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Last Updated on March 3, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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10 Best Survival Knives for Any Adventure
In the unlikely scenario of an unfortunate survival scenario, what is the best survival knife to have by your side?
In this kind of survival scenario, having anything is better than nothing.
However, if you’re researching the topic, you most likely don’t want any knife; you’re looking for the best survival knife available to buy.
Key Takeaways
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- A survival knife is an essential tool in extreme outdoor situations, and choosing the right one depends on durability, versatility, and comfort.
- The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 “Campanion” is a well-rounded, heavy-duty survival knife with a high-carbon steel blade and an ergonomic handle, making it a popular choice.
- The Gerber LMF II Infantry is a compact military-grade knife designed for utility tasks. It features a serrated blade, glass-breaker pommel, and lanyard holes for survival adaptability.
- The Gerber Strong Arm Military Knife is a versatile, durable utility knife with a 420HC steel blade and a modular sheath. It is an excellent choice for tactical and civilian use.
- The Ka-Bar Becker USMC Fighting Utility Knife is an iconic, combat-tested knife with a clip-point blade and leather handle. It offers both history and reliability.
- The Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife stands out for its laminated VG-10 steel blade, excellent toughness, and ergonomic design, making it a top contender for wilderness survival.
Every person has a preference for what makes something useful, whether a knife, a tent, or a crossbow.
But you will want the best survival knife for an extreme survival situation. It should be capable of taking significant punishment but still come out on top, as well as being a tool that can perform well at almost any task.
Below, we’ve highlighted our favorite survival knives with an easy-to-follow rating, a link to more information, and a price checker.
The 10 Best Fixed Blade Survival Knives Available to Buy
So many excellent survival knives are available, making choosing a top ten an incredibly difficult.
Below, you’ll see our top 10 best survival knives to suit every budget and niche requirement.
So, without further ado, let’s look at what’s available.
1. Ka-Bar Becker BK2 “Campanion” Fixed Blade Knife
The BK2 is a seriously impressive knife with a legion of loyal fans; it’s probably the best-selling ‘serious’ survival knife.
With over 1,000 verified reviews on many sites, including Amazon, it has been tested in almost every scenario possible. The user reviews are a testament to its quality.
Key Stats-
- Blade length- 5.25 Inches
- Knife length- 10.5 Inches
- Blade Tip- Drop Point
- Material- 1095 High Carbon
- Hardness- 56-58 HRC
- Sheath- Nylon
- Handle- Ultramid
- Weight- 16 ounces
Take a closer look at this knife; it’s easy to understand why it continues to be popular.
As we’ve already discussed, it boasts a blade with a drop point, which is ideal for survival.
It additionally features rugged construction, a 5.25-inch knife blade forged from high-carbon 1095 Cro-van steel, and an impressive Rockwell Hardness between 56 and 58. Lastly, the knife boasts a saber grind that can be sharpened to an exceptionally fine edge.
The Ultamid handle is made from bespoke polyimide, which is enormously strong and utterly resistant to water. It is designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind.
The medium-length knife is perfect as a bushcraft utility knife and camo knife. It can easily perform almost any task, from preparing traps to gutting a kill.
At the time of writing, it was slightly less than $70, so it’s an absolute steal, and it’s no wonder it continues to be popular.
With its high-end craftsmanship, innovative design, proven longevity, and convenient size, it ticks all the right boxes and is an excellent example of what a survival knife should be.
2. Gerber LMF II Infantry
The Gerber LMF II Infantry knife was created to bridge the gap between military-grade and civilian-grade survival knives.
Its well-thought-out blade makes for an excellent utility knife, but given its size, it’s not well-suited to chopping or any heavy-duty tasks.
Specially created as a military-grade knife, the LMF II is a well-thought-out and executed little knife.
Although we would consider it a bit on the small side to be considered good at chopping, and the design elements mean it’s not great as a camp knife, it is a superbly effective utility knife.
Key Stats-
- Blade tip- drop point
- Blade Length- 4.84 Inch
- Overall Length- 10.59 Inch
- Material- 420 HC
- Handle- Nylon
- Sheath- nylon
- Weight- 11.67 oz
The 4.84-inch drop point blade is forged from 420HC steel and features a serrated edge and deep saber grind.
The serrated blade is less than ideal for camping tasks such as sharpening staves or creating traps, but when seen as a military knife, the design options make more sense.
