- LAST UPDATED: January 9, 2021
15 Best Fixed Blade Knives (Buyers Guide) in 2020

Today's review guide is brought to you by product expert Jordan
Published 12:20 pm
Fixed blades are knives that have blades that don’t fold up or move in any way. In many ways, these knives are a bit sturdier than an EDC folding knife because they never have to be moved; however, even folding blades are becoming better made all the time. When you need a good knife for hunting, fishing, or camping, these types can accommodate you quite nicely, especially after you learn how to tell a good product from a not-so-good one!
At a Glance : Our Top 5 Pick For Best Fixed Blade Knives
- Product Of Our Choice Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife
- High-quality Swedish Steel Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
- Pleasure To Look At And A Thrill To Use Fallkniven NL1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife
- Full Tang Stainless Steel Morakniv Garberg Fixed Blade Knife
- Used And Issued Exclusively US Marine Corps Ontario 6504 OKC3S Bayonet
The Best Fixed Blade Knives
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife



With a 5-star rating on Amazon, this product is unlike any you’ve seen in the past. It has a razor-sharp clip point blade and an overall length of 10.5 inches.
Key Features:
- The 119 Special is a classic large hunting knife that has been popular for some 47 years
- Today, this hunting knife has a black phenolic handle with polished guard and polished pommel.
- The large clip blade is satin finished with hollow ground bevels and a plain edge.
- The 119 Special comes with a sturdy leather sheath.
Specifications:
Brand: | Buck Knives |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 10.50" |
Blade Length : | 6.00" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 7.50 oz |
- PROS
- A top-selling knife from this company
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- CONS
- Some users claim the handle fell apart quickly
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife



Available in eight different colors, the stainless steel blade is 4.1 inches and can prep food, carve meat and everything in between. If you love high-quality knives but you’re on a budget, this knife is for you.
Key Features:
- Fixed blade outdoor knife with 4.1-inch high carbon steel blade
- Extra-large ergonomic handle with patterned, high-friction grip that makes the knife comfortable to hold and easy to handle
- Color-matching plastic sheath with belt clip
- Limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty; Made in Sweden
Specifications:
Brand: | Morakniv |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 8.10" |
Blade Length : | 3.75" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 2.30 oz |
- PROS
- Each one comes with a color-matching sheath
- Razor-sharp with strong blades
- CONS
- Some complaints the knife came very dull
Fallkniven NL1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife



The price makes it unavailable to a lot of people but it is definitely worth what you pay for it, in part because of its leather handle, the VG10 steel blade, and the fact that it is specifically made for heavy-duty use.
Key Features:
- The Fallkniven Tor Northern Light Series fixed blade offers a high performance design for camping, hiking, and hunting.
- VG-10 blade steel in a satin finish with a plain edge.
- Stacked brown leather handle with a stainless steel guard.
- This model comes with a stacked brown leather handle and a satin finished blade.
Specifications:
Brand: | Fallkniven |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | VG-10 Steel |
Overall Length : | 15.25" |
Blade Length : | 10.00" |
Color : | Brown |
Weight: | 2.34 oz. |
- PROS
- A super high-quality blade that is designed to take a lot of abuse
- Excellent grip and very comfortable handle
- CONS
- Extremely high in price
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife


With a 4.3″ stainless steel blade, the Morakniv Gerberg knife will not disappoint. It is a full tang product that comes with a leather sheath and has a total length of 9 inches.
Key Features:
- The Morakniv Garberg is a powerful, full tang, stainless steel knife that is the toughest Morakniv the company has ever made.
- The Garberg’s full tang blade extends the entire length of the knife
- The blade of the Morakniv Garberg is top grade Swedish Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel that features excellent edge performance.
Specifications:
Brand: | Morakniv |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 9.0 inches |
Blade Length : | 4.3 inches |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 9.6 oz |
- PROS
- Impact- and corrosion-resistant blades
- Can be used as a striker with fire-steel
- CONS
- Some complaints about the blade bending during use
Ontario 6504 OKC3S Marine Bayonet


