best survival knife

Best Survival Knife for the Money

I’ve been a survival & hunting enthusiast for over 30 years now and even to this day, the first thing I ever pack before even essential clothing is a great survival knife. I just cannot stress the importance of having a great survival tool with you and personally, there have been many an occasion, where my survival knife has helped me overcome the odds & survive in the outdoors.

Trust me, it’s that important!

Thats’ why, I decided to help fellow survivalists & knife enthusiasts by making this monstrous guide on choosing the best survival knife for the money in 2018! By the time you finish reading this, you will know exactly which knife to choose & more importantly, why to choose it. Instead of blindly guessing and getting confused due to the huge number of knives in the market, you’ll benefit from my actual experience of using these knives and know that they come highly recommended.

Although there are many more factors to consider, budget is an important consideration for most and because of this very reason, I’ve classified this survival knife buying guide by picking my top choices under the ranges of $200, $100 & $50. You’ll also learn what parameters to look at when buying a survival tool plus some major brands & why to choose them.

So, without further ado, let’s get going, me lads!

Best Survival Knife

Best Survival Knife under $200 – Top 5 

ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife with Canvas Micarta Handles

First up on my list of the best survival knife under $200 is the ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife that comes equipped with Canvas Micarta Handles. This full tang knife has a blade length of 4.75 inches with an overall length of 10 inches and is made from 1095 High Carbon steel.

ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife

It comes along with a few accessories such as a Kydex sheath, handle removal washer, a belt clip plate, tinder tabs and a Ferrocerium fire starting flint which makes it a good well rounded camping survival knife. It looks great in terms of fit and finish and is razor sharp out of the box so you need to be a little careful there.

The 1095 steel blade takes abuse pretty well thanks to the superb heat treatment given by ESEE. I personally like the forward finger choil as well because it gives a much better grip while performing delicate tasks.

The Ferrocerium rod is hidden below the scales while the washer is present on the lanyard paracord. All in all, this is a great balanced knife that is extremely comfortable and ergonomic and is my top choice if you’re looking for a great survival tool below the $200 mark.

Key Features of the ESEE LSP Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 10 inches
  • Blade length – 4.75 inches
  • Handle length – 5.25 inches
  • Material – 1095 high carbon steel
  • Handle – Canvas Micarta
  • Price – under $200

 

 

Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12 3/4 in Sawback

The next survival knife that we’re going to review is the Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12 which is a fairly large full tang knife with an overall length of 13 inches. The blade shape is unique and is called a hunter’s point shape while the blade itself is made from 1095 carbon.

Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12

Tops have a huge history of making some amazing survival knives and this one is no exception to that. It’s extremely durable and if you’re one of this who does a lot of notching, then you’ll love the saw back design. The steel holds a good edge and is razor sharp out of the box.

I keep this knife with me when I’m planning to do a lot of outdoor chores such as hammering, chopping, buttoning or prying and it hasn’t disappointed me at all so far. Plus it’s a pure Made in USA knife with an excellent grip.

The handle material is made of black linen Micarta and is about 6.5 inches long. For a price point of under $200, this one is an absolute steal.

Key Features of the Tops Steel Eagle Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 13 inches
  • Blade length – 7.5 inches
  • Handle length – 6.5 inches
  • Material – 1095 C, RC 56-58
  • Handle – Black Linen Micarta
  • Price – under $200

Benchmade – Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 Knife

Another great survival tool that you should definitely consider under the $200 price range is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 Knife. This 6.32 inches long drop point blade is made from CPM-S30V and has a superb edge retention thanks to the premium stainless steel used in the blade.

Benchmade - Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016

The handle itself is made from glass reinforced G10 material which gives it a good weight plus makes it easier to hold under sticky conditions. This is a fixed blade knife with a Kydex sheath and is ambidextrous so you don’t need to get into a debate upon the virtues of left vs right.

It also comes with the Benchmade lifetime warranty although I’ve never had to use it simply because the knives are so well made and of superior quality. I’ve personally used this knife to process multiple deers and the knife is still extremely sharp!

If you’re looking for a compact horizontal EDC knife, then the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 is the one for you.

Key Features of the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016

  • Overall length of knife – 6.32 inches
  • Blade length – 2.67 inches
  • Blade Thickness – 0.14 inches
  • Blade Style – Drop Point
  • Handle – G10, 3.53 oz
  • Price – under $200

Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife with Tan Handle

Number 4 on my list of the best survival knifes under $200 is the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife which is one of the best wilderness knives in the market today and is extremely useful for all survival enthusiasts.

Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife

This 10 inches long full tang knife has a Tan canvas Micarta handle with a blade length of 4.5 inches and and blade thickness of 0.1875 inches. This is a great heavy duty knife and I’ve gutted multiple deer with this without any major issue. It’s also performed really well in tasks like cutting tree limbs for shelter or cutting a para cord.

There is a bow drill divot on the handle that allows you to create fires effortlessly while the thumb scallop offer great grip during cutting tasks. There is also a small scraper on the exposed pommel which is great while striking ferro rods. The manufacturer also claims that this knife has gone through some rough duty testing in the wilderness of Canada and is certified by local survival experts!

If you’re looking for a great bushcraft knife under 200 dollars, then this one should definitely be on your shopping list.

Key Features of the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 10 inches
  • Blade length – 4.5 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.5 inches
  • Blade Thickness – 0.1875 inches
  • Blade Style – Drop Point
  • Handle – Canvas Micarta
  • Price – under $200

ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife with Desert Brown Molded Polymer Sheath

And finally, rounding up this list of the Top 5 Survival Knives under 200 is the ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife. This is one of the best hunting knives I’ve ever used and the 11.75 inch long 1095 high carbon steel knife is a true pleasure to wield in the outdoors.

ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife

The blade takes up about 5.75 inches of the overall length and is a true survival knife thanks to its ability to perform multiple tasks from chopping to slicing to batoning. There are slight serrations on the top edge of the knife which works well for cutting purposes while the solid handle comes into play while doing chopping tasks.

I did not like the sheath a lot to be honest but it’s not bad overall. You might do well to buy a better sheath just for this knife. The best part about this and all other ESEE knives is the life time warranty and the fact that they’re Made in USA.

