After 45 hours spent researching the best survival knifes, we think Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Survival Knife is the best for most people.
This choice is based on several criteria: brand, type, color, handle material, blade material, blade hardness, blade shape, overall length, blade length, thickness, water resistant, easy maintenance, weight, sheath, and warranty, among other things.
| Product | Price | Overall Rating | Quality | Ease of Use | Appearance | Sturdiness | Value for Money | brand | type | color | handle material | blade material | blade hardness | blade shape | overall length | blade length | thickness | water resistant | easy maintenance | weight | sheath | warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Survival Knife | Check Price | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | Fallkniven | Fixed blade | Black | Kraton | Lam VG10 steel | 59 HRC | Drop point | 11 in | 6.29 in | 0.25 in | Yes | Yes | 0.9 lbs | Zytel | Lifetime |
| ESEE Knives 6P Molded Polymer Survival Knife | Check Price | 4.4 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | ESEE Knives | Fixed blade | 5 colors | Composite | 1095 Carbon steel | 57 HRC | Drop point | 11.75 in | 6.50 in | 0.175 in | Yes | Yes | 1.03 lbs | Polymer | Lifetime |
 | Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife | Check Price | 4.6 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | Ka-Bar | Fixed blade | Black | Grivory | 1095 Cro-Van steel | 59 HRC | Drop point | 10.5 in | 5.25 in | 0.183 in | Yes | Yes | Yes | Nylon | Lifetime |
| Gerber StrongArm Survival Knife | Check Price | 4.2 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.0 | Gerber | Fixed blade | Coyote brown / Black | Nylon | BDZ-1 steel | 57 HRC | Drop point | 9.8 in | 4.8 in | 0.162 in | Yes | Yes | 0.88 lbs | Nylon | Lifetime |
 | Bark River Gunny Canvas Micarta Survival Knife | Check Price | 4.9 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | Bark River | Fixed blade | Green / Black | Composite | A-2 steel | 58 HRC | Drop point | 8.4 in | 3.77 in | 0.156 in | Yes | Yes | 0.4 lbs | Leather | Lifetime |
Selection Of The Best Survival Knifes
Here are the best survival knifes for most people according to Outlinist:
Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Survival Knife
If you were to get dropped in the middle of the wilderness in any part of the world, what type of survival knife would make you feel confident?
If you’re interested in planning for any possible situation, then you’ll want to have the most versatile and durable knife possible.
The market has embraced the survival knife, which has resulted in a flood of knives for every intention.
Whether you’re looking for an EDC piece, a military survival knife, or small survival knife for your emergency plan, then you can find it by searching a bit.
Known for crafting some of the finest knives available, Fallkniven is a brand to take note of.
Information
It’s a great knife to have around the campfire or when taking long journeys into the wilderness.
The Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Survival Knife is the perfect blend of substance and style. Measuring in at 11 inches total with a 6.3 inch blade, this survival knife is hefty. It weighs 12 ounces, which can make other knives feel like plastic toys. Its official size description is “semi-large”, which works well for many individuals.
It’s a great knife to have around the campfire or when taking long journeys into the wilderness. It’s also ideal for home emergencies and those preparing for bug out scenarios. Its performance is supreme, taking out chunks of wood with a single movement.
The blade is fashioned with two layers of steel – 420J steel for the outer layer and a VG10 core. This core is hardened and holds its sharpness throughout heavy use. The outer steel layers are highly durable and stainless, holding up to heavy use without chipping.
| brand | Fallkniven |
|---|---|
| type | Fixed blade |
| color | Black |
| handle material | Kraton |
| blade material | Lam VG10 steel |
| blade hardness | 59 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point |
| overall length | 11 in |
| blade length | 6.29 in |
| thickness | 0.25 in |
| water resistant | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes |
| weight | 0.9 lbs |
| sheath | Zytel |
| warranty | Lifetime |
It takes a considerable amount of effort to dull the blade, so your arm may get tired of making sawing and chopping motions. One of the great benefits of stainless steel is that it holds up under pressure as well as in the snow and when conditions are wet.
This is a stark departure from many of the other outdoor knives available and is made possible due to using the best steel for survival knives – 420J and VG10.
