If you think a knife is a knife is a knife, then explain how you could use a butcher’s knife to perform the job of a fillet knife, or vice versa. If you frequently go camping, go on trips or like the outdoors, you might want to invest in a good survival knife. Here are tips on choosing one:

Know what it looks like
It can range in length from 4 to 6 in or can even be longer. It is frequently manufactured as a fixed blade, which means it cannot be folded. It is sturdy, made of strong materials, has a sharp edge (some survival knives are designed to have two sharp edges) and a sharp tip.

Choose a good size
Most people have this idea that since a knife will be used for survival, it has to be big. It doesn’t have to be. Survival knives come in different sizes, so choose one that will offer you the most function at the size that will be convenient for you to carry, conceal or use. If it’s too small, it might not do a good job for cutting or chopping. If it’s too big, it might be too heavy and cumbersome, so choose one that will fit your purpose and capability to handle.

Check the tang
The tang refers to that part of the knife that secures the blade to its handle. Look for a full tang. If it’s full, you can rely on it for heavy duty use. Should you hit a hard object, you won’t worry about your knife snapping off.

Look for a solid handle
A good tang should be wide enough. If you choose a survival knife with a narrower tang, just make sure that the handle is well designed and built solidly. It should be fitted and must either be welded or bolted securely in place. The handle should feel secure and comfortable in your hand. If it doesn’t, you might find it difficult to use the knife.

The blade must be solid
No matter the length of the blade of the survival knife you choose, just make sure that it is sturdy. It should move as one metal and should not bend. Look for a sturdy tip as well because this is usually the part where the blade is weakest. Remember that a survival knife isn’t flexible so check for strength.

One edge or two edges?
If you’re a beginner, best stick with a survival knife that has a single-edged blade. It’s safer for you to use and will be sufficient. If you’re not experienced in using a survival knife, a double-edged knife might prove too difficult to handle.

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