Best Fixed Blade Knife for Outdoors
Whether you are looking for a new knife or are a first-time buyer, when it comes to choices, you are inundated with them. They can differ in materials, in construction, blade point, and so many other things that you may find choosing one almost impossible.
One option you will have to choose between is whether you want to go for a fixed blade or a folding blade. For a good deal of outdoor activities, the best option is always going to be a fixed blade.
When looking for a fixed blade, a few features play a role in how durable and functional the knife is. These are the features we used to craft our list of the best fixed blade knives on the market. These features are:
- Blade Types – This refers to both the tip and the design. Many people tout the versatility of the drop blade. As we have stated, the fixed blade option when it comes to design is also a solid choice.
- Materials – Like with all tools, you want to look for the highest quality material. From the steel used in the blade, to the finish on the handle, the materials will dictate how the knife stands up to the task and how long you will be able to use it.
- Blade Length – The intended use of the knife will dictate the best length. If you’re hunting, you may need a longer knife than if you are using it as a tool while fishing.
- Handle – This, too, is a preference thing. You will want one made of good quality material. It should also fit comfortably in your hand.
By scouring the options out there, we used these attributes to choose the five options below.
Comparison Chart
Best Fixed Blade Knife Reviews
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B Fixed Blade Knife
Smith & Wesson may have started out being a household name when it came to guns, but they have developed into so much more. Carrying over their dedication to craftsmanship, they also created some fantastic knives like the SWHRT9B.
Review
For centuries, crafting a blade has taken precision and dedication. Though the process has been sped up, Smith & Wesson still maintains the idea and has delivered this by including the following features in the SWHRT9B knife:
- Dimensions (length) – 9”
- Dimensions (blade length) – 4.7”
- Weight – 7.7 oz.
- Blade crafted with high-grade carbon steel
- Handle made using wrapped black rubber
- Built with a handguard for safety
- Dual edge blade with a blood groove
This fixed blade knife has a lot of great features that boost not only its performance but confirmability of use. Overall the knife is crafted with high-quality materials, all chosen to elevate the durability of the knife. The choice of steel and the blade’s smithing has left the SWHRT9B with the ability to take and hold a sharpened edge very well.
This will mean less time sharpening and, therefore, more time saved that can be used doing other things. When you grip the handle, you immediately feel that it is grippy, which will ensure safety and more versatility of use. Plus, you get a sheath that is crafted in thick leather and stitched with great seaming for even more durability.
Now even with all that goodness, there are still a few things that we think should be addressed. The handle is fitted with a hole, allowing you to attach a lanyard to it, but it is very small. In fact, not even paracord can fit through it.
On top of that, the sheaths clip works fantastic when attached to the standard belt. However, if you try to wear it anyplace else like your boot or inside your waistband, it does tend to slip.
PROS
CONS
Columbia River CRKT Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife
Unique is what comes to mind when we think of the CRKT Bowie Neck Knife. It is constructed from high-quality materials and is a utility knife that will get the job done.
Review
CRKT may not have brand recognition like some of the other names on our list, but that doesn’t mean they are any less dedicated to bringing you a quality knife. This uniquely designed bowie knife has a lot of great features like the ones below:
- Dimension (length) – 5.3”
- Dimension (blade length) – 2.2”
- Weight – 1.8 oz
- The blade is finished with a bead blasting process
- The sheath is glass reinforced
- Resin infused fiber handle
Easy and simple are two words that we think of when looking and using this knife. Starting with the handle, it has an easy to use design. Crafted with resin infused fiber, it offers a good grip, which is paramount for any outdoorsman. It is lightweight yet durable, making it a great choice to carry with you when you hunt or camp.
The material used in the construction of this knife is all high quality, including the blade. Crafted with steel and finished with a bead blasting, the knife is strong and able to stand up to the elements. All of this comes together to give the knife owner a portable, durable knife that can be used for a whole slew of different activities.
There are some drawbacks, though. If you have small fingers, the grip grooves in the handle may not match up very easily. This will not only reduce the grip but make it uncomfortable to use for long periods.
The other issue is with the glass-reinforced sheath that comes with the unit. It is a durable piece, but the belt loop attachment is a little small for some and doesn’t have the same hold as other models on our list.
PROS
CONS
MOSSY OAK 2-pieces Bowie Knife
Mossy Oak is another of those names that is synonymous with outdoor sports and activities. This fixed blade hunting knife set uses high-quality materials to deliver a world-class product into the hands of the world’s outdoorsman.