This Fallkniven has a durable design that easily makes it an excellent option for campers, survivalists, and government personnel. There isn’t much that this knife cannot accomplish.
Pros
A great amount of attention to detail went into this knife to make the blade thick enough to handle maneuvers such as handle batoning, yet sleek enough for the professional.
The Fallkniven A1 survival knife is a great choice for anyone that wants to be able to handle anything that comes their way. It has essential features that make it one of the top choices for survival situations and emergencies of all kinds.
- The perfect survival knife: A kit for survival wouldn’t be complete without this knife. It’s perfect for any kind of weather and holds up well in the snow and when it’s wet while others may not. The A1 is excellent for batoning, skinning game, crafting an impressive trap, or performing any other task.
- A knife you can trust in: The weight of this knife makes it the perfect tool to protect yourself. It has a forward heaviness making it perfect for forward movements such as cutting and sticking. The grip is secure and you can trust that no matter what the situation, you will be protected.
- Sharpening the blade is easy: With some blades the sharpening process is a struggle, but the Fallkniven is easy to touch up. You can use a simple method, such as the sandpaper/mouse pad technique, to easily get your blade as sharp as it was originally without needing to exert too much time and energy.
- Design is simple yet high quality: A great amount of attention to detail went into this knife to make the blade thick enough to handle maneuvers such as handle batoning, yet sleek enough for the professional. The Scandinavian design is handsome and shows that the blade was meant to be used for real outdoor work – exuding supreme quality.
- A heavier blade than most: This heaviness allows the blade to cut and hack into objects more efficiently and effectively. Its blade is solid and made of incredibly heavy-duty stainless 420J steel that encloses VG-10 steel, which is hardened and extremely high quality. The VG10 holds up under pressure phenomenally and stays sharp for a very long time.
- Cutting performance is superb: When cutting any kind of object, you won’t be disappointed with the performance of the Fallkniven A1. It cuts through objects with ease, with its additional weight doing nothing to alter its performance when cutting objects as thin as paper or as thick as tree branches.
Cons
While there isn’t a perfect knife, this survival knife comes as close as possible. There are some areas that could be improved and things that you should look out for before making a commitment.
- Handle may be a bit too small: People that wear large or extra-large gloves may want a handle that is a bit larger. It still functions as it should, but it could be a bit thicker for more comfort. The size of the handle doesn’t take away from the ability of this blade to do what it needs to do.
- The sheath is plastic: The material tends to rattle and make some noise when moving around. It serves its purpose, however, and fits the blade perfectly. It’s very discreet, so you can carry your survival knife without arousing much, if any, attention.
- Lacks the forward weight of true chopping knives: While the A1 is an excellent knife, it doesn’t have the forward weight needed to truly chop things. It can still get the job done like a champ with a bit of elbow grease, as the design allows it to make chunks out of thick wood.
Comparison
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand | Fallkniven | ESEE Knives | Ka-Bar |
| type | Fixed blade | Fixed blade | Fixed blade |
| color | Black | 5 colors | Black |
| handle material | Kraton | Composite | Grivory |
| blade material | Lam VG10 steel | 1095 Carbon steel | 1095 Cro-Van steel |
| blade hardness | 59 HRC | 57 HRC | 59 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point |
| overall length | 11 in | 11.75 in | 10.5 in |
| blade length | 6.29 in | 6.50 in | 5.25 in |
| thickness | 0.25 in | 0.175 in | 0.183 in |
| water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 0.9 lbs | 1.03 lbs | Yes |
| sheath | Zytel | Polymer | Nylon |
| warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Summary
It’s been hailed as one of the best knives for anyone – whether they be military employees, government workers, survivalists, or people that simply enjoy the outdoors.
The Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Survival Knife is an exceptional knife. It enables you to maneuver efficiently and easily, taking care of the tasks that you need to get done. The knife is heavier than your average blade, reinforcing its strength.
It’s been hailed as one of the best knives for anyone – whether they be military employees, government workers, survivalists, or people that simply enjoy the outdoors. It’s easy to sharpen, has amazing cutting performance, and the design is elegant and simple.
