Choosing the Right Fixed Blade Knife: Size, Material, Design and Handle - Prof. Maryedith , Study notes of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences

Download Choosing the Right Fixed Blade Knife: Size, Material, Design and Handle - Prof. Maryedith and more Study notes Physical Activity and Sport Sciences in PDF only on Docsity! What type of fixed blade knife should I get? Choosing the Size of Your Knife  “Rambo-size” knives are not necessary for backpacking or hiking ◦ It weighs too much and is too bulky for longer trips ◦ There is a greater chance of accidental injury  Blades should generally have a length of 4” - 6”  Blades should generally have a width of 5/32” - 8/32”  It is important that the tip of the blade is large enough to maintain its strength Choosing the Blade Material  Carbon Steel ◦ The more carbon in the blade, the harder the blade will be vs. stainless steel ◦ The harder the blade, the longer the carbon steel blade holds its edge ◦ Is more brittle and harder to sharpen than stainless steel ◦ Is more susceptible to rusting  Stainless Steel ◦ Is typically softer than carbon steel blades ◦ Will not hold an edge as well or as long as carbon steel blades ◦ Is easier to sharpen, especially in the field, than carbon steel blades ◦ Holds up in well in extremely wet or corrosive environments Choosing the Blade Design  Smooth – (generally accepted to be the best choice for a wilderness knife) ◦ Offers more overall cutting surface ◦ Easier to sharpen in the field ◦ Best for carving, chopping, and cutting ◦ The added advantage of the straight blade is that it can be sharpened on a rock or piece of concrete, should you not have a regular sharpening stone handy, whereas the serrated blade generally needs a special sharpening device and technique  Serrated ◦ Has more cutting power than a smooth design ◦ Does well at cutting synthetic materials, clothing, and flesh ◦ Harder to sharpen than smooth blades, especially in the field ◦ Inefficient for carving or chopping Choosing the Handle  Never get a knife with a hollow handle ◦ If the handle is hollow, it will break eventually ◦ This means do not get a knife with a compass embedded in the handle  The tang (extension of the blade into the handle) should fully extend into the handle ◦ This way, if the handle does breaks, you can wrap the tang and still use the knife