When it comes to acquiring the right survival gear, the first item many survivalists think of would have to be a good wilderness survival knife. However, with so many on the market today, picking out the right one for you can be a tricky process. Here are a few tips to consider when browsing for survival knives.
Importance of a Wilderness Survival Knife
A wilderness survival knife is a great tool for many reasons. Along with clearing paths, cutting cloth, and making kindling, it’s also great for opening cans, preparing food, and more. Contrary to popular belief, however, bigger is not always better.
Ideally, your wilderness survival knife should be just as easy to pack as the rest of your survival gear. This means that it should be small, lightweight, easily accessible, and, most importantly, easy to use.
Larger knives may look impressive, but you run a larger risk of hurting yourself with a bigger blade, especially in the event of an emergency.
Characteristics of a Good Wilderness Survival Knife
What makes a good wilderness survival knife? A mark of good craftsmanship includes a strong blade that has what is referred to as a narrow tang. This means that, rather than simply attaching a blade to a handle, the blade tapers to a narrow point. The handle is then affixed to this narrow point, thus increasing its overall durability. Knives made the former way tend to break much easier.
The debate regarding smooth blades versus serrated blades is a varied one. Some prefer smooth blades due to the fact that they’re easy to sharpen. They’re also more versatile than serrated blades in that they can perform delicate work such as carving or cutting smaller objects.
Serrated blades, on the other hand, are better for rougher work, such as cutting bandages or sawing through tough, fibrous substances. In the long run, it all depends on what you plan to do with your wilderness survival knife.
Maintenance of Wilderness Survival Knives
Wilderness survival knife maintenance is fairly simple. Depending on the material, you may need to apply a rust resistant substance to the blade. Performing regular sharpening is a must for any survivalist.
Using a dull blade, after all, creates a much bigger risk of injury. Again, the frequency in which you sharpen your knife depends on its material. Stainless steel tends to require more sharpening, while carbon steel requires more rust treatment.
In the long run, your wilderness survival knife can do wonders for making hiking expeditions, hunting trips, and other excursions run much more smoothly. In the event of an emergency, a good knife can mean the difference between a bad situation and a worse situation.
Learn more today about how having a quality wilderness survival knife within easy reach can benefit you.
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