Best Fixed Blade Knives: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

by Joshua Speaks

As someone who loves collecting knives, I happen to know a lot about them. Now I have seen a couple of debates on the Internet about folding knives vs fixed blade knives. It's time that someone finally clears the air about it. While folding knives are great and they offer numerous benefits to their owners, fixed blade knives come with their own set of advantages.

To name a few:

  • They are available in a variety of sizes. From small to large, in different blade lengths and different handle sizes.
  • The strength of their blade is exceptionally good. You cannot put a lot pressure on the blade of a folding knife but there is no such restriction with fixed blade knives.
  • Fixed blade knives are super low-maintenance. Since they don't have any folding mechanisms to be taken care of, it is really simple to look after them.
  • Since they are strong and easier to maintain, they are more long-lasting. They don't break and they are far more durable than folding knives.
  • Generally speaking, fixed blade knives can be used for multiple purposes such as hunting, meal preparation, cutting, hammering, prying, splitting, digging, and etcetera.
  • They are more helpful in emergency situations than folding knives.

In a nutshell, fixed blade knives are far more suitable for tough jobs such as it can be your ideal companion on adventurous tips like camping or hunting.

The following article talks about the top 10 fixed blade knives that are not just high-quality, but also sharp, durable, and have the value for money. So, if you are looking to buy a fixed blade knife this is your buying guide. Here you will find the answer to all your queries. And not just that, I have also made a little attempt at narrowing down your choices by listing the 10 best folding knives of 2023.

Read the article below till the end and I am positive your mind will be a lot clearer by the time you reach the conclusion of it!

Top 10 Fixed Blade Knives:

Top 10 Fixed Blade Knives:
Top 10 Fixed Blade Knives:

1. Dispatch Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife - Link

DISPATCH Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife with Kydex Sheath Military Combat Fixed Blade, with Non-Slip Handle, for Camping, Hunting, and Adventure, 12.2
DISPATCH Tactical Bowie Survival Hunting Knife with Kydex Sheath Military Combat Fixed Blade, with Non-Slip Handle, for Camping, Hunting, and Adventure, 12.2

This fixed blade knife manufactured by Dispatch has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon. It is the perfect length and weight. Its lightweight nature makes carrying it around easier and you can comfortably make it your new camping partner.

It can be used by both right-handed and left-handed individuals which is a plus point. And the best part? It is super low-maintenance so you can enjoy its benefits without having to worry about its upkeep.

Following is a list of its features along with a list of its pros and cons.

List of Features:

  • It is in the color black.
  • The total length of the knife is 12.2 inches.
  • The length of the blade is 7.2 inches.
  • The blade is made up of stainless steel.
  • It is ambidextrous.
  • It weighs 0.4 Kilograms.
  • The handle contains finger grooves.
  • The blade also has saw teeth.
  • It comes with a belt clip and black nylon fiber sheath.

Pros:

  • The finger grooves on the handle provide a very firm grip.
  • The saw teeth on the blade makes it perfect for multiple uses.
  • The blade is sharp and sturdy.
  • It is ideal for a protection weapon.

Cons:

  • It is not suitable for everyday use.
  • It is not as durable as other options in the list.

2. KA-BAR Straight Fighting Knife - Link

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife, Straight

KA-BAR is a company known for its high-quality knives. So without a doubt, this knife is one of the best fixed blade knives that you can get your hands on. It is tough, perfect for rough uses, sharp, and looks great. In a nutshell, it is basically everything that you look for in a knife!

Mentioned below is a list of features of this knife that make it so exceptionally good along with a few pros and cons. Give them a read!

List of Features:

  • The blade is black whereas the handle is wood brown.
  • It weighs 0.3 Kilograms.
  • The blade is 7 inches long.
  • The overall length of the knife is 11.8 inches.
  • The blade is made up of carbon steel.
  • The handle of the knife is made up of leather.
  • It comes with a leather sheath.

Pros:

  • The leather sheath contributes in the durability of the knife.
  • The leather handle gives a good rugged look to the knife.
  • The blade is very sharp.

Cons:

  • It is not recommended for kids or first time users.

3. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife - Link

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green

This knife by Morakniv, manufactured in Sweden is another best option for you. Its high-quality and stainless steel material reduce the risk of corrosion and rust to a great extent. It also increases the durability of the knife.

