We have a special place in our heart for pocket knives. They’re tiny and concealable, and depending on the kind you get, you can have everything from a capable blade to an all-in-one multi-tool built to get you into—and out of—anything life throws your way. But what happens when you need a dedicated blade that’s a bit burlier? That’s where fixed blade knives reign supreme, as they’re the knives of choice for serious adventurers. If you fashion yourself one of these explorers, it’s time to invest in a good fixed blade. Here are the best fixed blade knives to choose from.
Civilware Striker Fixed Blade Black
Some of life’s toughest moments come when we have to pick between function or form. But when it comes to Civilware’s Striker Fixed Blade, there’s no choice to make. This beautifully designed and handmade knife incorporates minimalist aesthetics into a functional package with a unique blade shape to tackle whatever comes your way. The blade is made from hardened AEB-L steel, which means it’ll resist corrosion and stay hard, while also sharpening easily, and its handle is made from durable, grippy canvas Micarta. Buy
Ka-Bar Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
You can’t put together a roundup of the best fixed blade knives and not include this classic Ka-Bar. They helped our marines in the Pacific theater during WWII, and have been a cultural staple and symbol of combat weaponry ever since. Today, not much has changed from the original—right down to the leather-wrapped handle. The blade is made using 1095 Cro-van steel, and it comes in at a stout 11.875 inches, including its famous 7-inch straight edge blade. If you’re looking for the fixed blade of fixed blades, this is it. Buy
Cold Steel 39LRST Recon Scout
If inconspicuous is more your style, the Recon Scout from Cold Steel is good as it gets. All black everything—including its extra grippy Kray-Ex handle and its SK-5 high carbon steel blade—makes this knife extremely attractive, sleek, and rugged. But make no mistake, with an over-all length of 12.5 inches (and a 7.5-inch blade), this knife packs all the wallop you need it to. Buy
Gerber Ghostrike Fixed Blade Deluxed Kit
Most peoples’ issues with fixed blade knives stem from the fact that they’re not exactly the most concealable tools out there. However, all that goes out the window with the Ghostrike by Gerber. Aside from benefiting from Gerber’s exceptional quality and being Made in the USA, these knives are a concealed carrier’s dream, thanks to the thin, skeletonized handle covered in rubber overmold. The blade itself is made using 420HC, and even for a fixed blade knife, it’s pretty tiny, clocking in at just 6.9 inches overall. If you want dependability and quality in a go-anywhere package, look no further. Buy
Helle Alden Knife
Helle is a knife brand from Norway that makes an entire line of exceptionally beautiful, high quality, and super functional knives. Of all their knives, however, the Alden is our favorite. Named after the island of Alden, this traditional fisherman’s knife is made from non-laminated stainless steel (12C27) and curly birch handle with stainless steel fittings up near the blade. The handle is a little wider, which gives it a very comfortable and ergonomic feel in the hand, and the blade is razor sharp right out of the box. Buy
Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife
Of course, not all fixed blade knives have to be massive and cumbersome. The Hidden Canyon Hunter from Benchmade features a high quality CPM-S30V stainless steel drop point blade that has a large radius to make it perfect for stabbing or cutting, field dressing small game, using around the house, or, worst case scenario, getting you out of harm’s way. The blade is just under 3 inches long, and features an overall length of just over 6 inches, meaning it’ll fit in the palm of your hand. The handle is also made stabilized wood handle is harder and more resistant to “environmental hardships” than standard wood handles. It’s a workhorse—erm, work mini-horse. Buy
Tops B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Survival Knife
Another option for guys who aren’t worried about saving space, the Tops B.O.B. (Brothers of Bushcraft) Survival knife clocks in at 10 inches (noticeably smaller than a standard Ka-Bar), and features a 1095 high carbon stainless steel blade (4.5 inches), and an olive green Micarta handle (5.5 inches). Like all of Tops knives, this is handmade in the USA, sharp as a tack right out of the box, and the pommel features a scraper that’s specifically designed for striking Ferro rods—which is included on the black molded Kydex belt sheath. Buy
CRKT S.P.E.W.
It might look cute, but this S.P.E.W. from CRKT is the real deal. It features a 3-inch blade, is just over 6 inches in total, and a durable textured G10 handle that’ll hold up to anything you throw at it. The only potential downside here is that the stainless steel blade is 5Cr15McV, which is a little softer than other high carbon blades. The upside, however, is that it’s an incredibly easy blade to sharpen. We’d recommend this for anyone looking for a quality poker, as the Wharncliffe-style blade is super thin, pointy, and razor sharp. It’s almost more like an X-Acto knife than an EDC fixed blade. Buy
