In a full blown end of the world as we know it event were to occur, survival skills and the right tools become essential to staying alive. One of the most important tools you'll need is a reliable knife or better said, knives plural. Not all knives are created equal, and each type serves specific purposes. There is no one best knife for all of your survival needs. Whether it's building shelter, hunting for food, or self-defense, having the right knives can make the difference between life and death.
Most importantly have a large collection of knives. Even if some are those cheap 3 dollar knives. You want a bunch of knives because knives are easy to break when you use them every day. Easy to lose when you are working in the woods. You can't have to many, period.
This is a guide to the different kinds of knives and their greatest uses that every survivalist should have in their post-apocalyptic toolkit. Hatchets, machetes, and electrical knives are not among the tools covered in this article.
Fixed-Blade Survival Knife
Best For: General survival tasks, fire-starting, shelter-building, and self-defense.
Your main tool is a survival knife with a robust fixed blade. The fixed blade offers greater strength and durability than folding knives. Seek for a full-tang design, which increases the handle's stability and robustness by having metal running the full length of the handle. This knife will be your workhorse for chopping wood, preparing meals, making shelters, and even self-defense.
Many survival knives also come with a fire-starting ferrocerium rod, making it essential for starting fires when matches or lighters run out. Opt for a blade length between 4 to 6 inches, which balances utility and ease of handling.
Lock Blade Knife
Best For: Everyday carry, small tasks, cutting rope, food preparation and cleaning game.
A lockblade knife is useful for smaller, more precise tasks where a large fixed blade may be overkill. Because it folds into itself, it's easy to carry around in your pocket without risking injury. Pocket knives are excellent for cutting rope, food prep, and basic repairs. They're lightweight, convenient, and easy to conceal.
Tactical Knife
Best For: Self-defense, quick access during emergencies, breaking glass, cutting seat belts.
Because they are made with military or law enforcement applications in mind, tactical knives are perfect for self-defense in a hostile post-apocalyptic setting. Usually compact and built for rapid deployment, these knives have fixed blade designs or aided opening mechanisms for instant access. Features like seatbelt cutters, glass breakers, and non-reflective coatings for stealth are frequently used.
Multi-Tool Knife
Best For: Versatile tasks, gear repair, and small fixes.
A multi-tool is indispensable in an apocalypse scenario. While the blade on a multi-tool knife won't replace a proper survival knife, its versatility makes it essential. It typically includes screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and even can openers—tools that will come in handy when repairing gear, fixing shelters, or opening cans of food and many many others.
The first and my personal favorite is the swiss army knife (swiss champ). Others that would fit in this same category or a Leatherman multi tool. Personally I don't think anyone should choose between the two. Get both. Other brands such as Gerber, which offer high-quality, durable options can be substituted.
Fillet Knife
Best For: Cleaning fish and preparing game after it has been quartered in the case of large game.
While not typically associated with survival scenarios, a fillet knife can be invaluable if you're near a water source (and you should be) and rely on fishing for food. These thin, flexible knives are designed to clean and fillet fish with precision. Additionally, they can be used to prepare small game or delicate cuts of meat from larger animals.
In an apocalypse, you need to be prepared for every scenario. Having a range of knives at your disposal ensures that you can handle everything from food prep and shelter-building to self-defense and repairs. Your knife collection should include a fixed-blade survival knife for general tasks, a folding pocket knife for smaller tasks and a multi-tool for versatility. Each of these knives serves a specific role, and together, they form the foundation of your survival arsenal.
I CANNOT stress enough that when the SHTF situation occurs you will NEVER be able to go to a store and purchase a replacement. Get THEM now, not just one of each.