| A good survival knife doesn’t have to be | | | | unsafe. (Of course, the exception is well made |
| expensive or large—if it feels right for you, use | | | | leather sheathes—simply make sure your |
| it.However, it’s more complicated then that. | | | | custom survival knife sheath has both double |
| If you don’t have much experience handling | | | | stitching and rivets for protection).Nylon (also |
| knives, here are common features to look for | | | | known as cordura) is usually a better option, but |
| before you make your investment in your own | | | | Kydex is best. When choosing a sheath for your |
| custom survival knife. | | | | custom survival knife, ensure that it doesn’t |
| Custom Survival Knife 101: Choosing or Designing | | | | allow the knife to penetrate through (you want to |
| the Ideal Custom Survival Knife | | | | avoid possible injury) and ensure that it holds your |
| Fixed Blade With a Full Tang vs. Half Tang? Look | | | | knife securely.Look for or request a belt loop as |
| for a fixed blade with a full tang. Full tang blades | | | | well—it’s a must for any good custom |
| continue down through the blade handle, minimizing | | | | survival knife sheath. |
| the possibility of blade failure at the shoulder, or | | | | Your Custom Survival Knife’s Handle: The |
| the area of the survival knife where the blade | | | | handle of your custom survival knife should be |
| and handle meet. If your custom survival knife | | | | comfortable not slippery when wet. Look for a |
| only has a partial tang, it can let you down during | | | | cushion handle to absorb any vibrations you’ll |
| heavy use—that is, when you’re digging, | | | | experience when hacking and chopping.It’s a |
| prying, or chopping into resistant surfaces. (We | | | | good idea to get a knife with a lanyard |
| don’t advise using your custom survival knife | | | | hole—those can be useful.Avoid hollow handles, |
| for digging and prying, unless you’re in a | | | | unless the knife is made entirely from the same |
| scenario when that becomes absolutely | | | | piece of metal.Handle guards can get in your way |
| necessary). Your custom survival knife should be | | | | when choking up on a knife, so ensure you feel |
| able to hold up well in any situation you put it | | | | comfortable with yours or it’s designed to |
| through. | | | | assist your grip. |
| Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Custom Survival | | | | Serrated vs. Straight Edge? Serrated knives are |
| Knives? Should you choose a carbon or stainless | | | | typically used for search and rescue operations, |
| steel survival knife? If you purchase a carbon | | | | as they’re ideal for cutting though synthetic |
| knife, you can expect it to rust in time.However, | | | | materials. For camping (getting firewood, cleaning |
| your carbon custom survival knife will be easy to | | | | game, or making traps), you’ll prefer a |
| sharpen.Carbon survival knives are very popular | | | | straight edge blade. |
| and have been the standard for many years. | | | | You don’t need one custom survival knife |
| Stainless steel survival knifes are more difficult to | | | | that’ll do everything. Buy a knife that’s |
| sharpen, although quality of these types of blades | | | | designed to work well when used as a knife, and |
| is arguably up to par with carbon blades—and | | | | knife only. Cutting and chopping will be the |
| they don’t rust. | | | | knife’s main purpose. Remember that a big |
| Drop Point vs. Clip Point? Should you purchase a | | | | blade can do everything a small blade can do, but |
| drop point survival knife or clip point? Should you | | | | a small blade can’t do everything a big blade |
| go with a hollow grind or a flat grind? Don’t | | | | can do.Choose a custom survival knife that’s |
| get too hung up on these different | | | | durable, has a fixed blade, full tang, solid handle, is |
| options—your main focus should be purchasing | | | | safe, one that you’re able to handle easily, |
| a custom survival knife that’s both durable | | | | and one that comes with a protective sheath and |
| and can hold an edge. | | | | feels comfortable and solid.Remember—the |
| What Kind of Sheathing For My Custom Survival | | | | best survival knife in the world is the one |
| Knife? When sheathing your custom survival knife, | | | | that’s in your hand when you need it |
| don’t go with leather—they have the | | | | most.Designing your ultimate custom survival knife |
| tendency to hold moisture and can rust your | | | | will see you safely through many adventures. |
| blade. If poorly made and sewn, they can also be | | | | |