A budget survival knife is not your average kitchen blade or camping gear item. These knives do not cost as much as their bucked-up steel counterparts, but they are way better in quality than most other low-price cut-throat blades.
Budget survival knives have thin 0.25–0.75 inch (6.4–19 mm) thick hardened 440 stainless steel that can be easily replaced if it breaks or wears down.
Most people use them for crafting, cleaning materials, and survival purposes. Because of this, there are many different styles and shapes examples available. Some even say they are more practical than larger, heavier combat-size knives!
We will talk about some basic characteristics of good-budget survival knives here so you know what to look for. Then, we will discuss our top pick and why it is the best overall budget survival knife.
Here are some best survival knives on budget
A great all-around knife is one that can be used for many purposes. It should have strong metal of good quality, which can be easily reorganized.
It should also be outfitted with easy-to-use controls such as sheaths or handles you can put in your pocket or car toolbox. This gives you more comfortable access to the blade when needed!
And lastly, this must be a high-quality piece that you can feel confident using for both basic practical purposes and advanced preparation. You want to know what it is like before buying so that you don’t waste money if it doesn’t work for you.
Budget-friendly knives that I recommend: The Buck Slipjoint Blade Pocketknife
The Buck slip jointed blade has a very sturdy handle that fits most hand sizes. They are extremely popular due to their ease of use and durability.
This model comes equipped with an internal frame-mounted cover, making it extra protective. There are several different style frames you can get to match your clothes or backpack. These covers make putting away the knife a lot simpler.
They also include leatherman-type clip-on scales you can add if you would like to do some light jewelry making. These come pre-tooled with a screwdriver tip and hook slash scraper but you can purchase separate ones if necessary.
These types of knives were designed to be affordable but they still retain top-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
Bushcraft knife
A bushcraft knife is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks in the wild. From building shelter and preparing food, to self-defense and first aid, a bushcraft knife can be a true lifesaver in a survival situation.
When choosing a bushcraft knife, it is important to select one that is comfortable to hold and that has a blade that is the right size and shape for the tasks you will be using it for. The handle of the knife should also be durable and easy to grip, even when your hands are wet or cold.
A good bushcraft knife will have a full-tang blade made from high-quality steel, such as 1095 carbon steel. The blade should be thick enough to withstand heavy use, but not so thick that it is difficult to sharpen. The blade should also have a flat grind for durability and a sharp, tapered point for precision.
When it comes to the handle of the knife, there are many different materials and designs to choose from. Wood handles are classic and offer a good grip, but can be slippery when wet. Micarta or G10 handles are more durable and offer a better grip, but can be more difficult to find in a survival situation.
No matter what material you choose for the handle, make sure it is securely attached to the blade with strong rivets. The knife should also have a lanyard hole near the base of the handle so you can easily carry it around your neck or on your belt.
A bushcraft knife is a versatile and essential tool for anyone who enjoys spending time in outdoors. With the right knife, you can be prepared for anything the wilderness throws your way.
Fixed blade knife
A fixed blade knife is a knife with a blade that is permanently attached to the handle. This contrasts with a folding knife, which has a blade that folds into the handle. A fixed blade knife may be used for many different purposes, such as hunting, camping, survival, or general utility. A fixed blade knife generally has a stronger construction than a folding knife, making it better suited for tougher tasks. The blade of a fixed blade knife is also less likely to break since it is not held in place by a hinge.
There are many different types of fixed blade knives, such as Drop Point, Clip Point, Tanto, and Bowie. Each type of knife has a different blade shape, which is designed for a specific purpose.
When choosing a fixed blade knife, it is important to consider the type of blade, the length of the blade, the handle material, and the sheath. The blade is the most important part of the knife, so it is important to choose a blade that is the right size and shape for the task at hand. The handle should be comfortable to hold, and the sheath should be durable and protect the blade.
A fixed blade knife can be an invaluable tool for many different purposes. Whether you are looking for a knife to take on a hunting trip, or you need a knife for general utility, a fixed blade knife is a great option.
Folding knife
A folding knife is a type of knife with a blade that folds into its handle. Folding knives have been around for centuries, and their popularity is only increasing. There are many reasons why someone might choose a folding knife over a fixed blade knife.
Folding knives are more convenient to carry because they can be easily stored in a pocket. Fixed blade knives require a sheath, which can be bulky and inconvenient to carry.
Folding knives are also safer to use because the blade is not exposed when it is not in use. This means that there is less chance of accidentally cutting yourself or someone else.
Fixed blade knives are generally stronger and more durable than folding knives, but they are also more expensive.
Folding knives are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and blade styles. There is a folding knife for everyone, whether you need a large knife for hunting or a small knife for everyday carry.
If you are looking for a new knife, consider a folding knife. You won’t be disappointed.
Utility knife
A utility knife is one of the most versatile and essential tools that you can have in your home. It can be used for a variety of tasks, from opening boxes and cutting through packaging, to slicing vegetables and trimming meat.
A utility knife typically has a blade that is between two and four inches long and is made from a sturdy material such as stainless steel. The blade is usually serrated, which helps to grip and hold onto materials.
Most utility knives have a handle that is made from plastic or wood, and a guard that protects your fingers from the blade. Some models also have a built-in LED light, which can be handy for working in dark areas.
When choosing a utility knife, it is important to select one that is comfortable to hold and that has a blade that is the right size for the tasks you will be using it for. It is also important to consider how you will be storing the knife, as some models come with a sheath or case, while others do not.
If you are looking for a utility knife that can handle a variety of tasks, then the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is a good option. This knife has a wide variety of blades and tools, making it perfect for everything from opening boxes to carving meat.
