The stereotypical thinking of many of us makes us believe that the survival knife and its possession clearly shifts our thinking into many weeks spent in the bush and the need to survive in it. Of course, in such conditions, it is definitely worth having the right quality equipment. However, it is worth remembering that these are not the only situations in which such a knife can save our skin, not necessarily literally.
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The most important features of a survival knife
Regardless of our preferences and potential applications, we must choose a survival knife that will fulfill its tasks well.
The first step is to choose the right steel. This has a large impact on its functionality and durability. Two types of steel are used for the production of knives - carbon and stainless steel. We recommend carbon steel for survival knives. The most important features that each survival knife should have are durability, i.e. good impact strength and proper sharpness, i.e. resistance to abrasion. If it meets the above-mentioned features, we can buy it with full conviction. Most often, good survival knives are made of O2 carbon steel, i.e. Bohler K720, D2, i.e. Bohler K110, NZ3, NZ4 and extremely durable Bohler Vanadis 4E. A survival knife should be able to avoid deformations caused by heavy loads, be resistant to any defects in the cutting edge, and be resistant to cracks caused by sudden, dynamic loads. Due to the lack of resistance to weather conditions, we must take care of them and protect. This applies primarily to contact with water, after which we should wipe it each time. Stainless steel is characterized by corrosion resistance, but in terms of impact strength, i.e. strength, it lags far behind carbon steels.
Such issues as the length of the knife or the material from which the handle is made are completely individual matters, but it should be remembered that the materials used to make the handle, such as Micarta or G10, ensure a secure and comfortable grip of the knife in all conditions, even in the case of wet hand. A survival knife should have a properly fitted sheath that can be mounted without any problems on a belt or backpack.
For everyday use
A survival knife will be perfect not only for survival, but also for outdoor trips with family or friends. Survival knives are perfect for entering the forest and performing many activities that require a really sharp tool. First of all, we are talking about cutting wood for a shelter or a fire. In this case, we should choose the equipment that will not bother us too much and we will be able to wear it in the most comfortable way, for example on the belt or around the neck. Light survival knives are also available, and during a tourist escapade they will certainly be more useful than heavy, large military knives. Their decisive advantage is the possibility to hide it or attach it to a backpack and use it for basic activities, such as cutting fruit or spreading bread.
Emergency situations
You can also find yourself in a situation where a survival knife may turn out to be necessary for survival, and not for spending time with your loved ones. It will be perfect for obtaining dry wood in crisis situations, which we will use as a natural kindling, will allow you to build a makeshift shelter. If we want to fish, then we can use it to search for bait in the form of worms.
In very extreme emergency situations, we can also use the grommets in the knife to attach it to the end of the stick, creating a makeshift spear. It will allow us to try hunting fish or game. This type of spear can also be used as a defense tool against predators or other dynamic threats.
It should also not be forgotten that survival knives can be used as a defensive tool in the event of an emergency in urban conditions, they will also help us cut seat belts and break the glass in the event of a car accident.
