The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Survival Knife for Beginners
Venturing into the wild can be risky without the right tools. A survival knife is a must-have for every outdoor enthusiast. This guide will show you what to look for in a dependable, high-quality knife tailored to beginners' needs.
Let's find your perfect match!
Also check out our Article Essential Survival Gear For Beginners: Picking The Right Gear For Surviving In The Outdoors
Key Takeaways
- Look for a survival knife made of high - carbon steel or stainless steel, as these materials are durable and resist corrosion.
- A full tang blade provides the best stability and strength for tough outdoor tasks like chopping and shelter building.
- Handle material should offer a comfortable grip in all weather conditions, while the blade length should ideally be between 4 to 6 inches for balance and control.
- Check local laws about knife ownership to make sure you can legally carry your survival knife during adventures.
- Regular maintenance, including sharpening and oiling your survival knife, ensures it stays reliable when you need it most.
Understanding Survival Knives
A survival knife is an essential tool for outdoor and wilderness enthusiasts. It is designed to be reliable, versatile, and durable in various survival situations. Understanding the key features of a survival knife will help beginners make informed decisions when choosing the best one for their needs.
What makes a survival knife?
Survival knives are tough and ready for any challenge. They're built to help you with many tasks, like building shelter, preparing food, and defending yourself if needed. A good survival knife has a solid blade that can resist breaking or rusting.
It's not just any ordinary knife; it's your main tool in the wild.
Unlike regular knives, survival knives have features meant for rough outdoor use. They must endure pounding, chopping wood and even starting fires. The handle fits securely in your hand so you can work without slipping.
After all, this isn't just a knife—it's a key part of your survival gear.
Next up: How is it different from other knives?
How is it different from other knives?
Survival knives differ from other knives in their multifunctionality, toughness, and versatility. Unlike ordinary kitchen or pocket knives, survival knives are designed to assist in various outdoor tasks like shelter building, food preparation, and even self-defense if necessary.
Their robust build and durability make them suitable for pounding, chopping, and thrusting without the risk of damage or breakage. Additionally, their corrosion resistance ensures they remain reliable in any weather condition.
As a result, survival knives stand out as essential tools for outdoor adventures due to their ability to serve multiple purposes reliably.
Is it legal to own one?
Owning a survival knife is legal in most places, but it's crucial to know the laws in your specific area. Check local regulations to ensure compliance with blade length and carry restrictions.
Understanding these laws will help you select a suitable survival knife for your outdoor adventures and avoid any legal complications while enjoying camping, hiking, or other wilderness activities.
When considering purchasing a survival knife, familiarize yourself with the laws regarding blade type and size, as well as any carrying restrictions that may apply in your area. This knowledge will guide you in making an informed decision when choosing the best survival knife for your outdoor needs, ensuring that you are fully prepared while staying within legal boundaries.
What to Look for in a Survival Knife
When choosing a survival knife, it's essential to consider factors like dependability, durability, comfort, blade materials and length, as well as the handle materials. These features will determine how well the knife performs in various situations and environments.
Dependability and durability
A survival knife must be reliable and robust for outdoor tasks like shelter building, food prep, and self-defense. Choose a knife with a strong blade that can handle heavy use without breaking or bending.
Look for durable materials like high-carbon steel or stainless steel to ensure your knife stands up to tough conditions in the wilderness. A dependable survival knife is an essential tool for preppers, campers, and anyone venturing into the outdoors.
When selecting a survival knife, prioritize durability over fancy features. Opt for a sturdy blade made of high-quality materials to withstand rigorous outdoor use. The dependability of your survival knife plays a crucial role in emergency preparedness and wilderness skills development.
Comfort and use case
Consider the comfort of the knife's grip for prolonged use. The handle material should allow for a secure hold in various weather conditions, preventing slippage during tasks like chopping and carving.
Additionally, choose a knife that suits your specific outdoor activities and potential survival situations. Whether it's for camping, backpacking, or wilderness survival, select a knife suited to pounding, chopping, cutting ropes or cords, and thrusting as needed in emergency scenarios.
