types of knives

Knife Knowledge | A Detailed Guide To The Types of Knives

Knives are essential tools that cater to various needs, from everyday kitchen tasks to demanding survival scenarios.

Types of Knives

Each type of knife has specific features and purposes, ensuring optimal performance in its intended use. so, let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of knives.

Tactical Knives

CRKT M16 tactical knife

Tactical knives are versatile tools designed for demanding scenarios and emergencies. They are typically made of high-quality materials like stainless and carbon steel for longevity. Tactical knives also have features like serrated edges, and some have capabilities as glass beakers and seatbelt cutters.

Below are some key features of tactical knives:

  • Blade types: Tactical knives’ blades are often straight-edge, serrated, or a combination of both for cutting through materials
  • Compact designs: Many tactical knives are foldable for portability, while fixed blades provide extra strength.
  • Emergency tools. Some tactical knives are equipped with features like glass breakers, seatbelt cutters, and thumb grips for easy handling 

Tactical knives are popular among military personnel, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. There are many manufacturers of high-quality tactical knives tailored to an individuals needs, including companies like CRKT .

Here are the common uses of tactical knives:

  • Self-defense, especially in close combat
  • Utility tasks, such as opening boxes, cutting ropes, and breaking glass in emergencies 
  • Emergency rescue, mainly those with seatbelt cutters and glass breakers

Survival Knives

survival knife

A survival knife is perfect for wilderness adventure and emergency preparedness. Survival knives are designed for utility and durability and typically feature full-tang blades (blades that are a single piece of metal and extend through the handle for toughness and strength.)

You can use a survival knife for:

  • Building shelter: Survival knives can cut wood, carve notches, or trim branches
  • Fire starting: Often paired with a Ferro rod, a survival knife’s blade can create sparks to ignite a fire.
  • Food preparation: Effective for skinning animals, fileting fish, and chopping vegetables.


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Hunting Knives

hunting knife example

Hunting knives are designed for processing game animals. A hunting knife is a must-have if you are a hunter or an outdoor enthusiast.

Below are some of the uses of hunting knives:

  • Skinning
  • Butchering 
  • Field dressing, which involves gutting and cleaning animals after a hunt
  • Utility tasks like cutting ropes, preparing kindling, and performing campsite chores


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Utility Knives

utility knife example

Some key features of utility knives:

  • Adjustable lengths to allow precision for cutting materials of different thickness
  • Compact design. Many utility knives feature foldable or retractable blades for portability
  • Their blades are made of durable materials like stainless steel or high-carbon steel

Some utility knives also feature replaceable blades or adjustable blade lengths, making them perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professionals. You can use utility knives for:

  • Everyday household tasks: Opening packages, trimming tape, or slicing through rigid plastic packaging.
  • Construction and renovation: Cutting drywall, insulation, or carpet with precision 
  • Crafting and art projects: Excellent for cutting paper, cardboard, or delicate material

Here are some examples of utility knives:

  • Fixed-blade utility knives 
  • Retractable-blade utility knives
  • Folding utility knives
  • Snap-off blade knives



Pocket Knives

swiss army knife

Models like the Swiss Army knives (example picture above) have additional features that increase versatility.

Below are some common uses of pocket knives:

  • Camping: Cutting ropes, opening cans, and preparing meals.
  • Everyday carry: You can use a pocket knife to handle everyday tasks like opening mail or trimming loose threads.
  • Emergency use: A pocket knife can come in handy during an unexpected situation.

Machetes

machete

Machete features:

  • A blade length of 12 to 24 inches 
  • A heavy tip for effective chopping

You can use a machete for:

  • Clearing bushes: A machete is ideal for creating trails or managing overgrown vegetation 
  • Harvesting crops: Frequently used for cutting sugarcane, bananas, or other crops
  • Outdoor survival: Splitting wood or preparing food in the wild.


Final Thoughts On Types Of Knives

Knives are versatile tools designed to meet various needs, from daily tasks to specialized applications. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the different types of knives, their uses, and how to safely use them, so that you can choose the right cutting tool for the job, whether for cooking, outdoor adventures, or professional tasks.

hiking food ideas

Fuel Your Outdoor Adventure | Hiking Food Ideas

A successful hiking trip isn’t just about where you go and what gear you take. Packing proper food is also critical.

The food you pack should fulfill your nutritional and caloric requirements. But, it should also be practical for the outdoors.

woman hiker

Hiking Food Ideas

So, what makes for good hiking / backpacking food?

Well, in a nutshell, the best backpacking meals are:

  • Shelf-stable
  • Lightweight
  • Packed with nutrients
  • Minimal cooking required

The goal is to pack nutritious and convenient food that is either ready-to-eat or quick to prepare.

