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Nože Moraknive 3

How to choose the right knife?

Marek Děngl

Combat knives need to be penetrating. Folding tools are good for hiking. And survival expeditions require a knife that can cut through difficult terrain. Simply put – the right knife is the one that suits your intended purpose.

1. classification by construction

Generally speaking, a folding knife is suitable for undemanding and fine work where you don't have to put so much force into cutting. For more challenging work, you can use a tool with a fixed blade. It should be noted that if you don't toss it into concrete, chop mammoths or cut nails, a knife should normally hold up.

FOLDING KNIVES

They are compact, which is why hunters, fishermen and hikers like to use them. They are also useful for longer trips, where every extra gram counts. A lot of them have a clip, thanks to which the knife can be hung by the edge of your pocket. Folding knives are inherently more complicated in design.

Elite Force EF 133

16 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 14.3

Walther P99

9x

1 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 24.6

Folding pocket knives

 

A mobile blade is not as durable as a fixed blade, and this will show when chopping or cutting. This type is therefore best used for easier tasks such as cutting common materials, opening cardboard boxes, preparing food or gardening. Most knives are equipped with a safety lock to prevent the blade from closing and injuring you.

+ Foldability – Lower firmness
+ Easy to wear – Basic usage
+ Easy to conceal  

FIXED BLADE KNIVES

They cannot be closed, and therefore their storage capacity is inferior to the closable version. Most products come with a pouch for attaching to your belt. Fixed knives boast much greater durability. They have a solid design and can handle heavier work such as chopping wood and trees, prying and stabbing. The solid blade is also easy to clean, which you'll appreciate after processing your catch.

Joker Bowie 25 CTJ101

10 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 217.7

Kandar N208

13 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 12.9

Fixed blade knives

It is popular for more professional work or survival expeditions. Use full-tang fixed blades in the most demanding conditions. They are made from a single piece of steel that goes all the way through the handle. The grips are screwed/riveted on. This way they can withstand heavy strain without breaking.

+ Resilience – Worse storage capacity
+ Greater durability – Higher weight
+ Can be used even in harsh conditions  

The Joker brand is particularly popular among customers, as it is dedicated to the production of fixed and folding knives.

 

2. Selection by use

MULTI-PURPOSE (MULTIFUNCTIONAL) KNIVES

MOLTITOOLS/TOOL KNIVES

The multifunctional tools can handle cutting and dividing materials. Moreover they also contain various combinations of tools such as pliers, a screwdriver, a file, a ruler, scissors, cutters, a hammer, tweezers, a bottle opener and other accessories that will help you in your work even in the wilderness.

In terms of price/performance/durability ratio, Leatherman knives are the best choice.

Ganzo G105 Multitool

14 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 20.8

Multitools

 

KARAMBIT KNIVES

Karambit knives can be classified as multifunctional knives just like multitools. This knife with its characteristic curved blade and ergonomically shaped handle is often found in the inventory of hunters, fishermen, as well as rescue workers and plumbers.

Karambit knives

Knives that fulfil one purpose

TACTICAL KNIVES
Extra strong and tough universal tools used by both civilians and the armed forces - for cutting, tactical tasks and defence.

Walther PPQ

6x

In Stock, estimated delivery: June 18 - 20.

$ 20.7

Takumitak Heat TKF301

1x

34 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 24.3

Elite Force EF 103

3x

16 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 14.0

This category also includes hunting, filleting, kitchen, mushroom or throwing knives. Needless to mention what they are used for.

 

3. Selection by blade and handle material

The harder the steel of the blade, the longer the knife will retain its sharpness. In turn, a hard blade is harder to sharpen. A softer blade will retain its sharpness for a shorter time, but you can sharpen it quickly. However, for the average user this information is not crucial. Most knives have a 440 steel blade, which is a compromise. It sharpens well and holds its sharpness.

The grip is the part you hold the knife by. It has to fit in the hand, not slip and not pinch with prolonged use. The most common grip materials are wood, polymer, steel or rubber. Trends are moving in the direction that companies are increasingly focusing on modern ergonomically shaped handles made of industrial materials. Grips are also made of decorative materials such as antlers or pearls.

Our tip!

Don't know which knife is right for you? You won't do any wrong by choosing a universal round blade with a simple shape and no unnecessary edges or protrusions.

COMMON BLADE TYPES

STAINLESS STEEL

Stainless steel knives absolutely dominate the market. The blade is made of an iron alloy and elements such as chrome, nickel or molybdenum and is very resistant to corrosion. On top of this, maintenance is extremely easy.

420 - the lowest grade of cutlery steel used for the cheapest knives. These are relatively resistant to corrosion, but will become dull the fastest. That's why you have to sharpen them often.

440A, 440B, 425M, 12C27 have slightly higher quality steel. You'll still find them on cheaper knives. They retain sharpness a little better, too. Compared to the 420, they have a higher hardness of 55 to 59 HRC.

