It’s a time of unrest. The weather is changing. It seems like people are changing. Politics are changing.
There’s never been a better time to be prepared for change.
One of the easiest and most versatile tools you can buy in times of change is a survival knife.
The basic survival knife is a tool which can make us feel safe, secure and prepared.
This article will help you understand the different types of Survival Knives so you can select the one that is best for you.
But first, let’s take a quick look at what I recommend before we go into details:
PLAN
Number
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Mike's Top Choice
(The one we like the best)
ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Grey Micarta Handle
Provides Maximum Grip
Metal Rounded Pommel Capable of Hammering
Capable of doing smaller fine tune duties
Tough Knife to beat
Very Affordable
Can Do Medium Task Such as Chopping and Skinning
Large ergonomic handle
It has 27 Degree Edge Angle for Maximum Sharpness Capacity
Here are the 10 BEST survival knives we looked at:
- Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
- ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife With Grey Micarta Handle
- Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
- Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife Fixed Blade Knife
- Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife
- Cold Steel Survival Rescue
- Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk Fixed Blade
- Schrade SCHF2 Extreme Survival Special Forces Knife
- SOG SE38-N Force Knife With Straight Edge Fixed
- Top Knives Tom Brown Tracker
Here you can learn:
- 3 Reasons To Have A Survival Knife
- 10 Most Common Uses For A Survival Knife
- Additional Uses For Survival Knives (Not So Good For The Blade)
- What To Look For In A Survival Knife?
- What To Avoid In A Survival Knife?
- 10 Best Survival Knives
- Mike’s Top Pick
Here are the FULL reviews:
10 Best Survival Knives
A survival knife is designed to be an all-around tool to help you and your family survive in unusual circumstances. Although some people use their survival knives every day, some people rarely use them. In either case it’s always nice to feel like you have a flexible tool that can keep you safe.
In this list is a collection of 10 best survival knives recommended and in demand:
Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Affordability and quality are qualities Morakniv possess. If you are on a budget and looking for something to boost your survival kit, this one is a good choice to start.
It is relatively small with an overall length of 8.8″, a blade length of 4.1″ and a thickness of .125″. Its a good choice for starters on a tight budget. It may not be good for continued heavy duty task but can perform medium tough job.
It is half tang but has proven itself to be a conditioned Survival Knife in the field.
It is made with Sandvik High Carbon Steel which makes it a durable and tough knife for its price.
The handle is made of Green plastic and rubber. It has a great grip and is better to medium duty tasks such as chopping small woods.
Its Plastic Sheath is weather resistant and can protect the knife from moisture. This type of sheath may be weak for other users because of the weaker material.
It is made in Sweden.
Overall, if you are looking for a good Survival Knife to start with a low budget, this one works well for practice.
What makes it different: Large handle, Small Knife, Half Tang, Lightweight
This knife received a lot of good reviews. It is best for small detailed tasks and can also do average to medium tasks. It is affordable and a good pack for starters and campers.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 8.8”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 4.1″
- Blade Thickness – 0.125″
- Weight – 4.8 oz.
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Drop point
- Tang – Half Tang
- Steel Type – Sandvik High Carbon Steel
- Handle
- Green Plastic and Black Rubber
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Plastic Sheath with Belt clip
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 3/5
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
The Ka-Bar brand is known for their all-purpose functional line of knives. One of their heavy duty field knife is the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion Fixed Blade. It is a must have knife for camping. Its blade is shaving sharp and works well for heavy duty tasks.
The Kabar Companion Knife has an overall length of 10.5”, with a blade of 5.25”. It has a thickness of .25”. The blade is shorter to make it work for small detail tasks, while its blade is thick enough to perform heavy tasks.
It is full tang and heavy which makes it best for vigorous work.
It has a drop point which gives it more potential in doing tough tasks such as batoning, chopping and slashing.
The 1095 Cro-Van is a durable material used to make this knife. It is best for abusive task and has waterproofing properties.
The Zytel handle receives an average satisfaction to its owners. It has a good size but can be slippery for others.
The sheath is made of Glass Reinforced Nylon which makes it hard on the outer but gentle on the knife. It provides an exact fit and protection for the knife.
The knife is made in USA.
