Best Fixed Blade Knife Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide

A fixed blade knife is a reliable, trusty tool and weapon to have on you in various situations. Fixed blade knives come in handy for multiple survival, urban, and hunting scenarios. Purists argue that the fixed blade knife is the ultimate version of the tool and the original format that’s far superior over a folding or automatic model.

The fixed blade knife is a model that’s popular among various military operators, skilled survivalists, and urban EDC self-defense specialists. Whatever your need for a fixed-blade, there’s a model to suit your environmental and situational demands. Fixed blades are the strongest knife format available, and it comes in a variety of designs, to suit various functions.

Choosing the right fixed blade makes a considerable difference in its utility and performance. We recommend that you have a thorough understanding of the different blades, grind, and handle types on these knives before settling on your ideal purchase.

There are plenty of considerations to think about when selecting your fixed blade knife. In this post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about fixed blade knives. We’ll make recommendations on top models, and provide you with a buyer’s guide to give you the information you need to choose the right model.

Our Top Picks

If you don’t have the time to read through all the fixed blade options in this review, you can rely on our top picks.

We scoured hundreds of top-selling models to collate the options in this review. We have fixed blade knives in three categories to suit your needs and your budget. Choose one of these top models for a quick and easy purchase of your fixed blade knife.

Best Pick: Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife

Premium Pick: Bastinelli Creations SIN

This Bastinelli model is our top choice for the best premium fixed-blade knife in this review. This model features a total blade length of 7.13″, with a slightly curved design that makes it ideal for knife fighting and hunting. This fixed blade features full-tang construction, with nylon wrapping around the hilt of the blade. If you’re in a survivalist situation, the corded wrap in the handle can serve as paracord for shelter or other survivalist purposes. The black of the blade features a grip for your thumb, giving you better control over the cutting edge when knife-fighting or skinning a kill.

Budget Pick: Cold Steel Drop Forged Series

This Cold Steel model is our favorite choice for a budget EDC model. This cold steel model features a Kydex and nylon sheath for quick access, and it’s the ideal cross-utility knife for fighting sand function. The full-tang design comes with a plastic handle adhered to the hilt for better control and comfort of the blade. The 4″ blade is thick and stubby, giving you plenty of power and control with the cut. You can’t beat the price of this Cold Steel model, with exceptional quality and design.

Fixed Blade Knife Reviews

Now that you have an idea of the top fixed-blade models in this review, let’s unpack them in further detail.

We’ll also look at a few other models we think will make excellent choices for the best fixed-blade knife. All these knives have a purpose-built design, with different utility and price tags. Choose the model that you think matches your needs.

If you need some help settling on the right model, read through our buyer’s guide section following the reviews. We’ll give you everything you need to know about selecting the right fixed blade knife to meet your lifestyle needs.

Ka-Bar Becker Kephart

This classic design is one of our top recommendations for the best-fixed blade knife in this review. Ka-Bar is a top-quality brand producing some of the best multi-purpose fixed blade knives in the world. The brand doesn’t disappoint with this model.

The Becker Kephart features an overall length of 9.625-inches, making a sizable blade to carry around. It’s the better choice for camping and hunting trips. The classic design features a walnut handle, full-tang construction, and a leather sheath, featuring premium stitching.

Other Best Selling Options

Fixed Blade Knife Buyer’s Guide

Our top fixed blade knives are a result of hours of research on the leading brands. We went through the specs of dozens of models to settle for the knives in this review. However, we realize that presenting as few as ten models can still leave you feeling overwhelmed about landing on your top choice. Maybe you’re looking at two or three models and can’t decide on the right one. That’s okay.

In this section, we’ll unpack the details of the best fixed-blades. We’ll give you the information you need to make an informed purchase decision on the right model to meet your needs. Whether you want something for EDC, self-defense, hunting, sports, or utility use around the campsite, we’ll help you p[ick out the right fixed blade.

Why Do You Want a Fixed Blade Knife?

First, let’s start with why you want a fixed blade knife. Fixed blade knives are a durable, reliable knife for a variety of heavy-duty uses.

