8 Awesome Survival Knife Options

With so many different types of survival knives to choose from it can be difficult to narrow it down to a single one. Choosing the best survival knife is not an easy task.

Versatility is perhaps the most important quality when it comes to deciding which knife to add to a bug out bag. Most experts agree that the fixed blade knife is more durable, and therefore more preferable to a switchblade or retracting knife. The knife can be used for a wide variety of tasks. These include producing kindling, cutting rope, food preparation, and protection to name a few. So it needs to be as versatile as possible.

Additionally, the knife in a survival kit needs to be strong, which means it should be full tang. The tang refers to how much of the steel blade extends into the knife handle. Full tang knives are much stronger, which is a vital feature when survival depends on it.

Another question is do you go with stainless steel or a full carbon model? Each has their own strengths and weaknesses. The stronger survival knives are full carbon models. They are less likely to break, which is a critical consideration in an emergency situation. However, steel models are less likely to experience corrosion, so they’ll hold up better over a longer period of time. Most experts will tell you that a full carbon knife is preferred in survival situations. But there’s no question that both are good knives.

Ka-bar Becker BK-22 Fixed Blade Survival Knife

For those on a limited budget, the Ka-bar Becker BK-22 is a good choice. It’s a full tang, solid steel, fixed blade knife. It comes with a polyester sheath for added protection during storage or when not in use. The knife is 10.5 inches in length with a blade that’s 5.25 inches long. It’s a popular brand that’s used by all branches of the military. For about $90 you can get the Ka-bar Becker BK-22, which is a durable, solid, fixed blade knife.

Gerber Strong Arm

The Gerber StrongArm fixed blade knife comes with a fine edge or serrated edge. It features a full tang, the blade is crafted from high carbon steel, and it has a striking pommel at the base of the handle which can break through hard surfaces. The Gerber StrongArm has a rubberized diamond texture grip for better handling and is surprisingly durable considering the low price. Its price ranges from $55 to $70 depending on various factors.

Schrade SCHF45 Leroy Fixed Blade Bowie Knife

If the look of the Bowie Knife is appealing to you, the Schrade SCHF45 Bowie Knife should get you excited. It’s a long knife, totaling 16.5 inches, with a 10.4 inch blade made from titanium coated high carbon stainless steel, making it a durable survival knife. The design includes a finger guard to prevent slipping and also features a full tang design and lanyard hole. Priced at just $45, it would be a solid knife in anyone’s bug out bag.

Ka-Bar USMC Full-Size Fixed Blade Knife

The Ka-Bar USMC Fixed Blade Knife is the most famous fixed blade knife in the world. The knife was originally designed to serve America’s troops during WWII, but is still extremely popular today. It has an oval-shaped leather handle, Cro-van steel blade, measures 11.875 inches in total length, and has a 7 inch straight edge blade. Unfortunately, it is not full tang, but still very durable. Its price tag is in the $70 range and includes a 100% leather sheath.

Essee 6P Survival Knife

The Essee 6P Survival Knife is a full tang, fixed blade knife that is made of black coated 1095 high carbon steel. Its blade is 6.5 inches long, with total length of 11.75 inches, and comes with a high quality protective polymer sheath. One great feature of the 6P is that it has a clip plate attachment and a lanyard hole in the handle so you can hang it around your neck. It boasts a razor sharp blade and comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you’re looking for a quality knife for hiking, camping, self-defense, hunting, fishing, and of course survival, this is a good choice.

The Essee 6P, priced at around $115, is a solid midrange survival knife for your bug out bag.

MTECH USA Fixed Blade Knife

The MTECH USA Fixed Blade Knife is what you would call a true budget knife, priced at only $17 or so. But whatever you do, don’t let MTECH’s small price fool you. The MTECH USA is a highly rated survival knife. It stands up well to the more expensive alternatives. Its biggest downside is that it’s made of stainless steel. However, on the upside, it’s still full tang and durable. It has a black stainless steel blade with a straight edge and wing walk inserts for a great grip, even in wet weather conditions. If you have an extremely limited budget, this is a great choice.

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade knife has a high carbon steel razor sharp blade. It has excellent strength, corrosion resistance, edge retention, balance, and durability. The 119 is 10.5 inches in total length with a 6-inch clip blade. It features a genuine high quality protective leather sheath with snap fastener with an integrated belt loop that allows you to carry the knife safely and securely on a belt. It has a reduced tang, but at just $55 it’s still a great survival knife.

Boker Magnum Collection 2019 Collector’s Survival Knife

Last, but certainly not least is the Boker Magnum Collection 2019, rightfully positioned on the higher end of the spectrum. This is a solid, full tang, high carbon steel knife, with a mirror polish finish, that runs almost $300. If you’re lucky, you can sometimes find one on sale for about $200. Its total length is just over 13 inches with a blade length of 8.5 inches, and comes with a high quality leather sheath. It comes in a bit heavier than some, at about 14 ounces, but that’s one of the reasons it’s so durable, able to withstand almost any survival situation. This is a collector’s item, strictly limited to 1,999 pieces worldwide. It even comes in a collector’s box with a certificate of authenticity.

Wrapping Things Up

Any survivalist knows that a strong, durable knife is an important part of any bug out bag. These eight survival knives are my own personal favorites covering all price points, but there are many others.

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