The knife is one of the oldest tools of mankind, and today it occupies the same important place in human life as it did thousands of years ago. And although we talk a lot about knives suitable for everyday carry, this is far from their only use. In fact, a knife is much more valuable in the wild than in normal everyday life.
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Yes, knives are great for simple tasks, but they are an essential tool in potential survival situations. So, a knife can be used for hunting, building a shelter, self-defense and much more. And, of course, not every knife is suitable for such purposes. That's why we created for you a ranking of the best knives that we considered the best survival tools. Regardless of your budget, you will definitely find something suitable here.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a survival knife?
As mentioned earlier, not every knife is suitable for survival situations - well, at least not if you are looking for the perfect solution. And such a tool must meet a number of certain criteria. To make your journey easier, we've outlined the most important features to look for.
Type. While folding knives are more suitable for everyday carry - due to their compactness and safety - the mechanisms that allow them to fold are quite delicate and often fail when debris gets into them. This is why we recommend choosing fixed blade knives for survival situations. They are more durable in the long run and with fewer moving parts they are less likely to fail. This doesn't mean there aren't good survival knives among folding models—it's just that fixed blades are better.
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Steel. The type of steel the blade is made from depends on several factors. For example, if you are on a tight budget, you will have to make do with what you can afford. However, if you are willing to spend money, then you can choose models with a high-quality steel blade. So, you can choose a high carbon steel blade. It is extremely strong and durable, but it does not withstand moisture well - meaning that it is susceptible to corrosion. Stainless steel is a little softer, but it won't rust like carbon steel—at least not as quickly. In any case, you will have to compromise and choose what suits you best.
Handle. Of course, the steel from which the blade is made is of paramount importance when choosing a survival knife, but the handle - the part by which you will hold it - should also not be ignored. If we talk about the handle, then all the characteristics come down to two factors: ergonomics and materials. When choosing a survival knife, it is especially important to choose a tool with an easy-to-use handle, as a knife that you cannot hold in your hands for an extended period of time will quickly lose its value. The material from which the handle is made directly affects the durability of the knife. Tougher materials that can withstand abuse without corroding (such as micarta) increase the cost of the knife, but at the same time they increase its lifespan.
Versatility. You might think that the best survival knife is the largest knife with a serrated blade.
After all, these aggressive knives look like they're designed for survival. However, you are wrong because a survival knife should be versatile in its purpose. This means they need to be comfortable doing a lot of different things, from chopping and slicing to carving and quite finicky tasks. Thus, it is better to choose small, simple knives.
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Fallkniven A1 Swedish Survival
The Swedish company Fällkniven is one of the leading knife companies in the world today. Fixed knives of the A1 series firmly occupy the place of the flagship of this manufacturer. This is indirectly confirmed by the prices for these products, starting from 350 euros.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 340 g |
| Overall knife length | 27.5 cm |
| Blade length | 15.24 cm |
| Blade hardness | 59-60 HRС |
| Handle material | Kraton |
A knife with a thick blade (in professional hunting versions the thickness reaches 7 mm), made of laminated Japanese steel, hardened to high hardness. According to the manufacturer, Faulkniven knives retain their ideal sharpness for 10 and sometimes 20 years. However, they usually include a “branded” whetstone in their package.
The design is based on a traditional Swedish hunting knife, characterized by a minimalist design, high quality workmanship, excellent cutting and durability. Due to its not very large dimensions, it cannot claim leadership in terms of versatility, but in survival conditions it is capable of performing most tasks - from hunting to wood processing. The basis of the handle is a wide and thick shank, which protrudes from the handle at the end and forms a glass breaker.
Cold Steel S.R.K.
Cold Steel is considered the leading manufacturer of combat knives in the United States. The SRK model became famous for being chosen as the official knife for combat swimmers of the American Navy SEALs. Although it is mainly positioned on the market as a knife for rescue units.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 345 g |
| Overall knife length | 27.0 cm |
| Blade length | 15.2 cm |
| Blade hardness | 59-60 HRС |
| Handle material | Kraton |
The sheath accounts for approximately 30% of the total weight of the knife. The thickness of the blade in the butt is 4.75-5 mm. A sharpening was made on the beveled part of the butt, due to this it was possible to achieve a fine reduction of the tip. The cutting edge holds sharpening perfectly and is highly resistant to impact loads. The downside of SK-5 steel is that it is susceptible to corrosion, so the blade has a tactical black protective coating.
