Camping in the great outdoors is a fun and enthralling activity. Surrounded by nature all around you, it makes you feel calm and peaceful.
Like any other activity, camping requires certain essential tools and equipment to help you succeed in your adventure. One such tool is a pocket knife.
However, finding the best survival pocket knife is not an easy task. With multiple options to choose from, it can be quite confusing to find that one pocket knife for you.
Below are a few factors to contemplate on, as well as some of the leading models of survival pocket knives.
Top 4 Best Survival Pocket Knives 2021
1. MTech USA MT-A845BK
First up on the list of finding the best survival pocket knife is the MTech USA MT-A845BK Spring Assisted Knife. Fabricated by one of the leading brands of tactical equipment, this knife speaks volumes about its quality.
One of the notable features of this particular survival pocket knife is its durability and rigidity. Built with a premium, rigid amalgamation of aluminum, stainless steel, and magnesium, this knife can handle even the most extreme situations.
Apart from that, this knife is integrated with a unique midnight black blad, as well as a thumb stud. This way, you can easily fold and unfold the knife with just a single hand.
When purchasing any knife, it is important to think about the handle. This survival pocket knife is designed with a beautiful aluminum body that can be used to cut a variety of things.
If you were to speak about its technicalities, the knife measures approximately 5 inches, when folded, with a blade of 3.74 inches. Plus, the knife’s blade has an overall thickness of 3 millimeters.
Like a coin has two sides, this survival pocket knife has its own drawbacks. One of the key concerns is that the blade itself is quite thick. This can be problematic when sharpening the blade.
On the whole, if you are on the lookout for a knife that is extremely powerful and effective yet within the budget, then this survival pocket knife is the best choice for you.
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2. RoverTac Pocket Knife
If you are stumbling to find the best survival pocket knife, then you should definitely check out the RoverTac pocket knife. Acclaimed for its versatility, this knife is the preferred choice of most campers and hikers.
One of the unique features of this particular pocket knife is its versatility. Included with several cutters and blades, this can be used for anything and everything. As you take a closer look at the knife, you will notice that there are multiple tools, including bottle openers, pliers, wire cutters, etc.
Plus, with its new cool and sleek design, this knife is a good choice for young campers. If you are looking for a great gift for your camping friend, then try checking out this survival pocket knife.
When it comes to the best survival folding knife, this knife has it all under a single roof. Integrated with an effective locking mechanism into the handle of the knife, this knife ensures you can use it just at the push of a button, making it safe to use.
The best part about this particular knife is that it is included with a strong nylon bag, which serves as the perfect accompaniment to store your tools.
However, it should be noted that with immense pressure, certain parts of the knife, such as the pliers, tend to bend. Thus, it is recommended to be gentle with the knife while using it.
In a nutshell, this survival pocket knife checks all the boxes in terms of performance and versatility and is the perfect addition for your hiking buddies.
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3. Kershaw Select Fire 1920
Another impeccable pocket knife is the Kershaw Select Fire 1920 Multifunction pocket knife. Fabricated by one of the leading competitors of the pocket knife market, this knife is extolled for its premium performance.
Designed with an affordable yet durable stainless steel bald, this knife speaks volumes about the quality. Plus, it is designed to withstand any type of weather, damage, and abrasion.
The blade’s appearance is enhanced with a beautiful finish of fine media, creating a sophisticated and glossy finish.
Another feature is its classic opening. This particular survival knife is designed with a manual opening.
All you have to do is place the knife at a 90-degree angle and flick your wrist to machinate the blade out of its handle. Then, put your fingers along the tiny grooves on the handle, and pull the blade with slight pressure.
If you look at the handle of this knife, you will notice that it is quite tough. This is because the handle is composed of a nylon polymer reinforced with thin threads of glass to increase its strength.
On the whole, this knife offers everything a camper needs to survive in the outdoors.
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4. Smith & Wesson SWFRS Blade
Lastly, when searching for the best folding knife for survival, you should grab hold of the Smith & Wesson SWFRS Point Serrated knife.
One of the key features of this particular survival pocket knife is the all-new glass breaker tool. With this glass breaker, the knife is adapted for the outdoor environment.
Plus, its unique drop point serrated blade helps cut all sorts of surfaces, making the knife quite versatile.
The knife has a durable G10 handle that aids in providing a slip-free grip on the pocket knife. In terms of size, the handle has ample hand space, which allows the blade to rest safely in your hand.
To top it all off, the knife is quite reasonable in terms of price compared to other models of survival pocket knives.
If you are a beginner and would like a knife to help you get started, this pocket knife is the right fit.
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Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Survival Pocket Knife
Buying the perfect survival pocket knife is one of the keys to success when on the lookout for the best camping and hiking gear.
However, finding the correct knife is quite a difficult task. With a spectrum of options to choose from, it can be quite challenging to pick the best out of the entire lot.
Therefore, when buying the best survival pocket knife, it is important to evaluate each model on the basis of certain factors. By doing so, you are able to narrow your search and find that one ideal knife for you.