A serrated blade is perfect for cutting canvas or assisting with escape tasks.
The glass breaker pommel also provides a means of escaping a vehicle quickly.
The 5.75-inch handle is made from nearly indestructible, watertight fiberglass-impregnated nylon coated with a comfortable rubber coating.
The handle is further enhanced with a finger guard, which is also enhanced with jimping, which improves a user’s grip.
A smart addition to the knife is a set of lanyard holes in the handle. These holes can be used to lash the blade to a staff to create an improvised hunting spear, which could make the difference between life and death in a survival situation.
The LMF II is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a utility knife that comes in a compact package.
3. Gerber Strong Arm Military Knife
Gerber has another entry in our list of the best survival knives: the Gerber Strong Arm Military Knife. This knife aims to bring military features to a civilian knife, and it does this admirably well, making it one of the better smaller survival knives available.
Like the previous Gerber, it features a 4.8-inch drop point, making it an ideal survival knife.
Key Stats-
- Blade Tip- drop point
- Blade- 4.8 Inches
- Overall length- 9.8 Inches
- Blade material- 420 HC
- Hardness- unknown
- Material- Fibreglass Nylon
- Sheath- Nylon
- Weight- 7.2 oz
The Strong Arm boasts a 420HC stainless steel blade with an added black coating made out of ceramic, which additionally enhances its weather and corrosion resistance, as well as making it look pretty damn cool.
However, in a move that distinguishes the knife from the LMF II, the blade is available with a serrated edge or without, which is a nice touch.
As the knife is relatively small, it’s not up to chopping or any other tasks requiring some heft.
However, it is an excellent utility knife and excels at tasks requiring precision, such as preparing games or snares.
The thoughtfully designed ergonomic 5-inch handle, constructed from a fiberglass nylon blend and coated with a nonslip rubber coating that is tremendously resilient and completely waterproof, aids in controlling the knife blade.
The finger guard and additional jumping improve the grip further, allowing for greater stability in the hand.
Lastly, the knife ships with nylon, a heavy-duty modular sheath designed to be mounted in various positions, such as horizontally on a utility belt, vertically in an upright position on MOLLE-equipped vests, or on a leg mount.
The Strong Arm is a well-thought-out and put-together knife, which makes it a perfect utility knife. The blade is outstanding, the handle is a pleasure to hold, and the sheath is the icing on the cake, creating an incredibly useful tool.
Like almost all Gerber products, the Strong Arm is one that one can rely on repeatedly.
4. Ka-Bar Becker US Marine Corp Fighting Utility Knife
World-famous and renowned, the iconic Ka-Bar U.S.M.C. is in a league of its own and is instantly recognizable to many knife enthusiasts.
We would wager that very few knives even come close to the Becker. Maybe the only legendary knives that are even close to recognizable are Skye’s daggers given to UK troops during WW2 and the unmistakable Kukri issues given to Gurkha troops.
The Ka-Bar Becker has an incredible heritage and is justly placed as one of the all-time great knives.
Key Stats-
- Blade tip- Drop Point
- Blade- 7 Inches
- Overall length- 11.875 Inches
- Hardness- 56-58 HRC
- Handle- leather
- Sheath- leather
- Blade- 1095 Carbon Steel
- Weight- 0.7 lb
The Ka-Bar features a clip point at the end of a durable 7-inch blade. The edge has a well-made saber grind, and the 1095 Cro-Van high-carbon tool steel has been additionally finished with a rust-resistant coating to prevent corrosion and look great.
The knife boasts a Hardness rating of 56-58 and follows the traditional Bowie Knife style. It is particularly well-suited for combat and is a robust survival knife.
Despite the huge selection of knives in today’s market, and considering the heavy-duty design and blade construction, the knife’s comparatively low MSRP makes it a perfect value option.
If you appreciate a touch of nostalgia, you might appreciate the handle, which is made from stacked leather discs on a stick tang, secured in place with a polished steel cap.
The leather has been sealed and treated to provide longevity and ensure the handle is weatherproof and capable of a comfortable grip.
Finishing off the package is a good-looking stamped leather sheath.
5. Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife
Fallkniven is perhaps the foremost leading civilian knife manufacturer producing knives today, and the A1L is an example of why they are at the top of their game and leading the field.
