Survival & Tools

Best Outdoor Knives

20 products reviewed · Updated for 2026

About Our Best Outdoor Knives Reviews

A quality knife is the most essential tool in any outdoor kit. From processing firewood with a fixed blade to daily tasks with a reliable folder, we've tested the best outdoor knives to help you find the perfect cutting tool for your adventures.

Every product below is something outdoor enthusiasts actually buy and recommend. We research, compare, and rank each item so you can make confident purchasing decisions.

Best Overall
Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Blade
1

Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Blade

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

S30V stainless steel blade
Stabilized wood handle for grip
Full tang construction for strength
Best Budget
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife
2

Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Swedish stainless steel blade
High-friction grip handle
Best budget fixed blade available
Best Value
Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool
3

Leatherman Wave+ Multi-Tool

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

18 tools in one compact package
Locking blade for safety
Removable pocket clip and lanyard ring
Work Sharp Precision Adjust Sharpener
4

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Sharpener

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Adjustable angle from 15-30 degrees
Diamond and ceramic abrasives
Tri-Brasive pivoting head design
Editor's Pick
Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14"
5

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14"

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Advanced forged steel blade
FiberComp handle won't break
Balanced for one-handed chopping
ESEE 4P Fixed Blade Knife
6

ESEE 4P Fixed Blade Knife

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

1095 carbon steel blade
Full tang with micarta handles
Lifetime warranty no questions asked
Benchmade Griptilian 551 Folding Knife
7

Benchmade Griptilian 551 Folding Knife

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

AXIS lock mechanism for safety
154CM stainless steel blade
Ambidextrous thumb stud opener
Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman
8

Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

15 functions in classic design
Legendary Swiss quality and reliability
Includes saw, scissors, and can opener
Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System
9

Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

5 different grit stones included
Controlled-angle sharpening guide
Custom carrying/storage case
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade
10

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

420HC steel with ceramic coating
Rubberized diamond texture grip
Striking pommel at base of handle
Spyderco Para Military 2 Folding Knife
11

Spyderco Para Military 2 Folding Knife

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

CPM S30V blade steel
Compression Lock mechanism
G-10 textured handle scales
Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe
12

Husqvarna 26" Wooden Multi-Purpose Axe

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Hand-forged Swedish steel head
American hickory handle
Includes leather edge cover
Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool
13

Leatherman Skeletool Multi-Tool

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Only 5 oz lightweight design
420HC combo blade
Carabiner/bottle opener clip
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion
14

Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

1095 Cro-Van carbon steel
5.25-inch fixed blade
Heavy chopping and batoning capable
Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Sharpener
15

Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Sharpener

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Preset crossed carbide blades
Ceramic finishing slot
Tapered diamond rod for serrations
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1
16

Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

AUS-8 stainless steel blade
Liner lock with nylon handle
Incredible value for quality
Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet
17

Hults Bruk Almike Hatchet

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Hand-forged in Sweden since 1697
American hickory handle
Perfect for camp and bushcraft
Buck 119 Special Fixed Blade
18

Buck 119 Special Fixed Blade

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

420HC steel blade with clip point
Phenolic handle with brass guard
American-made since 1902
Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool
19

Gerber Dime Mini Multi-Tool

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

12 tools in keychain size
Spring-loaded pliers
Stainless steel construction
Fallkniven F1 Pilot Survival Knife
20

Fallkniven F1 Pilot Survival Knife

WHY WE RECOMMEND IT

Laminated VG10 steel blade
Thermorun handle for grip
Official Swedish Air Force knife

Buying Guides

In-depth guides to help you make informed buying decisions. Each guide includes expert advice and our top product recommendations with links to Amazon.

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