Heading outside is supposed to be an escape from reality. An opportunity for us to let go for a little while and wander around in the woods, down by the river, or even hanging off the side of a cliff with chalk-covered hands. But without the safety net of modern amenities, and being that we’re in the company of wild animals, we need to ensure we’re prepared for anything out there.

　　Whether you’re stranded in the woods with a wrecked vehicle or caught in the suburb in the middle of a hurricane, you’ll want a tough, multi-role knife that can tackle a wide variety of tasks. As survivalist Doug Ritter will tell you, “The right knife can turn a survival situation into a prolonged camping trip.

　　That said, we have compiled a list of what we believe to be the cream of the crop in terms of survival knives. These knives have proven their point and have gotten countless people out of life-threatening situations. Through our testing, Nick LeFort didn’t find the need to fend off a grizzly bear or take on a foreign army with just the knife he was testing, but he made sure to beat the snot out of these knives. In doing so, he’s proven that our recommendations are the best survival knives of 2024.

　　Editor’s note: For our November 20, 2024 update, the TOPS Knives Tom Brown Tracker was usurped by the TOPS Knives Wilderness Guide ‘23, and the ESEE Izula II was replaced by the White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro. Find out why below.

　　The Best Survival Knives of 2024 Best Overall Survival Knife: TOPS Knives Wilderness Guide ‘23 Best Budget Survival Knife: Morakniv Kansbol Best Folding Survival Knife: Hogue Knives Ritter MK1-G2 Best Small Survival Knife: White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro Best Multifunction Survival Knife: Woodman’s Pal Best Bushcraft-and-Survival Combo Knife: Benchmade Anonimus TOPS Knives Wilderness Guide ‘23 Check Price at TOPS Knives

　　Specs OAL: 8.78” Blade Length: 4.38” Blade Steel: Tungsten Cerakoted 1095 High Carbon Steel Blade Shape: Drop Point Sheath: Kydex Weight: 9.6oz. Pros Balance between form and function Size and thickness make it highly adaptable Tungsten Cerakote is very tough (the knife will never rust) Cons Heavy Will not work with ferro rods due to Cerakote Right-hand carry only Josh Wussow Launched in the Summer of 2024, the TOPS Knives Wilderness Guide ‘23 ($260) is a well-balanced knife for survival and life in the great outdoors. Composed of 3/16” thick Tungsten Cerakoted 1095 steel and Micarta, the overall length of the knife is just under 9”. This makes the knife short and stout and allows it to cut, slice, chop, pierce, shave, and pry with relative ease. Improving on that is the advanced ergonomics and oversized choil of the handle. This keeps your hand securely in place without getting easily fatigued when completing more demanding tasks.

　　Previously, we had the TOPS Knives Tom Brown Tracker ($370) in this top slot, but found the Wilderness Guide ‘23 to be more versatile due to its smaller size, which makes it easier to carry and wield. That’s not a knock on the Tom Brown Tracker. Its just that we found the Wilderness Guide better adapted to a wider variety of tasks associated with survival, overall. It’s also more than $100 less, which — in our minds — gives you more bang for your buck.

　　In testing, the Wilderness Guide ‘23 was a great companion for backpacking and hiking where it belonged — in the wilderness. When staying in an old, rudimentary hunting cabin in Vermont, we used it for simple chores like prepping meals and kindling. But, in winterizing the cabin, it made a great utility knife for scoring and cutting tin to patch up holes so mice couldn’t come in and warm themselves by the fire.

　　Due to its robust thickness, the Wilderness Guide ‘23 is great for batoning to split larger bits of wood for a fire, but it’s also great for prying and breaching. Sometimes you need to get into places and don’t have a key. A knife like this can be used to get into those places, but it’s also great for prying up boards. Survival isn’t just about finding the biggest bear in the woods and picking a fight with it — it’s about getting out of bad situations.

　　Think about this knife more like “The Last of Us” and less like “Legends of the Fall”. In fact, we would love to have this knife on us when things go sideways, as it can be relied on for almost anything you would need a knife for and beyond. Bonus points for the fact that the Tungsten Cerakoting on the otherwise high-carbon steel will keep it from rusting on you ever. Just bring along a sharpener like the Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener along with you to keep the edge as sharp as a razor.

　　Read Review: The TOPS Knives Wilderness Guide ‘23

　　Best Budget Survival Knife Morakniv Kansbol Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs OAL: 8.9” Blade length: 4.3” Blade steel: Sandvik 12C27 Blade shape: Clip point Sheath: Polypropylene Weight: 4.7 oz. Pros Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel Unbroken spine for easy ferro rod use You can’t beat the price Cons We really want the Survival Kit now … Josh Wussow Morakniv is a Swedish knife brand that has become synonymous with “durable” and “affordable” all over the world. They have found a way to mix the right materials with the right aesthetics and ergonomics to create knives that can be used and abused in a variety of outdoor environments without costing an arm and a leg. For 2024, we tested their Morakniv Kansbol ($56) and can honestly say that you’re getting a very effective knife for a very nice price.

　　Like all of Mora’s outdoor knives, the Kansbol is made from 12C27 stainless steel. This is a Swedish steel that’s been relied on for more than half a century without any need for improvement. Being stainless, 12C27 has a high corrosion resistance, but it also features abrasion resistance and a toughness that comes in handy when cutting through wood and meat. Regarding cutting, chopping, slicing, and the like, 12C27 holds a sharp edge for a good while, but can easily be resharpened to a razors edge like when it was fresh from the factory.

　　The Kansbol has the additional benefit of a tapered grind, which allows for easier piercing, slicing, and processing.

　　The textured handle of the Kansbol seals the blade in place and helps keep the knife light and easy to maneuver. Its soft friction grip allows the knife to remain comfortable in your hand for prolonged periods of time. Additionally, the polymer material keeps a reliable grip whether your hand is wet or dry.

