What is the purpose of carrying a knife out in a safari..

[Rocked and Loaded]

Probably consensus is not the right word, but majority probably

I don’t know if it is a majority but I think there are enough experienced safari hunters who do it to not simply dismiss it as a fashion choice.

The consensus is that carrying some kind of knife is probably wise. With the type of knife being chosen based on the hunters unique experience and personal concerns.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

MP7 full auto that can do some serious damage.I'm staying away from big cities, no questions asked.

When you're with the PH, you will be in his very distinctive safari vehicle, often with the outfitter's logo plastered on the doors. Any urban trouble makers will know immediately that the occupants are well armed. They will leave you alone.

Actually, being identified as a safari vehicle recently became problematic in some rural RSA areas. Local police turned to highway robbery stopping safari operators' vehicles on remote sections of highways and more or less demanding a "tip." They know there's likely American cash in that truck. For that reason I NEVER carry ANY cash with me when hunting. It stays in the safe at the lodge. If we get held up, I can simply empty my pockets. I understand the professional hunters association has worked very effectively at nipping this bad practice in the bud. I'm not going to ask their methods.

 

[spike.t]

That was my initial thought but the consensus here towards a large fixed blade has changed my thought process..

Take what you want or are happy with....all I was doing was saying you will basically never use a large fixed blade...way more important I would say is a small powerful torch/flashlight.....possibly not if you are at one of the SA places that looks more like a hotel...but even then if you out in the Bush come dark you will be happy you have it....and you will be surprised at how few actually have one when its needed.....now I wait to be told am wrong on that.....

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Take what you want or are happy with....all I was doing was saying you will basically never use a large fixed blade...way more important I would say is a small powerful torch/flashlight.....possibly not if you are at one of the SA places that looks more like a hotel...but even then if you out in the Bush come dark you will be happy you have it....and you will be surprised at how few actually have one when its needed.....now I wait to be told am wrong on that.....

Ball cap with LED lights in the bill is the way to go! They really do work well. Wish I could find one that is bigger than one-size-fits-all-Chinamen.

 

[spike.t]

Ball cap with LED lights in the bill is the way to go! They really do work well. Wish I could find one that is bigger than one-size-fits-all-Chinamen.

They ok for walking around..bought my son one years ago in basspro he loved it....but don't think I have seen one since....but never really looked....also it didn't last that long...

 

[Nyati]

Take what you want or are happy with....all I was doing was saying you will basically never use a large fixed blade...way more important I would say is a small powerful torch/flashlight.....possibly not if you are at one of the SA places that looks more like a hotel...but even then if you out in the Bush come dark you will be happy you have it....and you will be surprised at how few actually have one when its needed.....now I wait to be told am wrong on that.....

Not one, but two.

I carry a Surefire on me, plus a headlight in my pack, plus spare batteries, of course

 

[JES Adventures]

I'm planning a small utility knife instead of a trademark hunting knife that I see many of you carry when out hunting. Just want to go light and my philosophy is to carry as less of a load specially around the waist as possible. Already feeling the weight of my 12 pound double on long walks. Am I missing something, please educate me..

I carry the Swiss Army Hunters version on every hunt. I use it to cut my cigar, tweezers and toothpick when needed and corkscrew quite often.

 

[JES Adventures]

Oh, have had to cape a couple of animals with it as well

JES

 

[HankBuck]

Take what you want or are happy with....all I was doing was saying you will basically never use a large fixed blade...way more important I would say is a small powerful torch/flashlight.....possibly not if you are at one of the SA places that looks more like a hotel...but even then if you out in the Bush come dark you will be happy you have it....and you will be surprised at how few actually have one when its needed.....now I wait to be told am wrong on that.....

SPIKE.T., agree with you - a flashlight is a basic, as is: compass, matches/lighter, and a Knife (of some kind). None will be needed 99% of the time - if your only risk is being “over prepared” so what, a few more ounces of weight - so what, worried that someone will think you’re playing “dress up”….kick his a-s ! It’s your Safari

 

[Longwalker]

I carry a knife every day. All the years that I went to school, university, various "office" jobs, even to church on Sunday. Just don't feel dressed without a pocket knife on my person. And I use it almost every day. When in the bush, I always carry a pocket knife, or a Leatherman, and some way to light a fire. That's a bare minimum that I'm not willing to do without. On Safari I've found a Leatherman tool just as handy as when I'm near home. The pliers get used quite regularly, to remove thorns from the soles of shoes, pull stuck zippers, untie knotty ropes etc. I may or may not add a fixed blade knife on my belt, but I always have one in my day pack in the truck. Sometimes it's useful, even if only to lend to the skinners. On my most recent hunting safari in Zimbabwe, I used my fixed blade hunting knife to claim possession my elephant in the traditional manner. Would not have missed that opportunity for anything!

 

[Joedad]

When someone asks me if I have a knife my response is “am I wearing pants? “.
The only time I don’t have a knife is when I’m in a plane. As soon as I get my luggage it’s back in my pocket. As W C Fields always said you never know when you’re going to have to “cut your way through a mile of human flesh”. Probably a lot of folks on here don’t know who W C Fields was.

