Knife

09 August 2013, 03:12

Use Enough Gun

I have carried a sheath knife on every African hunt that I have been on. It's been used for everything, including small and mundane things all the way up to being borrowed to help skin buffalo, hippo, giraffe and some of my other small and big critters. I keep it sharp with a small sharpening tool. I would feel naked without it on a hunt!

09 August 2013, 03:18

subsailor74

I carry a "DiamondBlade" "The Summit" sheath knife. I have used it to help prep leopard baits and with a small amount of field skinning. My PH also used it to cut the tail off my elephant!

09 August 2013, 03:57

LittleJoe

I have carried a small knives of Alaska knife with me everywhere. Always carry a Havalon Piranta scalpel as well. Just what I do.

09 August 2013, 04:23

Larry Sellers

I always have a Havalon Piranta in my daypack. Light, always sharp (just by installing a new blade), bright orange so I don't lose it. I too usually carry one of the KOA offerings as well.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

quote:
Originally posted by LittleJoe:
I have carried a small knives of Alaska knife with me everywhere. Always carry a Havalon Piranta scalpel as well. Just what I do.

09 August 2013, 04:25

JTEX

Yes I do, two...no three typically.

Belt knife, three blade old timer and leatherman. I have used them for all manner of things.

Best and most special was cutting the tail off my Elephant!

.

09 August 2013, 04:45

Russ Gould

There is absolutely no need to carry a "knife" per se on a guided hunting trip in Africa. I have never seen a visiting hunter use a hunting knife in anger other than once I watched a guy try to cut thru a giraffe hide without much success.

On the other hand, you most definitely can use a Leatherman ... it can be used to tighten the little screws on your glasses frames; to tighten your scope mounts; to trim your nails or moustache; or to remove a fish hook from a bass' mouth.

09 August 2013, 06:45

Grafton

I don't go many places without a good fixed blade knife and I would never hunt without one but that is just me. If you do not find yourself 4 or 5 times a day facing a task in need of a good knife you should take a close look at the path your life has taken

...

09 August 2013, 06:56

BNagel

Leatherman tool --- great for jumping cactus removal.

09 August 2013, 07:40

Charles_Helm

09 August 2013, 08:09

zimbabwe

On my 8 safaris I always carried a custon small sheath knife,Loveless Design by DeLeon with Ivory handles. I also always carried a folding knife, a Yukon Skinner by Blackjack Knives. Used both of them for every thing from eating to whittling. Skinning was done by the skinners as that's a skill I don't have.

09 August 2013, 12:33

Anton van der Spek

For us South Africans, often hunting on our own, without a PH and often without a guide, a knife is a must.

For you hunting with a PH, rather have it and don't use it than need it and and don't have it!

A Leatherman makes a lot of sense.

09 August 2013, 13:08

editor-ant

As a boy growing up in Africa, knives were something to be coveted. My Dad had a small collection of sheath knives, which I used to love handling, but was never allowed to take out. As I entered my teens, he gave me one, then another. I cannot explain the pride and joy owning those knives brought me. By the standard of custom knives made today, they were fairly basic, but I loved the feel of the bone handle and the balance in hand when using the knife. Among a small collection of knives I have today, I still own those and often take them out when on a hunt or fishing, or just walking in the bush. Aside from the sentimental value, there is nothing I love more than sitting in the shade of an acacia, or leant up against a baobab, during those brief breaks on a long stalk hunt, whittling at a piece of wood.

Maybe I am different, but like fire and guns, I think little boys love knives and it is something we never really grow out of. I have a couple of custom knives displayed in my office, and when visited by my grandsons, they love to take them out the box and hold them. They really are like a magnet to the little guys.

I too will not go anywhere without my Leatherman, but I thought I would share what I feel is special about knives. They do not have to be practical. If they spark some passion, they should be carried along.

09 August 2013, 14:46

Scriptus

quote:
Originally posted by Anton van der Spek:
For us South Africans, often hunting on our own, without a PH and often without a guide, a knife is a must.

For you hunting with a PH, rather have it and don't use it than need it and and don't have it!