　　The sheath of the Kansbol has a removable belt slip as well as two drain holes. These drain holes can be repurposed as lanyard holes, allowing you to wear the Kansbol around your neck where the belt holder can be stored in your pack and kept out of the way. An added benefit of the drain/lanyard holes in the sheath is that it allows the sheath itself to be used as a blow tube to help you get a fire roaring with ease.

　　Though we didn’t test it, there is an optional Survival Kit ($25). This kit features a ferro rod and diamond sharpener and attaches directly to the Kansbol’s sheath. The spine of the Kansbol is unbroken which makes it a breeze to use with this ferro rod or any ferro rod of your choice.

　　The addition of the Survival Kit still keeps the Kansbol well under the $100 mark. Which, in our mind, is an admirable feat.

　　Best Folding Survival Knife Hogue Knives Ritter RSK MK1-G2 Check Price at Knife Works

　　Specs OAL: 8.15” Blade length: 3.44” Blade steel: MagnaCut Blade shape: Drop point Lock type: ABLE Lock (Crossbar) Weight: 4.5 oz. Pros Designed by survivalist Doug Ritter MagnaCut Steel ABLE Lock Cons May be too large for some users (there’s a mini version for those folks) Josh Wussow The Hogue Knives Ritter RSK MK1-G2 ($190) is quite possibly one of the best sequels on the planet. Designed by survivalist, pilot, knife rights pioneer, and overall good guy, Doug Ritter, the original design for this knife was sold as the Benchmade Griptilian 552 from the early 2000s to the mid-2010s. A few years back, Ritter partnered with Hogue knives and found ways to improve on the original knife that we can all now benefit from.

　　To start off, Ritter intended the original RSK (Ritter Survival Knife) to be a fully ambidextrous one-hand opening knife with a wide drop point blade that featured premium knife steel and advanced ergonomics for enhanced grip and operation. He also wanted that knife to be under $200. With Benchmade, Ritter achieved that goal and was able to do it again more than twenty years later with Hogue Knives.

　　Considering the fact that prices have gone up on everything in the last two decades, it’s impressive to see that the MK1-G2 is still under $200. But what’s more impressive is the upgrade to MagnaCut steel as well as improvements made to the original crossbar lock mechanism which include slight changes in tolerances and upgraded springs.

　　MagnaCut steel is one of the most sought-after EDC knife steels available today. It excels in corrosion and abrasion resistance as well as edge retention. When the blade does finally become dull, the steel is a breeze to sharpen at home or in the field. This pairs well with the ABLE lock, since the crossbar lock mechanism is one of the most reliable knife lock mechanisms on the planet.

　　With an overall length of 8.15” MK1-G2’s large size allows it to do some of the work generally relegated to fixed-blade knives. We had no problem with prepping food or kindling with it out on the trail. The 3.44” blade is nicely balanced against the 4.7” handle, which makes for easy maneuvering. This is enhanced by both the extra texturing of the G10 handle scales and Ritter’s signature thumb ramp on the back of the blade above the pivot.

　　Overall, the Ritter MK1-G2 is a workhorse that could easily get you through any task thrown at you in the outdoors. Maybe even fighting a bear? But we don’t recommend you seek out that challenge.

　　Read Review: Hogue Knives Ritter RSK MK1-G2

　　Best Small Survival Knife White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro $160 at Amazon

　　Specs OAL: 7.75” Blade Length: 3.5” Blade Steel: MagnaCut Blade Shape: Drop Point Sheath: Kydex Weight: 3.8 oz. Pros Small and versatile Ring provides additional carry and use options Comes with a ferro rod Cons Sheath is tight and cannot be loosened Josh Wussow Out of all of the knives on this list, the small survival category faces the most scrutiny — which is saying something, because they all do. However, with a small knife, there are more things to consider, all of which revolve around its efficacy in the field. After all, this is a survival knife, so it needs to be sufficient enough in size and build to get you out of a jam. 

　　Thankfully, the knife brands who are putting these small form factor blades out are conscious of what they’re going to be used for which is how the White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro ($160) landed its spot as one of our top picks. It’s well-thought-out to the point where we struggled to even find something negative to say about it.

　　Previously, this spot was held by the ESEE Izula II. It’s a great survival knife that has earned all the praise it has been given over the years. However, the Firecraft FC 3.50 Pro is made from MagnaCut steel, and its overall thinner profile, as well as the ring built into the butt of the knife, raises the bar in terms of versatility.

　　The Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro has an overall length of 7.75”, 4.25” of which is its slender handle. The handle and ring provide a solid 4-finger grip which gives you incredible control over the knife. The drop point style MagnaCut blade makes the knife great for cutting, slicing, shaving, and shaping, but when combined with the handle and increased overall control, you have a great knife for skinning meat and fish. What’s more, being that it’s a stainless steel, MagnaCut staves off corrosion. It also holds a decent edge and is easy to resharpen when the time comes.

　　As we’ve talked about before, part of survival is versatility. In addition to how well the knife performs is how well it carries. The Kydex sheath can be mounted horizontally to be Scout carried across the small of your back, or vertically. It can also be carried on a pack strap for another easy-to-access option. Additionally, having the ferro rod mounted from the factory on the sheath makes the Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro the kind of tool that you could carry on its own to keep you out of a bad situation. 

　　Best Multifunction Survival Knife Woodman’s Pal $150 at AmazonCheck Price at Woodmans Pal

　　Specs OAL: 17” Blade Length: 11.5” Blade Steel: Powder Coated 1074/1075 Spring Steel Blade Shape: Woodman’s Pal Sheath: Leather Weight: 2lbs. 8oz. Pros Guarded leather banded handle Double blades for expanded uses Guarded leather banded handle Included fighting manual and sharpening stone Cons Blade can chip if you hit a bolt or nail Josh Wussow The Woodman’s Pal ($195), which has been made in Pennsylvania since 1941, is more of a machete than a knife. But it’s more than a machete overall. In fact, this multifunction survival tool has been so well thought out that it could be adapted to such tasks as trail clearing, fire prep, and even shelter building. But, the Woodman’s Pal also excels at self-defense — its the one tool on this list that we say has been used by American soldiers in war.