Key Stats-
- Blade Tip- Clip point
- Blade- 6.3 Inches
- Overall- 11 Inches
- Blade- VG-10
- Hardness- 59 HRC
- Handle- Kraton rubber
- Weight- 12 oz
The 6.3″ clip-point blade has been engineered with a VG-10 steel core, which boasts a Hardness rating of 59 HRC.
This is then laminated and sandwiched between two softer layers of stainless steel.
The saber grind edge extends to the end of the blade, where the 0.24-inch spine provides exceptional strength and flexibility; this knife is in the running for the toughest knife available.
A comfortable and well-executed ergonomic handle hides the tang. In contrast, a textured rubber handle ensures the knife remains comfortable and lets the wielder feel confident that the knife will not slip in the hand.
Lastly, the knife ships with a fetching, robust black leather sheath with a singular snap strap. Even if the blade is not quite long enough for chopping, it proves that fantastic knives don’t need to cost a fortune.
The large blade design ensures the knife is an excellent all-rounder for any wilderness survival job, from skinning to cutting to buttoning.
6. Buck Model 119 Special Survival Knife
With a lineage from 1945, the Buck model 119 has been a staple of the Buck lineup of camp knives for more than 70 years.
Originally constructed by the hands of Hoyt and Al Buck, the blade is an American legend.
Key Stats-
- Blade Tip- Clip Point
- Blade- 6 Inch
- Overall- 10.5 Inch
- Blade: 420 HC
- Hardness- 58 HRC
- Handle- phenolic plastic
- Sheath- leather
- Weight- 7.5 oz
Its 6-inch clip-point blade and exceptionally sharp hollow grind are possible because of the 420 HC stainless steel and the 58 HRC Rockwell Hardness.
This blade is well-thought-out for many survival-related tasks, such as creating snares and trimming branches, and more delicate tasks, such as gutting fish or preparing game.
However, the lightweight blade and low center of balance make chopping inadvisable and difficult.
On the upside, the hollow grind means achieving an exceptionally fine edge, making slicing and chopping easy. Due to this fineness, any chopping will dull the edge relatively quickly.
The 4.5-inch black plastic handle is surprisingly comfortable for extended periods, and the user can be confident in its nonslip design.
The additional finger guard and smooth aluminum butt cap contrast nicely with the otherwise black handle.
If you’re familiar with Buck knives, you’ll be able to glance at this one and instantly know it’s a Buck knife simply from the shape of the handle.
If you like a classic design, the Buck Model 119 Special may tick all the boxes you want in a survival knife.
The design has remained unchanged for 70 years, a testament to the quality of the originals. It was and still is one of the best survival knives available.
A pouch-type leather sheath is a welcome addition. It will help you keep the knife secure and well-cared for years.
7. Ka-Bar Becker BK7 Combat / Utility Knife
The Ka-Becker BK7 Combat Utility Knife was designed to be the best all-purpose utility knife available to amateur survival enthusiasts and professional soldiers.
Key Stats-
- Blade tip- clip point
- Blade length- 7 Inches
- Overall- 12.75 Inches
- Blade- 1095 Tool Steel
- Hardness- 56-58 HRC
- Handle- Ultramid
- Sheath- Nylon
- Weight- 0.85 lb
The long blade, outstanding design, and no-fuss straight cutting edge ensure that the knife remains well-positioned as a great all-around survival knife.
The beautiful knife boasts a 7-inch clip point blade made from 1095 Cro-Van high carbon steel with a deep saber grind and a coating of black anti-corrosion treatment.
A hardness rating of 56 – 58 positions the knife in the territory of heavy-duty knives capable of chopping, digging, and splitting branches.
A full tang construction with ergonomically shaped slab handles ensures the knife stays firmly in the hand.
The handles are made from a customized Ultamid polyamide, sturdy and utterly moisture-resistant.
Partly due to its size and partly due to its incredible design, the Becker BK7 Combat/Utility knife is a general-purpose survival knife that will perform nearly any job seamlessly.
Whether you’re making a snare or building a shelter, you’ll take comfort in your knife’s ability to handle the task at hand. If you happen to utilize MOLLE gear, you’ll be pleased to know that the nylon sheath provided is compatible with it.
8. Schrade Extreme Survival Knife
A brilliant example of what Schrade can do, the Extreme Survival model SCHF9 is ideal for anyone looking for a knife other than traditional stainless steel.
