Best Survival Survival Knives 2025: Top Picks For EDC, Bushcraft & Bugging Out
When it comes to survival gear, nothing is more iconic—or essential—than a good knife. Whether you’re navigating deep wilderness, splitting kindling for a fire, or performing emergency tasks in the field, a reliable blade is your best friend. But with so many options out there, choosing the right knife can feel overwhelming—especially when the stakes are high. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best survival knives of 2025, comparing field performance, durability, materials, and real-world usability in one go-to guide.
Written By: Ian Freng-Meeteer
Last updated 14 April 2025
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Modern survival knives have evolved far beyond your basic fixed blade. Today’s tactical survival blades are engineered for bushcraft, emergency response, and even urban disaster scenarios. From compact folders to full-tang heavy-duty choppers, these tools are more than weapons—they’re lifelines. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just building your bug-out bag for the first time, a good survival knife is an investment in self-reliance and readiness.
In this guide, we’re focusing on knives that punch above their price tag. These are durable prepper knives designed to last, from names trusted in the survival and tactical community. We’ve field-tested several ourselves—including the Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. and the Kershaw Blur Tanto—and compared them to rising stars in the space. If you’re serious about building your survival loadout for 2025, you’re in the right place.
*As a disclaimer, knives are sharp and can be deadly and I am not recommending you buy any of these unless you are an adult and know best safety practices when it comes to carrying these tools.*
What Are The Best Survival Knives in 2025?
- Best Survival Survival Knives 2025: Top Picks For EDC, Bushcraft & Bugging Out
- What Are The Best Survival Knives in 2025?
- How To Choose The Best Survival Knives 2025
- 1. Off-Grid Knives – Rapid Fire Stinger Assisted Spear Point Blade – Best Overall Survival Knife in 2025
- 2. Cold Steel Kobun Serrated – 5.5″ Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel American Tanto – Best Full Tang Tanto With Serration
- 3. Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Naked Bloodline Full Tang Fixed Blade – Most Versatile Survival Knife
- 4. Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife – Best Budget Survival Knife (Field-Tested)
- 5. Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Pocketknife 3.4 Inch” – Best For Every Day Carry
- Best Survival Knives 2025 Comparison Table
- Survival Knives F.A.Q’s
- Final Thoughts Regarding The Best Survival First Aid Kits of 2025
How To Choose The Best Survival Knives 2025
Choosing the best survival knife for your needs means balancing size, blade type, carry comfort, and overall durability. Here are four key things to look for:
- Blade Steel & Edge Retention:
High carbon stainless steels (like AUS-8A or 8Cr13MoV) offer strong edge retention and corrosion resistance—ideal for rough outdoor use. - Tang Construction:
Look for full tang or fixed blades for maximum strength and dependability, especially in high-pressure tasks like batoning or prying. - Handle Grip & Ergonomics:
A comfortable, non-slip grip (rubberized, G10, or micarta) is critical when working in wet or muddy conditions. - Blade Style:
Tanto and spear-point blades are excellent for piercing tasks, while drop points excel in versatility and bushcraft work.
1. Off-Grid Knives – Rapid Fire Stinger Assisted Spear Point Blade – Best Overall Survival Knife in 2025
- 🗡️STINGER SPEAR POINT: The Off-Grid Stinger XL knife is a fan favorite, and the Off-Grid customers love the Stinger spear point blade shape. It was a natural progression to drop this blade onto a Rapid Fire. The Rapid Fire Stinger blade shape is slightly wider and shorter than the XL due to the different geometry, creating a very robust spear point blade built for hard use in all conditions.
- 🔥CRYO D2 STEEL: We used Cryogenic D2 blade steel, like our robust Tracker-X2 and Ridgeback fixed blade knives. D2 is an extremely tough steel, and its composition is nearly stainless. It has excellent corrosion resistance and incredible edge retention and holds an edge even after tons of hard use. To enhance the benefits of D2 even more, we used a Cryo treatment and coated it with a tumbled Titani…
- ⚡LIGHTNING FAST DEPLOYMENT: The Rapid Fire Series is Off-Grid’s only assisted knives, and we designed them to deploy with force and authority. Once you get this beast in your hand and pull the trigger, you’ll know why it’s called the “Rapid Fire”, it’s lightning quick. We’re confident this knife will be your fastest assisted deployment in your EDC arsenal.
Best for One-Handed Tactical Use
The Rapid Fire Stinger by Off-Grid Knives is a compact, quick-deploying assisted-opening knife that blends EDC practicality with serious survival capability. The spear point blade delivers precision cuts and solid piercing power, while the assisted mechanism makes it lightning-fast to draw and lock.
