What Is a Survival Knife?
A survival knife is designed for critical situations where you need to rely completely on your gear. It’s used for building shelter, starting fires, preparing food, crafting tools, or even hunting. Unlike many general-purpose outdoor knives, a true survival knife must withstand extreme conditions – from cold and moisture to impact and long-term use.
Key Features of a Great Survival Knife
A good survival knife differs from a regular camping knife by having specialized attributes. Here’s what to look for:- Durable fixed blade – made from stainless steel or carbon steel for strength and sharpness
- Full tang – for superior durability and resistance to stress
- High-friction grip – secure even in rain, mud, or cold
- Spine compatible with ferro rod or fire starter
- Smart, compact design – for versatility and ease of carry
- Added features – like an integrated sharpener or multi-mount sheath
1 100 kr
Garberg BlackBlade (C) is a bushcraft knife with a full-tang blade in carbon steel and a black DLC coating. Compatible with ferro rod and tough enough for batoning – perfect for bushcraft and demanding outdoor adventures.
1 795 kr
Lok BlackBlade is a durable survival knife with a black PVD-coated full tang blade made of Swedish stainless steel and a sleek ash wood handle. It is compatible with ferro rod and perfect for outdoor life, bushcraft, and adventure.
1 300 kr
Garberg BlackBlade (C) with Survival Kit is a bushcraft knife with a full-tang carbon steel blade and black DLC coating. Compatible with ferro rod, built for batoning, and equipped with a survival kit including ferro rod, diamond sharpener, and reflective cord for demanding outdoor adventures.
What environments will you be in?
Are you heading into alpine terrain with extreme cold? Planning a hunting trip? Practicing bushcraft skills in deep forest? If so, prioritize grip, corrosion resistance, and a strong blade. For wet or cold areas, a stainless steel blade with a textured handle will keep you safe and efficient. Will you use the knife daily or keep it for emergency situations? The answer guides the balance between portability and ruggedness.If you operate in extreme conditions (cold, wind, wet), it is particularly important that the knife has a good grip, stainless steel that resists moisture, and that the blade is strong enough to withstand heavy use. Also consider how often you use the knife - daily in the field or as part of an emergency response kit? This will influence which choice is best for you.
Do you want a full tang knife?
Full tang construction means the blade extends through the handle for maximum strength. If you plan to baton wood, carve shelter supports, or process game, full tang is essential.Garberg and Lok are excellent full tang knives built to handle anything the outdoors throws at you.
More Survival Knife Tips
- Maintenance & Materials: Choose stainless steel if you’re in wet environments often – easier upkeep, less worry. Carbon steel is best for short trips where sharpness is key and maintenance is manageable.
- Grip Is Everything: Go for a handle that gives a secure grip, even when wet or wearing gloves. This ensures safety and precision when using your knife in challenging conditions.
- Sheath & Carry Options: Think about where and how you carry your knife – belt, chest, pack, or pocket. MultiMount gives the most flexibility. Make sure the sheath fits your setup and feels secure.
- Weight vs Functionality: Heavier knives offer strength but can slow you down. If you’re covering miles, Lok offers a great balance of performance and weight.
- Think Long-Term: A good survival knife is a lifelong companion. Choose quality up front to avoid disappointment later.
Need a fire starter?
If building a fire is a priority, choose a knife with a ground spine that sparks well with a ferro rod, or get a model with one included.Bushcraft Survival comes ready with fire starter and sharpener on the sheath.
Alternatively, get Garberg + Survival Kit – a great setup with everything in one system.
Both setups ensure you're ready when the elements don’t go your way.
Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel?
Stainless steel is ideal for wet, snowy, or humid conditions. It resists rust and corrosion, needs less maintenance, and is perfect for extended outings or long-term storage. It offers excellent edge retention and is easy to clean in the field.Carbon steel provides a razor-sharp edge and is preferred by traditionalists. Our BlackBlade coating adds some rust resistance and reduces shine – helpful for tactical or hunting scenarios. Just remember: carbon needs regular care – dry and oil it to protect from rust.
