Best Survival Knives for Bug Out Bags and Emergencies

A quality knife is one of the most essential survival tools. It builds shelter, prepares food, creates fire, and handles countless tasks that would be impossible bare-handed.

This guide covers the best survival knives from budget to premium, plus what to look for when choosing your blade.

Quick Picks

What Makes a Good Survival Knife?

Essential features:

• Fixed blade — More durable than folders for heavy use
• Full tang — Blade steel extends through the handle
• 4-6 inch blade — Balance of versatility and control
• Simple design — Fewer failure points
• High-quality steel — Holds edge, resists corrosion

Blade Steel Types

For survival: Carbon steel (1095, 1080) or tough stainless (AUS-8) are ideal. They sharpen easily in the field and handle abuse.

Top Survival Knives

Morakniv Companion — Best Value

The Morakniv Companion is legendary for its value. Swedish craftsmanship, razor-sharp edge, and a price that’s almost absurd. Many experienced outdoorsmen carry these as their primary knife.

Specs:

• Blade length: 4.1 inches
• Steel: Stainless or carbon (choose)
• Weight: 4.1 oz
• Tang: Partial (rats-tail)

Pros:

• Exceptional sharpness out of box
• Comfortable Scandi grind
• Stainless or carbon options
• Absurdly affordable
• Excellent for carving and bushcraft

Cons:

• Partial tang (not for batoning)
• Plastic sheath is basic
• Not a heavy-duty beater

Best for: Budget builds, bushcraft, primary cutting tasks

ESEE 4 — Best Overall

The ESEE 4 is the gold standard for survival knives. Designed by survival instructors, it’s tough enough for any task and backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty—they’ll replace it even if you break it.

Specs:

• Blade length: 4.5 inches
• Steel: 1095 carbon
• Weight: 8.0 oz
• Tang: Full

Pros:

• Unconditional lifetime warranty
• Designed by survival professionals
• Full tang, bombproof construction
• 1095 steel is easy to sharpen
• Perfect size for all tasks

Cons:

• Carbon steel requires maintenance
• Higher price point
• Heavier than some competitors

Best for: Serious preppers, anyone wanting “buy once, cry once” quality

KA-BAR Becker BK2 — Heavy Duty

When you need to baton through hardwood or do things no knife should do, the BK2 “Campanion” handles it. This is a thick, heavy chopper that doubles as a survival knife.

Specs:

• Blade length: 5.25 inches
• Steel: 1095 Cro-Van
• Weight: 16 oz (1 lb!)
• Tang: Full

Pros:

• 0.25” thick blade is indestructible
• Excellent for batoning
• Full tang, one-piece construction
• Can be used as a small chopper
• Made in USA

Cons:

• Heavy (1 lb)
• Overkill for fine work
• Too thick for precise carving

Best for: Heavy camp work, batoning firewood, vehicle emergency kits

Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 — Premium Pick

The Bushcrafter 162 is a precision-crafted knife for those who want the best. S30V steel holds an edge far longer than budget options, and the craftsmanship is evident in every detail.

Specs:

• Blade length: 4.4 inches
• Steel: CPM-S30V
• Weight: 7.7 oz
• Tang: Full

Pros:

• Exceptional steel (S30V)
• Beautiful fit and finish
• Lifetime warranty
• Leather sheath included
• Perfect blade geometry

Cons:

• Premium price
• S30V requires diamond stones to sharpen
• May be too nice to beat on

Best for: Enthusiasts, those who appreciate craftsmanship

Comparison Table

Fixed Blade vs. Folding Knife

For survival purposes, fixed blade is preferred:

Recommendation: Carry a fixed blade in your bag and a folder for everyday tasks. The folder won’t replace a fixed blade for serious survival work.

Knife Care and Maintenance

For Carbon Steel

1. Dry after use — Wipe blade immediately
2. Oil periodically — Mineral oil, gun oil, or dedicated knife oil
3. Force a patina — Helps prevent rust (mustard method)
4. Store dry — Don’t leave in sheath long-term if wet

For Stainless Steel

1. Rinse after saltwater or acidic use
2. Light oiling extends life
3. Sharpen as needed — More difficult than carbon

Sharpening Basics

Carry a field sharpener in your bag:

• Diamond rod — Works on all steels, light and compact
• Ceramic rod — For touching up edges
• Whetstone — Best results, but heavier
• Stropping — Leather strop maintains razor edge

Survival Knife Uses

A good survival knife handles:

• Shelter building — Cutting cordage, shaping wood, batoning
• Fire starting — Striking ferro rod, making feather sticks
• Food prep — Processing game, cutting food
• First aid — Cutting bandages, making splints
• Tool making — Carving stakes, crafting tools
• Self defense — Last resort

Budget Recommendations

Under $25:

• Morakniv Companion ($15-20) — Best value, period
• Morakniv Garberg ($70) — Full tang Mora (stretch budget)

$50-100:

• KA-BAR Becker BK2 ($90) — Heavy duty
• Ontario RAT-5 ($60) — Military proven
• Cold Steel SRK ($80) — Versatile design

$100-200:

• ESEE 4 ($130) — Best overall
• Fallkniven F1 ($150) — Swedish military
• Benchmade Bushcrafter ($200) — Premium

Sources

• Sensible Prepper - Survival Knives
• Blade HQ - Steel Guide
• The Prepared - Best Survival Knives
• ESEE Knives — Manufacturer information

Related:

• Best Multitools for Bug Out Bags
• Best Fire Starters
• Bug Out Bag Complete Guide