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Fingers were made before forks,
and hands before knives. Knives in bare essence, is a tool for
cutting or spreading. The knife evolution predates to the
existence of stone tools. Whatever shape or form a knife should
look like, we definitely need this important cutting tool to make
our lives easy. Advances in technology has made possible, the use
of laser instruments for cutting in medical and industrial
applications. It may sound far fetched, but time will tell.
Imagine if you can, a small laser device affordable enough to
take along your next trip to the woods. The technology could
prove advantageous to the next generation of outdoorsmen.
Today,
knives come in different shapes and sizes. Designed and
fashioned for a specific purpose. Often times the
question is asked, “What is the best knife on the
market?” A simple question that poses complicated
answers. It isn’t the absence of fine knives, but
the answers lean towards personal preference which leads
to a virtuous debate. “What will work for me, may
not work for you.” Experience is the best teacher.
Utilization of what you already have is an attribute of
the human ingenious nature. Knife selection depends on
where you use it and what type of work you want it to do.
For chores that require chopping, you would need a
machete or axe. There is no reason to make one tool do
the work for another. It is common for outdoorsmen to
pack a knife, multi-tool and an axe or machete.
In this section, we’re going to discuss the basic
categories of knives and their intended field
application. We’re also going to examine briefly, a
knife’s construction without going into much detail
regarding the technical aspects of a knife. There are 4
basic designs, of interest to outdoor enthusiasts and
survivalists. The table below excludes multi-tools which
belong to a different category by itself. The machete or
the axe, are commonly regarded as tools and do not belong
to the family of knives.
|
| Knife Design |
Intended
Uses
|
| Folder or Pocket knife |
For everyday urban use or light
field work. The blade can be hid within the
handle |
| Hunting or Bowie |
For light to heavy field work. Can
be used for digging ground. Usually fixed blade.
Other variations, the survival knife, gadgets
stored inside the hollow handle or sheath. |
| Military or Tactical |
Occupational or military use.
Improved metallurgical properties (tensile
strength) on the blade. Usually low or no luster
finish to prevent detection from reflected light.
Some models have a self-sharpening sheath. |
| Vintage or Collector |
These knives are not usually used
in any field work to preserve its value and
condition. Vintage knives are usually functional.
Some collector knives have a dull edge usually
for display and can be functional to some extent.
Commemorative impressions on the blade, handle or
sheath. |
|
Knife Construction Basics
After finding out the intended use for your knife,
additional aspects need to be considered in terms of
weight, metal quality and construction. We are going to
cover knives intended for medium to heavy field work.
To the right, is an exploded view of a knife, revealing the
"full tang". The tang is the extension of the
blade that becomes the handle, secured by rivets. This
advanced design unifies the blade and handle, to generate
overall strength of the knife.
 Metal Quality
This photo of a knife on the left was made from railroad stock with a
machined handle and decorated with black pearl inlay. The
knife was subjected to a process called annealing. A
centuries old method, to strengthen the properties of
steel and alloys. This particular knife shown, (for
illustration purposes only) pierced through the penny
with a single blow, without damage to the knife tip and
edge. This test was conducted by professionals with
safety gear significantly protecting the eyes, hands and
body from fragmented debris. Please do not replicate this
at home.
Customize
These are basic information of what to look for in
regards to the best knife that’s suited for you.
Ergonomic designs on the handle are also adapted to form
a perfect fit on your hand. Aesthetics and your
preference to a certain (brand) manufacturer, furthers
the customization of the knife to your particular needs.
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