(Page 2)Factors to consider when choosing a knife include:
>Fixed blade vs folding
>Serrated vs plain edge
>Tip of the blade types
>Different steel types
>Handle material
>Sheath
>Price range
The possibilities are infinite.
We'll get into these one by one.
- Fixed blade vs folding
Fixed blades are a must for survival/bushcraft. Any fixed blade you choose must have a full tang. Without the full tang, it will not hold up to abuse. Fixed blades are longer and also heavier than folding blades. For this reason, they're usually not used as EDC knives.
Folding knives are smaller and easier to carry/conceal. You can find manual, assisted or automatic opening knives. The more moving parts, the more things can go wrong.
- Serrated vs plain edge
Serrated blades are usually used for cutting rope and fiber. They make quick work with rope but they are difficult to sharpen, especially in the field. Even with partially serrated knives, you lose the ability to wittle wood and other usages, as the serrations are usually closer towards the base of the blade. It's also said that wounds from a serrated knife heal quicker than a clean cut.
Plain edge knives are easier to sharpen, especially in the field. If you sharpen the blade to a rough edge, the rough edge can essily grip fibers and cut rope just fine.
- Blade tips
There are dozens of different blade tips. Here's the most popular:
>Clip point - weak point, may break easily. Great for stabbing and helps with cutting. Good for defense
>Drop point - very strong point, won't break easily. Not as good for stabbing, still helps with cutting. Good for survival.
>Tanto point - very strong point, made for stabbing. Not as good for cutting. Made for stabbing. Can penetrate through thin armor.
>Dagger point - kind of a weak point, purely made for stabbing, usually found on double edged knives. Purely self defense against soft material.
- Blade metal
There are multitudes of different types of metals used in constructing blades. Softer metal equates to a sharper blade and easier to sharpen, but quicker to dull. The harder the metal, usually it won't get as sharp and more difficult to sharpen, but stays sharper longer. Most reputable knife company uses top grade steel. Titanium blades are an excellent choice for scuba divers as it prevents rusting.
- Handle materials
Also a huge selection to choose from Once again, most reputable manufacturers will use good quality handle materials. Stay away from wood as it will crack and splinter.
- Sheath
If you choose a fixed blade, the sheath is an additional consideration. Kydex makes for an excellent sheath but will quickly strip off the blade coating if your blade is coated. My recommendation is stay away from leather as it will crack and doesn't like getting wet.
- Price range
You can find good quality knives anywhere from $60 to $1000. But if you have a $400 knife, are you willing to get it dirty and scratched up? Probably not. Find something that is quality but doesn't break the bank.
- Quality Manufacturers
>Benchmade
>Gerber
>Ka-Bar
>Kershaw
>Ontario Knives
>Spyderco
>Zero Tolerance
>Dozens of others
Other Considerations:
-Length
-Balance
-Grip
