In any survival situation, a knife is an essential piece of gear to have with you. Out in the wilderness, a high-quality knife will help you with tasks such as: building fires, making shelters, first aid, processing game and self-defence. Survival knives come in all shapes and sizes, but if you’re looking for a small, compact knife to carry around with you, a pocket knife will be your best option.
This article will give an overview of the factors to consider when buying a survival pocket knife, and also provide you with helpful pocket knife reviews of some of the best products on the market.
Factors to Consider
1. Blade Features
For wilderness survival, look for a pocket knife that features a partially serrated blade edge. Having a straight and serrated edge will give you extra cutting capabilities in the wild. Serrations allow you to cut rope, wood, bone and hide faster and more efficiently. Having a pocket knife with a gut hook is also useful because it will make it easier for you to process game and fish.
2. Locking Mechanism
The best survival pocket knives will have reliable locking mechanisms that essentially turn your folding knife into a durable fixed blade knife when engaged. The most popular and durable locking mechanisms are the lever lock, liner lock, frame lock, back lock/lockback and ring lock.
3. One Hand Opening
Pocket knives that can be opened with one hand are useful in survival situations because it allows you to quickly have your knife ready. Assisted opening mechanisms have become popular because they mechanically engage your knife. They also have a safety lock feature to ensure that your blade won’t open accidently in its closed position.
4. Construction
Make sure to look for a pocket knife that’s constructed well and made with high-quality materials. Durable blade materials to look for are stainless steel and titanium because of their rust and corrosion resistance. Look for a handle that’s ergonomically designed to give you a comfortable grip. Make sure that the components of the knife are bolted or screwed on. Parts that are glued together are more prone to breaking. Also,ensure that the blade can open and close fluidly.
Product Reviews
Now it’s time to take a look at pocket knife reviews of some of the most popular pocket knives on the market.
Blizetec Survival Knife
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This Blizetec survival knife is not just a pocket folding knife, it also features a magnesium alloy fire starter, window breaker, seatbelt cutter and bright LED light. This 5-in-1 survival knife was designed to fit easily in the palm of your hand when closed (measuring 5 inches and weighing only 5.46 ounces). With the blade engaged, the knife measures 8.5 inches. The stainless steel blade features a serrated edge and drop point. The survival knife’s handle is made with anodized aluminum.
The blade lock ensures the knife will not close or open unexpectedly when not in use. Also, included is a nylon sheath and carrying clip.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00HESG0ZA” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click here for more info about the Blizetec Survival Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
Grand Way Spring Assisted Pocket Folding Knife
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Grand Way’s spring assisted knife features a razor sharp straight edge blade made out of 440 stainless steel with a black oxide surface. The stainless steel’s high-quality thermal treatment makes the blade durable and easy to sharpen. For easy opening, the knife has a spring assist and a liner lock to ensure the blade remains steady when engaged.
The aircraft-grade aluminum handle is comfortable to hold and allows you to hold it with a direct or reverse grip. The blade measures 3.42 inches and the overall length of the knife is 7.75 inches.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B01CDM805E” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click to see the latest price for Grand Way Spring Assisted Pocket Folding Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
MTech Usa Ballistic Series Spring Assist Folding Knife
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MTech USA’s Ballistic Series folding knife has a straight edge blade made out of stainless steel with a blue titanium coating. For extra durability, the blue and silver handle is also coated in titanium. The knife’s spring assist allows you to deploy the blade easily with one hand.
The knife also features a liner lock to ensure the knife stays securely in place. The blade measures 3.75 inches and the closed length of the knife is 4.5 inches. Also, included is a bottle opener, glass breaker and pocket clip for easy carrying.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B012UC4P0Q” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Check out what other customers say about the MTech Usa Ballistic Series Spring Assist Folding Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
Smith & Wesson Border Guard Folding Knife
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Smith & Wesson’s Border Guard knife features a 7Cr17 high carbon stainless steel blade that’s partially serrated for exceptional cutting capabilities. This clip point tanto blade measures 4.4 inches and the overall length of the knife is 10 inches.
The black aluminum handle has Track Tech inserts that keep your hand from slipping even in wet conditions. The blade can be opened and locked into position with one hand using the thumb assist, but the liner lock makes it so the blade needs to be unlocked with two hands. This Border Guard folding knife also features ambidextrous thumb knobs, dual blood grooves,a glass breaker and integrated seat belt cutter.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0037F1B9E” locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click here for more info about the Smith & Wesson Border Guard Folding Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
Sportsman Industries Folding Knife
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This Sportsman Industries folding knife is constructed with a 420-titanium coated stainless steel drop point blade and contoured handle. The titanium coated stainless steel ensures that the blade is durable and rust and corrosion resistant.
The blade measures 3.7 inches and the fully opened length of the knife is 8.85 inches. For fast and easy blade deployment, the knife has dual thumb studs and a spline flipper. The thick liner lock ensures that the blade stays in place while engaged.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B010BXQKB8″ locale=”US” tag=”deadbullseye-20″]>>>Click to see the latest price for Sportsman Industries Folding Knife<<<[/easyazon_link]
Outnowtech Vantage Multi-Purpose Folding Pocket Knife
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OutNowTech’s Vantage has 7 survival features all crammed into one pocket knife. It features a bottle opener, glass breaker tip, detachable firestarter rod, detachable LED mini flashlight, a recessed blade for cutting belts or cords, and a blade with serrated and straight edges.
The folding knife blade is spring assisted, making it easier for you to open with one hand. This Vantage comes in left or right-handed models. It also includes a carrying clip for easy attachment.
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Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife
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Kershaw’s Blur folding knife features a Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel blade with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. This recurved blade is made with hardened steel that’s durable and corrosion resistant. For easy deployment, the knife has a thumb stud and SpeedSafe assisted opening.
To keep the knife steady while fully open, they’ve riveted a liner lock inside the handle. The handle is made out of anodized aluminum and has Track Tech inserts to give you an exceptionally comfortable grip. The Blur also features a pre-drilled lanyard hole and a reversible pocket clip that allows you to carry the knife tip-up or tip-down.
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Final Thoughts
When it comes to investing in a survival pocket knife, find a knife that’s made with high-quality materials and a durable design. Research a wide variety of knives to find the survival pocket knife that will become your outdoor companion and potentially your life saver.