A survival knife is necessary for numerous jobs, including making a shelter, starting a fire, chopping, batoning, prying, hammering, spearing food, and many more. Using a nice hunting knife for survival purposes could result in damage. One of the most common materials for survival knives is stainless steel. It is rust-free and lightweight. Strong, fixed-blade knives with full tangs are the ideal kind of survival knife. Additionally, a survival knife will feature a handle that is really comfortable and a blade that is manageable and neither too big nor too heavy. But with so many stainless steel survival knife options available, you could be confused about which is the best. We’ve compiled a list of the top 13 stainless steel survival knives to assist you in selecting one based on the attributes you’ll need to survive and thrive.
Table of contents
- GVDV Bowie Stainless Steel Knife
- Morakniv Bushcraft Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Survival Knife
- JEOTEC Bushcraft Survival Knife
- Lancergear Survival Knife
- AUBEY CAMPING KNIFE
- ZUNE Lotoo Tactical Fixed Blade Knife
- NEDFOSS Fixed Blade Survival Knife
- MADSABRE Fixed Blade Survival Knife
- Cold Steel SRK Survival Knife
- CDS MV-58 Survival KnifeCDS MV-58 Survival Knife
- Nooraki MK89 Full Tang Survival Knife
- PAL 2000 Survival Knife
- Kratos ZF9 Stainless Steel Full Tang Survival Knife
- How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Survival Knives
- What Thing that Should I Look for in a Survival Knife?
- How Long Should a Survival Knife Be?
- What are the Serrations on Survival Knives For?
GVDV Bowie Stainless Steel Knife
13
In number 13, we have GVDV Bowie Stainless Steel Knife. This ultra-sharp stainless steel survival knife has long-lasting durability, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The clip-point blade is useful for cutting in small spaces, fine precision work, and piercing.
Not only the blade but the handle are equally important. A magnificent rosewood handle, a traditional grip made of rosewood, a pommel to protect your fingers, and an ergonomic handle groove that ensures non-slip while in use are all created.
Additionally, the genuine leather sheath has a built-in belt loop and snaps quicker for a safe and secure carry. The survival knife can be used in a variety of outdoor circumstances. This useful survival knife is one that you shouldn’t take lightly!
Pros
- Made of ultra-sharp stainless steel
- Versatile
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Needs regular sharpening
Morakniv Bushcraft Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Survival Knife
12
This stainless steel survival knife is intended to assist you in surviving in a remote area, as the name suggests. Along with a knife, this tool also has a fire starter that delivers 7,000 blows and a spark that operates effectively even in wet conditions.
Morakniv Bushcraft Stainless Steel Fixed Blade can also be used as a blade sharpener when you need it most, in addition to being a fire starter. This cold steel survival knife includes a sheath and has an ergonomic handle with a high-friction rubber grip. The 4.3-inch fixed blade survival knife is perfect for outdoor, tactical, emergency, and hunting use.
Pros
- Ergonomic rubber grip
- Multifunction survival knife
- Can act as a fire-starter
Cons
- Probably not the sturdiest survival knife
JEOTEC Bushcraft Survival Knife
11
The JEOTEC Bushcraft Survival Knife is made for devoted explorers because it is made to be utilized in challenging outdoor situations and harsh climates. The perfect survival knife has a blade length of 4.48 inches, a total length of 9,01 inches, and a blade thickness of 0.15 inches.
This knife’s exceptional resilience is a result of its Micarta handle and stainless steel construction. Firesteel and 100% real leather were used to make the sheath. Strong material for knife handles that have been subjected to high temperatures, pressures, and layers of different materials to produce a great resistance to corrosion and shocks.
Pros
- Micarta handle
- High resistance material
- Genuine leather sheath
Cons
- Still working on it!
Lancergear Survival Knife
10
This 15-inch stainless steel survival knife is made of high-performance stainless steel to ensure its superior hardness, enhanced edge retention, and rust resistance. The clip point blade features a saw back and black anodize.
For a more user-friendly knife, the rubber handle and nylon sheath provide excellent friction and a cozy non-slip grip. A heavy-duty nylon sheath is made of durable material that is easy to open and has a belt-hanging system for secure carrying. You will receive a knife in addition to a sharpener and a fire starter. The greatest arrows for hunting and this survival knife are ideal for your adventure partner.
Pros
- Made of high-quality stainless steel
- Rubber handle for more comfortable usage
- Equipped with sharpener and fire-starter
Cons
- Needs to be sharpened in the first usage
AUBEY CAMPING KNIFE
9
Compared to folding knives, this 9-inch survival knife is more trustworthy. The special hunting blade, Radian, is designed for cutting through lush forests. AUBEY Camping Knife is made of high-quality 440 steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. After receiving a mirror polish, this stainless steel survival knife has a mirror-like reflection.
