Survival Knives: The Ultimate Guide for Outdoor Enthusiasts
If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you know that having the right gear can make all the difference in a survival situation. One of the most important tools in your arsenal is a good survival knife. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which one to choose? In this ultimate guide, we'll take a deep dive into the world of survival knives and help you choose the best one for your needs.
What is a Survival Knife?
A survival knife is a tool that is designed to help you survive in the wilderness. It's a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from building shelter to preparing food. A good survival knife should be sturdy, reliable, and able to handle a wide range of tasks.
Types of Survival Knives
There are two main types of survival knives: fixed blade and folding blade. Fixed blade knives are more durable and reliable, but they are also bulkier and can be more difficult to carry. Folding knives are more compact and easier to carry, but they are generally less durable than fixed blade knives.
Full tang vs Partial Tang
When it comes to survival knives, the tang is an important consideration. The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full tang knife has a blade that extends all the way through the handle, making it stronger and more durable. A partial tang knife has a blade that only extends partway into the handle, making it less sturdy.
Blade Shape and Size
The shape and size of the blade are also important considerations when choosing a survival knife. A larger blade is generally better for heavy-duty tasks like chopping wood, while a smaller blade is better for more delicate tasks like preparing food. The shape of the blade can also affect its usefulness for certain tasks. For example, a tanto blade is good for piercing, while a drop point blade is good for general use.
Features to Look for in a Survival Knife
When choosing a survival knife, there are several features that you should look for. These include:
Blade Material: The material that the blade is made from can affect its durability, sharpness, and rust resistance. Common blade materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and Damascus steel.
Handle Material: The material that the handle is made from can affect its grip and durability. Common handle materials include wood, rubber, and synthetic materials.
Blade Edge Type: The type of edge on the blade can affect its usefulness for certain tasks. Common blade edge types include plain, serrated, and partially serrated.
Sheath Material: The sheath is important for protecting the blade and making it easy to carry. Common sheath materials include leather, nylon, and Kydex.
Expert Reviews of the Top 10 Survival Knives
To help you choose the best survival knife for your needs, we've compiled a list of the top 10 survival knives on the market. These knives have been chosen based on their durability, reliability, and versatility. Here are our top picks:
The Bloodline by Holtzman Gorilla Survival Gear
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Knife
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Knife
Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
SOG Seal Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife
Tops Knives Tom Brown Tracker #2
Buying Guide
When choosing a survival knife, there are several factors that you should consider. These include:
Blade Material: Consider the durability, sharpness, and rust resistance of the blade material.
Handle Material: Consider the grip and durability of the handle material.
Blade Edge Type: Consider the usefulness of the blade edge type for your intended use.
Sheath Material: Consider the durability and ease of use of the sheath material.
Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the blade for your intended use.
Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and sharpening of the knife.
Conclusion
A good survival knife is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose the best survival knife for your needs. Whether you're building shelter, preparing food, or defending yourself, a good survival knife can make all the difference in a survival situation.
What is a Survival Knife?
A survival knife is a tool that is designed to help you survive in the wilderness. It's a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from building shelter to preparing food. A good survival knife should be sturdy, reliable, and able to handle a wide range of tasks.
Types of Survival Knives
There are two main types of survival knives: fixed blade and folding blade. Fixed blade knives are more durable and reliable, but they are also bulkier and can be more difficult to carry. Folding knives are more compact and easier to carry, but they are generally less durable than fixed blade knives.
Full tang vs Partial Tang
When it comes to survival knives, the tang is an important consideration. The tang is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full tang knife has a blade that extends all the way through the handle, making it stronger and more durable. A partial tang knife has a blade that only extends partway into the handle, making it less sturdy.
Blade Shape and Size
The shape and size of the blade are also important considerations when choosing a survival knife. A larger blade is generally better for heavy-duty tasks like chopping wood, while a smaller blade is better for more delicate tasks like preparing food. The shape of the blade can also affect its usefulness for certain tasks. For example, a tanto blade is good for piercing, while a drop point blade is good for general use.
Features to Look for in a Survival Knife
When choosing a survival knife, there are several features that you should look for. These include:
Blade Material: The material that the blade is made from can affect its durability, sharpness, and rust resistance. Common blade materials include stainless steel, carbon steel, and Damascus steel.
Handle Material: The material that the handle is made from can affect its grip and durability. Common handle materials include wood, rubber, and synthetic materials.
Blade Edge Type: The type of edge on the blade can affect its usefulness for certain tasks. Common blade edge types include plain, serrated, and partially serrated.
Sheath Material: The sheath is important for protecting the blade and making it easy to carry. Common sheath materials include leather, nylon, and Kydex.
Expert Reviews of the Top 10 Survival Knives
To help you choose the best survival knife for your needs, we've compiled a list of the top 10 survival knives on the market. These knives have been chosen based on their durability, reliability, and versatility. Here are our top picks:
The Bloodline by Holtzman Gorilla Survival Gear
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Knife
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Knife
Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
SOG Seal Pup Elite Fixed Blade Knife
Tops Knives Tom Brown Tracker #2
Buying Guide
When choosing a survival knife, there are several factors that you should consider. These include:
Blade Material: Consider the durability, sharpness, and rust resistance of the blade material.
Handle Material: Consider the grip and durability of the handle material.
Blade Edge Type: Consider the usefulness of the blade edge type for your intended use.
Sheath Material: Consider the durability and ease of use of the sheath material.
Size and Shape: Consider the size and shape of the blade for your intended use.
Maintenance: Consider the ease of maintenance and sharpening of the knife.
Conclusion
A good survival knife is an essential tool for any outdoor enthusiast. By considering the factors outlined in this guide, you can choose the best survival knife for your needs. Whether you're building shelter, preparing food, or defending yourself, a good survival knife can make all the difference in a survival situation.
