A fixed blade knife is a fantastic multi-functional tool for extreme outdoor activities. If you are hunting, fishing, or blazing a trail through the jungle, a fixed blade is the ultimate outdoor survival companion.
The 10 Best Fixed Blade Knives
- Schrade SCHF9 Fixed Blade Knife
- Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife
- SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife
- ESEE 4HM Fixed Blade Knife
- Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
- Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife
- Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife (Our Top Pick)
- Fallkniven A1 Fixed Blade Knife
- Mossy Oak 14-inch Fixed Blade Knife
- Morakniv Companion 4.1-Inch Heavy Duty Knife
Our Top Pick for the Best Fixed Blade Knife
Our top pick for the best fixed blade knife is the Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife.
Built for military use, the Gerber LMF II is designed for heavy-duty bush crafting and survival tasks. Wherever you are navigating the wilderness, the dense jungle, or the mean urban streets, you will brave unknown terrain with confidence when you have this tough survival tool by your side.
Check the price on AmazonBe Prepared For Any Survival Cutting Task with a Tough Fixed Blade Knife
As opposed to a Swiss Army Knife or a Multi-Tool that has a foldable design, a fixed blade knife has its blade permanently fixed into position on its handle which makes it an extra tough tool. When you have a fixed blade knife in your camping or tactical gear, you will be prepared for all types of survival tasks:
- Piercing animal hide
- Carving or slicing up thick meat
- Descaling and gutting a fish
- Cutting through twine, thick rope or wire
- Batoning tree branches
- Feathering a piece of wood for fire-lighting
- A self-defense stabbing weapon
How to Choose the Best Fixed Blade Knife
To help you find the best type of fixed blade knife for your hunting, fishing, or tactical expedition, here are important features to consider.
Blade Types
There are four main types of fixed knife blades: clip, straight, drop, or a fine edge blade.
– Clip Point Blade
A clip point blade knife, like the Mossy Oak 14-inch Fixed Blade Knife, is a great knife for piercing through thick meat and skinning game. It gives you extra control with less drag during insertion and a faster withdrawal so it is especially useful in tight, confined places. The fine narrow tip also means that the blade can be quite fragile and susceptible to damage, so it may not be suited for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
– Straight-edge Blade
A straight-edged blade, like the SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife, is a great all-purpose knife. The blade has a straight top edge and the bottom part of the blade curves upwards toward its point. You can use the straight edge to apply pressure on the top to get a better purchase on the knife as you cut through thick rope, kindling, or thick meat.
– Drop Point Blade
Drop-point knives, like the Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife, or the Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife, have a weighted pointed tip that is thicker and stronger than the clip-point blade. It has plenty of edge for slicing and cutting meat and batoning wood, but it may not have a sharp enough edge for piercing thick animal hide.
– Fine Edge Blade
A fine edge blade, like the Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife, glides easily through thick meat and is especially useful for more delicate tasks like filleting a fish. However, its fine edge can chip on extra hard surfaces.
– Blade Grind
A hollow grind and a flat grind produce an extremely sharp edge but you may have to sharpen the blade more often. The saber grind has a long-lasting edge and is suited for bushcrafting, field-dressing game, and splitting wood but may not have a very good cutting ability. The classic Scandi grind is a favorite with many knife enthusiasts as it is multifunctional and very easy to resharpen.
Read this article to learn more about blade grind profiles.
Construction
Blades are made from stainless steel, high carbon steel, or specialized steel like Cro-Van Steel. Stainless steel is strong, durable, and has high corrosion resistance. High carbon steel is the king of steel and it is well known for its extra hardness and durability but the blade can rust easily if it is not maintained in wet conditions.
Full Tang Design
A full tang design is very popular with many knife experts. When the blade’s tang extends into the handle, it gives the knife better stability and strength.
Handle
Polished wood looks super stylish and feels smooth but it can get slippery in wet conditions. Thermoplastic is lightweight and easier to grip but it can feel a little flimsy in your hand. Glass-reinforced nylon or Kraton, a semi-rubbery high-density polymer, is highly durable and its textured surface gives you a good firm grip but some people may not like the scaled-textured style of handle.
