Folding or Fixed Blade?
When you are buying a survival knife, you will have to choose between a folding knife and a fixed blade one. A fixed blade knife does not have a hinge on it, and is therefore less likely to break into two. It you put too much force on a folding knife, or if you excerpt force on it in the wrong direction, then it is possible that the knife could snap shut. This can be dangerous. If you choose a fixed blade knife, you will need to decide what “tang” you are looking for. A full tang blade is one where the metal of the blade extends all of the way through the handle. A partial tang blade is one where the blade only extends part of the way through handle. Partial tang blades are weaker than full tang blades. However, folding knives are much easier to carry around with you in your pack or pocket. A fixed-blade knife must be carried in a special sheath to ensure that it is safe.
