Every camper knows that you should never leave home without your trusty survival knife by your side. For all the uncertainties that you can encounter outdoors, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Here are the few tips to clear the confusion between all the different kinds: tactical folding knives, hunting knives, survival knives, and lots more.
* Not all stainless steel are created equal. It may look the same and have the same heft, but important things like composition and temper are impossible to determine by looks alone. When buying, this is the area where you have to trust the knife maker. Know that there are compromises as far as steel is concerned. A tough blade that holds its edge will not be very flexible. A flexible blade is relatively softer and will dull quicker. Only you can prioritize one feature over another.
* Especially with tactical folding knives, the way it’s put together determines its usability and toughness. You would want to have something that locks with a positive feel for confidence in using it, yet you need its blade to deploy quickly in emergency situations. The makers of Gerber knives and Kershaw knives are experts at this and you should check their offerings first.
* Everything has to be put together with a level of craftsmanship reserved for fine tools. A surgical edge is desirable. A dull blade is actually more dangerous than a razor-sharp one.
* As with most things, you get what you pay for. The makers of Gerber knives, SOG knives, and Kershaw knives all made a name for themselves by selling only the best. You will not be buying survival knives all the time so it’s better to buy the best you can afford. If you take care of it, you can pass it on as an heirloom.
* A sheath may seem worthless to you, but if you want to maximize the utility of your fixed blade knife, you have to have a complete system. Especially with larger hunting knives, you need a way to conveniently carry it that also allows for easy accessibility. A sheath has to be able to carry the knife and protect the blade when not in use. It also has to protect you. During a nasty spill, an inferior sheath may let go of the knife, or worse, the blade can cut through and you may get an injury that is far worse than a scraped knee.