Always factor in the practical uses you anticipate when choosing the best survival knife.
Blade materials and length
Survival knives are commonly made from stainless steel, carbon steel, or high-carbon stainless steel. These materials offer excellent durability and corrosion resistance for outdoor use.
When choosing a survival knife, consider a blade length between 4 to 6 inches, providing a good balance between maneuverability and cutting power. The right blade material and length are crucial for performing various tasks such as chopping, slicing, and carving in outdoor scenarios.
Full tang and handle materials
A full tang knife means the blade extends through the entire handle, giving it strength and stability. Look for knives with durable materials like Micarta or G-10 for a reliable grip that's comfortable to hold even in wet conditions.
The handle material of your survival knife should be chosen based on factors such as resistance to wear, tear, and corrosion. Consider looking for handles made from materials like rubber or Kraton which provide a secure grip and are resistant to extreme weather conditions.
Our Top Picks for the Best Survival Knives
In this section, we will explore our top picks for the best survival knives, including the ESEE 6P, KA-BAR BECKER BK2 CAMPANION, Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel, Cold Steel SRK, and Tops B.O.B.
Fieldcraft. Each knife offers unique features and benefits that make them ideal for beginners in outdoor survival situations.
ESEE 6P
The ESEE 6P is a top pick for a survival knife with its rugged durability and versatile design. It excels in chopping ability, making it ideal for shelter building and food preparation.
The corrosion-resistant blade materials ensure reliability in various outdoor conditions, making it an essential wilderness tool. Its full tang construction and comfortable handle materials provide a secure grip, crucial for any outdoor skills or camping essentials.
The ESEE 6P is designed to be a valuable asset for anyone engaging in outdoor activities, with its emphasis on dependability and performance.
ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife - Black
The ultimate survival tool for any prepper: the ESEE Knives 6P Fixed Blade Knife in sleek black design
Product information
$175.00 $161.16
Product Review Score
4.98 out of 5 stars
147 reviewsProduct links
KA-BAR BECKER BK2 CAMPANION
The KA-BAR BECKER BK2 CAMPANION is a rugged and dependable outdoor knife suited for beginner preppers. Its durable full tang construction ensures reliability, making it an essential wilderness tool.
The blade material and length provide excellent chopping ability and resistance to corrosion, ideal for shelter building and food preparation during outdoor adventures. This bushcraft knife also excels in self-defense situations, emphasizing its multifunctional design that meets the needs of survivalists.
Moving on to "Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel" which offers exceptional performance in various outdoor tasks while being an excellent choice for beginners seeking a reliable survival resource.
KA-BAR BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
The ultimate tool for survival and preparedness in any situation, the KA-BAR BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
Product information
$123.54 $108.55
Product Review Score
4.21 out of 5 stars
195 reviewsProduct links
Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel
The Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel is a reliable wilderness survival knife designed to assist in various outdoor tasks, making it an ideal choice for beginner preppers. With its full tang construction and 4.3-inch carbon steel blade, it offers excellent durability and chopping ability for shelter building, food preparation, and other essential survival needs.
This high-quality knife provides dependable performance in diverse outdoor environments and is an invaluable tool for anyone engaging in camping, backpacking, or facing potential survival situations.
This wilderness tool features a sturdy handle made of polyamide with a textured grip, ensuring comfort and control during use. The Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel also boasts corrosion resistance, making it well-suited for outdoor adventures where exposure to water or harsh conditions is likely.
Garberg Survival Knife with Multi-Mount Sheath, 4.3 Inch
The ultimate survival essential, the Garberg Survival Knife with Multi-Mount Sheath, offers supreme versatility with its 4.3-inch blade
Product information
$60.00
Product Review Score
4.12 out of 5 stars
83 reviewsProduct links
Cold Steel SRK
Now, moving on from the robust Morakniv Garberg Carbon Steel, we come to the Cold Steel SRK. The Cold Steel SRK is an exceptional survival knife for beginners due to its rugged construction and versatile functionality.
