Knife

9 Best Fixed Blade Knives of 2021

Photo: Morakniv

A good knife is one of your most reliable assets whether you are a survivalist, outdoor enthusiast or even a DIYer and the fixed blade knife types are always one of the best options. With the best fixed blade knife, you get a highly versatile, durable and also relatively easy to maintain knife.

But, choosing the right one for you is not always easy given the wide variety of options. In this guide, we highlight the important factors to consider when choosing a fixed blade knife such as the blade type, handle and sheath.

And we also review some of the top fixed blade knives on the market to make the choice much easier for you.

IMAGE

PRODUCT

FEATURES

1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife (Best Overall)

  • High-quality 12C27 steel blade
  • High friction grip
  • Less prone to rusting
  • More compact design
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2. Buck Knives 0119BKS (Best Clip Point Blade Design)

  • More useful clip point blade
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Classic phenolic handle
  • Comes with a genuine leather sheath
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3. CRKT 2082 (Compact & Lightweight)

  • Conveniently compact and lightweight design
  • Tough carbon steel blade
  • Durable nylon sheath with glass reinforcing
  • Ideal for a variety of uses
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4. Gerber 30-001038N (Super Tough Survival & Combat Knife)

  • Tough high carbon steel blade
  • Great for combat and survival
  • Full tang construction
  • Comfortable rubberized grip
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5. Morakniv M-12647 (Easy to Conceal & Effective)

  • Easier to conceal and functional
  • Razor sharp blade with high hardness
  • Perfect for use as fire starter
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6. Schrade SCHF36 (Durable & Dependable)

  • Durable high carbon steel blade and thermoplastic handle
  • Quick and easy access for increased dependability
  • Easy carry polyester sheath
  • Full tang design with finger choil
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7. MTech USA MT-086 (Best Tactical Knife)

  • Perfect for tactical and combat use
  • Tough stainless steel straight edge blade
  • Nice black nylon sheath
  • Comfortable ABS handle with wing walk inserts
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8. Schrade SCHF57 (Best Budget)

  • More budget-friendly
  • Full tang construction
  • Comfortable G-10 handle
  • Dependable thermoplastic belt sheath
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9. Mossy Oak Survival Knife (Reliable All-Round Outdoor Knife)

  • Great outdoors knife
  • Comfortable and durable handle
  • Relatively more affordable
  • Free sharpener and fire starter
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PRODUCT

1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife

(Best Overall)

  • High-quality 12C27 steel blade
  • High friction grip
  • Less prone to rusting
  • More compact design
VIEW ON AMAZON

2. Buck Knives 0119BKS

(Best Clip Point Blade Design)

  • More useful clip point blade
  • Excellent edge retention
  • Classic phenolic handle
  • Comes with a genuine leather sheath
VIEW ON AMAZON

3. CRKT 2082

(Compact & Lightweight)

  • Conveniently compact and lightweight design
  • Tough carbon steel blade
  • Durable nylon sheath with glass reinforcing
  • Ideal for a variety of uses
VIEW ON AMAZON

4. Gerber 30-001038N

(Super Tough Survival & Combat Knife)

  • Tough high carbon steel blade
  • Great for combat and survival
  • Full tang construction
  • Comfortable rubberized grip
VIEW ON AMAZON

5. Morakniv M-12647

(Easy to Conceal & Effective)

  • Easier to conceal and functional
  • Razor sharp blade with high hardness
  • Perfect for use as fire starter
VIEW ON AMAZON

6. Schrade SCHF36

(Durable & Dependable)

  • Durable high carbon steel blade and thermoplastic handle
  • Quick and easy access for increased dependability
  • Easy carry polyester sheath
  • Full tang design with finger choil
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7. MTech USA MT-086

(Best Tactical Knife)

  • Perfect for tactical and combat use
  • Tough stainless steel straight edge blade
  • Nice black nylon sheath
  • Comfortable ABS handle with wing walk inserts
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8. Schrade SCHF57

(Best Budget)

  • More budget-friendly
  • Full tang construction
  • Comfortable G-10 handle
  • Dependable thermoplastic belt sheath
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9. Mossy Oak Survival Knife

(Reliable All-Round Outdoor Knife)

  • Great outdoors knife
  • Comfortable and durable handle
  • Relatively more affordable
  • Free sharpener and fire starter
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1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife – Best Overall

Photo: Morakniv

  • Blade Length: 4.1 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Overall Length: 8.75 inches
  • Weight: 4.1 ounces

With a blade length 4.1 inches and a total length of 8.75 inches, this is a relatively compact fixed blade knife that will offer excellent control and is also quite easy to handle.

