Top 20 Survival Knives

One of the most popular questions in conversation games is the classical “Name three things you would bring with you on a deserted island”.

And while many say books, their favorite movies, their partner, their dog or pictures of their loved ones, we say one of your three choices should definitely be a survival knife.

Books and pictures are alright, but a survival knife can really make the difference between life and death in a tight spot while outdoors.

But how do you choose? The possibilities seem endless, so we’ve put together for you a list of the best 20 survival knives, taking into consideration criteria such as their reliability, multi purposing or how much they cost.

Here they are.

1. The Tool Logic SL Pro 2

The main word defining this knife is ‘multi-purpose’.

It has a 3 inch 50/20 serrated blade, but it also doubles as a signal whistle, spark rod and LED flashlight. These extra features make it ideal for an outdoor situation where you are required to do more than one thing, because it gives you the opportunity to pack lightly. 

2. The Buck Hoodlum

It has quality and legacy on its side. It’s has been left to us by the great Ron Hood, a respected figure in the field of survival.

The first thing you observe with this knife is its length. It has a 10 inch steel blade, complete with powder coat finish, to make it rust resistant.

Apart from that, another great thing is its shock absorbent Black Linen Micarta handle, which means you can attach the knife to a pole and use it as a spear. 

3. The Bear Grylls Ultimate Survival Knife from Gerber

Apart from the fact that it comes via the famous Bear Grylls, the knife itself has a stainless steel blade which is almost 5 inches long and a waffle head hammer on the pommel.

It’s sturdy and great for difficult jobs, because of the short, resistant blade and its gripped handle, complete with a spark rod and a whistle. 

4. The Ontario SK-5 Blackbird

Completely US made, this particular knife said no to embellishment and yes to multi-purposing.

You can use it to split wood and for carvings, as it has a fine 5 inch high-grade stainless steel blade and black Micarta handles. 

5. Army and Air Force Issue Survival Knife

The first thing you need to know about thins knife is that it was made for and used by professionals.

The second thing is that it comes with its very own sharpening stone, which assures you it will be sharp at all times. It’s made of carbon steel and its finish is rust resistant and made of zinc phosphate. 

6. The CRKT M21 Aluminum Folder

As the name suggests, it’s a folder, which comes with two safety locks, a short, 3 inch blade and it can be opened with one hand, which makes it very easy to use.

Also, it’s very light, just 3.2 ounces, which means you can carry it in your pocket at all times.

7. The Swiss Army Knife Adventurer

This is the classic everyone knows and loves and every little boy wants. If you want the king of multi-purposing, this is it.

It has a blade, a can and bottle opener, tweezers, toothpick, screw drivers and it only weighs 2.9 ounces.

8. The Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point

Its best feature is the fact that it is thin and light, which makes it perfect for carrying around in an unfriendly environment.

It weighs 5.3 ounces and has a stainless clip, which means you can attach it to your belt or pocket, giving you freedom of movement and easy access.

9. The CRKT Ultima

This knife takes you back to your roots, because it was designed after the Bronze Age daggers dating some 4000 years ago. Its beast feature by far is the handle, which has 70 triangle separated segments.

This allows not only for a far better grip, but for water, debris and gunk to slip away as well.

10. The SOG Force

Razor sharp by default, this particular knife allows you to break glass easily using its handle’s point. It has a contoured shape molded after the human fingers, which allows for a perfect in-hand grip.

Pay attention to meat related issues, as this one is more for filleting than for butchering.

11. The Fallkniven A1

It has often been called the number one survival knife, because of its level of performance. Its blade has been especially designed to operate as a spear as well and it has a satin finish.

It’s very easy on the eye with a futuristic design and ergonomic grip.

12. LMF II, courtesy of Gerber as well.

It’s extremely popular, having Bear Grylls to support it. The blade is almost 5 inches and it has a glass-filled handle, which will greatly reduce fatigue.

Also, this one insulates from electrical shocks via its handle. 

13. The Frost Mora Knife

It’s a very beautiful piece of weaponry, it comes from Sweden, has an elegant wooden handle and, the most important thing, it’s very cheap.

It usually costs between $12 and $17.

14. The Helle Temagami

This one is Swedish as well, but it costs more than the Frost Mora. It presents superior quality, a 4 inch blade, birch handle and it was designed with the aid of famous survivor-man Les Stroud.

15. The Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 Plain Edge

It’s famous because it can cut through wood as well as game with ease and elegance. It has a full tang, which permits it to be abused, making resistance its top quality.

Its edge angle is so sharp that slicing will require no effort at all.

16. ESEE-4

If you are looking for something durable, your choice should be this knife. It’s made from high-carbon 1095 steel, it has a full flat grind and a rounded pommel.

It’s definitely a tactical knife made to last. 

17. The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion

It’s a loved knife because of the amazing pairing between lightweight and durability it brings to the table. It’s most used when it comes to chopping or skinning game or for making kindling.

18. The Ontario RTAK II Fixed Blade Knife

It has as its main quality versatility. It’s the product of combining a fighting knife with a survival blade and a workhorse.

They all come together into a 10 inch blade with a Micarta canvas handle and a Molle sheath with built-in utility pouch. 

19. The Ka-Bar Mule Folder

This one was designed as a heavy-duty tool. This means you can treat it as roughly as you want. It has an almost 4 inch blade, a hollow grind and a 15 degree angle, making it very sharp. 

20. The KA-BAR Full-Size Black, Straight Edge

The last on the list is this amazing piece of weaponry used by the US Marine Corps. The 7 inch blade is made of 1095 chrome-vanadium steel. The Marines call it their one and only knife, because it’s dependable and will see any job done.

Here are your top 20 choices when it comes to survival knives. Sometimes it’s difficult to choose, because your options are so many, but remember to take into consideration your needs, your purposes and your budget.

Figure out if you want a folder or a fixed blade and you’re good to go.

This article has been written for Survivopedia by J. Thomas Roberts from Knifeista.