Constructed with a 6-inch blade made of high-carbon steel, it offers excellent durability and edge retention, crucial for wilderness tools. Its comfortable handle provides a secure grip in any situation, making it ideal for bushcraft tasks such as shelter building and food preparation.
Whether you are camping or prepping for emergencies, the Cold Steel SRK proves to be a dependable outdoor equipment choice.
The Cold Steel SRK is renowned for its chopping ability and corrosion resistance—a key feature when considering folding knives or thrusting knives for outdoor adventures. This reliable tool has proven itself effective in various tasks including fire starting and self-defense.
Cold Steel Srk SK-5 Survival Knife
The ultimate survival essential for any prepper, the Cold Steel SRK SK-5 Survival Knife guarantees unparalleled durability and performance in any situation
Product information
$69.99 $48.63
Product Review Score
4.1 out of 5 stars
28 reviewsProduct links
Tops B.O.B. Fieldcraft
Moving on from the Cold Steel SRK, let's look at Tops B.O.B. Fieldcraft. This survival knife is an excellent choice for beginners due to its durability and versatility. With a dependable full tang design and comfortable handle, it's suitable for various outdoor tasks including shelter building, food preparation, and even self-defense if needed.
The high-quality blade materials ensure that it can withstand demanding use in different environments, making it a reliable tool for any beginner prepper venturing into the outdoors.
Ideal for beginners looking for a trustworthy all-round survival knife, Tops B.O.B. Fieldcraft offers the dependability and functionality needed in emergency situations or outdoor adventures without compromising on comfort or usability.
Fieldcraft Hunter knife - 154CM steel, white color
Shop the Fieldcraft Hunter knife in durable 154CM steel with a sleek white color finish
Product information
$188.52
Product Review Score
4.83 out of 5 stars
158 reviewsProduct links
How We Test Survival Knives and Buyer's Guide
We rigorously test survival knives for dependability, comfort, and use case. Our buyer's guide includes factors to consider when choosing a survival knife and the best steel for a survival knife.
Dependability
When choosing a survival knife, dependability is crucial. Look for a knife that can withstand tough tasks like chopping, pounding, and thrusting. A high-quality survival knife will be reliable in various outdoor situations and provide the necessary support for building shelters, preparing food, starting fires, and even self-defense if needed.
It's important to prioritize durability and strength in your selection process.
Ensure the survival knife you choose can handle the demands of wilderness use without risking damage or breakage. This factor is vital for any beginner prepper looking to invest in a reliable tool for their outdoor adventures.
Comfort
The comfort of a survival knife is crucial for beginners, ensuring you can handle it easily during outdoor activities. A well-designed handle that fits your grip and minimizes hand fatigue is essential, especially when using the knife for extended periods.
Look for features like ergonomic design and non-slip materials to ensure comfort and stability while using the knife.
Having a comfortable survival knife will make it easier to handle tasks such as food preparation and shelter building, keeping you focused on the essentials during your outdoor adventures.
The right level of comfort from your survival knife can significantly impact its usability in various situations, making it an important factor to consider when making your choice of gear.
Use case
Now, let's talk about the practical application of your survival knife. Whether you're camping, hiking, or preparing for emergencies, your knife should serve multiple purposes. From building a shelter to preparing food and even defending yourself if necessary, a reliable survival knife can be an indispensable tool in various outdoor situations.
Keep in mind that your chosen survival knife should be suitable for tasks like chopping wood for kindling or small logs, thrusting to create holes or clear obstacles, and pounding when needed.
Additionally, it can also aid in fire starting and self-defense situations. As a beginner prepper looking for the best survival knife, consider these diverse use cases when making your selection.
Sharpening and maintenance
To keep your survival knife in top condition, regular sharpening and maintenance are crucial. A blunt blade is not only ineffective but also dangerous. Use a sharpening stone or rod to maintain a razor-sharp edge.
Additionally, clean and oil your knife regularly to prevent rust and corrosion, ensuring it's always ready for action when you need it most.
Proper care and attention to sharpening will ensure that your survival knife remains reliable and functional in any situation. With regular maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your knife, making it a valuable tool for all your outdoor adventures.