　　In testing, we stuck to what we knew and found that the Woodman’s Pal was terrific in getting to camp as well as when we got to camp. The main blade on the tool is great for chopping, splitting, and trimming. This makes the Woodman’s Pal awesome for prepping anything from kindling to larger pieces of wood for fire.

　　It was also great for trimming back some of the brush on the trails that had either grown in or fallen throughout the fall. The sickle hook on the back of the tool was great for shaving, pulling, pruning, and cutting. This came in handy when we needed to make tinder bundles for our fires, but also for pulling down prickers and vines that invaded the trail over the summer.

　　But the Woodman’s Pal isn’t just about pure raw aggression, processing, and demolishing. It’s also got quite a bit of safety baked into it. Take the leather-banded handle that’s surrounded by a steel hand guard. The leather conditions to a point where your hand wouldn’t slip from it unless you let go. The hand guard keeps your knuckles safe while you’re slashing and chopping.

　　Then theres the round toe at the front of the blade. This is so you don’t cut yourself if one of your wild swings misses its target. Additionally, the notch in front of the sickle hook was added to make sure your hand doesn’t slip into it.

　　If the Woodman’s Pal was sufficient enough to be given to soldiers in WWII so they could survive in battle and beyond, we think that’s good enough for any one of us looking for a few days in the outdoors where our biggest enemy might just be mosquitos. 

　　Best Bushcraft-and-Survival Combo Knife Benchmade Anonimus Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Scheels

　　Specs OAL: 9.83” Blade length: 5” Blade steel: Cerakoted Cruwear Blade shape: Clip point Sheath: Kydex w/ ferro rod holder Weight: 5.9 oz. Pros Cruwear steel Textured G10 Handle Scales Sleek profile Cons There’s only one place to use a ferro rod, and it’s not easy to use Josh Wussow Tester Nick LeFort handles a ton of knives a year and rarely gets cut. The Benchmade Anonimus ($279) nearly sent him to the emergency room with one slip when taking the knife out of its sheath for the first time. This isn’t a bad thing. In fact, if anything, it’s a token of what Cruwear, sometimes called Cru-Wear or CruWear, steel can do for you. Or, in this case, to you. So, be careful — but be excited!

　　Designed to be an improved version of D2, Cruwear is a tool steel that has very good toughness and wear resistance. Those features, as well as corrosion resistance, are amplified here with Benchmade’s decision to Cerakote the blade steel on the Anonimus. As stated, the Cruwear can be insanely sharp, and that edge will stick around for a while. It’s also easier to sharpen than some higher-end steels which also makes Cruwear desirable.

　　One thing we really liked about the Anonimus was the inclusion of a ferro rod holder on the sheath. That said, if there’s one drawback about this knife, it’s that the only place a ferro rod will work is in the notch behind the blade edge. Cerakoting eliminates the ability to use a ferro rod, and you never want to use it on the blade edge. The notch on the blade wasn’t coated and allowed for some big sparks with single-rod draws. However, the ferro rod can get easily hung up in the notch and that proved to be a surprising learning curve.

　　The entirety of the Anonimus is really well thought out. Its overall length and shape fit into both the Bushcraft and Survival categories. Even the overall finish and colors of the materials fit into both worlds. However, we found that the overall thickness and hand feel of the Anonimus were sleeker than the traditional bushcraft-style knife, which gave it an edge in the survival category. But, not enough to pull it too far into one category over the other.

　　Read Review: Benchmade 539GY Anonimus.

　　Other Excellent Survival Knives We Tested ESEE Laser Strike Check Price at BladeHQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: 1095 high-carbon Blade length: 4.75 Pros Bulletproof warranty Great ergonomics Sterling reputation Cons Sheath rides high on the belt Josh Wussow Few knives have a survival pedigree that can match the Laser Strike ($138). Originally manufactured by TOPS in 2000, this 1095 high-carbon bruiser has seen use all around the globe. With its powder-coated 4.75-inch blade measuring 0.188 inches across the shoulders, it’s a medium-size knife capable of outshining some fixed blades twice its size.

　　Beyond its outstanding edge, ESEE added several features to the classic iteration. First, the brand swapped in Micarta scales to cover its 5.25-inch handle. These include a bow drill divot, allowing the knife to act as the top half of a primitive kindling rig.

　　But if you’re in more desperate need of a fire, users can use the attached lanyard washer to remove the flathead screws holding the scales in place. Nestled against the interior steel are a ferrocerium flint and a pair of tinder tabs, perfect for sparking a flame in a variety of circumstances.

　　Now that we’ve covered the Laser portion of its name, let’s get to the Strike. Despite weighing in at just over half a pound (9.5 ounces), this ESEE is a devastating chopper. Weve hacked and batoned logs that should have broken the Laser Strike in two. Then we handed it to friends and asked them to give it a try.

　　Whatever we tasked it with, the knife came through unscathed. This is due to the thickness of its blade and the strength of its drop-point tip. It’s thick enough to handle drilling tasks while also coming to a fine point for detailed work or scraping.

　　On some knives, this kind of texture on the back of the handle can cause hot spots in your grip. But not with the Laser Strike. The rounded edges improve purchase while keeping blisters at bay.