 

[steve white]

The small standard Swiss army knife....as you will use the tooth pick more than anything else.....that's if you use anything else on it....

WELL, the tweezers are great for pencil cactus with the hair sized itchy little, breakaway stickers. Those little tweezers work perfectly for that.

 

[Dewald]

Not one, but two.

I carry a Surefire on me, plus a headlight in my pack, plus spare batteries, of course

Fenix and two headlights. In the camelback, as someone in invariably not going to have one.

Oh. And a little Black Diamond upright one next to my bed.

 

[Datchew]

WELL, the tweezers are great for pencil cactus with the hair sized itchy little, breakaway stickers. Those little tweezers work perfectly for that.

that's a great point.
I have this mini-multi-tool in my backpack on one of those little lanyard clip thingies.
It has the most amazing set of tweezers and hiking and hunting in Texas almost never fails to get a small something stuck in my skin.
Also - i've taken to carrying a big pair of fingernail clippers as well. SOmetimes I can't grab the tiny little hair sized splinter but i can see it. The clippers used like a pair of side dikes work wonders for taking a just right sized chunk out - splinter and all.

 

[Trophyhunter01]

You never know when it is your time to dance!

 

[steve white]

that's a great point.
I have this mini-multi-tool in my backpack on one of those little lanyard clip thingies.
It has the most amazing set of tweezers and hiking and hunting in Texas almost never fails to get a small something stuck in my skin.
Also - i've taken to carrying a big pair of fingernail clippers as well. SOmetimes I can't grab the tiny little hair sized splinter but i can see it. The clippers used like a pair of side dikes work wonders for taking a just right sized chunk out - splinter and all.

And if you have a dozen or so Boy Scouts running into the stuff, it works overtime!

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Probably consensus is not the right word, but majority probably

Those that said they carry a fixed blade knife (especially Franco) made a better case than those that said they wouldn't. Consensus isn't really necessary. In fact I'd be willing to bet that some of those that said they wouldn't carry a knife while on safari have changed their minds.
I also thought of one more thing. On my last trip I took an attractive, Damascus blade knife. While I didn't really need to have it, I did have it. Someday my grandson will inherit it and he will know that "Papa" carried it in Africa. Heirlooms have a way of taking on a life of their own.

 

[HankBuck]

Those that said they carry a fixed blade knife (especially Franco) made a better case than those that said they wouldn't. Consensus isn't really necessary. In fact I'd be willing to bet that some of those that said they wouldn't carry a knife while on safari have changed their minds.
I also thought of one more thing. On my last trip I took an attractive, Damascus blade knife. While I didn't really need to have it, I did have it. Someday my grandson will inherit it and he will know that "Papa" carried it in Africa. Heirlooms have a way of taking on a life of their own.

Doug, I agree that a person should carry a knife (of some type) when hunting in Africa but (full disclosure) I am also a person that carries a knife “everywhere”. I also think you make a GREAT Point regarding taking a knife to Africa because “Someday my Grandson will inherit it and Know “Papa” carried it in Africa”…..that (to Me) is reason alone to carry a knife on Safari….that “knife” just became unique, has a ‘history’ unlike any other.
But, I must strongly disagree with You on your comment “willing to Bet that Some of those that said they wouldn’t carry a knife on Safari have CHANGED their minds”!!!! Have YOU read how “dug in” people are on this topic? Opinions are harder then Politics or Religion….some comments are ridiculous (not mine of course). I think that there are some that would knowingly refuse to carry a knife EVEN if they knew-in-advance it would Save-their-life…..just to AVOID changing their minds or acknowledging they might be wrong (I’m gonna get KNIFED for writing this!!)

 

[Doug Hamilton]

Doug, I agree that a person should carry a knife (of some type) when hunting in Africa but (full disclosure) I am also a person that carries a knife “everywhere”. I also think you make a GREAT Point regarding taking a knife to Africa because “Someday my Grandson will inherit it and Know “Papa” carried it in Africa”…..that (to Me) is reason alone to carry a knife on Safari….that “knife” just became unique, has a ‘history’ unlike any other.
But, I must strongly disagree with You on your comment “willing to Bet that Some of those that said they wouldn’t carry a knife on Safari have CHANGED their minds”!!!! Have YOU read how “dug in” people are on this topic? Opinions are harder then Politics or Religion….some comments are ridiculous (not mine of course). I think that there are some that would knowingly refuse to carry a knife EVEN if they knew-in-advance it would Save-their-life…..just to AVOID changing their minds or acknowledging they might be wrong (I’m gonna get KNIFED for writing this!!)

Okay, you're right about those that are "dug in" although I can't understand it as I always have at least a pocket knife with me. My thoughts were more about those that were ambivalent on the subject and leaning towards thinking that it might be better.to go lighter rather than carry a knife.

 

[spike.t]

Just an aside....if you lend your nice knife to one of the guys in the Bush, just keep an eye out he doesn't decide to sharpen it on the nearest rock.....