A good fixed-blade knife is an incredible tool that can be useful in a number of situations from camping and outdoors use to self-defense applications.
However, certain styles can be more useful for certain tasks than others. All knives are not created equal, some blades are great and some are just junk.
Let’s take a look at 10 of the best fixed-blade knives and talk about what makes them so great.
Disclaimer: It is important to check state and local laws on blade length and style.
1. ESEE-5
The ESEE-5 is one workhorse of a knife. With a 5.25-inch drop-point blade that is made out of a thick slab of 1095 steel, this knife is built to withstand just about anything.
Additionally, the blade is powder-coated for increased corrosion resistance. The ESEE-5 incorporates canvas micarta or G10 handles that both provide a solid grip in both wet and dry conditions.
The knife has a full tang and the flat grind makes sharpening quick and easy.
If you like the design of this knife, ESEE has options in several different blade lengths and color variations so you’re sure to find one that suits you.
Specs:
- MSRP: $269.95
- Blade Length: 5.25 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: 1095 with Powder Coating
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: Canvas Micarta or G10
- Weight: 16 Ounces
- Uses: Camping, Outdoors
2. Ka-Bar USMC Full Size
This next blade needs little in the way of introduction, the Ka-Bar USMC is a knife that is incredibly well-known.
This knife is available in both a full-size and short variation, with a seven-inch and 5.25-inch blade, respectively.
The clip-point blade is constructed of durable 1095 steel that sharpens easily and holds a decent edge.
The Ka-Bar USMC has a stick tang, so it is built to outlast most tasks, while saving a little weight.
The leather-wrapped handle is both good looking and very functional, but does not handle moisture well.
The USMC is traditionally a fighting knife, but it also works great for general outdoors use.
Specs:
- MSRP: $128.95
- Blade Length: Seven Inches
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Steel: 1095
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Stick
- Handle Material: Leather
- Weight: 11.2 Ounces
- Uses: Outdoors, Self-Defense
3. Morakniv Bushcraft
The next knife is very popular among the bushcrafting community. The Morakniv Bushcraft provides you with a 4.25-inch blade and has a ⅔ tang to help save weight.
The high-carbon steel blade features a black coating for increased rust resistance and the rubber handle provides excellent comfort and traction in all conditions.
The Scandinavian grind is preferred by most bushcrafters because of its ability to perform well with both detail work and hard use, as well as being able to be resharpened in the field.
This is a great blade for bushcraft, hunting and camping.
Specs:
- MSRP: $77.99
- Blade Length: 4.25 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: “High Carbon”
- Grind: Scandi
- Tang: ⅔ Length
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Weight: 8.1 Ounces
- Uses: Bushcraft, Hunting, Camping
4. Microtech SOCOM Alpha
The ESEE-5 is my favorite outdoors knife on the list, the Microtech SOCOM Alpha is my favorite fighting knife.
The clip-point blade provides incredible piercing capabilities as well as excellent utility.
Microtech offers the Alpha with a 5.3-inch blade and the Alpha Mini with a 3.75-inch blade for whichever size you prefer.
Microtech is currently using CTS-204P steel, which is very similar to M390 and 20CV, and the flat grind cuts extremely well.
The SOCOM’s both have a full tang and high-traction G10 handles. This is one of the sturdiest knives I have ever handled.
Specs:
- MSRP: $295.00
- Blade Length: 5.375 Inches
- Blade Style: Clip Point or Tanto
- Blade Steel: CTS-204P
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: G10
- Weight: 7.76 Ounces
- Uses: Self-Defense
5. Ka-Bar Becker Companion
The Ka-Bar Becker Companion is another popular option for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.
With a 5.25-inch drop-point blade, the Becker Companion is a good size for most tasks you would encounter while hunting or camping.
The handle is constructed out of Zytel, so it is completely waterproof and the knife has a full tang that provides incredible durability.
The 1095 Cro-Van steel is good for hard-use tasks and does not chip easily.
The Ka-Bar Becker line offers several different knives of various sizes and styles, but I think the Companion provides the best all-around use.
Specs:
- MSRP: $132.95
- Blade Length: 5.25 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: 1095 Cro-Van
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: Zytel
- Weight: 16 Ounces
- Uses: Hunting, Camping
6. Busse Swamp Rat Mega RatManDu
The Busse Swamp Rat Mega RatManDu is one of the more exotic knives on the list.
The Mega RatManDu features an incredible 0.35-inch thick blade stock that provides astounding durability.
The 5.25-inch drop-point blade is great for all outdoors tasks and works well for self-defense.
The Mega RatManDu utilizes a hybrid combo grind that combines aspects of flat, hollow and convex grinds.
Additionally, the knife is available with either a canvas micarta or G10 handle for whatever you prefer.
At 11.6 ounces with a full tang, this blade isn’t lightweight, but it is absolutely bombproof.
Busse also offers several other fixed blades in various sizes and styles if you are looking for something a little different, but just as well-made.