This bayonet is made out of 1095 carbon steel and has a blade length of a whopping 8 inches. The sheath is MOLLE compatible and the blade is super-strong and black in color for a more masculine look.
Key Features:
- The Ontario Knife OKC3S Marine Bayonet is used and issued exclusively to the United States Marine Corps.
- This knife is unique in the fact that the blade is constructed using a thick proprietary blend of carbon steel.
- Ontario has built its reputation on a heritage of uncompromising craftsmanship
- The ribbed brown handle is sturdy in hand.
Specifications:
Brand: | Ontario Knife Company |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | 1095 Carbon Steel |
Overall Length : | 13.25" |
Blade Length : | 8.00" |
Color : | Brown |
Weight: | 13.80 oz |
- PROS
- A type of knife used by the Marines
- Sturdy but lightweight at just 14.1 oz.
- CONS
- A bit pricey for some people
Gerber Mark II Knife


This is a large knife that stretches out to nearly 13 inches in length. It is a dual-blade dagger and has a spear point tip and serrations on both sides of the knife so that its efficiency is top-notch.
Key Features:
- Black oxide coated blade combats corrosion and diminishes reflection
- Die cast aluminum handle is sturdy in hand for combat and survival applications
- Double serrated blade offers unbeatable function for piercing, can also act as a spear
- The Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. First introduced in 1966, this tactical knife is serialized for collectors.
Specifications:
Brand: | Gerber Gear |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 12.75" |
Blade Length : | 6.50" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 8.00 oz |
- PROS
- Die-cast aluminum handle and HC blade
- Comes with ballistic nylon sheath
- CONS
- Some users claim it breaks too easily
ESEE Knives 4P Fixed Blade Knife


Available in several different color combinations, this knife has a micarta handle and a drop point blade. The overall length is 9″ and it is super-lightweight at just 8 oz.
Key Features:
- ESEE carbon steel knives are made from 1095 steel.
- The ESEE Model 4 was designed by Jeff Randall and Mike Perrin as an all-around Tactical, Survival and Bushcraft Knife.
- Simply put, the performance, durability and quality of the ESEE-4 is unmatched by any other knife in its category.
- The ESEE-4 is backed with a NO QUESTIONS ASKED PROMISE.
Specifications:
Brand: | ESEE |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Steel |
Overall Length : | 12.75" |
Blade Length : | 4.5" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 8.0 ounces |
- PROS
- Comes with molded polymer sheath
- Low-maintenance and easy to keep clean
- CONS
- Some users claim the blade was discolored
KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife


Efficient and attractive, this knife even comes with a leather sheath and is made out of 1095 cro-van steel. This is by far the most famous fixed-blade knife in the world, being what the US Marines have used for decades.
Key Features:
- Perfect for gift giving, celebrating a military anniversary or retirement or just to showcase your pride in serving the USA.
- Durable, rugged, and strong. This leather sheath won't break like its plastic counterparts.
- The the legendary USMC KA-BAR is an icon in the world of knives.
- During the second World War, it was one of the general issue knives to the United States Marine Corps
Specifications:
Brand: | Ka-Bar |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | Carbon Steel |
Overall Length : | 11-7/8" |
Blade Length : | 7" |
Color : | Brown |
Weight: | 0.70 lb. |
- PROS
- Nearly 12 inches in length
- Blade itself is 7 inches long
- CONS
- Some complaints about the handle not being strong
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Fine Edge


The Gerber StrongArm is the perfect product for people who need a dependable knife but who are also on a budget. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this one and it even comes with a textured handle for a better grip.
Key Features:
- The StrongArm features a black handle and a fine edge, full tang 420HC steel blade
- Ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip
- A striking pommel at the base of the handle breaks through hard surfaces
- Four mounting pieces and sheath can be used for mounting on MOLLE, belt, or in drop-leg fashion
Specifications:
Brand: | Gerber Gear |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 9.75" |
Blade Length : | 4.875" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 7.10 oz |
- PROS
- Ceramic blade coating for better efficiency
- Full tang steel blade
- CONS
- Some complaints about the poor quality of the sheath
Benchmade - Nimravus 140 Knife