The Fallkniven is a knife that you could enjoy in any situation as it has the ability to perform almost any task that needs to be done. Before you go with another choice, give this heavyweight knife a try and experience the power of the A1.
ESEE Knives 6P Molded Polymer Survival Knife
If you want to be prepared for in any situation, you’re going to need the proper gear. This includes a survival knife.
The proper knife will ensure your survival in all kinds of scenarios you may encounter.
Knives and cutting tools have been an essential tool to humankind since the dawn of man.
Their popularity has risen lately, with all kinds of knives now readily available.
This is great news for those that love a good fixed blade survival knife, but it can also mean there are more options that aren’t up to the standards of quality they should be to function properly.
Information
When you’re considering military knives, this can be an excellent option in terms of durability, functionality, and versatility.
While many blades are too far on one side or the other, the ESEE Knives 6P Molded Polymer Survival Knife falls right in the middle and is perfectly balanced.
The company that manufactures these knives, Randall Adventure & Training Company, arrived on the scene in 1997 and has been producing amazing knives ever since.
They put in precious time when it comes to the design and the workmanship that goes into their knives is obvious. The ESEE has been entered as a candidate for the best survival knife in the world, so you can be sure that you will be satisfied with this knife.
| brand | ESEE Knives |
|---|---|
| type | Fixed blade |
| color | 5 colors |
| handle material | Composite |
| blade material | 1095 Carbon steel |
| blade hardness | 57 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point |
| overall length | 11.75 in |
| blade length | 6.50 in |
| thickness | 0.175 in |
| water resistant | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes |
| weight | 1.03 lbs |
| sheath | Polymer |
| warranty | Lifetime |
It has a blade length of 6.5 inches, making it short enough to be versatile while not sacrificing any of the functionality of a longer blade. The handle is made of linen Micarta and the overall weight of the knife is a hefty 12 ounces. This is a little heavier than other knives, but it serves the purpose of the knife well.
When you’re considering military knives, this can be an excellent option in terms of durability, functionality, and versatility. However, you may find that it doesn’t lend to your camouflage while hunting or going undercover in the brush. The ESEE 6 is much more of a tool for individuals that want something between professional and fun.
If you find the ESEE 6 for sale, you should hop on the deal because these knives have been a favorite for decades and only seem to be getting better as time goes on.
Pros
During consistent use, you will find that this blade needs to be sharpened much less often than others.
The ESEE 6 is an amazing knife with capabilities that make it a great choice for many different individuals. With this highly praised and durable survival knife there’s not much that can’t be accomplished.
- Lifetime transferrable warranty: The warranty that comes with these blades lasts a lifetime and the owner of the knife does not matter. You can send it in for repairs and sharpening with no worries about paying high fees. This means you can use your knife without worrying about having to shell out another couple of hundred for a replacement if something happens.
- Versatile 6 inch blade: The blade is smack dab in the middle of being long and short, allowing it to function as either. It has the versatility of shorter blades, allowing it to be used for tasks around the home and for carving. It’s also long enough to be used for batoning wood and other survival tasks.
- Stays sharp for long durations of time: During consistent use, you will find that this blade needs to be sharpened much less often than others. It can stay sharp throughout various tasks, including chopping wood and cutting into cardboard. This says great things about its ability to last in the wilderness.
- Bright colors are great for emergency situations: If you’re lost in the woods or in any survival situation, you are going to want others to be able to find you. Unless you’re a military or army buff, then you may prefer a camo knife. This is great for campers and others that enjoy the outdoors.
- Made with 1095 steel: This is arguably the best steel for a survival knife. It’s very strong and enables the knife to be incredibly durable. You can take care of any business you need to with this steel, making it one of the most ideal types of steel for use in various environments.
- Cleaning is simple and easy: If you get the handle dirty or notice that some debris and rust is starting to build up on the blade, you can clean things up easily. Using a 3-in-1 cleaner and rust preventative is an excellent way to keep the knife in top shape as well as cleaning the handle regularly with dish soap and a bit of scrubbing.
Cons
While this blade is an excellent choice for many reasons, there is always something that could be improved. If you’re interested in adding the ESEE to your collection, then you should be aware of some potential downsides.