Below we’ll cover some top hiking food ideas to keep you fueled and satisfied on your journey.

Make-Ahead Meals

Preparing meals in advance is the best way to guarantee that you will always have filling, tasty food on hand.

If you’re camping, you can make your food at the campsite and just heat it up later. If you’re on a longer, more strenuous hike, this could be extremely useful, especially if you’re carrying lots of gear. For example, you may have a sleeping bag, survival items, and photography gear, like tripods and a camera harness (it would be a shame to not capture all that natural beauty around you!)

Just heating up what you have prepped ahead of time will be much less taxing after a long hike than just heating it up.

stew for hiking

With this in mind, consider bringing foods you have cooled beforehand like:

  • Stews
  • Spaghetti
  • Chili

You can make these beforehand and reheat them over a campfire or portable stove.



Just Add Water Meals

just add water

“Just add water” meals are ideally convenient!

These lightweight choices are great for trekking. They are dehydrated or freeze-dried. You just need to:

  • Add boiling water
  • Wait a few minutes
  • Enjoy a healthy supper



Protein Packets

Protein packs can be a great food option for a hike. They are small, lightweight, and don’t need refrigeration. Some include:

  • Tuna
  • Chicken
  • Salmon

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Beef Jerky and Dried Meats

Hikers typically eat beef jerky and other dried meats while on the hiking trail.

These provide a quick source of protein and also do not need refrigeration. Whether you are in the middle of nowhere or paused to take a breathtaking photo, these snacks will help keep you going.



Cheese

Hard cheeses, in particular, are great for hiking, as they keep their flavor and are easy to carry around. Incorporate some tasty and nutritious cheese sticks or individual packets of cream cheese into your hiking diet and pair them with crackers or tortillas.

Granola and Energy Bars

Granola bars and energy bars are vital items for a hiking backpack because:

  • They are lightweight
  • They are calorie dense
  • They deliver a fast energy boost


Trail Mix and Nuts

Nuts and trail mix are excellent snacks to consume while hiking and are perfect for sustaining energy levels since they include:

  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Carbohydrates

Plus, they are easy to carry and eat on-the-go.


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Nut Butters

Nut butters, like peanut butter and almond butter, are high-calorie, protein-packed snacks that can be a great food for a hike.

Choose single-serving packages to conserve space. You can enjoy them straight from the package or with other things, like tortillas or apples.



Instant Oatmeal and Granola

Granola and instant oatmeal are great for a hiking breakfast or as a snack.

Granola can be eaten dry or with powdered milk. Oatmeal packets just need a cup of hot water. Both are simple to pack and prepare. This makes them great for refueling before setting out for your day’s adventure.



Powdered Hummus

Powdered hummus is a unique, protein-rich hiking meal.

Simply add water and it is ready to eat!

It is an excellent complement to tortillas and vegetables. This might be a convenient dinner alternative for your hike.


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Tortillas

Tortillas are perfect for sandwiches and wraps. They are easy to fill and can include – cheese, meats, and nut butter – among other ingredients. They make a great quick lunch option when you need to take a break from a hike.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is a tasty treat that is high in antioxidants, and is a nutritious, carb-filled snack for your hike. Enjoy it as a treat after a hard day on the trail. You can store it in a ziploc bag, but it could be prone to melting in warm temperatures.



Coffee and Tea

Instant coffee and tea are vital for maintaining alertness on the route. They are simple to make with hot water and can provide a caffeine boost. If you like coffee, try a portable coffee press that can integrate with your cooking system for a fresh brew.

Instant Noodles and Pasta

Instant noodles and spaghetti are lightweight and easy-to-prepare foods to take on your hike. They are ideal for a substantial dinner after a day of hiking. Just boil water – add some noodles or pasta – and Voila! Add protein and veggies to infuse some flavor!

Instant Soup Packets

Instant soup packages are small and simple to make, and are an ideal comfort food on cold hikes. Simply add boiling water and you’ll have a satisfying cup of soup! They are perfect for unwinding after a day of trekking on the trails.



Final Thoughts On Hiking Food Ideas

man hiking in mountains with gear

Incorporating the above hiking foods will help you stay fueled and focus on your adventure.

Enjoy your hike and God’s great outdoors!

 

 

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Hedgehog Dryer Features

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Final Thoughts

So what do you think of our “stickman?”

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Well, hopefully the Hedgehog Dryer with ionic technology is something that could be helpful for you whether you’re hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, or anything where your gear might get wet or cold.

After all, it helps keep your gear dry and smelling great!

Have fun out there!

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