The high-quality 12C27 steel blade is exceptionally rough and less susceptible to oxidation and corrosion and it will also maintain a sharp edge for long enough.

The equally tough handle is patterned and with high-friction grip to make it easy to get a firm hold, and also to make the knife feel comfortable on the hand.

Although this is not the cheapest item on our list, it is still relatively affordable, and it comes in various handle color options and with a matching sheath.

The manufacturer backs it with a limited lifetime warranty. And although the blade seems relatively thinner it is still one of the toughest you can get for the price.

Pros:

  • Maintains edge sharpness for long
  • High-friction grip
  • Relatively affordable
  • Numerous handle color options
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Relatively thinner blade
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2. Buck Knives 0119BKS – Best Clip Point Blade Fixed Blade Knife

Photo: Buck Knives

  • Blade Length: 6 inches
  • Blade Material: 420 High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Traditional Black Phenolic
  • Overall Length: 10.5 inches
  • Weight: 7.5 ounces

Buck Knives 0119BKS is one of the most expensive option in our fixed blade knives review. But, with knives, you always get what you pay for as it is a top-quality option.

The knife has a 420 high carbon stainless steel clip point blade that is razor sharp when you get it and with excellent strength and edge retention to ensure that you get long service from it. And the clip design makes this a fantastic knife for piercing, cutting in confined spaces and for detail jobs.

For the handle, you get a glossy traditional phenolic material that not only looks good but also has some palm swells for a comfortable grip. Also, there is an aluminum pommel and guard on the handle.

And to ensure convenient carry, the knife will come with a genuine leather sheath with a snap fastener. And you can be sure that this is a highly durable product as the manufacturer provides a lifetime warranty.

Pros:

  • Versatile clip point blade design
  • Genuine leather sheath
  • Well-balanced and comfortable grip
  • Razor sharp high carbon steel blade
  • Excellent strength and edge retention

Cons:

  • Relatively pricey knife
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3. CRKT 2082 – Compact and Lightweight

Photo: CRKT

  • Blade Length: 3.3 inches
  • Blade Material: Sk5 Carbon Steel
  • Handle Material: G10
  • Overall Length: 7.4 inches
  • Weight: 5.5 ounces

Despite its 3.3-inch blade being one of the shortest on our list, this is still a high quality fixed blade knife that also comes with a tough and comfortable G10 handle.

This fixed blade knife is made to be more compact and lightweight than typical ones, which comes with the advantage of being easier to carry handle and also simpler to wield and handle.

The SK5 carbon steel blade is short but still sturdy enough for self-defense and tactical use. But it is also easy to control for fine detail applications.

And it will also come with a highly durable glass reinforced nylon sheath that provides a variety of carrying options, and with a limited lifetime warranty.

The clip system is perhaps what many users will not like about this knife as it is neither wide nor tight enough on most belts. However, it is an optional accessory that you do not have to use and should hence not be a deal breaker.

Pros:

  • Short and compact but sturdy blade
  • Quite a versatile knife
  • Glass-reinforced nylon sheath
  • Tough carbon steel blade
  • Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Clip system is not very good
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4. Gerber 30-001038N – Super Tough Survival and Combat Knife

Photo: Gerber

  • Blade Length: 4.8 inches
  • Blade Material: 420 High Carbon Steel
  • Handle Material: Glass-filled Nylon
  • Overall Length: 9.8 inches
  • Weight: 7.9 ounces

The Gerber StringArm fixed blade knife is designed for combat and for survival, and so it is the kind of knife that you will want to carry with you everywhere.

It is also one of the priciest on our list and this is mostly due to its high-quality construction that features a 420 high carbon steel blade and a glass-filled nylon handle with rubber overmold.

The ceramic coating on the blade and rubberized diamond texture grip help to enhance the performance and feel.

Also, the fixed blade knife has a striking pommel at the base of the handle that will also be quite useful for breaking through hard surfaces for everyday situations or emergencies.

With this knife, you also get a highly versatile strap-together sheath system that will give you many carrying options. And like most other top-notch quality knives, it has a limited lifetime warranty.

Although it is quite pricey when compared to other options on our list, you can be sure that it will provide value for every buck with its quality and performance.