　　ESEE Izula II Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs OAL: 6.75” Blade length: 2.875” Blade steel: Powder-coated 1095 carbon steel Blade shape: Drop point Sheath: Plastic Weight: 3.2 oz. Pros Small and versatile Curved design Sheath provides multiple, concealable carry options Cons On the smaller side Josh Wussow There are quite a few reasons why we picked the ESEE Izula II ($90), but having used the knife for over a decade, our tester, Nick LeFort, specifically picked it because of its adaptability and reliability.

　　Like the TOPS Tom Brown Tracker, the Izula II is made from coated 1095 carbon steel. In this case, the entire knife has been powder coated, which eliminates corrosion and abrasion issues altogether. In fact, in the court of the ten-plus years that LeFort has used this knife, the only place rust has popped up has been on the blade edge after cleaning up some freshly caught trout. This was easily removed with some light honing.

　　The Izula II comes stock with Micarta handle scales that have a cavity cored into them to store a fishing hook or something of a similar size. These handle scales provide excellent grip and their contoured shape naturally places your index finger into the knife’s choil. This grip is great for a variety of tasks, but, given the chance, gives you complete control over the knife to stab and slash.

　　At 6.75” in length, the Izula II is easy to conceal both on your belt and around your neck (the sheath is configured for both). But its smaller stature won’t limit you in what this knife is capable of doing. Yes, being smaller makes more detailed and intricate tasks — like carving and processing — easier to do. But you won’t have any issues batoning the spine to split kindling. The Izula II can also be lashed to a stick to transform it into a spear.

　　And nothing says survival like carrying a spear around the woods.

　　Gerber StrongArm Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: 420HC or BDZ-1 Blade length: 4.875 Pros Outstanding comfort Versatility Durability Cons Underwhelming sheath Josh Wussow With nearly 5 inches of ceramic-coated 420HC steel, full-tang construction, and a rock-solid grip, the Gerber StrongArm ($89) is one of the best survival knives available in any class or price point.

　　The StrongArm is one of Gerber’s USA-made knives, forged with a proven 420HC steel. While this may seem like a basic choice for a survival blade, weve found its edge retention and toughness to be more than adequate for extended use.

　　And when it does come time to sharpen, the blade pops back to life with surprising eagerness. There’s a premium model available in BDZ-1 steel, which slightly boosts the knife’s overall performance. Were happy with the 420HC version, but it’s nice to know the upgrade is out there.

　　Let’s talk handles because the StrongArm has a great one. This Gerber features a rubberized diamond pattern that manages to be both grippy and incredibly comfortable. The knife ends with a slightly spiked pommel and lanyard hole, adding an option for some light hammering or striking.

　　Speaking of options, the StrongArm’s sheath is loaded with them. Per Gerber’s website, “The multi-mount, snap-together sheath is easy to use and can be mounted vertically on MOLLE, horizontally on a belt, or in traditional drop-leg fashion.” Retention is good, and the knife is generally comfortable on the hip. That said, the plastic does feel a bit cheap.

　　Weve used a lot of superlatives here, but it’s because the Gerber StrongArm really is that good. Weve used it for camping, cooking, carving, and general chores more than almost any blade in my collection. And the best part? You’ll probably be paying less than $90. Pick one up now and see for yourself.

　　Read Review: Gerber StrongArm.

　　Tom Brown Tracker Check Price at Tops Knives

　　Specs OAL: 11.88” Blade length: 6.38” Blade steel: Cerakoted 1095 High Carbon Steel Blade shape: It’s complicated Sheath: Kydex Weight: 1 lb., 12 oz. Pros Tough-as-nails Cerakoted 1095 steel Multiple blade edges Sheath allows for a variety of carry options Cons Heavy by modern standards Josh Wussow In 2003, a movie called “The Hunted” was released. It featured Tommy Lee Jones as a survival instructor and Benicio Del Toro as his student. Right off the bat, we learn that Del Toro’s character has gone off the rails and has become a killing machine. The FBI leans on Jones to neutralize the threat. From beginning to end, the movie is fantastic, but you realize very early on that this movie isn’t about a good guy trying to stop a bad guy, but about an iconic knife that can pretty much do anything.

　　That knife is the TOPS Tom Brown Tracker ($370) and for the last 2 decades, it’s proven its worth as a survival knife.

　　Like Jimmy Lile’s Rambo knife that he made for “First Blood”, the Tom Brown Tracker was made famous by the movie it was featured in. Lots of action. Lots of cool stuff. Lots of knife. But unlike the knife in those great Rambo movies, the Tracker became widely adopted by survivalists, outdoor folks, and people looking for a reliable, multifunction knife to rely on in the outdoors.

　　Made in Idaho from a solid piece of ¼-inch-thick 1095 carbon steel, the Tracker is designed to chop, saw, skin, slice, and more. There are a few different visions of the Tracker, but the one we tested is Cerakoted in Coyote Tan. This makes its high-carbon steel blade virtually impervious to corrosion and abrasion.

　　Its thick micarta handles are indestructible and offer an impressive grip whether your hands are wet or dry. The Tracker is a big knife and might be considered heavy by some people’s standards, but when it comes time to put in the work, you’ll find that a knife of this heft does a lot of the work for you.

　　The Tracker comes with a heavy-duty, paracord-wrapped, Kydex sheath that features two spring steel belt clips. The clips can be rotated so that you can carry the Tracker on your hip, both vertically or horizontally, or across your back. Additionally, the clips can be used to attach the knife to your pack or anywhere that is easy for you to access.

　　Cold Steel 4-Max Scout Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: AUS-10A Blade length: 4 Pros Tri-Ad lock Strong ergonomics Cons Middling pocket clip Stiff deployment Josh Wussow The 4-Max Scout ($130) is the budget-friendly model of Cold Steel’s critically acclaimed (and premium-priced) 4-Max. But don’t call it a downgrade! This wallet-friendly knife has more features than some blades at twice the cost.

　　The 4-inch blade incorporates a drop-point style over its stonewashed surface. When deployed, this beast measures a full 10 inches, tipping the scale at 10.19 ounces.