• Hunting – Fixed blade knives are essential for hunters. Whether you’re cutting cord around the campsite, or skinning a buck in the wild, a sturdy fixed blade knife with full-tang construction is essential kit for your hunting trip.
• Survival – Survivalists, like the legendary Bear Grylls, rely on a fixed blade for essential survival use. These models come with sturdy, thick blades, capable of receiving impact on the top of the hilt from rocks and heavy objects when splitting wood. The knife has a nearly indestructible design, with longer blades for combat.
• Bug Out – The bug out fixed blade knife is a combination between utility and self-defense. You need the best balance of both since you’re going to be lighter on gear.
• Utility – A utility fixed blade knife is more for use around the campsite as a multi-tool for various tasks.
• Self-Defense/Fighting – These models feature curved designs, with some taking on firearms’ shape and function. These models come with EDC sheath holsters that sit on or inside the waistband for easy access.

Why Choose A Fixed-Blade over a Folding Knife?

Fixed blade knives have stronger construction, with full-tang design. They need this extra-strength due to the demands of the tasks involved with its use. Therefore, most fixed blade knives, except for fighting knives, are a bit on the larger side for EDC use.

Most fixed blade knives come with total knife lengths of between 6 and 12-inches. They can weigh a significant amount and are cumbersome to carry in an EDC situation, like going down to the store. In these cases, a folding knife is a better choice.

However, with a folding knife, you don’t get the same dependability and reliability as you do with a fixed blade option. Folding knives have hinged components, locking mechanisms, and various components that can corrode or break. With a fixed blade, you’ll never have to worry about not being to open the knife due to corrosion.

Therefore, if you’re in survival or combat, a fixed blade is the better model. If you’re using a knife for everyday use, and EDC folding blade is the better option for its utility.

Do I Need Full-Tang Construction in My Fixed Blade Knife?

If you’re going with a fixed blade knife, you have the option of full-tang construction. Full-tang will always be the preferred option for strength. With a full-tang design, the blade runs through the handle of the knife. As a result, you get more power during cutting movements and greater leverage over the knife.

Some knives feature a plastic or polymer handle attached to the blade, with no full-tang construction., these models are usually fighting knives, where lightweight design is more important than rugged durability.

We prefer full-tang construction for all types of fixed blade knives, even fighting knives. The full-tang provides you with more knife for the money and a higher level of reliability in all cutting tasks and self-defense situations.

What Is the Best Grip for My Fixed Blade Knife?

When choosing your knife, a full-tang construction is the only feature concerning your purchase. Look for the blade that provides a grip to suit the tasks you’ll be doing with the knife.

Camping and hunting knives usually prefer polymer handles with plenty of stippling grip for traction on the blade when cutting. The last thing you want to happen is for the knife to skip out of your grip, cutting your wrist or hand.

With a fighting knife, you’re looking for a smoother grip. The shape of the grip should conform to the shape and grip of your hand, with the handle filling up the front of your palm.

Survivalist knives will often have grip and a hilt at the base of the blade to prevent other objects from running off onto your hands.

What Is the Best Grind for My Fixed Blade Knife?

The grind refers to grinding that the knifemaker uses when putting the edge on the blade. Knifemaking is a skill that takes years to master, and learning the different types of grinds is an interesting way to expand your knife knowledge base.

Understanding knife grinds is sort of like learning about ammunition calibers in firearms. Each of them has a different purpose and effect for combat, hunting, EDC, or camping. There are around a dozen grinds used in blade manufacturing. However, only four of them are common in the knives you’ll buy from leading manufacturers.

Let’s unpack these four styles of grinding to find out which one suits your fixed blade knife.

1. The Flat Grind – When using the flat grind method, the sides of a triangle form the straight lines. The flat grind is a good choice for everyday utility knives and general-purpose cutting applications. If the knife smith puts a converse edge on the grind, it adds a robust edge that increases sharpness.
2. The Convex Grind – However, convex grinds are more challenging, and require a knife smith using a slack grinder to achieve the final finish. The convex grind is a good choice for chopping blades, like a fixed blade knife.
3. Serration Grind – Serrations are the ideal choice for cutting tough materials like fishing netting and ropes. They are a good option for slashing, skinning, and other hunting chores, but not too great for common tasks around the campsite. Serrated edges require an expert to sharpen the grind to perfection.
4. Scandi Grind – This grind involves a flat grind starting halfway along the blade. However, unlike with a flat grind, there’s no secondary cutting bevel. Non-Scandi knives feature a big grind, with another secondary grind at the edge.