Overall if you are for a hefty, sturdy thick blade knife that is less expensive than others, this is a good one to have.
What makes it different: Average length, Heavy, Drop point
It is an affordable choice for an Average length and heavy Knife. It is best to carry for camping and preparing food or kindle. It may not be suitable to carry for long walks because of its weight.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 10.5”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 5.25″
- Blade Thickness – 0.25″
- Weight – 16oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Drop Point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – 1095 Cro-van
- Handle
- Zytel
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Black Nylon Sheath
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 3/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Grey Micarta Handle
Esee is a part of the Randall’s Adventure & Training brand. Their knives are created for the military and are known for their durability, uniqueness and timeless design.
Esee knives are a perfect balance of quality and cost. They have razor sharp edges and a professional looking black coating!
The ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife has an overall length of 11.75”, a blade of 6.50”. Its blade is on the thinner side having .188” blade. It is one of the knives that has a sufficiently average length to execute whether rough and small tasks.
It is full tang and designed to handle random outdoor activities such as preparing food and lighting the fire.
It has a drop point and longer blade making it an all-around tool.
The 1095 stainless steel makes it incredibly easy to sharpen and maintain. The knife itself has a good edge retention because of the unique heat treatment of Esee.
The Handle is made of Grey Micarta Scale. It delivers a good handle size and an indestructible design.
The sheath is made of Black Molded Polymer that holds the knife securely but might be a weak sheath for others.
The knife is made in USA.
Overall, this is a big and tough knife that has an ability of a “Jack of all Trades” tool.
What makes it different: Big, Thin, Drop point
It is big to do heavy work but thin enough to do heavy duty tasks. Its drop point helps in slicing and skinning. Its price is worth its quality.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 11.75″
- Blade
- Blade Length – 6.50″
- Blade Thickness – .188″
- Weight – 12oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Drop Point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – 1095 Steel
- Handle
- Grey Micarta Scale
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Black Molded Polymer
- MOLLE Compatibility: N/A
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife Fixed Blade Knife
Fallkniven is a Swedish brand known for making survival knives. All their knives are known for being nicely detailed and high quality.
The Fallkniven A1 is one of the longer blades and heavier blades I’m reviewing. If you are looking for something solid that will take a beating, this might be the perfect blade. On the other hand, if you are looking for a lighter, smaller knife, you might consider one of the other knives below.
It’s full tang, which adds to its strength and durability.
It has a spear point, which will make it better for piercing because of its strong point.
The laminated VG-10 Stainless steel makes this knife resist rust and hold an edge. In fact this is a steel that is often used in high end kitchen knives.
The Kraton Handle is made of a material similar to rubber which makes it easy to carry. It has a lanyard hole which makes the knife easy to attach to a lanyard (although it’s a bit heavy), or to a backpack.
The sheath is made of Zytel, a nylon material. It has a nice grip and gives the knife a good balance.
The knife is made in Japan.
Overall a strong, solid, big knife that have beautiful styling and can take a beating.
What makes it different: Big, Heavy, Spear Point
It is one of the high priced yet satisfactory Survival Knife available today. It is capable of both heavy duty and the opposite tasks.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 11”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 6.375”
- Blade Thickness – .25″
- Weight – 12oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Modified Satin Spear Point Blade
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – Laminated VG-10
- Handle: Kraton Handle
- LANYARD HOLE: YES
- Sheath: Zytel
- MOLLE Compatibility: N/A
- Can be bought separately.
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
Owner Review:
The Good:
“Simply put SUPERB KNIFE. I was extremely surprised that a blade this thick could shave hair. Great 90 degree spine for ferro rod striking. The convex edge is absolutely stunning. I just like sliding my fingers across for fun.” John M.
The Bad:
“Myself, I have small or medium hands, so the size of the handle doesn’t phase me. I personally would like to see more handle options…. but aside from that I couldn’t be happier with this blade.” – Animal Mother
Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife
Gerber Knives are one of the toughest knives in the market today. They are known for their durability and high quality stainless steel.
One in particular is the Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife. It is a knife that is great at batoning. You can beat the heck out of this knife while still doing its job well.
The Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife 10.50” overall, with a blade of 4.84” and a thickness of .19”, so it has a shorter and lighter blade than some of the other options. It’s also partially serrated, so it has more flexibility about how you use it, at the expense of some ease of sharpening and maintenance – but it comes with a built in sharpener to give you the best of both worlds.
It’s 80% tang, which some people might say makes it a weaker knife, but it’s shown in the field to be very robust.
It has a drop point, which will make it better for slicing, chopping and heavy duty tasks. Its blade thickness allows it to do both heavy and fine tune tasks.
The laminated 420 Stainless steel has the highest hardness of stainless steel knives, which can help it hold it’s point, but may make it brittle.
The Glass Filled Nylon Handle has rubber overmold that provides firm grip to perform its job well.
The sheath is made of Ballistic Nylon which makes it a lightweight and easy to carry sheath. Only, Ballistic Nylons may retain moisture that can help in rust build up.
The knife is made in USA.
Overall if you are looking for a knife that is solid and sturdy and has the flexibility of both a straight edge and serrated edge, the Gerber is a great choice.
What makes it different: Smaller blade, Thinner, Partially Serrated
Smaller and Thinner Blades are best for fine tune tasks. Adding a Partial Serration elevates the ability of this knife. Thus, its overall design allows it to do fine tune and heavy tasks.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 10.59”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 4.84″
- Blade Thickness – .19”
- Weight – 11.67 oz.
- Blade Type – Partially Serrated
- Blade Style – Drop Point
- Tang – 80% Tang
- Steel Type – 420 High Carbon Stainless Steel
- Handle
- Glass-filled nylon with TPV overmold
- LANYARD HOLE: Yes
- Sheath
- Ballistic nylon with fire retardant coating
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
Cold Steel Survival Rescue
Most outdoor enthusiast love Cold Steels. They feel more connected to it because of the ergonomic handle.
The Cold Steel Survival Rescue Knife is a Modern classic knife. Its blade is durable and extremely strong.
The overall length of this knife is 10.75” inches. It has almost the size of the KaBar Companion. Still, it has a longer blade of 6”. Its thickness is .19” making it best for small tasks. It is also lightweight and can be considered as a go-to tool.
It’s Full Tang yet incredibly light and feels comfortable to carry.
The Clip Point design helps the knife to excel in fine tune tasks and do average strength duties.
It is made with AUS 8A Stainless Steel blade and has a black coating to protect it from elements. This coating helps prevent rusting.
The sheath is made of Conceal-Ex a material known for its felexibility and resistance to weather. However, Cold Steel has stopped producing this sheath for the mean time to pave way for their upcoming items this 2018.
Conceal-Ex is a thermoplastic. It has better resistance to weather than Kydex
The knife is made in Japan.
Overall if you are looking for a lightweight and easy to carry knife for outdoor and everyday carry, this is a good choice. It is best for less strenuous outdoor activity.
What makes it different: Average length, Lightweight, Clip Point
Suitable for long walks for an adventure or mountain climbing. It’s clip point allows it to do detailed tasks and only limited to small to average tough duties.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 10.75”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 6”
- Blade Thickness – 0.19″
- Weight – seems lighter – 8.2 oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Clip point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – AUS 8A stainless-steel blade
- Handle
- Kraton Handle
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Concealex (Secure-Ex)
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 4/5
Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk Fixed Blade
If you are looking for an outdoor and survival knife that is specially designed for extreme adventure, this Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk is one to be looked at! It is known for doing heavy duty and tough tasks. It can also do detailed work.
It has an overall length of 10.75”, blade length of 5.62” and thickness of .25”. Even though it has a similar size like others mentioned above, this knife it lightweight.
It has a plain straight blade and it is full tang, major characteristics that we are looking for in a knife.
It’s clip point allows it to excel also in small detailed tasks without sacrificing its versatility to do heavy duty ones.
It is made with 5160 alloy, known for holding an edge longer and staying sharp with minimal maintenance.
Its Micarta handle is molded to fit every hand whether big or small. Micarta handles are widely used but can give discomfort for others.
Overall, if you are looking for a Big knife without the burden of a heavy tool this knife is for you.
