The 2024 camping season is upon us, and it’s time to review your outdoor gear. While tents and sleeping bags are crucial, one tool that should never be overlooked is your survival knife. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual camper, having the right knife can make a world of difference in the wilderness. From cutting wood to preparing food, the best survival knives are built for performance and reliability.

If your old knife is no longer up to the challenge, or if you’re looking to upgrade your gear, here are the top survival knives to consider for 2025. We’ve included a range of options, from affordable picks to top-of-the-line models, ensuring there’s something for every adventurer.

Morakniv Garberg

• Blade Steel: Stainless Sandvik 14C28N | Carbon 1095
• Blade Length: 4.25″ (10.9 cm)
• Weight: 5.98 oz (169 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, Scandi grind, excellent ergonomics, reliable performance

The Morakniv Garberg is an excellent entry-level survival knife that offers both value and performance. Made in Sweden, this knife features a full tang design and comes with a durable blade that’s perfect for heavy-duty tasks like chopping and batoning. The ergonomic handle ensures a comfortable grip, even in wet conditions, while the blade is tough enough for carving, feathering, and fire-starting.

The Garberg comes in two steel options: the corrosion-resistant stainless steel and the carbon steel version, which is easier to sharpen but more prone to rust. With a simple polymer sheath and a secure fit, the Garberg is a rugged, reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a budget-friendly survival knife.

ESEE-4

• Blade Steel: Carbon 1095 | Stainless S35VN
• Blade Length: 4.25″ (11.6 cm)
• Weight: 5.98 oz (210 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, flat grind, superior durability, multiple sheath options

The ESEE-4 is a tried-and-true survival knife known for its ability to withstand extreme conditions. Whether you’re chopping wood or carving tools, this knife performs admirably, especially in heavy-duty tasks. It features a full tang design with a micarta handle for added comfort, even in the harshest weather.

Available in both carbon 1095 and stainless S35VN steel, the ESEE-4 provides reliable performance with great edge retention. The knife comes with a versatile kydex sheath, offering multiple carry options for convenience.

TOPS B.O.B.

• Blade Steel: Carbon 1095
• Blade Length: 4.75″ (11.7 cm)
• Weight: 9.6 oz (281 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, Scandi grind, heavy-duty design

The TOPS B.O.B. is a hefty, rugged knife that excels in chopping and batoning tasks. Its thick blade and weight make it ideal for splitting wood and heavy-duty camp work, though it can be a bit much for more delicate tasks like carving. While it might not be the lightest or most comfortable to carry for long periods, the B.O.B. is built to withstand heavy abuse in extreme conditions.

Although the price is higher than other knives, the B.O.B.’s rugged design, combined with its ability to handle difficult tasks, makes it an excellent tool for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Cold Steel SRK

• Blade Steel: SK-5W
• Blade Length: 6″ (15.4 cm)
• Weight: 8.2 oz (215 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, sabre grind, excellent value, beginner-friendly

The Cold Steel SRK is a solid choice for those new to survival knives. It offers a larger 6″ blade made from SK-5W carbon steel, making it an excellent tool for slicing, chopping, and batoning. Its rubberized handle provides a secure grip, while the knife’s thick spine ensures strength and durability.

Although it’s a bit unwieldy for precise bushcraft tasks, the SRK excels at general survival work. It’s one of the most affordable knives in its class, making it a great option for beginners or those looking for a reliable knife at a reasonable price.

Fallkniven A1x

• Blade Steel: CoS Stainless
• Blade Length: 6.2″ (16 cm)
• Weight: 14 oz (400 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, convex grind, heavy-duty design

The Fallkniven A1x is a powerhouse in the world of survival knives. Known for its heavy weight and large blade, it’s perfect for serious batoning, chopping, and splitting. The CoS stainless steel provides excellent edge retention, while the convex grind allows for tough tasks without sacrificing cutting performance.

However, its size and weight make it less suitable for precision bushcraft tasks. It’s more suited for outdoor expeditions where heavy-duty performance is required. Though the knife’s sheath could be improved, the A1x’s quality and durability make it a top choice for experts.

Becker BK2 Campanion

• Blade Steel: Carbon 1095 Cro-Van
• Blade Length: 5.25″ (13.2 cm)
• Weight: 15.6 oz (422 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, flat grind, large blade, excellent for heavy-duty tasks

The Becker BK2 Campanion is designed for serious campers and survivalists who need a knife that can handle any challenge. Its 5.25″ blade is thick and heavy, making it great for chopping and batoning. Although it’s large and heavy, it excels at tasks like splitting wood and cutting through tough materials.

The BK2’s ergonomic handle ensures a secure grip, and its simple plastic sheath works well for carrying. This knife is ideal for those who need a heavy-duty tool and don’t mind the bulkier design.

Gerber Strongarm

• Blade Steel: Stainless 420HC
• Blade Length: 9.8″ (12.7 cm)
• Weight: 7.2 oz (205 g)
• Key Features: Full tang, sabre grind, ergonomic design, versatile sheath

The Gerber Strongarm is an affordable survival knife that doesn’t compromise on performance. It features a 420HC stainless steel blade with a full tang design, making it durable and versatile for a range of outdoor tasks. The rubberized handle ensures a secure grip, while the knife’s ergonomic design makes it comfortable for extended use.

The knife comes with a modular sheath that can be attached to your gear or worn on your belt. The Strongarm is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced adventurers who need a reliable, no-nonsense survival knife.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned survivalist or a beginner just starting your outdoor adventures, having the right knife is crucial. Each of the knives on this list offers something unique, from heavy-duty batoning capabilities to budget-friendly options that don’t sacrifice quality. Choose the one that best suits your needs, and get ready to tackle your next adventure with confidence!

Which survival knife are you most excited to try this year? Let us know in the comments!