One point to note is that while the 1095 is an excellent blade material, it is prone to rusting if not cleaned and cared for properly. What I usually do is clean the blade with some rust preventive oil and this maximises the life of the tool. Don’t overthink on this one; for this price point (about $120), you really can’t go wrong!

Key Features of the ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 11.75 inches
  • Blade length – 5.75 inches
  • Handle Length – 6 inches
  • Blade Material – 1095 steel
  • Handle – Grey Micarta with Desert Tan Molded Polymer Sheath
  • Price – under $200

Best Survival Knife under $100 – Top 5 

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

First up on this mega list featuring top survival knives is the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife which is one of my choices for the best survival knife under $100. This is a ceramic coated, full tang knife with a 420HC drop point blade.

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

As the name suggests, this is one of the strongest knives out there and with the rugged quality of Gerber, it performs extremely well too. This tool has been designed keeping military survival training in mind and the solid grip on the knife thanks to the diamond textured rubberised handle is a prime example of that. Another example of the same military design is the striking pommel mounted at the handle base which is reminiscent of the kind of tasks needed for a rescue operation.

With a blade length of 4.8 inches and an overall length of 9.8 inches, this knife weighs a total of 7.2 oz and comes equipped with a nylon webbed modular sheath. There are also detachable hoops in case you are carrying a belt and this built in the USA knife also features a snap in MOLLE sheath.

I found that the 420HC stainless steel lent a great edge to the knife and the spine of the blade is also ground to a very effective 90 degree angle which makes it great for combat and piercing tasks. Go ahead and buy this knife and you’ll fall in love with the Gerber quality!

Key Features of the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 9.8 inches
  • Blade length – 4.8 inches, drop point blade
  • Handle Length – 5 inches
  • Blade Material – 420 HC stainless steel
  • Comes with – MOLLE sheath, pommel
  • Price – Under $100 survival knife

Schrade SCHF1 Fixed Blade Knife

Not a lot of people would have heard about this knife or the brand but if you ask survival enthusiasts, this knife will tick a lot of their boxes in the right places. Made from SAE 1070 High Carbon Steel, this partially serrated drop point blade has an overall length of 12.7 inches with a blade length of 7.5 inches.

Schrade SCHF1 Fixed Blade Knife

It’s a rather heavy knife and not one of those cheap “Rambo” knives that are floating in the market these days. The handle uncorks to reveal a screwdriver set and you can replace that with a fire starter kit as well. The pommel is great for driving those tent stakes and the edge retention of the knife is also very good.

I’ve been using this handle knife for about a year now and so far, it’s held up pretty good. You obviously have to take care of things like rusting but overall for a less than $100 budget, this one will do the job.

Key Features of the Schrade SCHF1 Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 12.7 inches
  • Blade length – 7.5 inches, partially serrated, drop point blade
  • Handle Length – 5.2 inches
  • Blade Material – SAE 1070 High Carbon Steel
  • HRC – 57
  • Price – Under $100

KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman Fixed Blade Knife

#3 on my list of the top survival knives under $100 is the Ka-Bar BK-10 Becker Crewman knife and it’s popularity can be judged by the fact that it has received over 100 positive customer reviews on Amazon!

The BK10 is made from 1095 Cro Van steel and comes equipped with a zytel handle and a polymer sheath. The overall length of the knife is 10.875 inches while the blade length is about 5.5 inches. The BK10 is way lighter than the famous BK2 and that’s why it allows for much quicker cutting and slashing movements. If you’re looking for a great bushcraft cum survival knife, then this one should be your priority.

KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman

It’s extremely sharp out of the box and my suggestion to you would be to be extra careful with it. Also, go for the micarta scales options and not the grivory scales option.

The pommel is also very strong and perfect for all hammering and smashing tasks be it rock or nut. Obviously, the BK10 is not a replacement for a machete so don’t expect the world from it when it comes to chopping related tasks. All said and done, it’s a great bushcraft knife to own for less than 100 dollars.

Key Features of the BK10 Becker Crewman

  • Overall length of knife – 10.875 inches
  • Blade length – 5.5 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.275 inches with Zytel handle
  • Blade Material – 1095 Cro Van Steel
  • HRC – 55-57
  • Price – Less than $100

SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N

With a 6 inch long, AUS 8 steel blade, the SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N sure packs a punch and is a great tactical cum survival knife to carry with you. A true heavy blade tool to use in the outdoors, the SE38-N has a great edge and good overall retention qualities.

SOG-Force-Fixed-Blade-SE38-N

Whether it’s battening or hacking or skinning, the knife delivers a positive experience on all parameters and is visually unbreakable thanks to the thick blade and full tang design along with SOG’s unique cryogenic heat treatment. The sheath comes quipped with a lanyard hole, lanyard and MOLLE attachment.

Another great plus is that it comes with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defect. All said and done, a great heavy duty knife to add to your portfolio.

Key Features of the SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N

  • Overall length of knife – 11.25 inches
  • Blade length – 6 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.25 inches, MOLLE compatible sheath
  • Blade Material – AUS 8 steel with cryogenic heat treatment
  • Price – Less than $100

Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife

Finishing my list of the best survival knife under $100 is the Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife. This 10.75 inches long knife has a blade length of 6 inches and a blade thickness of 0.19 inches and has a clipping style blade.

This is one of the best multi-purpose survival cum hunting knives in the market and is extensively used by Navy seals which is a testament to its durability under extreme weather conditions. It works great for all kinds of hacking, cutting, chopping and prying work thanks to the strong VG1 steel and is extremely sharp out of the box.

Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife

The blade has a good angle grind which is truly appreciated once you’re doing some battening work. The 90 degree back grind is mainly while you’re using ferro rods. The only issue is that the sheath that comes along with this knife is not MOLLE compatible. Also, while the VG1 steel is more durable and harder than normal steel, this means that you need to spend some more time in sharpening it. However, at this price point, it’s a great value for money hunting knife and comes strongly recommended from my end.

Key Features of the Cold Steel 38CKJ1

  • Overall length of knife – 10.75 inches
  • Blade length – 6 inches
  • Handle Length – 4.75 inches, sheath is not MOLLE compatible
  • Blade Material – VG1 steel, highly durable
  • Price – Less than $100

Best Survival Knife under $50 – Top 5 

Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife

My #1 choice for the best survival knife under $50 is the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife which has an overall length of 9.1 inches and a blade length of 4.3 inches. This knife blade is not only tungsten coated to avoid corrosion but is also made from which carbon grade steel which makes it perfect for all your bushcraft & survival tasks.

Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife

The spine has been ground purposely so that you can easily use it along with a fire starter while it also has a scandi grind to prevent nay type of slip-offs. The handle can definitely be better and while the rubber grip does provide  good grip, it’s not really world class.

If you’re looking to perform some basic batoning or fire starting tasks or scraping tinder, then the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for you. Obviously you can’t expect the world when buying a survival knife under $50, but for this price range, it’s real value for money.

Key Features of the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 9.1 inches
  • Blade length – 4.3 inches
  • Handle length – 4.8 inches
  • Material – high grade carbon steel, 90 degree grind
  • Handle – Black handle with over-molded rubber grip
  • Price – under $50

Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

One of my favourite survival tools is the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife which even at a price point of less than $50 is one of the best full tang knives available in the market.

This Made in the USA knife comes with the standard Buck Forever lifetime warranty and at an overall length of 7.75 inches is a beauty to look at thanks to the hardwood cocobolo handle and the brass pommel at the base.

Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

The knife itself is made from 420HC steel and is a 4 inch long clip blade that is not only resistant to corrosion but also has a brilliant edge retention. It’s perfect for all your slicing and piercing work and thanks to the deep choil and integrated finger guard is a true hunter’s delight. I don’t have large hands so this feels just perfect and this blade is one of my first choices when it comes to cleaning game because it just keeps cutting. Beautiful knife with a great performance and highly, highly recommended.

Key Features of the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 7.75 inches
  • Blade length – 4 inches
  • Handle length – 3.75 inches
  • Material – 420HC steel, clip style blade, anti-corrosive
  • Handle – Hardwood cocobolo handle with brass pommel base
  • Price – under $50

Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Full Tang Drop Point Fixed Blade

Another contender on this list of the top survivals knives under $50 is the Schrade SCHF9 which has over 1000 positive reviews on Amazon alone!

Schrade SCHF9

This is one long knife with a total length of 12.1 inches and a blade length of 6.4 inches. Made from 1095 Carbon steel, this drop point blade has been my steady companion for over 2 years now and has a great edge retention. This is a great blade to carry on your next camping trip and especially for those whose primary use for this is going to be batoning.

The sheath that comes along with this knife isn’t that great but the grip on the handle is pretty good. It’s a heavy knife with a weight of approximately 1 pound and is a good addition to any survival enthusiast’s bug out bag.

Key Features of the Schrade SCHF9 Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 12.1 inches
  • Blade length – 6.4 inches
  • Handle length – 5.7 inches
  • Material – 41095 Carbon steel, drop point blade
  • Weight – 1 pound
  • HRC – 56 to 58
  • Price – under $50

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series Fixed Tanto Blade Tactical Knife

I had never used an MTech knife prior to this so was pleasantly surprised once I tested it out last month and the MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 did not disappoint at all. Made from 440HC stainless steel, this gold titanium coated tanto blade measures about 5.5 inches long and is an ideal tactical knife that you can carry in survival situations or camping expeditions.

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054

The grip of the G10 handle is pretty good and does help during wet conditions and the knife also comes along with a black nylon sheath. There is also a lanyard hole at the end which allows you to attach an additional para cord.

There are serrations long the back and spine along with a blood grove which all aid during cutting, notching and chopping tasks. I particularly liked the finger guard which prevent accidental cutting of your own hand and the only complaint I have is that the nylon sheath could definitely be better. All in all, for around $30, this is a great tactical blade to own!

Key Features of the MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 11 inches
  • Blade length – 5.5 inches
  • Handle length – 5.5 inches, G10 handle with lanyard hole
  • Material – 440HC steel, gold titanium coated tanto blade
  • Sheath – nylon
  • Price – under $50

Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife

And finally completing my roundup of the best survival knife under $50 is the extremely popular Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife. Made from hard stainless steel, the handle comes wrapped with 60 inches of customisable paracord and is a true budget survival knife.

Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife

The overall knife length is 7.75 inches out of which the blade itself takes up about 3.25 inches and this lightweight knife also comes with a removable belt loop. I’ve found this knife to be indispensable on fishing trips and is particularly suited to cutting and cleaning fish. Obviously, it’s not in the range of it’s bigger cousins but at this price point, it sure packs a punch thanks to its sharp edge and low blade profile.

A great all round survival knife to own if you do regular campings and something that won’t hurt your pocket.

Key Features of the Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 7.75 inches
  • Blade length – 3.25 inches
  • Handle length – 4.5 inches, comes with 60 inches of paracord
  • Material – hard stainless steel
  • Price – under $50

Top 5 Brands to Look for when Buying a Survival Knife (1000)

I’ve always been of the view that one should always look at the brand while buying a survival knife because that’s one of the key considerations and factors that should influence any buying decision. Because there are so many knife manufacturers in the market, it does get confusing as to what brand to pick.

That’s why I’ve picked my list of the Top 5 Survival Knife Brands that one can safely bet on along with a little history on the brand and why it’s included in this list.

Gerber

Gerber is one of the oldest knife brands in the market and started off as a small company in 1939 which manufactured cutlery sets. However, by 1960, they had branched out into producing a lot of survival gear and their main products were survival knives.

Even after 70 years, the company founded by Joseph Gerber continues to grow and is considered by many survival enthusiasts as one of the best brands in the industry. Right from knives such as “Magnum Hunter” to the more recent “Gerber Bear Grylls”, any knife from this company represents quality and value for money.

Over the last few years, Gerber has done a lot of advancements in production especially in the USA and hence, more and more American knives are now hitting the shelf with better quality steel blades such as the 154CM steel knives and S30V Gator premium knives.

Buck

Another American manufacturing company, Buck, is among the finest hunting and survival knife brands in the world at the moment. Starting off in San Diego, the company now has their head office in Idaho and has been owned by five generations of the Buck family so far. They’re credited with inventing the folding or half tang knife so much so that originally Buck knives were associated with folding knives!