This fixed blade outdoor knife is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon by over 6500 buyers. Isn't that enough to grasp a hint of how amazing this product would be?

The lists below mention some of its features and the pros and cons of the product!

List of Features:

  • It is available in 8 different colors.
  • The blade and the handle are both made up of stainless steel.
  • The length of the blade is 3.88 inches.
  • The length of the entire knife is 8.6 inches.
  • It weighs 0.11 Kilograms only.
  • It is corrosion resistant.

Pros:

  • It has a sharp blade.
  • It comes with a sheath in the color same as the knife.
  • It has a strong grip.
  • It can be used for cutting wood, preparing meals, carving, and etcetera.

Cons:

  • The size is smaller compared to other fixed blade knives mentioned in the list.
  • It is not dishwasher safe.

4. HOMETOWN KNIVES Damascus Knife for Hunting - Link

HOMETOWN KNIVES Damascus Knife for Hunting - Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Sheath - Damascus Steel Knife with Rose Wood Handle - 9.5 Inches Handmade Camping Knife.
HOMETOWN KNIVES Damascus Knife for Hunting - Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Sheath - Damascus Steel Knife with Rose Wood Handle - 9.5 Inches Handmade Camping Knife.

If you are looking for a good-quality hunting knife, this might be it for you. This knife is manufactured by the American company Hometown Knives and it offers some of the best features in a very inexpensive amount.

It has the value for money for so many reasons. It is extremely good-quality and durable plus it can be used for multiple purposes. Interested in learning more? Refer to the lists below which mention some of its key features along with several pros and a few cons of owning this knife!

List of Features:

  • The blade of this knife is hand forged.
  • The handle is made out of wood.
  • The blade is made out of Alloy Steel.
  • The overall length of the knife is 9.5 inches.
  • The blade length is 4.75 inches.
  • It comes with a leather sheath made up of 100% leather.
  • It weighs 0.48 Kilograms.

Pros:

  • It is stylish.
  • It offers a great grip.
  • The blade is very sharp.
  • It is reasonable.
  • The knife has the great balance.

Cons:

  • It is slightly heavier than the rest of the knives in the list.
  • You will need to coat it with oil frequently to prevent it from rust.

5. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion Fixed Blade Knife - Link

KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

Another fantastic addition to the list of best fixed blade knives by KA-BAR. The company produces the best equipment in reasonable prices that you can get your hands on. This knife is the best one in terms of sharpness, quality, and durability. It is ideal for multiple uses including being your companion on your camping trips.

To know more about this amazing product, check out the list of its features mentioned below!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.45 Kilograms.
  • Its dimensions are 18x5x5 inches.
  • It has a blade of 5.25 inches.
  • It is in the color black.
  • It comes with a nylon sheath.

Also look at the following pros and cons of this fixed blade knife by KA-BAR:

Pros:

  • It is lightweight which makes it user-friendly.
  • The blade of this knife is very sharp.
  • It is unisex.
  • The handle offers a tight and strong grip.
  • It is not as prone to rust as other fixed blade knives.

Cons:

  • The blade loses its sharpness quickly.
  • The sheath is not good enough for holstering purpose.
  • The black coating is abrasive.

6. GERBER Strong Arm Fixed Blade Knife - Link

GERBER StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Fine Edge - Coyote Brown
GERBER StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Fine Edge - Coyote Brown

This fixed blade knife manufactured by the Gerber Gear company is something you will never regret buying. The best part about the knife is that it's ceramic. Do I even need to get started on the benefits of owning a ceramic knife? They are better than metal knives in a million ways.

Besides, this specific knife has received more than 2000 ratings on Amazon, out of which 90% are 5 out of 5 stars. Now you do the math, doesn't that speak for the product itself?

I'm mentioning the features and pros and cons of this knife below, continue reading to learn more about it!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.4 Kilograms.
  • Its dimensions are 3 x 5.5 x 16 inches.
  • It is in the color coyote brown.
  • The blade length is 4.8 inches.
  • The overall length of the knife is 9.8 inches.
  • The material of the blade is ceramic.
  • The handle is made up of metal.

Pros:

  • It has a sharp blade and since it is made up of ceramic, it does not lose its sharpness for long.
  • It is not prone to rust and stains.
  • The knife is lightweight and easy to use.
  • It is ideal to be used for protection.
  • It is quite sturdy.

