mini-poll which one for hunting/camping?

[flyguy]

I have been thinking about getting a new knife for outdoor "stuff" (hunting, fishing, hiking, etc). I have narrowed it to one of these and would like to do a mini-poll to see what people like most. (I'd include the Stretch 2 if it had a release date...)

Stretch:


Ocelot:


Captain:


Para-Military:

[Capt. Carl]

I've got the Black SE Para-Military. You can rely on this thing to tackle any job. The Comp-Lock is very strong and allows for an open back construction which makes cleaning a breeze. The ergos are perfect in my hand as well.

Check out the black blade version, it is extremely nice.

[edkrueger]

My votes for the captain (knife not Carl).

[flyguy]

I've got the Black SE Para-Military. You can rely on this thing to tackle any job. The Comp-Lock is very strong and allows for an open back construction which makes cleaning a breeze. The ergos are perfect in my hand as well.

Check out the black blade version, it is extremely nice.

If I got the para, it would probably be my first black blade. I just posted the non-black to have a more similar comparison.

The cleaning is a very good point. I don't think the Stretch would be as easy to clean, but what about the Captain? Is it easy to clean?

[edkrueger]

The Capt is the easiest to clean as it is the only liner lock.

[The Deacon]

Out of the available choices, I would take the Stretch, since it is one of my favorite Spyderco knives. But in all honesty, I really don't like the idea of using a folding knife for field dressing game, so my first choice for hunting among Spyderco knives would be my Moran Drop Point, with the Trailing Point version a close second.

[STR]

I actually used the Ocelot I had for several field dressing jobs and although I gave Spyderco a pretty bad review for the paw prints collecting gunk the knife itself (shape I mean) did an excellent job and was quite nice in the hand. It wasn't until later when it was difficult to clean that I disliked it due to the prints collecting gunk in the way of grit, dried blood and smells. I later re-did the knife scales in green canvas micarta that was solid and then it was a perfect knife gaining 100 points in my rating system I use for evaluating knives being and all screw constrution for easy take down for cleaning. Before that it was a mid 80s score. The only other knives I rate that high from Spyderco are both Manix models.

Even still of all the Spydercos I've used for hunting and camping jobs the best one I ever used was the Impala (non gut hook) that I later gave to my brother Rob who is the real hunter pro in my family.

For what its worth it looks to me like the Stretch could do a darn good job for field dressing also and I know from talking to several hunters that the Chinook and Persian models have both been excellent skinners in a pinch as well.

Many people consider a folder to be a compromise with field dressing chores but I got so used to it as a youth that I find I can do just about anything with a good folder from squirrel on up to white tail.

STR

[Halfneck]

ParaMilitary.

[Mr Blonde]

When I do go camping or hiking or other outdoorsy-stuff. I find that the most tasks I use a knife for is food prep. So with that in mind, I lean towards the Stretch; full flat grind and with ample length for most fooditems.

Wouter

[spydutch]

Not a hunting man myself but I would take the Para.

Never handled the others in the list(except the Captain for a few seconds at last year's A'dam show)

[rcbalt2]

The only spyder I've used to dress any game is the FB01 Moran. It worked great. As far as for camping I'd go with the para do to lock strength and my love of s30v

[JD Spydo]

Sorry there's nothing on that list that I would prioritize for camping/hunting. I like the fixed blade Temperance and my old reliable C-44 Big Dyad.

And keep in mind I am a fanatic about the CAptain and just yesterday traded for another one. I'm sure I could find some viable uses for the C-111 Captain if I had one in that situation but it would not be one of my primary choices.

I am looking really forward to the Hossums as I a sure they will be great camping and hunting tools.

[Qboy]

Hi all:

It may be just me, but I like a fairly large folder for camping and backcountry stuff--the Chinook looks like a great choice. I really like my chinook flat grind---I would take that one. I have carried my SS Endura for years and never had a complaint. The new Endura would be great too.

[flyguy]

I agree that the fixed knife is a good choice (as mentioned by a couple of people). However, I prefer to carry a folder.

I am trying to focus on readily available knives. In other words, models that I can find locally. I like to handle a knife before buying... So, that limits me some what to 2006 models.

But please keep the ideas coming!

[zenheretic]

Out of the available choices, I almost voted for the Stretch as I'm quite fond of it. However for outdoor use (humping up and down hills with and without lots of gear) a major consideration should be weight. Along with weight should be ease of cleaning. The Para is lighter and easier to clean so I chose that one. It should dry out faster/easier as well should it get wet...

[Jordan]

What do you hunt? I mean, I'd prefer a nice beefy blade for big game, and a smaller, pointier, one for small. I am assuming you mean nothing smaller than, say, a white tail or axis doe... so I opted for the captain. But, when I used to pop rabbits in the desert around my house as a kid... I usually went with a two incher at the most.

[flyguy]

Jordan - I don't hunt all that often (unfortunately), I primarily duck hunt but have been elk hunting... (So far, I have to say the Spin works great for duck)

Zenheretic - Great point about fast drying. Either for cleaning or the occasional mountain storm... (Not to mention slipping while crossing a stream!)

I was leaning towards the Stretch or the Captain prior to posting, but the large number of folks voting para is hard to ignore! Might have to pick 2.