What Makes a Good Survival Knife?

• Knowing what makes a good survival knife will make it easier to consider the right factors when shopping for one.
• Make sure you take everything from blades to handles into account while comparing survival knives.
• Pair a survival knife with a durable sheath to protect it when you’re not using it in the wilderness.

When you’re out in the wild, you want more than just a regular, run-of-the-mill survival knife by your side. Instead, you should hunt down a top-notch survival knife that will leave you feeling 100% prepared for any situation you might encounter while exploring the wilderness. Whether you need to pull it out to prepare a meal or protect your campsite from a wild animal, you should have complete confidence in the survival knife you choose.

So, what makes a good survival knife? There are quite a few factors you must consider when trying to track one down. Keeping them in mind while considering your options should help you land on the one you will like most. Keep reading to learn all about the steps you should take when investing in a survival knife.

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose a Survival Knife

In theory, picking out the right survival knife when you’re in the market for one might not seem that challenging. However, the global survival knives market has topped the $2.5 billion mark, highlighting how large this subset of the worldwide knife market has become. Since it has blossomed into such a big business, you will be treated to hundreds of options when you shop for a survival knife.

Knowing how to choose a survival knife will put you in a position to narrow down your options quicker than you could otherwise. Here are helpful tips that will help get the job done.

Search for a Survival Knife With a Tough Blade

A great blade is the most essential part of any knife. This is especially true when it comes to a survival knife, as there is a good chance you will occasionally need to rely on it during emergencies. The last thing you want is to get left with a blade that isn’t tough enough to stand up to whichever obstacles Mother Nature might present.

From this perspective, understanding what makes a good survival knife is vital. Consider these factors as you compare the blades on different survival knives.

The Perfect Blade Material

Many different steel types are utilized to create survival knives. 1095 Carbon, CPM 3V, CPM S35VN, and CPM MagnaCut are the top options. Each adds toughness to a survival knife in its own way, but generally speaking, those with blades made out of high-carbon steel or stainless steel usually fare best in survival settings. They offer unmatched toughness, edge retention, and overall durability and are easy to sharpen.

The Ideal Blade Length

You don’t want the blade on a survival knife to be too small, as this could prohibit it from rising to the occasion if you ever find yourself in a difficult spot. At the same time, you don’t want it to be too big, as this could make it unwieldy when you have it in your hands. Somewhere between four and six inches is the right size for a survival knife’s blade.

The Best Blade Thickness

People often spend so much time focused on how long the blade on a survival knife should be that they forget to consider its thickness. To ensure a blade is as strong and stable as needed, look for one about 3/16-inch thick. This thickness plays a big part in what makes a good survival knife.

The Superb Blade Shape

The shape of a survival knife’s blade determines its versatility. Locate one with a blade shape that will allow you to carry out many tasks, including chopping, cutting, gutting, and more.

Look for a Survival Knife With a Comfortable Handle

No matter how tough a survival knife’s blade is, it might not do much good if it isn’t equipped with the proper handle. The best knife handles have ergonomic designs that make them comfortable, even when you must keep one in your hand for an extended period. They also take things a step further when made of materials like G10 and Micarta, making them easy to grip in inclement weather.

Don’t be afraid to test a few different handle styles to see which one you like best as you strive to figure out how to choose a survival knife. After all, you will have to depend on a survival knife, so you shouldn’t be shy about testing several handles to see which live up to your expectations.

Shop for a Survival Knife With the Right Construction

Some survival knives are half-tang knives. These options have blades that only extend into part of their handles. Rather than going with one of them, invest in a full-tang survival knife with a blade that extends into the entire handle.

A full-tang survival knife will be stronger and more stable than a half-tang option. You will never have to worry about a knife like this breaking because of how it is built.

A Durable Sheath for a Survival Knife

Knowing what makes a good survival knife is crucial, but you should also consider which accessories you pair with it to maximize its potential. For instance, purchasing a durable sheath will keep your knife safe when you aren’t using it, extending its lifespan in the process.

This sheath will also make a survival knife easily accessible, guaranteeing you can reach it when necessary. Just be sure it’s the correct size and made of materials that will complement your knife.

Begin Building a Survival Knife With Our Help

Coming up with an answer to the question, “What makes a good survival knife?” is only half the battle. You also need to take what you have learned about survival knives here and apply it to your search.

If you get stuck while determining how to choose a survival knife, let Architect Knives lend a hand. Our innovative Knife Builders tool will simplify bringing your dream survival knife to life.
Contact us if you have questions about using it to create a premium survival knife from scratch.