Most Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Knives
As Wales looks forward to a summer of staycations, are you considering buying tactical or camping knives? Or perhaps have wanted one for a long time but your unanswered questions have stopped you from buying one? Well, today, all your worries will float away. Keep reading to know the answers to the most frequently asked questions about camping knives.
- Is it legal to own this knife in my country?
When you’re looking to buy tactical or camping knives, things can get slightly tricky compared to when you’re buying a handy pocket knife since camping knives are bigger and more deadly. Different countries, or sometimes even cities, have different rules and regulations by the government about the blades that you can have in your possession, even if they are just in your home. It is ideal if you check the laws of your country before you make a purchase.
For instance, the UK laws state that you cannot carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3 inches long or less. The USA’s Federal law states that switchblades and ballistic knives are not allowed within the country.
- Should I choose a folding blade or a fixed knife?
It depends on where you’ll be using the blade. For cleaning, deboning and breaking down smaller prey or small tasks around the camping site, you can use a folding knife. The smaller blade with a big handle provides better control over the knife, allowing you to do intricate tasks easily. If you wish to use the knife for self-defence, digging, chopping up a bigger game or survival, then a fixed blade would be your best bet. The fixed blades give you more strength in your jab and also cause more damage. They are great in times when you need to react fast as you won’t have to open them or deal with the chances of them being stuck. Both kinds of blades have their own pros and cons, so choose wisely.
- Does the material of the handle matter?
The answer is, simply, YES! The material of the handle, and at times even the case, matter a lot when you plan on using the knife often.
The handles are mostly made of metal, synthetic/rubber, or wood. Metal handles are extremely durable but prone to change in shape and temperature in a change of weather. Additionally, hot metal handles during summer would cause blisters and infections. Synthetic or rubber handles can absorb vibrations and the recoil, if any, very easily but they are prone to scratches and getting damaged. Wooden handles are comfortable to use, however, they are prone to cracking when in contact with heat and water one after the other.
- How does the blade material matter?
The most common types of blade materials are carbon and stainless steel. Both have their own pros and cons. Carbon steel is easier to process and hence, is a more commonly used alloy. The main advantage of carbon steel is that it is corrosion and rust-resistant. Thus, you don’t need to worry about the wear on the knife blade very often. But the durability comes at a high price. The stainless steel blade, on the other hand, is a cheaper option that is easier to maintain. It is easier to sharpen and polish since it has a lesser amount of carbon in the alloy.
Buying a knife is a very difficult decision, especially, when you plan on making good and frequent use of the same. Hence, it is best to do the due research required before buying a tactical or camping knife and then finding a credible source for making the purchase.