A knife is one of the basic tools in the field: it is used for preparing meals, working wood, repairing equipment and many small tasks. You will choose a good model if you know what it will be used for.
Fixed blade or folding?
- A fixed-blade knife is stronger and easier to maintain — best for survival tasks and woodwork,
- A folding knife is handy and safer to transport, and works as an everyday tool and a supplement to your kit.
Types of steel
Stainless steel is resistant to moisture and requires less care, but is a little harder to sharpen. Carbon steel gives excellent sharpness and is easy to sharpen, but the blade needs care — without oil and wiping it quickly rusts.
Blade shape
- the drop point blade — versatile, strong tip, good for most tasks,
- straight blade (straight back) — convenient for precise cutting and whittling wood,
- serrated spine or saw — useful, but they often make sharpening harder.
Handle and sheath
The handle should sit comfortably in the hand even when wet or in a glove. Popular materials are wood, plastic and rubber — wood looks elegant, synthetics are moisture resistant. Choose a solid sheath that holds the knife securely and protects against accidental cuts.
Regulations and safety
A hiking knife is not a weapon in Poland, but carrying it in public places can be judged in light of the circumstances. On expeditions carry it secured, and in the city — stowed in your backpack. Always cut “away from yourself” and remember to sharpen regularly: a blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one.
See our selection in the category Knives, hatchets, machetes.
Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
