Looking for the best fixed blade knives? Check out this review first before you go shopping and get your money's worth!
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Best Fixed Blade Knives Review: A Survivalist's Guide
How to Select the Best Fixed-Blade Knives to Carry
Finding the best, fixed blade knives to carry is a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. For one thing, most survival knives (the good ones, anyway) aren't exactly cheap.
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:
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- 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
1. The Hoffman-Richter Wolf
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
Still, don't believe me? Check out this video:
RELATED: All You Need to Know About Pocket Knives For Everyday Survival
2. Browning Ignite – RRP $33.27
SPECS:
| Blade Length | 4″ | Overall Length | 8 1/2″ |
| Blade Width | 1 1/8″ | Weight (Knife Only) | 5.2 oz |
| Blade Steel | 7Cr | Grip Material | Polymer, with rubber insert |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Guard Type | Half, Molded into the tang |
| Blade Grind | Hollow | False Edge | Yes |
| Blade Thickness | 0.15″ | Spine “Jimping” | Jimped Thumb Ramp |
| Choil | Yes | Lanyard Hole | Yes |
| Made in | China |
BEST FOR:
- Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood
- Firemaking
- Chopping food
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.
Check out the full review and form an opinion for yourself.
3. Benchmade HK Feint – RRP $75.23
SPECS:
| 9.5″ | Overall Length | 14.5″ | |
| Blade Width | 1 3/8″ | Weight (Knife Only) | 11.2 oz |
| Blade Steel | 440C | Grip Material | Santoprene |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Guard Type | Half, Molded into the grip |
| Blade Grind | Saber | False Edge | No |
| Blade Thickness | 3/16″ | Spine “Jimping” | No |
| Choil | Yes | Lanyard Hole | Yes |
| Made in | USA |
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.
6. Kabar BK&T Machax – RRP $93.57
SPECS:
| Blade Length | 9 3/8″ | Overall Length | 14 5/8″ |
| Blade Width | 2″ | Weight (Knife Only) | 15.7 oz |
| Blade Steel | 1095 Cro-Van | Grip Material | Zytel |
| Blade Shape | Kukri | Guard Type | Half, Molded into the grip |
| Blade Grind | Saber | False Edge | Yes |
| Blade Thickness | 0.188″ | Spine “Jimping” | No |
| Choil | No | Lanyard Hole | Yes |
| Made in | USA |
BEST FOR:
- Building shelter
- Cutting cord
- Trimming/sharpening/smoothing wood
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.
7. Ontario RTAK-II – RRP $200
SPECS:
| Blade Length | 10.5″ | Overall Length | 17″ | |
| Blade Width | 2″ | Weight (Knife Only) | 22.6 oz | |
| Blade Steel | 5160 | Grip Material | Micarta | |
| Blade Shape | Drop Point | Guard Type | Half, Molded into the tang and grip | |
| Blade Grind | Flat | False Edge | No | |
| Blade Thickness | 0.2″ | Spine “Jimping” | No | |
| Choil | Sort of | Lanyard Hole | Yes | |
| Made in | USA |
BEST FOR:
- Firemaking
- Shelter construction
- Batoning
The Ontario RTAK-II is a solid, affordable choice for a field knife, and it's especially good for chopping wood and firemaking.
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.
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!
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 28, 2016, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
Great list. I carry the Ontario RAT but will be buying The Hoffman Richter Wolf based on that video!
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.
E.s.e.e. -6 is probably the best utilitarian knife out there
I think ESEE 5 is the best suvival knife.
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.
I own several Hoffman-Richter knives. The Wolf and Reaper fixed blades among them. These are very well made knives. Thick backs so I’m not worried about damaging them if battoning wood or using them for chopping. They arrived nice and sharp and have retained their edges. All their knives are easy to sharpen. They are all hefty knives so if you don’t like a heavy knife in your pocket these may not be for you. I enjoy the heaviness of the knives being a bigger guy with large hands. I have only had one issue with one of my knives from them. A screw on one side of the blade came loose and fell out. After replacing and making sure it was tight I just occasionally check to make sure it’s staying tight. Which is a good idea on any knife.