A Leatherman makes a lot of sense.

+ 1

09 August 2013, 14:48

Scriptus

quote:
Originally posted by editor-ant:
As a boy growing up in Africa, knives were something to be coveted. My Dad had a small collection of sheath knives, which I used to love handling, but was never allowed to take out. As I entered my teens, he gave me one, then another. I cannot explain the pride and joy owning those knives brought me. By the standard of custom knives made today, they were fairly basic, but I loved the feel of the bone handle and the balance in hand when using the knife. Among a small collection of knives I have today, I still own those and often take them out when on a hunt or fishing, or just walking in the bush. Aside from the sentimental value, there is nothing I love more than sitting in the shade of an acacia, or leant up against a baobab, during those brief breaks on a long stalk hunt, whittling at a piece of wood.

Maybe I am different, but like fire and guns, I think little boys love knives and it is something we never really grow out of. I have a couple of custom knives displayed in my office, and when visited by my grandsons, they love to take them out the box and hold them. They really are like a magnet to the little guys.

I too will not go anywhere without my Leatherman, but I thought I would share what I feel is special about knives. They do not have to be practical. If they spark some passion, they should be carried along.

Yup! + 1

09 August 2013, 16:31

jorge

I think most of us who love our guns, hunting and the outdoors are "knife kooks" as well. Below is my modest collection, the one on top flew with me during my entire career and the one on the bottom has accounted for many African and domestic field dressings:

And recently, one of the guys that work for me's brother is a custom knifemaker in Florida. He GAVE me this sweet little Damascus bladed Hippo-toothed handled one. The picture does not do it justice:

09 August 2013, 16:43

R. Gunn

Realistically, one of the great things about most African hunting is that you don't need a knife. You aren't skinning or gutting or stabbing. That is what trackers and skinners and PHs are for. Maybe a fingernail clipper would be nice but generally I carry one just to make me feel good. Once when I shot a kudu bull in the bottom of a deep canyon and we needed to cut it up to haul it back to the top. Between the trackers and the hunter they had one small sheath knife.It was my first African hunt and I was carrying a complicated Victorinox SA knife and they gladly borrowed it to help with the skinning/butchering. On my most recent hunt I used my Leatherman Wingman for one thing. It has a most useful and handy blade just to open bubble packs and I used it to get to my extra camera card. That blade is also valuable at my grandkids birthday parties.

09 August 2013, 16:44

Die Ou Jagter

I always have to remember to NOT have my knife in my pocket when I fly. My Grandfather told me "A gentleman always carries a knife". I do like to have a Leatherman with me in Africa.

09 August 2013, 19:55

BEGNO

My dad taught me that a man always has a pocket knife, a handkerchief ( or a rag) and never puts his hands in his pockets ( be ready to work).

Although I have worn a hunting knife on hundreds of hunts here in the US, I don't carry one in Africa. I have never needed it. I do keep a multi tool in my kit.

09 August 2013, 21:08

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by Bill73:
I am curious if you carry a knife while you are out hunting?
If you do,what have you used it for?
I will be conducting a late season hunt this november in Zim,& am playing with the idea of maybe carrying a knife,thanks.

I carry 2 knives when I go to church. Including my Leatherman...I sometimes have 4 on me when I go hunting.

Coming from a ranching family and living in the country my entire life...leaving home with out a knife on your person was akin to not putting your boots on.

The uses for a knife are too numerous to count. I have even succussfully gotten my truck back to running with nothing but a knife and a Leatherman tool (thank God those days are behind me).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
J. Lane Easter, DVM

A born Texan has instilled in his system a mind-set of no retreat or no surrender. I wish everyone the world over had the dominating spirit that motivates Texans.– Billy Clayton, Speaker of the Texas House

No state commands such fierce pride and loyalty. Lesser mortals are pitied for their misfortune in not being born in Texas.— Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to Texas in May, 1991.

09 August 2013, 21:14

Use Enough Gun

Ant: Great comments!

