Knives and Tools Buying Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Knives and tools are essential for everyday tasks and many professions. Whether you need a pocket knife for daily use or an industrial grade tool for your construction business, there is a perfect option available to fit your needs. This guide will help you better understand the different kinds of knives and tools on the market, so that you can make the best decision when it comes time to buy one. From understanding blade types to knowing what kind of handle materials are most durable, this guide will provide all of the information that you need in order to find the perfect knife or tool set.

What Are The Different Types Of Knives?

There are four main categories of knives: folding knives, fixed-blade knives, multi-tools, and automatic knives. Folding knives have blades that fold down into the handle and come with a variety of locking mechanisms to keep them closed. Fixed-blade knives are always open and can range from small pocket knives to large hunting or tactical knives. Multi-tools are versatile tools that include several different functions beyond just a knife blade. Automatic knives also known as switchblades open at the push of a button, but they may be restricted in certain areas due to their quick deployment capabilities.

What Are The Different Blade Types?

Knife blades come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, depending on the intended use of the knife or tool set. Common blade types include drop point, clip point, sheepsfoot, and spear point. Drop-point blades are the most common type of blade. They have a curved spine that drops down to meet the edge of the blade at an angle near the tip of the knife. Clip-point blades have a concave cutout near the tip that is used for precision cutting tasks. Sheepsfoot blades feature a straight spine with an unsharpened back edge that curves downward to meet the sharpened edge at a right angle. Spear point blades are symmetrical in shape and come to a sharp point with two sharp edges.

What Are The Different Handle Materials?

Knife handles are made from various materials depending on their intended use and desired durability level. Common materials include metal, plastic, rubber, and wood. Metal handles are the strongest and most durable, but can be heavy and cold to the touch. Plastic handles are lightweight and inexpensive but not as strong or durable as metal. Rubber handles provide a good grip in wet conditions but wear out over time. Wood is an attractive option that has been used for centuries, but it may not be as strong or long lasting as some of the other materials.

What Are Multi-Tools?

Multi-tools are versatile tools with multiple functions housed within a single handle or sheath. Common tools on multi-tools include knife blades, screwdrivers, files, scissors, saws, openers and more. They come in various sizes, ranging from pocket-sized tools to larger kits with dozens of functions. Multi-tools are great for everyday use when you don’t want to carry around a bunch of individual tools.

What Are Automatic Knives?

Automatic knives, also known as switchblades, open at the push of a button and feature blades that lock into place. They can be opened quickly with one hand, making them ideal for emergency situations or self defense. However, they may be restricted in certain areas due to their quick deployment capabilities.

Should I Buy A Knife Or Tool Set?

It depends on your needs and what type of tasks you will be using the knife or tool set for. If you need a range of tools for various jobs, a multi-tool or tool set may be your best option. However, if you only need one specific type of tool, such as a knife blade, then it might make more sense to just buy the single item.

What Is The Best Knife For Hiking?

The best knife for hiking will depend on the size and weight that you want to carry as well as what tasks you will be doing with it. A folding knife is lightweight and easy to carry in your pocket or backpack. Fixed-blade knives are stronger and more durable but can be heavier and require an additional sheath for carrying. Multi-tools offer multiple functions in one compact package but may not be as strong or sharp as a single knife blade.

What Are The Different Knife Grinds?

The grind of a knife refers to the angle at which the blade was ground during manufacturing. Common grinds include flat, hollow, and convex grinds. A flat grind is a blade that has been ground evenly from both sides, creating a wide V shape when viewed from the side. Hollow grind blades are concave on one side but have a flat section where the edge meets the spine for strength and durability. Convex grind knives are curved outward from both sides to meet in the middle of the blade edge. Each type of grind has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of tasks you will be doing with the knife.

What Is The Best Knife For Self-Defense?

The best knife for self-defense will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Generally speaking, knives with a clip point or tanto blade shape are better suited for self defense than those with a sheepsfoot shape. Additionally, it is important to choose a knife that you feel comfortable using, as this may make all the difference in an emergency situation. Automatic knives can be deployed quickly, but they may not be legal to carry in all areas so it is important to check local laws before carrying one in public.

How Can I Sharpen A Knife?

Sharpening a knife involves removing material from the blade edge to create a finer, sharper point. This can be done with a variety of sharpening tools such as stones, rods, and wheels. It is important to use the correct angle when sharpening your knife in order to maintain the integrity of the blade edge. Additionally, it may be necessary to strop or hone your knife after sharpening for a finer finish.

What Is The Difference Between A Knife And A Dagger?

Knives and daggers are both types of blades used for cutting, but they have different shapes and styles that make them well suited for different tasks. Knives typically have one straight edge and a curved back side while daggers generally feature two sharp edges that come together at a point in the middle. Additionally, daggers are often designed with a handguard to help protect the user’s hand from slipping forward onto the blade during use.

