Survival, Military & Outdoor Hunting Knives

When you're spending time outdoors, having the right knife on hand can make all the difference. Whether you're camping for the weekend, hiking deep into the backcountry, or just preparing for whatever life throws your way, a dependable survival knife is one of the smartest things you can pack. These aren't just tools for emergencies; they're useful for a multitude of outdoor tasks. From cutting rope and clearing brush to handling food prep at camp, a solid outdoor knife quickly proves its worth.

This section includes a wide range of blades built for real-world use. You'll find everything from compact backpacking knives designed to save space in your gear to larger field knives that can stand up to heavy-duty tasks like splitting wood or building a shelter. Some are built for precision, while others are made to take a beating. No matter the style, these knives are meant to perform when you need them most.

Many of the blades here take inspiration from military survival knives, which are built for toughness above all else. With strong fixed blades, durable sheaths, and grippy handles that won't slip in wet conditions, these knives are made for serious outdoor situations. Some even include extras like sawback spines or fire starters, which can come in handy when you're off-grid and relying on what you've packed. If you've ever needed to get a fire going quickly or make a shelter from scratch, you already know how useful those extra features can be.

You'll also find options built for specific outdoor tasks. Hunting knives are shaped to handle tasks like field dressing or cutting through heavy material. Bushcraft knives are more balanced in design, making them great for carving, food prep, or gear repair. Camping knives usually fall somewhere in the middle, giving you enough strength for survival tasks without adding unnecessary weight to your pack. Each of these blades has its own strengths, but what they all have in common is that they're made for people who use their knives, not just admire them.

What Makes a Good Survival Knife?

A good survival knife needs to be more than just sharp. It should feel solid in your hand, hold up under pressure, and work well for a variety of tasks. Most people prefer a fixed blade for reliability, and a full tang design helps ensure the knife won't break under stress. A comfortable, slip-resistant handle is just as important as the blade itself, especially when working in wet or cold conditions. In short, the best survival knives are simple, strong, and versatile enough to handle whatever you throw at them.

How Are Military Knives Different from Other Outdoor Blades?

Military knives are typically designed for combat, field work, and survival in extreme environments. They're often more rugged than standard outdoor knives and may include features like thick spines, serrated edges, or sharpened tips for piercing. While many military-style knives overlap with survival and hunting blades, they tend to focus more on durability and adaptability in high-stress situations. If you're looking for a knife that can double as both a tool and a last-resort weapon, military knives are a solid choice.

Are These Knives Good for Backpacking or Camping?

Yes, many of the knives in this category are great for backpacking and camping. You'll find lightweight options that pack easily, along with more robust knives that can help with fire prep, food prep, or building a makeshift shelter. Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip or preparing for a longer adventure in the woods, having a strong, dependable knife gives you the confidence to handle unexpected challenges along the way.

What size knife is best for survival situations?

That depends on your environment and needs. A blade between 4 and 7 inches is usually a good balance. It's large enough for tough tasks like splitting wood, but still compact enough for finer work like food prep or gear repair.

What's the difference between a survival knife and a hunting knife?

Survival knives are designed to handle a wider range of outdoor tasks, from building shelter to fire prep. Hunting knives are more specialized for processing game, though many knives in this category do both well.

What kind of steel is best for a survival knife?

High carbon steel is a popular choice because it holds an edge well and is easy to sharpen in the field. Stainless steel resists rust better, which is useful in wet or humid environments. Both have their strengths depending on your needs.

Is it better to carry one big knife or a couple smaller ones?

Carrying one solid survival knife is usually enough, but some people prefer having a smaller backup blade for quick tasks. It really depends on your style and how much gear you want to manage in the field.

Do survival knives need to be full tang?

A full tang design is ideal because it means the blade and handle are one solid piece of metal. This gives the knife more strength and reduces the chance of breakage during heavy use like batoning or prying.