A Quick Guide To Choosing Knives: Survival And Defense
Since their prehistoric use, knives have proven to be more than just tools. Some have been fashioned to help us defend ourselves, while others are built to help us survive. Now they’ve become so common, it hardly surprises us anymore. It has now become more specific in its use for every innovation: steak knives, butter knives, loaf knives, and carving knives have different purposes. But in this article, we’ll take it back to its prehistoric roots: knives as weapons and survival tools.
How To Choose A Knife For Combat
Combat knives are built differently. They can also be used as tools for survival, but they are designed to inflict maximum damage to the target. Here are some things to consider when choosing a tactical knife:
Quality
Quality is a crucial aspect to consider, which is why the brand should not be taken lightly. You may be tempted to get novelty-type knives that you see in a bazaar, but if you want a reliable combat weapon, choose a brand known for their work.
Size
Bigger does not mean better when it comes to knives. It must be comfortable to carry so it can better serve its purpose. When choosing the size, try to imagine how you want to use it and how you want to store it.
Tang
A tang is steel that goes into your knife’s handle. The ideal survival knife is called a full tang, which provides full support for your blade. The absence of a tang in some novelty knives means your knife cannot hold up to rough use, which will be the case in a survival situation.
Material Of Blade And Handle
Although knives now come in different materials, the most common ones are stainless steel and carbon steel. Stainless can survive rough handling but may need to be sharpened regularly. Carbon steel keeps its sharpness longer but requires more maintenance.
The knife handle should provide a good grip and should be ergonomically comfortable to hold. You wouldn’t want your hands to feel slippery while handling your knife.
Blade Design
Knife tips serve different functions, which is why it’s crucial to anticipate how you want to use your tactical knife. A straight back blade is suitable for slicing, while for penetration strength, you can choose a knife with a “tanto” tip. The blade design also dictates how you should sharpen your knife, relating to convenience in maintenance.
Weight
If you want to carry a knife around your waist, you may want to consider something lighter. It relies heavily on preference and comfort.
5 Things To Expect When Choosing High-Quality Tactical Knives
- It is safe. You wouldn’t want to have a knife that unfolds in your pocket or bag.
- It has secure, weather-proof rivets and joints.
- The blade is securely fixed to the body, giving you the ease of use when using it for heavier loads.
- It can be used for heavy tasks, especially ones required in a survival situation.
- The blade is sharpened and ready. Some knives are sold blunt, which will be a hassle. High-quality tactical knives are ready to use upon purchase.
Conclusion
When we choose a tactical or combat knife, we entrust our life to a blade. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Whether you’re using it as a tool for survival or a defense weapon, a part of us surrenders to the knife. The only thing left to do is to make the right choice.
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