How to Compare Military Knives
Military knives are used both for combat and as a tool. They differ from regular knives in that they require maximum versatility while also being an effective weapon in hand-to-hand combat. Over the years, the need for military knives to fit the countless combinations of environments, situations, and specialized uses have led to a multitude of different knives to choose from. A good knife will never let you down and help you survive in almost any situation.
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Instructions
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Determine what type of steel the knife is made from. Stainless steel blades are easier to maintain and rarely rust. However, they are difficult to sharpen, do not hold an edge well, and are more expensive. Carbon steel blades hold an edge well, but rust if not coated.
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Look for a serrated section of the blade, which looks like a row of tooth-like projections. A serrated edge is helpful for tasks such as cutting trees, but must be sharpened frequently with a proper tool. Serrated edges tend to rip rather than cut during combat. Smooth edge blades are more efficient at cutting and can be sharpened on almost any kind of rock.
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Observe if the knife has a single or double-edged blade. Single edge knives have the advantage of safety and the ability to press down on one side to cut thicker materials. Double-edged blades inflict double the damage while stabbing in combat, and can be pulled out of the enemy easier. However, double-edged blade tips are weaker and prone to breaking.
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Check to see if the blade is a single piece of steel from base to tip, with the hilt encased. This provides a strong durable knife. Blades attached to the handle are lighter, but much weaker. Hollow handles let you store small survival gear in them, but at the loss of knife strength. Solid fixed handles do not fold up, so they are quicker to pull out during combat where speed is often the most important factor.
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Inspect the knife blade length. Longer knives provide further reach and penetration ability, but are bulky. Look for a knife with the right combination of size and control. A typical military knife blade length is 4 to 7 inches.
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Search the knife for any other special features. A rubber handle will help you in wet weather. A butt end to the knife handle can be used like a hammer. Knives with holes in the handle allow you to attach the blade to a tree limb to make a spear.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid over-the-top "Rambo" knives as they are excessively large, difficult to control, heavy, and break easily.
Check with local law enforcement before purchasing any military knife. In the United States, the legality of specific knives is different in every state and possibly each citiy.
References
- Photo Credit military knife image by Svetoslav Iliev from Fotolia.com