Pros:

  • High carbon steel blade
  • Rubberized diamond-texture grip
  • Striking pommel included
  • Strap-together sheath system

Cons:

  • Relatively pricey
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5. Morakniv M-12647 – Easy to Conceal and Effective

Photo: Morakniv

  • Blade Length: 2.2 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Plastic
  • Overall Length: 5.6 inches
  • Weight: 2.8 ounces

Fixed blade knives are not the easiest to carry or conceal but this one by Moraknive will change this notion.

With a blade length of just 2.2 inches, a total length of 5.6 inches and a total weight of 2.8 ounces, it is the perfect pocket size knife, and you will hardly notice that you are carrying anything.

And despite its lightweight and compact size, it still uses some high-quality materials in its construction that include a high hardness stainless steel blade that is razor sharp straight from the box. And this helps to make it both functional and effective

This knife also comes with a fire steel and paracord that will be very useful for outdoors enthusiasts when it comes to starting a fire.

And while some users might not like the super short blade the good news is that despite the size it is still highly useful.

Pros:

  • More concealable size and design
  • High hardness blade
  • Razor sharp from the box
  • Comes with fire steel and paracord
  • Highly lightweight and compact

Cons:

  • Super short blade
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6. Schrade SCHF36 – Durable and Dependable

Photo: Schrade

  • Blade Length: 5 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: TPE
  • Overall Length: 10.4 inches
  • Weight: 12.3 ounces

There are more than enough stainless steel fixed blade knife options out there but if you want something durable and dependable and within a reasonable price tag for hiking and camping, the Schrade SCHF36 is a great choice.

It comes with a 1095 powder coated high carbon stainless steel blade, and so you can be confident that it will not only cut well but also last for a long time.

The TPE handle is also high-quality enough and it is ring textured for a firm and comfortable grip and with jimping for safety.

There is also a lanyard hole on the handle to make the knife easy to carry and a polyester sheath for more carrying options.

The full tang fixed blade knife also has a finger choil, and it will come with a Ferro rod and handy sharpening stone.

Given the quality of material used to make this knife it can feel a little weighty for some users but this is still quite a well-balanced knife and you only need to get used to it.

Pros:

  • High carbon steel blade
  • Full tang construction
  • Textured TPE handle
  • Thump rest jimping
  • Comes with sharpening stone

Cons:

  • Relatively weighty knife
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7. MTech USA MT-086 – Best Fixed Blade Tactical Knife

Photo: MTech USA

  • Blade Length: 3 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: Stainless Steel
  • Overall Length: 7 inches
  • Weight: 6.6 ounces

A good old karambit knife like this 7-inch one from MTech USA also qualifies to be a fixed blade knife. And it is a highly reliable tactical and combat knife.

This stainless-steel knife will also work well as an everyday carry knife, and it is quite easy to grip even if you have not used a similar one before.

The knife comes with a tough straight edge blade that cuts with ease and you can be sure it will be super comfortable to hold thanks to the ABS handle with wing walk inserts

It is one of the best budget fixed blade knife on our list given the relatively smaller price tag. And despite the highly affordable price, it still comes pre-sharpened and with a high-quality sheath for convenient storage and carry.

Straight edge blades like this one are not always very versatile and this is more so if they are small but this will still be a highly useful fixed blade knife to have around.

Pros:

  • Perfect design for tactical/combat use
  • More affordable
  • Easy and secure grip
  • Pre-sharpened blade
  • High-quality sheath

Cons:

  • Not very versatile
  • Relatively smaller blade
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8. Schrade SCHF57 – Best Budget Fixed Blade Knife

Photo: Schrade

  • Blade Length: 2.6 inches
  • Blade Material: High Carbon Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: G10
  • Overall Length: 6.3 inches
  • Weight: 4 ounces

You can always be sure that a full tang knife like the Schrade SCHF57 will perform well and also last longer. But besides the full tang design, the knife is also tough enough and durable thanks to the high carbon stainless steel material.

Being the cheapest fixed blade knife on our list, this will also be a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a more budget-friendly bit still top quality knife.

And it uses G10 handle slabs that are also highly durable and comfortable and they also have thump rest jimping to prevent your finger from slipping when using the knife.

The multi-carry option thermoplastic sheath is also a great addition as it makes it possible to carry the knife almost everywhere from the belt to the boot. And there is also a lanyard hole for even more carrying options.

The blade on this knife seems to lose the edge quite fast which should be expected for such an affordable option. But, the blade material is super easy to re-sharpen.

