Knives are the most popular tool for survival. They are used to cut, slice, chop and do many other things in order to survive in harsh conditions. There is a wide variety of knives available on the market but finding the right one for your needs can be extremely difficult because you need to know what type of knife would suit your requirements best.
The two major types of knives that people use nowadays: hunting knife vs survival knife; both have their own set of features that make them unique from each other. This article will help you choose between these two types based on different factors like blade size, blade shape, handle material etc., so keep reading!
Survival Knife VS Hunting Knife
Multipurpose gadgets
Like pocket knives serve multiple purposes and therefore it is always better to carry around a multipurpose knife rather than carrying two different types of gadgets for different tasks.
Both hunting knife and survival knife can be used in almost all outdoor activities but the main difference between these two is that hunting knife is best suited and designed for big game while survival knife can be used in all tasks.
Difference of strength
Strength is another defining factor between these two knives. While a survival knife is just perfect for all tasks, a hunting knife needs to be bound by certain limitations. For example: If you are using a hunting knife as a piece of wood for making fire then it will not be able to offer you the same level of sturdiness as a survival knife would offer you.
Difference of blade size
The size of the blade is another important factor to consider while buying a hunting knife or a survival knife. Let’s say you are trapped in deep snow and trying to make your way through it; you will need a large sized blade for this purpose because using small sized knives would not help you much.
As we mentioned before, both knives can be used for multiple purposes hence it is important to get a large sized blade if you are buying one of these knives.
Size specifications
Although both hunting knives and survival knives can be used for multiple purposes, this does not mean that both of them are same; there is a difference in the specifications of these two knives to help you choose between them. The size of these two blades varies due to their usage.
For instance: A survival knife has a large sized blade which is best suited for dealing with big tasks whereas the blade of a hunting knife is much smaller and ideal for skinning.
Knife handles
The material used for making a knife handle is also important to consider. While a survival knife has a smooth metal handle, a hunting knife often features a wooden or bone handle. Both knives offer you an excellent grip but it always better to choose the one that best suits your requirements and taste.
Difference of functionality
Just like we talked about the difference in specifications of both knives, it is also very important to understand their functionality. A survival knife has just the right size and weight whereas a hunting knife is too small for good usage. The difference between these two knives can be clearly seen when they are used for different purposes.
Easy to Sharpen Tools
If you are looking for an all-purpose knife that can be used both in the wild and at home then survival is your best choice. You can choose to use it as a hunting knife, chopping tool, for skinning, etc., but if you want something with more strength and durability then it would be better to opt for a hard piece of steel material.
Price Difference
The price of a survival knife reflects the quality and durability of it. It may cost $80 to $220 whereas a hunting knife is much cheaper than this with an average price of around $30 to $60.
FAQs
Is a survival knife the same as a hunting knife?
No, these knives are different and serve different purposes. A hunting knife is best suited for skinning and cutting big game like deer, buffalo, etc., while a survival knife can be used for all purposes such as starting fire, chopping wood, etc.
Can I use my survival knife to hunt?
Yes, you can use your survival knife to hunt but always remember that it is not designed for this purpose. A hunting knife must be used for this purpose because it has a large sized blade which makes the task much easier and faster.
What is the difference between an all-purpose and a survival knife?
An all-purpose or a regular knife can be used for various purposes such as cutting wood, opening boxes etc., but a survival knife is best suited for multiple purposes including starting fire and chopping wood.
Which knife is better suited for carving?
Both knives are best suited for carving but it depends on the size of the blade. If you want to use big blades then survival is best suited otherwise hunting can also be used.
Is a survival knife worth buying?
Yes, it is an absolute necessity if you are planning to go for long outdoor trips. It can be used for various purposes such as cutting wood, prying open boxes, starting fire etc., making it an ideal choice for survivalists.
Conclusion
As you have seen, both knives are very similar yet they have their own specific uses. So it is clear that there are many differences between these two knives, but the most important one is their size. When you purchase a survival knife, it will be included in your emergency kit because of its all-purpose nature.
While purchasing a hunting knife, always check the material used for making it to ensure durability and strength.