Fixed blade knives
Being the most common type of knife, the fixed blade knife is used in many tasks and activities. Its versatility and sturdiness make it a perfect choice for outdoor activities. Discover this essential tool.
What is a fixed blade knife?
A fixed blade knife is a useful tool for outdoor activities. It is a knife whose blade cannot fold, but remains firmly attached to the handle. The tip of the blade is slightly lower than the axis of the knife. This is notably the classic and traditional way of making a knife.
This tool is very useful for cutting small wood, cordage, or for quickly constructing a shelter. It is also used during hunting activities. More sturdy and more reliable than a folding knife model, the fixed blade knife is suited to all tasks, even the toughest ones.
As a true survival tool, it can include many accessories: compass, fire starter, etc. The fixed blade knife can be considered a bladed weapon. Its use must be carried out with all necessary precautions.
The different types and uses of fixed blade knives
There are two types of fixed blade knives that you will use depending on the situation:
- The survival knife: it is reserved for outdoor activities such as wild camping, hiking, bushcraft, etc. This type of knife is most often accompanied by several accessories suited for extreme conditions, such as a fire starter, sharpener, paracord, whistle and signal mirror.
- The hunting knife: it is reserved for hunting activities such as the hunting dagger and cutting or skinning tasks like the skinning knife. The quality of the blade and its sharpening are very important to maintain a sharp edge.
How to safely use a fixed blade knife?
The fixed blade knife is a tool reserved for experienced users. It must be handled safely to avoid the risk of accidental cuts or injuries. For transport, it is important to keep it in its protective sheath. This will help prevent rust and preserve the effectiveness of the sharp blade.
After use, the fixed blade knife should always be cleaned. If you store the knife while wet or dirty for an extended period, it will show rust marks. Clean the blade with a soft cloth. Make sure the tool is thoroughly dried before storing it in its sheath. As for the handle, use a toothpick or a cotton swab to clean dirt that has become embedded in it.
To prevent your knife from rusting, it is important to grease the fixed blade from time to time. Finally, sharpening should not be neglected. It is an essential step to maintain the knife's edge.