　　The calling card here is the legendary Tri-Ad lock. Cold Steel has produced many, many videos showcasing the hardiness of this proprietary mechanism. It withstood countless torture tests by the manufacturer, so you can be sure it’ll hold up in whatever survival pickle you find yourself in. The only downside here is the deployment.

　　Unlike some folders that tend to be snappy and fidget-friendly, the Tri-Ad moves like an iron door. As long as the pivots are greased, the movement will be smooth. But all that strength means you’re moving something profound, not a thin strip of a lock bar.

　　But the 4-Max Scout has so much to offer beyond its lock. It features a textured Grivory handle on the outside, with full titanium liners within. This arrangement amplifies the knife’s rigidity, while also shedding the weight normally added by typical steel liners. The blade also includes something of addition by subtraction.

　　While the standard 4-Max utilizes CPM-20CV, the Scout employs AUS-10A. Although this is certainly a step down, it’s an upgrade from the 8CR13MoV and AUS-8 found in many of Cold Steel’s other offerings. This is a perfectly functional steel that, while unable to match the long-term cutting of the premium piece, is less likely to chip and shatter in a survival situation.

　　All in all, this Cold Steel is one of the beefiest folders on the market. Whether you’re after a robust daily driver or a backup to toss into your survival kit, the 4-Max Scout has you covered.

　　Spyderco Waterway $149 at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: LC200N Blade length: 4.44 Pros Solid grip Essentially rustproof Cons Light to moderate duty only Josh Wussow Most of the blades we’ve covered here are designed for wilderness or even urban survival situations. But what if you find yourself stranded on the coast or marooned on a desert island? In that case, the Spyderco Waterway ($270) is the tool for you.

　　According to Spyderco’s website, “Waterway designer Lance Clinton is a lifelong knife enthusiast and professional kayak fisherman who has spent literally thousands of hours on the water … Clinton’s vision for the Waterway was to create an ultra-corrosion-resistant knife that would excel at fishing tasks while remaining well-suited to general utility and outdoor use.”

　　The secret ingredient here is LC200N: An intriguing “high-nitrogen alloyed tool steel specifically formulated to offer superior corrosion resistance and extreme toughness, even at high levels of hardness.”

　　What this means, essentially, is that the Waterway won’t rust. Like, ever. And where other corrosion-resistant steels, such as H1, do exist, LC200N’s edge retention is in a league of its own.

　　Wrapped around this full-tang piece of miracle steel are a pair of contoured G-10 scales. These feature a precision, textured finish ideal for maintaining grip in wet environments. There’s also a generous front finger guard, which should keep users from slipping up onto the blade.

　　And while we’ve talked about the steel, let’s take a second to consider the blade itself. At just under 4.5 inches long and 0.12 inches wide, this is a precision tool reminiscent of a fillet knife. Its fine edge and nimble nature make it perfect for cutting up fish.

　　Bottom line: The Spyderco Waterway is a great light- to medium-duty blade, with a technological and design pedigree far ahead of your standard fishing knife. And while it may not be the best for Schwarzenegger-style survival, it would make a great addition to Tom Hanks’ kit from “Castaway.”

　　Schrade SCHF52 Frontier Check Price at BladeHQCheck Price at Schrade

　　Specs Steel: 1095 high-carbon Blade length: 7 in. Pros Affordable Durable Fire/sharpening kit included Cons Blade coating can chip off Josh Wussow When it comes to bang for your buck, few survival knives offer as much as the Schrade SCHF52 Frontier ($55). This 13-inch monster has helped us dress firewood, hack the limbs from downed trees, and generally demolish a myriad of backyard chores.

　　Much of the credit here goes to the simplicity of Schrade’s design. The entire knife is composed of a single piece of 1095 high-carbon steel, with 7 inches dedicated to the blade.

　　The thermoplastic elastomer handle is beautifully textured, with a hooked pommel and finger guard keeping your hand in place. There’s also a nice patch of thumb jimping up top and a generous forward finger choil. All of these features result in a wealth of possible grips, making the SCHF52 a surprisingly versatile tool.

　　And if plain old smashing is your thing, this knife has the heft to get the job done. It weighs in at a neat one pound, allowing users to put some force behind their cuts. The only caveat here comes on the part of the black powder coating. While it’s held up reasonably well on my knife, it can be prone to flaking off after extended use.

　　Still, you’re getting a lot of value for your dollar here. Beyond the knife itself, the SCHF52 comes with a comfortable sheath, complete with a pouch containing a ferro rod, striker, and sharpening stone. That essentially makes this a complete survival knife kit for less than half of the price of some of the more premium models on this list.

　　Whether you’re looking for a knife to tackle backyard chores or to keep in your wilderness pack, don’t sleep on this low-cost, high-value offering from Schrade.

　　KA-BAR BK3 Tac Tool Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: 1095 Cro-Van Blade length: 7 Pros Rugged Multi-role Built to last Cons Heavy Huge Definitely not subtle Josh Wussow Normally, wed recommend against picking a survival knife with serrations. They’re hard to sharpen, not suited for use on wood, and generally break up a nice cutting edge. But if we’re going to get crazy, let’s get really ridiculous with the KA-BAR Becker BK3 Tac Tool ($145).

　　Weighing 1.3 pounds and stretching a half-inch longer than your grade school ruler, this matte-black blade looks like something straight out of a video game. Its quarter-inch-thick blade features a sharpened snub-nose design, ideal for scraping and prying.

　　There’s even a cord-cutting hook up front, making this an incredibly versatile survival tool. The serrations are found at the base of the 1095 Cro-Van blade, just ahead of the finger guard.

　　The handle is nearly identical to that found on the classic Becker BK2. Its thick Zytel grip ends in a flared pommel, keeping the user’s hand in place during high-stress tasks. The blade tang protrudes from the back, adding another edge to the Tac Tool’s arsenal.

