Fixed Blades – Unusual Suspects

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.