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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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.
The Ontario RTAK-II is a solid, affordable choice for a field knife, and it’s especially good for chopping wood and fire making.
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!
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.
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.
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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!
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.
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Anonymous
September 25, 2017 at 12:43 AM
E.s.e.e. -6 is probably the best utilitarian knife out there
Anonymous
October 5, 2017 at 9:53 PM
I think ESEE 5 is the best suvival knife.
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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.
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