As far as digging goes, sharpen a 2-3 foot long, 1 in diameter stick for use as a digging stick. Worked great for the Native Americans. I find that digging, or simply sticking my knife in the ground temporarly, dulls the edge very fast.

I agree with Frenchy (BTW my Dad's nickname)
For EDC I'll take my 4" framelock, or even smaller (my current EDC is the largest I've ever carried)

I think the original poster's question is more along the lines of "why the heck to people carry such BIG knives out in the woods"

I see a LOT of folks who walk around with a 9-12" blade knife. WHY? If your going to carry something that big, your probably a LOT better off with a smaller knife and a hatchet. In fact, that was my compromise for years - a 4" fixed blade on the belt, with a hatchet on the outside of the pack (and there was always a Boy Scout knife in my pocket - it was my EDC for years - pre leatherman)

A digging stick and a beater stick (for jungle travel) will work but I'm talking about a survival situation where you need to do it now and need it done quickly. With some practice using a knife for digging is not a problem. You need to be careful but on a 7" or 9" blade even if you chip the blade you will still have plenty of blade. A far as dulling the blade it can happen but if you’re careful you should be o.k.. Also, you do pack a sharpener right?

I realize that using the knife in this manner may be considered abuse by some and yes you could argue till your blue in the face that you should use a proper tool for the job. But we are talking survival here. In my mind that means you are in a dire situation with limited tools.

Adam:

I didn't want to say this earlier, but now I just have to.

Your posts sound like you are trying to convince yourself that you need a big knife.

I have a Swiss bayonet sitting on the desk next to my computer right now with a 9-1/4" heavy stainless steel, spear point blade that I like for its design and strength. I would never chose this bayonet over my Craftsman hunting knife in an outdoor excursion, even in a TEOTWAWKI situation, and my Craftsman would probably snap if I tried to dig dirt with it.

If you bought a large military looking engine block stabber, appreciate it for what it is, and accept the fact that the majority of us on this site see it as unnecessary.

Bountyhunter

A wise man once said:
"A quality, practical, fixed blade knife (also called a "sheath," "belt" or "hunting" knife) is ESSENTIAL for inclusion in your survival kit....This leads to my recommendation that a survival knife should have a blade at least four inches long, but no longer than six inches....A survival knife can stand to be a bit longer, but not too much longer."

Try to figure out who said it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

If I were to drop out of the sky and land in the middle of the forest I would rather have my BK-7 with me than any other folder made. We are talking about survival, in my mind that means limited tools and options. A knife such as my BK-7 w/ its 7" blade can do most jobs, of course better tools will exist. But I'm making a compromise.

It's been a fun discussion and if I'm not with the majority that's fine it?s neither the first time nor will it be the last. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Also I agree a bayonet would be a bad choice for survival proposes.....At least we can agree on something. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

adam

To my knowledge that very same wise man has placed his name/trademark only on folders - the Sebenza and the RSK Mk1.

When he first announced the RSK Mk1, he made clear that he chose a folder because he felt it was more likely to be carried.

His bonus survival information that comes with the Pocket Survival Pak recommends inclusion of "A well-built, trustworthy folding (pocket) knife with a locking blade for safety at least 2.5 inches (64 mm) in length."

I agree with your basic point Adam, though I wince at the though of prying/digging with my knife. If given prior notice that I was going to get dropped out of the sky, certainly I would rather have my BK&T fixed blade with me - in my case a BK10. It is a great blade! I bought the BK10, rather than the BK7, based upon Doug's comments. I thought it would do the job and be a bit easier to pack into a day pack. The weight difference is negligable.

Unfortunately I'm unlikely to get that prior notice. My RSK Mk1 folder is with me all the time (or nearby when less than fully clothed - showering, swimming, and, well, you get the idea).

As mentioned by someone else before, I'm focusing on the EDC, while I think you're talking about being well equipped for camping/hiking. If I were heading into a back country area I would certainly stuff the BK10 into my bag.

Gee, bounty, kinda harsh ain't ya? Personally, the ONLY reason I don't carry a bigger blade on a regular basis is because of over-restrictive length laws. Small, fine blades have a definite place in my kit, but so does (at least one) big hack-n-slasher, from everything from splitting wood to digging a cat-hole to brush cutting... not to mention things that go bump in the night <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

Troy

P.S. I know, I know, a .45's much better for things that go bump in the night <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />.

Wildcard163:

I didn't mean to sound harsh, but want him to realize that we all have our toys (I mean how many of you are sitting at your computer table with a large bayonet on the table to your left, a 1911A1 .45 auto to your right, a .25 auto in your robe, and a partridge in a pear tree on your head?) and I don't need anyone to agree with my choices to feel good about what I choose to buy or own.

He doesn't need our approval on his choice as long as he is happy with it.

His choices definitely have merit, but I respond from my lifestyle, experiences, and potential possibilities. In that respect, it is hard to relate and see things from a viewpoint that I don't see happening to me.

Bountyhunter

In most situations a sturdy folder or small fixed blade will be all you need but that depends on where you are and what you bring with you other than the knife.

Where I live in Brazil we have all sorts of stuff that large blades are far better for. You can't move well without a machete. The machete is also better for digging and shelter construction, clearing campsites etc. Machete's are lacking in their ability to pry and pierce, as well as all the small whittling jobs that small blades are good for. You really can't get away with one small blade here. I tend to pair my machete with a small, stiff, pointy fixed blade knife.

The large 7 inch knife, a BK-7 in my case, is a make-do compromise of the one-blade concept. They are every bit as good as a machete for taking apart palm trees and dealing with bamboo, openeing coconuts etc. They are a poor substitute for hacking your way through dense undergrowth. They clear campsites well enough and are great for shelter building tasks.

I would not want to be caught out here with only a small folder, no matter how well made. That's my take from South America. Mac

I agree with all your points. I also feel that it's easier to "convince" the average person to carry a locking folding knife than to carry a fixed blade knife. It seems in this day and age fixed blades have some kind of bad stigma attached to them.

Anyway discussion of guns and knives can stir the pot. <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />