Black Survival Knife with Aluminium Handle and Accessory Sheath

On a full-tang knife the steel runs the whole length of the handle in one piece, so there is no joint to fail. On a hollow-handle knife the blade is fixed into the handle, and that joint is the weak point. Cutting, slicing and light work are fine. Batoning through wood, prying, or using it as a lever will eventually break it at the joint, and no hollow-handle knife of any price is immune to that.

Matches or a lighter, a few fish hooks and line, a small ferro rod, water purification tablets, a spare blade. Things that are small, useful and that you would hate to be without. Keep it light, because a heavy handle changes how the knife balances.

The ring keeps splashes and rain out, which is what it is for. It is not a dive-rated seal, so do not assume anything inside survives submersion. If you are storing matches, put them in their own small bag as well.

A fixed-blade knife packed with camping or vehicle kit is ordinary use. On your person in town it is not, and will attract attention. Keep it stowed in transit.

Dry it after use and wipe the blade with a light oil, because coastal humidity rusts blades quickly. Check the handle seal is clean before screwing it back down, since grit on the ring is what stops it sealing. Empty and check the contents once a year.

A fixed-blade survival knife is camping and outdoor equipment rather than something to carry in public. Keep it in your vehicle or your camping kit and out of sight in town, and use common sense about where it travels with you.