Bolster
A handguard or bolster prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade and getting a nasty cut.
Carrying Sheath
A carrying sheath allows you to keep your hunting knife ready for action on your belt or strapped to your leg. The sheath may have a drainage hole, an integrated sharpener. An accessory pouch like the Schrade SCHF9 Fixed Blade Knife, or a MOLLE backing.
Lanyard Hole
Having a lanyard hole in the handle is another great feature. You can use it to attach the knife to your tactical backpack or lash the knife to a sturdy tree branch to make a fishing spear.
10 Best Fixed Blade Knives – Reviews
1. Schrade SCHF9 Fixed Blade Knife
Whether you are hiking, camping, hunting, or fishing, the Schrade SCHF9 Fixed Blade Knife is a professional-style bushcrafting tool for hardcore outdoor survivalists.
The 6.4-inch, ¼-inch thick 1095 high carbon stainless steel blade is strong and sturdy and its hollow grind gives it an extremely sharp edge. The knife can be used for batoning wood, chopping, and slicing up meat and it is very effective as a self-protection tactical-style weapon.
For easy gripping in wet or dry conditions, the full-tang 15.7-ounce knife is well-balanced and the black ring textured TPE handle fits comfortably in your hand. You can wield the knife with confidence knowing that it will not slip out of your hand as the front quillon, thumb jimping, and finger choil allow for extra safety.
The ballistic belt sheath has a removable pouch for convenient storage of the knife and other types of small tools. You can attach the knife to your backpack with the lanyard hole or lash the knife to a branch to make a spear.
Schrade offers a limited lifetime warranty on its sensational fixed blade knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Strong and durable high carbon stainless steel
- Extremely sharp edge
- Heavy-duty design
- Well balanced
- Black, ring textured TPE handle
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Front quillon, thumb jimping, and finger choil
- Full tang design
- Lanyard hole
- Solid ballistic belt sheath has a removable storage pouch
Cons
- No drainage holes on the sheath
- Sheath does not have a snug fit
- Finger choils can be uncomfortable after long-term use
2. Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife
The Ka-Bar BK-22 Becker Companion Fixed Blade Knife is a great survival tool for any outdoor enthusiast.
Made in the US, the Ka-Bar BK-22 has a heavy-duty design which makes it the perfect knife for splintering firewood, skinning game, chopping food, and cutting fence wire.
The 5.25-inch straight-edged, drop-point 1095 Cro-Van steel blade has a great ¼-inch thickness and its flat grind makes the blade incredibly sharp with excellent edge retention.
The full tang glass-reinforced nylon handle is strong and durable and comfortable to use. You can customize the handle by replacing the scales. For even more versatility, the knife has an extended pommel that is strong enough to shatter glass or pound in tent pegs.
Ka-Bar has redesigned its heavy-duty ambidextrous polyester sheath. It has a blade insert sleeve, a front cargo pocket with a Velcro closure, handle retaining straps, riveted leg lashing holes, and a drainage hole. You can also secure the fixed blade knife to your backpack with the lanyard hole.
Kar-Bar offer a limited lifetime warranty on its outstanding fixed blade knife
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Made in the US
- Sturdy and strong 1095 Cro-Van steel
- Thick blade
- Black epoxy coating
- Full tang design
- Very good edge retention
- Razor-sharp blade
- Well balanced
- Ideal for tough tasks
- Comfortable glass reinforced nylon handle
- Heavy-duty ambidextrous front pouch sheath with Velcro closure
- Blade insert sleeve
- Handle retaining straps
- Riveted leg lashing holes
- Replaceable handle
- Extended pommel
- Sheath drainage hole
- Lanyon hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Handle can get slippery when wet
- Too bulky for small hands
- Not ideal for intricate work
3. SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife
Featuring a sharp straight/partially serrated blade and a rugged design, the SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife is ideal for tactical urban applications.
