7 Best Survival Knives

3.375 inches

4.625 inches

Compact, striking and reliable, this is a sturdy OTF tool that’s priced right for enthusiasts. Showing off a black aluminum handle with a copper inlay, this knife is just asking to join your collection! Featuring a simple and efficient design, it is perfect for light-duty tasks. It’s designed with a snappy, well-thought-out mechanism — it has a sideloaded thumb-slide that opens and closes the blade with smooth precision (so be careful!). It also comes with a pocket clip for tip-down carry.

Though it may not look like it, the AKC F-16 is surprisingly sturdy; it’s actually inspired by the impressive F-16 jet of the same name. As expected, however, the handle will eventually ‘run down’, which shouldn’t really be that big of an issue; the handle does allow for a good grip though. With a very sharp blade, this knife feels solid in your hand and can handle many survival needs.

3.375 Inches

4.625 Inches

This is a stylish knife with a little unique addition — the US flag engraved on the back handle. Similarly to the OTF knife, it has an efficient firing mechanism triggered by a single red bullseye button. This knife is middle-of-the-range in terms of cost on this list.  In comparison to many knives in this vast market, this is priced competitively. Additionally, as a bonus, the manufacturers provide quick compensation for any damage or faulty pieces. It’s very easy to disassemble for repairs.

With an incredible blackwash finishing, anodized aluminum handle and sturdy blade, this knife definitely excels in the durability category (as well as all other aspects, honestly). The only thing to note is that if you’re not careful, the coating can rub off — so we don’t recommend using this knife for cooking.

3.39 Inches

4.64 Inches

Smith & Wesson not only manufactures quality firearms but also quality survivals tools. Coated with a sturdy stone-washed finish, you can rest assured that this blade is sharp enough for your basic needs; it is black, textured and grooved, and it’s backed by a G-10 Handle that provides ambidextrous thumb gripping.

This knife is definitely a bang for its buck. Armed with high carbon stainless steel and hefty varnish, this knife is not for kids, and not for messing around. The easy-maintenance tool features a nifty drop-point blade mechanism for portability. Like all others, the only maintenance you’d have to perform is occasionally grinding the knife (to maintain its sharpness).

3 Inches

4.875 Inches

The Double Agent is actually used by police officers and really drives home the “survival” aspects of the survival knife; often attached on LEOs’ duty belts, its prime purpose is for close-quarters combat and self-defense. The Cold Steel knife’s most notable attribute is the double ring handle design (which you can read more about below in “durability”). It features a stainless steel blade accompanied by a unique sheath. In regards to customization, these Double Agent neck knives can come in a Karambit or Clip Point blade style.

This knife really takes survival and safety into account, which are very important factors to consider when purchasing a tactical or survival knife.

This knife enforces its credibility by implementing ‘integral steel rings’ that are used for solid gripping. These rings are equally as scratch-resistant as the blade… so even if you’re a little clumsy, these rings fortify the safety of your fingers. They provide a useful mechanism that prevents the hand from sliding onto the blade’s unforgiving sharp edges (ouch!).

Unfortunately, one downside is that the handle is made of plastic, which ruins the overall aesthetic as well as strength. Some might also argue that the quality and utility of the knife are affected by its somewhat low price… but as the old adage goes: you get what you pay for.

5 Inches 

5.75 Inches

The Moorhaus knife is genuinely hand-crafted. For a reasonable price, you’ll get a D2 tool steel blade, lightweight handle and an original leather sheath to store your prized possession. The blade is etched with marvelous textures etched that resemble dragon scales. The handle has a nice worn look to it, radiating woodland and outdoor vibes.

It has a longer handle and blade than most others on this list, so this knife is slightly less portable.

This knife was tempered and finished to an HRC of 60-62, meaning that it is strong and can stand harsh temperatures relatively well. The durability of the Moorhaus is really enforced by its overall tough demeanor; it proves to be scratch-resistant and durable, which are two features that you should be looking for in the best survival knife.

18.46 Inches

3.46 Inches

Quite possibly the most hardcore blade ever made. This beast, that is actually named “Hardcore”, can take on any heavy-duty task your adventures require, whether that’s chopping, hammering, digging, cutting, climbing, defeating locks, or smashing windows.  This is the ultimate survival tool and you should consider adding a tomahawk to your lineup. The Tomahawk is the most expensive item on this list, but with good reason: A steel blade with a jet-black Teflon finish and G-10 Handle; a spike with a modified tanto point, aiding in massive penetration and destruction; and finally a pommel that has a chisel point specifically designed for prying things open in the wild.

The G-10 Handle (which is present in many knives) provides good grip and durability, minimizing the amount of ‘wear-and-tear’. If you take care of this blade, it will last you a lifetime (or two). Is it a knife? No — but it’s more durable than one, and this survival tomahawk may save your life one day.