What I Like About It:
- Fast assisted opening for tactical situations
- Razor-sharp spear point ideal for piercing
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Excellent edge retention for a folder
Cons:
- Not full tang (folding design)
- Best suited for light-to-medium tasks
Why It Made the List:
This is one of the most versatile tactical survival blades for those who prioritize speed and portability. It’s a great fit for urban survival kits or bug-out bags where compact performance is key.
2. Cold Steel Kobun Serrated – 5.5″ Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel American Tanto – Best Full Tang Tanto With Serration
- RELIABLE KNIFE – Named “Kobun,” or “soldier,” this knife is built for those who need a dependable tool under pressure; The reinforced American Tanto point & lightweight profile make it a favorite among military professionals, offering strength & utility
- SERRATED BLADE – This knife’s serrated edge is built for rugged performance, with a saw-like blade ideal for cutting through tough materials such as ropes & fabrics; The serrations make this knife especially effective for back-and-forth sawing motions
- STRONG & RESILIENT – The Japanese AUS8A Stainless Steel blade resists bending and breaking, thanks to a full-thickness spine running nearly to the tip; This design gives it excellent piercing capability, so that this knife is a choice for high-impact use
The Cold Steel Kobun is a favorite among tactical professionals for good reason. Its American tanto blade, crafted from Japanese AUS8A stainless steel, delivers brutal piercing strength, while the serrated edge slices through rope, webbing, and tough materials with ease. The thin, lightweight design makes it ideal for concealed carry without sacrificing durability.
Pros of This Item:
- Ultra-sharp tanto tip for piercing
- Durable AUS8A steel with great edge retention
- Serrated edge great for utility tasks
- Lightweight and low profile
Cons:
- No lanyard hole or grip contouring
- Blade may be too specialized for general bushcraft
Why It Made the List:
The Kobun strikes a perfect balance between a tactical and utility knife. For users who need a slim, low-drag blade with serious cutting power, this one punches well above its price tag.
3. Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Naked Bloodline Full Tang Fixed Blade – Most Versatile Survival Knife
- HIGH QUALITY STEEL – D2 Steel is among the finest quality available, with edge retention like no other — cut wood, rope, twine, aluminum and all without fear of a dulled blade.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE – The G10 pocket knife was designed for maximum control and anti-slip grip, meaning you need never fear for loss of control.
- DESIGNED WITH INTENTION – With the sturdiest drop-point blade to the perfectly dialed-in thumb studs, Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Knives are built to be carried and used.
Best for Hardcore Bushcraft and Fire Starting
Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Naked Bloodline is a rugged, no-nonsense fixed blade built to thrive in extreme conditions. With a full tang D2 steel blade, it’s made for heavy-duty tasks like batoning wood, carving, and striking sparks from the included ferro rod. This knife isn’t just gear—it’s a survival philosophy in steel form.
Pros of This Survival Knife:
- Full tang D2 blade with superb toughness
- Comes with ferro rod, paracord, and Kydex sheath
- Handle scales removable for customization or bare tang use
- Excellent for bushcraft and wilderness survival
Cons:
- A bit bulky for lightweight packs
- Needs regular oiling to prevent D2 rusting
Why It Made the List:
If you’re planning deep wilderness excursions or bushcraft training, this knife is a beast. It earns its spot among the best bushcraft knives for 2025 thanks to its strength, balance, and practical survival add-ons.
4. Smith & Wesson 10.6in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife – Best Budget Survival Knife (Field-Tested)
- DIMENSIONS: 10.6 inch (26.9 cm) overall length with a blade length of 5.2 inches (13.2 cm) and a weight of 8.5 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 9Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, TPE handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient ambidextrous, thermoplastic sheath
This is one knife I’ve personally carried and field-tested—and it’s never let me down. The Smith & Wesson 10.6in fixed blade features a clip point high-carbon stainless steel blade that handles everything from fire prep to light food processing. Despite its price, it feels rock-solid in the hand and takes a beating.
Pros of This One:
- Full tang high carbon blade
- Rugged rubberized grip for secure handling
- Great balance between size and control
- Comes with a molded sheath for belt or pack carry
Cons of This One:
- Not the best edge retention over long hauls
- Sheath is basic but functional
Why It Made the List:
For preppers or survivalists on a budget, this is one of the most durable prepper knives you can buy under $50. It’s a reliable workhorse that performs like gear twice its price.