What Is The Best Knife For Hunting?

The best knife for hunting will depend on the type of game you are pursuing. A gut hook or skinning knife is well suited for field dressing large game such as deer, elk, and moose while a folding pocket knife may be better suited for smaller animals like rabbits or squirrels. It is important to choose a knife that you can handle comfortably so that it won’t become a hindrance in the field.

How Can I Clean And Care For My Knife?

A clean, well-maintained knife is essential for safe and effective use. It is important to clean your knife after each use to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria that may be present on the blade or handle. This can be done with a soft cloth and mild soap and water. Additionally, it is important to regularly lubricate the moving parts of folding knives to ensure they operate properly. Finally, it is a good idea to store your knife in a dry place when not in use as moisture can cause corrosion over time.

What Is The Best Knife Steel?

The best knife steel will depend on your individual needs and preferences as well as what type of tasks you will be performing with it. Generally speaking, stainless steels are the most popular choice as they resist corrosion better than other steels. High carbon steels tend to hold an edge longer and are less prone to chipping, but they require more maintenance due to their tendency to corrode easily when exposed to moisture.

What Are The Different Knife Handle Materials?

Knife handles can be made from a variety of materials including wood, plastic, metal, and composite fabrics such as G10 or Micarta. Wood handles offer a classic look while metal handles provide durability and grip in wet conditions. Plastic handles are lightweight and budget-friendly while composites like G10 offer superior strength and resistance to heat, cold, and chemicals. Ultimately, choosing a handle material should come down to personal preference as well as the intended use of the knife.

What Is The Difference Between A Knife And An Axe?

Knives and axes are both tools used for cutting, but they serve different purposes. Knives feature a narrow blade that is used for slicing and chopping food or other materials while an axe has a larger head which is designed to split wood or heavy material. Additionally, knives typically have one sharp edge while axes generally have two blades on either side of the head.

What Are The Different Types Of Folding Knives?

Folding knives come in a variety of styles and designs including slip joint, lock back, frame lock, liner lock, button lock, multi-blade, and automatic knives. Slip joint folders are the most common type of folding knife and feature a single blade that is held in place by tension from a small spring bar. Lock back folders have two metal arms on either side of the handle that secure the blade when opened and released when closed. Frame lock, liner lock, and button lock knives use locking mechanisms to prevent accidental opening or closing of the blade while multi-blade pocket knives feature multiple blades for different tasks. Automatic knives open with the push of a button and must be used with caution as they can be difficult to control due to their fast opening speed.

What Is The Difference Between A Knife And A Sword?

Knives and swords both serve as weapons but typically have very different uses. Knives are designed for close-quarters combat and are typically less than 24 inches in length while swords tend to be much longer, often measuring 36 inches or more. Additionally, knives typically feature a single sharp edge while swords usually have two edges that can be used for slashing or thrusting. Finally, swords are often heavier and require two hands for proper use while most knives can be wielded with one hand.

What Is The Difference Between A Hunting Knife And A Survival Knife?

Hunting and survival knives both serve similar purposes but fulfill slightly different roles. Hunting knives are used primarily for dressing game animals such as deer, elk, and moose while a folding pocket knife may be better suited for smaller tasks such as cutting rope or food preparation. Survival knives, on the other hand, typically feature a thicker blade and are designed to serve multiple purposes including chopping wood, digging trenches, and self-defense.

What Is The Difference Between A Chef’s Knife And A Santoku Knife?

Chef’s knives and santoku knives look similar but have distinct differences in their design that make them better suited for different tasks. Chef’s knives usually measure 8-10 inches in length with a curved edge that is perfect for rocking back and forth while slicing vegetables or meats. Santoku knives generally measure 7 inches long and feature a straighter edge with dimples along the spine of the blade which helps prevent food from sticking to the blade. Additionally, chef’s knives are more suitable for slicing and dicing while santoku knives excel at chopping and mincing.

What Is The Difference Between A Fixed Blade Knife And A Folding Knife?

Fixed blades and folding knives serve different purposes but both can be effective tools in certain situations. Fixed blades are designed to provide strength and durability with a single piece of metal that extends from the handle while folding knives feature one or more movable parts that allow them to be folded away into a compact size. Consequently, fixed blade knives offer superior strength and can easily handle heavy-duty tasks such as chopping wood or skinning animals while folding knives tend to be lighter weight and easier to carry around in pockets or backpacks.

Knives are essential tools for a variety of tasks, from simple cutting and slicing to more complex hunting or survival tasks. There is an incredible variety of knives available on the market today, ranging from small pocket knives to large fixed-blade models. Understanding the differences between knife types can help you choose the right knife for your needs while also ensuring that you stay safe when handling any type of knife.