Great pics and review HD! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Would you say from your experience here with the S5 that it would make a sufficient hiking/camping knife? The reason I ask, is that I am planning a hiking/camping trip to the Smokeys in September and I'm trying to decide what knife to take along in addition to my EDC folder. The knife needs to be light and fit in my Vulture II pack. It also needs to be able to do regular camp chores like cutting up food, rope, etc...It also needs to be able to chop some wood if necessary either by chopping or by batoning (also shaving wood and cutting up smaller pieces for fire starting). Do you feel the S5 is up for this type of work or would I be better off carrying my Camp Tramp or a larger knife? I'm thinking the DF and the RD-9 are too heavy and large so the S5 would be perfect if it is up to the tasks...?
Thanks. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
I hope Vic chimes in here. I am sure he will.
Obviousely, this question is directed to Vic.
But, quick question: Do you have an S5CG?
I ask because some of the questions you ask sort of sound like you might not understand how much difference there is between the S5, Camp Tramp and DF.
You obviousely have and know how big the RD-9 and DF are.
I assume you know about the Camp Tramp's size.
But, the S5 is a LOT smaller than the Camp Tramp.
S5CG...........= 6.75 ounces; .185” thick; 5.125” blade; 10.125” oal
Camp Tramp.....= 14.5 ounces; .236" thick; 7.325" blade; 12.5" oal
The Camp Tramp chops very well for it's size and weight.
The S5 "needs" to be batoned. I personally would NOT call the S5 a chopper. Chopping with the S5 will result in piddly chips not worth the time or effort. However, on the right sized wood, the S5 along with most knives with sufficiently tough steel can be batoned reasonably well. Toughness and length are the main factors for batoning.
Outside of chopping, batoning and whether you "Need" to chop, IMO, the S5 makes an EXCELLENT "Hiking/Camping" knife!!!
Personally, I almost never find need to chop on most of the trails I hike on.
However, it depends on where you hike. Vic does a lot of hiking in marshes where actual trail clearing might be needed from time to time. A machete will absolutely "RULE" where trail clearing is needed!!! There is NOTHING you mentioned that is even close to a machete for trail clearing. A Bark River Golok is good and a DFLE or Battle Rat is decent for some types of trail clearing.
But, for:
to be light and fit in my Vulture II pack. It also needs to be able to do regular camp chores like cutting up food, rope, etc... shaving wood and cutting up smaller pieces for fire starting....
and short of chopping and trail clearing, the S5 will baton "suitable for it's size" and will otherwise be an OUTSTANDING "Hiking/Camping" carry knife! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
Personally, I wouldn't put the S5 in a "Pack". I would carry it on my belt/side in a good sheath for handy access. But, that's me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
I can understand putting a larger knife in a pack if you already have a good handy belt knife readily available and you don't want a larger knife bouncing around on your side or pulling your belt down, but why would you put a small belt knife like the S5 in a pack??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
The S5 is ideally sized for belt/trail carry. It is very lightweight and short enough were it shouldn't even be noticable on your belt. It won't bounce around and won't weight your belt to one side. And on your belt, it will be WAY handier and accessible when you need it.
The only other option I can see doesn't apply to me, but if you have a Molle vest or a large backpack that sits on your waste. In which case, I would attach it to the front of the vest or front strap or similar "accessible" part of your pack.
Just some thoughts. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />
.