- May be prone to rust: This knife is made with steel, but it can be prone to becoming rusted if left in wet environments. You should aim to maintain it using rust deterrents and preventatives if you’re in a damp environment or travelling to one. A cleaning kit is recommended.
- Very little shock absorption: Because of how hard the blade is as well as the handle, which is made of Micarta, there’s not much to absorb the shock when using the knife. This can result in feeling more of the movement and vibrations when cutting or using it to chop or hack at objects.
- You’ll need to oil it occasionally: While this may not seem like a big deal, there are some people that look for a blade that requires minimal or no maintenance. The ESEE can begin to corrode over time, making it important to apply an occasional coat of oil to the blade.
Comparison
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand | ESEE Knives | Fallkniven | Ka-Bar |
| type | Fixed blade | Fixed blade | Fixed blade |
| color | 5 colors | Black | Black |
| handle material | Composite | Kraton | Grivory |
| blade material | 1095 Carbon steel | Lam VG10 steel | 1095 Cro-Van steel |
| blade hardness | 57 HRC | 59 HRC | 59 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point |
| overall length | 11.75 in | 11 in | 10.5 in |
| blade length | 6.50 in | 6.29 in | 5.25 in |
| thickness | 0.175 in | 0.25 in | 0.183 in |
| water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 1.03 lbs | 0.9 lbs | Yes |
| sheath | Polymer | Zytel | Nylon |
| warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Summary
The makers put a lot of care into the design of this tool, enabling it to be everything you need and more.
If you’re looking for a knife that can get you through virtually any survival situation and accomplish camping tasks of all kinds, you’ve made a big step with the ESEE Knives 6P Molded Polymer Survival Knife. This tool is ideal for various activities, whether it involves carving wood or chopping it.
If you’re an avid camper or enjoy hunting, you’ll want something that doesn’t get lost easily. This knife accomplishes that, with bright color options that show its location so you can easily retrieve it if it’s dropped.
You can have an amazing experience in the outdoors with this survival knife on your side. The makers put a lot of care into the design of this tool, enabling it to be everything you need and more.
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife
If you want to be prepared for any possible survival situation, you’ll need a survival knife that’s up to the task.
Are you looking for more of an EDC knife or something more specialized? There are various options to choose from to keep you prepared.
Knives with fixed blades are a staple in the world, with thousands of different varieties available.
This increase in availability has led to an increase in knives that don’t meet the standards they should in order to be considered worthy of being called survival combat knives.
If you want the best knife for the money you’ll be spending, then you should give some consideration to one of the latest models from Ka-Bar.
Information
If you’re an avid camper, this knife is perfect for getting campsite tasks done with a swiftness that isn’t seen with any other knife.
Even though there technically isn’t a knife that could meet all of your survival needs, the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife comes very close. It can be used to build traps, skin game, slice veggies, carve wood, and more.
This knife is very maneuverable, making it one of the top choices when it comes to the best wilderness survival knife. The blade is angled to allow it to be the ultimate tool when it comes to any of your needs.
For bush crafting, the BK2 is excellent for building shelters. It allows you to get yourself set when camping or in survival situations quickly and efficiently without expending too much energy.
| brand | Ka-Bar |
|---|---|
| type | Fixed blade |
| color | Black |
| handle material | Grivory |
| blade material | 1095 Cro-Van steel |
| blade hardness | 59 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point |
| overall length | 10.5 in |
| blade length | 5.25 in |
| thickness | 0.183 in |
| water resistant | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes |
| weight | Yes |
| sheath | Nylon |
| warranty | Lifetime |
Weight a full 1 pound, this small knife is surprisingly hefty and it has a grace and beauty that encompasses its full length of almost 11 inches. The blade itself measures less than 5.5 inches, putting it on the smaller side for such a heavy knife.
If you’re an avid camper, this knife is perfect for getting campsite tasks done with a swiftness that isn’t seen with any other knife. If you were to look for the best survival knife for the money, then you would likely see a picture of this knife.
It’s also ideal for those on a budget, with its price point being a bit lower than some of the other top options for survival knives. The BK2 is simply an amazing fixed blade knife that comes in handy in many situations.
Pros
Whether you’re planning an afternoon in the woods or going on a backpacking trip, this survival knife should be by your side.
