I have the Cold Steel SRK and also the Cold Steel Master Hunter. I alway carry the SRK because of habit but I actually prefer the feel of the master hunter. Also the only thing I have ever used it for was to split wood with a baton. While I don't like the feel of the Becker Necker in my hand should I switch since it is smaller and lighter.

Also the two knive that I do use each and every time I am out is my Ritter M2 which is always with me so I grab it first and my SAK with is the Victorinox Rucksack. The Victorinox Rucksack has my can opener, saw, eye glass screwdriver, and extra knife blade.

So I am thinking I should carry

1. Ritter M2 (always with me)
2. Victroinox Rucksack
2. Cold Steel Master Hunter (in place of my SRK, Becker Necker, and Mora)

What do ou think

I think that's a nice selection. I personally would go with something like a Wave for a multi-tool, though. Sometimes the leverage on the Becker Necker handle is lacking, but it's so light and easy to carry, that it's a fair trade-off. I like the CS Master Hunter Blade length and shape better than the SRK and it's a couple of Oz. lighter.

Shelter construction and firewood could go a lot faster with a folding saw. The Gerber Sportsman's Saw is very light and does not take up much space. It is big bang for the buck/weight. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Good selection. The M-2 RSK is one of my EDC knives and is a really knice knife.
The Vic Rucksack is an excellent survival tool. The saw is very usable and the blade locks.
I have never used the CS Master Hunter but I like the flat grind and Carbon V should be good steel. It should serve well.

You have an all-around good set-up. I definitely like the Master Hunter better than the SRK. I use knives alot and I just prefer drop point blades because of overall strength and utility. (Yes, and I've broken the other blade styles' weaker tips from time to time, but they were cheapie knives anyway) I am partial to a multi-tool though, but if it's a locking-blade SAK, I myself would consider keeping it. I'm clueless on the Victorinox Rucksack. Does it have pliers? I saw an SAK with some once. I second packing a lightweight folding saw, its well worth lugging. Toting the RSK EDC is a gimme for me.

Unless you need quick access to a blade when climbing or something, I think you are making the right decision on ditching the Becker Necker. I would have to wear gloves or wrap paracord around the handle before using it for any heavy duty work --- just the exposed tang on my old Buck Alpha Hunter 3 3/4" fixed blade raises blisters. I finally wrapped the handle on it with foam and Super 33+ to use for different things.

If you like the feel of the Master Hunter, by all means, carry it. That alone justifies the weight. If you don't like how your Necker feels in your hand, that's an equally valid reason to sideline it, or at least religate it to "in town" use.

Remember, you're gear is for YOU. Use what you like.

And I third the motion on a folding saw. Batoning is a technique of last resort, IMHO. The Vic saw is good, but only for fine work like shelter building. If you need to make firewood managable, it's a bad joke.

That seems like a very nice selection of knives. I'm fond of small SAK's (Tinker or Super Tinker) for backpacking/camping. Great bang/size and weight. The Rucksack is also an excellent choice.

The Ritter is a very nice locking folder. The fact that you use it every time means you probably shouldn't leave home without it.

While I like large fixed blades, I've never been able to justify the weight in my backpack. I just don't use them all that often. But if you like yours, by all means carry it. The Master Hunter is a good blade.

I have to 2nd or 3rd the recommendation of a bow saw. If you can afford the weight and size and insist on campfires, they can't be beat. Much faster and easier than trying to chop wood with a knife.

Kevin B.

Good Morning; I agree with the above posts. Cutting tools are very personal choices and are one of a few tools that have the abillity to teach lessons through constant use. They become conpanions. My choices; EDC; SAK Ranger or Forester, Gen.I Wave, Gen.I Al Mar folding SERE and NATO wire saw. I'm in the market for a 4" fixed blade, drop point, carbon steel, with finger guard,non tactical for EDC. In BOB; Busse Badger Attack, GB hatchet, hand chain saw, and Gerber Exchange Blade Saw. In my long term pack; MDK ATAC, GB Small Forest Axe 3 seasons changed up for GB Scanid Forest Axe during winter, and a folding buck saw, also in BOB I have a U-Dig It and in long term I have some version of an entrenching tool. Respectfully; Jim

It is not a last resort if what you want to do is SPLIT the wood to get to the drier wood inside...
Also, for some people(myself included) sawing motions will tire me out VERY quickly, while I can chop or baton for MUCH longer before tiring...

"Also, for some people(myself included) sawing motions will tire me out VERY quickly, while I can chop or baton for MUCH longer before tiring... "

Wow, that's odd. It's just the opposite for me. I find chopping/splitting wears me out faster than using a good saw. Everyone's different though, to each his own.