The best fixed blade knife will be solid and made from the highest quality materials. For fixed blades, in particular, the build and materials are important for a couple of very important reasons. First, for the user’s safety, a fixed blade knife needs to stay in one piece. One might think this keeping a knife in one piece is simple. When in fact, a knife that is made from inferior materials is more likely to break.
The second aspect of what makes a fixed blade knife “the best” is the knife’s longevity. The ability to keep a knife as long as possible is something every knife owner strives for. Passing on a knife to a son, daughter, or grandchild can be a special experience. Often times the best fixed blade knife will become more than a tool, it becomes a family heirloom. None of this can be accomplished without the best materials and construction.
The most important step to finding a fixed blade knife that can last a lifetime, or two, is knowing the best brands and the knives that have passed the test of time. The problem is that over time, well-known brands can go through some extensive changes. That or you may not know what brands offer the best product at the best prices.
On top of all that, there are many different types of fixed blade knives. Some have different blade points. Others have different types of handles. Finding the best combination of both can take hours. Fear not, that is where we come in. We took the time to find the 5 best fixed blade knives that your money can buy. We looked at everything from style, size, and price. We hoped to build a diverse list of five giving you the best list to choose from, and we believe we have. So, sit back, relax, and take a look.
Best Fixed Blade Knives
1. SOG Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath – Full Tang Design and Build
SOG has been making some great knives for years now. Often times they make some great replica military blades, but they also make some great EDC knives, folding knives, and combat knives.
Today we will be looking at their expertly built, SOG Pillar.
The Pillar is a full tang fixed blade knife. With American made stainless steel supporting this full tang frame, the Pillar is built to last. With a straight edge and clip point, this knife is great for piercing and slicing. There is some jimping at the spine of the blade. The jimping’s placement is great for finger placement when seeking added control. The blade is 5 inches in length with a satin polish. The Pillar’s blade looks sharp and intimidating. As for the handle, the Pillar has a MiCarta handle that makes it comfortable to hold. With the MiCarta material, along with the ergonomic shape, the Pillar is a pleasure to hold. With the full tang design, the pommel is one solid piece of steel, making it great for hammering and striking objects.
The Pillar does come with a Kayden sheath, which is multi-mounting. Giving the user the ability to choose how they will wear it. Overall the SOG Pillar is a solid knife. With premium American made steel and MiCarta handle, the SOG pillar is one of the best, if not, the best fixed blade knife on the market. Click here to see the best price.
- Full tang build
- Micarta handle
- American made steel
- Coloring in the handle is grey, not black
2. Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife – Polished Yet Rugged
Buck Knives are well known for their pristine builds and workmanship. These knives are backed up by decades of experience from master bladesmiths. Today, we are looking at the Buck Knife 119, a fixed blade knife that can please any knife owner.
The attention to detail is evident, the blade, handle, and pommel all blend into a piece of art. The 6-inch blade is a sleek polished stainless steel accompanied with a clip point end. With a straight edge coupled with the clip point, piercing and slicing come easy with the 119. No need to worry about rust or corrosion either, the 119’s blade is forged with 420hc stainless steel. 420hc steel is popular steel amongst manufacturers around the world.
The best fixed blade knife will not have a handle that is an afterthought. With Buck Knife, the handle is equal to importance to the blade. The 119’s handle is made from phenolic resin. This resin leaves the handle with a slick finish like the glossy finish on a new car. The handguard and pommel both have a chrome finish that blends like peanut butter and jelly. Not only is the handle a pleasure to look at, but the ergonomic handle is also a comfort to hold as well.
The 119 is a treat to own and use. With the Buck name backing the 119, buyers are assured quality. If you are looking for a stylish yet durable fixed blade knife, the 119 is for you. Click here to see the best price.
- Large at over ten inches long
- Made from 420hc stainless steel
- Has a solid phenolic handle
- Backed by the Buck name
- Some heat discoloration on the blade is possible
3. Gerber StrongAm Fixed Blade Knife – Compact and Sturdy Build
Gerber is gaining popularity from one year to the next. Which is great for a company that has been around since 1939. All of their products, from there folding knives to their EDC knives are well regarded in the knife community. Today, we are looking at the Gerber StrongAm.
This fixed blade knife is made from 420hc stainless steel. Which is known for its ability to resist damage from chronic use and corrosion. To add overall toughness, the blade is coated with a ceramic finish. If you’re in the market for a compact fixed blade the StrongAm may be the compact knife you’re looking for. The blade is a clip point in shape and sits at is 4.8 inches long with a straight edge. Combined with the handle, the overall length is 9.8 inches. While not the smallest fixed blade you can find, it’s in the middle of the pack as far as size is concerned.
Moving on to the handle, it has a grip that will not let you down. The rubberized diamond texture grip not only offers a secure hold, but it also gives it a rugged tactical look. The pommel has a lanyard loop that will keep the knife strapped to your wrist. A multi-mount sheath grants owners the ability to choose how they store their knife. Want to carry the knife on your belt? No problem. What about your leg? Gerber has you covered. This sheath is Molle compatible as well; making it a versatile tool.
