Knife Reviews

Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives

Published

on

Feature | Holfman Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

Looking for the best fixed blade knives? Check out this review first before you go shopping and get your money's worth!

RELATED: 3 Survival Knives You Need From Blade-Tech Industries

Best Fixed Blade Knives Review: A Survivalist's Guide

How to Select the Best Fixed Blade Knives to Carry

Finding the best, fixed blade knives to carry is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. For one thing, most survival knives (the good ones, anyway) aren't exactly cheap.

If you're investing in a piece of gear, you'll want to be sure it will get the job done when the time comes. Your survival knife will be your lifeline when SHTF, so you need to do your research.

blue-banner-gear
silver-square-gear-testers

The fixed blade is a straightforward knife, and it doesn't have any bells or whistles. If you do the research, you can find them for very reasonable prices.

The blade usually runs about six inches, and the knife usually weighs somewhere around seven to eight ounces, measuring between 10 to 11 inches in overall length.

So, where do you start when trying to find the best fixed blade survival knives? Which one's the best? What's a reasonable price?

Here are a few things to consider before buying a fixed blade knife:

    • It should be made to be strong.
    • It should be sturdy. The newest fixed blade knife offers a rubber handle, which provides for a better grip making it easier to work within various types of weather or under different hunting circumstances.
    • It should be dependable. The best fixed blade knives have blades that can be changed, so even though you can only use one blade at a time, you can carry a variety of blades with you. For example, if you are hunting larger animals, a heavier blade may be desirable.

To cut through a thick hide, the heavier blade is needed. A serrated edged blade may help saw through an animal's bones, and other special blades may help in removing the skin.

Now, there's something you need to do before you EVER walk into a store or go to Amazon. Read this list of seven of the BEST fixed blade knives that'll never fail you in a life-and-death survival situation.

7 Best Fixed Blade Knives That Are Worth Every Penny

1. The Hoffman-Richter Wolf – ON SALE NOW

The Hoffman-Richter Wolf knife is made of a 5.5mm thick piece of the best 440C stainless steel on the market, and the ultra-tough titanium coating guarantees The Wolf will last a lifetime.

The Hoffman-Richter Wolf Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

This is the knife I personally carry, and it's the most badass blade I've ever strapped to my hip. The specs speak for themselves:

  • Full tang construction, making this knife virtually unbreakable
  • Fixed edge so you never need to worry about moving parts breaking or wearing out
  • Straight edge drop point blade, so that every inch of the blade stays razor sharp and usable (no serrations to become dull and useless)
  • 9″ Overall Length, my preferred size for universal use
  • 4″ 5.5 MM Thick Blade (that’s just shy of 1/4″) it's hard to find a full tang fixed blade with this thickness
  • Ultra Tough Titanium Coating to make this knife even stronger

Still, don't believe me? Check out this video:

purple-banner-gear
tan-square-gear-testers

RELATED: All You Need to Know About Pocket Knives For Everyday Survival

2. Browning Ignite – RRP $33.27

BEST FOR:

  • Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood
  • Firemaking
  • Chopping food

Don't let the price fool you; the Browning Ignite is a great knife for its price point and size. Whether you're fishing, building a shelter or starting a fire, you can't go wrong with this compact fixed blade knife.

Browning Ignite Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

SPECS:

Blade Length 4″ Overall Length 8 1/2″
Blade Width 1 1/8″ Weight (Knife Only) 5.2 oz
Blade Steel 7Cr Grip Material Polymer, with rubber insert
Blade Shape Drop Point Guard Type Half, Molded into the tang
Blade Grind Hollow False Edge Yes
Blade Thickness 0.15″ Spine “Jimping” Jimped Thumb Ramp
Choil Yes Lanyard Hole Yes
Made in China

Check out the full review and form an opinion for yourself.

3. Benchmade HK Feint – RRP $75.23

What is a drop point? It is a knife shape where it tends to slope at the spine. It uses a thicker blade, making it a good tool for hunting.

