Fixed-Blade Knives

About Fixed-Blade Knives

Fixed-blade knives offer one structural advantage over every folder in a tool kit: no pivot point means no mechanical failure under load. A fixed blade is a continuous piece of steel from tip to pommel, which is why hunters, campers, tradespeople, and preppers reach for them when reliability matters more than pocket-friendly compactness. Whether you are batoning wood, dressing game, or keeping a capable cutter on a work belt, a fixed blade handles abuse that would stress a folding lock. The options here range from the compact CRKT 2384K at 5.22 inches overall to full field knives measuring 9 inches or more. Materials across this selection span stainless steel (low maintenance, corrosion-resistant), high carbon steel (used by both the Morakniv 12147 and the ESEE-6 6PB-011, prized for edge retention and easy resharpening in the field), and alloy steel blends. Prices run from $10.99 for the Morakniv 12147 to $141.49 for the ESEE-6 6PB-011, with a clear mid-tier cluster between $20 and $55 that covers most buyers. Handle materials are equally varied: rubber and plastic dominate the budget tier, fiberglass and Fibrox appear in the mid-range, and Micarta is reserved for premium survival builds. Narrowing the choice comes down to four questions. What overall length do you actually need? Compact utility tasks favor 5 to 6 inches overall, while outdoor and camp use opens up to 8 or 9 inches. What steel type fits your maintenance habits? High carbon holds an edge longer but requires drying and light oiling. What handle material suits your grip and conditions? Rubber performs well when wet; wood and Micarta offer comfort on longer tasks. And what is your budget ceiling? Under $20 buys proven performers from Morakniv and Smith. Between $30 and $55, options like the Morakniv M-120-1600 and the Kershaw 4007 add material upgrades. Above $89, ESEE and Buck deliver premium-grade builds with serious field credentials.