Cons:

  • The grip is not firm. It can easily slip from the hands if the hands are wet or sweaty.
  • Even though you won't need to sharpen them for a long time but when you do, it takes forever!

7. Smith and Wesson Fixed Blade Knife - Link

Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 5.2in Tanto Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC
Smith & Wesson SW7 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 5.2in Tanto Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

Smith and Wesson is a brand recognized for producing knives of great quality that are durable and highly functional. This fixed blade knife by Smith and Wesson is also among one of the best fixed blade knives. It is durable, functional, and reliable.

It has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon which means the knife satisfies most of its customers. Eager to know more about the product? Following is a list of its features along with some pros and cons!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.2 Kilograms.
  • Its dimensions are 12 x 2.8 x 1.5 inches.
  • The shape of the blade is tanto point.
  • The handle is made up of thermoplastic elastomers.
  • The blade is made of carbon stainless steel.
  • The handle comes with a security guard.

Pros:

  • The security guard on the handle enables strong grip.
  • The stainless steel blade prevents it from rust and corrosion.
  • The knife is durable and stylish.

Cons:

  • It is difficult to remove it from the sheath.
  • The blade does not arrive sharped, it needs to be sharpened before using for the first time.

8. Smith and Wesson High Carbon Stainless Steel Fixed Blade Knife - Link

Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 4.7in Dual Edge Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC
Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife with 4.7in Dual Edge Blade and TPE Handle for Outdoor, Tactical, Survival and EDC

Let's talk about another one of this fixed blade knife by Smith and Wesson which is also rated as one of the best fixed blade knives. It is by far the most lightweight knife in the list which is its distinct feature. It has been given positive ratings by over 13,000 buyers.

Refer to the list below to learn about its features and pros and cons!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.16 Kilograms only.
  • Its dimensions are 12 x 7.5 x 1.2 inches.
  • It comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
  • The overall length is 9 inches.
  • The length of the blade is 4.7 inches.
  • The handle is made from rubber as well as thermoplastic elastomers.
  • The blade is made from high carbon stainless steel as mentioned in the list.
  • The handle has a hand guard.

Pros:

  • The presence of a hand guard prevents the risk of the knife slipping from the hands and makes it safe to use.
  • It is lightweight making it easier to carry it around.
  • It is the only knife in this list that comes with a warranty. This creates an element of trust in the product.

Cons:

  • The finishing is not good.

9. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife - Link

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Black (M-12141)
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Black (M-12141)

We have previously talked about another fixed blade knife by Morakniv Companion but this one is also no behind the competition. While the other one had a shorter blade length, the blade of this one is average sized. It has a number of unique features that offers great benefits but of course, everything has some drawbacks too, right?

So, let's look at its features and pros and cons!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.1 Kilograms only.
  • Its dimensions are 2 x 1.5 x 10 inches.
  • The blade length is 4.1 inches whereas the blade is 0.1 inch thick.
  • The overall length of the knife is 8.6 inches.
  • It is black in color.
  • The handle and the blade are both made from stainless steel.
  • It is available in multiple colors.

Pros:

  • It is extremely lightweight.
  • It is unisex.
  • It has a firm grip.
  • It is reasonable.

Cons:

  • Even though it is made from stainless steel, it starts to rust very soon.
  • It doesn't come sharped.

10. Buck Knives Special Fixed Blade Knife

Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath - Black Handle
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath - Black Handle

And lastly, a fixed blade knife by Buck Knives. It is manufactured in the USA and in case you haven't noticed, most of the top knives in this list were made in the America. It comes with its very own 100% genuine leather sheath which is also great but very rare. It has an average rating of 4.9 stars on Amazon with over 3900 orders!

Give a read to the features and pros and cons of this item and find out if this is the one for you!

List of Features:

  • It weighs 0.22 Kilograms.
  • It has the dimensions 6 x 1 x 1 inches.
  • It is ambidextrous.
  • The handle is made from phenolic.
  • The blade is made from high carbon stainless steel.
  • The handle comes with finger grooves for improved grip.
  • It offers a lifetime warranty.
  • It has corrosion resistance.

Pros:

  • It comes with a leather sheath so carrying it around is not a problem as the risk of injury is minimized.
  • The finger grooves are perfect for a strong grip and eliminates the chances of the knife slipping from hands.
  • It comes sharped so there is no need to do it like some other knives in the list.
  • It is durable since it stays rust free for long.