Buck has produced a great many survival knives for us enthusiasts including the Model 110, 0102, 119BR, 65 Hood Punk and the 501 among many others. I’ve covered the 0102 Woodsman earlier in this article so you’ll know the kind of quality knives this company manufactures. You can definitely put your money into any knife owned by this brand and you’ll not be disappointed.

Cold Steel

Another one of my favourite survival and combat knife manufactures is Cold Steel and almost every survival and outdoor enthusiast is familiar with this name and the quality knives manufactured by this company.

Founded in 1980, the company produces some of the strongest survival blades I’ve ever used and has many innovations to its name. From Krayton handles to tango point style blades, Cold Steel truly manufactures some of the best survival knives in the market as of now.

If you want another proof of the company’s quality, then look no further than the American military and law enforcement agencies where a number of their blades are used in combat and rescue operations. Currently, the company also operates manufacturing plants in Taiwan and Japan – all the Cold Steel knives that use VG1 Stainless Steel are manufactured in Taiwan while the ones that are made from German 4116, 1055 carbon steel etc are manufactured in Japan. Like I said, you can trust Cold Steel knives with your life as they are true value for money and of extremely superior quality!

Ka Bar

Another great brand that I’ve always found producing quality survival tools is Ka Bar and of course, most of you would be familiar with their world famous Ka Bar Becker series of hunting knives, a few of which I’ve chronicled earlier as well.

Ka Bar was the first combat knife adopted by the USMC and the US Navy as their official service knives. When it comes to high quality hunting, combat and military knives, you can trust this name as be absolutely content with your purchase. Established in 1988, each knife undergoes a rigorous manufacturing and QC process before it is brought to the market and these processes include blanking, tang stamping, tempering & grinding, inspection and testing.

A prime example of its superior quality is the Ka Bar USMC knife!

ESEE

An finally, the last brand that I consider as one of the best survival knife manufactures is ESEE. Owned by a parent company called Randall’s Adventure & Training, ESEE is a privately held company operating out of Alabama and is one of the biggest names in the wilderness and outdoor gears industry.

I’ve owned a lot of ESEE knives through the years and some like the ESEE6 and the Junglas remain my favourite to this date. Almost all their survival gear is tested in the jungles of South America and other remote environments before hitting the market which ensures that they are coastal tweaked and worked upon to give you a true survival tool.

Established in 1997 and owned by Jeff Randall & Mike Perrin, ESEE knives carry some of the highest ratings on Amazon and are undoubtably, one of the first brands that you should consider while purchasing a survival knife.

Of course, don’t limit yourself to just these 5 brands listed above; there are a lot of other brands & knives that I have reviewed in this article that are just as good, if not better. However, the whole idea was to let you know you’re getting yourself a quality knife even if you decide to restrict yourself to just these 5 brands!

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it! My mammoth list of the best survival knife for the money is done and dusted and I sure hope you benefit from the detailed reviews listed above. The whole idea of this post has been to segregate survival knives based on budget and then filter out the Top 5 Knives for you to choose from.

Also, because there are so many knives in the market currently and new ones are introduced as well from time to time, I will definitely try and update this list of the top survival knives from time to time. If you feel there’s a particular blade or survival tool that I’ve missed out on and which should have been on this list, do give me a shout out via the contact form here and I will make sure I include your choice.

So fellow hunters and survivalists, do spread the word around for this post and share it as much as possible with all your friends and contacts. The more people get to read this, the better survival knife they will choose!

Best Survival Knife under $200 – My Top 3 Choices

If you have a budget constraint and are looking for a survival knife in a sub $100 budget, then check out my top picks for the best survival knife under $100

Imagine you are out in the rugged wilderness in the middle of nowhere-land and possibly facing a serious situation. You need to have a trustworthy and a dependable friend by your side in the form of a quality survival knife, to help you accomplish a wide variety of tasks, both major and minor, so you can survive the rough weather and the harsh unfriendly environment.

Some of the crucial tasks this very important tool can help you with are:

  • Splitting firewood

  • Creating a fire

  • Building a shelter

  • Cutting rope

  • Opening cans

  • Skinning game and many more

In a survival situation, your trustworthy implement or tool can help with any chopping, pounding, prying, thrusting, and cutting tasks typical of times spent in the wilderness. You can do all these and more, with a very good fixed-bladed knife from a reputed manufacturer.

My Top 3 Choices for the best survival knife under $200

My top 3 choices would be as follows:

  • Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife (~$188.09)

  • ESEE 6 (~$124.72)

  • Tops Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri (~$170.00)

#1 – Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife

This knife is my #1 all-rounder choice to survive in the wilderness by any counts. Just check out its fantastic features and you will probably understand why. At under 200$, the cost is quite affordable for the steel coloured version of this fabulous knife, and worth very cent spent on the price.

Best Survival Knife under $200 - Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife

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Constructed using Japanese VG-10 steel (translate “G” into “gold” quality) for the blade, the essentially stainless-steel blade contains a sizeable amount of carbon to combine both the benefits of stainless and carbon steel into the VG-10 blade. The Fallkniven A1 keeps its edge over a long time, is incredibly sharp and is extremely easy to maintain and (rarely) sharpen. The blades of the world’s most expensive and popular survival and chef knives, are made using VG-10.

The Fallkniven A1 has just the right blade length at 6.33” to make it an ideal survival knife. Check out some of its features; fixed blade made of VG -10, full tang for extra strength, flat top, superb handle with a fantastic grip, flat end, lanyard hole and drop point to easily pierce any object.

However, it’s not all praise for this knife either, as you do not find any real choil and jimping for this knife, else the grip on the handle could have possibly been a little better. You may need to replace the Zytel or leather sheath that comes with the knife as it wears out quite quickly. Despite these very minor setbacks, the Fallkniven A1 comes very close to being the perfect survival knife.

Pros

  • Superlative engineering in construction and design

  • Perfect knife balance and good weight

  • Superior VG-10 steel blade combines features of stainless and carbon steel.

  • The Convex ground blade is ideal for hard use

  • The amazing handle provides a tremendous grip of the full tang knife to the user even in wet conditions, as it is made from textured hard rubber

  • Great knife that has all the must-have survival features (multipurpose)

Cons

  • Some users find the handle of the knife slightly short for use

  • The sheath is of low quality and flimsy and may need to be replaced with a custom sheath

#2 – ESEE 6 Survival Knife

True knife lovers have created this #2 choice of mine – the ESEE 6 knife. I am sure Rambo has joined me in cheering loudly for this one? The knife intuitively feels, balances and grips just right. The jimping beyond the bolster aids in a better grip on the knife.