With a stainless steel, rust-resistant blade that is built to last, this drop point blade has full tang and is both super-comfortable and easy to hold. It holds an edge well and has a multitude of purposes.
Key Features:
- The 140SBK Nimravus is a well-built, high quality fixed blade knife.
- The 154-CM stainless steel drop point blade has a tactical black BK1 finish and a partially serrated edge.
- The full tang handle is ergonomically shaped and features a deep index finger groove and a notched thumb ramp above for superior hand grip.
Specifications:
Brand: | Benchmade |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | 154-CM stainless steel |
Overall Length : | 9.45" |
Blade Length : | 4.50" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 6.20 oz |
- PROS
- Some users think the handle is mediocre at best
- CONS
- Not heavy-duty
- Can be inconsistent
Kizer Cutlery 1021A2 Green Fixed Blade Knife


With an attractive stonewash finish and a blade that is nearly four inches in length, this knife has a stainless steel drop point blade and is full tang for better overall quality.
Key Features:
- This T-II model has a green G-10 handle and a stonewash finished blade.
- With the Kizer T-II, Uli Hennicke set out to create a simple and robust all-purpose fixed blade for any cutting task.
- An integral lanyard loop near the pommel is perfect for retention.
- Pick up a solid all-around fixed blade built tough enough for any job
Specifications:
Brand: | Kizer Cutlery |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | CPM-S35VN Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 7.875" |
Blade Length : | 3.75" |
Color : | Green |
Weight: | 15.8 ounces |
- PROS
- Lightweight at just under 1 lb.
- Extremely tough and wear-resistant
- CONS
- A bit pricey for some people
Gerber Ghoststrike Fixed Blade Knife


A compact knife indeed, this best fixed blade is rated one of the best because even though it is lightweight and small, it packs a lot of bunch and therefore you’ll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.
Key Features:
- Black ceramic coating for minimal reflection + corrosion.
- Diamond texture rubber handle for superior grip.
- 420HC blade steel with black ceramic coating offers superior corrosion resistance
- The sheath can be mounted vertically or horizontally on a belt
- Handle features rubberized diamond texture for enhanced grip
Specifications:
Brand: | Gerber Gear |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 6.875" |
Blade Length : | 3.25" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 3.61 oz |
- PROS
- Textured rubber handles for great grip and comfort
- Modular sheath and HC steel blade
- CONS
- Some complaints about it breaking quickly
Barebones | No. 6 Field Fixed Knife


This one has a high-carbon tempered steel blade that is built to last, which is why it is one of the best fixed blade knives on the market. It is also a very attractive knife with its wooden handle and its dark-colored masculine blade.
Key Features:
- Traditional utility-driven design includes inlaid copper lanyard ring and belt clip for convenience
- 6 in. high-carbon steel blade is reinforced by a full tang; rich and durable walnut handle
- Thumb depress makes for comfortable handling
- A sheath made of waxed canvas and leather protects the blade from the elements when not in use
Specifications:
Brand: | Barebones |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Steel |
Overall Length : | 9.875" |
Blade Length : | 6.00" |
Color : | Wood |
Weight: | 1.19 pounds |
- PROS
- A full tang fixed blade for more overall strength
- Comes with its own canvas sheath
- CONS
- Some users think the clip on the sheath is difficult to use
Schrade SCHF52 Frontier 13in Fixed Blade Knife


With a textured HPE handle for comfort and the perfect grip, this knife offers a high carbon blade and a very attractive look thanks to its sleek design. It is a 13-inch knife with multiple uses in your everyday life.
Key Features:
- Blade is made of reliable 1095 High Carbon Steel with a black, ring textured thermoplastic elastomer handle
- Quick and easy access with the convenient black polyester belt sheath making it ideal for everyday carry
- Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the finger guard and jimping
Specifications:
Brand: | Schrade |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | High Carbon Steel |
Overall Length : | 13.00" |
Blade Length : | 7.00" |
Color : | Multi |
Weight: | 1.92 Pounds |
- PROS
- Perfect for camping, survival knife training, fishing, and much more
- Lightweight but very durable
- CONS
- Some users claim the coating came off very quickly
Mossy Oak 15-inch Fixed Blade Hunting Bowie Knife