The handle of the knife is made monolithic, but the thick shank does not come out. The manufacturer makes the sheath from impact-resistant plastic. They are durable, and the knife fits perfectly in them, without allowing any extraneous knocks when worn. In addition, the design of the sheath allows you to attach the knife in a variety of ways.
SOG SEAL Team
The SOG company successfully launches a line of tactical knives with a semi-serrated blade on the market, which is greatly facilitated by the inclusion in its name of the current name of the famous American special forces "Navy Seals" - SEAL Team. At the moment, the most recent model in this series is the S37, sold by the manufacturer at a very affordable price of $160.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 292 g |
| Overall knife length | 29.52 cm |
| Blade length | 17.78 cm |
| Blade hardness | 57-58 HRС |
| Handle material | Reinforced nylon |
The blade has an impressive thickness of 6 mm. In comparison with other famous American brands of military knives, it has approximately similar characteristics. User reviews often give preference to this knife based on subjective assessments: for a more comfortable handle and sheath in Kydex or nylon versions.
Tom Brown Tracker
The knives of the American company TOPS Knives are traditionally designed and made on the basis of the knowledge and experience of real practice of recognized experts in the military sphere, law enforcement agencies, martial arts, as well as in relatively “peaceful” professions associated with extreme natural conditions. The Tom Brown Tracker utility knife was designed by a desert survival expert. In particular, for this reason, its design is significantly different from its analogues.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 273-454 g |
| Overall knife length | 23.9-30.2 cm |
| Blade length | 12.5-15.9 cm |
| Blade hardness | 58 HRС |
| Handle material | Micarta. |
The knife comes in a variety of versions - from compact to very impressive. The blade thickness is usually 5 mm. Despite having most of the “survival functions”, this tool is considered more of a kind of “mini-hatchet”, good for rough work, but not very convenient, for example, for peeling vegetables. All TOPS knives are made and processed by hand, but the company manages to maintain very reasonable prices (from $300) for its products.
Ka-Bar USMC Utility
Ka-Bar knives were first made during World War II for the US Marine Corps. The USMC model has been tested by an entire generation of Marines and is considered one of the best mass-produced versions of an army knife in the world, capable of simultaneously providing a high chance of survival.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 320 g |
| Overall knife length | 30.2 cm |
| Blade length | 17.8 cm |
| Blade hardness | 56-58 HRС |
| Handle material | Leather |
The blade is made of high-carbon tool steel with the addition of chromium and vanadium. The Ka-Bar is not only the epitome of an effective combat knife, but also a universal tool capable of solving the vast majority of problems in survival conditions - from small woodworking to hunting and butchering game.
Ganzo g8012
In many ratings, this particular knife tops the list of the best. An important advantage of this model is its positioning as an approved knife for civilian tourism. Its polymer handle is offered for sale in almost any color scheme, and in noticeable, bright shades, which minimizes the chances of its loss.
| Options | Values |
| Weight | 356 g |
| Overall knife length | 24.5 cm |
| Blade length | 11.5 cm |
| Blade hardness | 57 HRС |
| Handle material | Thermoplastic |
The design of the knife provides an effective flint: you can strike a fire using the heel built into the butt. In addition, the functionality includes a strap cutter, a diamond sharpener and a weir. The scabbard is plastic. In general, the model belongs to the “budget” segment and is available at a price of 2,500 rubles.
The “weak point” of the knife is the handle material, which is vulnerable to chipping. The steel that was used in the manufacture of the blade (7Cr17) is comparable in characteristics to the domestic grade 65X13. The thickness of the butt is 5 mm.
