My Five Favorite Tactical Knives For Survival
In this age of computers and technology there’s a tool that must be in every prepared person’s inventory – a tactical knife. In fact, I believe having a knife handy is essential for many everyday activities. Most people don’t need a 6” fixed blade knife, of course, but for someone who may be in a camping, hiking, or survival situation, a good tactical knife has many uses and can replace several other tools. I personally have used each of the tactical knives I recommend below. They are all under $100 and will last a lifetime (if cared for properly). They are all fixed-blade knives, except the CRKT M16 (which is a robust folding knife) because these knives are for Every Day Carry (EDC) in a backpack or vehicle. Again, I have used each of these knives in extreme environments in SEAL Training, Alaska, and downrange (on deployments). Without further delay, here are my top personal recommendations for a solid survival knife.
SOG - "SEAL PUP"
I was issued the SOG SEAL Pup when I graduated from BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL Training). The SEAL Pup is a lightweight, versatile fixed blade knife. It comes out of the box very sharp, and has a sheath that is easy to tie to a backpack or carry attached to a belt. A little too light for splitting firewood or heavy camp work, the SEAL Pup excels as a lightweight and fast-cutting knife with aggressive serrations good for light bushcraft work. The sheath is basic and includes a strap that confidently secures the knife.
COLD STEEL- “SRK-5
Ask any Navy SEAL about his issued SRK and he will attest to the hours and months of grueling time spent in the surf with this trusty sidekick. Whether it’s two mile ocean swims or desert runs in San Clemente Island in 3rd phase, this knife was carried along by every BUD/S student. The SRK-5 is easy to sharpen with a basic sharpening stone and is equipped with a thick tang blade that can split firewood and do basic camp work. The included hard sheath can be lashed onto a pack or conveniently hung from a belt.
Ontario Knife Co.- “RAT®3 Serrated”
This is, in my opinion the highest quality knife on this list. A thick full-tang steel bade with serrations make this a solid camp knife albeit the short 3” blade may be on the minimalistic side for some. I used this knife extensively in Alaska during SQT (SEAL Qualification Training) and had no issues with making firewood, scrapping bark for fire-starting, and chopping sticks. This Survival knife is one of the best tools for the money.
CRKT - “M16 Tanto”
I hesitated to put a folding knife on this list because almost any pocket knife folder will do for that use, but the CRKT M16 is a robust folding knife that has the weight and feel of a fixed blade when unfolded. Chopping, splitting, and scraping firewood is no problem with this plus-sized folder – but don’t expect the strength of a full tang fixed blade! However, this knife is more compact than a fixed blade knife and can be carried more discreetly in the pocket or clipped on MOLLE strips on your pack or bag. The Tanto style point is one of my favorites for a folder and it has a lot of utility for prying open cans or easy sharpening in the field. Overall this is a handy knife to have in your stash.
Gerber- Strongarm Serrated
The Gerber Strongarm Serrated Knife was my go-to knife. I had it mounted on my plate-carrier (Body armor I wore as a SEAL). This Strongarm Serrated knife boasts durable steel, robust construction and is easy to sharpen. It is packed with features like an optional serrated blade and a built in window-breaker on the pommel that utilizes the full-tang design. The molded grip lasts a long time, unlike many other brands, and firmly clicks into the included nylon hard sheath. Heavy camp work and light forest shelter building is no problem for this tool.