Pros:

  • Highly affordable knife
  • Full tang knife
  • High carbon stainless steel blade
  • Thump rest jimping
  • Multi-carry option sheath

Cons:

  • Blade seems to lose edge relatively fast
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9. Mossy Oak Survival Knife – Reliable All-Round Outdoor Knife

Photo: Mossy Oak

  • Blade Length: 10 inches
  • Blade Material: Stainless Steel
  • Handle Material: TPR (Thermoplastic Rubber)
  • Overall Length: 15 inches
  • Weight: 16.8 ounces

If you want a fixed blade knife with a long enough blade for light chopping, hacking and hunting this one from Mossy Oak is the best pick on our list. With its partially serrated tanto point blade, there is still a lot more you can do with this knife

Its 10-inch long stainless-steel blade is the longest on our list. And it has an equally top-notch quality TPR handle to provide a secure and comfortable grip.

But, despite the relatively larger blade, this is still one of the most affordable and strongest fixed blade knives in our review.

This fixed blade knife comes with a few extras to improve user experience and they include a high-quality sharpener and fire starter which will also be highly useful when outdoors.

The knife also comes with a convenient storage sheath. And although with a total weight of around 16.8 oz, it is one of the heaviest on our list, this is still a well-balanced and easy to control knife.

Pros:

  • Ideal for a wide variety of outdoor uses
  • Durable thermoplastic rubber handle
  • Relatively affordable
  • High-quality storage sheath
  • Comes with sharpener and fire starter

Cons:

  • Relatively heavier knife
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Advantages of Fixed Blade Knife

Whether you are a survivalist or a regular outdoors enthusiast, the chances are that you already have a fixed blade. But, if you still do not have one here are a few advantages of keeping one around.

Big and Strong

There are almost no restrictions when it comes to the size of the fixed blade knives, and so you can get them in almost any size that you want.

The larger size also means that you are likely to end up with strong and highly durable knives.

Easy Maintenance

Unlike with the folding blade knives, there is no hinge to worry about when cleaning your knife. Also, there are no hard to reach spaces that can be tedious to clean. And so cleaning the fixed blade knife is a quick and straightforward process.

Harder to Break

Since there are no moving parts on the fixed blade knife, it is harder to break than the foldable types. Also, most are full tang which also makes them sturdier and harder to break.

Highly Versatile

This knife type is also a superior survival tool thanks to its versatility. The nature and size of the blade and overall design of the knife makes it ideal for various applications from cutting and splitting to digging and even for food preparation.

Fixed vs. Folding Knife

The debate on whether to pick a fixed or folding blade knife has raged for many years among survivalist and outdoor enthusiast.

And while it is always a good idea to have both, understanding their differences should make it easier for you to pick if you have to get just one.

1. Fixed Blade Knife

Before the advancement of technology and knife designs, there were no foldable blade knives and so the fixed blade was the only option.

One of their best traits is that they are highly durable. Unlike the foldable types, they are just one solid piece of still with no hinges and other mechanisms to aid in folding and unfolding.

They are also great for use for rugged outdoors task as they are highly versatile. They can do almost everything that you can do with the folding knife but the vice versa is not true. And to top all this up they are also easier to maintain.

Despite having all these advantages, the fixed blade knife also has some shortcomings such as the fact that it is harder to conceal, and it requires a sheath for carrying and storage. It can be quite dangerous to carry around without a sheath.

Pros:

  • Harder to break
  • Highly versatile
  • Easy maintenance
  • Faster deployment

Cons:

  • Hard to conceal
  • Requires sheath

2. Folding Blade Knife

Photo: gunivore.com

Folding blade knives have convenience and safety at the heart of their design. Unlike the fixed blade types, you can easily and safely carry them in your pocket.

Most have mechanisms to ensure the blade does not comes out when you do not want it to, and so you will never have to expose yourself to the risk of having a sharp edge dangling around the waist.

Since they are ideally cut in half when closed, they are almost effortless to conceal and they will also not require a sheath for storage.

Also, they are easier to make innocuous or less-weapon like if the environment or laws require you to because no one can tell you have a knife once you fold it and throw it into the pocket.

But, the design of these knives limits the blade length significantly as it does not make sense to have very large blades on them. And they also do not last as long as the fixed blade knives due to the many moveable parts which also make them harder to maintain

Pros:

  • Easier to store and carry
  • Highly concealable
  • No sheath required

Cons:

  • A little hectic to maintain
  • Less durable
  • Limited blade length

How to Buy the Best Fixed Blade Knives

Photo: Schrade

If you are on the market for the best fixed blade knife, you will be amazed at the myriad of options available out there.

Almost all knife manufacturers that you come across will have several versions of the fixed blade on sale. But, to make sure that you choose a good fixed blade knife you need to consider the following vital things.