This Bowie-style knife has a 4.9-inch straight/partially serrated stainless steel blade that has been heat-treated for extra strength and the black titanium nitride coating protects against corrosion. Its partially serrated edge allows for quick cuts and the sharp clip point tip can pierce tough material.
Whatever type of outdoor scenario you need to work in, the knife has a full tang, well-balanced design, and the ergonomic high-impact glass-reinforced nylon handle has stainless steel banding, which makes it very strong, lightweight, and comfortable to use.
The tactical knife also comes with a deluxe black hard-molded nylon sheath that includes a built-in cord cutter, and a ferrochromium fire starter and sharpener. You can either keep the tactical knife in the sheath or can use the lanyard hole and attach the knife to your backpack.
The knife is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High quality
- Ideal for tactical urban applications
- Partially serrated blade allows for quick cuts
- Sharp blade tip
- Rugged Bowie knife design
- Black coating stops corrosion
- Glass reinforced nylon handle has stainless steel banding
- Full tang
- Well-balanced
- Ergonomic, lightweight, and comfortable to use
- Deluxe black hard-molded nylon sheath
- Sheath has a built-in cord cutter, and a ferrochromium fire starter and sharpener
- Lanyard hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Blade is a bit thin for heavy-duty cutting
- Plastic parts can bend easily
4. ESEE 4HM Fixed Blade Knife
Sturdy, sharp, and extremely lightweight at 7.76-ounces, the ESEE 4HM Fixed Blade Knife is an excellent everyday-carry survival knife for backpacker explorers.
Made in the US, this fixed blade knife has a 4.375-inch plain edge/drop point blade that is made from 1095 carbon steel, so as well as being incredibly hard, it has long-lasting sharpness and very good edge retention. Although the steel blade has a non-reflective black powder coating to stop corrosion, you must maintain it properly to prevent rusting.
The knife is well-balanced and the rugged canvas Micarta handle has an anti-slip easy-gripping scaled texture that is comfortable to hold. To keep your knife safe, the sturdy black Kydex sheath has a removable belt clip plate that can be set up by right or left-handed users, and the sheath is also available in brown leather.
You can also use the lanyard hole to attach the knife to your backpack.
ESEE offers a lifetime warranty on this excellent fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Incredibly hard 1095 carbon steel
- Non-reflective powder-coating to stop corrosion
- Long lasting sharpness
- Very good edge retention
- Well balanced
- Rugged easy gripping anti-slip canvas Micarta handle
- Sturdy black Kydex sheath has a removable belt clip plate that can be set up by right or left-handed users
- Sheath is also available in brown leather
- Lanyard hole
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Pricey
- Blade can rust if it is not properly maintained
- Sheath rides a bit high on a belt
5. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife is the perfect tool for outdoor activities, survival, and even tactical applications.
Built tough for rough conditions, the drop-point 4.40-inch, 0.164-inch thick drop-point blade is made from extremely strong CPM-S30V 58-60 HRC stainless steel. It has superb edge retention qualities and superior rust resistance.
The knife has a well-balanced full-tang design and the G10 handle is durable, impervious to moisture, and stable under extreme outdoor conditions.
Highly versatile, you can use the Bushcrafter to prepare food, baton wood, create a feather stick to make a fire, or even use it to cut explosives.
The durable full-grain leather sheath has a reversible belt loop and D-ring for ultimate accessibility. You can use the lanyard hole to attach the knife to your backpack or lash the knife to a tree branch to catch a fish for dinner.
You can choose from 2 handle colors: green & red; or sand.
Benchmade offers a limited lifetime warranty on its amazing fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Ideal for outdoor activities, survival use, and tactical applications
- Strong and sharp stainless steel
- Extremely strong
- Well-balanced
- Superb edge retention
- Superior rust resistance
- Long-lasting durability
- Full tang design
- Easy to clean
- Durable full grain leather sheath has a reversible belt loop and D-ring
- Lanyard hole
- Two colors
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- G10 handle does not have enough texture to it
6. Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife
Wherever your outdoor adventures take you, the Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife is an amazing multi-tasking tool for harsh wilderness conditions.