What makes it Different: Big, Lightweight, Clip Point
Its versatile, lightweight and durable. It is best for long walks and long stay outdoor as it can do every task you can imagine.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 10.75”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 5.62”
- Blade Thickness – 0.25”
- Weight – 7.4 oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Clip point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – 5160 Alloy
- Handle
- Micarta
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Nylon Sheath
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
Schrade SCHF2 Extreme Survival Special Forces Knife
Chris Reeve Knives is one of the most influential high-end knife brand. Schrade brand is a good brand to be compared with it. It is also a cheaper version of the famous Chris Reeve Knives.
It has an overall length of 12.7” a pretty long knife, with a blade 7.5” long and .22” thick. This knife is a heavy and large knife and may not be suitable for everyday carry survival knives fans.
It is partially serrated which makes the blade more flexible and capable of handling different types of tasks such as kindling, skinning and cutting ropes.
Its clip point allows it to perform slicing, carving and skinning. It also has a thick blade that makes it a good all-around knife.
It is made with SAE-1070 High Carbon Steel a material that is durable and can protect itself from other elements to prevent rusting and breakage. This material is extended up till the handle of the knife making it a tough and heavy knife.
It has a hollow that is moisture and waterproof. It includes a multi-tool which is removable and can be reused to include other tools.
It is made in USA.
Overall, if you like a Big knife with additional features and tools, this one is good for you.
What makes it different: Big, heavy, thick blade, clip point, partially serrated, full tang, hollowed, inexpensive
It is a huge knife built with exceptional quality and design. It is best for people who likes heavy and stylish equipment.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 12.7”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 7.5″
- Blade Thickness – 0.22″
- Weight – 17.8 oz
- Blade Type – Partially Serrated
- Blade Style – Clip point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – SAE-1070 High Carbon Steel
- Handle
- SAE-1070 High Carbon Steel
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Nylon sheath along with Multiple tools
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
SOG SE38-N Force Knife with Straight Edge Fixed
The SOG has a minimal and simple design. Its visual simplicity is the opposite of its dynamic capability.
It is also one of the long Knives from our list. It is 12.25” overall, 6” blade and .24” thick. It has the thickness expected to excel in heavy duty tasks, yet this knife may not be able to survive in prolong tough work.
It is full tang and has a clip point. It is better for slicing, chopping small wood and kindling for fire preparation.
The Steel is made with AUS-8 Black TiNi Blade that makes it protected from scratches and blemishes. Although itis a lasting material it may be difficult to sharpen.
Its Glass Reinforced Nylon handle is impact and defect resistant which helps it do medium duties such as chopping.
The Black Nylon Sheath provides protection but may need adjustments because of its size that is either too tight or too loose.
It is made in Taiwan.
Overall, this knife is huge and heavy yet it works pretty well with fine tune tasks. It may not be the best for heavy duty tasks, still it is good as a self defense tool.
What makes it different: Huge, Heavy, Clip Point, Best for Fine Tune Tasks
A knife this heavy is best for hunting and rescuing. It has a clip point which makes it a huge man to do small detailed tasks.
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 12.25”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 6″
- Blade Thickness – 0.24”
- Weight – 10.5 oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Clip point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – AUS-8 Black TiNi Blade
- Handle
- Glass Reinforced Nylon
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Black Nylon Sheath with a Hook and Loop Closure
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 5/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 3/5
Top Knives Tom Brown Tracker
This is one Powerhouse knife that is designed heavy and large to perform all around tasks. It can handle tough chopping to soft slicing.
This huge knife is 11.9” long with a blade 6.38” long and .25” thick. Its design is appropriate for great outdoor adventure. If you are looking for average to small knives, this may not be the one for you.
It is full tang and evidently heavy overall. It is best for batoning and extreme chopping!
Its clip point makes it a good tool for small duties needed outdoor such as skinning, slicing and kindling. It can do these but can be a little limited to these type of duties because of its huge blade design.
It is made with 1095 Steel and is resistant to abrasions. However, this particular design can easily rust when used to slice fruits and anything with moisture.
Its Grey Linen Micarta handle gives a great grip. Its design is good enough to assist its owner in performing outdoor tasks.
The Sheath is made with Kydex and has clips that can ease in carrying.
This knife is made in USA.
Overall, this knife looks ready for adventure and suits people who seek for challenges. It is huge and has a unique design for Survival.
