Survival knives are staples of any gear enthusiast’s kit so if you research them, expect to see the same knives over and over being recommended. That’s just the way it is when it comes to tried and tested products. A few knives get their names in the field and it sticks.
While this survival knife guide won’t be much different, it does narrow down your choices to a “best of the best” list so you won’t end up taking forever trying to decide which knife is the best for you.
These knives come at varying price points and will differ based on their handle material, blade material and points, and uses. At the end of the day, though, a knife’s a knife and if you got a pointy end and a sharp edge, you’re good to go.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife
- One of the most affordable survival knives on the market.
- Made from carbon steel.
- Full-tang blade attached to high-friction grip handle.
- Sizeable blade length while remaining compact.
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1Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops
Let’s cut to the chase. The Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops is easily one of the most popular knives on this short list. It’s been on knife buying guides pretty much since it came out and hasn’t been excluded since unless we’re purposely counting out non-folding knives.
That’s for good reason. The Smith & Wesson M&P Special Ops is just a reliable, straight forward knife. Sure, there’s not a lot by way of bells and whistles, but you get a comfortable handle, a long sharp edge that stays sharp for long, and a point that’s perfect for prying cans open while you’re camping in the great outdoors.
PROS
- Long, spacious blade that can stand up to hacking and slashing objects.
- Comes with a synthetic sheath.
- Sawback spine edge.
- Hammer-style pommel for additional utility.
CONS
- Non-folding knife and long blade are not suited for EDC.
2Garberg Survival
Let’s say you like your knives even simpler, more straightforward, and a ton more compact than the previous one from Smith & Wesson. You want one that works for just about anything, anytime, anywhere without having to worry about it being too large to have in your pocket.
The Garberg Survival knife is probably the one for you and the best part is that you won’t want to replace it anytime soon. Its price point may seem a little high for a non-folding knife with no additional features, but you’re getting a full-tang blade made of premium Swedish stainless steel.
Besides, since it has a 90 degree angle blade, you can easily use it with the fire starter. Yes, firestarter. This knife comes with one and is made to work with one.
PROS
- Comes with a sheath and firestarter.
- Designed to accommodate fire starters.
- Thick yet compact blade.
- Nice, comfortable grip.
CONS
- Blade is on the shorter side.
3Gerber Gear 31-002521N GDC Pocket Knife Money Clip
Don’t write the Gerber Gear 31-002521N GDC Pocket Knife Money Clip off just yet. This knife is small yet terrible. While you won’t be gathering firewood with it any time soon (assuming you want to do it with ease), the knife does exactly what it’s designed to do: Be a great EDC survival knife.
This is the knife you won’t forget to bring. Clip it into your belt, wallet, or pocket and you’re always good to go.
Unlike other small knives that are meant to fit in credit card spaces, this one actually has a comfortable grip with a smooth, anodized aluminum wrap so your finger doesn’t feel like it’s the one being cut into.
PROS
- Ultra-small knife fits in even the smallest pockets and wallets.
- Comes with an engravable clip.
- Sheath holds credit cards and bills alike.
- Sharp blade with comfortable grip.
CONS
- Knife does not have a handle.
- Very small blade can be difficult to work with.
4Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife
Best Overall
The Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife isn’t the most visually impressive survival knife. You’re not gonna look like Rambo waving this one around for sure. But what makes it the best survival knife of 2022 in our book is how good it is for its price.
This knife is made of quality high carbon steel and comes with a solid plastic sheath. It’s the good kind of plastic too, none of that brittle ABS stuff. With a 4.1 inch blade, a comfy grip, and an affordable price point, this is our pick for the best survival knife of this year.
Other variations of this knife from Morakniv come in different colors. Even pink, for the girly outdoorswomen out there.
PROS
- One of the most affordable survival knives on the market.
- Made from carbon steel.
- Full-tang blade attached to high-friction grip handle.
- Sizeable blade length while remaining compact.
CONS
- Non-foldable blade.
