A survival knife you can really sink your teeth into is hard to come by. Just because it claims the title doesn’t mean it truly fulfills your needs when you’re out in the boonies. So what’s the best full tang survival knife, why do you need one?

Here is a list of the Best Full Tang Survival Knife

Image	Full Tang Survival Knife	Rating
	Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
	DAX Industries Fixed Blade Survival Knife
	Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife
	Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Full Tang Knife
	Survivor HK-106280 Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife

Out of all the survival knives I’ve had, the full tang ones have always been the most durable and reliable. This lies in their design; the knife itself is one single piece of metal, with the handle drilled in and attached on either side. Try to break that thing! The handle may go but the knife is still useable (albeit uncomfortable to hold now). Take my word for it; something is better than nothing when you’re miles from the nearest Walmart and need a functioning knife.

So, full tang is a must. With that in mind, these five survival knives are all contenders for the title of “best,” standing apart from all the others I’ve tried. In my best Crocodile Dundee impression, let me guarantee you: If you’re looking for a knife, these are knives.

Top 5 Best Full Tang Survival Knife

 1.  Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

Rating: 4.7 / 5.0

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When it comes to heavy-duty outdoor equipment, Ka-Bar doesn’t mess around. Measuring at 18 x 5 x 5 inches and weighing a single pound, it’s surprisingly lightweight for its strength, which was a huge advantage for hiking with plenty of other equipment. The 1095 cro-van steel blade is staggeringly sharp and held up extremely well when used for splitting wood or skinning deer.

Pros:

• Sharp and Durable. You’ll be passing this one on to your grandkids.
• ​Grivory Handle. This made for a very secure and easy grip that was much more comfortable that typical survival knives, which tend to be bulky and on the hand-cramp-inducing side.
• ​Drop Point 20-Degree Blade Angle.Wonderful for skinning, where flexibility is needed.

Cons:

• No Extra Features. Unfortunately, it lacks a flint, fishing line, and all those bonuses that make survival knives so appealing, but that’s not what it was intended for. This blade was meant to last forever and retain its sharpness under much abuse, so it’s a trade-off.
• The Sheath is Poor Quality. It lacks a pocket and breaks down easily, which forced me to buy a new sheath, but it could easily live without a sheath.

 2.  DAX Industries Fixed Blade Survival Knife

Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

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Made like a prepper’s wet dream, this knife is only missing a kitchen sink. Measuring in at 8 inches in length, the blade itself is composed of durable stainless steel that’ll take harsh treatment in stride – and still look nice. The paracord wrapped around the handle makes for a solid grip, and is my favorite for longer camping trips – you never know what you’ll encounter.

Pros:

• 420 Stainless Steel Blade. This makes its lifespan incredibly long, resistant to corrosion and capable of taking some abuse (in case you hammer on it at all, like I did while splitting wood). As a bonus, the serrated spine is also sharp enough to be used as a saw.
• Paracord, Fire Starter, and Whistle. The 550 paracord is excellent for tying supplies up away from bears, the whistle is great for emergencies when you need to be found or scare off wild animals, and the fire starter? Useful and fun.
• Incredibly Durable Sheath.It clips onto your belt and never lets go. I’m really not sure if I’ll outlive the sheath.

Cons:

• Needs Frequent Sharpening.When it arrives, you can shave it with, but after one or two skinnings, it’ll be as dull as it comes. Luckily, it sharpens very quickly.

 3.  Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

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I’m usually suspicious of survival equipment that banks on celebrity names. But Bear’s reputation remains intact – he’s not a sell-out. Measuring in at a total of 10 inches long, the blade is 4 inches of premium steel, which makes it not only very strong but helps to retain its sharpness.

Pros:

• Whistle and Lanyard Cord. Great for emergencies, the whistle is extremely loud, and the cord is nigh unbreakable....

• Solid Sheath, with Fire Starter and Pull-Through Sharpener. A huge plus, the sheath is not only as durable as the knife, but has an attached sharpener that edges the blade beautifully no matter where you are. The fire starter is also attached...

• Rubber Grip With Stainless Steel Pommel. The rubber gives you an excellent and secure hold, and its added traction (matched to the holes at its base) mean you can even tie it to a spear for when things get dicey (though I just threw it around for fun). At the bottom, the pommel can duel as a hammer when the sheath is on. 

Cons:

• Sheath is Too Bulky. It looks lopsided and made holding it for the hammer feature difficult, but that’s to be expected considering how many extras are attached.ere...

• Features on the Sheath Break. Luckily they don’t have to be attached to be useful, but latching that much onto a sheath made them fragile. The fire starter broke off day one, but worked fine independently.

 4.  Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Full Tang Drop Point Fixed Blade

Rating: 4.6 / 5.0

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This one is definitely meant for a serious outdoorsman who doesn’t want to look after his blade. The ballistic belt sheath is made of extremely high quality nylon, the spine itself is a quarter inch thick, and its rugged grip with a lanyard hole is built for hard work.

The high carbon steel blade is six and a half inches long with a drop point design, and the handle is nearly six inches after that. This is my go-to when I know I need a knife that can take a pounding.

Pros:

• Strong Sheath with Removable Pouch. It’s extremely well-constructed with a durable hook for attaching to your belt. The removable pouch is great storage for a flint, smaller knife, or whistle.

• High Carbon Steel Blade. Naturally this allows you to use it as a hammer if you prefer (though I don’t recommend it) without severely damaging the blade. It’s durable enough to take it, and sharpens incredibly fast.

Cons:

• It’s Not a Stainless Blade. This makes it prey to corrosion if you don’t oil it often, but even with some wear and tear, it’s sturdy.

• No Bells and Whistles. This knife lacks a fire starter, paracord, or a whistle, but it was designed to do a mountain of work, not indulge fanfare. Luckily the removable pouch allows you to add your own extras.

 5.  Survivor HK-106280 Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

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​It flaunts its full tang survival look because it can. The handle is composed of its tightly wrapped paracord, which provides a solid grip but can be unwrapped to serve greater purposes when needed. With a fire starter and reverse serrated spine, the blade is 6 inches long.

Pros:

• Fire Starter and Cord. Obviously these two have their advantages, but since the cord is also the handle, it keeps the knife slim and easy to operate. All the features, none of the bulkiness.

• Matte Stainless Steel. The tanto blade’s composition keeps it in top condition for longer.

• Durable Nylon Sheath. Going with the slim look, this sheath easily fits on your belt and isn’t in the way, holding the fire starter with it.

Cons:

• The Cord is the Handle. While it’s advantageously minimalistic, if you need the cord but still want to use the knife, you’ll be missing a handle, making it difficult and uncomfortable to operate. But unless you cut the cord, it’s not a long-term problem.

Add one or more of these five to your collection, and you’ll never need another knife.

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