In about 9 days, I will begin working as a backpacking guide in the southern Rockies (New Mexico) for three months (June, July, and August). I will be definetly be carrying a Leatherman Wave and a Benchmade AFCK on me, but what fixed blade would you bring with you? Here is what I own right now:
-KaBar USMC, Fighter/Utility
-Cold Steel Trailmaster
-Cold Steel SRK
-Buck Vanguard (Kraton handle)
I will only be taking one, and it will be in my backpack. Just wanted a second opinion.

I think the SRK or the Vanguard would be the most practicle and weigh the least. If you wanted something longer the Kabar would be my choice over the trailmaster.

I vote for the SRK, awesome knife.
One lives in my BOB. Enjoy the new job!

From your selection I´d take the SRK. I had narrowed my choice to the SRK and the Recon Scout. Eventually the Recon Scout won because I wanted a bigger knife.

Sounds like Philmont.

Of your choices, I echo the SRK votes - I like mine and it's in my kit 24/7.

You may wish to consider the BK&T 7 or BK&T 10 as well. Of the two, I most like the looks of the 10 (with its 5 1/2" blade) for a general use knife. It's available in tan as well as black, FWIW.

OTOH, a stainless steel Mora in a plastic sheath will probably be more useful 99% of the time, and at less than $10 you've got plenty of cash leftover for a DMT Diafold. (The red-blue is best if carrying one; if you want the full spectrum, the black-blue and red-green combos give it all to you - I'd go with the blue-red). I use a Mora more and more frequently since I picked one up.

Enjoy your summer!

Tom

I would go for the SRK. I own one and go nowhere off road without it.I've even read that the late David Alloway carried one and swore to it.
BOATMAN
John

I want to thank everyone for their help on this issue--I'm pretty sure I'm going with the SRK. I'm sure I won't be sorry. Thanks again.

I'd give the SRK a scandi edge and carry it everywhere... Great, fairly tough little knife.

If you ever consider buying anything else, check Swamp Rat products. They really are worth a look.

Cheers,

David

I'd go for that 4" Mora or if you want something more upscale, the A.G. Russell Deer Hunter. I don't see much point to those oversized knives.

Re: DMT Diafold

I've had good luck with just the red/green combo. Of coarse, I haven't had the need to really grind down serious nicks, just periodic fine tuning of the edge. I have a small stone in a nylon sheath for that purpose, but haven't honestly had the need yet, mostly becasue I'm rarely in a position when my blade gets abused.

For hiking, I carry their Credit Card version. Ragnar Forge sells a double-side version, but I have not used or seen it so I cannot report on it.

For my PSK I have a few sheets of peel and stick Honing Paper, another fine suggestion from Chris K.!

BTW, it sounds like Philmont or Double-H to me too. Is it? If so, where? (I'll be on Trek #2 at Philmont, 801-O)