In a survival situation, the knife is an essential tool. Whether for building a shelter, preparing firewood, or ensuring your safety, a good knife is a trusted ally. Among the many models, two types stand out: the bushcraft knife and the survival knife. Versatile, they are designed to tackle the most demanding tasks in the great outdoors.
In this article, you will discover the essential criteria for choosing the knife suited to your needs based on your environment and experience.
The key features of a good survival or bushcraft knife
A survival knife must be solid, versatile, and capable of withstanding intensive use. Its thick blade allows for cutting wood, shaping branches, or even striking the back of the blade to split a log. That’s why these knives are generally designed with a flat and sturdy back, which is also ideal for using a fire starter.
The shape of the tip is important: drop point for robustness, clip point for precision, or spear point for a good balance between the two. It will depend on the tasks you need to accomplish, whether it is precision work or cutting hard materials.
"Handles and ergonomics: comfort above all"
The handle of a survival knife must provide a comfortable and secure grip. Ergonomic models with finger guards allow for good control of the tool, even during prolonged use. A good texture on the handle ensures reliable grip, even if your hands are wet or dirty.
Some traditional models feature round or oval sleeves, avoiding pressure points that can cause blisters during prolonged use.
What is the difference between a survival knife and a bushcraft knife?
These two types of knives look very similar, but their philosophy can vary. The bushcraft knife is often designed for woodworking and camp tasks, while the survival knife is intended for more varied emergency situations.
Nevertheless, they share essential qualities: robustness, reliability, and versatility.
The options to consider before buying
Some blades are equipped with saw teeth on the back or partially serrated teeth, useful for cutting ropes or fibrous materials. However, these options make maintenance more complicated, especially for sharpening.
If you want a knife with an integrated survival kit, it is better to choose those whose kit is stored in the sheath. Avoid unreliable hollow handles, popularized by movies, which are often fragile.
Should one choose a knife with an integrated survival kit?
The integrated survival kit is a topic of debate among survivalists. It can be practical if the supplies are well thought out and accessible via a suitable sheath.
However, beware of hollow handle knives, often synonymous with poor quality.
The ideal is to carry a minimalist kit in the sheath: fire starter, mini compass, fishing line, or small tools. This ensures that you will always have the essentials without compromising the strength of your knife.
Conclusion
The choice of a survival knife or bushcraft should be considered. Opt for a robust model, with a thick blade and an ergonomic handle, suitable for your environment.
Invest in a practical sleeve to slip in useful accessories.
A good knife, well maintained, is often the key to ensuring your safety and your independence in the great outdoors.
