Looking for the best survival knives to rely on outdoors? I’ve tested and selected 10 strong, dependable blades that have proven their worth in real adventures.
A good survival knife can make the difference between struggle and success. It can cut, carve, and protect. It can be your most trusted tool outdoors.
I once relied on a full-tang blade during a long trek in the hills. It helped me build shelter and prepare food with ease.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best survival knives you can count on. Each one is tested for strength, grip, and durability. You’ll know exactly which knife is right for you.
List of Top 10 Survival Knives
| Image | Title | Best For | Price |
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Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife |
Perfect for outdoor lovers, adventurers, and anyone who needs a strong, reliable tool for everyday carry. Built for those who value speed, safety, and durability in one compact design. |
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Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 4.7in Dual Edge Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC |
Perfect for outdoor lovers, tactical users, and anyone who needs a reliable everyday carry. Built for those who value strength, safety, and speed when it matters most. |
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SOG Survival Knife with Sheath – Field Knife Fixed Blade Knives 4 Inch Tactical Knife and Bushcraft Knife w/Full Tang Hunting Knife Blade (FK1001-CP) |
Perfect for campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, sharp, and lightweight knife they can trust. Built to handle tough jobs in any weather. |
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Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade |
Perfect for campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, reliable, and versatile knife. Built for those who want one tool that can handle cutting, fire starting, and sharpening anywhere. |
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COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7″ SK-5 Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75″ Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath |
Perfect for military professionals, SWAT teams, and anyone who needs a tough, razor-sharp knife they can trust in the most demanding situations. Built for those who value strength, control, and reliability above all else. |
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SHARPAL 101N 6-in-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool – Diamond Sharpening Rod, Fire Starter Ferro Rod, Whistle – Sharpens Straight & Serrated Blades, Repairs & Hones Knives |
This tool is perfect for campers, hunters, hikers, and anyone who spends time outdoors. It’s also great for home cooks who want their kitchen knives sharp and ready. |
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Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Knife 5″ Sawback Blade with False Top Edge and Blood Grooves, Natural Leather Handle and Sheath – 6150 (Color May Vary),Black |
Perfect for adventurers, campers, and outdoor survivalists who need a tough, reliable blade they can trust anywhere. Built for extreme conditions and made to last a lifetime. |
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Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Keychain Knife with 1.75in Modified Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black |
Perfect for outdoor lovers, tactical users, and anyone who wants a strong, compact tool they can trust every day. Small in size but big on performance, it’s ready when you need it most. |
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COLD STEEL Leatherneck SF 6-3/4″ German D2 Steel w/Black Powdercoat Clip Point Fixed Blade Outdoor Camping Hunting Utility Knife | 5″ Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath |
Perfect for hunters, campers, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, safe, and reliable knife. Built for those who demand power and precision in every cut. |
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SZCO 14” Black Steel Sawback Knife with Compass, Outdoor Machete with Stainless Steel Blade, Leather Sheath, and Survival Gear for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, and Bushcraft |
Perfect for campers, hikers, hunters, and anyone who loves bushcraft. This knife is for those who want strength, precision, and survival tools all in one. |
Detailed Reviews
We picked the top 10 survival knives using expert reviews and real buyer feedback. Each knife is tested for strength, comfort, and value. You will get clear details to help you choose the right knife for your needs. Read on to find the one that’s perfect for you.
1. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife
The Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife is built for action. It is lightweight and easy to carry. It is strong enough for everyday use.
The stainless steel blade is sharp and durable. The liner lock keeps it safe in your hand.
It has a pocket clip for quick reach. The serrations and jimping give you more control.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for outdoor lovers, adventurers, and anyone who needs a strong, reliable tool for everyday carry. Built for those who value speed, safety, and durability in one compact design.
Ready to Purchase?
2. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 4.7in Dual Edge Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC
The Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B is built for strength. It has a 9-inch length with a 4.7-inch dual-edge blade. It weighs just 7.7 ounces for easy carry.
Made from high carbon stainless steel, the blade stays sharp and strong. The rubber-wrapped handle gives a safe, firm grip.
Carry it with the belt or boot sheath for quick access. The hand guard adds extra safety. The lanyard hole makes it ready for any situation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
Perfect for outdoor lovers, tactical users, and anyone who needs a reliable everyday carry. Built for those who value strength, safety, and speed when it matters most.
Ready to Purchase?
3. SOG Survival Knife with Sheath – Field Knife Fixed Blade Knives 4 Inch Tactical Knife and Bushcraft Knife w/Full Tang Hunting Knife Blade (FK1001-CP)
The SOG Survival Knife is built for strength and reliability. Its 4-inch stainless steel blade and full-tang design make it a trusted tool for the outdoors.
It is lightweight. It has a grippy TPR handle. It comes with a notched sheath for safe, easy carry.
This knife is made to resist rust and keep a sharp edge. Take care of it, and it will serve you for years.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, sharp, and lightweight knife they can trust. Built to handle tough jobs in any weather.
Ready to Purchase?
4. Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade
The Morakniv Garberg is built for strength and reliability. Its full tang carbon steel blade is tough enough for the hardest outdoor tasks.
With a Scandi grind edge and 90º spine, it works perfectly with the included fire starter. The diamond sharpener keeps your blade ready at all times.
It cuts clean. It sparks fire. It lasts.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for campers, hunters, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, reliable, and versatile knife. Built for those who want one tool that can handle cutting, fire starting, and sharpening anywhere.
Ready to Purchase?