Review
Mossy Oak has branched out and included a lot of products in their catalog. Each of these is designed by top-notch professionals, and created to guarantee quality and durability. This knife set has so many great features (other than getting two knives for the price of one) that helped it find its way onto our list. These features include:
- Dimensions (length) – 8” / 10.5”
- Dimensions (blade length) – 4” / 6”
- Thickness – 3/32” / 5/32”
- Weight - 2.5 oz. / 6 oz.
- Blade constructed in high-grade steel
- The handle is made of full tanged stacked leather
- Comes with an impact nylon sheath
Let us reiterate that you get two knives when you purchase this set. You get an 8” and a 10.5” knife each with their sheath. This alone lends itself to a value proposition those on a tight budget might not be able to refuse. But the value doesn’t stop there. The blade is also durable and well designed.
The whole build of this knife gives even the most inexperienced knife owner plenty of maneuverability and ease of use. The handle is crafted in a traditional look with stacked full tang leather. This allows for more comfort as well as sturdiness. Speaking of sturdiness, the sheaths they come with are amazing too.
The blade is beautiful and well crafted, but unlike some other models on this list, it will require a bit more attention, not in cleaning or anything but rather in keeping it sharp. The knife does not keep an edge as long as some of its peers.
The sheath is another problem. Though sturdy, it is snug. This may make removing the knife in an emergency a little challenging.
PROS
CONS
Morakniv Craftline Pro S Allround Fixed Blade Utility Knife
Crafted with Sandvik stainless steel and a high-grade rubber handle, this knife is intended to be an all-around versatile knife. It lives up to the intention of the design team at Morakniv, and that is why we knew it had to be included on the list.
Review
When designing a knife that can be used by both an experienced knife-wielder and a newbie, different considerations need to be addressed. Things like weight and durability, as well as the comfort of use, are some of these. To ensure that this knife was good for anyone, the team at Morakniv included the following features:
- Dimension (length) – 8.25”
- Dimension (blade length) – 3.6”
- Thickness - .08”
- Weight – 4 oz.
- TPE Rubber made ergonomic handle
- Stainless steel blade
The Morakniv Pro-S utility knife is a fixed blade knife intended to be a good starter knife. Though an experienced knife owner may still like it, the features and design make it perfect for the beginner. When starting to use a knife, one of the biggest concerns is safety.
That is why this knife is crafted with a zero slippage feature built into the handle. That, coupled with the high-quality build and use of durable materials, will ensure that this blade is easy to use, gives its owner a lot of versatility, and is durable. Plus, the treatment and material used in the blade means it will keep for a long time.
However, though it takes an edge well, the knife does not arrive sharpened right from the box. This could be a good thing for safety purposes, but it does mean that it will take longer to be able to use the knife.
The sheath is also a problem. It is constructed of plastic which means it doesn’t have any give and can be damaged easily.
PROS
CONS
Cold Steel Drop Forged Series Fixed Blade Knife
Our last entry on the list is a solid construction fixed blade knife from Cold Steel. It comes with a sheath and can be used in a multitude of ways.
Review
This knife offers a high-grade, durable blade. It is easy to use and is designed to be comfortable for use in any situation. This is done by crafting a knife with the following features:
- Dimension (length) – 8.58”
- Dimension (blade length) – 4”
- Thickness – 5mm
- Handle – 4.58”
- Weight – 18.3 oz.
- Blade crafted with 52100 high carbon steel
- Finished with a Teflon coating
Starting from the get-go, this knife is crafted with durability and versatility in mind. It is crafted with high-quality materials. These materials include the carbon steel of the blade. The blade is designed to give the user more cutting edge than a lot of other models. The carbon steel also takes an edge well and maintains it for quite a while, even with consistent use.
The handle is also nicely designed. When looking at a handle, the most important is the amount of grip it offers, and with this knife, you will not be left wanting. Plus, it is manufactured using durable and high-quality elements.
With that being said, some issues may cause you to reconsider this knife as your go-to choice. The knife overall is a lot heavier than other models. This may not mean much, but if you are packing light and don’t want any extra weight, you will want to look at another option.
The other issue is with the finish on the blade. It is coated in Teflon, and that may seem like a good idea. But just like your Teflon pots can begin to peel and flake, so too can the finish.
PROS
CONS
FINAL VERDICT
So which is the right knife for you? Only you can decide that, but we definitely hope that the reviews above have helped you narrow down your choices. You want to find one that fits your needs, feels comfortable to use, and fits your budget. Amongst the five above, we are sure that there is something for everyone.