В тази статия ще разгледаме защо не ви е нужно огромно мачете, за да се разходите около Bansko, и кои са най-добрите, леки и функционални решения на пазара.
The Victorinox Classic: The Swiss Army Knife in Pirin
It is difficult to talk about reliable mountain knife, without starting with Victorinox. These iconic red knives with a white cross have become synonymous with multifunctionality and quality. For the conditions of the Bulgarian mountains, they are often the most sensible choice.
Why are they so good?
- Multi-functionality: In addition to the main blade, you have a can opener, tweezers (indispensable for removing ticks or thorns from the plant), scissors, and an awl.
- Corrosion resistance: Victorinox steel is relatively soft, which means it can be sharpened extremely easily even in the field – on a smooth stone from a moraine, if necessary. It is highly resistant to rust, which is important in the humid climate of the mountains.
- The saw: It may seem fragile at first glance, but the saw on the 91mm and 111mm models cuts dry branches for kindling surprisingly effectively.
What type of knife do you need: Folding or fixed?
Before buying, ask yourself: “What will I do with it?” Here’s a quick comparison to help you get started:
| Characteristics | Folding knife (Victorinox, Opinel) | Fixed Knife (Morakniv) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Lightweight and compact, fits in your pocket. | Heavier, requires a belt sheath. |
| Strength | Weaker mechanism (risk under strong pressure). | Extremely strong (Full tang). |
| Purpose | Food, minor repairs, light tourism. | Bushcraft, wood splitting, hard work. |
Top alternatives on the market
If the Swiss Army Knife isn't your style, here are the three most popular alternatives among mountaineers in Bulgaria:
1. Opinel (France) – The King of the Picnic
This is the minimalist's knife. With a wooden handle and a locking ring (Virobloc), it cuts food better than any other because of its blade geometry. It's ideal for cutting tomatoes, cheese and bread during a break.
Attention: Wood can swell if it gets wet, making it difficult to open. Choose stainless steel (Inox) rather than carbon (Carbone) to avoid rust and oxidation from acidic foods.
2. Morakniv (Sweden) – Bushcraft legend
If you are looking for a budget fixed mountain knife, which is almost indestructible, this is Mora. They are used massively by survival schools. With its “scandi grind” sharpening, it “bites” the wood aggressively. The model Companion is probably the best investment of 20-30 leva you can make.
3. Leatherman (USA) – For the techies
If you're skiing or biking in the mountains, pliers are more important than the blade itself. Leatherman offers sturdy tools, but be aware of the weight – models like Wave+ weigh over 200 grams.
Golden rules for safety and maintenance
- Keep it sharp: A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one because it requires more force to be applied, which can easily "slip" and injure you.
- Cleaning from resin: After a walk in the coniferous forests around Bansko, sticky resin often remains on the blade. Clean it with a little oil or alcohol before it hardens.
- Lanyard: Attach a bright orange paracord to the handle. If you drop your knife in tall grass or autumn leaves, this will save you hours of searching.
There is no universal “best” knife. There is one that is most suitable for your situation. For a light hike around the Pirin huts – take Victorinox or Opinel. For wild forest and camping – bet on Morakniv. The most important thing is that the knife is in your pocket, not forgotten at home!
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