In the previous article of the Beginners Guide series, we analyzed the criteria when choosing your backpack. In this second part of the series, we will talk about tools, knives, axes, saws, and other tools that can be an excellent addition to any kit.
The first and most important tool is a knife. The knife will help you make other tools and utensils, make shelter, prepare food, and light your fire. The belt knife should be made from quality steel, and have a full tang construction. Fulltang means the metal runs through the knife, from the tip of the blade to the base of the handle. That feature adds durability, strength, and overall balance to the knife. This solid construction minimizes the risk of breakage or handle detachment of your blade, making it a dependable tool. The steel could be carbon or stainless. A knife made from carbon steel is easier to sharpen in the field and can throw sparks from flint, but it needs to be oiled after use or if it gets wet, while a stainless steel knife doesn’t need too much attention, keeps its edge for a longer period but it is harder to resharpen. The blade length should be between 4-5 inches. This blade length will cover all your needs and will be very easy to handle and manipulate, in different chores, from making feather-sticks to skinning small games. The thickness of the blade should be anywhere from 3/32 to 5/32 inches. The first will give you a knife with excellent slicing abilities, while the latter will sacrifice some of the slicing ability for more strength. Ideally, with a thickness of 1/8 of an inch, you can have a great compromise between strength and cutting performance. The handles should be comfortable in various positions and don’t leave hot spots. There is a variety of handle materials, natural like different types of woods, leather, horns, or bones, and manmade like micarta,g10, or plastic to choose from. Knives are made in different grinds too. They come in flat, saber, Scandinavian(scandi) grind, hollow, and convex. The easiest grinds to sharpen are flat and scandi grinds. The best grind for woodwork is scandi grind. That being said, I had carved trysticks with a flat grind knife. My personal favorites are scandi and flat grinds. You can choose whatever grind feels right for you and practice with it. You can also have a pocket knife or a smaller knife as a backup blade or for use in camp kitchen tasks.
Two tools are the best for processing wood: the axe and the saw. Axemanship is an art and you need to learn it. If you have never wielded an axe, seek instructions and advice from people who use them constantly. Do this, before you run to a shop to buy an axe. Axes come in different sizes and head weights. First, you must determine the correct axe length for you. Hold the axe just below the axe head. The handle of the axe should not extend beyond your armpit. Then you should check the weight of the axehead; if you can lift the axe with one hand when holding it at the handles’ end, then that’s the correct size for you. In different cases, try an axe with a less heavy head.
A saw is the safest, easiest, and does not require training to handle, tool for processing wood. It is also much lighter than an axe. If it is foldable, it doesn’t take up much space on your pack or you can even carry it on your belt if you have a pouch for it. I do recommend getting yourself a quality folding saw, like Silky Gomboy or Bacho Laplander.
Another tool that finds its place in any toolkit is a multi-tool. You can select a tool with pliers, like the ones offered by Leatherman or Gerber because you are going to cut snare wire for example. Otherwise, you can carry a Swiss Army/Victorinox-type multitool. The final decision rests on your preference and intended use.
The tools mentioned above are the ones that someone should prioritize while building his kit. An axe can be bought later since it requires practice and training. At this point, I would like to mention another two tools that are a great addition to any tool kit; an auger and hook knife. An auger is used to make holes in the wood and can help make furniture like stools or tables around the camp. A hook knife will help you make spoons or cups. Remember that hook knives are made for right-handed and left-handed persons before you purchase one.
The second part of the guide series covered the basic tools that an outdoorsman should keep in his kit. Always carry a sharpening device for your cutting tools; a dull blade is not safe, and safety comes first.
Since this article is the first of the New Year, I would like to wish you all a great 2024 and thank you for your support!