In a survival situation, a knife is going to be one of your most essential tools. When you buy any type of gear, whether it’s kitchen tools or sports equipment, the stakes generally aren’t that high if you get it wrong, but the wrong survival knife can mean the difference between life and death. Here is a look at some of Survivopedia’s top choices when it comes to survival knives.

Army and Air Force Issue Survival Knife

This professional-level knife comes with a sharpening stone, so you can always be sure it will be sharp enough to deal with whatever task you throw at it. Its carbon steel construction gives it plenty of durability, while its rust-resistant finish protects it from the elements.

The CRKT M21 Aluminum Folder

This lightweight folding knife comes with two safety locks to keep accidents at bay and features a three-inch blade. At 3.2 ounces, it’s easy to carry around in your pocket so you’ll never be caught off-guard, and you can flip it open with just one hand for those times you need to react quickly.

The Tool Logic SL Pro 2

If you don’t have a good multi-purpose knife, it’s time to get one, and this is a great starting point. Its serrated three-inch, 50/20 blade is only the beginning of the story; it can also be used as a LED flashlight, signal whistle and spark rod. This means you don’t need to carry around several separate tools to accomplish these tasks, saving up room for other items.

KA-BAR Full-Size Black with Straight Edge

The fact that this knife is used and loved by the U.S. Marine Corps says all you need to know. The seven-inch, 1095 chrome-vanadium steel blade is not only dependable, it’s also versatile enough to handle any job.

Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 Plain Edge

This popular knife is renowned for its ability to cut through game and wood equally smoothly. It features a full tang, and it is known for its superior resistance. The ultra-sharp edge angle makes slicing an effortless task.

The Frost Mora Knife

If you’re on a tight budget, the Frost Mora Knife will give you a lot of bang for your buck. This Swedish-made knife comes with an elegant wooden handle, and you can pick one up for less than $20.

The Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Adventurer

If you’re looking for a knife that can accomplish multiple tasks, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the classic Swiss Army Knife from Victorinox, who boast more than 130 years in the business. In addition to a blade, you’ll find screwdrivers, a bottle and can opener, a toothpick and tweezers. Just 2.9 ounces of added weight is a small price to pay for all this functionality.

The Buck Hoodlum

This high-quality knife has a 10-inch blade made of steel with a powder coating for rust-resistance. Its Black Linen Micarta handle absorbs shock, so you could even attach it to a pole and use it like a spear.

CRKT Ultima

This design has stood the test of time, getting its inspiration from the daggers used in the Bronze Age 4,000 years ago. Its biggest selling point is its handle, which features 70 triangle segments to give users a superior grip while allowing for water and other debris to slide right off of it.

Cold Steel Recon 1 Spear Point

If you’ve already got a lot to carry around, you’ll be glad you have the thin and light Cold Steel Recon 1 on hand. Its stainless clip attaches easily to a pocket or belt and it weighs just 5.3 ounces, so it won’t weigh you down or get in your way as you navigate a hostile environment.

There are a lot of survival knives on the market, and some are far better than others. The biggest question to ask yourself is what you think you’ll use it for most and then look for quality pieces that meet your needs.

Sources include:

Survivopedia.com

Victorinox.com