Looking to expand your knife collection? Fixed blade knives offer unmatched durability and strength. Unlike folding knives, they have no moving parts to fail. But where do you start? This guide is here to help. We’ll explore some excellent fixed blade options without emptying your wallet.

Starter Fixed Blades for the Great Outdoors

The Unbeatable Mora: Morakniv Companion

The Morakniv Companion is a must-have. At KnifeCenter, we like to say “Mora Over Really Anything.” Why? These knives are incredibly affordable. Yet, they offer amazing quality and performance. They adapt to almost any situation.

• Price: Starting at about $17.
• Steel Options: Stainless steel (Sandvik 12C27) or carbon steel (1095 equivalent).
• Blade Thickness: ~2-2.5mm.
• Grind: Scandi grind (great for carving).
• Handle: Ergonomic rubber over-molded handle over partial tang.
• Sheath: Simple, efficient with J-hook clip and drain hole.
• Uses: Great for camping, hunting, and general outdoor tasks.

The stainless steel blade uses 12C27 Sandvik steel. This is a Swedish stainless steel. The carbon steel version uses a 1095 equivalent. Both are plenty tough. They’ll work great outdoors.

The Scandi grind excels at carving wood. The blade is thin enough for various tasks. Camping? Hunting? The Mora Companion handles it all. Want something beefier? The Companion HD is a thicker option. But this standard version is a great start.

The handle is ergonomic and comfortable. The sheath is simple but effective. It’s narrow on the belt, easy to take on and off, and has a drain hole. You could do far worse for your first fixed blade knife. Check out the Morakniv Companion at KnifeCenter.

Classic Meets Modern: Schrade 169OTH Old Timer Heritage

The Schrade 169OTH Old Timer Heritage bridges classic and modern styles. It blends outdoor survival, hunting, and general camp knife features.

• Price: Around $50.
• Blade Length: 5 inches.
• Steel: D2 (good edge retention).
• Handle: Laminated wood inlays (stable and durable).
• Tang: Full tang for extra strength.
• Sheath: Classic leather sheath.
• Uses: Outdoor survival, hunting, camping, general purpose.

The five-inch blade uses D2 steel. This provides excellent edge retention. It may not be as tough as the Mora’s steel, but it’s strong for its size. The blade geometry suits all-around slicing.

The handle features laminated wood inlays. These are more stable than natural wood. The full tang adds extra strength. There’s plenty of grip and a finger guard. It offers a good, general-purpose feel.

The classic leather sheath completes the package. It looks great whether you’re skinning game or cutting food at a campfire. It even works well for splitting wood or whittling. You can find the Schrade 169OTH Old Timer Heritage at KnifeCenter.

Primitive Survival: Cold Steel Bushman

Need a big, robust survival knife? Look to Cold Steel. They offer many great, affordable fixed blade knives. The Bushman is a prime example.

• Price: About $18-25.
• Blade Shape: Straight back or Clip Point available.
• Construction: Single piece steel.
• Handle: Wrap-around handle (can be used as a spear).
• Sheath: Injection-molded sheath with fire steel included.
• Uses: Bigger outdoor cuts, butchering, wood carving, spear (impromptu).

This seven-inch, straight-back blade is incredibly adaptable. It works for large outdoor cuts, butchering, and wood carving. Though thin, you can even split wood with it.

The wrap-around handle can serve as an impromptu spear. There’s a spot to drive a wedge or screw for stability. It’s a very cool knife. The injection-molded sheath includes a fire steel.

In a survival situation, fixed blade knives have an advantage. Fewer parts mean less chance of failure. That can be life-saving. The Cold Steel Bushman is available at KnifeCenter.

Self-Defense Fixed Blades: Affordable Options

Concealed Carry Karambit: Cold Steel Double Agent

Some people seek fixed blade knives for self-defense. The Cold Steel Double Agent karambit is a great entry point.

• Price: Around $28-36.
• Blade Shape: Hawkbill or Clip Point.
• Steel: AUS-8.
• Handle: Double finger ring (extra retention).
• Sheath: Secure-Ex (injection-molded) with breakaway ball chain.
• Uses: Self-defense or daily carry.

You can get it with a hawkbill or clip point blade. The hawkbill excels at maximizing cutting force. The AUS-8 steel is a fine choice at this price.

