A survival knife is more than just a tool; it’s a lifeline in the wilderness. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or believe in being prepared for anything that may happen, your survival knife is probably one of the most valuable items in your kit.
This versatile instrument must be in top condition when needed, from building shelters and cutting firewood to preparing food and offering protection. But, like all tools, regular maintenance is needed to ensure it performs well.
This article will explore practical and easy ways to care for your survival knife.
1. Keep Your Survival Knife Clean and Dry
The most candid and necessary advice is to keep your survival knife clean and dry. Every time the knife is used, dirt, sap, or moisture from outdoors especially accumulates on the blade. If neglected, these will cause corrosion and deterioration in performance.
Cleaning Your Survival Knife
After using your knife, clean it immediately with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. For the best results, wash it with your hand; placing it in a dishwasher will dull the blade and further cause water damage. Avoid using abrasive sponges since these scratch the surface of the blade.
Why it matters
Dirt, water, and corrosive substances will destroy your blade’s sharpness and strength. For instance, anything acidic, such as sap or certain fruits, will corrode steel if not immediately cleaned off. By washing and then drying your knife, you ensure it remains prepared for your following adventure source.
2. Sharpen Your Survival Knife Regularly
A sharp blade requires less force, so you have better control and are less prone to mistakes and injury. Of all the ways to maintain your survival knife, sharpening is superior.
Sharpening tools
A good sharpening stone, or whetstone, is indispensable in survival knife care.
Whetstones are available in different grits, where lower grits are coarser and thus able to take away more material. Higher grits create a finer polish. Sharpen the survival knife’s blade, first on the coarse side of the whetstone, and complete it with the fine grit for a smooth edge. This is where the manufacturer’s instructions must be followed, as some stones must be soaked before use.
Honing for maintenance
Between full sharpening sessions, you can use a honing rod to realign the edge of your blade. While honing doesn’t sharpen the knife, it does straighten the blade, making cutting more efficient. A strop-a strip of leather-can also is used to polish the blade and remove microscopic burrs after sharpening.
Testing the sharpness
Cutting a piece of paper is a very fast method of checking your knife’s sharpness. Hold the paper vertically, and just try slicing down through it with your knife. A good, sharp blade will cut clean; a dull blade will tear or catch. Sharpening regularly prevents you from finding yourself in a situation where you are out in the field with a dull knife.
3. Store Your Survival Knife Properly
Another important area in the care of survival knives pertains to storage. Improper storage could result in a dull or damaged blade and, worst of all, corrosion.
Using the sheath
If you’re not using the survival knife, always return it to its sheath. This protects the blade from elements in the environment and any form of accidental damage. Ensure the sheath is dry before storing your knife; moisture inside can lead to rust.
Avoid crowded drawers
If you don’t have a sheath, avoid tossing your knife into a crowded drawer where your blade can get damaged. Keep it separate from any other tool or knife to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.
Magnetic strips or wooden blocks
A magnetic strip or a wooden knife block can hold the knife in place for knives stored at home. The knife is firmly held with no blade rubbing against other abrasive surfaces that might dull it.
4. Prevent Rust with Regular Oiling
Furthermore, a little oil goes a long way in protecting your survival knife, especially if it’s made from high-carbon steel. Even though stainless steel prevents rust more easily, carbon steel blades are extremely moisture-prone, requiring special care.
Oiling the Blade
To prevent rust, apply a thin layer of oil to the blade of your knife after cleaning and completely drying. Apply camellia oil, which is non-toxic, odorless, and never hardens. It forms a barrier between the blade and moisture to prevent rust and prolong the lifespan of your knife.
How to apply the oil
Now, put a small amount of oil onto the rag or towel and gently stroke it down and along the blade from the spine toward the edge. Be mindful not to let your fingers touch the blade’s edge; this can help dull the knife over time. Wipe off the excess oil before storing your knife in its sheath.
5. Using Your Survival Knife Properly
Taking care of your knife by using it the right way involves extending its life. Refrain from abusing your survival knife by using it for something other than intended: prying, hammering, or tossing.
Stick to soft surfaces.
Avoid using the knife on a hard surface, like stone or metal, as this will dull it the fastest. Use a soft cutting surface, like wood, which will go easy on the blade.
Avoid Side-to-Side Motion
While cutting, avoid using too much side-to-side motion, as this can weaken the blade over time. Try to cut in a straight motion to retain the edge and integrity of the blade.
Conclusion
A well-cared-for survival knife is your best friend on any outdoor adventure and in bad situations. You can do this by following some simple care procedures, like cleaning, sharpening, storing, oiling, and properly using your knife.
Remember, a sharp, clean, and well-oiled knife is more effective and much safer to use. Take care of your survival knife, rewarding you with years of service in the field.
