A knife is one of the most versatile tools that a camper or hiker can take with them on their trips. It can be helpful in a wide variety of ways, and there’s always a use-case for having a sharp edge while out in the wilderness.
Not all knives are made the same, however, and it’s generally not a good idea to have a cheap knife out where quality is needed the most. For those outdoorsmen looking for the perfect knife for their trips, keep reading to learn what traits a decent quality knife should have.
Folding And Fixed
Knives come in a huge range of shapes and sizes, but the two most common are fixed or folding. A folding knife is where the blade itself can be folded or pushed back so that it’s usually hidden in the handle and out of view. This is a good idea for having a small utility knife that’s kept in a pocket without having to worry about it cutting anything, and more recent improvements in quality means that folded knives are becoming a viable choice for the outdoors.
Fixed knives, on the other hand, are fixed directly on to the handle, meaning that it’s not possible to hide the blade away. These knives have long been the favourite of outdoorsmen wanting a knife that is not prone to breaking. And because of the lack of any moving parts, they generally will last that much longer.
Knife Steels
The metal that the blade is made from is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind. Higher grade steels will last longer, and won’t be as prone to rust, although this isn’t always the case – which is why stainless steel is typically well-liked, especially if camping in areas that are prone to rain.
Blades that are made from cheaper, lower quality steel will blunt that much faster, and are much more likely to snap if enough pressure is applied.
Toughness, hardness, and resistance to corrosion are the three main traits to keep an eye out for when choosing a knife based on the kind of metal that’s made from. Keep in mind that just because a knife might be extremely resistant to rust, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s particularly tough.
Ease Of Sharpening
A lot of people make the mistake of buying non-conventional knives that have all kinds of unique edges, but it’s always worth keeping in mind that the more unique and non-traditional the blade is, the more difficult it will be to sharpen, which leaves less time for other hobbies, like playing the latest games at an online casino in Pakistan. It’s usually best to get a plain blade that has a single-sided edge, making it that much easier to sharpen on a whetstone or other sharpening devices. Take the time to inspect the knives and see whether it’s possible to get a really good angle on the blade, so it’s easier to keep it sharpened.