BEST FOR:

  • Chopping
  • Skinning
  • Self-defense
  • Batoning

The Benchmade HK Fient may just be one the best Benchmade knife ever. Benchmade knives can be pricey, but once you see the quality, you'll understand why.

Benchmade HK Feint Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

SPECS:

9.5″ Overall Length 14.5″
Blade Width 1 3/8″ Weight (Knife Only) 11.2 oz
Blade Steel 440C Grip Material Santoprene
Blade Shape Drop Point Guard Type Half, Molded into the grip
Blade Grind Saber False Edge No
Blade Thickness 3/16″ Spine “Jimping” No
Choil Yes Lanyard Hole Yes
Made in USA

Whether you're cutting the cord, chopping wood or using it as a self-defense knife, this will get the job done. Check out our review.

4.  Ontario RAT-5 – RRP $78.23

BEST FOR:

  • Bushcraft
  • Firemaking
  • Trimming wood

The 1095 carbon steel on the Ontario RAT-5 makes it durable, sharp and long-lasting, and the knife is still an affordable choice.

Ontario RAT-5 Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives

SPECS:

Blade Length 5″ Overall Length 10 1/2″
Blade Width 1 1/2″ Weight (Knife Only) 11.1 oz
Blade Steel 1095 Grip Material Micarta
Blade Shape Clip Point Guard Type Half, Molded into the tang and grip
Blade Grind Flat False Edge No
Blade Thickness 0.19″ Spine “Jimping” Yes
Choil Yes (Both) Lanyard Hole Yes

This is a great knife for bushcraft, and you will have no problem using it to perform a variety of outdoor and survival tasks. Click here for our full review.

5. Buck/Hood Punk – RRP $157.95

BEST FOR:

  • Bushcraft
  • Building shelter
  • Drilling
  • Chopping food

If you’re looking for a sturdy, reliable bush knife, the Buck/Hood Punk is hard to beat. Don’t let the price tag deter you because this knife is worth every penny.

Buck/Hood Punk Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

SPECS:

Blade Length 5 5/8″ Overall Length 11″
Blade Width 1 3/16″ Weight (Knife Only) 7.5 oz
Blade Steel 5160 Grip Material Micarta
Blade Shape Clip Point Guard Type Half, Molded into the tang
Blade Grind Flat False Edge No
Blade Thickness 0.18″ Spine “Jimping” No
Choil Yes Lanyard Hole Yes

Read our review here.

6. Kabar BK&T Machax – RRP $93.57

BEST FOR:

  • Building shelter
  • Cutting cord
  • Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood

This is a sturdy, manly knife, and it's as functional as it is cool to look at. Whether batoning wood, starting a fire or building other weapons, you'll never go wrong with this knife.

Kabar BK&T Machax Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

SPECS:

Blade Length 9 3/8″ Overall Length 14 5/8″
Blade Width 2″ Weight (Knife Only) 15.7 oz
Blade Steel 1095 Cro-Van Grip Material Zytel
Blade Shape Kukri Guard Type Half, Molded into the grip
Blade Grind Saber False Edge Yes
Blade Thickness 0.188″ Spine “Jimping” No
Choil No Lanyard Hole Yes
Made in USA

Check out the full review.

7. Ontario RTAK-II – RRP $200

BEST FOR:

  • Firemaking
  • Shelter construction
  • Batoning

The Ontario RTAK-II is a solid, affordable choice for a field knife, and it's especially good for chopping wood and fire making.

Ontario RTAK-II Knife | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

SPECS:

Blade Length 10.5″ Overall Length 17″
Blade Width 2″ Weight (Knife Only) 22.6 oz
Blade Steel 5160 Grip Material Micarta
Blade Shape Drop Point Guard Type Half, Molded into the tang and grip
Blade Grind Flat False Edge No
Blade Thickness 0.2″ Spine “Jimping” No
Choil Sort of Lanyard Hole Yes
Made in USA

You can also use it to build a survival shelter or animal trap as this knife excels at trimming branches and cutting wood. Read our full review.

