Choosing the
Right
Knife:
Camping, Fishing, Hunting, and Self-Defense
Camping
When you’re out with family, whether it’s a weekend
at your local RV Park, or an extended trip spent in
cabins by the lakeshore, you want to make sure you’re
completely prepared. These destinations are usually
miles away from civilization, and having to make a 4
hour run to the store is not what you came for. The
right knife can save you from having to worry about
forgotten spatulas, stray fishing lines, and can even
provide medical attention for pesky splinters and other
injuries. For camping with the crew, try a multi-use
pocket knife. A thinner blade, usually between 3-5
inches long, that folds for easy storage is ideal. A firm
handle for gripping and twisting is best, and classic
versions even come with a corkscrew. You won’t need
much protection at a group campsite, because there
are park rangers on duty and more populated areas
tend to keep dangerous wild animals away. Best
to pack some pepper spray for the
occasional mishap, and keep your
trusty pocket knife where it
belongs: in your pocket.
Fishing
If you’re planning a day trip to a nearby pier or river
for some fly fishing or upstream casting, you’ll need
that pocket knife. Ever gotten your line tangled up
under a rock or snagged on someone else’s line?
Spent a good 10 minutes fiddling with it and finally
tried to bite the line in two, all the while muttering a
few choice words? Save yourself the headache and
pack a knife. Simply crafted, a 400 steel blade will
do (it takes longer to rust, so it is better for wet environments) and can cut the line in a second. When
fishing for your dinner, you’ll want to clean your
catch immediately for freshness, so have
a good filet knife on hand as well.
Filet knives are