Priced very reasonably, this is a great knife to buy if you want something high in quality yet easy on your wallet. It even comes with a fire-starter and a sharpener for your convenience.
Key Features:
- Made of 440C stainless steel for excellent hardness, improved edge retention and rust resistance.
- Classic designed handle with soft rubber, provides high friction and comfortable non-slip grip for use
- Durable heavy duty nylon sheath for easy and safe carry.
- As a perfect camping and hunting knife
Specifications:
Brand: | MOSSY OAK |
Style: | Fixed Blade Knife |
Blade Material: | Stainless Steel |
Overall Length : | 15" |
Blade Length : | 10" |
Color : | Black |
Weight: | 16.8 oz |
- PROS
- Razor-sharp clip point blade
- Full tang rubber handle
- CONS
- Some complaints about it breaking easily
Best Fixed Blade Knives – A Quick Comparison
Those were our reviews of the currently most popular Fixed Blade Knives on the market – see how they compare and find the one that suits your needs. There’s an Fixed Blade knife for everyone’s taste and budget, and we’re sure you’ll find one to your liking.
Comfortable Grip & Balance

Buck Knives 119
- Razor Sharp Clip Point Blade
- This knife is proudly made in the USA
- The clip blade is good for piercing, detail work, and cutting in tight places
Sandvik Stainless Steel Blade

Morakniv Companion
- Versatile fixed-blade outdoor knife
- High-quality Swedish steel is razor sharp and exceptionally tough
- Manufacturer’s Limited Lifetime Warranty: Made In Sweden
Laminated VG10 Steel

Fallkniven NL1
- The blade is made of laminated VG10 steel
- Handle material: leather
- Leather sheath included
Toughest Stainless Steel

Morakniv Garberg
- Full tang stainless steel knife with leather sheath
- Top grade 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel blade
- Tough, impact resistant polyamide handle
Made Of Carbon Steel

Ontario OKC3S Bayonet
- Blade Finish Zinc Phosphate, Blade Grind Flat.
- Sheath Type MOLLE Compatible.
- Country of Origin United States of America.
Die Cast Aluminum Handle

Gerber Mark II
- Sheath Material: Ballistic nylon
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Includes ballistic nylon sheath
Chosen By Professionals

ESEE Knives 4P
- Cutting Edge Length: 4 1/10″ (10.41 cm)
- Handle Material: Grey Linen Micarta
- Blade Type: Drop Point
Protective Leather Sheath

KA-BAR Full Size US Marine
- 100% Leather Sheath
- 7″ Straight Edge Blade
- The most famous fixed blade knife design in the world
Full Tang Fine Edge

Gerber StrongArm
- The StrongArm features a black handle
- Ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip
- A striking pommel at the base of the handle breaks through hard surfaces
Drop-Point Blade

Benchmade - Nimravus 140
- The 154CM stainless steel blade is tough, rust resistant, and holds an edge well.
- The simplicity of the knife also makes it easy to clean.
- The 140 is comfortable and easy to hold and use.
Stainless Drop Point Blade

Kizer Cutlery 1021A2
- Green G10 handle.
- Full, extended tang.
- Lanyard hole.
- Black Kydex belt sheath.
Compact Skeletal Frame

Gerber Ghoststrike
- Compact, skeletal 420HC steel frame.
- Black ceramic coating for minimal reflection + corrosion.
- Diamond texture rubber handle for superior grip.
High Carbon Steel Blade

Barebones | No. 6
- Reinforced By A Full Tang
- Waxed Canvas Sheath
- Purposeful details like an inlaid copper lanyard ring
Blaze the New Trail

Schrade SCHF52 Frontier 13in
- Blade is made of reliable 1095 High Carbon Steel
- Knife features a full tang design, ferro rod, sharpening stone and lanyard hole
- Quick and easy access with the convenient black polyester belt sheath
Classic Designed Handle