Factors to consider when choosing a survival knife
Factors to consider when choosing a survival knife:
- Prioritize durability, chopping ability, and corrosion resistance for outdoor adventures.
- Ensure the knife is suitable for pounding, chopping, and thrusting to minimize resource damage.
- Look for a knife that assists in shelter building, food preparation, fire starting, and self - defense.
- Select a survival knife specifically designed for camping, backpacking, or survival situations.
- Choose a knife that meets individual needs and consider guidance on recommended options to avoid.
The best steel for a survival knife
When choosing a survival knife, the type of steel used for the blade is crucial. High carbon stainless steel, such as 1095 or VG-10, is ideal for durability and edge retention. These steels are also corrosion-resistant, making them suitable for outdoor use.
A survival knife with high-quality steel ensures reliable performance in various tasks like shelter building and food preparation. It's important to prioritize the steel quality when selecting a survival knife to meet the demands of outdoor adventures.
Selecting a survival knife with appropriate steel is essential for its functionality and longevity during camping or backpacking trips. Knives made from high carbon stainless steel offer reliability in chopping, thrusting, and pounding tasks while maintaining their sharpness.
Our top picks at any budget
Selecting the perfect survival knife requires a balance between quality and affordability. Below, we've curated a list of our top survival knife picks to accommodate any budget, ensuring you can find a dependable and durable option without breaking the bank.
|
Category |
Knife Model |
Features |
Price Range |
|
Entry-Level |
Morakniv Companion |
Stainless steel blade, excellent sharpness, comfortable grip |
$ |
|
Mid-Range |
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife |
High carbon stainless steel, fire starter, whistle |
$$ |
|
Premium |
ESEE 6P |
1095 high carbon steel, full tang, durable sheath |
$$$ |
|
High-End |
Fallkniven A1 |
Laminate VG10 blade, full tang, waterproof sheath |
$$$$ |
This selection ensures you have a reliable survival knife for any task, from food preparation to self-defense, fitting within your financial means. Each knife listed boasts features that make it a valuable companion in the outdoors, adhering to the significance of a survival knife in any survival situation.
How to care for and sharpen your survival knife.
After finding the best survival knife for your needs, it's essential to know how to care for and sharpen it. Here are some important tips:
- Keep your knife clean and dry, especially after use in wet or humid conditions. Moisture can lead to corrosion, so wipe it down thoroughly.
- Regularly oil the blade to prevent rust and maintain its sharpness.
- Sharpen your knife using a whetstone or sharpening tool designed for the specific type of blade material.
- Aim for a consistent angle when sharpening — typically around 20 degrees — to ensure an even edge.
- Test the sharpness by gently running your thumb along the blade; if it feels smooth but catches slightly, the edge is likely sharp.
- Store your knife properly, ideally in a sheath or protective cover, to prevent accidental damage and maintain its edge.
- Avoid using your survival knife for tasks beyond its capabilities; this can lead to unnecessary wear and potential damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best survival knife is crucial for outdoor adventures. Consider durability, chopping ability, and corrosion resistance when making your decision. A high-quality survival knife can assist in shelter building, food preparation, fire starting, and self-defense.
The guide provides recommendations to help beginners make informed decisions about their purchase. Remember to select a knife that suits your specific needs and outdoor activities.
FAQs
1. What should beginners look for in a survival knife?
Beginners should focus on key knife features like a sturdy handle, a sharp blade for cutting and thrusting, and the right size to handle bushcraft tasks.
2. Is a folding knife good for survival?
A folding knife can be handy due to its portability but may not be as durable or suitable for all bushcraft tools needs compared to fixed-blade knives.
3. Why is the knife handle important when choosing a survival knife?
The handle of a survival knife is crucial because it affects grip comfort and control, making it safer and more efficient during use in various outdoor activities.
4. Can you get one survival knife that does everything for beginners?
While no single survival knife can do every task perfectly, beginners should choose one with versatile features that will meet most of their basic bushcraft tool needs.
