Best Survival Knife Beatdown – Hands On Testing

In the world of outdoor adventure and survival, having the right tools can make all the difference. When it comes to essential gear, the survival knife stands out as a must-have. Whether you’re an experienced prepper, a weekend warrior, or someone who just enjoys the great outdoors, finding the best survival knife is crucial for safety and effectiveness. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes a survival knife great and highlight some top options that are worth considering.

What Makes a Survival Knife the Best?

Selecting the best survival knife involves more than just picking the most expensive or the one with the most features. Here are some key factors to consider:

1. Blade Material: The durability and sharpness of a knife largely depend on its blade material. High-carbon steel offers excellent edge retention and toughness but requires more maintenance. Stainless steel is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it a low-maintenance choice.
2. Blade Length: The ideal blade length for a survival knife varies based on personal preference and intended use. Generally, a blade length between 4 to 6 inches is versatile enough for most survival tasks.
3. Handle Comfort: A good survival knife should have a comfortable, ergonomic handle that provides a secure grip, even when wet. Materials like rubber, G-10, or Micarta are popular for their durability and grip.
4. Full Tang Construction: For added strength and durability, a full tang design, where the blade extends through the handle, is preferred. This ensures the knife can handle heavy-duty tasks without breaking.
5. Versatility: The best survival knife should be versatile enough to handle a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and carving. Some knives come with additional features like a built-in fire starter or a sheath with survival gear.

Top Survival Knives to Consider

1. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
   • Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
   • Blade Length: 4.8 inches
   • Features: Rubberized handle for a secure grip, full tang construction, durable sheath with a belt loop.
   • Why It’s Great: The Gerber StrongArm is known for its reliability and comfort. Its full tang design and robust blade make it a top choice for many survivalists.
2. ESEE 5P Survival Knife
   • Blade Material: 1095 High Carbon Steel
   • Blade Length: 5.25 inches
   • Features: Micarta handle, durable sheath with integrated pouch, and a strong, thick blade.
   • Why It’s Great: The ESEE 5P is built to handle tough conditions and heavy use. Its rugged construction and practical design make it ideal for serious survival scenarios.
3. Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
   • Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel
   • Blade Length: 6 inches
   • Features: Phenolic handle, durable leather sheath, full tang construction.
   • Why It’s Great: The Buck 119 is a classic choice known for its balance and edge retention. It’s a versatile knife that performs well in various survival situations.
4. SOG SEAL Pup Elite Knife
   • Blade Material: 7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
   • Blade Length: 12 inches
   • Features: Glass-reinforced nylon handle, versatile blade, and a robust sheath.
   • Why It’s Great: The SOG SEAL Pup Elite offers a longer blade for extended reach and more chopping power. It’s well-suited for tactical and survival use.

How We Evaluate Survival Knives

Testing Methodology

Our evaluation of survival knives involves rigorous testing to ensure their reliability and performance in real-world scenarios. This process includes extensive chopping, hiking, and fire-making exercises. While we avoid placing ourselves in unnecessary danger, we do prioritize testing the knife’s ability to start fires and perform in various outdoor conditions.

Our testing approach is guided by specific criteria:

1. Durability: How well does the knife withstand heavy use and abuse?
2. Fire Starting Capability: Can the knife effectively assist in fire-making?
3. Cutting and Carving Efficiency: How proficiently does the knife chop and carve wood?
4. Sheath Durability: Does the sheath endure heavy use?
5. Functionality: Are there any design elements that hinder the knife’s performance?

Although we may not excel in advanced survival skills such as building shelters or creating splints, we focus on assessing the knife’s functionality in essential tasks. If we find that the knife performs well in chopping wood, carving feather sticks, and generating sparks, we are confident that it will meet the needs of most users.

Key Considerations in a Survival Knife

When selecting a survival knife, several features are crucial:

1. Durability: A survival knife must withstand diverse and challenging conditions. Knives like the Demko FreeReign exemplify this durability, making them suitable for wilderness use.
2. Blade Material: The choice of steel affects the knife’s performance:
   • High Carbon Tool Steels (e.g., 1095): Known for toughness but require proper maintenance to prevent rust.
   • Stainless Steels (e.g., CPM S35VN): Offer excellent edge retention and rust resistance but can be challenging to sharpen in the field.
   • Softer Stainless Steels (e.g., 420HC): Easier to sharpen and maintain, though they may not retain an edge as well as other steels.
3. Construction:
   • Full Tang: Provides strength and durability, though not always essential (as seen with Mora knives).
   • Handle Materials: Synthetic handles like G10 and Micarta are preferred for their stability and resistance to environmental factors.
   • Edge Geometry: Flat or convex grinds are ideal for durability and woodcraft tasks. Hollow-ground blades, like those on the Cold Steel SRK, offer specific advantages but may not be as versatile.
4. Sheath Quality:
   • Leather Sheaths: Offer aesthetic appeal and comfortable carry but are dependent on stitching quality and typically lack versatility.
   • Kydex/Polymer Sheaths: Provide durability and adaptability, though they may cause blade wear over time.
   • Nylon Sheaths: Balanced in terms of weight and flexibility but often used in combination with other materials for enhanced protection.

An important feature to consider is sheath compatibility with accessories such as Tek Lok or MOLLE systems, which indicate a well-designed and reliable carrying solution.

Survival Knife vs. Bushcraft Knife

While both survival and bushcraft knives share similarities, they serve distinct purposes:

• Survival Knife: Designed for emergency situations and general survival tasks. It should be capable of performing a variety of functions quickly and efficiently.
• Bushcraft Knife: Optimized for extended time in nature, focusing on detailed tasks such as carving and tool-making.

The ESEE Izula 2, for example, serves well as a primary survival knife and also complements larger survival knives as a backup.

Conclusion

In summary, while survival knives need to handle a broad range of tasks efficiently, bushcraft knives are tailored for more refined, long-term use in nature. Both types of knives overlap in functionality, but their design focuses cater to different survival needs.