Article by Erica Ronchetti
A good survival knife doesn't have to be expensive or large-if it feels right for you, use it.However, it's more complicated then that.
If you don't have much experience handling knives, here are common features to look for before you make your investment in your own custom survival knife.
Custom Survival Knife 101: Choosing or Designing the Ideal Custom Survival Knife
Fixed Blade With a Full Tang vs. Half Tang? Look for a fixed blade with a full tang. Full tang blades continue down through the blade handle, minimizing the possibility of blade failure at the shoulder, or the area of the survival knife where the blade and handle meet. If your custom survival knife only has a partial tang, it can let you down during heavy use-that is, when you're digging, prying, or chopping into resistant surfaces. (We don't advise using your custom survival knife for digging and prying, unless you're in a scenario when that becomes absolutely necessary). Your custom survival knife should be able to hold up well in any situation you put it through.
Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Custom Survival Knives? Should you choose a carbon or stainless steel survival knife? If you purchase a carbon knife, you can expect it to rust in time.However, your carbon custom survival knife will be easy to sharpen.Carbon survival knives are very popular and have been the standard for many years. Stainless steel survival knifes are more difficult to sharpen, although quality of these types of blades is arguably up to par with carbon blades-and they don't rust.
Drop Point vs. Clip Point? Should you purchase a drop point survival knife or clip point? Should you go with a hollow grind or a flat grind? Don't get too hung up on these different options-your main focus should be purchasing a custom survival knife that's both durable and can hold an edge.
What Kind of Sheathing For My Custom Survival Knife? When sheathing your custom survival knife, don't go with leather-they have the tendency to hold moisture and can rust your blade. If poorly made and sewn, they can also be unsafe. (Of course, the exception is well made leather sheathes-simply make sure your custom survival knife sheath has both double stitching and rivets for protection).Nylon (also known as cordura) is usually a better option, but Kydex is best. When choosing a sheath for your custom survival knife, ensure that it doesn't allow the knife to penetrate through (you want to avoid possible injury) and ensure that it holds your knife securely.Look for or request a belt loop as well-it's a must for any good custom survival knife sheath.
Your Custom Survival Knife's Handle: The handle of your custom survival knife should be comfortable not slippery when wet. Look for a cushion handle to absorb any vibrations you'll experience when hacking and chopping.It's a good idea to get a knife with a lanyard hole-those can be useful.Avoid hollow handles, unless the knife is made entirely from the same piece of metal.Handle guards can get in your way when choking up on a knife, so ensure you feel comfortable with yours or it's designed to assist your grip.
Serrated vs. Straight Edge? Serrated knives are typically used for search and rescue operations, as they're ideal for cutting though synthetic materials. For camping (getting firewood, cleaning game, or making traps), you'll prefer a straight edge blade.
You don't need one custom survival knife that'll do everything. Buy a knife that's designed to work well when used as a knife, and knife only. Cutting and chopping will be the knife's main purpose. Remember that a big blade can do everything a small blade can do, but a small blade can't do everything a big blade can do.Choose a custom survival knife that's durable, has a fixed blade, full tang, solid handle, is safe, one that you're able to handle easily, and one that comes with a protective sheath and feels comfortable and solid.Remember-the best survival knife in the world is the one that's in your hand when you need it most.Designing your ultimate custom survival knife will see you safely through many adventures.