Choosing the Perfect Knives for Survival - More Than Just a Blade

Every single prepper out there understands the fact that a good knife is always needed to survive. The cliche of worth more than gold is 100% accurate. However, we have to acknowledge the truth. It is not that easy to choose a survival knife. 

The knife is the difference maker. It is the difference between barely managing to survive and completely thriving. You need one for practically everything you do, being incredibly useful for tasks like batoning firewood or gutting a deer. And it is perfectly valid as a very effective special defense weapon. 

Since I have been living off-grid, off the land for years, I had my share of horrible, dulled, and broken knives. Only a few proved to be as efficient as they were advertised by the manufacturer. 

The Eternal Debate - Fixed Blade or Folding Knife

We can easily get attached to our pocket knife but when SHTF, we need a fixed blade. Here’s why:

• Strength and Durability - A folding knife has moving parts, and moving parts mean failure points. When you’re relying on a knife for survival, the last thing you want is a broken hinge. You need your knife to survive.

• Ease of Maintenance - Dirt, blood, and debris love to creep into the joints of a folding knife. Fixed blades are easier to clean and maintain.

• Better for Heavy-Duty Tasks - A fixed blade can baton wood, pry, and even be used as a makeshift spear if necessary. Try that with a folding knife, and you’ll be holding two pieces of broken steel instead.

That being said, a folding knife does have its place. As a backup. I always keep one clipped to my pocket, but when things get real, I reach for my fixed blade first.

Blade Length -  The Goldilocks Zone

Size matters, but bigger isn’t always better. You want a blade that’s long enough to handle tough tasks but not so massive that it’s unwieldy. The sweet spot? Between 4 to 6 inches.

Why not longer? A Rambo-sized machete might look cool, but good luck using it for delicate tasks like skinning an animal or carving trap triggers. On the flip side, anything under 4 inches limits your ability to baton wood or process large game.

Blade Thickness and Shape

Now we start talking about the things most people actually do consider. Blade shape and thickness are obviously vital in a survival situation. You want something precise. If the blade is too thin, it will snap. If it is too thick, it might snap when faced with pressure. 

• Thickness - A blade that’s too thin is prone to snapping under pressure. Too thick, and it’s too heavy for finer tasks. The sweet spot is around 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick - thick enough to be durable but still functional for precision work.

• Blade Shape - Shape dictates purpose. The drop-point blade is practically the best complete survival option. It offers the balance of control, versatility, and strength we need in most scenarios. The clip-point blade has a much weaker tip. It is good for detail work. A tanto blade? Fantastic for tactical use but less practical for bushcraft and food prep.

Blade Steel - Where Quality Really Counts

Choosing the correct steel for your blade is not easy. There are literally hundreds of types but when looking at the survival scenario, two main categories have to be mentioned:

• Stainless Steel - Highly-resistant to rust. It holds a good edge but will be tough to sharpen when you are out in the field. It is perfect for saltwater exposure and wet environments in general. 

• High-Carbon Steel - This type of steel is easier to sharpen. The problem is that it is susceptible to rust. You have to be sure you oil the high-carbon steel blade when out in humid environments. 

For most people, high-carbon steel is the best option. It’s tough as nails, sharpens easily on a river rock if needed, and holds up to heavy abuse. Sure, it rusts, but a little oil or even animal fat keeps it in check.

Full Tang vs. Partial Tang - Never Settle for Less

Full tang is always the best option and should be a priority for you. This practically means the blade goes from the tip to the end of the handle, just one piece of metal. The rat-tail or partial tang knives can look stunning. However, it is a certainty they will fail when faced with stress. And you do not want the knife to break when trying to survive. 

Handle Material -  Comfort Meets Function

You never want a handle that is uncomfortable, poorly designed, or slippery. That is why you want to always consider these top 4 handle materials:

• Micarta - My personal favorite. Almost indestructible. 

• G-10 - Very similar to Micarta. The material is resistant to harsh temperatures and has a high durability. 

• Rubberized grips - Opt for this when you expect wet conditions. The knife will last longer. 

• Wood - Looks nice but requires more maintenance and can crack in extreme conditions.

The Overlooked Essential - Sheath

Think if the sheath as the holster of a gun. Your gun is useless with a bad holster. The same with the knife. Opt for something functional, secure, and durable. Usually people consider the following materials for sheath: kydex, leather, and nylon. Nylon has poor retention and should generally be avoided. Kydex is very tough and weather-resistant. Leather is durable and classic. However, leather requires extra maintenance. 

Make sure your sheath allows for multiple carry options. Horizontal, vertical, or even strapped to your pack. Accessibility is key in survival situations.

Don’t Forget About Multipurpose Use

Your knife needs to handle any task you use it for. Here are a few unexpected uses for a good survival blade:

• Fire Starting - Use the spine with a ferro rod to throw sparks.

• Digging - When the blade is sturdy, digging holes is not a problem. 

• Self-Defense - You will hopefully never need to use your knife for self defense but you want to be able to if you have to. 

• Processing Food - From gutting fish to dicing wild onions.

• Prying - Full-tang knives are strong enough to pry open doors and containers. 

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the best survival knife for you is the knife you can use properly. There is no knife out there that will save you if you fail at using it properly. Take the time you need to get comfortable with the knife. Practice activities like skinning, starting fires, carving, and batoning. Remember that your knife is your lifeline. You need to know how to use it!