In each situation, an ergonomic handle offers an improved grip. The handle of this stainless steel survival knife is comfortable to wield and grooved strategically for a secure grip. The knife comes with a leather sheath, and a built-in belt clip makes it possible to wear the knife securely and safely around your waist.
Pros
- Superior handle grip
- Durable
- Safe to use
Cons
- The quality is so-so
ZUNE Lotoo Tactical Fixed Blade Knife
8
The 9.5 inches overall length of the ZUNE full tang stainless steel survival knife ensures its great performance. It is constructed from piercing stainless steel with a 6mm D2 blade. Next, the Matrix Concave and Convex Particles-designed G10 composite handle. Consequently, it is quite durable and has a non-slip handle for your exploration.
For safety and functionality, this survival knife includes an enlarged Kydex Scabbard, a unique auto-locking, and a rotatable sheath. You can use this survival knife while traveling, trekking, hunting, and camping, along with your favorite hunting binoculars.
Pros
- Slip-resistant handle
- Made of high-grade D2 stainless steel
- Rotatable sheath
Cons
- The design is a little bit bulky
NEDFOSS Fixed Blade Survival Knife
7
In comparison to regular folding knives, stainless steel survival knives have a full tang structure that offers improved strength during the cutting process. Good for cutting in confined spaces and piercing detail work.
The tiny wood handle on the NEDFOSS Fixed Blade Survival Knife combines function with beauty. The fixed blade knife has a traditional wooden grip with palm swells for a more secure hold.
Along with the appropriate hunting bows, its total length of 12.5″ and 7-inch clip point make it suitable for survival in the jungle. You may secure this leather knife sheath to your belt using the snap fastener and belt loop.
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact wood handle
- Fashionable and practical
- Strong and sturdy
Cons
- The workmanship is subpar
MADSABRE Fixed Blade Survival Knife
6
A robust hand-forged fixed blade knife from MADSABRE is designed for survival. This stainless steel survival knife features a full tang design with a superb tactical non-slip high hardness resin construction, making it dependable. Next, the nylon combat sheath protects your battle full tang tactical knives and makes it simple to transport your outdoor knife.
Your journey would be unforgettable if you brought this knife and other essential camping gear! This knife is available for just $28—a really low cost!
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Full tang
- Multifunction
Cons
- The quality is so-so
Cold Steel SRK Survival Knife
5
Because of its adaptability and endurance in even the worst circumstances, this stainless steel survival knife is trusted by the NAVY Seal and special forces community. Cold Steel SRK Survival Knife was created with the sole intention of creating the industry’s most durable multi-purpose survival tool and is a knife you can rely on with your life.
It is constructed of high-quality San Mai Steel, a three-layer, precisely laminated stainless steel that has a hard carbon center layer sandwiched between two layers of robust lower carbon spring steel to maximize toughness and edge holding capacity. The handle has a single-finger guard and a deeply checkered Kray-Ex grip for a safe, secure hold in any situation. It also has a pleasant and secure grip.
Pros
- Premium stainless steel material
- Trusted by Navy Seal
- Multi-purpose knife
Cons
- The handle is easy to lose
CDS MV-58 Survival KnifeCDS MV-58 Survival Knife
4
CDS MV-58 is high-performing full tang bushcraft and survival knife. It is specially made to be used in challenging outdoor locations. Along with the best hunting headlights, this stainless steel survival knife is a need for jungle survival. Don’t forget to wear your hunting jacket to keep you warm and dry while exploring nature.
For your survival needs, the overall length of 12.5 inches is perfect. Made of MOVA-58 stainless steel, the Micarta handle has remarkable corrosion resistance, high hardness, and good edge performance.
Pros
- Micarta handle
- Exceptional corrosion resistance
- Genuine leather sheath
Cons
- Still working on it!
Nooraki MK89 Full Tang Survival Knife
3
Nooraki MK89 Full Tang Survival Knife is made of heavy-duty chrome vanadium steel to guarantee the highest grade for long-lasting performance. It is renowned for maintaining an edge well, being simple to re-sharpen, and providing reliable service to support your wildlife exploration.
It’s a full-tang stainless steel survival knife with a comfortable, ergonomically constructed micarta handle that provides superb hand control. You may use this knife for a variety of tasks thanks to the hand-polished blade spine, which creates a precise balance for easy holding.