The tool-grade non-stainless steel used to create this knife is incredibly tough and relatively easy to sharpen. It’s also very wallet-friendly, coming in well under $100.
Key Stats-
- Blade Tip- drop point
- Blade- 6.4 Inches
- Overall- 12.1 Inches
- Hardness- unknown
- Blade- 1095 High Carbon
- Handle- Plastic Elastomer
- Sheath- nylon
- Weight- 16 oz
Due to the substantial 6.4-inch drop point and the well-thought-out recurved cutting edge, the knife is well-equipped for sharpening staves and chopping.
The 1095 high-carbon tool steel has a hollow grind, and the knife’s balance is well forward of the hilt, allowing it to be an effective chopping tool.
The blade is made from 1095 high-carbon tool steel, so the knife is well-equipped to handle heavy-duty use.
In the hand, the knife feels comfortable and the grip provided by the Thermo Plastic Elastomer is reassuring, it feels like a cross between plastic and rubber and allows for any knocks or vibrations to be directly absorbed by the handle rather than by your hand.
As far as sheaths go, Schrade’s heavy-duty nylon version keeps the knife safe and secure.
9. ESEE-6 Plain Black Blade with Grey Removable Micarta Handles
In 1997, the Randall Adventure & Training Company decided to enter the competitive knife market with the ESEE brand of knives.
From that point, the brand has gone from strength to strength and has made a name for itself as a trusted maker of quality designs and reliable crafts.
We think the ESEE-6 is well-deserving of its position in the top 10 survival knives available to buy.
Key Stats-
- Blade Tip- Drop Point
- Blade- 6.5 Inch
- Overall- 11.75 Inch
- Blade- 1095 High Carbon
- Hardness- 55-57 HRC
- Handle- Linen Micarta
- Sheath- Kydex
- Weight- 12 oz
When you use a knife designed by experts in jungle survival training, you can tell that the experience has not gone to waste.
Case in point: the ESEE 6, which is firmly placed as one of our favorites as far as survival knives go. It’s nearly impossible to fault and provides everything you’d want from a medium-sized knife.
Featuring a 6.5-inch drop point crafted from high-carbon 1095 tool steel and an anti-corrosion finish, the flat grind and blade hardness rating of 55-57 HRC ensure this knife is among the best.
The blade’s design resembles a hunting knife rather than a combat knife, which is no bad thing.
The drop point close to the centerline allows precise control, while the hollow grind nicely balances roughness with a found edge.
The knife is a significant achievement, and we can thoroughly recommend it to anyone looking for a resilient general-purpose survival knife.
Lastly, a full-tang construction provides exceptional strength and stability, which is additionally supported by the highly ergonomic handle.
The handle is made from near-indestructible Micarta, which provides a non-slip surface and shock-absorbing abilities. The Kydex sheath, which is tough and well-suited to protect your knife, wraps it up.
10. ESEE Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife
The ESEE Laser Strike knife stands out from the standard survival knife design because it features a spear-point blade, rather than the more traditional drop point.
It should be noted, though, that this is not a drawback.
Spear points offer an advantage in that the tip is directly in line with the centerline of the blade, allowing for superior piercing abilities.
Key Stats-
- Blade tip- spear point
- Blade- 4.75 Inch
- Overall- 10 Inch
- Blade- 1095 High Carbon
- Rockwell Hardness- 55-57 HRC
- Handle- Linen Micarta
- Sheath- Kydex
- Weight- 9.5 oz
Including a 4.75-inch spear-point blade crafted from high-carbon 1095 tool steel, the knife boasts a hardness rating of 55-57 HRC, a corrosion-resistant coating, and an edge finished with a flat grind.
The choice of steel makes the knife extremely resilient, while the average hardness rating ensures the blade can retain and take an edge with relative ease.
A full-tang finish sandwiched between two Micarta scales affords the knife a high degree of comfort and assurance in the hand.
ESEE has finished the package with another Kydex sheath, which is again very tough and well-suited to keeping your knife safe and protected.
The knives covered in this guide account for a fraction of what’s available.
More models and manufacturers are available than we could list in one article.
We have done our utmost to list what we consider outstanding knives, with something to suit every budget and examples from the top manufacturers.
