How To Choose A Good Survival Knife For Prepping, Bushcraft And SHTF

Serrated blades are no good when hunting and skinning as they will rip the skin, but can help to cut tendon and bone if needed.
Definitely choose a straight blade if you intend to use your knife for more hunting related purposes.

 Blade material 

There two main types of material used for a survival knife – Stainless steel and Carbon.

The choice is more personal preference than anything else really, however, a carbon blade will be expected to hold a good edge for longer than a stainless steel blade but will rust if left out or not cleaned off. The stainless blade is considered a pretty much indestructible but will require sharpening much more frequently. 

 Pointed tip blade 

This is much preferred over a curved blade as this can be lashed to a pole to give extended reach for a stabbing action [especially fishing and hunting] 

 Handle & Grip 

Grip is essential when using the knife for long periods and must feel comfortable in your hand, but this must also be strong and solid,  as you may need to use it for banging nails in or breaking glass or even as a ‘non lethal  self defence weapon.

Grips come in various materials – wood, bone, hard or soft rubber, polymer etc.  But so long as your knife fits you comfortably is more personal choice.  *very important point – Avoid buying a hollow handled knife. – 

I know there are plenty on the market and many by reputable manufacturers, all offering this feature to store something in, maybe some matches or fire starter or a small map maybe –  but consider these two main points – 

1. A hollow handle means a weaker knife as it has not got a full tang
2. If you loose you knife you loose everything in the handle