How To Choose The Right Knife
Best knife for fishing and hunting is subjective and situational. Luckily great companies like Spyderco constantly develop new styles so that hunters, anglers, outdoorsmen and everyday hands-on people have knives suited for their tasks.
So how do you start figuring out the best knife for fishing or hunting? This video seminar by Spyderco teaches you about the basics of knife design, applications, and options so you can be better equipped to make a choice on a personal carry knife. Spyderco first suggests that you check all applicable laws about the types of knives you can carry in your state. Laws are different from state to state so also check laws in places you would travel to when taking your knife.
The next step is to determine whether you will carry a folding knife or fixed blade sheath knife. The seminar speaker relates that fixed-blade knives are stronger than folders and well suited to outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, and camping. Folding-blade knives are the more common choice for people looking for an everyday carry. If you are an outdoorsman or live a rural lifestyle, then having a knife in your pocket for various tasks is a way of life.
Lock blades give users added security that the knife blade won’t close without depressing the lock mechanism. They also allow users to put more pressure at the tip of the knife. Some jurisdictions don’t allow locked blades and some knife users prefer knives with slip joints rather than a locking mechanism.
Determining if you are right or left handed is part of the decision when picking an everyday carry, or best knife for fishing and hunting applications. Spyderco’s liner lock is built with a right-hand bias. Their back lock and ball-bearing lock are ambidextrous.
One of the innovations popularized by Spyderco is the one-handed opening of folding knives. Spyderco knives have either their signature hole at the base of the blade to allow the user to flip out the blade, or a stud or disc of some kind for your thumb to gain purchase and open the knife. This video demonstrates those styles.
Another consideration when choosing the best knife for fishing and hunting applications or for everyday-carry purposes, is whether or not your model will have a clip. The clip helps to secure the knife in your pocket and gives you faster access without having to search for it in your pocket. Some knives offer reversible clips so you can wear on either side of your body. Knife position in the pocket can either be tip up or tip down. The seminar reviews those options.
Blade shape is the next consideration when determining the best knife for fishing, hunting, or everyday tasks. The seminar goes over a wide range of blade shapes and their applications. Knife steel is another major consideration. When around saltwater, it’s critical to choose knives that offer corrosion resistance, like the H-1 steel in Spyderco’s Salt series.
Blade edge is another critical choice when shopping for your best knife for fishing, outdoors tasks or big-game hunting. Some prefer a straight edge, others a serrated edge and others prefer a combination. The video seminar explains the uses for each blade design. It also gets into a discussion of edge geometry and how that relates to performance.
Handle design is the next concept discussed. The fit in the hand and handle material are two important considerations when choosing the best knife for fishing and hunting. Textured handles provide enhanced grip, especially in wet and slippery situations.
Use this information to make an informed decision on what knives to purchase based on your needs, the laws where you live, and your general preferences.