| Selecting a Unique Knife for hunting and camping is | | | | exclusively to cut flesh or clothing because it is |
| essential because it is so important to survival in | | | | more difficult to keep a serrated knife sharpened. |
| the wild. When hunting or camping, a good knife is | | | | The blade should be made of either stainless steel |
| a vital part of your gear, and can be put to use | | | | or annealed, heat-treated carbon steel so that it |
| for a multitude of tasks. When you are ready to | | | | resists rust, and is very strong. The carbon steel |
| select the unique knife you need for camping and | | | | knife will retain its edge longer but must be used |
| hunting, remember to think about the functionality | | | | regularly or coated to prevent rust. The blade |
| and construction of the knife and choose | | | | should be about 3/16" thick so that it is flexible |
| accordingly. | | | | but will not break during regular use. |
| The length of the knife blade is key to its use. For | | | | Selecting Unique Knives or a Utility Knife for |
| camping and hunting, a smaller blade of between | | | | working around the house drastically changes the |
| 4 to 6 inches is often best because it is much | | | | uses for the knife. In this case, the knife may be |
| easier to control, and a single edge on the knife is | | | | used to chip away putty, paint, wood, gaskets or |
| safer than a double edge. Look for a knife with a | | | | other debris, and may be shaped like a chisel. It |
| solid handle that won't break during hard work. | | | | might also be used to cut wires, hose, cable, |
| One instance when a larger blade can be effective | | | | wood or tubing, so it will still need a strong, sharp |
| is when you plan to use the knife to slash your | | | | edge. The utility knife may also be used to pry or |
| way through thick vegetation. In this case, it | | | | split apart wood joints or tight parts so it will need |
| might be better to also pack a machete or axe. | | | | a thin, strong edge. |
| You will also want to check that the knife blade is | | | | For ultimate strength and versatility, this type of |
| made of one piece of metal that merges into the | | | | knife should be made of carbon steel with a full |
| handle, making it very sturdy. The two pieces of | | | | tang that extends out above the handle so that it |
| the handle are attached to either side of the | | | | can be hit with a hammer for maximum forced |
| metal blade. This type of knife construction is | | | | cuts. A convenient hole in the handle should be |
| called "full tang". The blade itself should be smooth | | | | drilled so that the knife can be hung in your shop |
| and not serrated unless you want to use it | | | | for easy access. |