In a survival emergency, you may feel unprepared and scared, yet the appropriate knife can keep you warm, hydrated, and fed. How do you pick your next survival knife, though? In this article, we will go through everything you need to know about choosing a survival knife. So lets get started!
Various types of survival knives
Large fixed-blade knives, like a machete, may be a game-changer in a survival crisis and are extremely useful for everyday, heavy-duty tasks such as building shelters or chopping down dead trees for a fire. Smaller fixed blades have unsurpassed durability, and adaptability is also important. They can be used as a conventional knife, for cutting jobs or even to make a spear by lashing them to a long stick. Detail work, such as weaving or tying branches together, can also be done using little knives. Another alternative is a sheath-folding knife, which is a good option for carrying in the woods.
Fixed-blade survival knife VS folding survival knife
A fixed blade survival knife is used for batoning, chopping, and digging because of their strength, and they are also the primary form of protection against other animals. The disadvantage of a fixed blade is its size and, in most cases, weight. If space and compactness are requirements, a folding survival knife is favored, although they are intrinsically weaker at the pivot point.
Choosing the size of a survival knife
The size of the knife is determined by how it is carried and the activity for which you are preparing. Are you planning to travel to a remote region where you may become stranded? Because weight and space are not concerns, a bigger fixed blade knife and sheath folders can be brought. Are you planning a solo vacation? Choose a sheath folder or a smaller fixed blade. The knife's size is also determined by the size of the surroundings. Larger knives are appropriate for giant trees or dense forests, whereas sheath folders are best for deserts where cutting large items isn't necessary.
Choosing the handle of a survival knife
The handle of a heavier knife should be heavier as well. It's best to use wood, bone, or a plastic/rubber combination for chopping. Any combination may be used with a medium knife. Wood and bone handles may be quite comfortable and long-lasting, but if not properly cared for, they might fracture or dry out. Metal (steel or aluminum) is tough and long-lasting, but it's also heavy and can get hot or cold depending on the weather. Rubber can be pleasant and absorb vibration if designed appropriately, but it is more prone to deterioration and damage.
The material of the survival knife
Carbon steel is the most commonly used material in big fixed blade knives, such as machetes and axes, since it can retain an edge for a long period. This material rusts more easily and requires a coating or mirror polish to prevent corrosion. Stainless steel is the most common steel used in tiny fixed blades and sheath folders, and it is also the least costly. The basic rule of thumb with any material is that the lower the carbon concentration, the faster the edge will dull. It is, however, the easiest to resharpen and the least costly. The more the carbon percentage, the sharper the edge will remain, but resharpening will be more difficult and expensive.
Cautions to be used when using a survival knife
Don't only use your dominant hand to hold a knife in one way. In a survival crisis, the dominant hand is frequently injured. When you're not using the survival knife, make sure it's sharp and ready to use in case of an emergency. Learn how to sharpen your knife and maintain a razor-sharp edge. A dull knife is more deadly than one that has been sharpened.
Knives are some of the most versatile tools in existence and a good knife is an invaluable tool in any survival scenario.
They can also be used for a limitless variety of other tasks, the only limit being your imagination and the strength of your knife.Fixed BladeThere are plenty of opinions when it comes to survival knives, but everyone can agree that a fixed blade will always be the best option.
Folding knives might be an extremely compact and efficient option for a wide range of situations, but they just cannot handle the same impact forces as a fixed blade knife.
If you want to be able to accomplish the most survival jobs, then it might be a good idea to have a large knife for chopping and a smaller knife for completing more delicate tasks.Blade DesignThere are a variety of different blade styles, mostly determined by the tip of the knife.
Still, there are a few best choices when it comes to survival and most users will prefer either a drop point or spear point blade.
This is especially important when one plans on working with their knife all day to set up a shelter or other survival structure.
If you are in the search of great survival knife, then TOPS knives should be on your list.
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