The Becker BK2 has many amazing qualities which make it an excellent survival knife for camping. The benefits of picking this knife are obvious as soon as you get into the wilderness with it and put it to the test.
- Great for building shelters: The design of the blade makes it a great choice for building shelters. It allows batoning and can get you out of a tight spot when you need to survive. You won’t need to process thick logs, so this tool is just perfect.
- Handles small jobs perfectly: If you’re using the BK2 for something small, such as a feather stick, then you’ll be pretty satisfied. It’s a nice knife to have in case of an emergency, when you’ll need something to help with simple tasks in an outdoor environment and around the home as well.
- A heavy-duty tool for trekking: Whether you’re planning an afternoon in the woods or going on a backpacking trip, this survival knife should be by your side. It’s heavy and classic design allows you to different tasks with an ease and confidence that other blades may not be able to provide.
- The blade is extremely thick: If you’ve owned other survival knives, then you will notice the thickness of this 6.35mm blade when comparing it to others. It is extremely thick, which may not be ideal for cutting but comes in handy for other types of tasks, such as batoning or splitting wood.
- Excellent for camping: Everything that the BK2 can accomplish is perfect for weekends by the lake sitting in a tent next to a campfire. It can be used for building fires, preparing food, and many other jobs around the campsite that need to be completed using a sharp and durable object.
- Comes with a fiberglass reinforced nylon sheath: The sheath included with this knife is beautiful and unassuming. It’s black and matches the aesthetic of the knife perfectly. Your tool fits into place snugly and with the simple nylon loop, it can be attached easily to your belt for access during any situation.
Cons
While the Campanion may not be the best knife in the world, it does come close. Be aware of areas where it may fall short in order to make it easier to compare to other choices for survival knives.
- May be limited to batoning small logs: If you’re planning on building larger structures using this knife, then you should be aware that it may be a bit limiting. It’s perfect for smaller shelters, so you can get out of the elements and under cover fast.
- Not the best for fine carving: Although very efficient for making stakes or prepping tinder for a fire, if passing the time by a fire whittling away at making a serious carved piece is something you enjoy, you may want to consider something else. This knife is ideal for many things, but fine carving is not one of them.
- Small but heavy: While having a bit of heft is alright, the Becker can’t seem to decide what kind of knife it wants to be. Is it a utility knife or is it a heavy-duty tool? This leads to some problems during use and a bit of experimentation finding how to use it with precision.
Comparison
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand | Ka-Bar | Fallkniven | ESEE Knives |
| type | Fixed blade | Fixed blade | Fixed blade |
| color | Black | Black | 5 colors |
| handle material | Grivory | Kraton | Composite |
| blade material | 1095 Cro-Van steel | Lam VG10 steel | 1095 Carbon steel |
| blade hardness | 59 HRC | 59 HRC | 57 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point |
| overall length | 10.5 in | 11 in | 11.75 in |
| blade length | 5.25 in | 6.29 in | 6.50 in |
| thickness | 0.183 in | 0.25 in | 0.175 in |
| water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | Yes | 0.9 lbs | 1.03 lbs |
| sheath | Nylon | Zytel | Polymer |
| warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Summary
Your building capabilities may be limited, but there is so much more that you can do with this amazing tool.
The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Survival Knife is an amazing knife for individuals that love the great outdoors. It’s ideal for camping and other activities that involve light use of a heavy duty tool, such as preparing the food for a meal or feather sticks.
This knife is durable and comes with a sheath that keeps it secure when it’s not in use. Your building capabilities may be limited, but there is so much more that you can do with this amazing tool.
If you’re looking for the best budget survival knife, this tool is the ideal choice. It’s affordable, durable, consistent, and capable of doing what you need it do to.
Gerber StrongArm Survival Knife
Knives are among the oldest tools mankind has known and are still highly important to survival today. Knives can be for use outdoors, everyday carry, or just for use during an emergency.
A survival knife is still essential, so it’s crucial that you pick the best piece of gear possible.
While folding knives have risen in popularity in recent years, a fixed blade is still the most reliable tool and weapon. They’re durable and very useful in almost any situation.
Given the number of knives on the market today, knowing which blade design and length as well as what type of metal is best suited to your use is important.
