Tactical, skinning, hunting: Different types of survival knives you need in your cache

As a survival tool, knives are one of the most useful things you can have in your pack. You can use them for self-defense, hunting, and food prep.

Check out the list below before you decide on what kind of knife you’re going to include in your survival cache. The list is comprised of knives that “have direct applications to survival” and they aren’t as specialized as a fine woodworking carving knife. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)

The first batch of knives includes pocket knives, which often have blades that fit inside the handle:

• Tactical folder – A tactical folder is a kind of pocket knife that can easily be opened using either hand. They often come with a belt clip, and these knives are called tactical folders because they can be used to attack or defend from any position.
• Swiss Army knife – Unlike the other pocket knives, a Swiss Army knife is not suited for heavy work, does not always have a locking blade, and requires the use of both hands before it can be used safely. This knife incredibly versatile comes in models with more than thirty different practical functions and tools. This knife is lightweight and can substitute for a toolkit.

Here are several kinds of fixed blade knives, which are stronger and do not fold or slide and must be kept in sheaths or scabbards for safety:

• Hunting knife – Smaller hunting knives can be worn on a belt, in a boot, or under a pant leg, but they are often bigger than a folding blade. Hunting knives are used for tasks while hunting small and big game, such as skinning and field stripping an animal.
• Survival knife – This knife can help you find food, water, and shelter. Survival knives unique features, such as a compass hidden in the handle, or hollow grips where you can hide small fishing hooks and a length of fishing line, some minor first aid equipment, or fire starting materials.

Below are a couple of utility and fighting knives:

• Ka-Bar – Designed to fill out a hand and for heavy work, the Ka-Bar’s blade is thick and can be used for digging and prying. Its diamond-shaped tip makes it a strong enough knife that is stable and can be used for stabbing.
• Karambit – A uniquely designed knife, the karambit was initially used as a Southeast Asian farmer’s hand tool for “cutting grass and digging up roots.”  Light and medium-sized, the karambit is easy to carry and quick to draw. Modern models can be folded and may be clipped to a belt. The finger ring of the karambit can also be used as a striking surface and depending on the material, the handle might double as a knuckle duster.
• Machete – This knife is the ideal survival tool, especially if you’re in a jungle-type environment. A “great universal cutter,” a machete is light enough for relatively fine work yet it can fell trees. However, the blade of a machete may break with heavy use.

You can learn more about the proper winter survival gear and clothing at Gear.news.

Sources include:

SurvivalSullivan.com

KnowPrepareSurvive.com