If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below the article. We or our visitors will be happy to answer them
Rating of the best survival knives
| Place | Rating | |
| The most budget-friendly survival knife | ||
| 1 | Morakniv Companion | 4.9 |
| Best Fixed Blade Survival Knife | ||
| 2 | OKC 499 Air Force | 4.2 |
| Best survival knife with flint | ||
| 3 | Opinel No. 12 Explore | 5.0 |
| Best Survival Knife Made in the USA | ||
| 4 | Gerber StrongArm | 4.6 |
| The best knife for survival in extreme conditions | ||
| 5 | ESEE 4P | 4.7 |
Morakniv Companion
Morakniv's Companion is proof that sometimes simplicity is the best solution, and that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a durable survival knife. It is chosen by some of the most experienced tourists around the world. This Scandinavian-style cutting tool is made from reliable and durable Sandvik stainless steel, and while it won't last you a lifetime, it's quite durable. This knife is also quite affordable, making it a good option to choose.
- Blade length: 4.1″
- Blade steel: 12C27
- Handle material: thermoplastic elastomer
- Buy: 990₽ (10% discount with promotional code: CONS10)
Remington 870 (12 gauge)
Now things get better with the first and only shotgun on the list. Without a doubt, when choosing a survival shotgun, the best choice is 12 gauge. Most of the damage will be dealt while maintaining the accuracy you would expect from a shotgun. Accuracy is not the reason why the Remington 870 is one of the 10 most important survival weapons a civilian can buy, other than outright destruction.
There are few animals or creatures that can overcome shotgun dew. No matter what you're trying to get, a well-placed warning shot will terrorize most intruders on the spot. And if that doesn't work, a devastating shot will stop any advance towards you. The main reason why the Remington 870 ranks so high on the list is because it is a shotgun.
Pump-action shotguns allow the shooter to have more than two rounds ready to go at any time, rather than having to disarm the shotgun to reload, losing valuable time in the process. The Remington 870 is pretty cheap considering how useful a shotgun is during survival. It retails for around $400 at most dealers, which is a coveted price compared to most of the other guns on the list.
OKC 499 Air Force
OKC created their 499 Air Force knife for pilots, and it ended up becoming one of the most iconic blades of all time. And this is not just a classic model - it is one of the best survival knives. Its reputation is due in part to its versatile 1095 steel bowie blade with serrated edge, comfortable and attractive leather handle, and sheath with whetstone pouch.
- Blade length: 5″
- Blade steel: 1095
- Handle material: leather
- Buy: $44.95
Opinel No. 12 Explore
As a general rule, we don't recommend choosing folding knives as a survival tool. But Opinel no. The 12 Explore is certainly an exception to this rule for a number of reasons. First, this knife features a durable 12C27 steel blade that is paired with a shock- and moisture-resistant handle. Secondly, it comes with a built-in 110-decibel survival whistle and a built-in fire starter. This knife is essentially an all-in-one survival kit, which is why it makes it to our top list.
- Blade length: 3.94″
- Blade steel: 12C27
- Handle material: glass fiber reinforced polyamide
- Buy: 3,190₽ (10% discount with promotional code: CONS10)
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Basurmanin
The Russian manufacturer has launched the production of professional tools NV-101, giving them the code name “Basurmanin”. Despite its small size, its functionality is enviable. The set consists of:
- fishing line;
- regular and wind matches;
- antimicrobial agents for water purification;
- sulfur paper for making a fire;
- threads;
- pins with needles.
The steel handle is equipped with two compartments: one with twine and a reserve, the other with a stiletto and saw. The thickness of the 16-centimeter blade is 35 mm. In production, blued steel is used, which is distinguished by its reliability and durability.
The average cost is from 5,000 rubles.
knife Basurmanin
Advantages:
- practicality;
- strength;
- ease of use;
- functionality;
- durability;
- excellent equipment.
Flaws:
- not identified.
Camillus Trekus
Despite the small size of the blade - 114 mm, the product weighs a lot - 340 grams. Hard steel is used in manufacturing. The handle is made of fiberglass G 10. There is a Button – Lock system, which allows you to quickly and easily open and close the product. Despite the country of manufacture - China, there are no complaints about the quality.
