Comments on: Picking the Best Survival Knife: Reviews of our Top Fixed Blade Survival Knives

By: huntsalone

huntsalone — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:32:53 +0000

have used a kabar since 1968 for hunting big game i have no problem with it. it has had a lot of hard use but i havn;t abuse it.

By: Ken Hom

Ken Hom — Sat, 27 May 2023 07:09:48 +0000

My hollow handle model 18 hasn’t let me down yet and although I haven’t carried them in the field I expect my Chris Reeve hollow handle knives would hold up ok.

By: Goerge

Goerge — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 05:12:19 +0000

In reply to Steven.

You cannot complain about a rat tail tang knife like the Kabar USMC knife breaking when used as a pry bar. It was designed as a cheap, mass produced, and effective battle field knife, not a pry bar. If you want a knife for a pry bay, get the BK-2 or even a BK-6, which is the same length as the USMC.

Yes, ESEE (made by Rowen) has excellent manufacturing. Kabar quality is slightly less, but still good. Ontario quality is lower. I heard several people complain about Cold Steel knives not being as tough as they were in the past. Bark River is also excellent quality but at two or three times the price.

ESEE handle designs are rudimentary and blocky. Kabar’s Becker handle knives are much more ergonomic.

By: JMullen

JMullen — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 04:45:39 +0000

There are tons of options when it comes to knives and it’s a very personal thing to have to survive with one. I carried a TFR Fighting Blade in Afghanistan becuase it was the toughest knife in the country. 1/2″ thick steel 4″ blade balanced for throwing. Can be lashed to a pole as a spear. Ive chopped wood with it. Can sharpen up very nicely. For those who want next level performance from thier knife. Oh, also, it was designed as a secondary weapon in a fight. Made to break through bone.

By: Harry E. Baker

Harry E. Baker — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 13:53:34 +0000

I own Ontario knives, Bench Made, Esse and was gifted a Randall #1 fighter by an uncle
upon my Graduating High School.

By: Mark T. Tsunokai

Mark T. Tsunokai — Mon, 06 Apr 2020 07:43:55 +0000

Interesting lineup. I see the subject of “affordability,” was taken into consideration.

By: Mr. Noone

Mr. Noone — Thu, 21 Feb 2019 17:13:57 +0000

In reply to Steven. Maybe even a good Spartan...from Spartan Blades!!!

By: Steven

Steven — Sun, 17 Feb 2019 01:14:22 +0000

As someone who has worked in knife shops, made knives and done so much research its disgusting, I have to say that your list has too many Ka-Bar knives, and by too many, I mean any at all. I have had cops come in to where I worked and tell me that their old trusty Ka-Bar Marine corp knife had broken in half when they were trying to use it as a pry bar; which is a necessary part of their job. Ka-Bar is no longer a quality product, and have been left in the dust by ESEE, Ontario, Bark River, Cold Steel and a dozen other companies. They are nostalgic pieces more than functional.

Also the Tom Brown Tracker, while definitely a cool looking blade, is not a great option for any kind of field craft. It does not allow you to baton at all, the belly of the blade is nearly impossible to sharpen with a field sharpener.