A solid fixed blade is an essential tool to have on camping trips, whether you’re only out there for a fun weekend or you’re a more hardcore through hiker on a week-long trip (or longer). The sheer number of survival skills that a knife enables is innumerable. But the knife you choose is pretty important.
For instance, take Ontario’s iconic Old Hickory, an all-purpose outdoor knife that dates back to 1924 — yes, really. This blade’s silhouette, balance and materials have made it a timeless classic. But it could still be improved for modern usage.
In fact, that’s precisely the idea behind the Tops Ontario XL Hunter, which takes that traditional design and updates it for modern outdoors folks into one of the best all-around field knives out there.
Beefier blade than before
For the most part, Ontario’s Old Hickory geometry remains intact (worth noting that this knife is built off the original Butcher Knife edition, specifically, not the boning, slicing or cleaver versions). That means it retains its beefy blade with its long, curved cutting belly and clip-point tip.
That shape makes this a highly adept knife, capable of both forceful chopping and precision work, making it perfect for general outdoor use as well as more refined camp cooking. However, this version has a couple of tricks up its sleeve.
