They have custom knives that help you do more on the trail. You know those things are strong, sharp and made just for you. You can use them to slice rope, prepare food or create kindling. A custom knife just rides better in your hand and feels better to use. This performs better than a standard knife and lasts orders of magnitude longer.
BUT FIRST, A FEW THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY ONE. Overly reliance on the Internet in general. Read what fellow hikers say in reviews. Check out the different blade shapes, sizes and handle types. Consider what you will be using the knife for: cutting wood, cooking or safety. This guide serves to get you on the right knife track for your hiking trips.
Note: You are in training mode until October 2023. It will be good for you to read the complete article. If you don’t know, ask a custom knife maker. Tells you where you hike and what you need. It could be about the best steel, the best blade shape, the best grip. A good maker will know how to choose. So you end up with a knife that’s tough, safe and trail-ready.
Why Hikers Choose High-End Custom Knives
Source: carryology.com
Commercial knives will do for lighter jobs. But serious hikers need more. These advantages can’t be found in those aforementioned products.
Perfect Balance For Long Days
Factory knives tend to come across as clumsy. It balances high-end custom knives to your hand. The weight remains natural for hours on end. You’ll never tire of engraving wood or prepping food.
Superior Edge Retention
Trail knifes must remain sharp. High-end custom knives employ high-end steels that maintain their edges longer. Quality steel means you won’t be sharpening as often as with cheap knives.
Built For Your Specific Needs
You provide power as needed, and power needs vary from hiker to hiker. Some need wood processing. Others focus on food prep. High-quality custom knives for your exact use are designed by Makers. You get just the right shape and size of blade.
Must-Have Features In Hiking Knives
Source: ansariforge.com
Not every knife performs well while on the trails. These are some basic features that a high-quality custom knife for hiking is likely to have.
Ideal Blade Length And Shape
Hiking knives have 3-5 inch blades. This size can do most trail jobs. Drop-point blades work best. They provide control for detail work, plus power for tougher jobs.
Weather-Resistant Materials
A hike means rain, snow, and mud. Makings of high-end custom knives use rust-resistant stainless or tool steels. Handles are made from grippy materials like Micarta that become tacky when wet.
Secure Carry Options
A good sheath is as important as the knife. However, as op mentioned above, you want one of the custom high-end knives that will have a sheath that will last. They should clip securely to your pack or belt.
Choosing Your Perfect Hiking Knife
Source: en.wikipedia.org
And when it comes to high-end custom knives, there are a vast number of options available. Follow these simple steps.
Decide Your Primary Uses
Consider what you will be doing most:
- Processing firewood
- Food preparation
- Emergencies
- Camp crafts
Let your knife maker know your primary requirements. They will also recommend the ideal design.
Select The Right Steel
High-end custom knives are highly popular choices are:
- CPM-154: Great edge retention
- S35VN: Durable and corrosion-resistant
- It can hold an edge very very well.
Consider Weight And Size
Good struggles become a rest; a heavy knife tires your hand. A small one lacks power. Custom knives run the gamut from high end to absolutely bespoke. Stay with one that works for the long haul.
Caring For Your Hiking Knife
Source: shokuninusa.com
With a little care, high-end custom knives are used for decades. Follow these easy steps.
Clean After Each Trip
Blades are damaged by dirt and moisture. Dry your knife when you get home. Just a little bit of oil on carbon steel blades.
Store Properly
Never leave your knife wet. Keep it in a dry place. Some sheaths hold moisture – think about an external storage case.
Sharpen Correctly
Use a sharpening stone. Simply keep the original angle of the edge. If you grind too much, you destroy the temper.
Trail-Tested Performance
Source: thearmorylife.com
Many are asking whether high-end custom knives are worth the expense. The answer is clear on the trail.
Reliability When It Matters
When your bear bag finds a high snag or you need an emergency shelter, you want a dependable knife. You can depend on high-end custom knives when your safety is on the line.
Years Of Faithful Service
A good high-end custom knife is a lifelong companion. While friends throw out their cheap knives each year, yours goes on delivering.
The Joy Of Quality Tools
Satisfaction of using well made gear. A high-end custom knife feels right in the hand. It turns into a proxy for your will.
Final Thoughts
Let’s get the best tools for your hiking adventure. Nothing compares to a high-end custom knife versus a mass-produced knife. They feel better, work better and have a longer lifespan. Spend more money on a blade designed for you. Select good materials from a reputable manufacturer. Take care of it, and it will carry you for miles and miles. Ready to refresh your hiking kit? Begin with higher-end custom trail knives. Your future self will be grateful when that ideal blade saves the day.
