Living off-grid is synonymous with low utility bills, a cleaner environment, and a profound sense of independence. But amidst the endless wafts of fresh air and vast open spaces lies inherent risks. From stinging plants to ferocious beasts, slithering serpents, and even hostile native tribes, the dangers of off-grid living can come from multiple quarters. 

It’s in light of these challenges that survival knives were invented. 

A survival knife can make a significant difference, allowing you to escape life-threatening encounters unscathed. You can deploy the tool to safely fend off attacks, cut through dense twigs, make crude weapons, build a shelter, and even start a fire. 

Obviously, you’ll only unlock these benefits by picking the right survival knife. And that’s where we come in. 

Here’s a review of the top five survival knives to add to your outdoor checklist.

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1. Uncharted Supply Company Empire Knife

The Empire Knife is engineered specifically for resilient off-griders. The knife’s rubber grip comes with a finger guard for extra safety and comfort while handling it in different weather conditions. It sports a full-tang construction for exceptional strength and durability. 

While the survival knife is mostly used for cutting, you can deploy it in several other scenarios. It can be used as an integrated bottle opener to open canned foods or as a glass breaker tool to escape glass barriers. 

Each Empire Knife’s blade features razor-sharp and serrated edges for different cutting needs. You can use the razor blade to slice meat or cut fabrics and the serrated side to chop thick ropes and harnesses. 

The package includes a sharpening stone to maintain the sharp edges and a protective sheath for secure storage. Besides, the manufacturer included a Ferro rod to help you start a fire, prepare a meal, keep warm, or scare wild animals away.

2. Lord & Field Frontiersman Survival Knife

Lord & Field Frontiersman Survival Knife is made from 1095 carbon steel, which happens to be the same steel grade used to design fighting knives for the US military. That speaks volumes about the tool’s robustness and durability. 

The survival knife features a modified Scandi grind, making it particularly suitable for mowing thickets and cutting through rugged twigs. It also comes with two arrowheads for fashioning makeshift weapons, such as arrows and spears. 

To protect its incredibly sharp blade while not in use, the manufacturer included a chic leather sheath. The sheath is long enough to house both the blade and handle, providing maximum discretion while roaming the woods. 

Like the Empire Knife, Lord & Field’s package includes a handy fire-starter kit comprising a Ferro rod and striker.

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3. Poshland TR-177 Survival Knife

The Poshland TR-177 Survival Knife is made from 1095/15N20 alloy steel and a micarta handle. While that combination is exceptionally durable, the manufacturer doubled down with a full tang design to ensure the knife lasts forever. 

According to lab tests, the sharpness of this survival steel blade is a staggering HRC 58-60. The blade has been hand-sharpened for maximum reliability. Whether you’re seeking to cut camping ropes or sharpen an arrow, you can trust Poshland TR-177 to deliver. 

Besides its sheer efficacy, the Poshland Survival Knife is also quite elegant, thanks to its hand-forged blade pattern and rustic wooden handle with silver bolsters. Both the blade and handle measure 5 inches long, bringing the total length to 10 inches. 

The package includes a durable, hand-made leather sheath.

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4. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops Folding Knife

Smith & Wesson Folding Knife is designed with a high carbon stainless steel blade and an aluminum handle for enhanced longevity. The blade is partially serrated to fulfill diverse cutting applications. 

Despite its sharp blade, this knife guarantees a safe and comfortable grip. That’s due to ingenious finger indentations in its handle. 

Smith & Wesson is remarkably small and sleek, measuring an overall (blade + sheath) length of 7.1 inches and weighing a paltry 3.5 ounces. It’s a discreet yet highly functional everyday carry tool that comfortably fits into your back pocket. 

The incorporation of a pocket clip ensures the knife is always within reach, while ambidextrous thumb knobs make it easy to deploy whenever danger strikes unannounced. What’s more – the product comes with a Limited Warranty.

5. SOG Seal FX Tanto 

Like other survival knives on this list, the SOG Seal FX Tanto is engineered with efficiency and durability in mind. 

For starters, the SOG Seal FX’s handle features a raised diamond pattern for a secure grip. The blade is designed from a combination of vanadium and niobium carbides, which are renowned for unparalleled toughness and longevity. 

SOG Seal FX also comes with an ambidextrous sheath, which features both vertical and mounting options. This creative design spec ensures the tool is always handy and ready to deploy when the situation calls for it. 

SOG Seal FX Tanto measures 1 x 1 x 1 inches, making it one of the most discreet survival knives out there. Weighing just 1.1 pounds, you can comfortably have the tool on you all day.

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Final Word

Each survival knife is unique. Therefore, it’s prudent to research these tools extensively before adding them to your outdoor gearbox. 

Fortunately, there’s a survival knife out there for every nature lover. Whether you live entirely off-grid or occasionally venture into the wild outdoors, you will find a device tailored to your needs. 

To find the best bargains on high-end or limited-edition survival knives, consider signing up for an outdoor subscription box.