What is Survival Knife?
A survival knife is an important tool you can use in an event you get lost in the forest or wilderness. A proper knife can actually be a lifesaver to assist you in building a shelter, hunt, start a fire, prepare food, dig holes, path and many more. That is why it is essential to choose a survival knife that is reliable and less likely to break in the event you needed it the most.
How to Choose the Best Survival Knife?
Here are some few things you may want to consider when it comes to picking a survival knife:
1. The Design
The design is the most important factor to consider when you are selecting for a survival knife to use. Let’s take for example you find yourself in the wilderness for a survival situation, the length of the cutting edge has different purposes and the tip is needed in piercing. For this reason, you should be aware of the several blade designs which consist of drop points, trailing point, clip points, spear points, etc. The most suited blade designs for survival are drop point, spear point and clip point. The reason why these three are suitable is that the location of the tip is near to the center line which makes it have greater control.
2. Folding or fixed blade
When you want a knife that you can carry every day, a pocket knife can be a good choice for all purposes. The problem with a folding knife is they have additional breakpoint as opposite to the fixed blade. If you are going to choose a survival knife, the last thing you want to have is a broken knife when you are skinning a kill or making a shelter. You may want something that is durable which allows you to use it in every situation without breaking the contact. You may want a knife that will stand an extreme abuse yet still doing fine.
3. The Edge
There are different types of cutting edges made for different purposes. For straight cutting edges, they are designed for general purposes. There is also the neutral rake angle that has extend angle at the right from the bolster. A positive rake angle has a downward edge and extends from the bolster. Its purpose is to increase the attack when slicing and cutting. Then, there is also a recurved edge that is made to use for heavy chopping.
4. The Length
Another critical factor to consider when choosing a survival knife. The length of the blade is also considered for different purposes. Blades that ranges from 8 to 10 inches are used for splitting and chopping. However, this blade is difficult to control the tip when performing small tasks. For delicate tasks, 3.5 to 5 inches blades are the best choice. But blades ranges from 6 to 7.5 inches are excellent when it comes to heavy duty and between long and short utility.
5. Blade Steel
What is your knife made of? The type of steel your survival knife is made of is also an essential factor. There are two types of steel to choose from, the non-stainless and stainless steel. Non-stainless steel is tougher than the other. It means it is likely to break yet does not hold the edge quite well. Stainless steel is less tough but holds the edge better than the other one. It means that it is far less to corrosion.
