Small and Sharp: Knife Reviews

I have a Gerber multi tool that's the first thing on my packing checklist. The blade does everything, still as sharp as new, and the pliers and other tools all come in handy. And it has something none of the reviewed knives/tools has -- a scissors for trimming mole skin, tape or whatever else you need to cut to shape. It's heavy, but worth every ounce.

Esee is a great knife but check out the Esee / Kabar joint project the Eskabar or if you like beer, the Becker Necker from Kabar. That has same blade design and a bottle opener and wire cutter in skeletonized handle. My choice is the Eskabar and the price is better too.

Actually I find that the most valuable knife/tool that I own is the Gerber Artifact. Most multi-tools have things I do not need where the artifact has knife, bottle opener, screwdriver tips built in and pry bar. I can carry a ligth weight plier if needed and thus save significant weight. Also the shape of the artifact curves nicely around your thigh in your pocket so you hardly know it is there.

The Buck/Hartsook Ultralite is unbelievable... S30V stainless steel (same as Benchmade Osbourne and other tactical knives), quickdraw sheath and lanyard, 0.5 oz! If you want extreme weight reduction, immaculate steel, ease of use, get this knife. It also comes with a different steel (don't get that one). Here's the S30V one... http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3563

The Buck/Hartsook Ultralite is unbelievable... S30V stainless steel (same as Benchmade Osbourne and other tactical knives), quickdraw sheath and lanyard, 0.5 oz! If you want extreme weight reduction, immaculate steel, ease of use, get this knife. It also comes with a different steel (don't get that one). Here's the S30V one... http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3563

The Buck/Hartsook Ultralite is unbelievable... S30V stainless steel (same as Benchmade Osbourne and other tactical knives), quickdraw sheath and lanyard, 0.5 oz! If you want extreme weight reduction, immaculate steel, ease of use, get this knife. It also comes with a different steel (don't get that one). Here's the S30V one... http://www.buckknives.com/index.cfm?event=product.detail&productID=3563

Instead of the EVO, check out the CRKT M16-13ZER. It's the knife the Gerber EVO was modeled on and fits comfortably in the hand - I have a big paw and it's a comfortable fit. And I've never had a CRKT come apart on me - a buddy had to return his Gerber two days after buying it.

Do you know where I can find Sherper's Knives.My E-mail:Packiey2@NetZero.com

I adore my Gerber Crucial. It has the basics (pliers, knife, 2 screwdrivers) and is very comfortable to carry and use. I would not trade it for anything else

I have been a big fan of Leatherman multi-tools for a long time. Have owned a Leatherman Super Tool for years but would not take it on backpacking trips due to the heavy weight. I started carrying the Leatherman Squirt S4 (scissors) and/or P4 (pliers)but either had to carry both which kind of defeated the purpose or decide if the scissors or pliers was more important. Now you don't have to decide, the Leatherman Juice CS4 has both and most everything else a backpacker would want at half the weight of the Super Tool. If the knife blade locked and they added a pair of tweezers it would be the perfect backpacker muulti-tool!

I have had a few Benchmade Mel Pardue knives and they are all amazing. Strong, sharp blades, easily open with one hand, positive, safe, lock, beautiful craftsmanship, and sleek design. Love them.

I recommend the Gerber EVO. By far the most knife for the money and the weight. It has a 3.5" titanium nitride coated blade that comes either straight, half serrated or tanto. You can find it online for about $30 and it only weigh's 2.8oz! The handle is not the most comfortable but I will deal with that for the low weight.

Great Guide