5. COLD STEEL Recon Tanto 7″ SK-5 Razor-Sharp Blade 4.75″ Kray-Ex Handle Military Tactical Fixed Blade Knife w/Secure-Ex Sheath
The COLD STEEL Recon Tanto is built for strength and precision. It’s trusted by military and SWAT teams around the world.
The SK-5 steel blade is razor-sharp. It cuts fast and stays sharp. It’s made to handle the toughest jobs.
The Kray-Ex handle gives a strong, sure grip. The Secure-Ex sheath keeps it safe and ready. This knife is built to perform when it matters most.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Perfect For:
Perfect for military professionals, SWAT teams, and anyone who needs a tough, razor-sharp knife they can trust in the most demanding situations. Built for those who value strength, control, and reliability above all else.
Ready to Purchase?
6. SHARPAL 101N 6-in-1 Pocket Knife Sharpener & Survival Tool – Diamond Sharpening Rod, Fire Starter Ferro Rod, Whistle – Sharpens Straight & Serrated Blades, Repairs & Hones Knives
The SHARPAL 101N is your all-in-one tool for sharpening, survival, and outdoor use. It works fast, lasts long, and is built to handle the toughest jobs.
It sharpens straight and serrated blades. It starts a fire when you need it. It even has a loud emergency whistle for safety.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
This tool is perfect for campers, hunters, hikers, and anyone who spends time outdoors. It’s also great for home cooks who want their kitchen knives sharp and ready.
Ready to Purchase?
7. Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Knife 5″ Sawback Blade with False Top Edge and Blood Grooves, Natural Leather Handle and Sheath – 6150 (Color May Vary),Black
The Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Knife is built for strength and reliability. It has a 5-inch 1095 carbon steel blade with a sawback spine for tough cutting jobs.
It is U.S. military issue. The leather handle feels solid in your hand. The sheath comes with a sharpening stone.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for adventurers, campers, and outdoor survivalists who need a tough, reliable blade they can trust anywhere. Built for extreme conditions and made to last a lifetime.
Ready to Purchase?
8. Smith & Wesson Benji 2.5in High Carbon S.S. Folding Keychain Knife with 1.75in Modified Tanto Blade and G10 Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC,Black
The Smith & Wesson Benji is a compact and powerful folding knife built for everyday use. Its 2.5-inch frame fits easily in your pocket or on your keychain. You’ll always have it ready when you need it.
The 1.75-inch Tanto blade is made from high carbon stainless steel for strength and durability. A G10 handle gives you a secure, comfortable grip. The Ultra-Glide technology makes opening it fast and smooth.
With its frame lock, the blade stays safe and steady. It even has a bottle opener for added function. Backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, it’s made to last.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for outdoor lovers, tactical users, and anyone who wants a strong, compact tool they can trust every day. Small in size but big on performance, it’s ready when you need it most.
Ready to Purchase?
9. COLD STEEL Leatherneck SF 6-3/4″ German D2 Steel w/Black Powdercoat Clip Point Fixed Blade Outdoor Camping Hunting Utility Knife | 5″ Kray-Ex Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath
The COLD STEEL Leatherneck SF is built for strength and precision. Its German D2 Steel blade with a black powder coat cuts clean and resists wear.
A double quillon guard and checkered Kray-Ex handle give you a safe, solid grip. The full tang build and steel butt cap make it tough and dependable.
It’s strong. It’s sharp. It’s ready.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for hunters, campers, and outdoor adventurers who need a strong, safe, and reliable knife. Built for those who demand power and precision in every cut.
Ready to Purchase?
10. SZCO 14” Black Steel Sawback Knife with Compass, Outdoor Machete with Stainless Steel Blade, Leather Sheath, and Survival Gear for Camping, Hiking, Hunting, and Bushcraft
The SZCO 14” Black Steel Sawback Knife is built for the wild. Strong, sharp, and ready for anything.
The 9-inch sawback blade cuts, chops, and saws with ease. The textured steel handle gives a firm, no-slip grip. The leather sheath keeps it safe and close at hand.
With a built-in compass and hidden survival kit, you’re always prepared. Matches, fishing hooks, and more are stored inside the handle. This is the tool you want when adventure calls.
| Pros | Cons |
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Perfect For:
Perfect for campers, hikers, hunters, and anyone who loves bushcraft. This knife is for those who want strength, precision, and survival tools all in one.
Ready to Purchase?
Buying Guide
A good survival knife can save the day. It is a friend you can trust in the wild.
I once used a full-tang blade to cut wood for a shelter during a storm. Its balance and grip made me feel safe and in control. That day, I learned the real value of the right knife.
- Blade Material: Choose high-quality steel for strength and edge retention. Stainless steel resists rust, while carbon steel stays sharp longer. Pick the one that fits your needs.
- Blade Design: A fixed blade is stronger and more reliable for heavy work. Folding knives are easy to carry. Think about how and where you will use it.
- Tang Type: A full tang means the blade runs through the handle. It adds strength and balance. This is vital for tough jobs.
- Blade Length: A 4–6 inch blade is a sweet spot for most outdoor tasks. Longer blades offer more reach but can be harder to control. Shorter ones are easier to carry.
- Handle Grip: Look for a non-slip grip for safety. Rubber, G10, or textured materials give better control, even in wet hands.
- Weight and Balance: A balanced knife feels natural to use. Too heavy can tire your hand. Too light may lack the force for tough cuts.
- Sheath Quality: A good sheath keeps your knife safe and ready. Check for belt loops, clips, or straps for secure carry.
- Extra Features: Some knives have sawback spines, fire starters, or sharpeners. Only choose extras that you will actually use.
- Maintenance Needs: Knives need care to last. Learn how to sharpen, clean, and store them properly. Pick a model that matches the upkeep you can handle.