Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knives in 2022 – Top Selections Compared!

Just about every hunter carries a knife with them as an indispensable tool while in the back country. Folding hunting knives may be smaller and convenient, but there a lot of reasons why a fixed blade knife is the superior tool.

Hunting knife is mostly fixed blade knives. They are easier to clean than folding ones, since they don’t have any moving parts that can get filled with debris and dirt. Plus, the lack of moving parts makes them a lot more durable and sturdy, and you can put more pressure on them when making a cut. This extra durability means that a good fixed blade hunting knife can be used as a lever when cutting, helping the hunter get through anything.

Below, I’ve reviewed ten of the best budget friendly fixed blade hunting knives on the market, and provided my thoughts on each. But first, here are some tips to keep in mind when picking a knife.

Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knives - Comparisons

The 10 Best Fixed Blade Hunting Knives

In the guide that follows, I review ten of the best fixed blade hunting knives out there, keeping each of these considerations and others in mind. Pick a knife that is right for you from the list below.

1. Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife

High-Quality Steel Blade

The stainless steel blade of the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife is made with Sandvik 12C27 steel, a very high-quality build metal that won’t fail on you in even the most strenuous conditions.

This blade will stand up to the elements, and last a long time thanks to the high-quality material.

High-Friction Grip

The handle of the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife is textured and patterned with the elements in mind, with a high-friction grip that you should be able to hang onto even in rain or snow.

This textured handle is just about slip proof, and feels comfortable in most hands.

Commitment to Quality 

You should be able to use a hunting knife outside heavily without worrying about it break, and Morakniv seems to agree, since the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife.

Feel free to put this knife through the most rigorous of hunting tests, and it should hold up.

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Widely Used by Military Service Members

This best fixed blade survival knife is used in every branch of the military, and it delivers the kind of quality you would expect from a high-end military tool. If the U.S. government trusts this knife to be versatile and reliable in tough situations, you should be able to trust it as well.

Long, Multi-purpose Blade

The blade of the KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Serrated Edge Knife is a full seven inches long, meaning it should be more than adequate as a tool for all hunting purposes.

Plus, it is partially serrated to provide a sawing edge when needed.

Highly Tested, Ergonomic Handle

The Kraton G handle on this knife is ergonomically designed for versatility, and fits comfortably in your hand. Every element of this knife has been vigorously tested to assure quality, and that commitment to testing really shines through in the knife’s handle feel and design.

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Sturdy Locking Mechanism

While this knife has a folding blade, when the blade is folded out it is incredibly sturdy and provides the benefits of a typical fixed blade. When locked, this blade feels sturdy and reliable.

Pocketknife Portability

Since this knife can be folded up easily, it is a lot more portable than other fixed blade hunting knives on this list.

When folded shut, this knife measures 7.4 inches in size, making it a bit long and bulky for most pockets but a whole lot more portable than some of the fixed blade options on this list.

High-Quality, Corrosion Resistant Blade

The blade of the Kershaw Skyline Knife is crafted from Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel, which is known for it’s reliability and resistance to corrosion.

This blade is high-quality enough that you can sharpen it again and again and expect it to last.

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Also Read: Best Throwing Knife – Top Selections for Expert & Beginners

With a drop style point and a fairly wide and sizable blade, the Gerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife will adapt to any situation, and you won’t ever have to wonder if you brought along the right knife.

Unique Hammer-like Butt Cap

The butt cap of the Gerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife is specifically designed to be used as a hammer when needed.

Made of high grade stainless steel, the butt cap of this knife is strategically separated from the tang to minimize vibrations while hammering.

This means that you can use this knife as a hammer comfortably in a pinch without getting injured or overly fatigued.

Durable, Functional Sheath

The sheath of the Gerber 22-01629 LMF II Black Infantry Knife isn’t covered in too many special features, put it gets the job done and is very functional and durable.

Plus, this best fixed blade survival knife does include a built in knife sharpener soy our blade will never need to stay dull for long.

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High-Quality, Versatile Blade

The 4.75-inch drop point blade of the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife is built from durable steel, and provides great versatility with the blade’s serrated area. This serrated section can be used for sawing and gives the knife a lot more versatility in a survival situation.

Full Featured, Survival Friendly Sheath

The sheath of the Gerber Bear Grylls Knife has very cool features that are useful in a survival situation, including a fire starting tool and a blade sharpener. Built from lightweight, high-quality nylon, this sheath gives the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife even more survival features and versatility.

Ergonomic Handle Design

The handle of the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife is designed for easy holding and minimal slippage, making it easy to perform any necessary survival or hunting tasks without losing your grip on this versatile tool.

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Super Durable Blade

The blade of the Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Knife is crafted from 1095 high carbon steel, which is built to last and take a beating.

Besides its great build quality, the Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Knife is also a drop point style blade, which are designed to be durable and not need as much sharpening or maintenance.

Super Portable Carrying Feature

While the Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Knife measures just over a full 12 inches with a 6.4” blade, it is still very portable, thanks to a high-quality nylon sheath. The nylon sheath can also be belted around the leg with an included tie cord, or tied to any pack for easy transport.

Full-tang, Balanced Design

The Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Knife has a full-length tang, running through the handle of the knife for better balance. Overall, this is a very solid knife, thanks in part to the full-length tang.

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The textured, rubber grip on the Gerber Bear Grylls Compact Parang Machete meets both of those requirements, and is designed to stay in your hand comfortably.