If there’s a make or model you feel should be included on this list, please let us know in the comments below, and we’ll consider it for future revisions.
For this guide, we’re only considering knives with fixed blades, which we firmly believe are a must-have feature for a serious survival knife.
Of course, there are more than several folding survival knives that can be used as a last resort and are therefore excellent backups, but a primary survival knife, given the option to choose, should without a doubt be a fixed-blade knife, with no exceptions.
What Are Survival Knives?
While there are no official criteria for a survival knife, we would classify it as a must-have tool useful in the unlikely event of a survival situation.
If you ever find yourself fighting for survival, perhaps wandering in the wilds or testing your skills, the proper tools can make the difference between life and death.
A knife can allow you to build a shelter, possibly begin to light a fire, prepare food, clear paths, hunt, and even provide defense in dire circumstances.
Even the writers of LOST understood the importance of a knife, which is why John Locke had a bag full of blades, including a Bowie knife and a Ka-Bar.
LOST might not have dragged on for so many seasons if John wasn’t equipped with so much hardware.
Generally, a fixed-blade full-tang knife is considerably more resilient and reliable than a partial-tang or folding knife.
Full-tang means the knife’s metal extends to the blade’s end. This extra length means there are very few weak points in the construction, allowing the blade to withstand significant stress or abuse.
If the handle falls off, it can easily be replaced, but if a joint snaps in a folding knife, it’s much harder to repair.
However, we should acknowledge that folding or partial-tang knives are much more affordable and provide many of the same benefits as perfect survival knives.
Eight Things To Consider When Looking For The Best Survival Knife
Eight main things must be considered when choosing the perfect survival knife, encompassing your possible uses and budget.
Every survival knife needs certain important characteristics to perform successfully at any one task. Below are specific examples of what to look for to help with buying decisions.
Folding or fixed blade, which is the better knife for survival?
A pocket knife is a handy tool you can take almost anywhere. The main drawback of a folding knife is the inherent weakness the folding mechanism introduces, which a full-tang knife doesn’t have.
Strength is a critical characteristic that every survival knife needs to excel at, given the various applications and tough situations it will be subjected to.
A blade that has cracked or shattered is a knife that has failed to do its job and can mean the difference between life and death.
You will need an extremely robust blade that can take on any task without fear of breaking.
You will need a knife that is tried and tested in various survival situations and can be relied upon to do the job.
A quality folding knife can supplement a survivalist’s first blade, although it should not be solely relied upon to act as the only knife in a survival situation.
What is the best knife edge?
A survival knife’s cutting edge can vary greatly, with each type offering distinct advantages and disadvantages. It’s, therefore, essential to consider which edge type will best suit your particular needs.
Your knife will likely feature a straight cutting edge, which we recommend as it’s a general-purpose edge suitable for various tasks.
However, the straight edge can feature a variety of rake angles, including positive, neutral, and negative ones.
A neutral angle is the most likely one to encounter. It is positioned at right angles to the knife’s bolster.
While a positive angle differs slightly as it extends from a knife bolster in a downward trajectory, this helps with slicing and cutting.
A negative angle aligns itself at an angle, lessening the pressure experienced on the knife blade edge when slicing or cutting.
Finally, some are called recurved edges that incorporate elements of all three types into one edge.
The blade will begin with a straight edge, change into an angle, and finally taper off with a negative angle.
This has the benefit of creating the center of balance ahead of the knife hilt, establishing a knife that is great for chopping and suitable for carving and cutting.
Blade Design- What To Look For
Perhaps the most critical characteristic when looking for a survival knife is the blade design, which heavily influences its suitability for survival.
If your continued existence relies on a knife, you’ll need to utilize the entire length of any blade, from the belly to the choil. The tip can even be used for piercing.
There are more than a few blade designs available to buy, including trailing points, clip points, drop points, and spear points.
These offer various advantages and disadvantages, but you’ll want to focus primarily on clip, spear, and drop points for survival.
These three designs have a unique selling point for any serious survival enthusiast. Firstly, the end of the knife is positioned close to the centerline, which imparts greater control to the wielder compared to a traditional straight-backed design.
Additionally, the design lightens the end blade, placing the center of gravity nearer the knight’s hilt, which improves handling.
The experienced survivalist will tend to group survival knives into three categories: bushcraft/utility, heavy-duty, and camp. This classification is mostly dependent on the blade length and design.