Most karambits have a single ring for the index finger. The Double Agent has a double ring for the pinkie. This provides extra retention in the reverse grip. You can also use it in a forward grip.

The SecureEX sheath keeps it concealed. It comes with a breakaway ball chain. This allows for stealthy neck carry. You can find the Cold Steel Double Agent at KnifeCenter.

Intuitive Self-Defense: KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife

The KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife is another excellent self-defense option. It was designed by John Benner of the Tactical Defense Institute (TDI).

• Price: ~$40-60.
• Blade Shape: Angled blade, drop point.
• Steel: AUS-8.
• Blade Length: ~2.5 inches.
• Handle: Injection molded, designed for secure grip.
• Sheath: Injection molded with TDI belt clip.
• Uses: Self-defense and everyday tasks.

The angled blade is very intuitive to use. The handle locks into your grip. The blade points forward, like a push dagger.

John Benner is an expert in law enforcement training. His expertise shines through in this design. The 2.5-inch AUS-8 blade is also useful for everyday tasks. It’s great for opening boxes and packages.

The injection-molded sheath includes a TDI belt clip. This allows versatile carry options. You can carry it on your belt or inside the waistband. The KA-BAR TDI Law Enforcement Knife is available at KnifeCenter.

EDC Fixed Blades: Pocket-Friendly and Reliable

Mini and Mighty: SOG Instinct Mini

Everyday carry (EDC) fixed blade knives are popular. They’re designed for daily tasks. The SOG Instinct Mini is a great option.

• Price: Around $40.
• Blade Length: Just under 2 inches.
• Steel: 5CR stainless steel.
• Sheath: Pocket clip sheath.
• Uses: Everyday carry, small tasks.

Unlike a folder, there are no moving parts. This means reliability. The 5CR stainless steel might not hold an edge for long, but it’s decently tough. This knife is a good way to try a pocket fixed blade knife without spending too much.

The sheath includes a pocket clip. About three fingers worth of grip sticks out for easy access. It makes many small cuts easy. The SOG Instinct is available at KnifeCenter.

Cleaver-Shaped Utility: CRKT Razel Compact

The CRKT Razel Compact offers a unique cleaver shape. It provides multiple cutting options.

• Price: Around $47.
• Blade Length: 2.3 inches.
• Steel: D2 tool steel.
• Blade Shape: Cleaver with standard edge and sharpened leading edge.
• Handle: Black G10.
• Sheath: Injection-molded with pocket clip.
• Uses: Everyday carry, chiseling, scraping, general cutting.

The 2.3-inch blade uses D2 tool steel. This gives very good edge retention. The cleaver shape includes a standard edge and sharpened leading edge. This lets you use it for chiseling or scraping. It even has partial serrations along the spine for more aggressive cutting.

The black G10 handle provides a secure grip. The paracord fob gives your pinkie something to hold onto. The injection-molded sheath has a convenient pocket clip. This is a strong and reliable option for pocket carry. Check out the CRKT Razel Compact at KnifeCenter.

Neck Knives: Compact and Concealable

Modern Neck Knife: Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake

Neck knives offer a compact and accessible carry option. Many can also transition to pocket carry. The Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake is a modern example.

• Price: Around $40.
• Blade Shape: Wharncliffe (~3.125 inches long).
• Steel: AR-RPM9
• Handle: G10.
• Sheath: Kydex.
• Uses: Everyday carry, opening packages, breaking down cardboard.

The 3.125-inch Wharncliffe blade is great for utility tasks. It excels at opening packages and breaking down cardboard. The G10 handle is comfortably sculpted.

The RPM9 steel is a spray form steel based on 9CR series stainless. This gives decent edge retention and toughness. The Kydex sheath is high-quality. If you don’t want to neck carry, add an Ulto-Clip for pocket or inside-the-waistband carry. You can find the Artisan Cutlery Sea Snake at KnifeCenter.

The Classic Minimalist: CRKT Folts Minimalist

The CRKT Minimalist series has been a long-running success. The Nessmuk blade version is a standout.

• Price: Around $40 (prices vary by blade shape).
• Blade Length: Just under 3 inches.
• Steel: D2 (or 8Cr series stainless on some versions).
• Blade Shape: Nessmuk (recurve with belly).
• Handle: Prominent finger grooves.
• Sheath: Injection molded with neck setup and belt loop.
• Uses: Everyday carry, hunting.

