“Have you ever found yourself lost in the woods, reliant on technology, only for your battery to die out? Or imagine you’re camping in the wilderness and disaster strikes; your gear’s vanished, and all you’re left with are the clothes on your back and the skills in your head. It’s in these moments, that the topics of self-reliance and preparedness move out from the realm of hypothetical and into uncomfortably real. That’s precisely why it’s important to prepare yourself, and by extension, your family.
In this post, we are going to delve deep into everything you need to know. We’ll explore the best survival knives for every budget, the most useful multi-tools for survival, survival backpacks and so much more in 2025. We will provide specific product recommendations, in-depth analysis of the product features and comparison, and real-life applications for each. So here’s a question to ponder on – have you ever wondered how much you should spend on a survival knife, or which knives are worth your money in 2025? Let’s find out together.
A survival knife forms the cornerstone of one’s survival kit, whether you’re out on an expedited adventure or preparing for an unexpected emergency. Integral for setting up camp, hunting, self-defense and a slew of other survival tasks, investing in a survival knife is paramount. Below, we’ve categorized survival knives into three budget categories – under $50, $50-$150, and over $150.
Under the $50 category, we’ve picked the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife. A blend of budget and durability, this knife offers a 4.1-inch carbon steel blade which is great for edge retention and low maintenance. While not suitable for heavy-duty survival, the Morakniv is perfect for basic tasks such as food prep, cutting rope, or crafting small shelters.
Falling under the $50 – $150 range is the KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife. Endorsed by military personnel and survival experts, its 7-inch blade length supports everything from shelter construction to self defence, making it worth the splurge for heavy-duty survival situations.
A multitool offers a compact solution to various survival needs – from wirecutters and pliers to a range of knives and hooks. Two key contenders in the market are the Leatherman Wave+ and the Gerber Suspension NXT. The Leatherman with its durable stainless steel build and 18 unique tools, is great for heavier, demanding tasks, while the Gerber model, with 12 tools, offers a compact and budget-friendly survival solution.
When it comes to real-world applications, urban survival situations call for the lightweight and versatile Leatherman Skeletool, housing a handy array of tools like pliers and knife. For those venturing into wilderness, a heavy-duty multitool like the Victorinox SwissTool, boasting a saw, scissors, and file, could prove to be a lifesaver.
A common myth in the survival gear industry is a correlation between the price of a knife and its effectiveness. However, a budget-friendly knife such as the Morakniv Companion can often perform just as well for basic tasks. The higher price tag is often attributed to brand reputation and extra features like advanced blade coatings.
Now that you’ve navigated through the best survival knives of 2025 and their respective budget points, it’s time to take initiative. Equip yourself with the right tools and skills – it’s always better to be prepared than to be caught off guard. Here’s a call to action: Choose the survival gear best suited to your needs and embark on creating your toolkit. Let’s embrace the mantra of self-reliance and preparedness, together.”