A larger heavy-duty knife will often have a hardy, heavy-duty design and blades that vary between 10 and 14 inches.
These knives are cornerstone features, featuring a forward-weighted design, saber grind, and ultra-tough steel types such as 440c, 5160, or 1095 carbon steel.
Ideally, the blade will be ergonomically designed with a non-slip handle for safe handling in cold and wet environments.
A camping knife can be classically defined as a medium-weight knife with a blade between 5 and 8 inches long, a hollow or flat grind, and a balance point closer to the hilt.
Ideally, it should have a slip-free ergonomic handle that allows the wielder to comfortably hold the knife in several positions.
A bush utility or craft knife is the smallest of the three types, measuring between 3.5 and 5 inches. Most will come with either a spear point, clip point, or drop point, featuring a flat or hollow grind and an ergonomic non-slip handle.
Blade steel matters
The steel used to create a survival knife matters a great deal. Blade design is the second most important factor in deciding what knife to buy.
There are two main types of steel: stainless steel and non-stainless steel. The differences between the types of steel on a chemical level are primarily due to the chromium content. Stainless steel contains more chromium and is less prone to rusting.
Non-stainless steels, such as high-carbon steel, are significantly harder and more resilient than stainless steel. However, they can rust if not cared for carefully.
Additionally, carbon steel is considered more comfortable to sharpen but will retain its edge for less time.
While stainless steel is not as hardened as carbon steel, harder to sharpen, and more likely to break or become mishapen, it is much less likely to rust or corrode and will retain its edge for longer once sharpened.
The above is a general rule of thumb and can be used as a rough guide, but Rockwell Hardness (HRC) is a better indicator of toughness and edge-holding capability.
A knife blade with Rockwell Hardness, which is between 50 and 54, is hardened and easier to sharpen but is less likely to hold an edge. A blade with Rockwell Hardness between 58 and 62 is less tough but will hold its edge very well.
A knife with a Rockwell Hardness between 54 and 58 is a compromise that attempts to balance the two extremes and compromises edge-holding capability with toughness.
Long-bladed, heavy-duty knives will likely be forged from some non-stainless steel, such as high carbon or tool steel, and will have Rockwell Hardness between 50 and 54. Conversely, smaller bushcraft or camp knives can be forged from stainless or non-stainless steel.
What is the best blade length?
The length of a knife blade significantly impacts the abilities of the knife and what tasks it will excel at.
For example, a blade that averages 8 and 10 inches will likely have enough mass and leverage to be suitable for splitting and chopping wood; however, this length makes it less ideal for delicate tasks requiring precision handling.
Shorter blades between 3.5 and 5 inches will be ideal for delicate work requiring high precision, such as cutting notches, building traps, preparing game and fish, and slicing roots and tubers.
A knife with a blade between 6 and 7.7 inches compromises between the two extremes and will likely be able to perform delicate and heavy-duty tasks with some success.
Partial or Full Tang?
On fixed-blade knives, the tang is the section of the knife blade that reaches into and forms part of the handle.
One of a knife’s weak points is where the handle meets the tang. Although there are more than a few tang types, I urge you to choose a full tang or hidden tang for a survival knife, as these offer distinct advantages regarding strength over other tang types.
The most popular option is a full-tang design, and for good reason. Pick a full-tang if you have the choice between a full-tang and something else.
The design features a tang that encompasses the entire length and width of the knife, with scales affixed to the sides of the handle with rivets or glue.
A hidden tang has some similarities to a full-tang blade, largely because it extends the full length and width of a knife handle and is created by hollowing the handle and inserting the tang.
Partial tangs and stick tangs are less than ideal choices for a survival knife.
These tangs will extend the knife handle but won’t extend to the full width.
It is common to find these tangs alongside handles created from stacked leather, which are held in place with a screw-down pommel.
What’s the difference between saber and flat grind?
A blade’s grind shape is fundamental to the survival knife blade design.
Of course, several blade grinds are available, but for a survival knife, the two most appropriate for our needs are a flat grind and a saber grind.
The saber grind has a bevel that extends a short distance from the knife edge, which can create a thick wedge-like edge that’s challenging to create a very fine point with. However, it does an admirable job holding its sharpened edge when splitting and chopping.
