Survival Knives – Our Review of the Top Six Knives

What are the Different Types of Survival Knives?

Choosing the best survival knife is not easy. There is such a wide selection of different types of survival knives that it is hard to know where to start.

The main choice is between a knife with a fixed blade or one with a switchblade or retracting type. Most people would advise that a durable fixed blade knife is the best choice for your bug out bag. The other types tend to be less durable and so not as good for the wide variety of tasks for which your knife will be used.

The knife you choose should also have a full tang. This is the length of steel that extends into the handle. Full tang knives are what you need in a survival situation because they are stronger and more reliable.

The other choice is between the type of steel, full carbon or stainless steel. Each has its advantages. Stainless steel may last longer because it is less subject to corrosion. On the other hand full carbon steel is stronger than stainless steel which could break at a crucial moment – not ideal in an emergency.

So for most survival situations a full carbon steel blade is the best, but the choice is up to you.

Ka-bar Becker BK-22 Fixed Blade Knife

The Ka-Bar Becker BK-22 is a carbon steel fixed blade knife. The blade has a black coating to aid cleaning and corrosion resistance. The 10 inch long knife has a full tang which extends through the handle so it can be used as an improvised hammer.

The knife comes with a nylon sheath including a belt loop.
The KA-BAR BK22 is a knife that is easy to sharpen and pretty much impossible to break making it a good budget option at around $70.

Essee 6P Survival Knives

The ESEE Model 6 is a solid survival knife with a carbon steel blade. The knife is just under 12 inches long with the blade measuring six and a half inches. Like the KAR-Bar survival knives the tang protrudes through the end of the handle and has a hole to attach a lanyard. The blade is powder coated to protect it from rusting.

With its Micarta handle and a price tag of $115 the Essee 6P is great midrange option for your survival kit.

Gerber Strong Arm

The Gerber Strong Arm is a full tang knife with a 420 HC steel blade. The blade has a black ceramic coating which prevents reflections and rust. The handle is made from FRN: glass reinforced nylon so is light-weight and very strong. The knife also comes in coyote brown and is excellent value at around $60.

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade

Buck Survival Knives feature a 420 HC 6 inch steel blade. The black phenolic handle and aluminum pommel/guard provide a perfect combination of beauty and balance. A leather sheath is included with this knife which also has a lifetime guarantee. At just $45 this is one of the cheaper options.

MTECH USA Fixed Blade Survival Knives

The MTech USA Fixed Blade Hunting Knife has a black stainless steel blade with a straight edge. The ABS handle features wing walk inserts which provide a superior grip in even the wettest of conditions. The handle also has a glass breaker on the end so although the blade is stainless steel rather than carbon it is highly durable. At only $13 this is the survival knives bargain basement option.

Broker Magnum Collection 2019

The Broker Magnum Collection 2019 Knife is a top of the range model that is possibly more aimed at collectors rather than for regular use. That being said it certainly is a stunning piece of kit with a price to match. The eight and a half inch blade is made of 440C stainless steel with a beautiful high polish finish. This is a knife that you would be proud to own.

Wrap Up

Everyone would agree that your bug out bag should contain a strong knife. This has been a review of a selection of survival knives that would be suitable for use in a survival situation.