specially crafted to be thin, long and slightly curved,
which is best for removing scales and skin. A good
filet knife should have a fixed blade with a partial tang
for durability. Most will come with their own sheaths,
but a proper sheath should cover the blade completely, come with a clip for security, and be made
of non-penetrable material. Stay away from nylon
sheaths. They’re cheap and hold in moisture, which
will rust and dull your blade over time.
Hunting
Hunting trips usually require that you pack tons of
gear. You need your firearms, preferably more than
one if you’re hunting several possible types of game,
and your ammo for each one, which can weigh a lot
in your pack. Even if you’re hunting only deer, you’ll
still need to set up blinds, check surroundings and tie
up lines (if ambushing), and a good rifle with an optics
kit isn’t the lightest thing in the world to haul through
the woods. That being said, skip the pocket knife and
go straight for the Bowie. Dressing up in the full-on
Rambo costume isn’t necessary, but having a larger
fixed blade is. You’ll need a strong blade, 6-8
inches long, with a full tang
for maximum durability. A sheath, complete with a
waistband clip, is best for easy access. If you run
across an unexpected wolf or other predator, and you
find yourself in a sticky situation, a heavy-duty Bowie
knife at your side can save your life.
Self-Defense
This is what it all leads up to, guys. None of us are
ever truly prepared for a dangerous scenario, and
the only things we can
count on in that moment
are our critical thinking
skills and fast reactions.
If you have a strong
fighting knife at your
disposal, you’ll be much
better off. However, it’s
best to remember the
phrase, “Don’t bring a
knife to a gunfight,” in
its literal context. If you
must fight for your life or
your family’s life, make
sure your knife has a firm handle for gripping and is
long enough to penetrate thicker skin, such as bears
and wild hogs. Keep in mind, you’re probably at a
70/30 chance that a wild hog or a bear will tear you a
new one if you’re close enough to try and stab it, so
if you’re ever in this type of situation, keep as calm as
possible and prevent direct combat at all costs.
If you’re an avid outdoorsman, you’re probably not stepping foot outside without
several tools for your adventure. You may have a sheathed blade on your waist,
a folding knife in your pocket, a rifle on your back, and a lanyard of pepper spray
around your neck. Choosing the right knife (and all other gear) is a matter of
personal opinion. What feels good to you? What is sensible for certain adventures? These are questions that must be answered through experience, but no
matter what you’re doing or where you’re headed, having a good knife on hand
is absolutely necessary. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a topnotch tactical blade, but you will have to spend ample time with your purchase.
You get what you pay for, so go for quality and dependability, instead of buying
a flashy knife that belongs on a movie set. From cutting up a fresh kill, to defending your own life, you’ll want a tool that you can trust.
106 Summer 2015 Adventure Outdoors