A flat grind is a happy medium between a saber and a hollow grind. Compared to a saber version, it can be sharpened to a fine cutting edge and will hold its edge much better than a hollow grind.
Occasionally, survival knife models will have what can be best described as a hollow/saber hybrid, incorporating both the thick spine of the saber grind and the fine, sharp edge of a knife finished with a hollow grind.
This is an impressive compromise between the two options and can be chopped and finely sliced.
What about knife handles?
An often overlooked feature of the survival knife handle, or more specifically, what it’s made from, is that it needs to be sturdy, non-slip, hardwearing, and water-resistant to prevent rotting.
The most commonly used material is micarta, which is formed from a resin subjected to extreme pressure to create a solid, hard-wearing, and watertight material.
Plastics reinforced with fiber are popular, reliable, and have a proven history.
A handle that can absorb the shock is a good option if a knife is likely to be used for a significant amount of chopping. Hypalon or Krayton are good options for this.
Survival Knife FAQ
Q. What is the best steel for a survival knife?
A. This is a tough question to answer. But since we’re concentrating on survival knives, we want both tough and strong. We’ll also assume that we’ll take good care of our knife, so corrosion will be an issue.
Given these requirements, I would lean toward high-carbon steel or tool steel.
Carbon steels are very easy to sharpen and incredibly tough. The downside is that they are prone to corrosion, but a little maintenance can prevent long-term damage.
Tool steels can be incredibly tough and strong, but they can also perform poorly if the wrong sort is used. I suggest T10 tool steel for most people.
Q. What is the ideal thickness for a survival knife?
A. As a rule of thumb, I would stick with survival knives between 3/16 and 1/4 of an inch.
The thicker the knife, the stronger the blade. A thicker blade will serve you better if you use your knife for wood chopping, prying, or batoning. Thinner blades are better for intricate or delicate work.
You don’t want your most important piece of survival gear to be flexible, prone to bending, or likely to snap at the first sign of serious work
Q. What blade length is best for a survival knife?
A. A survival knife is intended to be an all-around tool that can be used for multiple purposes. Therefore, I would stick with a knife at the larger end of the scale.
A survival knife blade should be at least 4 inches long, but you should look for 5 inches or more.
The reason is simple enough. A longer blade has more functionality in a survival situation. Shorter blades are good for delicate tasks, but a longer blade wins through as soon as you need to chop something.
Q. When should I use a serrated knife for survival?
A. Serrated knives are used when cutting something with a sawing action.
We often use a serrated blade when quickly cutting through a branch or a thick rope. In these circumstances, the serrated edge works faster than a straight edge.
The biggest downside is that they are significantly harder to sharpen.
Q. Why does a survival knife have a hex head on the handle?
A. Not all survival knives have a hex head on the handle; most don’t.
The primary reason for a hex head is knife history. Knives with hex heads were often issued to servicemen, and they could be used to tighten hex bolts.
We will have little reason to use a hex head in our survival knife. But if you feel it a must-have, then, by all means, seek out a survival knife that features a hex head.
Conclusion
Choosing the best survival knife depends on various factors, including your intended use and personal preferences. Here are some general features to consider when selecting a survival knife:
- Blade: Look for a knife with a strong, durable blade made from high-quality steel. A blade length between 4 and 6 inches is usually ideal for survival.
- Tang: A full tang knife (the blade extends through the handle) is generally considered more durable and reliable.
- Handle: The handle should be comfortable to grip and made from a non-slip material, such as rubber or textured plastic.
- Sheath: A good sheath is essential for the safe and easy carrying of your knife.
Based on these factors, some of the best survival knives on the market include the following:
- ESEE 6P: This knife is known for its durability and versatility. Its full-tang, 6.5-inch blade is made from 1095 carbon steel.
- Gerber StrongArm: The StrongArm has a 4.8-inch blade made from high-carbon stainless steel and a diamond-textured rubber handle for a secure grip.
- Benchmade Bushcrafter 162: This knife has a 4.4-inch blade made from premium CPM-S30V steel and a comfortable G10 handle.
- Ka-Bar Becker BK2: The BK2 has a 5.25-inch blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel and a durable Grivory handle.
- Fallkniven A1: This knife has a 6.3-inch blade made from VG10 steel and a comfortable Kraton handle.
Ultimately, the best survival knife for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, so be sure to research and test out a few options before purchasing.
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