10Best.Guide

Survival Knife

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Incredibly tough and durable.
  • Full tang and can take a beating.
  • High-quality knife at an affordable price.
  • Razor-sharp and stays that way for a long time.
  • Solid Scandi grind.
Cons
  • Some customers received dull knives.
  • The sheath system is sub-standard.
Bottom Line
The Mora Garberg Carbon is a high-quality, durable, and affordable bushcraft knife that is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget. However, some customers have reported issues with the sheath system and dullness upon arrival. Proper care is also necessary to prevent rusting.
Pros
  • Sturdy and well-balanced blade
  • Comes with a fire starter, whistle, and sharpener
  • Grippy and comfortable handle
  • Good value for the price
  • Ambidextrous sheath with multiple carrying options
Cons
  • Quality control issues with the sheath
  • Fire starter may fall out easily
Bottom Line
The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife is a great value for its price, with a sturdy blade and useful accessories. However, there are some quality control issues and the knife could be sharper out of the box.
Pros
  • Solid survival knife
  • Good balance and weight
  • Sturdy and well-made
  • Great reputation
  • Fits hand well
Cons
  • Blade not marked correctly
  • Leather grip not great
Bottom Line
The KA-BAR knife is a top-notch, sturdy, and well-made survival knife with a great reputation. It has a solid blade, good balance and weight, and fits well in the hand. However, some customers have reported issues with the blade not being sharp out of the box, poor manufacture, and a stiff blade lock.
Pros
  • Excellent for self-defense and survival situations.
  • Razor-sharp out of the box.
  • Good value for money.
  • Comfortable handle.
  • Beautiful steel and finish.
Cons
  • Heavy for some users.
  • Handle could have better grip.
Bottom Line
The Cold Steel Recon Tanto is a great value for money knife that is razor-sharp out of the box and excellent for self-defense and survival situations. However, it may be heavy for some users and the handle could have better grip.
Pros
  • Very sturdy knife.
  • Retains edge relatively well.
  • Has every feature one would want in a go-to fixed blade.
  • Can withstand a lot of abuse.
  • Very sharp, durable, light, and strong.
Cons
  • Handle isn't the most comfortable.
  • Sheath quality is not great.
Bottom Line
The Gerber StrongArm is a very sturdy and durable knife that can withstand a lot of abuse. It has a good grip and comes with multiple carry options. However, the handle can get slippery when wet and the sheath quality is not great. Some users may also experience issues with the blade grind or edge retention.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Survival Knife: Types, Key Considerations, Features, Prices, Tips, and FAQs

Overview

When it comes to survival situations, having a reliable and durable knife is essential. A good survival knife can help you build shelter, start a fire, hunt for food, and defend yourself. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision when buying a survival knife.

Types

There are several types of survival knives to choose from, including:

1. Fixed Blade Knife: A fixed blade knife is a popular choice for survival situations due to its durability and strength. It is a one-piece knife with a solid blade that extends into the handle.

2. Folding Knife: A folding knife is a compact and portable option for survival situations. It is easy to carry and can be folded for safe storage.

3. Tactical Knife: A tactical knife is designed for military and law enforcement use. It is a versatile knife that can be used for a variety of tasks, including self-defense.

Key Considerations

When choosing a survival knife, there are several key considerations to keep in mind:

1. Blade Material: The blade material should be durable and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel and carbon steel are popular choices for survival knives.

2. Blade Length: The blade length should be long enough to perform tasks such as chopping and slicing.

3. Handle Material: The handle material should be comfortable and provide a secure grip. Common materials include G-10, Micarta, and wood.

4. Tang Type: The tang type refers to how the blade extends into the handle. A full tang provides the most strength and durability.

Features

Some important features to consider when buying a survival knife include:

1. Sheath: The sheath should be durable and provide a secure fit for the knife. Leather and nylon are popular materials for sheaths.

2. Blade Shape: The blade shape can affect the knife's performance for different tasks. Common shapes include drop point, clip point, and tanto.

3. Weight: The weight of the knife should be balanced and comfortable to carry.

Prices

Survival knives can range in price from $20 to $500, depending on the brand, materials, and features.

Tips

Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying a survival knife:

1. Consider your specific needs and intended use for the knife.

2. Look for a knife with a comfortable grip and a strong, durable blade.

3. Consider the weight and portability of the knife.

FAQs

Q: What is the best blade material for a survival knife?

A: Stainless steel and carbon steel are popular choices for survival knives due to their durability and resistance to corrosion.

Q: What is the ideal blade length for a survival knife?

A: The ideal blade length for a survival knife is typically between 4 and 6 inches.

Q: Should I choose a fixed blade or folding knife for survival situations?

A: A fixed blade knife is generally considered the best option for survival situations due to its strength and durability.

Q: What is the best handle material for a survival knife?

A: The best handle material for a survival knife is one that provides a comfortable grip and is durable, such as G-10 or Micarta.

Q: What is the difference between a tactical knife and a survival knife?

A: A tactical knife is designed for military and law enforcement use, while a survival knife is designed for outdoor and wilderness use.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Comes sharp and ready to use.
  • Great quality knife and sheath at a low price.
  • Sturdy blade that can withstand abuse.
  • Well-made leather sheath.
  • Made of good quality steel.
Cons
  • Some received dull knives.
  • Ferro rod doesn't fit the slot in the sheath.
Bottom Line
The BPS Knives Adventurer - Bushcraft Knife is a great value for the price, with a sharp and sturdy blade, well-made leather sheath, and good quality steel. However, some may find the handle uncomfortable and the knife may need to be oiled to prevent rust.
Pros
  • Manageable size for heavy tasks
  • AUS-8 steel at an affordable price
  • Sharp out of the box
  • Well-balanced and comfortable grip
  • Great value for a quality blade
Cons
  • Quality control issues reported
  • Made in China instead of Japan
Bottom Line
The SOG SEAL Pup is a great value for those looking for a manageable size knife for heavy tasks at an affordable price. However, there have been some quality control issues reported, and it may not be suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Pros
  • Good value for money
  • Sheath is better than it appears in ad
  • Plastic liner inside the nylon makes it safe to carry
  • Pockets on the back to insert sharpener and starter
  • Handle feels great in the hand
Cons
  • Too big to carry around
  • Not sharp out of the box
Bottom Line
This knife is a good value for the money and comes with a better-than-expected sheath, plastic liner, and pockets for a sharpener and starter. It has an intimidating size and durable build, but may require sharpening out of the box and has a somewhat small handle for its size.
Pros
  • Good value for the price
  • Sharp and strong blade
  • Small and compact size
  • Sturdy and durable
  • Serrated blade option
Cons
  • Blade wears down quickly
  • Closing feature is difficult
Bottom Line
This knife is a good value for the price, with a sharp and strong blade and small and compact size. However, the blade wears down quickly and the closing feature can be difficult. The flipper and thumb post may not work well, and the pocket clip is weak.
Pros
  • Fits well on AR-15
  • Front pocket fits Glock 19 mag
  • Sturdy and functional
  • Sheath with wire cutter is impressive
  • Affordable alternative to real Buck M9
Cons
  • Blade is weak and loose
  • Made in China
Bottom Line
This bayonet is an affordable alternative to the real Buck M9, but it may not be suitable for life-saving situations due to its welded tang. The blade is weak and may break easily, but it fits well on AR-15 and has a front pocket that fits Glock 19 mag. The sheath with wire cutter is impressive, but the knife is made in China.
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