Tips on How Not to Overdue It When Selecting a Knife

When it comes to choosing a knife for a survival situation, many people make the mistake of over complicating the selection process, or ignoring the fact that most of the time, their knife is going to be used for a variety of mundane tasks around the campsite or hiking trail. Once all of the extraneous information has been eliminated, the process is actually extremely simple.
Handle
When selecting any type of knife special attention should be paid to the basic construction and design of the handle. Whether it is a kitchen knife or an instrument for outdoor applications, an effective knife handle should be surrounded in a slip-resistant polymer in order to minimize the chance of the owner accidently injuring himself during normal use.
Additionally, handles with a hollow center should be avoided at all costs. While the idea of storing additional survival equipment inside of the knife is amusing on paper, in reality, what other similar took would you feel safe using if the handle was not constructed as a solid piece. In the woods, a knife often functions as a hammer, and axe, or a pry bar, and if you would not feel comfortable using any of those tools with a hollow handle, then absolutely avoid it on your knife.
Blade Material
Most modern knives are available with either a stainless steel blade or a blade constructed of carbon steel. While much of the selection process in this instance boils down to individual preference, each material has its own pros and cons.
A stainless steel blade is obviously rust and corrosion resistant, maintaining an unblemished surface for the length of the knife. However, many enthusiasts insist that a stainless steel blade will not hold and edge as well as a blade built out of carbon steel. Unfortunately, carbon steel is not as durable as stainless, requiring a higher level of maintenance and rust removal.
Blade Construction
The first thing to understand when selecting a knife for functionality is that you are not Jin Bowie, and you don't need five pounds of steel. While it might look intimidating while you are sitting in the hunting lodge, beyond a certain reasonable point, the weight and length of a knife becomes a hindrance and a potential threat to the owner depending on the weather conditions in which he or she is operating. Somewhere between six to seven inches of straight, relatively thick steel, with an unserrated edge is perfect for accomplishing any number of outdoor tasks, without exposing the owner to unnecessary risk. In most cases, any knife related task can be complimented through the use of a sturdy piece of wood to safely increase force and leverage.