Top 4 Survival Knives under $150

Any outdoorsman knows that a good knife is the ultimate survival tool. You can render kindling and tinder, gut your prize, hammer stakes, hunt small game, or defend yourself. I’m partial to fixed blades, rather then the folding or locking, based mostly on the full tang potential and reliability. I've compiled a list of the top 4 survival knives currently on the market, priced under $150 with a blade length under 5", in no particular order.

1. Ka-Bar Becker Companion (with polyester sheath)

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Photo Credit: Ka-Bar[/caption]Price: $121.76Bottom line, Ka-Bar produces quality blades. This drop point fixed blade with Ultrami™ grip, will live up to any survival situation. Weighing only 1 lb. with a 5.25” blade (I know I lied - it's 1/4 inch over), this versatile knife can chop, dice, and slice – while not weighing down your belt – thanks to the blade's 20 degree angled edge.The Ka-bar Becker Companion is at the upper end of our price range, but don’t let that dissuade you. The knife is made in the good ol’ U.S.A. - even though the sheath is made in China. The Rockwell rating (a.k.a. hardness of steel) for the blade is in the 56-58 range, meaning it’s very hard steel. Overall, this knife is a perfect companion for any apocalyptic setting.

2. Fallkniven F-1

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Photo Credit: Fallkniven[/caption]Price: $128.86As touted by the Fallkniven company, the “F1 is the official survival knife [of] Swedish Air Force pilots since 1995,” and for good reason. It is lightweight, weighing in at approximately 5.4 ounces, so it should not add too much burden when traversing rough terrain. The convex blade length is 3.8”, ideal for crafting kindling and skinning prizes, but could leave the outdoorsman in a jam when splitting logs. If you’re looking for a heavier blade from Fallkniven, check out their A1 model.What I love about this blade is you can have it produced in two options of material; one being 3g and the other VG10, with Rockwell ratings of 59 and 62 respectively – making it a little softer then the Ka-Bar. Furthermore, you can have Fallkniven apply a black CeraKote coating to the blade, but they even admit this will wear off over time. Overall, this blade is strong, versatile and lightweight.

3. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=38&v=8vU349HYR3EPrice: $86Coming in on the low end of the price range, at only $86, this fixed 420HC bladed knife is a great option for the price-conscientious consumer. The handle is glass filled nylon with a rubber overmold, making it difficult to slip out of your grip. The 4.8” blade, will work in a jam for cracking wood into proper kindling, but still leave room for delicate work. The knife weighs in at 7.2 oz., but can be sheathed in a snap-in molle strap. As a bonus, it comes in “coyote brown” which looks pretty badass…just saying.

4. ESEE Laser Strike Fixed Blade

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Photo Credit: ESEE[/caption]Price: $105.15To round out the list, I had to include and ESEE. The ESEE brand is known for excellent customer service and warranty, providing lifetime free replacement or repair - guaranteed. The hefty 4.75” blade, .188” in thickness, is heavy enough (9.5 oz.) to split wood. The blade is made of 1095 carbon steel with a Rockwell rating of 55-57. Just be careful, as with any blade, it may rust without proper care.The handles are removable and come stocked with a Ferrocerium fire starter and tinder tabs located inside; along with the bowdrill divot in the handle, you should have no issue starting a roaring fire.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully this list has given you some good ideas on some survival knives under $150 and 5 inches. As with any survival tool, opinions matter and vary drastically. What is your go-to survival knife? Go ahead and list them in the comment section below.