A few years ago, there was an uproar about thin survival knives. People complained that they were too expensive, or not heavy enough to use. Some even accused them of being useless because you can’t really do anything with just a thin knife!
Thin knives have become very popular in the market. Many manufacturers design their most affordable models as thinner than average.
However, some people believe that these thin knives are actually less durable than heavier ones. Since they weigh less, users may forget how sturdy it is until something happens.
Fortunately, we’re going to look at some thick blades here and compare them to one other blade style. Then, we’ll talk about why having a thicker knife is better for your gear.
Disclaimer: The content written below will be discussing thickness comparisons between different types of fixed-blade knives. Although this article focuses more on that topic, it also talks about other things like durability and materials. This article could potentially discuss those topics as well. Make sure you know what each section means before reading.
What to look for in a survival knife?
When it comes to survival, having a good knife can mean the difference between life and death. While there are many different types and styles of knives on the market, not all of them are created equal. If you’re in the market for a survival knife, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure the knife is made from a high-quality material. A good survival knife will be made from a durable material like stainless steel or carbon steel. This will ensure that the knife can withstand the elements and will be able to withstand heavy use.
Secondly, you’ll want to make sure the knife is comfortable to hold. A good survival knife should have a comfortable grip that won’t slip in your hand when wet. It should also have a good balance so that it feels good in your hand and isn’t too heavy or too light.
Finally, you’ll want to make sure the knife is easy to sharpen. A good survival knife will have a sharpener built into the handle or sheath so that you can easily keep it sharp.
When it comes to choosing a survival knife, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. By following these simple guidelines, you can be sure you’re choosing a knife that will serve you well in a survival situation.
Blade thickness
When it comes to knives, one of the most important factors to consider is the blade thickness. Blade thickness can impact a knife’s sharpness, durability, and even its weight.
So, how do you know what thickness is right for you? Here are a few things to consider:
The type of knife you’re looking for: A thicker blade is often better for a chef’s knife or a slicing knife, while a thinner blade is often better for a paring knife or a fillet knife.
The type of food you’re cutting: If you’re cutting tougher meats or vegetables, you’ll want a thicker blade. If you’re cutting delicate fruits or vegetables, you’ll want a thinner blade.
Your personal preferences: Some people prefer a thicker blade because it feels more substantial in the hand. Others prefer a thinner blade because it’s easier to control.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of the blade thickness that’s right for you. And, if you’re still not sure, don’t hesitate to ask a knowledgeable salesperson for help.
The purpose of a survival knife
A few years ago, there was an uproar about how thin some knives were. Some even called them unsafe because you could cut yourself while washing or using them!
Thin knives may look pretty but they are not practical for survival situations. They do not have enough weight to be sturdy, so you will either need to buy heavier ones or carry lighter ones that feel weaker.
Weighing less than 2 pounds is very hard to find unless your goal is to make it as expensive as possible. We recommend staying well within 3 inches of total thickness at most, if not 1/2 inch per layer when manufactured.
Why limit thickness? Because thicker blades require more steel which costs money! And we all know what cost matter in the world of survival equipment.
How to pick a survival knife
When looking for your new best friend, make sure it is comfortable to hold and use! The length of the blade should be just enough to complete the task given with proficiency. A too-short or thin blade may not give you enough control over the item being cut with it, while a sword-like dagger was probably not designed to be used as a practical tool.
Thickness can vary depending on what the knife is intended to do. Most knives are meant to handle heavy-duty tasks, such as opening cans or slicing food, so they can be thicker than average.
If possible try out different sizes of the same model before buying. We recommend staying within a dollar group to get the best deal because expensive knives will usually have better-quality materials. Check out all the fine details, like how well-made the edge is and if there are any rust spots or chips.
Tips for choosing a survival knife
When buying a survival knife, you should know what size handle or grip it has! A thinner handle can be easier to carry in stealthy mode, but may not feel very sturdy, while a thicker one is more durable but heavy and possibly uncomfortable to hold onto longer.