5. Kershaw Blur Tanto Black Pocketknife 3.4 Inch” – Best For Every Day Carry
- KERSHAW BLUR TANTO POCKETKNIFE: The Blur goes tactical. With its angled shape, the tanto blade provides extreme piercing power to penetrate tough materials. Partial serration adds even more versatility for tasks.
- TANTO PARTIALLY SERRATED BLADE: High-performance Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel that holds a sharp edge over time. A black Cerakota coating adds blade protection and enhances overall performance, so you get the most out of this EDC.
- 6061-T6 ALUMINUM HANDLE: The black anodized aluminum handle is scratch and fade resistant. Trac-Tec inserts promote a secure grip during use and are suitable for all weather conditions. Includes reversible pocketclip for right, tip-up/down carry.
Best Folding Knife for Everyday Survival (Field-Tested)
I’ve used the Kershaw Blur Tanto for both EDC and backcountry day trips, and it’s a blade I trust. The assisted opening is snappy and satisfying, while the DLC-coated tanto blade handles piercing, slicing, and even prying tasks with surprising finesse. It’s compact enough to carry daily, yet durable enough to earn a spot in your survival kit.
Pros of This Folding Knife:
- Assisted opening for quick deployment
- Excellent DLC blade coating resists corrosion
- Tanto tip handles tactical and utility needs
- Lightweight and discreet for pocket or clip carry
Cons:
- Not full tang (folding design)
- Not ideal for heavy batoning tasks
Why It Made the List:
As far as tactical survival blades go, this is one of the smartest picks for everyday carry in 2025. It’s sleek, functional, and ready for anything short of splitting firewood.
Best Survival Knives 2025 Comparison Table
| Knife | Blade Type | Steel | Blade Length | Best For | Full Tang | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Grid Rapid Fire Stinger | Spear Point Folder | 8Cr13MoV | 3.75″ | Fast deployment, EDC survival | No | $$ |
| Cold Steel Kobun | Serrated Tanto Fixed | AUS8A | 5.5″ | Tactical piercing, lightweight | Yes | $$ |
| Holtzman Naked Bloodline | Drop Point Fixed | D2 | 4.0″ | Bushcraft, wilderness | Yes | $$$ |
| Smith & Wesson 10.6″ | Clip Point Fixed | High Carbon S.S. | 5.2″ | Budget survival, general use | Yes | $ |
| Kershaw Blur Tanto | Assisted Folder Tanto | Sandvik 14C28N (DLC Coated) | 3.4″ | EDC, tactical backup | No | $$ |
Survival Knives F.A.Q’s
What makes a good survival knife?
A good survival knife should be strong, versatile, and comfortable to use. Full tang construction, high-quality steel, and a grip that works well in all weather conditions are key.
Are folding knives reliable for survival?
Folding knives like the Kershaw Blur can be great for EDC or as a backup, but for heavy-duty survival tasks (like batoning or prying), a full tang fixed blade is typically more dependable.
What is the best bushcraft knife in 2025?
The Holtzman Naked Bloodline is one of the best bushcraft knives this year. Its rugged full tang design, D2 steel blade, and included survival gear make it a top contender for outdoor skills training and off-grid work.
How do I maintain a high carbon or D2 steel knife?
Keep your blade dry, apply a light coating of oil occasionally, and store it in a dry sheath. D2 and high carbon steels can rust if neglected, but offer amazing edge retention.
Do serrated blades have a place in survival kits?
Yes—serrated blades like the Cold Steel Kobun are excellent for cutting rope, seatbelts, or webbing, making them valuable for emergency or rescue scenarios. It also comes in handy if you need to create kindling and smaller pieces of firewood for cooking or setting up camps or outposts.
Final Thoughts Regarding The Best Survival First Aid Kits of 2025
Choosing the right knife for survival isn’t just about specs—it’s about trust. When everything else goes wrong, your knife is one of the few tools you’ll count on again and again. That’s why we carefully selected these top survival knives of 2025: each offers serious value, dependable performance, and field-proven capability.
Whether you’re going off-grid, prepping for a crisis, or just want to feel more self-sufficient, the right blade makes all the difference. Fixed blades like the Smith & Wesson or Holtzman Naked Bloodline are excellent primary tools, while tactical folders like the Kershaw Blur and Rapid Fire Stinger make smart backups or daily carry options.
If we had to name one knife that balances value, toughness, and versatility, the Smith & Wesson 10.6” is hard to beat for the price. On the other end, the Cold Steel Kobun delivers pro-level bushcraft strength with serious survival attitude.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that you choose a knife that fits your mission, your hand, and your survival plan. Pick right—and you’ll never have to look back.