If you are looking for a durable knife that lasts for a long time, you should consider getting a fixed-blade knife. These knives have blades attached to the handle with an immovable rod called the tang. You cannot fold these knives and put them away quickly, which gives them their name. This can be both good and bad depending on the situation.
These knives are usually more expensive than those with folding blades, but they last longer because there is not much space to scrape off into your hands when you do use it then accidentally let go of it or drop it on accident while in use.
What Makes Fixed-Blade Knives?
For many knife owners, the fixed blade is a very popular choice. These are great for heavy-duty tasks such as field dressing games or cutting up large pieces of meat. If you have been looking to buy one, here are 5 different excellent qualities that you should look for in your next fixed blade:
Solid Handle:
A good handle needs to be sturdy and made out of excellent materials like wood or steel. It should feel stable in your hand and not slip around when wet. The handle of a fixed blade is commonly referred to as a hilt and can be made out of many different kinds of material. Many hardwood types such as walnut, ebony, and mahogany are good choices for handles.
Other materials such as ivory and mother of pearl are also used by knife makers for their aesthetic appeal. Some makers use fiberglass because it is very lightweight but also very strong. The handle can also be made out of a variety of plastics and metals. For example, titanium is strong but very light in weight so it makes for a great knife handle material; however, the choice should be made by each individual user.
Sharpness:
A sure way to ruin any cutting task is by using a dull blade; this will not only take longer with more effort but also make it easier for the food to lose its shape and nutritional value. A sharp blade is what you need when cutting hard food items or when you want to create some special shapes, such as with vegetables. It will ensure your cuts will be clean and precise.
The best way to keep blades in top condition is to sharpen them regularly using high-quality steel or ceramic sharpener. This should be done after every day’s use, but it’s better to sharpen the blade often if you know that not much food needs cutting.
Blade Size:
A blade should be between 6 and 10 inches long and not too thick. It is best if it has a longer blade with a thickness that is as thin as possible. This will make it easier for you to make quick, precise cuts. The width of the blade should be no more than 1/3 the length of the knife. If it is any thicker, it will make the knife heavy and difficult to manage.
An Even Edge:
Although most knives need some sharpening when used, an even edge is one of the biggest qualities of good fixed-blade knives. If it doesn’t have this quality, then you will experience issues when cutting or chopping food and ingredients. You can go to reputable knife repair shops, but a degree in machining or manufacturing will help train you on how to fix knives.
Durable:
It is not a good idea to buy a knife that will fall apart after just one use. Make sure that the material used to make the blade is strong and can withstand the pressure of its task; carbon steel is usually ideal for this. The fixed blade knives are more durable than folding knives.
They are designed to hold a lot of pressure over the blade, as opposed to folding blades which consist of only one piece of metal. The handle is also solid and not liable to slip out and break off, it is built with a long protrusion that juts out from the two sides at either end.
This ensures your hand will always be in contact with the knife and no chance of it slipping and causing injury. Fixed blades are also less likely to ever go blunt as they can withstand years of heavy use without wearing down like a knife with an exposed blade would.
Remember, once you have bought your fixed blade, it is important to take care of it by keeping it sharp, oiling it up, and making sure not to leave it out in the elements. If you do these three things, then your blade will last you for many years before needing replacement.
Fixed Blades Over Folding Knives!
Outdoor adventurers have a long-standing love affair with folding knives, which excel in their versatility. In the summertime, they can be conveniently tucked away to avoid sweating; around harsh winter months, they are easy to stow away for when you need something warm and dry.
But there's a reason most military and law enforcement agencies prefer fixed-blade knives: the quality is higher and their ability to pry refuse is unrivaled by any other knife style. These knives are better than folding knives because they have more steel, a higher quality design, and greater durability.
A folding knife's lock can be easily broken with a hard impact, but if the same thing happens to a fixed blade then you simply need to replace the blade, which is far easier and cheaper than piecing together a whole new tactical folding knife.
Folding knives have their place as everyday carry tools in your purse or pocket, but if you're planning on using yours for self-defense, hunting or camping then a fixed blade is the way to go!
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