Edited: 2024 Edition
In the world of outdoor exploration, camping, and emergency preparedness, a reliable and versatile survival knife is an essential tool. Whether you find yourself in a survival situation, need to build a shelter, or prepare food, a high-quality survival knife can be the difference between success and struggle. In this article, we will explore and evaluate the top 5 survival knives that have gained acclaim for their durability, functionality, and overall performance.
5. ESEE 6P
The ESEE 6P is a favorite among survival enthusiasts for its robust construction and exceptional cutting capabilities. Manufactured by ESEE Knives, a company renowned for its focus on durability, the ESEE 6P features a 6.5-inch, full-tang, high-carbon 1095 steel blade. This steel is known for its toughness and edge retention, making it an ideal choice for survival scenarios. The blade is coated with a protective layer to resist corrosion and reduce glare. The handle, made from durable canvas micarta, provides a comfortable and secure grip even in wet conditions. The ESEE 6P comes with a molded polymer sheath for easy carry and accessibility.
4. Gerber StrongArm
Gerber has long been a trusted name in the knife industry, and the StrongArm lives up to the company's reputation for producing reliable tools. The StrongArm boasts a 4.8-inch, full-tang, high-carbon stainless steel blade with a versatile combination edge. Its diamond-texture rubberized handle ensures a secure grip, and the pommel features a striking surface for various emergency situations. The modular sheath system allows for multiple carrying options, including horizontal and vertical orientations. Whether you're cutting, slicing, or piercing, the Gerber StrongArm is up to the task.
- 3. Benchmade Bushcrafter
For those who demand precision and craftsmanship, the Benchmade Bushcrafter stands out as an exceptional survival knife. The 4.4-inch blade is made from premium S30V stainless steel, known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The full-tang construction ensures durability, and the ergonomic handle, crafted from G10 material, provides a comfortable grip during extended use. The Bushcrafter's drop-point blade design excels at bushcraft tasks like carving and feathering. A leather sheath with a belt loop completes the package, making it a stylish and reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
- 2. SOG Seal Pup Elite
SOG has a strong reputation for producing knives that meet the demands of tactical and survival situations, and the Seal Pup Elite is no exception. This knife features a 4.85-inch, AUS-8 stainless steel blade with a partially serrated edge for versatile cutting options. The handle, made from glass-reinforced nylon, is designed for a comfortable and secure grip. The Seal Pup Elite's blade is coated with a hardcased black TiNi finish for added durability and corrosion resistance. The knife comes with a durable nylon sheath, making it easy to carry and access when needed.
1. Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion
The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion is a heavy-duty survival knife that has earned its place among the best. Designed by Ethan Becker in collaboration with Ka-Bar, this knife features a 5.25-inch, full-tang, 1095 Cro-Van steel blade. The drop-point shape and flat grind make it an excellent choice for a variety of tasks. The handle, constructed from Ultramid, provides a comfortable and ergonomic grip. The BK2 Campanion comes with a hard plastic sheath that securely holds the knife and is MOLLE compatible for versatile carry options.
Choosing the right survival knife is a crucial decision for anyone venturing into the outdoors or preparing for emergencies. The ESEE 6P, Gerber StrongArm, Benchmade Bushcrafter, SOG Seal Pup Elite, and Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion are all excellent choices, each with its unique features and strengths. Consider your specific needs, preferences, and the demands of your intended use to find the survival knife that best suits your requirements. Remember that proper maintenance and responsible use are key to ensuring that your survival knife remains a reliable companion in any situation.
A survival knife list without mentioning a Fallkniven or ESEE knife?
ReplyDeleteI agree David K. I have the Gerber LMF 2,the Cold Steel SRK and the Kabar and love them all,but if I could only choose two knives out of the ones I own to get me through a long term SHTF event I would take my Essee 3 and Essee 6.Awesome blades!
Deletecorrect observation ... Cold Steel SRK is a cheapo chinese copy of the awsome Fallkniven A1 anyway. What's with that silly black coating on the SRK? So the zombies won't find you? Want an honest, no frills yet durable blade ? Get a Fallkniven...
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteGreat resource.It will be helpful if you mention the prices.My choice is Gerber LMF II.This knife is for advanced users and not a toy.I have a review in my blog http://ultimatesurvivalknifeguide.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteGreat !! Knife manufacturers are adding more features to the handle. Some are hollowed out so you can store things like fishing lure and some have built in features like a compass.
ReplyDeleteBest fixed blade knife
My all time favorite is the KA-BAR 7″ Fighting/Utility Knife.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Mad Dog Knives? I have a Bearcat and it is amazing!
ReplyDeleteGerber Lmf II is my choice for survival purposes
ReplyDeletehttp://how-to-choose-the-best-survival-knife.blogspot.com/
Great reviews! I'm a fan of SOG Knives - particularly the SOG SEAL Team Elite
ReplyDeleteHow anyone can make a survival knife list without mentioning a esee, ,ontario, or tops is beyond me.
