When venturing into the wild, choosing the right survival knife can make a significant difference in your outdoor adventures. Survival knives serve various functions, from self-defense to preparing food and building shelters. This article delves into some of the best survival knives available, focusing on their features, uses, and what makes them stand out for outdoor activities.
1. Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 4.1 inches
- Blade Material: Carbon steel
- Handle: High-friction rubber
The Morakniv Companion is an affordable yet powerful knife ideal for camping and outdoor enthusiasts. The carbon steel blade is easy to sharpen and provides excellent edge retention. Its comfortable rubber handle ensures a solid grip, even in wet conditions. The Companion excels in various tasks, including carving, food preparation, and small-scale chopping.
Use Case:
Best suited for beginner campers or budget-conscious adventurers looking for a reliable, multi-purpose knife.
2. ESEE-6 Survival Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 6.5 inches
- Blade Material: 1095 high carbon steel
- Handle: Micarta
The ESEE-6 is a hefty and durable survival knife that handles tough tasks with ease. Its full tang construction provides stability and strength for heavy-duty applications. The blade’s long length is perfect for batoning wood, while the Micarta handle is ergonomic, ensuring comfort during prolonged use.
Use Case:
Ideal for serious survivalists and bushcrafters who require a knife that can withstand harsh conditions and demanding tasks.
3. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion
Features:
- Blade Length: 5.25 inches
- Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van steel
- Handle: Grivory
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion is designed specifically for camping and survival situations. The thick blade is robust enough to tackle tough chopping and hammering tasks, while the handle offers a reliable grip. Its blade is versatile, making it suitable for both heavy-duty and precision tasks.
Use Case:
Great for outdoor adventurers needing a robust knife capable of enduring challenging environments.
4. Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife)
Features:
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: AUS-8 stainless steel
- Handle: Kray-Ex
Cold Steel’s SRK knife boasts a well-balanced blade that excels in both tactical and survival scenarios. The AUS-8 stainless steel ensures corrosion resistance, making it a great option for wet or humid environments. The Kray-Ex handle is comfortable and non-slip, perfect for prolonged use.
Use Case:
Perfect for those requiring a tactical and versatile knife for emergencies, camping, or outdoor recreation.
5. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162
Features:
- Blade Length: 4.43 inches
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V stainless steel
- Handle: G10
The Benchmade Bushcrafter combines quality and functionality. The high-end CPM-S30V steel offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The G10 handle provides a sturdy grip and is ergonomically designed for comfort during extended use. This knife is especially efficient for carving and crafting tasks.
Use Case:
Best for experienced outdoorsmen who appreciate high-quality craftsmanship and performance.
6. SOG Pillar Fixed Blade Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 4.8 inches
- Blade Material: AUS-8 steel
- Handle: G10
The SOG Pillar is compact yet robust, boasting a sleek design without sacrificing utility. The AUS-8 steel blade retains its sharpness well, and the G10 handle ensures a strong grip even in dreary weather. This knife is designed for versatility, making it suitable for everyday carry (EDC) in addition to outdoor adventures.
Use Case:
Ideal for travelers who desire a lightweight yet effective survival knife for various applications.
7. Fallkniven F1 Swedish Pilot Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 3.8 inches
- Blade Material: Laminate CoS
- Handle: Thermorun
The Fallkniven F1 is renowned for its reliability and performance, previously used by Swedish military pilots. Its laminated steel provides exceptional toughness and edge retention, allowing it to perform multiple tasks effectively. The compact size makes it easy to carry, while the Thermorun handle ensures a secure grip.
Use Case:
Suited for minimalist hikers and outdoor adventurers requiring a compact survival knife.
8. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 4.8 inches
- Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel
- Handle: Textured rubber
The Gerber StrongArm knife features a modular sheath system, allowing for versatile carry options. The 420HC stainless steel blade maintains durability and sharpness over time. Its rubberized handle provides a non-slip grip, suitable for various weather conditions. Additionally, the knife’s serrated edge enhances its cutting versatility.
Use Case:
An excellent choice for individuals seeking a rugged, multi-purpose survival knife for camping and emergency situations.
9. Helle Temagami Knife
Features:
- Blade Length: 4.1 inches
- Blade Material: Triple-laminated stainless steel
- Handle: Curly birch
The Helle Temagami is a beautifully crafted Scandinavian knife ideal for bushcrafting and outdoor activities. Its triple-laminated stainless steel blade offers both sharpness and durability. The curly birch handle provides a comfortable grip and a touch of elegance, making it an aesthetically pleasing tool.
Use Case:
Perfect for traditionalists and those who appreciate fine craftsmanship alongside functional performance.
10. Buck Knives 119 Special
Features:
- Blade Length: 6 inches
- Blade Material: 420HC stainless steel
- Handle: Phenolic
The Buck 119 Special is an iconic hunting knife that has stood the test of time. The 420HC stainless steel blade offers excellent edge retention and ease of sharpening. The phenolic handle adds stability and strength, ensuring a solid grip during use. This knife is a true classic and works well for skinning and field dressing game.
Use Case:
Ideal for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts who are keen on a reliable and classic survival knife.
Each of these knives has unique qualities that cater to different types of outdoor adventurers. When selecting a survival knife, consider your specific needs, the environment you’ll be in, and the variety of tasks you’ll undertake. A well-chosen survival knife can drastically enhance your outdoor experiences and ensure preparedness in challenging situations.