But the reputation of the manufacturer is often the critical factor, and there are few brands better than Gerber.
Information
This beautiful survival knife is serrated, giving you even more versatility during use.
While earlier incarnations of the Gerber StrongArm Survival Knife may have lacked some of the aesthetics of newer models, this StrongArm is sleek and looks like it means business. As soon as you see the sheath, you know it’s time for some serious knife action.
The blade is made using 420HC stainless steel, so you don’t have to worry about rust or corrosion in wet or snowy weather. A survival knife with stainless steel is ideal, as this means there is less blade maintenance to be done. You can work in wet conditions and don’t have to use rust deterrent products to keep it neat and sharp.
This beautiful survival knife is serrated, giving you even more versatility during use. You can accomplish several tasks, such as chopping items and performing outdoor tasks like batoning, making a feather stick, and chopping branches for shelter, and more.
| brand | Gerber |
|---|---|
| type | Fixed blade |
| color | Coyote brown / Black |
| handle material | Nylon |
| blade material | BDZ-1 steel |
| blade hardness | 57 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point |
| overall length | 9.8 in |
| blade length | 4.8 in |
| thickness | 0.162 in |
| water resistant | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes |
| weight | 0.88 lbs |
| sheath | Nylon |
| warranty | Lifetime |
The grind of this knife makes it incredibly strong and powerful, giving it a sharp and dangerous point. Even though the appearance of the Gerber may seem flat, as many knives are, it actually has some definition – a palm swell.
Don’t be fooled by the good looks of this survival knife. Gerber has packed this tool with so many amazing features that you won’t even know where to begin. It’s been designed carefully so that it is great for tactical use as well as use in the outdoors.
After using this Gerber survival knife just once, you are bound to claim that it’s one of the best survival knives of all time.
Pros
The manufacturing of this knife takes place on American soil, so you’re guaranteed the high quality of craftsmanship that comes with products made in the United States.
The Gerber StrongArm comes with a bunch of design features built into the blade that make it one of the best choices for surviving in the wilderness, engaging in combat, and camping. There’s even more to this gorgeous knife, so let’s go more in-depth.
- The handle is exquisite: The handle is the first thing you’ll notice; it has a diamond texture and is rubberized, securing it in your hand even during the pouring rain. The handle is the same color as the sheath, giving you a seamless and flowing look.
- The sheath itself is nothing to play with: This durable and simple sheath can be worn horizontally on the belt as well as down the side of the leg. It can be attached to tactical equipment as well, such as backpacks with MOLLE systems when out in the wild or even body armor.
- Versatile and designed for several activities: This survival knife has serrated edges towards the handle, enabling it to be versatile and accomplish several tasks that may need to be done in an outdoor environment or a survival situation. You could even use this knife during combat, as it was designed with combat in mind.
- A knife made in the USA: The manufacturing of this knife takes place on American soil, so you’re guaranteed the high quality of craftsmanship that comes with products made in the United States. It’s made for pretty much any situation that could occur, giving you the ultimate preparedness.
- The ultimate batoning experience: If you’re into cutting wood, then you’ll love how amazing this knife is at batoning. It’s strong enough to cut through logs and make firewood or chop branches for kindling. Even after an afternoon of chopping, there’s barely any wear on the blade – it’s just as sharp as before.
- Made of stainless 420HC steel: The steel used to craft this knife is amazingly strong. 420HC steel is resistant to the effects of rust and can be used in any environment. While other knives may become corroded in wet weather or the snow, the Gerber maintains its strength and functionality in all types of weather.
Cons
This Gerber knife has been designed with several things in mind, making it diverse in its use while maintaining its strength and aesthetic. This diversity doesn’t come without some downsides, however.
- Requires two hands to place into sheath: While you can easily get the knife out of its sheath in one fluid movement, it’s a bit more trouble sheathing it once you’re done with using it. You’ll need both hands free, which isn’t a huge issue, but it could cause some problems.
- Scratches may appear on the blade: If you love keeping the appearance of your knife intact, which you’ll want to do with this model, you may need to beware of the sheath. It can cause scratches on the blade, but you can remedy this by placing duct tape inside the sheath to keep the sides from rubbing against the blade.