　　While most survival knives allow for at least some form of hammering or hacking, the BK3 is built to chop, slice, and generally destroy all kinds of natural and manufactured materials. It’s all edge, all the time.

　　Fortunately, KA-BAR includes a solid polymer sheath to help wrangle this beast of a blade. Its low-ish ride lets you carry the Tac Tool at or below your beltline, which keeps the exposed tang from poking you in the ribs.

　　There are also the ubiquitous MOLLE attachment points, as well as a snap to hold the handle in place.

　　If all of this sounds like fun to you, check it out. This is a kind of a ridiculous knife, but it’s also incredibly well-built and an absolute blast to use.

　　KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: 1095 Cro-Van Weight: 15.9 oz. Total Length: 10.75 Pros Rugged Reliable Fully coated blade Cons Thick Heavy Not the best for detail work Josh Wussow Remember this one? KA-BAR’s Becker BK2 ($105) is a repeat performer on GearJunkie’s “Best Of” lists. Last time, it was the bushcraft-and-tactical combo pick on our list of “The Best Bushcraft Knives.” And here it shows its hybrid toughness once again as one of the best survival knives on the market.

　　The Becker BK2 is a 1-pound, 10.75-inch stick of 1095 Cro-Van steel, with a black-coated blade ground flat to 5.25 inches worth of edge. Its quarter-inch thickness tapers out to a rugged drop point, making it well-suited for stabbing and even light prying tasks.

　　The thick handle comprises two pieces of Zytel, held fast against the full tang by a trio of thick screws. And the knife features an exposed bit of steel at the pommel, which can be used as a hammer or scraping implement.

　　But as impressive as the specs are, they don’t do justice to the BK2’s ethos. In hand, this is one of the most rugged, ready, and unbreakable blades in the survival market. It has a broad-shouldered heft that instills confidence in the user, allowing you to power through tasks that would cause hesitation with other knives. Just pull up YouTube and watch what some people put these knives through, and you’ll have a good sense of what I mean.

　　But all that bravado would fall short if the Becker was a pain to carry. Thankfully, the included polymer sheath is just as rugged. It rides comfortably at your side and includes lashing points for alternative carry methods. It’s a basic, no-frills affair, which fits the BK2’s attitude.

　　While it may not be the most delicate slicer or readiest firestarter, the KA-BAR Becker BK2 is as rugged as they come. If you’re looking for something that can smash through bricks and pry open a car door between trips to the woodpile, this is the knife for you.

　　Morakniv Spark Check Price at BladeHQCheck Price at Amazon

　　Specs Steel: 12C27N Sandvik stainless Blade length: 3.9 Pros Included fire steel Solid materials Low cost Cons Partial-tang construction Basic sheath Josh Wussow How do you improve on a blade as legendary as the Mora Companion? Simple — add a fire steel to the handle. That’s exactly what you’ll find with the Mora Spark ($33), a budget-minded knife with a classic survival pedigree.

　　Let’s start with the blade. At just under 4 inches, this 12C27N stainless model comes with Mora’s trademark Scandi grind, perfect for carving and kindling prep. But where the Companion models have a smooth and rounded spine, the Spark leaves its upper edge angled and unpolished. Used in combination with the included fire steel, this is where the knife gets its name. It’s an impressive all-in-one system, especially for a knife in the budget category.

　　No discussion of Morakniv would be complete without a few words on their handles. Like the Companion, the Spark employs a rubberized friction grip, with a gentle swell for the palm. These knives are renowned for their comfort and stability in the hand. Its rounded shape and subtle finger guard make for a secure experience, even when wearing winter gloves.

　　If you’re looking for downsides, the only real dings come from the basic (but comfortable) plastic sheath and the partial-tang construction. The polymer sheath attaches to the belt via a standard belt clip, riding comfortably and low on the hip. It’s essentially molded plastic, but at least it’s high-quality molded plastic.

　　And as far as the partial tang goes, Mora’s been making them this way for decades. It’s not a knife you’ll want to hammer through a car door or tree, but it’s going to last through just about any other sticky situation you want to throw at it. And at this price, what’s to stop you from buying a whole batch? Throw them in your car, in your camping bag, or anywhere else you want a proven, versatile tool.

　　Survival Knife Comparison Chart

　　The TOPS Tom Brown Tracker has proven to be the ideal survival knife; (photo/Nick LeFort) There’s no one particular way to get into a survival situation without actually being in a situation where your survival is at stake. Aside from Nick LeFort almost taking his thumb off with the Benchmade Anonimus, there was no blood shed during the testing of these knives — nor the threat of it. So, we just beat the hell out of these blades to see how they would hold up in a situation where we really needed to depend on them.

　　For this year, we relied solely on tester and knifemaker Nick LeFort to work with these knives and get a sense of their worth. Bringing together years of product knowledge as well as a keen sense of what kind of situations we’re going to get into, he worked with our editors to find the right knives that would meet GearJunkie’s standards for such high accolades. In that process, everything from blade shape to blade steel to handle materials and sheaths was considered.

　　In reality, every knife out there could be used in a survival situation, so the daunting task here was to find what knives were designed for that task. Where in backpacking and bushcraft, knives may need to be used as a line of defense, in a survival situation they are that line of defense. To say this process for this particular category got very nit-picky would be an understatement.

　　But, in the end, we think we nailed it.

　　So, What Did We Do? The one thing that really stuck out in picking the top survival knives was the blade steel. When we think of survival, we think of living, moving, and sleeping in undesirable settings. This may include having to build shelters and traps for catching food. These situations may include bad weather, mud, and gunk.

　　So, you’ll notice that all of the knives on this list either have materials that have great corrosion resistance or they’ve been treated so that worrying about corrosion altogether is eliminated. You’ll also note that all of these tools are easy to resharpen or maintain.

