Choosing the perfect survival knife may seem like a challenging and even daunting process and this is especially true if you are unsure of what you should be looking for when considering which knife to purchase. Choosing the perfect survival knife is a personal decision that is based on your own individual preferences and use.
While many may think of survival knives only being useful for extreme survival situations, there is more of a place for them in the real world than you may realize. Even if you do not have to use them in a survival scenario, survival knives, hunting knives, and even the tactical knife or pocket knife are also ideal for other tasks like slicing and chopping whether you are on a fishing or hunting trip, camping, or hiking.
The survival knife should have a sharp knife blade and is one of the most important pieces of gear you include in your pack before any trip outdoors.
Features of a Fixed Blade Survival Knife
A fixed blade survival knife is designed to handle over a dozen different tasks and is also designed to withstand a variety of different conditions and handle tough jobs. Fixed blade knives offer improved strength and durability over folding knives and are easier to maintain because there are no moving parts. The lack of moving parts also makes them much easier to sharpen than a folding knife.
A fixed blade survival knife also has proven to be more durable and versatile than other knives. A folding knife is best suited for EDC or everyday carry, and they tend to be smaller and more lightweight. A fixed blade knife, on the other hand, can tackle a larger and more serious job more effectively and you will not have to be concerned with weakness or breakage.
Folding knives like the pocket knife with their moving parts and joints tend to break down quickly and show signs of wear and tear. A carbon steel or similar fixed blade knife with full tang is best because this means that the blade and the handle are constructed from just one piece of metal. A full tang knife is very functional and stable and you can even wrap the handle with paracord or other cordage to provide a more comfortable grip.
Benefits of a Fixed Blade Survival Knife
Along with the previously stated benefit of strength and durability, a fixed blade survival knife is also easier and faster to employ if you are faced with an emergency situation. You will not have to fumble around with the knife and try to open it, instead, you pull it out of its sheath, and you are ready to go.
Fixed blade survival knives also offer more superior tactical use and can be used for more tasks including cutting, digging, splitting, hunting, prying and hammering. The fixed blade knife may not be suitable in all situations, but they are ideal for any outdoorsmen, hunter, or others who are serious about being outdoors.
The following are just a few examples of the different types of fixed blade survival knives that are available, so you can get a better idea of what is offered so that you can make a comparison:
1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade
The Morakniv Fixed Blade Knife is an extremely versatile survival knife that is constructed of stainless steel and has a handle with a high-friction non-slip grip to offer security and control. It has superior edge retention which improves its overall performance and is even corrosion resistant. The blade is able to stay sharper for much longer and is less prone to rust. The sheath is also included for another level of protection and helps keep the knife secure when it is not in use.
Uses: It can be used to carve fresh tinder, cut wood, prepare food, and carve.
Overall Length: 8.75 inches
Blade Length: 4.1 inches
Weight: 4.1 ounces
2. Buck Knives Fixed Blade Survival Knife with Fire Striker and Sheath
The Buck Fixed Blade Survival Knife features a razor sharp, drop point blade with full tang construction that has excellent edge retention and is also corrosion resistant. The handle design and materials allow for a more secure and safe grip on the knife, and the steel bolster can be used as a hammer outdoors if needed. It is designed for convenient carrying and includes a sheath that includes a fire striker and an integrated whistle for any emergency situation. The sheath can be used to carry it either vertically or horizontally.
Uses: Start a fire by creating sparks, signal for help, precision cutting and slicing, hammering.
Overall Length: 9½ inches
Blade Length: 4 and 5/8 inches
Weight: 7.6 ounces
3. Sheffield Rogue 10-inch Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
The Sheffield Rogue Knife is a bit larger than the previously discussed survival knives and offers more in the way of versatility while outdoors. It has a 10-inch stainless steel blade and a long ergonomic TPR handle for a more secure and comfortable grip. The blade is a partially serrated tanto point tactical blade and it also includes a sharpener, fire starter, and sheath. It is made for strength and durability when outdoors and gets tasks done whether they or light or heavier tasks.
Uses: Ideal for camping, survival training, and hunting, and allows for a sawing motion with the partially serrated blade.
Overall Length: 15 inches
Blade Length: 10 inches
Weight: Not Specified
4. Snake Eye Tactical Survival Rambo Fixed Blade Knife
This Tactical Survival Fixed Blade Knife has a blade thickness of 3.5 mm and is made from stainless steel. It also features a black finish clip point blade with saw back and a 5.5-inch nylon fiber handle. This knife was designed for both precision and control and includes a sheath for added protection while outdoors.
Uses: Ideal for tasks while hunting, camping, and fishing.
Overall Length: 12.5 inches
Blade Length: 7 inches
Weight: Under 8 ounces
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there are a variety of different fixed blade survival knives available for general and all-purpose use as well as emergency use. With an abundance of different features, each knife boasts of their own and are all durable, strong, and versatile. A must when it comes to any avid outdoorsmen’s survival pack.
