Knives

How to Choose the Right Knife?

Choosing the right knife can be a difficult decision given the current wide range of options. However, we can safely say: There is no perfect knife. Each knife excels at different tasks based on its characteristics.

A knife designed for wood carving will likely be very impractical for a hunter processing game, and conversely, a hunting knife won't be ideal for common everyday use in a home or urban setting. Naturally, there are many such examples. Therefore, before buying a knife, you must answer the basic question: "What tasks will I primarily be performing with this knife?" and choose the knife accordingly.

Which Knife is Suitable for More Demanding Work?

Generally, a fixed-blade knife is better suited for heavier work. Conversely, a folding knife is suitable for lighter tasks where you don't need to apply much force while cutting. Like every rule, this one may not always apply in every situation.

For the toughest work, full-tang fixed knives are suitable (a knife made from a single piece of steel that runs through the entire handle, with the handle scales screwed/riveted on). This construction type minimizes the risk of the knife breaking under greater strain.

What are the Advantages of a Folding or Pocket Knife?

The advantages of folding knives are their portability and compact size. Especially in urban environments, the main benefit of a folding knife is the ability to carry it discreetly (e.g., in a pocket), while always having it close at hand.

What Blade Steels Can I Choose From?

We divide steels into four main types:

• Stainless Steel – it should contain at least 13% chromium, which ensures its corrosion resistance. The advantage of stainless steel is that it requires only minimal care.
• Carbon Steel – generally harder and tougher than stainless steel. It is easier to sharpen and can achieve a much "keener" edge than stainless steel. However, a carbon steel knife requires more thorough care. After every use, it must be wiped dry, and the blade should be oiled from time to time. Otherwise, the knife will develop a patina and corrode.
• Tool Steel – characterized by a carbon content of 0.5 to 1.5% (sometimes more) and a relatively high content of alloying elements. The basic properties are high hardness, toughness, and very high wear resistance. These properties make tool steels an ideal choice for outdoor knives. They are significantly more expensive than regular steels due to the high content of alloying elements and complex manufacturing processes.
• Damascus Steel – created by layering two types of steel and is distinctive for its pattern. Most often, it's a combination of high-carbon steel with a softer stainless steel.

What Handle Material Should I Choose?

It depends on your preference and the tasks you need the knife for. Natural materials like wood or antler are unique but require more care. A wooden handle gives knives a typical elegance and beauty and is used, for example, on Scandinavian knives. Stag handles are mainly used for traditional hunting knives.

Modern industrially manufactured materials like Polymer, G10, and Micarta have come to the fore, characterized by durability and lower maintenance requirements.

You can also find handles made from various metals, such as aluminum, titanium, or carbon fiber.