ESEE 6 Survival Knife

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The construction and the design of this knife makes it a sturdy, strong, and a durable tool, which can be used in all types of survival situations. The grey micarta scale handle feels good in the hand and has a lanyard hole in the rounded pommel at the end of the handle. The razor-sharp blade works exceptionally well for any chopping, cutting, splitting and similar tasks and holds its edge well in all situations.

The only drawback with this knife is both its length and weight, as it seems a little heavy and a little too long for some users to do some of their tasks. As far as I am concerned, I would recommend this knife to anyone who is looking for a fantastic tool to help them survive and camp, out there in the wilderness.

Pros

  • Looks and feels very good (remember Rambo cheering?)

  • 1095 high carbon steel blade, ideal for rough use

  • The knife holds its razor edge for a long time

Cons

  • A little heavy, length slightly long, for some users

  • Plastic moulded sheath

#3 – Tops Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri

My #3 choice is this incredible survival knife that is suited for any type of outdoor situation. This is an ideal knife to help you with different kinds of jobs regardless of whether you are in a survival or a camping situation. The long fixed-blade that is 7.75” long and is made of 1095 RC 56-58 steel makes this kukri extremely durable, sturdy and one very tough customer.

Tops Knives Bushcrafter Kukuri

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The blade has a lot chopping power and the handle design facilitates repeated use of the knife over extended periods or time, without injuring your hands, even in harsh conditions. The end of the pommel features a very handy lanyard hole. If you are ready to spend a little more money on this knife, the heavy-duty tough “jack of all trades” knife will be a very good accompaniment to serve your survival and camping needs. The knife feels slightly heavy and a little large for jobs that need fine blade control, but it is still very useful for most survival and camping jobs.

Pros

  • Very efficient at splitting wood and with many other smaller tasks

  • The quality of the knife and its design is par-excellence

  • The grip on the handle feels perfect

Cons

  • May feel slightly heavy for some users

  • Sheath needs improvement

  • Whittling or skinning may be little difficult

Conclusion

Considering the price, features, performance, and durability; my number one choice for the Best Survival Knife under $200 is the Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife. No doubt, this trustworthy friend will certainly accompany me, to my next sojourn in the wilderness.

Don’t forget to also check out some more options when it comes to picking survival or hunting knives:

Best Survival Knife under $100 – My Top 3 Choices

A survival knife may be my only friend when I am caught in a hostile wilderness in extreme environmental conditions. I need a lot of confidence in my knife that it will not break, chip, rust or bend at a crucial moment, due to the excellent material used in its high-quality construction. Second-rate material and slip-shod construction can put me in great danger, when my knife is the only tool that I can use to extricate myself in certain situations, especially when I am caught between the rock and a hard place – so as to speak!

I need to confirm that my knife manufacturer, has a good reputation in the market and the manufacturing process and material used in making the knife, have good reviews from users who have been in survival situations.

My Top 3 Choices for the Best Survival Knife under $100

My top 3 choices would be as follows:

  • KA-BAR Becker 22 Campanion (~$80)

  • KA-BAR USMC Knife (~$72)

  • Gerber’s Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro (~$76)

#1 – KA-BAR Becker 22 Campanion

This is my #1 choice and is a fixed blade, medium sized, drop point knife. It has a secondary bevel at a 20° angle that facilitates usual camping tasks like for example, skinning game. This carbon steel knife made of 1095 Cro-Van steel blade is extra thick and ideal for hunting and camping tasks that are common to survival in the wilderness. The knife is full tang and has a lanyard hole and a hammer shaped pommel on the Grivory handle.

Best Survival Knife under $100 - KA-BAR Becker 22 Campanion

The material of the handle facilitates a smooth and contoured grip so it feels good in the user’s hand. The sheath is made using fiberglass reinforced nylon material and fits the blade so perfectly that there is no sound when the sheath is shaken. The nylon loop fits the widest belts to conveniently carry the knife without obstruction. The knife measures 10.5” while the blade is 5.5” long and the tang extends full length of the knife to make it extremely durable and very powerful. This heavy-duty survival and hunting knife can efficiently chop and split wood, pry open joints and boxes, and skin game. Cutting and chopping branches or logs are easy tasks for this super survival and camping knife.

Pros

  • Money worth spent under $100.

  • Very strong construction

  • Heavy-duty jobs are a breeze

  • Very versatile, works well as a mini axe when required and pierces objects like a spear because of the drop point shape of its tip

  • Aesthetic looks, visually impressive and intimidating with its all-black design

Cons

  • This knife may be on the heavy side as it weighs nearly 1 lbs. Any survivalist who want to carry minimum weight, may prefer something lighter.

  • Some prefer a thinner blade to skin game and perform other slicing/cutting tasks

#2 – KA-BAR USMC Knife

My #2 choice for the best survival knife under $100 is one of the most popular and reliable fixed blade knives in the world as it was originally created to be used by US troops in World War II. This knife has certainly been around for 50+ years and still going strong.

The knife has a leather handle and a 7” straight blade and is one of a few that has the US Marine Corps stamp. Aside from the long length, the blade has a 20° angle and is created from extra strength Cro-Van steel. Built as per strict guidelines, the US Marine Corps knife is resistant to corrosion and can hold its sharpness of edge much longer, when compared to other knives.

KA-BAR USMC Knife

This KA-BAR knife is extremely sharp, very durable, and ready to use from day one. The blade is built for heavy duty, long term use and is very easy to sharpen in case I ever need to, which is quite rare. With a good grip on its high-quality leather handle, I should not have any issues using it regardless of the situation I find myself in.

The manufacturer is very reputed for creating outstanding knives and whether you are going to use it for survival in the wild or for everyday tasks, this knife will serve your needs and deliver.

Pros

  • Manufacturer is very reputed in the market

  • Very sharp and durable, you would never need another survival knife again

  • Very well constructed knife

  • Good for long-term use

  • Effortless gripping facilitated by knife handle

  • The knife is designed as a versatile multipurpose tool for survival, hunting, sporting, and other similar activities

Cons

  • The fixed blade may be bit too sharp for some users

  • The sheath is made in Mexico and has a shorter life than one made in the USA

#3 – Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro

This is my #3 choice and can easily be comparable with my first two choices in case my first two choices are not availability due to some reason. I am very familiar with this brand name’s reputation for durability and this knife can be used in a variety of survival situations.