　　We often state that testing the true merit of a knife isn’t by sitting in a garage or workshop slicing cardboard and rope. It’s about really using the knives and tools in the environments how theyd be used in real-life scenarios. This was paramount in picking these knives because there’s no way to replicate the variables that you face in the outdoor world while sitting in a lawn chair listening to Led Zeppelin in your temperature-controlled abode.

　　All of the knives on this list were used, abused, and relied on. During the testing of the Benchmade Anonimus and TOPS Tom Brown Tracker, there was snow on the ground, but it was warm, muddy, and raining. The Woodman’s Pal was used to bushwack through an overgrown, half-frozen swamp. The ESEE Izula II really was carried and used by LeFort for over a decade. In fact, he almost got the boot from a bouncer in Brooklyn for wearing it in a brewery once. That’s kind of a survival situation — the dude was really big.

　　Anyway, here at GearJunkie, we decided long ago that if we’re going to recommend something to you, we need to be as authentic as we can. The best way to do that was to rely on them, which we very much did.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Survival Knife

　　The Benchmade Anonimus is truly versatile and can adapt to a variety of situations; (photo/Nick LeFort) Blade Shape The shape of the blade plays a critical role in every knife’s purpose, but for survival knives, you need a blade that can stab. If it cant stab, then it needs to be able to slash. These are two critical maneuvers in self-defense. But equally important are the abilities to slice and chop as well as process meat and other materials you need to rely on when you’re in a survival situation.

　　That said, Drop Point and Clip Point style blades are usually preferred due to their ability to adapt to different tasks. But ergonomics also plays a heavy role in the overall success of a knife in a survival situation. So make sure to choose a knife that you feel comfortable maneuvering through uncomfortable situations.

　　Knife Steel The amount of knife blade steel and handle materials out there is pretty impressive. But, where the handle materials seem to have stabilized, there’s new steel coming out every year. As you can see from the above selection of eight knives, there are seven different knife steels. Our recommendation is to consider each steel on a case-by-case basis. But they should still meet or exceed the following requirements:

　　Corrosion Resistance

　　The last thing you want is your knife turning orange on you out in the field. Especially if you’re planning on using it to prepare food. All of the steel mentioned in this guide either has exceptional corrosion resistance or has been coated to eliminate the occurrence of rust.

　　Abrasion Resistance

　　Some people consider this property to be more form than function. But in all reality, if your blade can easily get scrapped up that can lead to chipping, which then could lead to blade failure.

　　Edge Retention/Ease of Resharpening

　　No matter what knife you carry, the worst knife you could carry is a dull one. That being said, you want to look for knife steels that either excel in edge retention or can be easily resharpened.

　　Handle Material When it comes down to handle material its all about grip. Ergonomics play a part in this as well, as you could have great handle material in a weird shape that will cause fatigue. In the end, you won’t want to use the knife and you’ll have wasted your money. These are some of the more preferred materials on the market today:

　　G10 Micarta

　　G10 and Micarta are both extremely strong materials. Both excel in grip whether your hands are wet or dry which is why those two materials are so popular with EDC,Survival, Tactical, and Bushcraft-style knives.

　　Nylon Plastic

　　Nylon and Plastic also make for great handle materials because they’re durable andlightweight, but they’re also generally textured. It’s this texturing and styling thatincreases the grip on a knife with these materials.Note: Nylon and plastic handle scales can be called a litany of names. Some of themore popular names are FRN/Zytel (Fiber-Reinforced Nylon), GRN (Glass-ReinforcedNylon), GFN (Glass-Filled Nylon), and Grivory (Injection Molded).

　　Rubber

　　In some knife worlds, rubber is the sign of a cheap knife. However, in bushcraft,rubberized handles can be a great benefit to you due to their durability as well as theirunsurpassed grip.

　　Wood

　　Wood is a fantastic handle material as long as it has been stabilized so it won’t crack. Itoffers a good amount of grip which generally increases when the wood gets wet. It alsolooks very nice.

　　Leather

　　Leather is the original OG when it comes to handle materials. Aside from wood, it wasone of the earliest used materials for handle scales; and it has stood the test of time.Usually stacked in rings, Leather breaks in rather quickly to provide a very good grip.

　　Ease of Use Ergonomics

　　A good knife will feel right in your hand. From the shape of the handle scales to theoverall thickness, and even texturing, ergonomics can be the difference between youbeing confident with your knife or leaving it in your drawer at home. When you considera knife, put it in your hand and give it a good squeeze. Then, push down hard on a hardsurface. If everything feels right, that’s your next knife.

　　Sheath

　　A good bushcraft knife is only as good as its ease of carry. In considering your nextbushcraft knife, consider a sheath made from leather or kydex. Leather will cost youmore, but can last you for years. Kydex, which is widely used by the military, is durableand generally offers not only multiple carry options but also room for you to expand it to carrya ferro rod.

　　Lock Mechanism

　　Without fail, you will find yourself in a position where you need to rely on the lock on yourknife more than you expected.

　　Some of the more common lock types are liner/frame locks that use a bar that indexes into the back of the blade. There are also button-style locks that use a steel barrel to keep the blade engaged. However, the most popular lock type is the crossbar lock which also uses a steel bar to hold the knife in place.

　　In my time and experience, I have never seen a crossbar-style lock mechanism fail without some outside force creating a major disruption in how the knife functions. Like a truck running it over.

　　Prior to the internet, we learned fighting techniques through printed manuals; (photo/Nick LeFort) Price Value Knife pricing isn’t as cut and dry as I think most of us would like it to be. Yes, just like with any other consumer good, factors like materials, design, and function all play into the final price of a knife. However, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that determine what we pay at the store for a knife.