Your comments brought back a lot of memories for me. I too, have a very large collection of knives. I grew up here in the West (US)during a period of time when carrying a pocket knife or sheath knife(long before the Leatherman was ever invented by the way) was the norm,as a kid, teenager and young adult. My great granddad, granddad, dad, uncles, cousins, etc, all carried knives everywhere. Those knives were used for everything from cutting and cleaning your fingernails to big tough tasks. Having a knife on you was part of your daily dress. We also had a large stone grinding wheel, and everything on down, to keep those knives sharp. I recall "wearing out" the blades on a couple of knives from use and sharpening. With all of that said, and much more that could be said, I enjoy carrying a knife in Africa, as it brings back those memories and my freedom to use and carry a knife that we often don't have anymore because we live in a society of the politically correct and those that are afraid of anything deemed to be a "weapon". Carrying a knife in Africa is part of my hunting "therapy", if you would.

09 August 2013, 21:38

BEGNO

I never thought of it as therapy but I believe I will start wearing one in Africa, a reminder of my traditions and therapy.

BTw, I still carry a pocketknife everyday even when I have to wear a suit.

09 August 2013, 22:38

SteveGl

Being a carpenter by trade, I always carry a pocket knife and feel only half-dressed without one. I also always have a leatherman nearby, whether in my car, briefcase or luggage.

Were I a skilled skinner, I'd bring a skinning knife but you don't need one over there anyway; so I carry a Western® Bowie. It is after all, Africa, and one never knows what will happen next.

09 August 2013, 23:13

TwoZero

My DAD and grandfater always carried pocket knives - just a product of their eras.

As a result I always carry a folder. Since I live in a big urban area I have gotten more than a few looks when I use it.

But it comes in handy more than you'd think!

On my vacation to visit family in Guatemala I couldn't take it, and it was rather different not to have it where it was supposed to be.

09 August 2013, 23:18

Mikelravy

I rarely am afield anywhere without my Leatherman and a small Swiss Army knife.

09 August 2013, 23:27

JTEX

quote:
If you do not find yourself 4 or 5 times a day facing a task in need of a good knife you should take a close look at the path your life has taken ...

Great one, that!

.

10 August 2013, 00:09

MARK H. YOUNG

A hunting knife as such is not necessary when on safari. The crew will deal with the dressing and skinning of the game and you as a client should just let them do what they do. When I first went to Africa I wanted to be completely involved in everything. I soon learned that I was better off staying out of the way and letting the professionals do their job.

A good folder is useful for your personal use and a multi tool can be very handy but let the crew handle the animals.

Mark

10 August 2013, 00:15

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by JTEX:
quote:
If you do not find yourself 4 or 5 times a day facing a task in need of a good knife you should take a close look at the path your life has taken ...

Great one, that!

+1...That is a good quote...that might go down in history!!!

10 August 2013, 01:46

Fallow Buck

It has to be sharp enough to cut the back off a petit robusto.

Besides its all part of "the look" isn't it?

K

10 August 2013, 01:56

Grafton

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
quote:
Originally posted by JTEX:
[QUOTE]If you do not find yourself 4 or 5 times a day facing a task in need of a good knife you should take a close look at the path your life has taken ...

Great one, that!

"+1...That is a good quote...that might go down in history!!!"

That is nice of you to say. It is the truth for me. Lots of talk about grandfathers and pocket knives. Sad to see that for so many, the daily carry of a knife has been lost either by choice or urban circumstance.

In addition to all the minor tasks that can be done with a knife, I have always viewed a knife as THE tool that can save your life. I do not rely on PH's, staff or others to have all the tools I may need. You never know what can happen out there. I guess I am just used to having one, so feel naked without it. The same way folks that are used to having a handgun feel when it is not with them.

I can not imagine any outdoor activity where I would not at some point have a need for a cutting tool. Having to ask for one is ridiculous to me.

It is kind of sad really when I think of hunting in some far distant place and needing to bring nothing more than a passport and a handful of cash....knife lovers unite!