Mossy Oak 15-inch
- Razor Sharp Clip Point Blade
- Comfortable Rubber Handle
- Nylon Sheath With Sharpener & Fire Starter
The Best Fixed Blade Knife
The word “best” is subjective and therefore, you have to first determine which features are most important to you and which ones are needed most. The best knife usually has a steel blade of some sort, and the full tang ones are usually better because the blade goes all the way through the handle instead of just being glued in at the tip of the handle.
A few things you need to consider when trying to find the fixed blade knife for your needs include:
- What type of activity will you be involved in (for example, fishing, bushcraft, hunting, camping, and so on)?
- Which brands offer the highest quality items and have the best reputations?
- What do the reviews from real customers say about the product on sites such as Amazon and others?
Nowadays, it is easier than ever to narrow your choices down to one knife because you can find out anything about any brand or product by simply logging onto the Internet. Go ahead and take advantage of that trend to find out all you can about the fixed blade knives you’re considering purchasing.
Good fixed blades will not break, bend, or wear out over time because most are made out of some type of steel to guarantee their longevity. Their handles are usually made out of some type of wood, aluminum, or even polymer or a composite material. Since the fixed blades or blades that stay “in place” are some of the strongest products on the market, you can usually count on them to last for a very long time, especially if the manufacturer is one with a good reputation.
Of course, when researching these products you have to look at more than just the blade itself. Two other items you should seriously consider are the handle, which of course needs to be just as sturdy as the blade itself, and the sheath that usually comes with the knife. The sheath is a carrying case that protects the knife and makes it easier to transport it from one area to another, and they usually have a belt loop attached to make it simpler to keep it on your person as you go about your day.
Think of this product as a product with several parts, but they are parts that all have to be high in quality and dependable for you to find a knife in the end that you’re happy enough with to keep on using time and time again. Fortunately, this isn’t as difficult as it was 20 years ago or so, because we have information at our fingertips about everyone and everything!
Once you’ve researched the manufacturer, pulled some online reviews from real customers, and decided for certain that this is the type of product you need, the next thing to do is review lists that have been devised to rate companies and their products that you might be interested in. These reviews are objective because they are made by third-party companies that have no interest in which companies make it to the top of the list. If you’d like to review one of these lists, below is one that provides information on 15 of the companies that make these types of knives.
What is a fixed blade knife?
Fixed blade knives are also called sheath knives, and they are fixed in place and therefore remain in position at all times. This is the opposite of pocket knives, which you can usually fold in half to help them fit better in small areas such as purses and pockets. Because the blade does not move, it is considered “fixed” and that’s how it got its name.
How to take care of a fixed blade knife?
Taking care of your fixed blade is crucial, and the main thing to remember is never to use any harsh cleansers or other ingredients on it. Because most of them are made out of stainless steel, carbon steel, or 1095 cro-van steel, all you have to do is clean them occasionally with mild soap and warm water, then wipe them dry with a lint-free non-abrasive towel. Remember that nothing abrasive should ever touch this item!
Is it legal to carry a fixed blade knife?
Knife laws vary from state to state, so you’ll need to check with your particular state to see what they require. Some states have made it illegal to conceal your knife, while some states do just the opposite. A lot of the laws won’t apply if you use the knives for hunting so again, it’s best if you check with the authorities before carrying around your knife or even purchasing it in the first place.
How to choose the right type of fixed blade knife?
Fixed blades are non-movable and are like this with all of these knives, but you’ll have to determine if (1) you want a stainless steel or carbon blade, (2) what length you want your knife to be, and (3) what type of handle you want the knife to have. You can research the knives online or in person, but it is always recommended that you try the knife out in your own hand before you make the final decision as to which one you want.
How to sharpen a fixed blade knife?
Fixed blade knives are sharpened with a whetstone, which are easy to find and very effective at what they do. This is not something you’ll be a pro at when you first get started because it takes practice. Still, once you wet your whetstone and learn to stroke it the right way, the only thing you’ll need afterward is a little practice.
Conclusion
Finding the right fixed blade knife is not that difficult because there are so many of them available these days. Although research is important, it isn’t as important as trying the knife on for size in a sporting goods store so that you can feel confident once you start using it outdoors. After all, you certainly don’t want your camping or hunting trip to be the first time you use your knife, because that could spell disaster for you.