Specs:
- MSRP: $258.00
- Blade Length: 5.25 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: SR-101
- Grind: Hybrid Combo (Flat, Hollow & Convex)
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: Canvas Micarta or G10
- Weight: 11.6 Ounces
- Uses: Self-Defense, Outdoors
7. Hogue Extreme Series EX-F01
The Hogue Extreme Series EX-F01 excels at both outdoors and self-defense use. The seven-inch drop-point blade is constructed out of A2 steel, which is great for hard-use.
It has a full tang and G10 handle for incredible durability and traction. The flat grind sharpens easily and provides a wicked edge.
The whole knife is coated in a black cerakote finish for increased rust resistance and the knife is cryogenically treated.
Additionally, the EX-F01 includes a disassembly tool in a compartment in the grips for maintenance.
Specs:
- MSRP: $249.95
- Blade Length: Seven Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: A2
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: G10
- Weight: 10.4 Ounces
- Uses: Self-Defense, Outdoors
8. Spyderco Street Bowie
The Spyderco Street Bowie, and the smaller Street Beat, is another great option for a fixed blade self-defense knife.
With a five-inch clip-point blade, the Street Bowie is meant for serious business.
Both blades utilize VG-10 steel, which is an excellent option that takes a nice edge and holds it fairly well.
At 3.7 ounces, this is an incredibly lightweight fixed blade for its size, making it incredibly easy to carry around.
Additionally, the nylon handle provides ample traction and water resistance.
Whether you’re looking for a good knife for backpacking or personal protection, both the Street Bowie and Street Beat are great options.
Specs:
- MSRP: $165.00
- Blade Length: Five Inches
- Blade Style: Clip Point
- Blade Steel: VG-10
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: ¾ Length
- Handle Material: Nylon
- Weight: 3.7 Ounces
- Uses: Self-Defense
9. Cold Steel Master Hunter
The Cold Steel Master Hunter is the perfect choice for hunters who need a good fixed blade. At just six ounces, this is another lightweight option on the list.
The Master Hunter has a 4.5-inch drop-point blade that is great for a number of tasks. The VG-1 SAN MAI III steel takes a nice edge and touches up easily.
Additionally, the Kray-Ex handle is water-resistant and provides great traction in all conditions.
The stick tang helps to lighten up this blade so you can comfortably carry it all day.
Cold Steel makes tons of fixed blade knives, but the Master Hunter is one of their best general-purpose knives.
Specs:
- MSRP: $169.99
- Blade Length: 4.5 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: VG-1 SAN MAI III
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Stick
- Handle Material: Kray-Ex
- Weight: Six Ounces
- Uses: Hunting
10. Gerber StrongArm
The Gerber StrongArm is another knife on this list that is built for hard use.
The 4.87-inch drop-point blade is a good size and design for most cutting tasks, whether that be self-defense or outdoors use.
Additionally, it is flat-ground, making it an incredibly slicer and will sharpen up easier.
The 420HC blade isn’t the best steel, but it does well for the price and can be touched up easily.
The rubber handle provides great traction even when wet or muddy, and provides a comfortable grip for extended use.
With a full tang and thick blade stock, the StrongArm from Gerber can take just about anything.
Specs:
- MSRP: $87.95
- Blade Length: 4.875 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: 420HC
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: Rubber
- Weight: 7.2 Ounces
- Uses: Self-Defense, Outdoors
Honorable Mention: Benchmade Bushcrafter
A fixed blade knife list can’t be complete without the well-known Benchmade Bushcrafter. With a 4.43-inch drop-point blade, the Bushcrafter is great for general-use outdoors tasks.
The CPM-S30V blade provides high wear resistance and is very corrosion resistant.
The Bushcrafter has a full tang for increased durability and G10 scales for solid traction in all environments.
Additionally, the blade has a flat grind so it takes a fine edge and is easy to sharpen.
The Bushcrafter weighs 7.72 ounces, making it fairly easy to carry for extended time periods. This is a great choice for camping and bushcraft.
Specs:
- MSRP: $191.25
- Blade Length: 4.43 Inches
- Blade Style: Drop Point
- Blade Steel: CPM-S30V
- Grind: Flat
- Tang: Full
- Handle Material: G10
- Weight: 7.72 Ounces
- Uses: Bushcraft, Camping
Conclusion: Fixed Blade Knives
A proper fixed-blade knife is an invaluable tool to have on hand. They are larger and more durable than pocket knives, and can handle much more demanding tasks.
Just remember that all knives are not created equal, but if you select one of the knives on this list, you can be sure that you have an incredible blade that will provide you with excellent service.
Some of these knives can be a little pricey, but if you find the right one, it can last a lifetime.
What are your favorite fixed-blade knives? Let us know in the comments section below!
Like a good fixed blade. Have an AL Mar SERE. Bit pricey and don’t want to do little camping chores with it. The Cold Steel SRK slightly better camp knife than your pick of the Cold Steel Master Hunter. The SRK does have many more options of steel types giving it a range of price points. Nice rubber type, no slip grip and KYDEX sheath. Benchmade made a similar knife with leather sheath. I liked that you could spin the strap to which side you wanted the retaining strap to break open on and wish Cold steel would do this also