Purchase price – 5570 rubles.
knife Camillus Trekus
Advantages:
- compactness;
- strength;
- functionality;
- comfort of the handle;
- durability.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Mora Bushcraft Survival
The product is produced by a Swedish brand. It’s difficult to call it a new product, since the product has been very popular for a long time. The blade is small - 109 mm, the weight of the product is insignificant - 212 grams. The steel is quite strong - 56 - 58. The handle is made of rubberized plastic. The manufacturer controls the quality of manufactured products at every stage of production, so defective products are not put on sale. Moreover, each copy has a warranty for the entire period of service. The look is awkward. The blade cuts and stabs perfectly. Equipped with a diamond sharpener and flint, fixed and removable clips. An indispensable thing for foresters, hunters, fishermen and tourists.
Specialized retail outlets offer goods at a price of 5,718 rubles.
knife Mora Bushcraft Survival
Advantages:
- functionality;
- reliability;
- ease of use;
- quality assurance;
- durability.
Flaws:
- none.
Esee Ashley Game Knife Micarta
It is very popular among avid hunters. With the device you can safely go after any game. It is distinguished by its simplicity of appearance and excellent functionality. A special extended handle allows it to be used as a “lever”. Comfortable grip, ability to hold firmly with wet palms. Blade length 11.75 cm, steel – 1095, weight – 144.5 g, handle made of leather and micarta.
The price of the product is 6660 rubles.
knife Esee Ashley Game Knife Micarta
Advantages:
- comfort;
- practicality;
- versatility;
- quality factor;
- comfort of wearing;
- value for money.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Survivalist ZD 2 TW
A Russian-made product with a large blade – 193 cm. Weighs 362 grams. Used to have a hardness of 58 – 59, the handle is made of aluminum. An ideal gift for men who prefer not to sit at home, but test their endurance in the wild, getting a lot of pleasure from it. It can't be compared to a homemade weapon. An irreplaceable thing when extreme conditions arise. Thanks to the quality and strength of the steel, the blade can withstand significant loads and does not corrode. The black titanium coating prevents the blade from mechanical damage. The handle is equipped with NAZ (matches, fishing line, adhesive plaster, pin, sinkers, wire, needle and thread, two blades). The butt has a special bevel, which will allow, if necessary, to cut the bone.
The acquisition cost is 7495 rubles.
knife Survivalist ZD 2 TW
Advantages:
- durability;
- ease of use;
- practicality;
- reliability;
- wear resistance;
- possibility of use as a spear;
- NAZ.
Flaws:
- the price is high.
We Knife Co. Vaquita
Belongs to the category of neck knives. The steel used in production is S 35 VN, which is resistant to negative external influences. Thanks to the use of carbon fiber, it was possible to reduce the weight of the product to 47.9 g, while maintaining the strength indicator at a high level. The blade has an original shape, a full tang, which increases the strength of the entire structure. The blade is 8.1 cm long, the sheath is made of Kydex, and there is a neck hanger.
The average cost is 7990 rubles.
knife We Knife Co. Vaquita
Advantages:
- wear resistance;
- attractive appearance;
- ease of use;
- practicality;
- functionality.
Flaws:
- not installed.
Gerber StrongArm
Gerber has been making quality, durable survival knives since 1966, and the manufacturer is constantly looking for ways to improve and modernize its offerings. Their recently released knife is definitely one of the best. The StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife features a durable, comfortable nylon handle with rubber inserts, a 4.8-inch drop-edge blade made from 420HC steel (known for its exceptional strength), and comes with a MOLLE-compatible sheath. It even comes with a glass breaker tip for emergencies and a lanyard hole. Made in the USA.
- Blade length: 4.8″
- Blade steel: 420HC
- Handle material: nylon
- Buy: $70
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Primitive DIY Survival Knives
If you're not one to buy, and definitely not one to spend money, then you might want to consider the truly wonderful practice of making your own knife. There's nothing that says "I'm a survivor" like a homemade knife, and with a little time and patience, along with the right materials, you can make one from whatever you can find in the woods.
While polished steel blades and thin leather sheaths certainly get the job done, knives were used and made long before there were machines and foundries to do so. The Plains Indians made simple and beautiful knives from materials they found in nature and put them to the test in everyday tasks such as cooking and even in fighting and hunting.
