The Best Survival Knife to Have on Hand

Comparison Table

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How We Reviewed

What We Reviewed

Features

A handsome, all black knife with a full tang, the Fallkniven looks like it could come straight out of a gritty action movie or a ninja's arsenal. The knife offers excellent chopping while still being able to handle daily cutting tasks. We loved the ergonomic grip that made all its tasks easy to accomplish. Plus, this model comes with a sheath that can be fastened in multiple ways. With this Fallkniven model, you can attach your knife to your belt or pack easily and even upside down if you prefer.

Features

Is there a more famous survivalist than Bear Grylls? This Gerber candidate for best survival knife has Mr. Grylls's endorsement. Uniquely orange and black for easy identification without sacrificing aesthetics, this knife comes in as one of the cheaper options for a survival tool. Plus, it comes with a built-in fire starter rod and an emergency whistle in case you really get yourself stranded and aren't keen on things like eating snakes to survive like the famous Bear.

Features

This is perhaps the most attractive candidate for the best survival knife. The Schrade cuts its silhouette out of a textured black that looks both ancient (like obsidian) and futuristic (like molded nano-carbon). Although cheaper than many options, this knife is more oriented to the hardcore crowd than the casual. This knife includes a fire starter and can be carried in multiple ways.

Features

This is a mid-price survival knife that does a lot correctly. The Becker Companion Knife comes with a heavy duty front pouch sheath. We liked the all black look that doesn't necessarily stand out from the competition, but looks great in and of itself. The over five-inch blade sets it apart from some of the more compact models we have listed. The best endorsement for this knife is that it is officially used by the military.

Features

Ah, the classic buck knife… Sometimes you can't beat the classics. While it represents a departure from the more military oriented blades mentioned earlier, the 124 Frontiersman Knife. nonetheless, makes our list due to the solidity of its construction and the backwoodsman aesthetics that it brings to the table.

Features

If you like a more a distinguished look than the backwoodsman and special ops options that we've listed so far, you may gravitate toward the Bushcraft Survival Hunting Knife. The wooden handle really sets this knife apart from its competition, and it provides many of the survival features that can be found in other models.

Features

Like the Bushcraft listed above, the Gerber also offers multiple color options. This blade will run you slightly more than the budget options but less than most of the midrange models that compete for the best survival knife. Gerber has long been a trusted brand for blades, and this LFM II Survival Knife fits the bill.

Features

The good ole “Arkansas Toothpick” is not a subtle blade. However, the Winchester 22-41206 Large Bowie Knife will serve as a great companion for anyone exploring the wilderness realms. The classic cross guard and the brass and wood aesthetics make this the pick for anyone that needs not just a survival knife, but a small survival sword.

Features

This blade comes in the most color options of those we've listed so far. But, it is so much more than a color game. The micara scale handle provides one of the most unique grips on the knives we've included. Its price range and full tang blade make it a great option.

This knife is, however, a bit of a "double-edged sword." On one hand, its functionality is quite long lasting and durable. However, the spots where it has been engraved and sharpened can develop rust if it is not well taken care of.

Features

If you can still find this model, you can purchase what is perhaps the best survival knife on the market. However, although its construction is “above and beyond,” so is its price. The materials and solidity of design are much to be envied, but it is no longer widely available on the market.

Ultimately, this would make a great knife if found second-hand or for a discount. As is, there may be better options that you can find which are more available and cheaper.

The Verdict