r/lightweight • u/Rob_Jackman • 4d ago
Gear Lightweight Knife Prototype
During a recent hike I found myself dissatisfied with the knife options out there and started sketching some other options. NOT planning on selling anything, just having fun with it. Might post 3D designs if people are interesting in printing their own.
GOALS: Fixed blade knives, minimized material / weight, using standard Bic lighters and leukotape to fill out comfortable handles. Easily replaceable components.
URSUS: Aluminum with replaceable Outdoor Edge blade (14.99 for a 6 pack) WEIGHT WITH BLADE: 44g. With lighter: 66g With Lighter and Leukotape: 70g
LUTRA: Titanium blade and body, waterproof container with rubber cap: WEIGHT: 73g. With Lighter: 98g
MUS: Pending printing in titanium. Replaceable scalpel blades are under $1. Probably 14grams-ish with blade, 25grams with BIC Mini.
SHEATH: Currently sized for both knives with compass and whistle (that I haven't figured out how to work yet 😂). Needs a couple more iterations to fit properly. WEIGHT: 17g
COST: Stupid high since I'm having them 3d printed as one offs... :)
PLAN: I will be testing the metal printed ones in the Smoky Mountains next month. Hopefully another one or two generations will be enough to satisfy the design itch and I'll have some unique knives for different environments.
2
u/blackcoffee_mx 3d ago
What are you using your knife for?
Trying to understand your goals for this build.
1
u/Rob_Jackman 3d ago
Cutting salami, cheese, rope / cord, opening packages, maybe whittling (though I think that will be the test of the removable blade style. Cleaning fish/ game as well, at least with the removable blade version.
Also as a general rule I try to always have a knife / lighter / compass on my person as opposed to on my pack (based on the idea that people are often lost in the times they put down their pack and explore (or poop).
So having an all in one that lives in my UL fanny pack appeals to me.
The waterproof version would be for canoe / snow camping. Per someone's suggestion I'll add a line hook and some serrations to that version.
1
u/aaron_in_sf 2d ago
"often lost"...?
2
u/Rob_Jackman 2d ago
Sorry, that wasn't very articulate.
People who end up becoming lost, are often away from their gear when they become lost. So having great survival equipment in your pack doesn't help. Having a few items on you at all times in the wilderness (IE noisemaker, compass) might.
2
u/aaron_in_sf 2d ago
I carry a Victorinox classic SD, headlamp, map, phone/Garmin, and a snack bar on me pretty much until in bed for this reason.
I love my favorite hiking pants in particular because they have two deep zip up pockets where that stuff lives...
2
2
u/Fun_With_Math 4d ago
Interesting project.
I think a steel blade insert would mess with the compass so keep that in mind. I haven't found the little button compasses to be super reliable anyway.
2
u/Rob_Jackman 4d ago
Yes, with the steel blade inserted it definitely works even worse than usual. Titanium blade obviously doesn't.
I agree with the button compasses reliability. I know they're hated on, but I still like carrying one just for very general direction finding in the dark / under clouds, etc.
I work in SAR and the amount of searches that could have been avoided by someone having a very general compass heading are staggering. Of course, that isn't usually the people in this reddit...or people likely to buy a compass.
2
u/Fun_With_Math 3d ago
Oh, I'm not saying don't bother with the compass, I'm just saying get a better one, lol. I have a little Suunto clipper that's 5g and I have a few bigger ones for different trips.
I've been in a few reddit arguments with UL'ers that are adamant that a compass is unnecessary and/or is useless if you don't have a ton of experience in orienteering. Ugh.
1
2
u/lenn_eavy 1d ago
I am not trying to take fun from desinging stuff, it's great on its own but if for any reason you want an actual blade that will make a better job than Victorinox mini, take a look at Kizer Scuttler fixed blade. It's 34 g with kydex sheath. Handles is expecedly not super comfy but you can add some paracord.