Reddit mentions of Westcott Sewing Titanium Bonded Fine Cut Scissors, 2.5"

Westcott Sewing Titanium Bonded Fine Cut Scissors, 2.5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YZARO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PekCCbDA22H9V

Westcott Sewing Titanium Bonded Fine Cut Scissors, 2.5" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YZARO0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P.xcBbWMDV597

I've been using this for a long time and highly recommend them. They are very sharp, can cut nails, and in the closed position they can even be used with a fire steel to make sparks.

My pair weighs 6.8g (0.24 oz)

Getting below 10lbs on the JMT is an exercise in minimalism. Your kit is really good but if you don't mind losing a bit of functionality here's some ideas.

• Replace the Duplex and Marmot Essence for the Gatewood Cape and a bivvy. This would allow you to ditch a pack cover and ground sheet as well. You would save about 15 oz of weight at the expense of extra space and ventilation of the duplex and the luxury of having a dedicated rain jacket.
  
  
• If you like your Duplex, you can swap out the Marmot Essence and pack cover for a Packa. It's a silnylon rain jacket that functions as a pack cover, keeping your pack drier (which will keep it lighter).
  
  
• Replace the R1 and Windshirt for a Montbell UL Thermawrap parka. You lose the versatility of two separate garments but you gain a good deal of warmth and drop 4 oz of weight. Another alternative is to replace the R1 with the lighter Patagonia Capilene Thermalweight Zip-neck. It's not as warm but it's 6 oz lighter.
  
  
• You can replace camp suds and toothpaste with dr. bronners repackaged into a tiny container. My container just weighs a couple tenths of an ounce. 3 oz saved here. Dr. Bronner's tastes gross if you use two much, you only need a drop or two to brush your teeth.
  
  
• I own and love the 2.5 oz Swiss Army Knife, however it's not the lightest nor most optimal solution. The County Comm Tweezers are lighter and more functional. Westcott Titanium Bonded Fine Cut Scissors are lighter and more functional as well. This can save you 2 oz.
  
  
• Switch packs from the Granite Gear Crown to a frameless. They're a little more finicky to pack and use but can weigh 10-20 oz lighter than your current pack.
  
  All of this should drop your weight 2.8 lbs, getting your right below 10 for the JMT.

I like these westcott 2.5" titanium scissors a lot, but I'm a weekend warrior, so I can't vouch for their thru-hike appropriateness. They weigh 0.3 oz.

Westcott 2.5" Ti Scissors - does all you need and weighs like 8 grams

I started with a knife but after 500-some miles of not using it once I got rid of it. I used Wescott titanium scissors for rest of the trail. After the trail I tested pretty much all the knives mentioned here and if I'd bring a knife on trail, I'd bring Spyderco Ladybug 3.

I found this artice. There are a couple more that I found on google.


http://sewfordough.wordpress.com/2009/11/23/beads-on-a-gown-removing-and-reattaching/


I use these scissors for beading, and I would recommend you get the same.

http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Sewing-Titanium-Bonded-Scissors/dp/B000YZARO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410237933&sr=8-1&keywords=fine+sewing+scissors


I wouldn't try this if you don't know beading or sewing. But if you know sewing beading is easy.

I would make the design on a piece of parchment paper and sew through it... if that makes sense. Then you can tear/ cut it out.

It didn't take long before I realized that I use scissors all the time and rarely a knife. I now carry a pair of tiny sewing scissors that comes in at less than 9g (0.3oz). They're a lot handier than the scissors that are on the tiny swiss army knives too as they have proper handles. About the only thing they're missing is a toothpick, which doesn't register on my 0.1g scales.

Delete 'em both. The risk from bears is practically zero. Carry one single-edged razor blade or a tiny pair of scissors, or both, in case you need to cut something. The scissors I carry, Westcott Titanium 2.5", weigh 0.25 ounce (7 grams):

https://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Sewing-Titanium-Bonded-Scissors/dp/B000YZARO0/ref=sr_1_4?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1527731253&sr=1-4&keywords=westcott+titanium+scissors+2.5

Use your stove to cook, thereby eliminating the need to carry a saw to cut firewood.

These are the ones that I just bought:

https://www.amazon.com/Westcott-Sewing-Titanium-Bonded-Scissors/dp/B000YZARO0

.25oz on my scale. Copied the idea from John Zahorian, who wraps the blade in duct tape.

my victorinox waiter and 2.5" sewing scissors are 1.45 oz combined, no saw though

i use a can opener all the time in town and you make some good friends carrying a corkscrew

On the Gear in your Lighterpack:

• Being able to fit everything in your talon will be a great way to drop weight right off the bat.
  
  
• Would you consider a different pillow? I have this on order still, so I can't vouch for it, but it is dirt cheap and will save you a few ounces if it works out.
  
  
• Is the SS cup necessary if you have the pot and water bottles? consider whether you can do everything out of the pot.
  
  
• See if you can live with only one filter. The regular squeeze should serve you just fine.
  
  
• I know you love the chair. Is there any way you would consider a sit pad so you can sit cleanly and comfortable on large rocks and old logs? It would cut a good amount of weight. You can get them from Litesmith, Gossamer Gear, Aliexpress, and plenty of other places.
  
  
• If you haven't bought the grafting knife yet, would you consider a small pair of scissors? It would save you a small amount of weight, but think through what you're actually using the knife for.
  
  Other items:
  
  
• Hood - would you consider a fleece beanie or balaclava? Those are cheap and light.
  
  
• Down booties - a 20 deg quilt should be more than enough with a pair of dry sleeping socks. I know my fiancee sleeps cold, though, and wouldn't think of sleeping without at least two layers on her feet. If you feel you need them, bring them along.
  
  
• Alcohol fuel container - I know plenty of people who just use a disposable water bottle with some duct tape on it to identify it.
  
  
• I've seen some people use a bandana or head net with coffee, and others brew it cowboy style and let the grounds settle to the bottom. There are plenty of expensive presses out there, but you don't need to spend the money if you don't want to.
  
  
• First aid kit - the easiest way to cut down weight is only bring what you know how to use. Some tape, gauze, and pills will serve for most people.