What makes it different: Big, Heavy, Clip Point, Unique Design
Specifications:
- Overall Length – 11.9”
- Blade
- Blade Length – 6.38″
- Blade Thickness – 0.25”
- Weight – 21 oz
- Blade Type – Plain Straight
- Blade Style – Clip point
- Tang – Full Tang
- Steel Type – 1095 Steel
- Handle
- Gray Linen Micarta
- Lanyard Hole: Yes
- Sheath
- Kydex
- MOLLE Compatibility: Yes
| Pros | Cons |
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- Detailed Work Capability: 4/5
- Heavy Duty Work Capability: 5/5
Mike’s Top Pick:
In this world of uncertainty, there is one thing you have to be certain. You have to be certain with your needs in order to choose the appropriate gear.
ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Grey Micarta Handle
Here in Mike’s Gear Reviews, we carefully observed which knife beats the rest from our list. The ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Grey Micarta Handle met the following specifications:
- Versatility – It can excel on both worlds whether hardcore or detailed field.
- Reasonable Price – It’s price best fit its capability in the field.
- Quality – It is low-maintenance and made of high grade materials.
- Design – It is a design that you can carry anywhere at anytime. It suits your kitchen, your backyard and most of all, outdoor!
As mentioned earlier, it is a “Jack of all Trades” Knife that can prepare you for a battle and can also be used as one of your zombie apocalypse survival tools.
How to Choose your Knife:
In choosing a knife, your needs are mostly considered.
How long are you staying outdoors?
For extensive days of adventure, a lightweight multi-purpose knife is desirable. Long walks will give you difficulty in carrying a heavy knife. You need a Knife that can do both fine tune and heavy tasks.
A good example is the Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk Fixed Blade or the Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife.
For fishing and going for river crossing, 1095 Steel material should be avoided as they are not good for saltwater. They can easily rust.
For hunting and trekking, you need a knife that can give your confidence a little more boost. A huge knife like the Top Knives Tom Brown Tracker is a good choice. The Fallkniven A1 is also recommended for hunting because of its Modified Spear Point.
Everyday carry
The ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Grey Micarta Handle is a good choice also for outdoor and backyard jobs.
Affordable Quality
Schrade SCHF2 Extreme Survival Special Forces Knife is one that is affordable and high quality. It is less than other knives but gives the satisfaction to its owners.
How to Get the Best out of Your Knife
Survival is not for the weak and faint hearted. A survival knife is a powerful tool that requires maintenance.
- Maintain your knife sharpness.
Taking care of your blade is critical. Choose the right sharpening technique for your blade.
(See a full guide here) - Keep your Knife Clean and Dry.
Every blade is susceptible to rusting. Wipe your blade off when you are done using it, and try to keep it in a clean dry area. Also be sure to keep it in its sheath when you are not using it. - Do not hesitate to use your Knife’s warranty.
If something goes wrong with your knife, get it fixed. - Take care of your Sheath.
Each sheath requires different kind of maintenance. A clean and well kept sheath keep your knife clean and dry. - Give it a good field test.
Practice survival duties and tasks. Use your knife and don’t just keep it. A used and abused knife is more valuable than a knife that is eaten by rust in a hidden box.
3 Reasons to have a Survival Knife
A good survival knife is an extension of you. With the right knife you should feel comfortable, secure and powerful. The reasons to have a Survival Knife are the following:
1. All-around Tool
Survival is not only for the wild, it can also be inside your yard or your garage. When you choose the right survival knife for your needs you might end up using it every day – around the house, for outdoor adventures, home repair or even in the kitchen. We don’t advocate sticking your knife in the closet and only bringing it out in emergencies. It should be an extension of you – and you need to be comfortable with it.
2. Convenience
It is all-purpose and versatile. Thus, eliminates the burden of carrying every tool you need for certain jobs. It also provides more space for your bug out bag, since it is easy to carry.
3. Security & Protection
Survival Knives are made to be compact and easily accessible. It is a great emergency and self-defense tool for humans and other animals.
10 Most Common Uses for a Survival Knife
Why carry a knife instead of a gun? A gun has somewhat limited uses. A survival knife has endless uses.
