packing a Tarzan size belt knife backed up with what passes for a large ceramic pocket knife? This would give me a better tool for chopping, prying, and heavy work - while the major & fine cutting would be done with the folder.....keeping it's edge, in the field.

Just picked up my Big blade at last weekends knife show. It's a Gerber Bowie with 9" blade. It's rather like the old fighting bowies of the 19th century. (Already have a Puma Ceramic folder)

Any of you Pilgrims pack this size of knife in the woods, much? What is the handiest way to cinch this on to you? In Wild West daze they tended to pack them in the belt, right up front, behind the buckle. This looks like it would get in the way. Is it best just to pack this off one of the hips - like a smaller fixed blade? Any ideas?

I have the sheath as shown. I'm wondering if it would be better to mount it to the upper leg?

 

[hksw]

Hey, I got one of those a long time ago. Back then, Gerber (was owned by Fiskar) called them Australian Bowies. Why Australia? Have no idea. Really like the dense Kraton® handle. The hilt tarnishes easily though. Easy enough to fix with Flitz®.

The few times I gone out with a 9+ inch blade knife, I strapped it horizontally attached to my belt in the back. Handle towards my strong side. The backpack I normally use does not extend below my belt so it didn't obstruct anything. I hate having stuff dangling off my belt smacking or rubbing against my leg when walking.

 

[Drjones]

Hi.

During winter, on days when the weather is especially bad (which isn't saying much for CA, but still...) I'll strap my Strider BT onto my calf.

It's actually quite comfortable, and VERY comfortING.

I have an Extrema Ratio Harpoon F (great blade, BTW) and the sheath is really well-designed. It has multiple anchoring points, and also came with straps so that you can wear it on your thigh.

I haven't tried either set-up while hiking or anything, and for obvious reasons, the calf set-up probably wouldn't even be worth a shot.

I'd imagine the thigh rig wouldn't be too bad, but I'd be more inclined to just wear it on my belt, or strap it onto the shoulder strap of my pack. (Assuming I have one on)


My opinions...

 

[Soap]

Check out River City Sheaths: http://www.rivercitysheaths.com

The owner/maker, Mike Sastre, regularly carries a Bagwell Helle's Belle IWB IIRC.

 

[hksw]

"...Gerber (was owned by Fiskar)..."

What I mean to say was, "...Gerber (was not owned by Fiskar)..."

Hence, my signature line.

 

[Sir Galahad]

I carry a Cold Steel Trailmaster. I've always carried large knives. Large knives are good options for "no firearms" National Parks.

That's a nice looking Gerber. Mind if I ask how much it cost and where you got it?

 

[Didorian]

Well, I pack a 10 inch bladed Spec-Plus, Raider Bowie every now and again. The best way that I've found has been to just attach it to the belt just like it was any other belt knife. It keeps it readily available, and your hand goes to it automatically instead of reaching somewhere and the knife being elsewhere...

 

[badgerrr]

Galahad asks:

"Mind if I ask how much it cost and where you got it?"

Actually I picked it up for trade goods at a local Knife show. Traded an old, late '70's model Gerber Mark II (without original sheath) and a little Gerber pocket knife I won at the show as a door prize.

Prices on these seems to vary wildly. The guy at the show wanted $150 for this. But I've seen an occasional - new-in-the-box model advertised online for like $80. I understand they are discontinued....but they are still to be had....if you look.



Oh....and thanks for the link, Daniel. That might be a notion to mount the belt loop lower on the sheath to move the handle higher up on the body so that tip doesn't dangle down so low. Hmmmm......