Machete Functionality, Compact Size

Measuring in at 9.3 inches, the blade on this best fixed blade tactical knife is far from compact, but it’s a whole lot easier to carry around and store than a full sized machete.

Thanks to the high-quality steel and wide blade design, it still provides many of the outdoor and adventure-friendly benefits of a more conventional machete.

Survival Friendly

This machete is an invaluable tool in a survival situation, since it can be used to so easily clear and cut brush and small trees. Additionally, it comes with some survival tips and ideas that you can keep with the knife in case of need.

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Also Read: Top 10 Picks for the Best Bowie Knife – Comparison

This point style is more durable than a clipped point but better at puncturing than a drop point, giving you flexibility in use and making this a valuable tool in a lot of situations.

Classic Handle Style

The handle of the Ridge Runner Executive Wood Bowie Knife has a class look to it, thanks to the fact it is made of wood and engraved steel. The scrollwork and details compliment the wood well, and give this knife a timeless appearance.

Good Quality, Good Sized Blade

The blade of this knife leaves nothing to be desired either, and is built from good quality razor-sharp AUS-6 stainless steel that will hold up well.

Plus, at 5”, this blade is the perfect size for most hunter’s uses, and should meet any needs you have for a fixed blade style knife.

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Lean, Tactical Design

There aren’t any bells or whistles on the blade or handle of the Cold Steel 80PGTK GI Tanto, but the minimalist design of this tactical knife doesn’t mean it misses out on any key features.

This knife does everything you need a good hunting knife to do without any frills that can break or get damaged getting in the way.

Ultra-wide, Durable Blade

The 1055 carbon steel of the Cold Steel 80PGTK GI Tanto’s blade is durable and built to last, and the blade itself is very cool. With an ultra-wide design, this blade can be used as a great tool for prying as well as cutting.

Survival Friendly Handle Scales

The handle scales on the Cold Steel 80PGTK GI Tanto are slip-resistant to help you hold this tool, but are also survival friendly in another way.

They can be very easily removed, making it possible to lash the Cold Steel 80PGTK GI Tanto to a branch or stick and use this knife as a spear when necessary.

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This best hunting knife also comes with a nylon sheath for easier and safer carrying, making it a travel and exploration-friendly tool.

Multiple Survival Friendly Features

The stainless steel blade of the Survivor HK-106320 Series Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife is a great survival feature of its own, but this knife comes with a few other specific survival features that help it stands out.

A built in magnesium fire starter can come in handy in a pinch, and the back of the blade near the handle ridges that are great for scraping.

Slip Free Cord Wrapped Handle

The Survivor HK-106320 Series Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife’s handle is wrapped in cord, providing a superior slip free grip that stands up to the elements. Plus, this cord provides another great survival feature, and can be unwrapped if needed.

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How to Choose Fixed Blade Hunting Knives

Before I jump into reviews of each of the top ten budget conscious best fixed blade hunting knives on the market, I’ll share a few considerations that you should keep in mind when looking for the knife that is right for you.

Here are a few things you should ponder before deciding on a knife.

Our friends from Howcast have a detailed video on selecting the best fixed blade hunting knives, before reading our own guideline, just have a look what they got to say! Also check out his guideline on some other hunting gears here!

Purpose of Knife

What exactly will you be doing with your fixed blade hunting knife?

If you are hoping to use your new tool for the preliminary dressing, cleaning, and butchering of an animal that happens during a hunt, you will want to get a blade with a longer knife and a very solid design.

The beauty of a good hunting knifes is that they can be used for a lot of different things, but consider your primary purposes before settling in on a knife for your needs.

Handle Design

Depending on how big your hands are, handle design could be one of the most important features for you to keep in mind when picking a fixed blade knife. Look for a handle that is ergonomically designed to prevent slippage, but again keep size requirements in mind as well.

If you have very large hands, you will need a larger handle design, and trying to work with a knife with a handle that is too bulky or long for your grip will put a lot of unnecessary strain on your hands and wrists.

Blade Design

Most hunting knives have a straightforward, stainless steel or other metal blade. But there are some different blade designs that you can look for if you need your knife for more specialized purposes.

Many knives come with a serrated portion of the blade for better sawing capabilities, though this isn’t a standard feature. Most hunters won’t need a fancy blade design, but there are some interesting options out there if you have specific needs.

Blade Style

There are three basic blade styles commonly found in hunting knives, each with a slightly different set of benefits that make it unique.

Choose the design that is right for you, or go with a clipped knife blade style if you want a classic and versatile choice that will be consistently useful.

Other Considerations

In addition to the factors above, you should also consider price, weight, size, build material, premium qualities like specialized handguards, warranty information, brand, and more when picking the best hunting knife that is right for you.

Final Verdict

A good knife is an invaluable survival and outdoor tool, and best fixed blade hunting knifes are incredibly reliable and a great pick for most hunters or fishing enthusiasts. With a fixed blade, you won’t need to worry as much about moving parts or upkeep, and can focus on enjoying the outdoors, knowing your knife is there when you need it.

Each of the ten best fixed blade knifes reviewed are great choices in their own way, and each was chosen with value in mind. If you are an avid outdoors lover or hunter, you need a fixed blade knife, and any of the great choices above will give you a whole ton of quality for a reasonable price. Pick your favorite, and get back to hunting!

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