Below are a few important factors to excogitate when purchasing the best survival pocket knife for your next adventure.
1. Design Of Blade
The first and foremost factor to think about is the design of the blade used. Survival pocket knives range in 3 major designs. Each design has its own set of pros and cons that are worth knowing, as it may hinder your final decision.
a. Straight-Edged Survival Pocket Knife
Survival pocket knives are often manufactured with a straight-edged blade design. As the name suggests, these types of knives are extremely pointed and keen.
Due to their incredible sharp nature, individuals have greater control over the pocket knife and are ensured with accurate and precise cuts each time they use it.
Plus, these knives are highly useful for push cuts. These types of cuts require the individual to push through surfaces rather than slicing them. The best examples of push cuts are chopping fruits and vegetables like potatoes and apples, as well as cutting wood.
The only downside of these knives is that they are not an ideal choice to cut objects that require you to saw efficiently.
b. Serrated Edged Survival Pocket Knife
Another type of blade design for survival pocket knives is the serrated edge. These pocket knives have small insertions in the blade, making them an ideal choice for slicing.
When you slice any object, you will notice that they tend to drag the blade from pillar to post. Thus, serrated-edged knives are designed to make this easy, with absolutely no hassle.
However, the biggest disadvantage with such types of knives is that they are quite hard to sharpen. Plus, they are not as versatile as compared to straight-edged knives, as they are used for specific tasks.
c. Partially Serrated Edged Survival Pocket Knife
The last but not the least category of blade design is one that is partially serrated. In their simplest form, these knives offer the best of both worlds. They are extremely handy in the wild, as they can be used to cut and slice a plethora of objects.
Furthermore, these knives are extremely popular due to their multi-functionality. However, the only negative is that they have the same sharpening difficulty as the fully serrated edged survival pocket knife.
If you want something that offers the benefits of a serrated knife and a straight-edged pocket knife, then a partially serrated knife is the best way to go.
2. Length Of The Blade
Another crucial aspect to look for when searching for the best survival folding knife is the blade’s actual length. As you walk down the camping aisle of your hardware store, you will likely encounter the various sizes of survival pocket knives.
Below are a few commonly found sizes of these knives, with their respective pros and cons.
a. Small Sized Survival Pocket Knives
Starting at the bottom of the hierarchy are the small-sized knives. These are approximately 2.74 inches. The best part about these knives is their portability.
As they are small in size, they can be carried anywhere and everywhere. Most importantly, they are one of the acceptable forms of knives available. Thus, they can be transported without any legal issues.
However, their small size can be a hindrance as well. Smaller survival pocket knives tend to lack durability and versatility. In simpler terms, they are not as strong as compared to larger knives.
In addition, they often consist of tiny slip joint blades, which can lead to a malfunction in the locking of the knife.
Overall, if you want to buy a knife that is easy to carry and is light-weight, then a small pocket knife is an ideal fit for you.
b. Medium-Sized Survival Pocket Knives
The next level of blade size is the medium blade. These tend to range anywhere between 2.75 inches to 4 inches. You will notice that the majority of survival pocket knives tend to fall under this category.
The best part about these knives is that they are multifunctional. This way, they can be used for a variety of activities, unlike the smaller knives.
To top it all off, these knives have a great blade integrated with different locking facilities that make them an ideal choice for strenuous jobs.
Like a coin has two sides, these knives do have certain disadvantages. One of the critical concerns is that they may not be acceptable by the knife laws of certain countries. Due to this, they may not be as easy to carry and transport as the smaller-sized pocket knives.
In a nutshell, if you are looking for a knife that can do pretty much any activity, then this blade range is the sweet spot for survival pocket knives.
c. Large Sized Survival Pocket Knives
At the top of the hierarchy is the largest blade for pocket knives. These kinds of knives have a blade that is bigger than 4 inches. They are mainly designed for self-defense and other martial art activities.
As mentioned above, the bigger the size, the more difficult it becomes to carry and transport the knife.
Firstly, these knives are quite bulky to carry. Plus, they may not meet the standardized rules and regulations of your country’s knife laws.
Overall, these knives are seen as a novelty item, making them impractical for everyday usage. They are the perfect addition to your opulent knife collection.
3. Shape Of The Blade
When purchasing the best survival pocket knife, it is essential to think about the shape of the blade. You should note that not all pocket knife blades are the same.
Irrespective of whether it is a single-bladed knife or a multi-bladed knife, it is important to consider the shape of the blade, which has a drastic impact on the overall cutting process.
There are several blade types, especially in pocket knives. Below are a few classic examples of shapes found in the market these days.
a. Clip Pointed Knives
As one of the popular shapes available today, clip point knives are a necessity for every camper. Renowned for their concave shape, these knives are specifically designed to make cutting easier and quicker.
As you take a closer look at a clip point knife, you will notice that the shape of the blade tends to become sharpened at the tip. This makes it an effective tool for daily usage, as well as for hunting in the wilderness.