Most people prefer wider handles due to better balance, but your choice of hand will play a big part in how much weight you want to bear with this tool.
If your goal is to survive a short time then go light on the gear, but if you have resources to spare then invest in good quality equipment that you can layer up on later. Either way, do not buy a thin blade as most people do not agree that such a knife is practical for self-defense!
Thicker blades are heavier so they tend to stay stable even under stress, making them safer overall. However, a thick blade takes some time to pull out which could cost you valuable seconds in an emergency situation.
Buying a survival knife
When it comes to choosing a quality fixed-blade knife, thickness is one of the most important features. There are two main types of knives that people typically associate with survival gear: thin edge-on-surface (“spring steel”) blades and thick heavy ones.
Thin spring-steel knives are great for someone who wants very durable, lighter-weight equipment that will always perform well. Because they are thinner than heavier drop-point or even military-style knives, these can be more comfortable to use especially in longer-term situations.
However, unless you know how to effectively sharpen your blade, it may not last as long due to constant grinding and reshaping. This is particularly true if you get careless with your knife when cleaning it!
A thicker, “survival” type knife is better suited for users who want extra durability and confidence in their weapon. These blades typically are either straight, slightly curved, or have some sort of shape other than a pure rectangle.
They are usually much heavier too, making them feel a little bit bulkier but also more stable and trustworthy. Some even say that they help prevent bending or breaking because of their size.
Thickness When buying a survival knife, make sure it is at least 3/8″ (9 mm) overall thickness which includes sheath and blade. A good starting place would be a Gerber Trenchproof Fixed Blade 9 inch (23 cm).
Care and maintenance of survival knives
When cleaning your survival knife, make sure you are very careful not to scratch or gouge the blade. You can use rubbing alcohol or steel cleaner to remove dirt and grime.
Thickness is an important factor in how much usable edge you have on a knife. A thin knife will feel flimsy next to yours that is one inch thick!
Avoid pulling out the handle as this could cause damage to the knife. Instead, use a utility tool to do it for you.
Storage of survival knives
When cleaning your knife, make sure to clean both the blade and the handle thoroughly! If you are using water as a cleaner, do not scrape off all of the dried dirt first, that would just spread it around more.
Instead, rinse each part separately and dry it completely before putting back together. This will ensure your knife is in good condition!
After drying, put the knife away in its original packaging or wrap it in paper if it was already packaged that way. Make sure to also store it properly, either under lock and key or with someone else who knows how to use it responsibly.
The thickness of a good knife should be able to easily slice through most materials, but should still retain enough precision to perform efficient tasks. A thick knife isn’t necessarily bad, but there is an ideal thickness depending on what you want the knife for.
Knife fight!
A thick knife is great to have if you are trying to defend yourself against someone else’s blade. Thicker blades take longer to cut through something, giving you more time to react and/or retaliate.
Thickness comes in different sizes as well. Some people prefer thinner knives for close combat, while others believe thicker are better. It all depends on what style of fighting you want to learn or how much money you have to spend.
You can pick up very thin “pocketknife” type knives anywhere, but they will not be too helpful unless you know how to use them properly. We recommend investing in one that has at least 2 inches (5cm) of the total thickness. More than that and it becomes less practical because it does not handle well.
A good quality pocketknife should feel sturdy and professional. Make sure your knife feels solid and doesn’t wobble when opened and closed. Also, make sure it smells like fresh steel instead of plastic or rubber. That would indicate it was poorly made.
Be careful with your new investment. Take it home and try it out before buying. There are many places online where you can find free information about how to best utilize a survival knife.
Dead or alive?
A thick knife is not necessarily better than a thin one, depending on what you are using it for. If you need to cut through very hard materials, like bone, then a thinner blade may be more effective as you can use more power to do so.
If you only need to make small cuts though, a thicker knife will not help much unless you have way too much material in your target. This would not matter if you were cutting paper, however!
Thicker knives are also heavier which can become annoying when you are trying to stab something or pull it out of a material. Weight may be an issue if you are using a knife as a tool instead of a weapon – for example, if you are trying to pick locks with it.