Check out this video from Howcast to find out what are the best self-defense knives out there:

I've said it before and I'll say it again: a survivalist is only as good as his tools. There's one tool that is ESSENTIAL to have, not only in your BOB (Bug Out Bag) but also as an everyday carry.

A good knife, specifically a full tang constructed fixed blade knife, is necessary for all bug out bags. We sure hope we pointed you to the direction of the best fixed blade knives for you!

Do you have a knife to add? Did we leave out your favorite blade? Let us know in the comments!

Up Next: 

Follow us on FacebookInstagram, and Pinterest!

Disclaimer: All content on this site is for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer here.

 

Placard | Fixed Blade Knives | Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Best self defense knife

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 28, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.

Continue Reading
24 Comments

24 Comments

  1. Mike Lavery

    July 28, 2016 at 6:01 PM

    Great list. I carry the Ontario RAT but will be buying The Hoffman Richter Wolf based on that video!

  2. Chuck

    August 19, 2016 at 4:11 AM

    Cold STEEL SRK. I HAve had one that I have used for years and it has proven itself time and again. It’s also a knife that is in use by the Navy Seals. Mine is a factory second, much cheaper than a 1st run but you can’t tell it’s not.it’s a very tough very good knife. Mine is in carbon steel so it’s very easy to sharpen in the field and when it’s sharp it holds an edge.

  3. Pingback: Choosing a Fixed Blade Survival Knife (Part 2) | Survival Life

  4. Pingback: Best Survival Knives: Ka-Bar BK&T Becker BK-2

  5. Pingback: Camillus CK-9 Fixed Blade Knife Review | Survival Life | Blog

  6. Pingback: Knives Getting Dull? Learn how to Sharpen a Knife Without a Sharpener

  7. Pingback: Top 3 Blade Tech Knives To Put In Your Pocket NOW

  8. Pingback: Family Communications Plan: How to Stay in Touch After a Crisis

  9. Pingback: 7 Buck Hunting Knives To Carry With You At All Times

  10. Pingback: How to Stay in Touch After a Crisis | Survival Life

  11. Anonymous

    September 25, 2017 at 12:43 AM

    E.s.e.e. -6 is probably the best utilitarian knife out there

  12. Anonymous

    October 5, 2017 at 9:53 PM

    I think ESEE 5 is the best suvival knife.

  13. Pingback: Strong, Sturdy, Dependable: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives | Primitive technology

  14. Pingback: How To Baton Wood With A Survival Knife [Video] | Survival Life

  15. Pingback: 3 Survival Knives You Need From Blade-Tech Industries | Survival Life

  16. Irish-7

    September 19, 2019 at 11:54 PM

    I had a Schrade SCHF9 full tang blade in a Get Home Bag in the back of my vehicle. Some scoundrel broke in to my SUV and stole it. This thief was pretty stupid. He dumped the pack out behind my garage, but only took the knife. He left a Henry AR-7 Rifle! I assume this person did not realize what it was, that the action and barrel were inside the buttstock. I replaced the SCHF9 with a Schrade SCHF1 (hollow handle). I am planning on putting a different survival knife in the pack. I just have not decided if I want another Schrade or to try an alternate manufacturer.

  17. Pingback: Finding The Best Fixed Blade Knives – templatesite

  18. Pingback: The Best Headlamps of 2021 – The Self-Sufficient Life

  19. Pingback: The Best Headlamps of 2021 – SurvivalCove.com

  20. Pingback: Headlamps | The Best Headlamps of 2021 – Bulletproof Survivors

  21. Pingback: Headlamps | The Best Headlamps of 2021 – Alive After USA Fall

  22. Pingback: Headlamps | The Best Headlamps of 2021 – Sprent Brass

  23. Pingback: Headlamps | The Best Headlamps of 2021 – Auto Robot Demo

  24. Pingback: Survival Knife Lowest Price: Top 13 Affordable Options | Spent Brass

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Trending

SIGN UP NOW

Enter for a chance to WIN a pair of these Tactical Boots when you sign up today for our exclusive email newsletter subscription.