Cons:

  • The finishing is not as good as you'd expect from the brand!

Now that I have narrowed down your choices for you, your mind must be a lot clearer. But who am I kidding? I'm sure there are tonnes of things that are on your mind right now. So to further aid you in the selection process, we will move on to addressing some frequently asked questions regarding fixed blade knives. Let's get into it:

Fixed Blade Knife Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What should be the ideal length for a fixed blade knife?

The length of a fixed blade knife does not necessarily have to be long. The ideal length is between 4 to 6 inches long and should be at least 0.26 inch thick. The thicker the blade of a knife, the difficult it gets to get work done with it. Thinner blades tend to do work more efficiently.

What is the best material for a fixed blade knife?

When talking about the best type of material for a fixed blade knife, the top two materials that come into the mind are stainless steel and carbon steel.

As the name suggests, stainless steel knives prevent the formation of rust on the knife and contribute in increasing its durability. Stainless steel knives are also easier to maintain. However, it is tough to sharpen their blade as it takes a long time to do that.

While on the other hand, carbon steel knives are prone to rust if they are not taken care of well. But they are known for holding their edge way better than stainless steel knives.

But at the end of the day, it depends on the personal preference of the user. You can pick whatever works the best for you!

How to take care of a carbon steel knife?

As I have mentioned above, carbon steel knives are not rust and corrosion resistant. So if one wants them to last longer, they should know how to take care of them. Let me guide you on how you could do that.

Make sure to wash your knife every time after using and coat it with an oil to form a protective layer. This layer of oil is extremely essential especially if you are about to keep the knife away for a longer period.

Is it important to have a sheath for my fixed blade knife?

Although having a sheath is not compulsory if you own a fixed blade knife but it is highly recommended. Unlike folding knives, you cannot conceal the blade when it is not in use. Therefore, to enable easy carrying of the knife and also protection from accidental injuries, one should definitely have a sheath for their fixed blade knife.

How do I clean my fixed blade knife?

You should never use a harsh cleaner on your fixed blade knife. Instead, to clean it well all you need is a piece of cloth, a mild detergent, and lukewarm water. Just dip the piece of cloth in warm water, apply a little soap and gently clean your knife with it. If you use any abrasive technique, you might end up with scratches on the blade.

Buy them at eBay, Etsy, Walmart (quality guaranteed)

KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade and MOLLE - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Fixed Blade Knife with Secure-Ex Sheath - Standard Issue - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

GERBER StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Serrated Edge - Coyote Brown - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

CRKT Minimalist Cleaver EDC Knife: Compact Everyday Carry Fixed Blade Knife, Folts - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Spyderco Ronin 2 Fixed Blade Knife with 4.08" CTS BD1 Stainless Steel Blade and Premium - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Tops Knives Mini Scandi Survival neck Knife Tan Blade MSK-SURV - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Buck Knives 0543RWS Open Season Caper Fixed Blade Knife with Genuine Leather Sheath - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

ESEE Xancudo S35V, Orange/Black G-10 3D Handle, Black Sheath (Orange/Black G-10 w/ Hole) - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Boker Plus Prymini Pro Fixed Blade EDC Knife with Kydex Sheath - Designed by Jesper Voxnæs - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for Fixed Blade Knife Buyers

So, I hope by now you have a pretty good idea about what you want. Deciding to buy something new is an investment, and no one wants to waste their money on something useless. There are plenty of options for fixed blade knives in the market that are all simply the best.

But not all of them will work the best for you. So the right method to pick the right fixed blade is to first determine all the purposes you want the knife for. Only then you can make the best choice.

For the rest, refer to this comprehensive guide as this will surely guide you the best. Good luck!

About Joshua Speaks

Can’t think of a day that that Josh didn’t have a beer or two. Be it a long day of work or of nothing. Sometimes, it is a few packs even. Especially when there are familiars over.

His fridge is packed with beers: Heineken, Corona, Guinness, Budweiser, and all other wierd brands in between. He had to get a secondary 30 cu. fridge off Craigslist for more beer storage.

Sometimes he wonders if a day truly starts only after the first sip of beer for the day. Enough talk about Josh and his passion; that’s the reason for this beer blog and related items. Feel free to hit on him. Start with something like: “hey beer head!” You got the idea!

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