If you need a utility knife that is specifically designed for cutting through tougher materials, then the Kershaw Leek is a good choice. This knife has a serrated blade that is made from high-carbon stainless steel, making it ideal for slicing through thick materials.
No matter what your needs are, there is a utility knife out there that is perfect for you. With so many different options available, you are sure to find one that will make your life easier and help you get the job done right.
Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Kit
When it comes to picking your next survival knife, what is really important is knowing which style of knife is right for you. You want to make sure that it is comfortable to hold and use, but more importantly, that it does not get ruined very easily.
Many people start off buying cheap knives because they do not expect them to last too long. However, these low-cost knives are often made less securely, making them feel weaker and less durable. This can be frustrating as you try to use it every day!
Cheap knives also tend to be thinner than average, making it harder to achieve a good grip. It may also lack any kind of sheath or handle attachment. This could potentially hurt you if you have to use the knife quickly.
A budget-friendly option is to buy a plain black leather sheath. These usually fit most survival knives and are relatively inexpensive. If you are looking to invest in a better quality sheathed blade, however, we have some recommendations below.
We will discuss two different types of survival knifes here- fluted pocket knives and fixed blades. Both are considered practical everyday utility weapons, so pick whichever one fits your lifestyle.
Buck Tail Bear Grylls Survival Knife
The next budget survival knife is designed by the famous British explorer, adventurer, and TV personality, Buck Tannous. He created this knife for his popular show, Surviving a Disaster With Buck.
On his show, he would take one or more survivors and have them compete in a challenge to determine who will be saved and who will not. In these challenges, he uses the person’s special skill to save their life.
For example, if someone knows how to navigate using a map and GPS, they can use that knowledge to find help. If someone has good communication skills, they can organize a group to do things like search for supplies, coordinate aid, or even call 911.
If there is something specific about the person that makes them unique, they can use that talent to win the competition. For instance, someone with great hand-eye coordination could play a game of shot put while staying organized and helping others.
Buck Tannous designed his most recent budget survival knife according to the same principles. This knife is perfect for anyone looking to hone their practical life skills and know how to survive in any situation. It also does not cost very much either!
The Bucktail bear design comes from the steel used to make it. This type of steel gives you greater flexibility when bending and forming the blade. You get better quality knives this way too because the extra strength matter more than having a sharp edge.
Gerber Bear Grylls Multipurpose Survival Knife
When it comes to choosing a budget survival knife, there are several key features you should look for. One of the most important things is whether or not the blade is solid or hollow. A solid blade will last longer but may be more expensive. An affordable alternative is a drop-point blade, which ends in a slightly curved tip.
Another essential feature is the handle material. The best handles are made from leather or plastic that can easily be sanitized if needed. Rubberized or gel-padded grips are also an excellent choice.
A final consideration is how easy it is to use. Make sure you can access all parts of the blade quickly without any extra tools. This includes opening and closing the blade as well as pulling out the serrated edge if necessary.
The one major downfall of many bear Grylls knives is the lack of versatility. They are designed to do only one thing and cost a little too much for them to replace with ease.
Buck Tail Bear Grylls Multipurpose Survival Knife
The next budget survival knife you can find is the Buck Tail Bear Grylls multipurpose knife. This knife has been a favorite of many people due to its ease of use and reliability.
The handle of this knife is made from high-quality leather which helps preserve your hand warm in wintertime conditions. It also aids in keeping the blade cool as it absorbs some moisture from the skin and rolls up slightly.
This makes it ideal for wet environments where there may be exposed to water or blood. The hard plastic liner that goes along the length of the blade is removable so you can wash it if needed.
It also comes with a wooden sheath that is not flimsy, making it durable enough for outdoor use. However, buying extra padding material must be done separately as it is not included in the initial purchase.
Spyderco EnduraCore Survival Knife
The best budget survival knife is easily the Spyderco EnduraCore. This knife has become very popular in recent years due to its ease of use, reliability, and overall value. It is also one of the few full tang knives which adds some heft to it.
A full tang blade means that the handle attaches directly to the blade instead of being attached to the blade as most knives have. This gives you better grip stability and security as well as adding some weight to the blade.
The EnduraCore was first released in 2014 and since then it has remained relatively unchanged aside from some style variations. It is made out of 440C steel which makes it durable and heavy-duty.
It features six position pocket clips which allow for easy access to all of the main pockets of the knife. These include a lanyard hole, index finger slot, toothpick, hook tool, and flat screwdriver.
These are great tools that can be left out at any time.
Gerber Bear Grylls Multipurpose Survival Knife
When it comes to choosing a budget survival knife, there are several major brands that offer very similar quality products. Some of the most popular include Life Flash, Leatherman, Benchmade, and Osprey. All of these companies make great low-cost knives designed for general-purpose use.
Budget survival knives will usually feature strong materials such as carbon steel or titanium alloy blades which are more durable than lighter-weight stainless steel. Blades should be slightly serrated, making them easier to cut through solid objects like tree branches or rope.
The handle material is also an important consideration when picking out a budget survival knife. A tough plastic or leather grip is better than wood or metal because you can easily hold onto it while preparing food or working with the blade. Also, a smooth surface area helps your hand feel comfortable while using the knife.
Leatherman Gator Rescue Survival Kit
The Leather-tooled wonder that is the top pick in this article series is the Leatherman GATOR RESCUE SURVIVAL KIT! This knife has many unique features including an ambidextrous thumb stud, two blade positions (folding or sheath), and reversible handle material.
Most importantly, the GORETEXTURE 2.0 folding steel blade can be easily replaced without using any tools! You get a few uses out of each blade before having to buy a new one. It also comes with a nylon carry case which makes it very accessible.
This kit comes at around $30-$40 depending on where you purchase it. If you are looking for a great all-round survival tool this will not disappoint.