10 August 2013, 02:08

Safari James

I would not be caught in the field here in the states without a Leatherman and a knife. I hunted axis this morning and had two sheath blades with me. I never leave home without a pocket knife either in my pocket, my computer bag or workout bag. I am actually having Charles May make me a knife for my upcoming leopard hunt in Zim. Weldon Whitely made me a great knife for my elephant hunts. Some really great comments by other members.

10 August 2013, 02:22

N E 450 No2

Everyday here in Texas I carry a Swiss Army knife, I recommend one that has the scissors, and a SOG Flash II, and a Cold Steel 5" Voyager.
These last two knives were gifts from friends, I am never without them, so I take them to Africa, too.

I have caried my 6" Randall No 5 to Africa a few times as well.

I have used a knife in Africa several times.
I have cut the tails of fo several elephants, used one to look for bullets still in the animal, cut meat off an elephant to put on the fire to eat at the kill/butcher site, and I even used the SOG to stick into the brain of wounded plains game.

10 August 2013, 02:37

Mark Clark

I carry one, just in case. It may be required if I have to cut my own biltong.

On my first trip to Africa it was the first day, we had just got to the lodge from the airport and we were headed out to check the rifles. On the way to the range I had shot a duiker, it was down but not dead, My PH jumped on it and said “give me your knife”, I said “You said to leave it at the lodge I would not need it.” By the time the tracker ran back to the truck and came back with a rusty steak knife that was under the seat the PH had suffocated the critter. I told him “This is the part of hunting that does not get seen on TV”

So now I carry a knife

Mark

10 August 2013, 03:42

SteveGl

The one thing about being used to having a pocket-knife in my pocket is that I've probably donated about a dozen of them to airport security over the years.

10 August 2013, 03:58

Use Enough Gun

At our airport here in Vegas, they have some sort of booth where you can take the knife over, pick up an envelope, pay for the postage and cost via your credit card, and have it mailed back to your home rather than have it confiscated. I saw a guy do it once. I heard that it was a little pricey, but it might be better than giving it away. I had the choice of giving up a swiss army pocket knife a few years ago while passing through the metal detectors in federal court, or take it back to my truck and be late for the hearing. I took it back to my truck.

10 August 2013, 04:22

Duckear

I always have my Vic Farmer in my pocket when hunting or fishing, regardless of where that may be.

10 August 2013, 04:26

Rob Haught

There is little actual "need" for a knife of a guided hunt but damn, I sure feel naked without one. This last hunt a took three over and ended up giving one away to my friend there. The giving and receiving of a knife between friends and fellow hunters is an ancient tradition that is somehow more special on safari. That being said, a Leatherman tool or Swiss Army Knife is probably the most useful. Don't hand your fine custom knife to a skinner unless you want it sharpened on a house brick.

10 August 2013, 05:52

Scott Powell

quote:
Originally posted by Scriptus:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by editor-ant:
As a boy growing up in Africa, knives were something to be coveted. My Dad had a small collection of sheath knives, which I used to love handling, but was never allowed to take out. As I entered my teens, he gave me one, then another. I cannot explain the pride and joy owning those knives brought me. By the standard of custom knives made today, they were fairly basic, but I loved the feel of the bone handle and the balance in hand when using the knife. Among a small collection of knives I have today, I still own those and often take them out when on a hunt or fishing, or just walking in the bush. Aside from the sentimental value, there is nothing I love more than sitting in the shade of an acacia, or leant up against a baobab, during those brief breaks on a long stalk hunt, whittling at a piece of wood.

Maybe I am different, but like fire and guns, I think little boys love knives and it is something we never really grow out of. I have a couple of custom knives displayed in my office, and when visited by my grandsons, they love to take them out the box and hold them. They really are like a magnet to the little guys.

I too will not go anywhere without my Leatherman, but I thought I would share what I feel is special about knives. They do not have to be practical. If they spark some passion, they should be carried along.

Beyond profound!

10 August 2013, 10:37

Karoo

Mark Clark touched on a point invariably ignored on knife topics:
A knife is invaluable for giving critters biggish and small the coup de grace behind the head.
I will never hunt (or ranch) without a knife with a blade suitable for the task and if I was a visiting hunter, I would feel naked without the same.