- May cause fatigue during use: Since this knife is on the smaller side and isn’t that heavy, it could take some effort to chop materials. This could be a problem in a situation where time is of the essence and strength is limited.
Comparison
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand | Gerber | Fallkniven | ESEE Knives |
| type | Fixed blade | Fixed blade | Fixed blade |
| color | Coyote brown / Black | Black | 5 colors |
| handle material | Nylon | Kraton | Composite |
| blade material | BDZ-1 steel | Lam VG10 steel | 1095 Carbon steel |
| blade hardness | 57 HRC | 59 HRC | 57 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point |
| overall length | 9.8 in | 11 in | 11.75 in |
| blade length | 4.8 in | 6.29 in | 6.50 in |
| thickness | 0.162 in | 0.25 in | 0.175 in |
| water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 0.88 lbs | 0.9 lbs | 1.03 lbs |
| sheath | Nylon | Zytel | Polymer |
| warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Summary
If you don’t have military equipment, you can still benefit from this amazing knife and its unique sheath.
The Gerber StrongArm Survival Knife is a testament to how far survival knives have come in the last few decades. This knife is the epitome of versatility, having the capability to perform combat maneuvers and build shelters with ease.
While it isn’t as heavy as other knives meant for bush crafting, it can get the job done with a bit more effort. It can be worn in several different styles, either vertically or horizontally and on equipment with a MOLLE system. If you don’t have military equipment, you can still benefit from this amazing knife and its unique sheath.
Every feature of the StrongArm has been thought out carefully, enabling it to be the ultimate survival knife in several ways.
Bark River Gunny Canvas Micarta Survival Knife
If you were out in the woods and expected to survive the journey back to civilization, what knife would you want at the ready?
Even though you might think any knife would do in this situation, if you want to be prepared then it’s time to plan so that you’re not stuck with a knife that’s rather useless.
Whether you’re looking for the best military survival knife or simply want a good EDC and fixed blade, you can find it with just a bit of research.
Using a high-quality knife means that you can be adequately prepared for anything that life throws at you.
If you’re on a journey to find the ultimate survival knife, then you should start here.
Information
When it comes to the blade, the finish has been improved dramatically since the release of Bark River knives.
Many people have high expectations for the Bark River Gunny Canvas Micarta Survival Knife and for good reason; the Bark River brand has been designing quality knives for years. Their reputation speaks for itself in the survival world, with hunters, military personnel, and survivalists speaking highly of their products.
The Gunny is one of their latest accomplishments, with a lightweight build and slender design that masks how powerful the blade really is. It’s made in the USA, so you’re getting the product of American manufacturing and the pride that comes with quality construction.
The leather sheath that comes with it fits the knife perfectly, covering the blade and allowing for easy access. The handle is smooth and the Micarta is pleasant and appealing. The design was manufactured with care, showing the level of quality that this knife really is.
| brand | Bark River |
|---|---|
| type | Fixed blade |
| color | Green / Black |
| handle material | Composite |
| blade material | A-2 steel |
| blade hardness | 58 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point |
| overall length | 8.4 in |
| blade length | 3.77 in |
| thickness | 0.156 in |
| water resistant | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes |
| weight | 0.4 lbs |
| sheath | Leather |
| warranty | Lifetime |
When it comes to the blade, the finish has been improved dramatically since the release of Bark River knives. The finish is smooth and extremely sharp, while in the past the sharpening methods left the blade rough in some areas.
Speaking of sharpening – getting the edges of this knife to their former sharpness after use is super simple. It’s definitely designed to be used for hard work and daily labor.
While you may not be able to make precise slices, the blade is strong enough to accomplish many other tasks that thinner blades wouldn’t be able to. The Gunny is the best EDC fixed blade knife with its versatility, lightweight design, and sleek finish.
Pros
Meant to be used by military personnel, this survival knife was designed with care and precision.
The Bark River Gunny has tons of great features, such as a smooth finish and a very lightweight design. It can be used for various purposes, making it something you can carry every day.
- Improved blade grind: Improvements in the survivor knife sharpener technique have been made to the quality control, ensuring that the blade is polished, has a quality finish, and is consistent during use. The blade is even and smooth with a beautiful matte finish that makes it look appealing and professional. It’s a serious survival tool.