For example:
- Food Preparation
A survival knife is fundamentally a cutting tool. It can be used to cut meat and vegetables, open packages, stir soups, and even flip pancakes!Schrade SCHF2 Extreme Survival Special Forces Knife
- Build a Shelter
A knife is a valuable tools when building a shelter. You can use it to cut both items you have in stock, such as rope and tarps, and things in nature like tree branches that you can use to create a shelter.Some knives can also be used to dig and baton. - Self-Defense & Hunting Tool
If you are well-trained you can use a knife in combat, either with another person or with a wild animal. Additionally there are ingenious ways to use survival knives for hunting, fishing and it can even be tied to a branch and used as a spear.10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
- Creating or Adjusting Your Gear
The knife can be used for adjusting current gear, like adjusting cutting your broken sleeve or making it more outdoor appropriate. It can also be used in taking supplies you already have and converting them into other survival gear. - First Aid
There are many ways a good survival knife can be used for first aid, from opening and cutting first aid supplies to removing stitches, splinters and even possibly venom. - Bushwacking
A knife can be invaluable in helping you clear a trail for yourself or help you get untangled from vines and plants. It can also be used to mark a path by making notches in trees. - Lighting a Fire
A good survival knife can be used to cut kindling to create a fire, and to shave wood as a fire starter. - Hammer
Some knives have a nice solid handle that can be used as a hammering and setting traps. - Pierce
Need a hole in something?
A good knife with a sharp point can give you just what you need. - Prepare Meat
A good knife can be used to fillet fish, dress meat, or skin an animal.
Additional Uses for Survival Knives (Not so good for the blade)
Baton
Batoning is a repeatedly striking motion done to split huge woods. A good Survival knife has a blade and handle strong enough to handle this tough job.
Dig
Some knives are good for digging a hole.
Pry
Prying can be dangerous to the blade of a knife, and it is also something that a knife can be used for in emergencies.
These are just some of the uses of a survival knife. What else can you do with one?
What to look for in a Survival Knife?
I did quite a lot of research about knives, and all the information below was compiled from my own experience and my research. The sources from my research are at the end of this article.
Fixed Blade
10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
Most survival and knife experts agree that a fixed blade is preferable over a folding blade because it has the lesser tendency to break.
Blade Length
A length of 4-7” is the optimum length for outdoor survival. A knife that is too long can be a burden to carry and get in the way when walking. One that is too short won’t have the capabilities you need. For survival situations, you need a blade length that is capable of doing both small detailed and heavy work.
Blade Thickness
A blade width of .17” – .25” thickness. This thickness is required to perform chopping to skinning. A blade too thin will do skinning, cutting slicing and it may not do heavy duty tasks. Whereas a blade too thick would make it difficult to do small detailed tasks.
10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
Blade Type
A straight blade is more desirable than serrated one. Straight blades are easier to sharpen and require only minimal maintenance.
Point Design
Most survival knives are either Clip Point, Drop Point and Spear Point. These are known for their each respective functions:
Clip Point
Clip point is the traditional design for blades. Thinner blade and tip and is intended for cutting, skinning and other small and detailed tasks. It is the most commonly used design.
Clip Point
Drop Point
10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
Drop point works well for butchering tasks. It has a thicker blade and tip. It is designed for tough and heavier work such as batoning and chopping chunks of wood.
Spear Point
10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
A spear point blade is a design that is similar to a dagger. It has two sharp edges. These edges are symmetrical from bottom to top. It works best for throwing and piercing but has limited cutting edge for slicing.
Tang
10 Best Survival Knives in 2020
Tang is the portion of the blade that extends up to the part of the handle. A full tang means that the steel extends the full length of the handle. This is recommended because it can provide full capacity of the handle and it can prevent breakage of the knife itself. The longer the tang the better. This can give you the maximum capacity to exert power and force.
Steel Type
Carbon and stainless steel are the most common and in demand survival knives. Carbon stays sharp longer but rusts faster. Stainless is easier to sharpen but loses its edge faster than carbon.
A high carbon steel is recommended due to its ability to protect the blade against elements.
Popular Steels for Knives
- VG-10, a cutlery grade Stainless steel produced in Japan. The ability to resist rust makes it a popular steel for Kitchen Knives. It also holds an edge very well and can handle vigorous work.
