Issue 05 Fixed Blades – Unusual Suspects Recoil Staff Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More Sheathed blades aren't always practical as everyday carries, but when SHTF, they're arguably the most reliable type of knife to have. Compared to folding knives, fixed blades are quicker to deploy, stronger because the tang extends into the handle, and easier to maintain due to a lack of moving parts. Whether you're looking for a razor-sharp knife for skinning game, a trusted tool for your next outdoor adventure, or a little backup for a job that calls for extra security, you'll find a blade-and-sheath combo here that will meet your needs. Brand Camillus Model 7.75-inch Fixed Blade OAL 7.75 inches Blade Length 3.75 inches Blade Material AUS-8 Weight: 7.2 ounces MSRP $49 URL www.camillusknives.com This Camillus is small, lightweight, and affordable. The AUS-8 blade is coated with Carbonitride Titanium for better edge retention. The 4-inch Micarta handle might be a little small for some hands, but it offers an assured, ergonomic grip. It also has lanyard holes if you want to carry the nylon sheath on a rope instead of on your belt. Brand Pro-Tech Knives Model Brend Combat Companion OAL 8.1 inches Blade Length 3.8 inches Blade Material S35VN Weight: 4.3 ounces MSRP $300 URL www.protechknives.com This Walter Brend-designed model fits snuggly in its Kydex sheath yet is lightning-fast to draw. It features high-quality construction through and through, from the S35VN stainless-steel blade to the black Micarta handle. The sheath can be worn on a belt or a pack using the Tek-Lok clip, or as a neck knife using the chain. Brand Spartan Blades Model Phrike OAL 8.5 inches Blade Length 4.25 inches Blade Material S35VN Weight: 3.9 ounces MSRP starting at $250 URL www.spartanbladesusa.com With its 3/16-inch-wide blade, skinny G10 handle, and slim Kydex sheath, the Phrike is the lightest and skinniest of this group – but its laser-like S35VN blade is all business. Named after the Greek goddess of fear, it was designed specifically for self-defense and bushcraft. It's ideal for those looking to stay nimble in harsh conditions. Brand SOG Specialty Knives and Tools Model SEAL Pup Elite (TigerStripe) OAL 9.5 inches Blade Length 4.85 inches Blade Material AUS-8 Weight: 5.4 ounces MSRP $145 URL www.sogknives.com The glass-reinforced handle has an ergonomic design with deep finger grooves and a bit of girth for those with bigger hands. The versatile blade's plain edge is great for slicing and whittling, while the serrations can saw and tear – and the spine rasp can be used for notching, filing, and thumb placement. Brand Buck Knives/Tops Knives Model CSAR-T OAL 10 inches Blade Length 4.5 inches Blade Material 420HC Weight: 14 ounces MSRP $158 URL www.buckknives.com Its name stands for Combat Search and Rescue Tool, which says it all. As a collaboration between Buck and Tops, this blade is meant for hardcore use, such as chopping, slicing, and prying. The handle has a hex driver for various tools, and the heavy-duty nylon sheath is MOLLE-compatible. The CSAR-T is the beefiest and heaviest knife among those featured here. Brand Zero Tolerance Knives Model All-Black Fixed Blade OAL 10.5 inches Blade Length 5.75 inches Blade Material CPM3V Weight: 11.4 ounces MSRP $360 URL www.kershawknives.com This military knife gets our inner Rambo all giddy. The CPM3V recurve blade provides maximum resistance to breaking, chipping, and wear – while still being versatile enough for tough-cutting, precision-slicing, or deep-penetrating. The groundbreaking sheath can be carried on your thigh, belt, or MOLLE webbing. Editor's Note: All prices are set by the manufacturers and retailers, and are subject to change. All information was current at press time. Explore RECOILweb:VWERKS Recon - Military BuildupThe Best Pistol Zero: What It Is & What Goes Into It2004 Land Rover Discovery Series II - Ain't No Status SymbolPreview - Expandable Batons NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.