The Gerber StrongAm exceeds expectations on many fronts. Its compact design, coupled with the premium materials equates to a great fixed knife. Or might we say the best fixed knife? We think so, there is only one way to find out. Click here to see the best price.
- Compact design
- Rubberized diamond grip
- Comes with a multi-mount sheath
- May need sharpening out of the box
4. Smith & Wesson High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife – Tanto Design, Quality Build
In the past, we talked about Smith & Wesson’s reputation in the firearms industry. Today, we are focusing on their growing reputation in the knife industry. Our subject today is their High Carbon S.S. fixed blade knife.
When one first sees this blade, the Tanto blade point stands out immediately. The Tanto blade looks intimidating. With sharp straight angles that give the blade an exotic look. That, along with the straight edge design means slicing through materials a smooth and effortless affair. With a 5.2 inch blade, you get an average-sized knife. But rest assured, this is no average knife. The high carbon incorporated within the blade makes the steel as hard as a rock. High carbon steel has been used for decades for one simple reason, it just works. No need to worry about chipping, cracking, or constant sharpening. The S.S.’s handle is something to lust after as well.
Molded with thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) this handle has exceptional grip. Along with a natural ergonomic shape, users can utilize the S.S. knife all day long. The longevity of use in a knife is important to its practicality overall. The pommel is made with the same steel as the blade making it tough. So, if you need to smash, hammer, or crush this pommel can withstand most of what you throw at it.
Overall the S.S. will be the best fixed blade knife for someone. The Tanto point, TPE handle, and high carbon steel come together to form one great knife. Click here to see the best price.
- Made with high carbon steel
- Tanto blade point
- The handle is made with TPE rubber
- Comes with lanyard loophole
- The sheath may tear the TPE handle over time
5. Buck Knives 401 Kalinga Fixed Blade Knife – Curved Blade & Natural Handle
Buck knives have been around for generations. Building their reputation decade to decade. Today, we have a different take on a fixed blade knife, the 401 Kalinga.
To start, the 4-¾ inch blade curves upwards, similar to a saber. The 420hc stainless steel is naturally resistant to corrosion and overall damage. The straight edge makes the 401 great for slicing through tough materials, organic and synthetic. The handle is made from beautiful rosewood. It has a clear coat finish that makes it pop and stand out. Buck knives are known for their artistic aesthetic. Once you have one in the palm of your hand, you won’t want to use it, they are just too good to look at.
The 401 Kalinga is a fixed blade knife for those that can appreciate its artistic value. At the same time, the 401 is fully capable of handling any job you throw at it. Click here to see the best price.
- Unique blade shape
- Rosewood handle
- Made with 420hc steel
- May be too heavy for some
Fixed Blade Knife Buyer’s Guide
Blade Design
A fixed blades design will vary greatly from knife to knife. The main reason for this comes down to the fact that fixed blade knives can and will have many different uses. Meaning many different shapes, sizes, and materials will be used when these knives are made. In this section, we will go over some of the most popular designs on the market today. The clip point blade is by far the most popular blade shape on the market today. In fact, most knives that you see will have a clip point, or something close to it. The main reason for this is the clip points ability to both pierce and slice rather efficiently. Not only that, but this type of blade is also very versatile. Clip points are not too specialized to be limited in its use. That reason alone makes them very popular. There are also many different types of blade shapes that are worthy of attention. Namely spear points, drop points and the tanto, but we could write a whole article on blade points alone, so you’re just going to have to take our word for it.
Another important aspect of a blades design is its edge. The edge of a blade will be doing all of the cutting and slicing. The most common type of blade edge you will find is the straight edge. A straight edge can simply get the sharpest out of all the edge types. Making it the most common edge on the market. It is also the easiest edge to sharpen as well. There are also serrated blades that are great at cutting through tougher materials like softwood, meat, and leather. If you want a blade that can do both, there are hybrid blades that are partially serrated. With the straight edge near the blade point and the serrated portion near the handle. These are really the only two edges you will find on the best fixed blade knife. Although, some knives can have hooks and other additions to the blade.
Materials
The materials that are used in the constriction are just as important as the design of the blade, if not even more so.
One might think that all knife blades are made from steel. While they are not wrong, there are so many different types of steel that will separate a cheap knife from a great one. Again, we could dedicate a whole article to the endless amount of steel that goes into the countless knives that are for sale at any given moment. So, to keep this quick, we will go over the basics of the steel that goes into knives. To start, any good knife will be made from stainless steel, and no, not all steel is stainless. So, if an item description does not explicitly say the steel is stainless, it is safe to say that it will corrode and rust sooner than later. Some steels will have more carbon or other elements that will strengthen the steel or make it more resistant to corrosion. Typically, the type of steel that is used will be disclosed in the items description. The handle will be part of the knife that will use many different types of materials. Everything from the textured grip of synthetic plastics, to the glossy yet natural look of wood, will be used in a fixed blade handle. The options are endless when it comes to the design of a knife’s handle. While buyers do not often have creative say in the design of their knives, but when buying the best fixed blade knife, there are styles for everyone. After all, the making of knives is an art form, even when they are made for mass production.