The final grind is what does the cutting work, and with a Scandi grind, there is no final bevel to the edge. Therefore, you get a razor-sharp finish to the edge, but it’s challenging to maintain and requires sharpening through a qualified knife smith.

What Type of Steel Is Best for Corrosion Resistance in Your Fixed Blade Knife?

Water and acids can stain your blade. Corrosion-resistant steels like Krupp 1.4116, VG10, and N690 are excellent choices for corrosion resistance. H1 steel is another popular choice for superior corrosion resistance. However, corrosion resistance involves a trade-off with hardness and toughness of the blade.

What Steel Is Best for Toughness in a Fixed Blade Knife?

Toughness describes the ability of the blade to bend without snapping. If you’re doing chores around the campsite, like chopping firewood, you’re going to need steel like 1095 or 5160.

The toughest options for your fixed blade are INFI and 3V. 3V is readily available on many knives from various brands, while the Busse Knife company holds the patent on INFI.

What Steel is Best for Hardness in a Fixed Blade Knife?

Hardness describes the quality of the fixed blade of resisting bending forces. Hardness can also mean the ability of the knife to hold an edge. The Rockwell scale represents a measurement for interpreting steel hardness.

High-end hardened steels like m$ and ZDP-189 are in the 64-66 Rockwell range, producing the best cuts.

For the best general use steels, look for hardened versions like M390, CPM154, and S35VN. All these steels are in the 58-62 Rockwell range. The harder the steel, the less maintenance, and sharpening required in keeping the edge on the blade.

For an EDC knife with excellent hardness, we recommend the ZDP-189 material as the most useful for this application.

Fixed Blade Knife FAQs

What kind of sheath do I need for my fixed blade knife?

We recommend you look for Kydex or plastic sheaths for your fixed blade knives. These materials are like the materials used in modern firearms holsters. You get a sheath that keeps its shape, providing a lifetime of use. Many of the sheaths have built-in safety functions that prevent the blade from coming loose. These sheaths allow for quick and easy draws in combat scenarios.

What EDC setup should I use with my fixed blade knife?

If you’re getting a knife for self-defense, we prefer sheaths that offer an appendix carry inside the waistband, similar to the Ka-Bar Law Enforcement model in this review. Beltline draw sheaths are another good alternative for fighting knife sheaths. For survival knives, and longer blades, you’ll need a sheath that attaches to your beltline and your leg for secure control over the blade when drawing the knife.

How often do I need to sharpen my fixed blade knife?

It depends on how often you need the knife, and the tasks you do with it. Most fixed blade knives can take a beating without losing its edge. However, there comes a time when even the sharpest edges dull. When you feel the time is right, take your knife in for professional sharpening. Professional sharpening services ensure you get a razor-sharp, clean finish to the edge, without damaging the blade.

What knives do SEALS and Green Berets prefer for fighting?

Navy SEALS and Green Berets prefer knife-fighting with models like the Ka-Bar Law Enforcement, or the Cold steel tanto. The Ka-Bar comes with a design that fits in your hand like a firearm, allowing you to slash and pierce. A tanto is a knife-fighting tool with a longer blade for inflicting more damage. The combat situation should dictate the type of knife required.

Fixed Blade Knives – The Verdict

By now, you should have a firm grasp on the best fixed-blade knife to suit your needs. All the models in this review are top choices, trusted by professionals in the field. From knives for survivalists to military operators, there’s a fixed blade in this review to meet the demands of the most hostile environments on the planet.

If you’re having trouble settling on the right fixed blade knife, why not go with one of our top choices? We looked through hundreds of knives to find these three models we feel represent the best of everything available.

The Ka-Bar Becker Kephart is a great model for anyone looking for a hunting or survival fixed-blade knife. It’s a little large for EDC, but you can get away with it if you don’t want to conceal-carry the blade. This model is a good choice for hunters and survivalists that want a premium-blade and design at a reasonable price.

The Bastinelli Creations SIN is the ultimate EDC knife. This blade comes with a compact design and full-tang construction for ultimate strength when cutting. The streamlined design is ideal for concealed carry use, making it a top choice for a fighting knife.

If you’re looking for a top-rated EDC fixed blade option, at an affordable price, we recommend going with the Cold Steel Drop Forged Series. This model comes with a Kydex and nylon sheath, and a short, thick blade for an excellent EDC knife-fighting carry.