Designed for precision cutting and slicing, the 7.75-inch fixed blade knife is a great tool for survival. The 3.25-inch fine edge/drop-point blade is made of stainless steel with a black powder coating, so it is strong, razor-sharp, highly corrosion-resistant, and has very good edge retention.
Even though it has a slim, compact, lightweight design, the Gerber Bear Grylls knife has a full-tang construction and it feels solid and well-balanced in the hand.
You can be prepared just like Bear Grylls for any emergency that comes your way. You can use the knife for cutting meat, descaling a fish, or feathering a stick for firewood. The high-visibility bright orange nylon 60-inch paracord wraps around the sturdy open-frame handle for storage and the paracord can be used for a variety of survival tasks.
The slim Kydex-like reversible sheath offers you plenty of carrying versatility as it can hold the knife up, down, or horizontally, and the sheath also has a removable belt loop. Exploring the great outdoors comes with its challenges, but you will be well prepared to face the unexpected as this fixed blade knife also comes with The Bear Grylls “Priorities of Survival” Pocket Guide which fits securely in the sheath for quick and easy access.
Gerber Gear offers a lifetime warranty on its fantastic survival fixed blade knife.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Designed for precision cutting and slicing
- Can be used for survival purposes such as feathering a stick for firewood
- Premium stainless steel blade
- Corrosion-resistant black coating
- Solid and well-balanced
- Full tang construction
- Razor-sharp
- Very good edge retention
- Compact
- Lightweight
- High visibility bright orange paracord
- Versatile 60-inch paracord wraps around the sturdy open-frame handle
- Slim Kydex-like reversible sheath has a removable belt loop
- Bear Grylls “Priorities of Survival” pocket guide
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sheath is a bit too big for the knife
- Not ideal for heavy-duty chopping tasks
- Black powder coating can get scratched easily
7. Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife
Whether you are engaging in tactical operations or exploring the wilderness, the Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife is a must-have bushcraft/survival knife.
The military-style knife has a 5-inch partially serrated drop-point blade that is made from super strong 420 high-carbon stainless steel, which creates a razor-sharp blade with excellent edge retention. Cutting firewood, building a shelter, chopping meat, or cutting through a seat belt are among some of its many extreme survival talents.
Gerber has specially created the LMF II with a purposeful break between the tang and the butt cap. This ground-breaking design provides insulated protection against stray wires and absorbs any shock from hammering tasks.
The nylon over-mold Coyote Brown handle limits any blistering and is comfortable to use. The smartly situated grooves and lashing holes allow you to convert the LMF II into a spear.
The low-profile sheath has a fire-retardant coating and it facilitates movement, limits noise, works for parachuting, and can be attached to a belt or MOLLE vest. Your knife will maintain its razor-sharp edge in the field as the sheath has an integrated sharpener. You can also choose a fixed blade knife that has a black-coated blade and a black handle.
Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty on its sensational fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Made in the US
- Strong and durable high-carbon stainless steel
- Incredibly razor-sharp blade
- Great edge retention
- Solid construction
- Multifunctional
- Purposeful break between the tang and the butt cap provides insulation protection and absorbs shock
- Comfortable nylon overmold Coyote Brown handle limits any blistering
- Ballistic low-profile nylon sheath has a fire retardant coating
- Integrated sharpener
- Sheath can facilitate movement, limits noise, and works for parachuting
- Can be attached to a belt or MOLLE vest
- Available with a black coated blade and a black handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Heavy
- Not full tang
8. Fallkniven A1 Fixed Blade Knife
The world-class Fallkniven A1 Fixed Blade Knife is an all-purpose survival knife.
Made in Sweden, this incredibly powerful knife features an extremely hard fine-edged laminated VG10 6.3-inch steel blade, which delivers a superb chopping, batoning, and cutting performance. As well as being razor-sharp, the convex grind ensures long-lasting edge retention.
