subject: What to Look for in High Performance Wilderness Survival Tactical Knives [print this page] What to Look for in High Performance Wilderness Survival Tactical Knives
For anyone spending a considerable amount of time in the wilderness, it is always important to come prepared for any situation that may arise. Whether you are a hunter or hiker, a tactical knife is an important tool for wilderness survival. Since you will be on foot, it is important to only bring equipment that is most essential and that, ideally, is lightweight. Fortunately, for modern-day outdoor enthusiasts, there are countless lightweight tactical knives to choose from.
For most purposes, a four to six-inch blade will do the job. Anything longer than this will quickly become cumbersome. It may be tempting to purchase a cheaper knife that, on the outside, may deceive one into believing that it is just as good as a knife many times its price. However, before going for the cheapest knife, read or ask about the details of the knife. If it comes with a hollow handle or includes extra features such as compass within the handle, it will be greatly compromised in strength. For added durability, make sure that the knife you choose is built with a sturdy, fixed blade. The knife's tang, the section of steel that extends into the handle, should extend all the way through the handle for added strength. By spending a little extra on a high-quality knife, not only will it last longer, it will decrease the chances of you ending up with a broken knife when you most need it.
Tactical knife blades can be made from varying compositions of steel. While stainless steel blades are inclined to rust more than carbon steel blades, you can rust protect your blade with one of the available products on the market. More rigid blades made from high carbon steel will maintain their sharp edge for longer periods of time than stainless steel. However, they will initially be more difficult to sharpen once they do begin to lose their edge. Stainless steel blades, on the other hand, will be easier to sharpen, but tend to dull quicker than those made with high carbon steel. Each composition has its benefits. This aspect of the knife will be up to your personal preference.
Depending on your budget and personal preferences, there is a wide assortment of tactical knives to choose from. Consider reading reviews and detailed information about a variety of knives before finding the one that will best suit your needs.