Tang
The tang of a knife refers to the portion that extends into the handle. With that, there are a few different types of tang. First, let’s start with what makes a knife full tang. Imagine you carve a sword out of a piece of wood. When you finish, the sword is one solid piece. That is the same thing you get a full tang knife blade. The blade and the handle are one solid piece. Usually, two pieces of rubber or wood will cover the handle portion of the knife. A full tang knife is typically stronger than a partial tang. Unless of course the knife is made from inferior materials.
Moving on to a partial tang, this design is similar in that it extends into the handle of the knife. The main difference is that it does not fully extend into it. Instead, the majority of the handle is made from wood or other materials. Also, the portion of the blade that extends into the handle tapers into a point right after the blade section of the knife ends. This is where the flaws begin if a knife is made poorly or with cheap materials. While partial tangs are not as sturdy as their full tang brothers if made properly partial tangs are just as reliable.
Handle
While the handle has passively been discussed throughout this buyer’s guide. We have not really talked about the handle directly. This, of course, is due to the fact that the handle of a knife can become overlooked. This is unfortunate as the handle makes up half of the blade if not more. With that, we are making an effort to highlight handles.
To start, the best fixed blade knife should have an ergonomic handle that feels natural to hold. Ergonomic handles will have grooves that allow your fingers to fit naturally in the handle. A comfortable handle is imperative to the user and the work they plan to accomplish. Mainly because the more comfortable a handle is, the longer a person can put it to use. Balance is another important aspect of the anatomy of a knife handle.
Balance is affected by the weight of the handle and the blade. That said, a knife handle has more mass than the blade more often than not. And therein lies the problem, making the handle with the expertise and care so that it does not overpower the blade. To avoid this, reputable knife makers use the full tang model along with top of the line materials. Sure, the rubber and wood used for the grip will add more weight to the rear of the blade. But true bladesmiths will do their best to curb this.
FAQs
What is the best fixed blade knife?
What one considers the best fixed blade knife will differ from person to person. With that, we do know generally what makes a good knife. Everything from the steel that is used to the material that makes up the handle will impact the quality of a knife. Poor steel will rust and corrode. Unbalanced handles will annoy and frustrate users. And all of this combines will leave users with the antithesis of a great knife. Finding the knife that looks, feels, and works the way you want will be your best bet.
Who makes the best fixed blade hunting knives?
We really don’t feel like there is one company that rules overall. Rather, we feel that there are elite companies that make the best knives. Brands like SOG, Buck Knives, and Gerber all make great knives. Each brand will have specific characteristics that will benefit different users. Finding the best brand for you will take some trial and error. That said, all of the brands on our list make the best fixed blade knives on the market.
What is the best fixed blade knife for EDC?
An EDC knife needs to be comfortable to carry throughout the entire day. Often times fixed blade knives can be bulky and cumbersome. So, finding a fixed blade knife that can get you through days’ work, while also being comfortable to carry can be difficult. Luckily for you, we have a diverse list of knives for you to peruse through. A smaller, lighter, yet sturdy knife is what is needed in a fixed blade EDC. Just make sure to make an educated purchase before you buy it.
What is a fixed blade knife?
To put it simply, a fixed blade knife is one that cannot be folded and is stuck in a fixed position. Typically they are made from one solid piece of steel, commonly known as full tang knives. Some may be partial tang meaning the handle and the blade are two separate pieces. Regardless a partial tang knife is still a fixed blade knife.
Top Selling Fixed Blade Knives
- ✅ Knife Specifications: Fixed Blade Knife with sheath made of high quality carbon steel hardened to 56-57 HRC. Its razor-sharp blade retains its edge effectively. The handle of the hunting knife is made of rose wood and treated with Danish oil, allowing this tourist weapon to be dust free. The handle of the bushcraft knife is fastened with ties however it can be readily removed when not in use.
- ✅ Multi-Functional :With our horizontal carry knife, adventurers, hunters, fishers, and the military worldwide encounter thrilling adventures every day. These hunting knives were created specifically to be utilized in challenging outdoor locations. Your survival and camping gear must contain this tactical knife.
- Blade Width : 1.8cm / 0.70in
- Blade Length : 9.0cm / 3.5in
- Dimensions: 9 inch (22.9 centimeter) overall length with a blade length of 4.7 inches (12.1 centimeter) and a weight of 7.7 ounces
- Durable: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel with a black rubber wrapped handle
- Made in the USA
- Overall length: 7.90 inch
- DIMENSIONS: 10 inch (25.4 cm) overall length with a blade length of 5 inches (12.7 cm) and a weight of 11.2 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with a black, rubberized polymer handle