With a full-tang design, the handle is virtually unbreakable and highly resistant to water and extreme cold and heat conditions.
The knife is well balanced and the ergonomic Kraton handle is comfortable to hold. The handle has an exposed bolster that can be used to hammer in a tent pole or break through glass.
The sturdy black unidirectional Zytel (polymer) sheath can be attached to your belt. You can use the lanyard hole to attach the knife to your backpack or lash the knife to a tree branch and use it as a spear.
Fallkniven offers a 10-year warranty on its amazing fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Well-balanced
- Full-tang design
- Extremely tough and hard laminated VG10 steel blade
- Long-lasting razor sharpness
- Very good edge retention
- Virtually unbreakable
- Ideal for heavy-duty bushcrafting tasks
- Ergonomic Kraton handle
- Highly resistant to water, heat, and cold
- Exposed bolster
- Sturdy unidirectional Zytel (polymer) sheath
- Lanyard hole
- Leather sheath is available
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Handle may not be thick enough for some people
- Blade can chip on extra hard surfaces
9. Mossy Oak 14-inch Fixed Blade Knife
Stylish but functional, the Mossy Oak 14-inch Fixed Blade Knife is a great choice for the avid outdoor adventurer.
This well-made rock-solid knife has a thick 8½-inch stainless steel clip point blade which is razor-sharp, durable, and has excellent corrosion resistance and good edge retention. Plus, the blade is very easy to sharpen with a whetstone.
It is perfect for piercing through animal hide and meat, performing detailed cutting tasks, creating kindling, and is especially useful for working in tight spots.
The beautiful rosewood handle has ergonomic finger grooves that feel comfortable in your hand and the brass pommel/guard adds extra balance and a special touch of elegance.
The genuine brown leather sheath has a snap fastener and an integrated belt loop for easy everyday carry.
Mossy Oak offers a lifetime warranty on its fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Excellent quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Stylish
- Functional
- Rock-solid design
- Thick stainless steel blade is razor sharp and durable
- Excellent corrosion resistance
- Long-lasting edge retention
- Easy to sharpen
- Beautiful rosewood handle has ergonomic finger grooves
- Elegant brass pommel/guard provides a non-slip grip
- Well-balanced
- Genuine brown leather sheath has a snap fastener and an integrated belt loop
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for chopping and batoning
- Can lose its edge easily
10. Morakniv Companion 4.1-Inch Heavy Duty Knife
Made in Sweden, the Morakniv Companion 4.1-Inch Heavy Duty Knife offers you a great cutting performance for tough bushcrafting activities.
With a razor-sharp 0.125-inch thick high carbon steel blade, the fixed blade knife is robust enough to tackle tough batoning tasks, creating a feather stick or making a spear. It has good long-lasting edge retention and the classic Sandi grind is very easy to re-sharpen.
The extra-large black and orange ergonomic handle is comfortable to hold and the patterned, high-friction grip performs well in wet and cold conditions.
The bright orange hard plastic sheath keeps your trusty knife safe and secure and it has a belt clip and a drain hole.
The knife also comes in military green. Morakniv offers a limited lifetime warranty on their excellent fixed blade knife.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Great value for money
- Fantastic price
- Multifunctional
- Ideal for most bushcrafting activities
- Robust design
- Solid, thick and razor-sharp blade
- Long-lasting edge retention
- Easy to resharpen
- Comfortable extra-large high-friction ergonomic handle
- Hard plastic sheath has a belt clip and drain hole
- Available in bright orange or military green
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Blade can rust if it is not maintained properly
- Not full tang
- Knife can fall out easily from the sheath
Our Top Pick for the Best Fixed Blade Knife
Our top pick for the best fixed blade knife is the Gerber LMF II Infantry Fixed Blade Knife.
Built for military use, the Gerber LMF II is designed for heavy-duty bush crafting and survival tasks. Wherever you are navigating the wilderness, the dense jungle, or the mean urban streets, you will brave unknown terrain with confidence when you have this tough survival tool by your side.
Check the price on Amazon
