Seven mistakes almost everyone makes with a survival knife

If you ask preppers and bushcrafters for their favorite piece of kit, a knife usually wins. That is why this Survival Sullivan list of common knife mistakes is worth a read, even for people who think they know better.

The first mistake is destroying the tip. Using it as a screwdriver or to pry open a jar is common, and the author points out that some videos even recommend it, but the tip is the most delicate part of the blade. Next come sharpening at the wrong angle with too much pressure, and neglecting cleaning and oiling. After washing, dry the blade and wipe it with olive, mineral or vegetable oil, keeping oil off the handle.

Overuse is another trap. A good knife can take a lot, but a dull one leads to injuries, so a cheap backup knife for rough jobs such as digging roots makes sense, and a folding knife suits delicate work like peeling fruit. The safety reminders are basic but sound: never run with a knife, cut on a stable surface rather than in your hand, never grab a falling blade.

Storage matters too. Keep the knife in a suitable sheath away from moisture, and avoid leather sheaths for long-term storage since they absorb water. The article ends with a suggested knife set, from a folding knife for everyday carry to bushcraft knives at a retreat location, plus a stone or steel to keep them sharp.

Nothing here is revolutionary, but I found it a useful checklist, and I recognized a couple of habits I should break.

Source: Survival Sullivan