Ganzo knife G8012-LG

1x

13 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 39.1

Knife Walther P38

2x

In Stock, estimated delivery: June 18 - 20.

$ 46.2

Ganzo G707 closing knife

5x

In Stock in Our Central Warehouse, estimated delivery: June 20 - 23.

$ 29.7

Knife Kandar N131

1x

4 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 12.9

Stainless steel knives

 

440C – due to its higher carbon content, it is the highest quality steel in this series. The most widely used stainless steel for everyday work. It requires minimal care and is relatively easy to sharpen. Knives marked ATS-55 or AUS-85 also belong here.

Higher quality is represented by S60V, ATS-34 or 154CM steels. They retain sharpness well, resist damage well and have a hardness higher than 56 HR5C. As they are susceptible to corrosion, they require a certain amount of care.

The toughest steels are BG-42, S90V, S30V, which are extremely hard and can withstand corrosion better. They are not mass produced because they are hard to sharpen.

 

CARBON STEEL

Iron oxide alloy is used for the blade. Knives with carbon steel blades have excellent cutting properties, outperforming stainless steel knives. On the other hand, they are more susceptible to corrosion and require more careful maintenance. With the most widely used 1095 carbon steel, you get great cutting performance for a good price.

Carbon steel knives

 

1075 steel is used for the production of knives, chopping tools, but also springs. Such knives are easy to sharpen, but need to be maintained.

C100 is similar to 1095 steel. Standard hardness ranges from 58 - 60 HRC. It is used by Morakniv. The knives are easy to sharpen and have a great sharpness. Because they corrode easily, they should be kept dry. The blade should be occasionally oiled.

Like previous carbon steels, the XC90 is easy to sharpen and achieves exceptional sharpness. Likewise, you must keep the knife dry and regularly recoat the blade with oil. The XC90 is used by Opinel.

 

ZIRCONIUM OXIDE

Zirconium oxide is used to make ceramic knives whose blades can withstand wear and tear. Despite their hardness, the blade is quite fragile. It can break if dropped or if too much pressure is applied. These knives are most often used in the kitchen.

 

COMMON HANDLE TYPES

WOODEN GRIPS

You'll probably like the traditional material used for wooden-handled knives better. The wood feels nice and warm to the touch. Then again, it requires more maintenance. If your wooden grip gets wet or damp, you'll need to dry it right away.

Knife Kandar N214

5x

18 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 16.5

Knife Kandar N164

6 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 10.6

Knives with wooden grips

 

POLYMER GRIPS

Currently the most popular type of grip. It doesn't slip out of your hand, even when working in wet environments. The handle is usually ergonomically shaped so the knife fits in the hand. The polymer is easy to wash.

Knife Kandar N315

4x

2 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 17.2

Knives with polymer grips

ALUMINUM

Durable and lightweight. Like steel, texture is used for a better grip. Same for the fact that the aluminium handle doesn't heat up in cold weather. Aluminum is also easier to scratch. But that's a minor flaw in terms of beauty and functionality.

Ganzo G204 Multitool

6 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 23.3

Kandar N79 Knife

3 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 8.2

Knives with aluminium grips

RUBBER GRIPS

The low price is a definite plus; rubber handles are more common on cheaper knives. Another advantage of plastic or rubber - these materials are almost indestructible.

Ganzo knife G8012-LG

1x

13 pcs in stock, estimated delivery: June 17 - 18.

$ 39.1

Knives with rubber grips

 

G10 STEEL

Strong and durable fiberglass-based G10 composite. It is pleasant to the touch. Typically found in high quality folding knives.

Knives with G10 grips

4. OTHER IMPORTANT CRITERIA

STRAIGHT VS. SERRATED BLADEs

A straight blade will do a better job of giving you a very precise and clean, smooth cut. And it doesn't matter if you're cutting an apple or a fish. It doesn't snag, doesn't interfere with the flow of the cut, and doesn't tear the material being cut. A serrated blade can handle tough or hard material smoothly. It is therefore suitable for ropes, fabrics and even bread.

BLADE LENGTH

Longer does not mean better. If you're going fishing, on an expedition or on a trip abroad, remember that you can usually take a knife with a blade length of up to 12 cm.

A knife with a longer blade can handle even harder things like wood or bamboo. For more delicate small jobs like carving or preparing sausages, use a knife with a shorter blade.

If you have any questions or would like some advice on choosing your dream product, please don't hesitate to contact us. We'll be happy to help.

Thinking of getting a machete? If so, we can recommend our article on How to choose a machete.

Do you like the article? Share it with your friends!

Author of article: Marek Děngl

Managing director, head of wholesale and occasional writer

As the owner, I've been with the company since the very beginning. And I'm proud of it. We have managed to start a dedicated e-shop with weapons with zbrane-vzduchovky.cz, production of our own optics with Valiant and now Balistas, which combines marksmanship and an active outdoor lifestyle. When I'm not tending to guns and work, I'm with my family or playing sports. My soft spot and passion is cars.

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