ReplyDeleteNice Blog!!! you have given nice information about of survival knives, thank you for share nice information. Best Camping Knife
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing with us great blog.
ReplyDeleteOTF Blades
why just why has no one actually mentioned the smith and wesson survival knives i would put that knife in front of all the other knives that are on this review. The knife is called a homeland security smith and wesson. The beauty about this knife is that it is good for two very important things. 1. you are able to smash people if you are in a fight. 2. it is a great survival knife.
ReplyDeleteExcellent article. Good information about the survival knives.
ReplyDeleteI like the Buck Paradigm knife. Very sharp looking knife not afraid to take out and show someone. amzn.to/1mLuIWf
ReplyDeleteDESIGN IS EVERYTHING: (KA-BAR is simply NOT a dependable knife when your life is on the line just as a 1911A1 cannot compare to the Glock .45 or any other caliber either).
ReplyDeleteRegarding the KA-BAR 7": WHATEVER KNIFE one purchases and WHATEVER KNIFE one carries, whether in the field hunting, in combat or out on the property, around saltwater, acids, alkalies, or all of the above, THAT KNIFE SHOULD REMAIN A "TOOL" in good serviceable condition, which does not fail them, EVEN & ESPECIALLY during EXTREME USE(.) Otherwise, WHY PURCHASE IT & have to now spend twice or more that same price again to buy one that does not break, etc.??
USE a KA-BAR for prying and it's all but over the first try. Same with chopping, even on bone, slipping, hitting a rock, etc., and it's all-she-wrote. Point Being: "IT'S THE ONLY TOOL YOU HAVE" when you're using it, which may be "Life Depending", which best not break, possibly causing personal injury, etc., when you need it most and thus the reason why, as has been stated, Combat Veterans don't rely upon them. They choose TOPS, COLD STEEL, etc..
WHEN YOU DRAW & PULL THE TRIGGER it has to go bang every time or else there's simply NO CONFIDENCE in carrying that weapon. Same with a knife. Your life &/or those around you may depend on it!!
PERSONALLY, I have a TOPS 7", Steel Eagle that I will not part with & which has been driven into pine, oak logs with a hammer and then banged back and forth with that same hammer and it NEVER BROKE. THE LOG DID!!
SAME WITH THE 1911, the first time it went click instead of bang at the range and the range master said it was due to my gun being dirty, etc., I later switched to Glock WHO HAS NO EXCUSES regardless of how many times I fire it,,, regardless of how many mud holes, water crossings, jumps or falls I make--IT FIRES each time,,, EVERY TIME.
SAME with STEEL EAGLE.
(PS: Solid Caps is not YELLING, it's stressing a point)
THAT KNIFE SHOULD REMAIN A "TOOL" in good serviceable condition -
DeleteSAME WITH THE 1911, the first time it went click instead of bang at the range and the range master said it was due to my gun being dirty -
ahem....
Great analysis and I do suggest Gerber LMF II for survival, which is the ever best survival knife from my own experience.
ReplyDeleteIf someone puts the Gerber LMF II in a "best survival knife" review it loses all credibility IMO, (I've seen so many videos of people breaking it in mere minutes doing just basic batoning) if you cant bash on a knife and and expect it to hold up, it doesn't inspire much faith in a tool that your life may depend on.
ReplyDeleteSo no Schrade SCHF9/10?
ReplyDeletereally you are right because these knive are the most popular kinve in the world and every knive user want to keep this types of knive.
ReplyDeletehunting knives
follow my opinion the great suvival knife has fix blade and you can choice with SOG brand. SOG brand have best pocket knife and tactcial knife for army in VN
ReplyDeleteNice article but way too many folders here. A good survival knife needs to be a fixed blade. Good carbon steel like 1095, full tang with a flat grind which is good for chopping and to baton wood. Doesn't have to be a huge knife, but I would go with a minimum of a six inch blade. Here are another Best Survival Knife from http://thetop16.com/2014/07/best-survival-knives/
ReplyDeleteIt's been good to see your blog when I always look for such type of blogs. It’s great to discover the post here.
ReplyDeleteThis Site
The debate on which are the best survival knives are both ongoing and ... campingcutleryset.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteInteresting conclusions. I personally would not include ANY of those knives in the top 5. To each his own.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I prefer Mora knives. They aren't as flashy but they get the job done. I've never had any issues with one and there's never been a task they couldn't handle. And they're like $15, so that's nice.
ReplyDeleteReally terrible!
ReplyDeleteIf you really desire to get such type of information, visit this blog quickly.
ReplyDeleteKnife Fellas
Your blog is really attention-grabbing for me; I will definitely bookmark your website. Thanks john
ReplyDeletecheap and survive knifes are the protection of man and women
ReplyDelete