Gerber’s Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro

Famous for their extreme sharpness and their capability to cut and slice, the textured grip of the handle facilitates a firm grip on the knife while in use. The blade is made of stainless-steel and is 4.8” in length. The knife cuts sharply every time. The blade does not rust and is so tough that is almost impossible to bend or break. The full tang construction further ensures that the blade is strong and can withstand continuous and extreme use in chopping and cutting.

The point of the blade allows me to cut deep into the wood or game that I am cutting or slicing, and it is very easily manoeuvrable. The thumb ramp or groove position helps the user to get the required stability and leverage when cutting or peeling with the knife.

Pros

  • The Ultimate Pro is very durable.

  • It has a very sharp blade

  • The knife has a full bladed tang construction

  • A tough knife that can handle very hard work.

  • The design of the knife and the tip of the blade makes it very sturdy

  • Very lightweight and easy to hold and handle

  • The handle of the knife facilitates a durable grip

  • It is a multi-purpose tool

  • I can start a fire by using one side of the blade as a striker

  • The sheath can be used by people who are right handed as well as left

Cons

  • The loop used for attaching the sheath seems to wear out quite quickly and is not very durable.

  • The thumb groove is smooth and quite close to the blade.

Conclusion

Considering the price, features, and performance, my number one choice for the Best Survival Knife under $100 is the KA-BAR Becker 22 Campanion knife. Not only is this a great drop point blade under the 100 dollar mark, it’s an extremely resilient and quality knife that will give you maximum value for money!

Best Survival Watch under $200

Best Survival Watch under $200 – My Top 3 Picks

So there you are, lost, alone and surrounded by nothing but miles of wilderness. Harsh, rugged and challenging terrain separates you from the comforts of the modern world. Your only job… to survive.

Ok, so this is not a situation that many of us will ever find ourselves in, but if you did, wouldn’t you like to think that you could survive and make it out alive? What if I told you there was a tool that could help keep you sane in the face of confusion and focused on your objective and goals? Fortunately for you, this tool exists in the form of a survival or tactical watch.

Now I don’t need to tell you that watches have been around for a very long time and in their simplest form, the technology of watches has not changed much. However, the same cannot be said regarding the survival watch industry. Technological advancements combined with feature-rich platforms have developed over time enabling you to control and command a ton of information with that thing strapped to your wrist.

In this article, I’m going to look at three of the best survival watches for under $200. I’ll tell you what I like about them, what I don’t like about them and of course, what makes them at great buy at this price range.

1. Casio Men’s PRW-3500-1CR Atomic Resin Digital Watch

First up on my list of the best survival watch under $200, let’s take a look at the Casio PRW-3500-1CR Atomic Resin Digital Watch. This watch combines a sturdy and functional foundation with a ton of features.

Best Survival Watch under $200 - Casio Men's PRW-3500-1CR Atomic Resin Digital Watch

The watch is solar-powered meaning that the internal battery is charged via the sun or other light sources. This is perhaps one of the most critical elements to a survival watch. Think about it, if you’re truly lost and / or cut off from the rest of the world, aka power sources, a solar powered watch will keep on ticking simply as a result of exposure to the sun. Without power and a dead battery your watch would be rendered useless. That will not be the case with a solar powered watch. Amazingly, these watches can run for months on end without any exposure to light.

The PRW-3500-1CR is equipped with all of the major features you would expect on a tactical watch. These include low-temperature resistance, digital compass with bearing memory, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, sunrise and sunset data, world time, backlight with after-glow, alarms with snooze, stopwatch and a countdown timer.

Perhaps more importantly, this watch is also water resistant up to 200-meters. As these ratings can be somewhat misleading, I’ll help to clarify this one. This watch is good to go in rain or moisture-abundant environments and yes it can be submerged. Would I scuba-dive with it? No, but a quick dunk underwater should be no problem for this watch.

2. G-Shock Rangeman Master

Next up, we have another Casio watch, this time it’s the G-Shock Rangeman Master. For 25-plus years, the G-Shock watch series has been one of the toughest and most durable watches available. Time has treated them well and Casio continues to innovate within the lineup.

G-Shock Rangeman Master

The G-Shock Rangeman is both rugged and tough, combining a shock resistant triple-sensor with altitude, barometric pressure, temperature and direction readings. The Rangemaster also utilizes cylindrical buttons and audible tones for easy operation. Again the Rangeman is powered by Casio’s Tough Solar operation allowing this watch to run for months on a single charge.

With a dependable water resistant enclosure up to 200 meters, the G-Shock Rangeman is a survival watch that will not let you down when it matters most.

3. Casio PAG240-1CR Pathfinder

Last but not least, the the Casio PAG240-1CR Pathfinder rounds out the list of my top three favorite survival watches.

The Pathfinder is another solid and feature-rich beast of a watch from Casio. This watch lacks nothing in the major feature category providing you with a digital compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, low temperature resistance, backlight, battery power indicator, and power-saving function.

Casio PAG240-1CR Pathfinder

While battery life is not an issue thanks to the solar-powered operation of the Pathfinder, it is a little bit lacking in the water resistance category. With a rating of only 100-meters this watch ranks below the other two watches I mentioned above. That is really the only knock on this watch and in most cases this watch is still perfectly functional. With 100-meter rating you can still swim and snorkel with this watch so for most people there should be no problems.

The Pathfinder is another great option in the survival watch category and at under $200 it’s a great value on a lot of technology.

Conclusion:

So as you can tell after reading the above reviews, Casio has a strong position in the survival watch category, especially in this price range. They have multiple product offerings each tailored to a unique type of user. They continue to innovate and progress the technology of these watches which is why they are some of my favorites.

If you’re in the market for a survival or tactical watch, you can’t go wrong purchasing any of the the above three watches. I’ll also try my best to keep updating this list that helps you choose the best survival watch under $200.