Flint and obsidian were the most commonly used stones in making primitive knives, as they were strong enough to cut but brittle enough to break and create a sharp edge. Unlike traditional metal knives, stone knives are not sharpened in the conventional sense, but are split with another hard material to create a sharp "broken" edge.
To start, you'll want to find something to use for the ID. Traditionally, antlers and bones were often used, but a piece of strong wood can also be used. Just make sure it's green so that when it dries, the handle will shrink around the blade's arch for a perfect fit. However, the process of creating a hole and securing the blade into the handle of one of these materials can be quite complex and often requires some type of adhesive.
The most traditional survival method is to remove the knife from a single piece of material and then wrap the end of the handle in soft leather for a comfortable grip. These knives are not only durable, but also very beautiful in their simplicity. Then, using a large rounded stone, you can break the shavings with a piece of obsidian or flint to create a sharp edge. Be careful with the stone pieces that fly early in this process, however, an obsidian fragment in your eye won't feel very good.
The practice of flint gripping is something that is rarely done, and it can be difficult to find information about the intricacies of the practice. However, experience is by far the best teacher, and it's something you can learn largely on your own. Just know how to identify the stone you'll need and start practicing hitting the material, learning how it reacts to different angles and impacts.
Knife sets
If making primitive knives isn't really your cup of tea, there are plenty of other craftsmen in the same pot. DIY knife kits are now available online and offer customers the opportunity to create a beautiful and personalized knife without spending hours sticking stones together. The options are unlimited in terms of sheet materials and styles, and there are even gift sets for that special prepper in your life.
Knifekits.com offers a great selection and its materials are truly high quality. One of my favorite kits is the Bowie Knife Kit - a very durable and durable stainless steel blade that comes with a nice leather sheath and handle material of your choice. This site even has a set of primitive series knives for people who want the nice look of a primitive knife without all the hassle and hassle.
Whichever route you choose, knife sets are a great way to create your own survival knife that fits your exact needs.
Combination knives
With the growing popularity of the survival industry, numerous survival devices have been invented. What was once a single-purpose blade has become the body of a number of useful items, turning the standard survival blade into a multi-purpose tool. Particularly common among cutting and utility knives, these multifaceted survival knives come equipped with a range of tools that can be used in the field. Here are some attractions you can find for sale and the many features they have to offer.
Power Tek Fire Talon Premium Multi-Tool
These almost fall more into the category of multiple tools instead of a survival knife, but in some cases they are one of them. Plus, it's so cool that it's hard not to understand this article. Made from black rusty stainless steel, it is very durable and has rubber grips with inserts on the handle. It's well built, and even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its many features include:
If you're looking for a great knife to add to your arsenal every day, this fits the bill. The only downside is that it is a little bulky. But as I understand it, if it's hard, then it will probably continue until the end, and for me personally, that's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.
If you like this product, you can find and buy it here.
KLOUD City 8 in 1 multi-tool
Okay, the multi tool is bigger. I mean, come on, have you ever seen one of these with an axe/hammer combination? Me too. This takes the term "survival knife" to the next level, with features you won't see in any other gadget:
- axe
- hammer
- pliers
- Wire stripper
- Can-opener
- recording
- crosshead screwdriver
- Mini Sierra
- Jagged Blade
- tip
What I really like about this multiple tool is that it, in particular, has a variety of cutting tools for different tasks. With two serrated blades for cutting tough materials, a standard spear tip for slicing, and an ax for more challenging tasks, it's perfect for your bag of wild bugs. Plus, at just over six inches tall, it's actually not as bulky as you might think.
If you like this product, you can search and check its price here.
Knife Survivor Tech 5 in 1
This is the one I have in one of my bags. While it's not loaded with a crazy amount of features like the others, it does have a tool that sets it apart from the rest: a magnesium lighter. It is incredibly powerful, producing a stream of sparks with very little effort. Of course, it's not that easy to start a fire using just sparks and a small blast, but it's a great way to practice and gain an incredible skill to have under your belt. Other features of this survival knife include:
- flash
- Break windows
- Seat belt cutter
- Combination blade
As you can see in these features, this tool should be kept on your face or in your car. The seat belt cutter is designed to cut tough nylon in case it gets into a car accident, and the power window switch is simply a stainless steel protrusion that can be used to break passenger windows.