1. The Blade

The modern fixed blade knife comes in countless blade type options. And so, this should always be one of the first considerations when choosing one of these knives.

Here are six of the most common fixed blade knife options and their intended uses.

Tanto

The tanto is a popular fixed blade option when it comes to piercing tough materials. This blade has a flat edge instead of the usually curved edge that ends in a triangular point. Tanto blades have a superior piercing strength and they are a great option when you want a reliable tactical fixed blade knife.

Drop Point

Drop points are the typical blade that you would associate with a fixed blade knife, and they will be great for multipurpose use. These blades will typically have a wide belly and a gradual curve along the spine which is what makes them highly versatile.

Gut Hook

The gut hook is a specialty type blade that features a hook on the spine. And as its name suggests it is meant for gutting animals. It also has a sharp edge that you can use to make an incision on the animal before using the hook to open it up. Fixed blade knives with a gut hook blade are a popular option for hunters.

Serrated

With the serrated blade option like the Mossy Oak Survival Knife , you get a saw-like edge which can either be full or partial. These blades are handy when it comes to cutting man-made materials like rope and plastic and they tend to stay sharp for longer.

Chisel Tip

It is also possible to get a fixed blade knife with a wide tip option, and this is what is more commonly known as the chisel tip blade. Knives with this kind of blade are great for making digging cuts and also when you want to use the knife for prying applications. They are great urban fixed blades that will also be quite handy for search and rescue operations.

Clip Point

The cutout, which is the straight or curved section that runs from the blade mid-spine to the tip, is what sets apart the clip point blade from the other types.

This cutout allows for greater control when cutting and it is also useful for piercing. Fixed blade knives with the clip point blade like Buck Knives 0119BKS are best suited for bushcraft but can also work well as a hunting knife

When it comes to the blade choice for your fixed blade knife what you pick depends on your intended use.

For example, if you want something for gutting your kills when hunting, the gut hook is the best choice while the drop point will work well for anyone looking for a multipurpose fixed blade knife.

2. Handle

When it comes to the fixed blade knife handle there are two things to think about which the tang and the grip material are.

For the tang, the three main options are full tang, partial tang, and hollow handles. Full tang is the best option as it is the most durable, and it is whereby both the blade and handle are from one piece of steel.

Partial tang and hollow handle options are often found on less expensive knives and their key advantage is that they help to make the knife more lightweight. But, the hollow handle also provides some storage space for maps, paracord, and even first aid items

For the grip, there are lots of options available but the most common ones are carbon fiber, G10, Zytel, and Micarta. And while all are quite durable, you should always go for what feels the best on your hand

3. Sheath

A sheath is an important component of a fixed blade knife, and so you should give it the importance that it deserves.

And since most knives will come with a perfect fitting sheath, the most important considerations when it comes to the sheath are the material and overall built.

The most common sheath materials are nylon, leather, and kydex. The leather sheath is the toughest and has an appealing classic look while nylon is a lightweight and inexpensive option and kydex is also lightweight and almost indestructible.

4. Length and Weight

When it comes to the length and weight there is no right or wrong, and the best knife for you will depend on your preferences and how you intend to use it.

Longer fixed blade knives or those that are at least 10 inches like the Mossy Oak Survival Knife or more are the best for chopping, prying, hacking and self-defense. However, they also tend to be heavy and will take up more storage space.

The short blade ones like the 2.2-inch Morakniv M-12647 , on the other hand, are ideal for finer detailing tasks such as skinning animals, carving and scrapping. These knives not only take up less space in the outdoor pack but they are also lighter.

If you are using weight to judge the suitability of a fixed blade knife, you should know that the heavier ones cut with more force while the lighter ones are the easiest and most convenient to carry.

5. Purpose/Use

How you intend to use your fixed blade knife or its purpose will also affect your choice. The purpose affects both the blade type and length that you choose.

For example, if you want a knife for chopping and hacking stuff when outdoors, one with a long drop point blade is the best option.

A short blade with a clip point blade type, on the other hand, is the best for carving and other fine detail tasks as you will have more control.

Conclusion

Finding the best fixed blade knife can be an overwhelming task as there are many options in the market. However, our fixed blade knives review above should help you narrow down your options.

With that said, the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife is our best overall model thanks to a high-quality steel blade, comfortable grip and the fact that it is quite versatile.

But, if you are a budget-shopper, you will be better off sticking with the Schrade SCHF57 as it is a well-built knife that cuts well and without a hefty price tag.

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