Best Camping Tents under $300

Best Camping Tents under $300 – My Top 3 Choices

Every outdoor enthusiast who loves spending quality time in nature exploring the beauty and ruggedness of God’s green earth will own certain gear to facilitate this lifestyle.

One of these pieces of equipment is a tent for camping. As an avid outdoors trekker and a wilderness lover, this is one among many other relevant pieces of equipment that I already own but now I am in search of a slightly bigger camping tent as the family is expanding.

My Top 3 Choices for best camping tents under $300

My top 3 choices for best camping tents would be as follows:

  • Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin 

  • Coleman Echo Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinet 

  • Coleman Tenaya Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinets

All three of my choices are packed with fantastic features and are easy to setup and any one of the three will be an excellent long-term choice for my camping needs during hiking and trekking activity. The brand Coleman is without doubt the best I could find in my research for camping tents.

#1 – Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin

Usually on my camping trips my wife is always with me but when my 3 adult kids decide to join us (which sometimes they do!) I need to look for tents that can easily accommodate all 5 of us and this 6-person instant cabin is the winner as my #1 choice for best camping tents under $300.

Best Camping Tents under 300 - Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin

Guaranteed the family crowd will be happy with the streamlined and spacious interior of this tent. Though it can fit in two queen-sized airbeds and can sleep five adults inside comfortably, it probably will be a squeeze for six and somebody may voice their objections, loudly. In saying so however, two adults and 4 kids should fit in perfectly with extra space for equipment to be stowed away.

The biggest advantage of this tent is a no-hassle setup as the poles are pre-assembled and require the minimal of effort to set it up. The illuminated and reflective guy lines prevent somebody from tripping over them and upsetting the whole tent structure at night, so somebody can safely step out in the dark. In adverse stormy conditions, the occupants of the tent are safe inside, as the built-in rainfly offers protection from the wet conditions outside.

With the one-piece design of the tent, it will probably take me about a minute to either set it up or take it down. The tent is made of high quality material as the steel poles provide excellent strength and stability even in inclement weather and strong winds.

An adult can stand very comfortably inside the tent as it has been designed with plenty of both horizontal and vertical space in it. You will love the beautiful views of God’s great earth from inside the tent and when it is time to pack and leave, you can take it down very quickly and stow it away in its big-size carry bag provided.

I will always wonder how I managed to use other tents all this time, when this one is so easy to handle, setup and take down.

Pros

  • Easily affordable 

  • Setup only takes a quick minute

  • All-in-one construction

  • Very spacious design, 10’ x 9’ x 6’

  • Fabric is weatherproof and moisture resistant

  • Guy lines are illuminated for safety at night

  • Weight 24.9 pounds

Cons

  • Inside the tent, the window coverings flap down

  • May be stuffy for occupants as air flow isn’t very good inside

#2 – Coleman Echo Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinet

My sleek looking, well-designed choice #2 camping tent is an all-weather tent that is made from flexible, yet durable material.

The design incorporates a peaked roof and an exclusive WeatherTec system which provides superior protection against the elements. The fast pitch system incorporates pre-attached poles and quick setting feet that facilitate setting up of this tent very quickly. Lightweight steel poles with pre-attached fiberglass poles ensure flexibility and durability.

Coleman Echo Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinet

A built-in cabinet allows you to conveniently store extra gear inside the tent. This tent is ideal for six occupants because this tent also has spacious (6.33’ x 9’ x 12’) design, like my choice #1.

Pros

  • Affordable and value for money

  • Setup for this tent is quite quick

  • Flexible and lightweight poles are suitable for windy weather conditions

  • Tent is waterproof as the rainfly is made from polyguard

  • Spacious enough for a adult to stand and move around the tent

  • Weight 25.35 pounds

Cons

  • Has only one door

  • Setup could be a bit complicated for some

#3 – Coleman Tenaya Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinets

My choice #3 for the best camping tents under $300 is an excellent value for money and comes with built-in cabinets minus the extra weight that other tents, having cabinets do.

The USP or unique selling point for this tent is its light weight at 16.5 pounds with extra storage capacity. The tent has enough room for my whole family and all my equipment as its dimensions are 6.58’ x 7’ x 13’, probably the largest among my three top choices. Set up is very easy using the durable fiberglass pre-attached poles and the polyester mesh coupled with the polyguard 800mm rainfly keeps the tent occupants dry while facilitating air circulation.

Coleman Tenaya Lake 6 Person Fast Pitch Cabin with Cabinets

Pros

  • Very good buy for the price

  • Setup is very easy. Even children can set this up

  • Good visibility at night since guy lines are reflective

  • Excellent WeatherTec system provides protection in inclement weather

  • Double zipper is a big advantage

  • Lightweight at 16.5 pounds

  • Spacious, lots of room to stand up and move around

Cons

  • Has only one door

  • Some people find the pre-attached poles difficult to work with

  • Manual instructions are difficult to understand

Conclusion

After having examined the prices and features offered by all three of my top choices for the best camping tent available under $300, my winner is clearly my #1 choice for the best camping tent under 300 dollars – the  Coleman 6-Person Instant Cabin , though the other two of my choices are equally good in most of their features that they offer, at varying prices within a small range of about $42.

Best Bushcraft Knife for the Money

A Guide to Choosing the Best Bushcraft Knife

It is important to have the right knife, if not the perfect, which can be used in place of different tools in different situations. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, then having a great bushcraft knife is a must for you and I’ll tell you the secret to owning the best bushcraft knife.

Bushcraft Knives differ from survival knives and pocket knives and are considered as primarily a wood cutting tool which can be used effectively for notches, feathering and creating points on wooden objects. A bushcraft tool is extremely sharp with a blade of 3 to 6 inches in length.

Bushcraft is also a popular term for wilderness skills; these skills include fire-craft, tracking, hunting, fishing and shelter building. The term came into existence when it was coined by Bush Tucker Man (Les Hiddins) in the Southern Hemisphere and Mors Kochanski in the Northern Hemisphere. The knife is used mostly in Anglo Saxon countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The right bushcraft knife is an essential tool for the bush crafter who loves the outdoors.

There isn’t a perfect bushcraft knife available as a lot depends on the right environment, conditions and likely tasks. For a beach scenario, often a stainless steel blade with a lower hardness is required while a hard carbon steel knife is used in dryer wooden areas by a camper.