This folding knife has a clip so you can easily use it in your pocket or on your belt. Just be careful with the land of lost knives.
If you like this product, you can find and buy it on Amazon.
Amazon Jungle Survival Knife
This knife takes a different approach to several features. This is a beveled blade with a hollow handle wrapped in paracord, which stores an arsenal of useful materials:
- fishing line
- Fishing hook
- matches
- Attractive paper
- compass
- Needles and threads
- Pin
This knife lacks some of the robust parts of other tools, but the handle holds a lot of really cool basics. It also comes with a nylon pouch that makes it easy to attach to the outside of your backpack. It's a really cool concept with a nice big blade, but keep in mind that with a hollow handle it's not the most durable survival knife.
If you like this product, you can find and buy it on Amazon.
The most difficult knives to lose.
If I know anything about knives, it's how easy it is to lose them. If you do a lot of excursions in steep terrain, there's no doubt that you've encountered the problem of knives being pulled out of your pockets and lost in the vast expanse of brush and pine needles. While most knives are designed to fit in your pocket or belt, in my experience they are the easiest to lose. Here are some designs that will make your survival knife a little easier to hold.
Neck knives This is a concept I had not heard of until I began actively searching for a knife that didn't fit my waist. Neck knives are not only a great way to prevent a knife from falling out of your pocket during an active walk, but they also allow you to keep your self-defense very close without anyone knowing about it.
They are typically designed with a hard and relatively flat blade and a ridge without a handle to maintain a low and sleek profile. They come in a leather or vinyl case with an internal compartment that holds the blade in place. However, some of them come with a ball chain, which is not the most reliable. Since they rely on tension to keep them closed, if the chain is folded around your neck they fall apart easily and of course you've lost another knife. I recommend safely replacing the chain with a paracord knot, it is much more reliable and much more convenient.
Cover with a strap. As we said earlier, larger knives like the Bowie often come with leather sheaths to protect the blade. The good thing about this design is that they often have a belt cut in the sheath itself. Thanks to the strap secured through this loop, unless you remove the strap in the middle of the woods, this knife won't go anywhere. Additionally, a well-made leather knife sheath usually has a strap to hold the knife in place. This knife wraps around the handle, applying downward pressure to prevent the knife from slipping and slipping out of the sleeve.
ESEE 4P
ESEE actually offers a number of excellent fixed blade survival knives, but we chose the 4P because it's their average option in terms of overall size. It's not too big, but not too small, and still boasts everything you could want in a survival knife. So, it offers a 1095 carbon steel blade, a durable and comfortable micarta handle, and it comes with a polymer sheath that can be attached to either your belt or your modular bag. And if you want an even more versatile knife, this manufacturer has a model with a partially serrated blade.
- Blade length: 4.5″
- Blade steel: 1095
- Handle material: micarta
- Buy: $143.50
What may be included in NAZ?
Typically, survival knives with NAZ are large in size. Their blade blade is wide, and the handle is massive and has a hollow handle, which contains a standard set of emergency supplies:
- Several matches, lubricated with wax and a grater for ignition - all this is stored in a special waterproof package;
- A lens that can be used in sunny weather;
- A compass is a necessary, but not always effective thing in the forest, and the design of the knife handle then should be made of an alloy that would not affect the compass, which is very inconvenient, because the handle is one of the lifesavers in a survival knife (there is always , which can be split with a heavy and reliable handle);
- Line, 2-3 hooks and sinkers. Typically the length of such a fishing line is 3-5 m;
- Scalpel or half a regular blade;
- Two needles: a sewing needle with a simple cotton thread and a surgical needle with a special nylon thread;
- Regular safety pin;
- Adhesive plaster and mini tweezers, which will help with medical care, but only for a minor wound such as a small cut or splinter;
- Potassium permanganate will also help in extreme situations, as well as water purification tablets, a miniature whistle and a heliograph mirror;
- A piece of sandpaper. If the knife is dull, you can use it to straighten the blade.
You can complete such sets yourself, because in fact, there are many more things needed for survival than could be placed in a hollow handle.
