Survival Knives

When it comes to a survival knife, the name says it all: It supports its owner in the battle for survival. The knife must be durable, sturdy, and 100% reliable. Whether it's splitting wood, hunting, building shelters, making fire, or preparing food - it is ready to serve in a variety of situations.

Large and heavy, however, are out of place with a survival knife. It must be balanced and handy. In emergency situations, it must not be a burden to its owner and must be suitable for a variety of uses.

Available in a variety of designs - whether as a fixed blade knife or a folding knife. The blade typically ranges between 10 and 20 centimeters. Ergonomics and grip are important factors in the handle. A paracord handle is also a good option. In case of emergency, the material can be used as a rope.

In addition to the paracord handle, the survival knife also features other technical refinements such as rescue whistles or fire starters. A compass or a small board with emergency signals may also be part of the sometimes included survival kit. Some models even offer additional storage space. In a hollow knife handle, small gadgets can easily fit. It is not uncommon to find a glass breaker on the back of the handle, sometimes even a compass. With paracord handles or detachable handle scales, the knife can also be used as a spearhead. The paracord is used to secure the knife to a wooden shaft.

If you are looking for a particularly space-saving model, opt for the pocket knife. But be careful: The folding variant also has its weaknesses. In a survival situation, the blade is not immediately ready for use. Another weak point is the folding mechanism. If it does not work smoothly, survival becomes even more difficult. Above all, a folding knife is less durable and breaks apart quickly with lateral lever movements. An exception to this is the Pocket Bushman specially designed to withstand this stress from Cold Steel.

Survival knives - a blade for all situations

The blade shapes of survival knives are not very fancy, but designed for the intended use. The grind of the blade also makes a difference. Survival knives are often flat or convex ground, which greatly increases cutting ability, especially for chopping tasks compared to a hollow grind. Sometimes the blades of survival knives are equipped with a full or partial serrated edge.

If you opt for a serrated blade, you will get a reliable assistant for working with textiles and rope. It effortlessly cuts through fabrics. Even pilots carry the everyday helper with them on duty. In case of emergency, they use it to cut through straps to free themselves from the cockpit.

Of course, the steel quality makes a big difference with all knives. Especially with survival knives, it should be a durable steel that is as rust-resistant as possible. The hardest steels are therefore only conditionally suitable for a survival knife, as they are usually not stainless. In addition, slightly softer steels are easier to sharpen. However, modern high-performance steels are also used, which have a very high degree of hardness and are still relatively rust-resistant. These blades are usually coated with titanium nitride or a similar substance to protect them from corrosion. Sharpening is much less frequently necessary with these blades, but it is all the more elaborate. The question of what is better suited cannot be conclusively answered.

A survival knife should above all be tailored to its wearer. In an emergency situation, it is important to have a knife with you that is just right for you personally. The knife should also be comfortable to handle for longer, laborious tasks. Otherwise, survival is guaranteed to be painful.