- 420 High Carbon Stainless Steel is one that can maintain its sharpness for a longer period of time. It is easy to sharpen and durable enough for constant use. It has great ductility and excellent resistance in corrosion. It has the highest hardness among other stainless steel grades
- 1095 Carbon Steel and 1095 Cro-van are used by survivalists due to their toughness.These steels are easy to sharpen and hold an edge very well.
- AUS 8A stainless-steel blade is a type of steel known for its non-chipping element making it easy to sharpen and maintain.
- 5160 Alloy Steel has remarkable shock absorbing ability and requires only minimal maintenance, making it a durable material.
- 1070 High carbon steel is a steel used to make heavy duty and rough used tools.
- Sandvik High Carbon Steel is a carbon steel material that yields to tough, sharp and hard tools. However, this steel has poor wear resistance..
Handle, Pommel and Lanyard Hole
A handle should be tough, solid and comfortable to grip. Most handles are made of hard rubber or polymer. These materials are known for giving comfort and easy grip.
The Pommel is the end or butt of the handle, a metal or steel pommel works well for hammering.
A Lanyard hole gives the owner the convenience in carrying knife by easily attaching it around the waist, over the body. It can also be a good feature for easier gear conversion (ex. Spear).
Sheath
A sheath is the case of your knife. It should protect your knife from other elements, help keep it clean, protect the edge so it stays sharp and protect you from that sharp edge.
There are three types of sheaths: nylon, leather and kydex or plastic.
These are all good sheaths, they are durable, flexible and provide security.
Nylon
Nylon is an elastic synthetic polymer. It is a lightweight and flexible material.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible
- Less expensive than leather and plastic
- Has a wide range of designs
- Less maintenance than leather
- Cons:
- Can get worn easier
These are common types of Nylon:
Zytel
It is a popular trademarked name for Nylon. It is a brand name of Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon (FRN). This material is known for its resistance in bending and requires no maintenance. It’s tough yet inexpensive.
(See https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zytel)
Ballistic Nylon
It is a thick synthetic nylon fabric. It has several advantages. It is easy to clean and very lightweight. It is also a popular material used in making luggage.
(See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballistic_nylon)
Glass Filled Nylon
It is known for its dimensional stability. This material has a high wear resistance and does not break easily.
Leather
Leather is the most traditional sheath material. It is classic and can have a durable fit.
- Pros:
- Heavy-duty
- Widely used for its tried and tested capability
- Cons:
- Not weather proof
- Requires effort for maintenance
Plastic or Kydex
A cheaper material that provides security for your knife.
- Pros:
- Cheap and lightweight
- Can easily be molded
- Unaltered by weather
- Cons:
- May not be able to last for a long time
MOLLE Compatible (Sheath)
Some Outdoor enthusiast are fond of using MOLLE compatible gear because is easier to carry their necessities. It also provides more space for tools.
MOLLE acronym for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment, is a load bearing system used for Tactical and Survival. It is commonly used to ease carrying. It gives opportunity to carry efficiently and effectively. MOLLE can be a vest, a belt, a bag or a pouch.
What To Avoid In A Survival Knife?
Folding Blade
This type of knife is a good choice for portability and everyday duty but can be weak for extreme outdoor work. The joint which connects the blade and the handle, also known as Pivot, can easily break due to heavy pressure and vigorous work.
Huge Knife
Bigger is not always better. This knife have limitations and only restricted to heavy work. This is also difficult to carry because of its weight. Do not be fooled by the famous “Rambo” knife line. They look cool but doesn’t fit well in the Survival outdoor.
Long Blade
This is another one that belongs to the difficult to carry group. It can poke your legs or may be too long to do detailed task. It can make it more difficult to accomplish survival tasks.
Full Serrations
Serrations are excellent for cutting rope, paracord and other similar materials. But, these blades are hard to sharpen and keep sharp especially if you don’t have easy access to maintenance.
Hollow Handle
A hidden feature is not recommended. A hollowed handle means partial tang. The handle can be easily detached, making it difficult to fix or even useless after a damage.
Have you decided which wins a spot in your ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE BUG OUT BAG?
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