APRIL 6, 2022 – Military knives are one of the best tools for survival. You can always rely on them whether you’re out in the wilderness defending against wild animals, chopping, lighting a fire, or skinning animals. They are, hands down, the best when it comes to self-defense in any kind of situation.
A myriad of options is available for military knives. This makes it highly confusing for the average Joe to settle on a choice. That’s why we created this ultimate guide, explaining the 6 most important factors to consider before you make a decision.
What is a Military Knife?
Military knives are designed for combat. You’ll be able to use a military knife efficiently in hand-to-hand combat as a last line of defense. You’ll also need them for survival, so they should be reliable enough to cut through dense things like windows, wood, or even thick clothing to save a person in mortal peril. That’s why military knives should be strong and durable enough with respect to both their blade and handle.
Military knives are one of the final adaptations of a long line of knives human civilizations have created over the centuries. Each civilization had its own creation based on its needs and culture, so it makes sense that military knives are different for every country, and in every era.
Military knives sometimes go by other names. You may find them being called tactical or combat knives. Although each kind has its own purpose and specs, the subtle differences may not make much of a difference for you in most cases. Of course, that’s a different matter if you’re in the military or have advanced knowledge of self-defense arts.
6 Things to Consider When Buying Military Knives
If this is your first time buying a military knife, here are 6 things to consider before making the purchase.
- Purpose
It may sound kind of weird to mention its purpose. Isn’t a military knife used for combat? That’s true in most cases, but some people have other reasons for getting a military knife.
For instance, some artifact collectors are obsessed with old weaponry. They’d do anything they can to get a hold of some vintage military knives used in iconic eras; WW1, WW2, the US Civil War, and other wars. If you’re one of them, you’ll be glad to know that you can find a large selection of rare vintage military knives on Militaria-Deal.
You won’t be disappointed once you take your time to browse vintage knives. You’ll find the Ka-Bar that’s still used to this day, and the Gerber Mk2 that was only second to the Ka-Bar back in Vietnam. You’ll find World War 1’s Mk1 trench knife, the Marine Corps Force Recon’s Bark River Bravo 1, and the SEALs’ Emerson CQC6 folding knife.
- Knife Type
Military knives can either have a fixed blade or be folded, though the majority are fixed-blade. Both options have their respective pros and cons, so you’ll need to understand your preference first.
A fixed blade is generally stronger than a folding one. It can also be augmented with guards or bolsters to prevent your hand from slicing toward the blade. However, fixed blades are harder to hide and more troublesome to carry around.
Meanwhile, folding knives mostly fall under the tactical knives category. They’re sufficient in emergency situations that don’t involve self-defense, since, unfortunately, they aren’t strong enough for that.
On the upside, they’re smaller and easier to conceal, making them much more convenient to have than a fixed blade knife. Most soldiers carry both types of knives to have the best of both worlds.
- Blade Length
The blade length is another important factor to consider. Knives with longer blades have farther reach, which gives the user an advantage in self-defense. On the other hand, they’ll also be heavier, which makes them harder to manage and slower to use.
Meanwhile, short-bladed knives require you to move closer to the target. But, since they’re lighter, they’re easier to use, carry, and conceal.
When you take a closer look, you’ll find that most fixed-blade knives have longer blade lengths, while most tactical folding knives have shorter blade lengths.
The blade length also includes the tang length. It’s best to have a knife with a full tang since that guarantees that it’s stronger. That may be the case with fixed blades, but you won’t find any folding knife with a full tang.
- Steel Type
You’ll need to pay special attention to the steel type. Blade steels are made of either high carbon plain tool steels or stainless steel.
Ultimately, blades are evaluated based on their strength, toughness, and hardness. Strength refers to how they can bend without breaking, toughness refers to their resistance against chipping and cracking, and hardness describes their ability to resist abrasion.
Generally, high carbon plain tool steel blades are both stronger and tougher than stainless steel blades. Unfortunately, they’re not as sharp as the latter and need more work to keep them corrosion-free.
- Handle Design
You’ll need a handle that’s ergonomically designed to fit your hand. The handle should also allow you to hold the knife properly, whether you prefer to hold the blade downward or upwards. You’ll only be able to figure out your favorite design through field testing, so be sure to try different types of knives.
- Handle Material
A handle’s material should be tough, anti-slippery, and resistant to weathering conditions. Taking these aspects into consideration, it’s smarter to get a synthetic handle rather than one made from natural materials.
Handles can be made from either natural materials, like exotic hardwood and stag antler, or synthetic materials, like G10, Micarta, and Kirinite.
Most people choose natural materials because they’re more aesthetically pleasing. However, not only are they easier to crack, but they’re also harder to grasp and they absorb moisture easily. That is not the case with synthetic materials, which can also be altered to provide a textured feeling that prevents slipping.
Choosing the right military knife takes some work, especially for the uninitiated. When you’re looking to buy your first military knife, be sure to take your time to explore various aspects of different knives. Once you’ve field-tested the knives and gotten professional advice, you can rest assured you’ve made the right choice.