Pros
- High genuine leather sheath
- Micarta handle
- Chrome vanadium steel
Cons
- The hard edges make it hard to extend uses
PAL 2000 Survival Knife
2
Pal 2000 is a full-tang stainless steel survival knife that resembles the Damascus Steel Bushcraft Knife. With 15 inches overall length, it’s an extremely versatile survival knife that will help you to get the most out of your adventure.
This survival knife features an excellent grip, high-quality finishes, hard edge, and a cutting edge that will remain sharp even after heavy usage, and a magnificent work of art makes the perfect poison knife in addition to being perfectly functional.
PAL 2000’s material is high-quality 1095/15N20 alloy steel that guarantees long-lasting performance. What are you waiting for? Go get this survival knife and feel the difference!
Pros
- Functional
- Authentic Damascus style
- The sheath is made of a durable, high-quality leather
Cons
- Still working on it!
Kratos ZF9 Stainless Steel Full Tang Survival Knife
1
You may rely on the Kratos ZF9 Stainless Steel Full Tang Survival Knife with its 7.25-inch fixed blade and 6-inch handmade wood handle, and the proper hunting boots should be included in your survival needs to help you survive in nature.
High-quality carbon stainless steel, used to make this stainless steel survival knife, ensures long-lasting sturdiness.
It also comes with a sturdy, protective genuine leather sheath that makes it easier for you to carry your survival knife in your belt safely. This knife is designed to be an economical option for outdoor enthusiasts who are both men and women. It is visually appealing and consistently sharp.
Pros
- Genuine leather sheath
- Made of high-quality carbon stainless steel
- Wood handle
Cons
- Still working on it!
How to Choose the Best Stainless Steel Survival Knives
The appropriate survival knife is one of the most important items you’ll need to help you live in nature when you’re camping, backpacking, or in a survival crisis. It helps you to survive between life and death, shelter and exposure, and food and famine.
How can you choose the greatest knife for survival? Although there isn’t a perfect knife for every user and occasion, the following are the essential elements to take into account when selecting the best stainless steel survival knife:
Choose the Appropriate Size
When selecting the best stainless steel survival knife, size does matter. The bigger the knife, the better, but not always. You lose the ability to utilize your blade efficiently for intricate chores like dressing small games or carving precise snare settings if it’s too large.
However, the smaller blade might struggle to handle tougher jobs like chopping and batoning. Batoning is the process of driving a knife through hard or dense wood by striking the back of the blade with a heavy object. This makes it possible to split wood and chop through thick limbs and trees with the blade. The ideal size for an all-rounder survival knife is approximately 10 inches.
Match Your Gear and the Survival Knife
Many people neglect to consider the other equipment they carry along with their knives. It would be better if you choose the survival knife according to your adventure needs. For example, if you always bring the fire starter, choose the survival knife that doesn’t come with the built-in fire starter.
However, if you’re a more practical adventurer, you may need a survival knife that contains several functions, such as hammering, splitting wood, or batoning. The key is to select the survival knife based on your needs for your adventure to maximize its performance.
Check the Handle
The handles of a survival knife should be checked for strength, durability, and grip. Avoid using a survival knife with a hollow, inexpensive plastic or metal handle. The knife’s strength is severely compromised by the absence of density.
You run the risk of hurting yourself if your survival knife is difficult to grasp or isn’t strong and durable. The best handle materials include grip, glass/fiber reinforced nylon, and Kraton synthetic rubber. Look for scaling and texturing, which will provide you with lots of pleasant grips.
Blade Design
In survival knives, you can discover a wide range of blade designs. Straight, serrated, drop-point, and clip-point knives are available. For cutting wood, a straight blade works better and is much simpler to sharpen. If you don’t have a whetstone, you may even sharpen a straight blade using a decent smooth stone.
It nearly always requires a specialized sharpener as compared to a serrated edge. Even if the knife isn’t especially sharp, serrated will cut through cordage. Good control is provided by a drop point or clip point. For usage in hunting knives, a drop point is ideal. For tactical knife use, a clip point with an extra angle is acceptable, but it’s not the best option for survival circumstances.
What Thing that Should I Look for in a Survival Knife?
A decent survival knife should have a blade that is 3/16 to 1/4 inch thick. This offers a strong and long-lasting blade that will last with proper care. If using the knife to pry things apart, the blade thickness is crucial.
How Long Should a Survival Knife Be?
The majority of survival knives have blade lengths between 6 and 12 inches. If it were any smaller, you might not be able to use it for tasks like wood chopping that you would need to complete in order to survive. A larger survival knife might be necessary if you intend to chop the wood.
What are the Serrations on Survival Knives For?
Knives with serrated edges also frequently perform better while making slicing cuts, particularly on tough and hard surfaces, than knives with plain edges. It’s because the serration can easily and precisely cut and grasp the surface.