There are hundreds of brands and manufacturers available for Bushcraft knives and thus, while choosing the best bushcraft knife, one may make some common mistakes which should be avoided.  The functionality, strengths and weakness of knife are dependent on material, design, features, fit and finish.

One important fact that I always share with my readers is that it is always better to avoid buying a folding bushcraft knife. Always choose a full tang bushcraft knife – where the knife steel runs through the full length of the knife. Also, many people think that the Rambo knife is the ultimate bushcraft knife as it looks attractive. But actually, this is an exception as these knives are cheap and low in quality and are of no use in real life outdoor survival situations.

The best way to truly understand your knife is to put the knife to the task and test it in the wild. For hunting purpose you should be able to track the animals and skin them for food. You can also use it for self defence purpose where you can rescue yourself when attacked by an animal.

Top Bushcraft Knives – Value for money

Below are top bushcraft knives which will help you make your best pick in regard to functionality and money.

1. Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Fixed Blade Knife

Morakniv bushcraft knives have achieved a cult status over time. The knife is made in Swedan and is known for its state of the art quality, impeccable resilience and an extremely sharp blade.

Despite its quality and performance, Morakniv are extremely light on the wallet. It has a 3.3mm thick high carbon made blade which is anti corrosive as it is treated with DLC anti corrosive black coating. To avoid further corrosion, you should clean and wipe the knife to make it dry, plus oil the blade after each use. The blade has a flat grind and sharp point.

best-bushcraft-knife-morakniv-bushcraft-carbon-fixed-blade-knife

The backside of the knife can be used as a fire starter. The knife comes with ergonomic handle with high friction rubber grip and there is jimping at the top of the handle to provide greater thumb control. The sheath comes with full loop and a belt clip while the contour of the grip is extremely pleasing which takes care of the condition that knife will involve some sweat. While working with fire steel or scrapping tinder, the knife is extremely useful as the spine of the blade has a very sharp 90 degree angle.

Key Features of knife:

  • Blade thickness – 3.2mm
  • Blade length – 4.3 inches
  • Total length – 9.1 inches
  • Net weight-  5.4 ounce

2. ESEE-6 Survival Knife

The ESEE-6 is generally used on a camping trip or while fishing. The knife cuts with precision and is used to cut freshly caught fish or any other animal during a hunting trip. It is known for its quality and performance as it is manufactured by Randell’s Adventure Training Company which specializes in making all purpose knives from outdoor to military to kitchen. The knives manufactured by the company are especially used by law enforcement, the military, backpackers and adventurers.

esee-6-survival-knife-review

The handle is made with a comfortable linen Micarta which can be removed or replaced, if needed. The handle provides maximum gripping power and doesn’t get slippery and a brown polymer sheath is also included which can be carried with convenience. There are lashing and cord storage holes and a drainage port at the end of knife which reduces water damage. Towards the end of the blade, there is a friction retention mechanism which gives it a good hold in the sheath.

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 11.75 inches
  • Blade length – 1.56 inches
  • Overall Blade length – 6.50 inches
  • Made – 55-57 Rc 1095 carbon steel
  • Handle – Linen Micarta

The ESEE- 6 is a great and handy tool but you’ll have to do a few preparatory things and the flat grind takes a few passes to make the blade sharp. It has a beautiful design and comes with a lifetime warranty. ESEE knife edges are razor sharp so you have to be careful while using them. The ESEE 6 comes with a full flat grind and a drop point for piercing and general safety.

3. Cold Steel Survival Edge

The knife can be considered as an upgraded version of the old Japanese hunting knives. The Cold steel knife is razor sharp, light and is not a full tang blade in the traditional sense. However, it is not made to be used for batoning. The handle of the knife gives it a firm grip which is of great help while doing fine detail work and to be honest, it is a perfect tool to take with you while backpacking or hiking in the wood.

cold-steel-survival-edge-black-knife-review

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length – 9.25 inches
  • Weight – 3 ounces
  • Blade thickness- 2.5mm
  • Blade length – 5 inches
  • Made – German 4116 stainless steel
  • Handle material – Polypropylene with several rubber O rings

The handle of the knife is hollow with a waterproof cap at the end which allows you to use it for small storage purpose for survival aids. It is not a full tang knife and it comes with an ambidextrous secure-ex sheath and a ferro rod. The rubber ‘O’ rings give it a good grip even when the hand is wet. Since the knife is extremely light, you don’t feel a burden carrying it around; it even floats on water because of its weight.

4. Tom Brown Tracker 2

#4 on my list of the best bushcraft knife is the Tom Brown Tracker 2 is designed by the renowned Tom Brown Jr who is an expert survivalist and tracker. The knife is specifically designed to be an outdoor survival knife and is convenient to carry for camping, hiking, fishing or hunting purposes because of its smaller size. The Handle has multiple finger grooves and traction surfaces for easy and safe handling.

tom-brown-tracker-2

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall Length – 9.5 inch
  • Blade material – 0.25 inch thick 1095 high carbon steel
  • Blade Height – 2 inch
  • Blade length – 3.5 inch
  • Handle material – Black linen Micarta with Lanyard hole
  • Sheath – Kydex
  • Weight – 9.6 ounces

The knife can be used to cut through anything because of the durable high carbon steel. It is designed as a survival tool to chop, split, scrape, hammer, saw and do much more. The knife has been made famous by getting featured in movie “Hunted” as well as getting published on the cover page of BLADE magazine.

5. Spyderco Bushcraft G-10

The Spyderco bushcraft G10 knife is a threefold collaboration between Tactical bushcrafter Chris Claycome, a Bushcraft website called BushcraftUK.com and Spyderco designers. The knife has a typical 4 inch blade which is a specific characteristic of Bushcraft knives and the blade is Scandinavian and is made with O-1 tool steel.

Spyderco bushcraft G10

O-1’s high carbon content holds a long term edge and also gets sharpened easily. The black G- 10 handle is comfortable to hold and comes with a lanyard hole while there is also a black leather sheath as well that comes along with the knife. The knife is used to perform wilderness chores such as slicing, chopping, whittling and game processing.

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length – 8.75 inch
  • Blade – 4 inch O-1 steel blade
  • Blade hole – 0.23 inch
  • Blade thickness- 0.14 mm
  • Weight – 7.75 ounce
  • Blade material – G 10