The thought of needing survival gear isn’t something anyone wants to entertain. But the reality is that extreme conditions, natural disasters, and other unexpected events can happen without a warning bell. Survival gear can be your lifeline in those times. In this post, we’ll explore the best survival knives for every budget in 2025. Whether you’re an outdoor hobbyist or an emergency prepper, a survival knife is an essential piece of gear. Curious about how much you should spend on a survival knife, or which knives are worth your money in 2025? Keep reading.
**High-Quality yet Affordable Survival Knives under $30**
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty is an excellent budget knife for campers. With a 4.1-inch carbon steel blade, it offers exceptional edge retention and is easy to maintain. While it might not be ideal for heavy-duty survival situations, it’s perfect for tasks like food prep, cutting rope, and building small shelters.
For another affordable option, you might want to consider the Gerber StrongArm. This knife was designed with soldiers in mind, so it’s robust and built to withstand considerable wear and tear. Its diamond texture rubber handle ensures a firm grip, and its full tang blade means it can handle everything from slicing to more substantial tasks.
**Mid-range Quality: Survival Knives $50-$150**
When you’re ready to invest a bit more in survival gear, consider the KA-BAR USMC Fighting Knife. It’s a highly trusted blade with a 7-inch blade length. Many military personnel and survivalists use this knife for everything from shelter construction to self-defense. The full tang construction ensures stability and durability – essential features in any survival situation.
Another excellent mid-range option is the ESEE-6 Survival Knife. With its 6.5-inch blade made from high-carbon 1095 steel, it guarantees long-term durability. This knife is ideal for heavy-duty tasks without sacrificing the convenience of a lightweight design.
**Premium-Quality Knives for the Dedicated Survivor**
And then, for the survivalist who wants the best and is ready to invest in it, we have the likes of the Fallkniven A1 and the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162. The Fallkniven A1 is renowned for its Swedish VG10 steel blade measuring 6.3 inches in length. It’s a sturdy knife, offering an excellent balance and a safe grip, suitable for any weather condition. Its noticeable heft gives assurance of its durability in even the most challenging survival situations.
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 is an attractive knife boasting a full tang blade and a drop-point shape, which provides strength to the tip and the edge. Made from CPM-S30V steel, this knife offers the ultimate cutting experience. Its weight and balance make it feel invincible in your hand – a reassurance when you need it most.
**Myths and Misconceptions**
Many believe survival knives are basically the same, and it’s all about aesthetics or brand prestige. This is a profession-debunked myth. For instance, a well-made budget knife like the Morakniv often performs just as well for essential tasks. High price points usually account for more advanced features like blade coatings or proprietary steels.
**Take Action**
The survival gear market is not lacking in options. But armed with some insights on what to look for, you can make an informed choice based on budget, needs, and quality. You never know when you’ll need your survival gear. So, why wait for the unexpected to catch you off guard? Equip yourself with the tools you need to thrive in any survival situation. Whether you’re camping, hiking, hunting, or preparing for potential survival scenarios, the right knife can make all the difference. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget from this list and then stay prepared!