How To Choose The Perfect Survival Knife For Your Next Adventure

Whether camping, hiking or in the wilderness for any form of nature exploration, a survival knife is handy if one faces some challenges. A good survival knife should be tough enough to perform hard tasks outdoors, light, and compact enough to carry along easily.

More precisely, for practical work, you definitely need a good and solid knife for starting a fire, preparing food, and light repair. However, because many knife modifications exist on the market today, it can sometimes be puzzling what type will best suit your needs.

This article provides some real tips for picking the perfect survival knife to be your trusted buddy.

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1. Consider Blade Material

Ideally, the type of metal used in the blade’s making is essential when choosing your survival knife. It decides how long the sharp edge will last, how hard it is, and its rust resistance—all so significant for a knife needing strenuous jobs outside reliably. 

For instance, carbon steel provides an extremely sharp and durable edge, which is excellent for chopping and carving. Typical stainless options include 420HC and 440C. High-carbon stainless Steel, such as D2, CPM-S30V, and CPM-3V, provides great edge life, strength, and rust resistance. 

Alternatively, blades with a Titanium coating rust a little but leave the hard metal beneath sharp over time. Carbon steel is excellent for campouts in dry regions. In wet, soaked areas, stainless steel is better because it can prevent rust. 

All in all, the best choice of blade material for the survival knife depends on where you use it.

2. Known Full Tang Construction

A full tang design refers to a knife where the tang – the part of the blade that extends into the handle – spans the entire width and length of the handle scales. This provides maximum strength and balance for heavy use. Notably, partially tang or rat tail tang knives, where the tang doesn’t fill the handle, are prone to breaking under force. Hence, full tang construction should be a minimum requirement for serious survival knives.

Moreover, full-tang knives are safer, more durable, and better weighted than other options since there is no weak point where the blade meets the scales. For this reason, any reputable bushcraft or hunting knife manufacturer will use full-tang construction as the standard. 

So, when choosing a knife, avoid any models where specs don’t clearly state a full tang. 

3. Check Blade Length and Thickness 

The ideal survival knife length presents a crucial tradeoff between being long enough to efficiently perform tasks like splitting wood and carving while remaining compact enough for easy carriage. Most fall within the 3-12 inch range, with 8-10 inches covering many basic needs well. 

Arguably, less than 3 inches is too short except for small game prep or crafts, capable only of backup use. From 3 to 6 inches, it is small enough for first aid kits or pockets and suitable for light camp chores or fishing. 

In addition, six- to 8-inch knives are prolific for splitting kindling and carving gear, requiring large sheaths, while 8-10 inches are perfect for splitting firewood and dressing small game without being cumbersome. 

Thus, the survival knife you choose will depend on your individual survival needs and skill level.

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4. Consider Handle Material and Ergonomics 

Comfort and control are important considerations for a survival knife for long-term use. Some popular handle materials include wood, which is lightweight and friendly to look at. However, wood can swell or crack when wet and sometimes needs oil. Additionally, G-10 fiberglass is extremely tough, doesn’t let in water, and is very lightweight while giving a solid grip no matter the conditions. 

Furthermore, the G-10 usually costs more than other options. Metal handles, often wrapped in leather or Micarta to prevent feeling cold, are exceptionally durable but can be chilly to handle and add weight compared to others.

Hence, a balance of durability, comfort, and affordability should be considered when choosing the ideal option.

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5. Fixed Blade Vs. Folding Knife

When choosing a survival knife, there is a tradeoff between fixed-blade and folding styles. 

Fixed blades usually have one sharp side for strength and simplicity, with no moving pieces. They work well for tough outdoor chores like chopping, splitting wood, and other heavy tasks due to handling designs but are heavier to carry.

On the other hand, folding knives are better for carrying in your pocket or bag, but their locking blades may only last a short time. Also, depending on legal size limits, some folding knives can be hidden, but fixed blades are less secret. 

In the end, how you plan to use it and factors like toughness or easy carry should guide your selection of a folding or fixed blade.

6. Check Blade Shape

It’s the bread-and-butter blade profile for survival knives, featuring a drop-point edge that tapers to a strong, clipped point. This versatile shape does most skinning and carving jobs and is also adept at everyday cutting chores. Other profiles boast niche advantages:

Spear Point: Sharper point for stabbing and piercing work to make stick tools. Weaker at the end.

Clip Point: Most of the time, it is as solid and functional as a drop point but has a finer stabbing tip.

Modified Clip/Wharncliffe: A straight cutting edge is used for sawing without a point. It’s safer but less versatile. This dependable drop-point design is a good choice for a general-use outdoor knife.

Thus, the drop-point knife offers the best balance of performance, durability, and versatility for most survival scenarios.

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Wrapping Up

With these essential factors, you can narrow your options and select the perfect survival knife companion. Moreover, thoughtfully choosing materials, size, construction, and features aligned with your needs gives you a reliable tool to face any wilderness challenge. 

Now it’s time to hit the trails, and your new survival blade will be there when you need it most.