　　How much material a knife manufacturer buys significantly impacts the price you pay for a knife. Material prices, in general, will fluctuate based on how much of each item is being bought overall. We’ve most recently seen this with MagnaCut, which became a popular steel seemingly overnight. As more brands adopted it in their knives, the overall price of the steel itself went down.

　　Another major factor is the country where the knife is made. Within the last decade, the quality of knives being made by overseas brands like WE Knife and CIVIVI has improved beyond anything we could have imagined. However, the brand’s prices are still comparatively lower than similar knives being made in North America

　　This brings up the brand name factor. Knives from brands like Benchmade generally retail for more than similar knives from other brands. It’s not outside the realm of reason that you’re paying into the brand as much as you are the product. In the case of Benchmade, you’re also buying free sharpening for life as well as a pretty significant lifetime warranty.

　　With that being said, we’re going to break knives down into the following three categories based on pricing in general. But, to be fair, in the production knife world, there are no clear and defining lines between Budget knives, Mid-tier knives, or Premium knives. The following is a generalization of what you can expect from each category.

　　Budget Budget knives are usually made from more affordable materials. Does this make the knife any less useful? No. A budget knife should do everything you would expect it to. However, it may require more maintenance to keep it up and running. When we talk about budget knives on this list we purposely pick on Morakniv. Both the Kansbol ($60) and Spark ($40) are made from affordable and desirable Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and feature molded handles. In Europe, these knives are generally sold at the counter of hardware stores next to the snacks. Here in the United States, they’re both cult classics.

　　The White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro is a great example of a premium knife at a mid-tier price; (photo/Nick LeFort) Mid-tier A majority of people carry mid-tier knives around.

　　Ranging from $100-$200, they may feature a range of steels like 154CM, M390, S35VN, or even MagnaCut. All four of those steels can also be found on premium knives, due to their corrosion and abrasion-resistant properties, toughness, and edge retention.

　　Mid-tier knives tend to have a more robust build than Budget knives. There also may be a heavier focus on ergonomics and knife weight. Even with all of its features and desirable qualities, the White River Knives Firecraft FC 3.5 Pro ($160) is a mid-tier knife. It features MagnaCut steel and Micarta handle scales — two of the most sought-after materials in modern production knives. The addition of the multi-position Kydex sheath and included ferro rod really make this knife premium.

　　This is a great example of where the sticker price says otherwise.

　　Premium The minute you read “premium,” you thought about Benchmade, didn’t you? Well, don’t discount TOPS Knives when you’re thinking like that.

　　At $270, the Benchmade Anonimus features CRU-WEAR steel which drives the price up as well as the quality and reliability. Benchmade’s pricing has long been criticized because it generally breaks the bell curve, however, considering that their knives are made in the USA from premium materials and come with a lifetime of free sharpening, the pricing seems more justifiable.

　　With TOPS Knives, things are a little different. Sure, knives like the Wilderness Guide ‘23 ($260) and the Tom Brown Tracker ($370) are made from reliable and desirable materials, as well as an ample amount of Cerakoting on the blade to make it impervious to rust. However, the big thing with TOPS is that they’re all handmade to order here in the United States.

　　Overall, there’s no price ceiling for knives in the premium category. But, if you’re buying a knife to beat on, which is what happens to most survival knives, keeping it under $400 is probably a pretty good idea.

　　M

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is a survival knife? No one expects to find themselves in a survival situation, but everyone should expect to end up in one. Those are just the facts. That said, the best survival knife is the one you have with you.

　　But, big picture, a good survival knife is one that you’re comfortable using. It needs to be durable so that it can perform under duress. It also needs to be adaptable so that it can be used in all types of environments; wet or dry.

　　Where there is no real size to the ideal survival knife, the sweet spot is 8-12 inches with the preferred size hovering around 10 inches. That’s not to say that smaller knives or larger knives won’t do the trick — in fact, they may even suit your needs better. So, if we can be so bold, statistics aren’t going to save your life — the right knife will.

　　What is the best steel for a survival knife? When choosing a steel for your new survival knife, you want a steel that can endure abuse and be easily maintained. In other words, you want a knife steel that can be used in all weather conditions, that won’t turn bright orange if it gets dropped into a body of water. You also want something that is tough, but easy to sharpen.

　　You’ll see on our list that the high carbon steels — 1074/1075, 1095 — are either powder coated or Cerakoted. These are softer steels that are easier to sharpen, however, they don’t have a great level of resistance to corrosion. In coating these blades, you eliminate the need to worry about the blade rusting on you.

　　The Cruwear used in the Benchmade Anonimus has a fairly good natural resistance to corrosion. In this case, Benchmade’s decision to Cerakote it is an added benefit albeit maybe not necessary. Either way, it’s a benefit.

　　Overall, the four things you want to look for in the ideal blade steel are:

　　Corrosion resistance Abrasion resistance Edge retention Ease of resharpening How do you care for and sharpen a survival knife? Excellent question! Like all tools, survival knives need to be cared for to maintain their readiness for action. The biggest factors to consider are edge maintenance and rust prevention.

　　Many of the knives we’ve listed here are coated to prevent corrosion. But the cutting edge remains exposed, so you’ll need to wipe it down (carefully!) before returning the knife to its sheath. Once the edge shows signs of dulling, there are many ways to bring it back to life.

　　Sometimes, a simple stropping motion across a leather belt or edge of a cardboard box will straighten things out. Just angle the blade and pull the edge backward across the surface to see if it improves.

　　But when it does come time to sharpen your survival knife, you can use anything from a guided system like the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener or Lanksy Deluxe 5-Stone System, or traditional sharpening stones. Out in the field, we recommend using the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener or Smith’s Pocket-Pal Knife Sharpener. But, hey — if this is a matter of life or death, a flat rock, the beveled edge of a car window, or another piece of steel can provide you with a decent edge.