One thing I have noticed here, is there is a massive following behind small fixed blades. There is all a notion that when it comes to a survival situation, you will only have one knife on you (lol). So it got me thinking, if I were to only have one blade on me, I think I'd rather have one of the larger variety.
One simple reason why, firecraft. While it is true that a small knife can do most things a larger one can do but it is missing the most ability that a large knife has: chopping.
Here is where I see the paths split and give a huge advantage to the larger knife. Sure you can baton chop into a smaller tree but notice that keyword. Smaller tree, a smaller tree=less wood, and less wood=getting wood more often for the fire. And that equals calories.
Sure small knives have their purpose but not in a one knife only survival situation. You probably think that small knives are great for prepping game, or carving/woodcraft. But keep in mind this is life and death, we would not be carving intricate handles on our spoons or whatever it is that you deem necessary. It may be a more tedious task with a large knife but it can be done with the same amount of calories.
Simply put, in a one knife survival situation I would want the largest knife that I was comfortable having with me everyday be it in a backpack, sheath, or wherever because in the end the best survival knife is the one you have with you.
To define a large/small I knife. I consider a small knife around 4 inches and a large knife around 7 inches.
I'm interested in knowing your thoughts.
-Jason
One simple reason why, firecraft. While it is true that a small knife can do most things a larger one can do but it is missing the most ability that a large knife has: chopping.
Here is where I see the paths split and give a huge advantage to the larger knife. Sure you can baton chop into a smaller tree but notice that keyword. Smaller tree, a smaller tree=less wood, and less wood=getting wood more often for the fire. And that equals calories.
Sure small knives have their purpose but not in a one knife only survival situation. You probably think that small knives are great for prepping game, or carving/woodcraft. But keep in mind this is life and death, we would not be carving intricate handles on our spoons or whatever it is that you deem necessary. It may be a more tedious task with a large knife but it can be done with the same amount of calories.
Simply put, in a one knife survival situation I would want the largest knife that I was comfortable having with me everyday be it in a backpack, sheath, or wherever because in the end the best survival knife is the one you have with you.
To define a large/small I knife. I consider a small knife around 4 inches and a large knife around 7 inches.
I'm interested in knowing your thoughts.
-Jason
I wasn't speaking from experience, because I have never been in a life or death survival situation, nor do I expect to ever be in one. I was speaking to the fact that many assume they will eventually find themselves in one and only have one knife. Just putting my thoughts on display.