With this feature, hunters can easily pierce their prey and slice it without any hindrances.
b. Spear Pointed Knives
The next category of pocket knife blades is the spear pointed ones. As the name suggests, these knives are designed in a spear shape. In its basic sense, it is a knife wherein the dual edges ascend and descend at an equal length.
One of the remarkable features of these knives is the symmetry. In simpler terms, the peak of the knife balances perfectly with the epicenter of the knife.
These knives are best suited for piercing and are not ideal for slicing compared to the pointed needle knife.
c. Straight- Backed Knives
Survival pocket knives are also manufactured with a straight back shape. These are commonly called regular bladed knives.
Highly acclaimed for their traditional shape, these are considered to be the rudimentary forms of survival pocket knives available.
If you were to take a closer look at such a knife, you would notice that the front has a simple curved look, whereas the back has a dull, straight edge. This helps to apply more pressure when cutting.
If you want a knife that can be multi-functional for all your cutting activities, then a good quality straight-backed knife is the perfect choice for you.
d. Drop Pointed Knives
As another hallmark for all-purpose pocket knives is the drop pointed ones. These knives are structured with a dull section near the handle. As you progress downwards, the blade tends to slope down, meeting the edge, and eventually creating a point.
These types of knives are a great tool for hunting, as they help in piercing and skinning the prey.
4. Material Of The Handle
Apart from the blade, the handle is an equally important aspect of a pocket knife. By purchasing that knife that has a good quality handle, individuals are guaranteed a tight grip and better control over the knife.
Below are a few common materials that are used when making the handle of a survival pocket knife.
a. Aluminum Handles
These types of knife handles are coated with a durable film of aluminum. Due to this, they are easy to carry, as they are light-weight in nature.
The best part about these knives is that individuals have maximum control over it, as it has an incredible grip. Thus, this is the perfect choice for you if you are camping under extreme weather conditions.
b. Wooden Handles
Another commonly used material is wood. Wood handles are manufactured in a variety of types, including maple, rosewood, buckeye, etc. However, it is essential to note that certain woods undergo a stabilization process to make them durable.
c. Celluloid Handles
With the advent of modern technology, manufacturers are always looking for new and innovative ways to create knife handles.
One such material is cellulose. These types of knife handles are manufactured with synthetic plastic that can be morphed into any color.
Hence, individuals are allowed to customize their survival pocket knife as per their tastes and preferences.
d. G-10 Handles
If you are looking for a durable and rigid survival pocket knife, then you should definitely check out a knife that has a G10 handle. These handles are typically composed of fiberglass that is coated with resin and baked.
This entire process is what contributes to its endurance and effective performance. The best part about this particular material is that it is light-weight.
Due to this nature, they are often recommended for camping by many professionals.
e. Titanium Handles
The last but not the least material is titanium. These handles are renowned for their resistance to corrosion. Plus, they are extremely durable and easy to hold. However, these are often found in newer models of pocket knives.
5. Opening Mechanisms
When looking for the best folding survival knife, it is important to look at the opening facility. A rule of thumb would be to select that pocket knife that is easy to use yet offers maximum convenience when carrying out day to day activities.
Typically, the opening mechanism of survival pocket knives falls under one of three categories.
The first category is the manual method. These are some of the oldest ways to open a pocket knife. All you have to do is place your nail under one of the grooves and pull the blade open.
Furthermore, these knives can also be opened using the thumb. This is often referred to as the thumb stud. In this mode, there is a small groove in the blade that can open the knife with your thumb.
The next category of opening mechanism is the automatic version. A classic example of this is a switchblade. These types of knives are usually included with a small button or a switch. All individuals have to do is press the button to open the blade.
However, with this mechanism, it is essential to ensure that the blade is safe to use and meets your country’s regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why Should You Carry A Pocket Knife?
When you are camping or hiking, you are likely to come across various predators and prey. In order to protect yourself and survive in the wilderness, pocket knives are a great tool to have.
However, as mentioned before, it should be abiding by the rules and regulations of your country.
Q2. How Much Should I Spend On A Pocket Knife?
Due to this, many knife collectors often stumble upon the question of how much they should spend on a good quality pocket knife for surviving the great outdoors. Well, the answer to that lies in their needs and requirements.
A rule of thumb to remember is that the higher price, the more features the knife has. For example, individuals can get hold of a decent knife for under $30 if they want something to meet their regular utility activities.
However, if you want to go all out, then the knives tend to get more expensive, as the total cost increases due to customization.
In short, you need to think about what you require and purchase accordingly.
Q3. What Is The Most Durable Pocket Knife?
Best Survival Pocket Knives – Conclusion
Based on the above discussion, it is quite evident that discovering the best survival pocket knife is a challenging and daunting task. However, if you carefully ponder upon the above factors, you can find the perfect one for you.
A helpful tip is to check out the above models of survival knives, as they are the best of the lot available in today’s dynamic market.