For those of you who like to carry a bona fide knife, as opposed to a razor blade or basic swiss army knife, check out these carbon fiber knives. The lightest one (the Escort III) weighs only 20.67 grams, or .72 ounces. Pretty darn light, though who knows how sturdy they are.

"Please keep in mind that carbon fiber does not offer a super sharp blade on the knife, it's not really meant for cutting, but rather for self-defense/stabbing. The blade does not hold an edge,"

All they need to do is laminate a thin piece of steel in the center, then you could have light weight AND a legitimate knife.

I came up with a design, too bad I don't have enough time to make prototypes of all my ideas...

Tellingly, they refer to them as "dagger knives" and (if my trip goes well), I never need to stab anything in the backcountry.

But the superior idea of compositing a thin metal edge with a carbon-fiber handle is interesting. As with many other male-type-persons, I wondered if I'd been on a 9-11 plane, what would have and could have I done? (P.S., in truth, diddly-squat, because no one but those on the PA plane realized the seriousness.) But in those fantasies, I imagined a short sword utilizing razor-blade inserts embedded in a composite handle (carbon-fiber, fiberglass, using epoxy, JB Weld, etc). Easy to build at any Home Depot, but could you source everything in an airport departure lounge? That would make a heck of a cheese- or flesh-slicer, but not a wood-chopper. You'd want a metal skin on a composite core.

Well, there's another DIY project in the queue - The sub-ounce, wood-splitting shiv. I'm gonna have to take the vacuum-bagging plunge some day soon and up my at-home composite capabilities.

For anything backpacking related.

Hmmm… a blade that will slip through metal detectors and is only meant for stabbing. Pretty clear what the intent is for these.

>Hmmm… a blade that will slip through metal detectors and is only meant for stabbing. Pretty clear what the intent is for these.


I'm not sure these add anything to the arsenal of those wanting to slip past metal detectors. There are very hard composites and plastics that will do the same thing.

Pure yuppie toys for the dupes.

Cheers

I'm basically an idiot for not reading the product description before I posted this. In atonement, here are some lightweight knives that would actually be useful in the woods.

Add to the fact that those stupid freaking body scanners don't actually work--there's a reason the Israelis don't use them. If the Israelis don't use them, they don't work. End of story. http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=olEoc_1ZkfA (tutorial on how to get anything through the body scanners)

you are in the backcountry and there is a zombie attack? Or worse still, your hiking buddy is REALLY A ZOMBIE? Well, now there is an UL weapon of choice, less than $10, and less than an ounce:

http://www.bladehq.com/item--Ka-Bar-Acheron-Zombie-Killing-Fixed--9089

"Ka-Bar Acheron Zombie Killing Fixed Blade Knife (3.125" Black Plain) 5699BP
In an ever-changing world, the need for preparedness has never been greater. Without notice the game can change and the rules no longer apply. Questioning your gear at a crucial moment is not an option. Whether setting up camp or securing your perimeter, ZK knives are designed to perform under the most rigorous, unexpected and apocalyptic situations. Are you prepared?

The Ka-Bar ZK Acheron Skeleton Knife is the perfect small, easily concealable fixed blade knife, perfect for that apocalyptic situation. It's made of 5Crl3 stainless steel with a non-reflective black powder coated finish. This ZK Acheron is very lightweight, weighing in under 1 oz. Also includes a ZK black plastic friction release sheath with lanyard hole for easy carry."

Specifications:
Overall Length: 6-3/8"
Blade Length: 3-1/8"
Weight: 1 oz.

Reality is sometimes stranger than fiction . . .

>>"I'm basically an idiot for not reading the product description before I posted this."

well that's a little harsh. no big

Speaking of zombie apocalypses...


(an entry I found in a shelter journal on the AT in central Virginia)


Anyway, I think one of those lightweight knives would definitely be useful for a more minimalist outing or survivor trek, like Survivorman or Man vs. Wild.

Edited by nsiderbam on 03/22/2012 17:13:20 MDT.

I've used my little Baladeo quite a bit now. It's a folder, so it's small and light (the 22g model). The blade is more than adequate for basic cutting jobs that the carbon fiber could never do, but it's nowhere near as good for defending from Zombies. That KaBar is sure a good deal. :)

The baledo knife weighs 22grams and is made out of 420 steel, which does not hold it's edge well. it's on the low end of knife steels.

The Spyderco ladybug Salt is 18g and is made from H-1 steel that is virtually rust proof. Despite its small size, it's perfectly easy to handle and capable of most anything you will need it for.

I don't have one myself (but I have used the non-salt version), but I did buy it for my friend who thought the baledo was a good knife.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=399

A simple ballpoint pen is more than adequate as a stabbing tool.

"(if my trip goes well), I never need to stab anything in the backcountry"

Thank you for the LOL moment :)