- Easy to get nice and sharp: You can hold onto it with ease while sharpening. If you’re particular about the sharpening of knives, you’ll love the pinpoint sharpness of these edges. You can use the sharpening method of your choice, so there’s no worry about dull edges on this survival knife.
- The handle is contoured and comfortable: Every corner is rounded off so that it is comfortable to hold in your hand. This also means it is preferable to use the hammer and reverse grip, but other positions can work just as well depending on how you’re planning on using the knife and what’s comfortable for you.
- Can be used for bush crafting: Meant to be used by military personnel, this survival knife was designed with care and precision. This gives the knife the ability to be used in bush crafting, so you can make a small shelter that is capable of protecting you from the elements.
- Built for getting hard work done: The blade thickness means that the convex grind of it is steeper than other knives, but not too steep. It’s sturdy and robust, designed with the ultimate care and precision for any situation in which you need something heavy duty to do the job right.
- A light and nimble feeling: You won’t be sacrificing any of the durability and uses of beefier knives that are heavy and tough. While the Gunny doesn’t do big chopping, there really isn’t much this knife can’t handle. You can get tough projects handled with no problem using this unsuspecting heavy-duty knife.
Cons
There’s no such thing as a survival knife with the ultimate capabilities. While the Bark River Gunny comes close, there are still some things that could be improved about the design that would take this survival knife to the next level.
- Blade is thin: This is in terms of its height from the edges to the spine of the knife. It’s not very wide – under 1 inch – but the width fits the knife. You can run out of real estate when choking up, but it doesn’t take away from the functionality of the blade itself.
- Slightly heavy at the butt of the knife: Balance is at the back portion of the knife where the front pin is located, or where your finger would naturally fall when landing on the blade. It won’t hinder performance and most people don’t realize it even has some weight in the back of it.
- May be too small for larger hands: This knife is on the small side for people with larger hands. The blade itself is under an inch, as it’s meant to be on the smaller side with a slender build. The handle is small, but it is very nimble and feels nice and comfortable during use.
Comparison
| Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| brand | Bark River | Fallkniven | ESEE Knives |
| type | Fixed blade | Fixed blade | Fixed blade |
| color | Green / Black | Black | 5 colors |
| handle material | Composite | Kraton | Composite |
| blade material | A-2 steel | Lam VG10 steel | 1095 Carbon steel |
| blade hardness | 58 HRC | 59 HRC | 57 HRC |
| blade shape | Drop point | Drop point | Drop point |
| overall length | 8.4 in | 11 in | 11.75 in |
| blade length | 3.77 in | 6.29 in | 6.50 in |
| thickness | 0.156 in | 0.25 in | 0.175 in |
| water resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| easy maintenance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| weight | 0.4 lbs | 0.9 lbs | 1.03 lbs |
| sheath | Leather | Zytel | Polymer |
| warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Summary
The Gunny is built with a beautifully sleek design that shows the purpose of this knife: hard work.
The Bark River Gunny Canvas Micarta Survival Knife is a great knife for anyone that wants to be prepared for anything that could occur. It’s made for getting what you need to do done without any problems and without making everything such hard work.
The Gunny is built with a beautifully sleek design that shows the purpose of this knife: hard work. It’s meant for heavy-duty work and is a candidate for the best knife for EDC. It’s capable of handling big and small jobs while being lightweight enough to use comfortably without sacrificing quality.
With a thin blade and an unpretentious design, it’s a great choice for survivalists that are serious about their activities. The Gunny also has a contoured design, making it comfortable for anyone that has the chance to experience the feeling of its high-quality grip.
Sources
- Knife, Astronaut Survival, National Air and Space Museum
- Survival knife, Wikipedia
- First Blood Survival Knife, Rambo Wiki
- Buck Survival Knives, Buck Knives
- Gerber Knives, Gerber
- Esee Knives, Esee
- Custom handmade knives, Dark Timber
- Knife making, Wikipedia
- Oldest mail-order knife company in the world, A.G. Russel Knives
- Alcas Cutlery, Cutco Cutlery Corporation
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