The D2 steel provides good edge retention. The Nessmuk blade shape offers a lot of cutting edge. The prominent finger grooves provide a secure grip.

The injection-molded sheath includes a neck setup and belt loop. The Nessmuk blade shape suits everyday carry and hunting. Check out the CRKT Minimalist at KnifeCenter.

Hunting Fixed Blades: Field Dressing on a Budget

Lightweight Hunter: Cold Steel Pendleton Lite Hunter

Fixed blade knives are excellent for hunting. They don’t get gummed up like folders can. The Cold Steel Pendleton Lite Hunter is a capable and affordable option.

• Price: Around $18-61.
• Blade Length: 3.625 inches.
• Steel: 4116.
• Blade Shape: Drop point.
• Handle: Injection molded.
• Sheath: Slim, easy clip on the back, drain hole.
• Uses: Hunting, camping.

The 3.625-inch drop point blade is a great slicer. The 4116 steel is tough and durable. You often see it in kitchen knives.

The injection-molded handle is comfortable. The sheath is slim and carries easily. It also works well as a basic camping knife. It’s a good alternative to the Mora if you prefer a more conventional geometry over a Scandi grind. The Cold Steel Pendleton Lite Hunter is available at KnifeCenter.

USA-Made Hunter: Buck BuckLite MAX

Buck Knives is synonymous with hunting fixed blade knives. The Buck BuckLite MAX series offers USA-made options at an affordable price.

• Price: Around $36 (gut hook version).
• Steel: 420HC stainless steel.
• Blade Length: 4 inches
• Handle: Injection molded with rubberized grip.
• Sheath: Simple nylon with retention snap.
• Uses: Hunting.

The four-inch blade uses 420HC stainless steel. The injection-molded handle has a rubberized grip for traction. The sheath is simple nylon with a retention snap.

The drop point version is another good general-purpose camping knife. The Buck BuckLite MAX is available at KnifeCenter.

Combat and Chopping: Larger Blades on a Budget

The Survival Rescue Knife: Cold Steel SRK

Need a combat knife on a budget? The Cold Steel SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a great choice.

• Price: As little as $40.
• Blade Length: 6 inches.
• Steel: SK5 carbon steel.
• Grind: Hollow grind.
• Handle: Injection molded.
• Sheath: Secure-Ex sheath.
• Uses: Combat, survival, general purpose outdoor.

The six-inch blade uses SK5 carbon steel. The thick spine adds toughness. The hollow grind provides a thin edge for cutting. The full tang extends through the injection-molded handle.

This is a versatile knife. It suits combat, survival, and general outdoor use. The Secure-Ex sheath allows aftermarket attachments. The Cold Steel SRK is available at KnifeCenter.

The Tough Tanto: Cold Steel GI Tanto

The Cold Steel GI Tanto is another affordable combat knife. It’s incredibly tough and can withstand abuse.

• Price: About $28.
• Blade Length: 7 inches.
• Steel: 1055 carbon steel.
• Grind: Hollow ground.
• Handle: Injection molded.
• Sheath: Injection molded.
• Uses: Combat and hard use.

The seven-inch blade uses 1055 carbon steel. This steel is known for its toughness. The tanto-style blade is hollow ground. The injection-molded handle has a neutral shape.

It has a true double guard, leaning it more into a combat role. The Cold Steel GI Tanto is available at KnifeCenter.

The Affordable Chopper: Kershaw Camp 10

A folding knife can’t chop. The Kershaw Camp 10 fills this need. It’s an affordable chopping knife.

• Price: ~$57 (slightly over the $50 limit, but worth it for a chopper).
• Blade Length: 10 inches.
• Steel: 65Mn carbon steel.
• Handle: Very ergonomic with diamond-like texture.
• Sheath: Reversible.
• Uses: Chopping, delimbing trees, brush clearing, campfire preparation.

The ten-inch blade uses 65Mn carbon steel. The shape is similar to a kukri. This puts more weight forward for powerful cuts. It’s great for delimbing trees and preparing campfires. The handle is very ergonomic with a diamond-like texture. A forward lanyard hole adds safety when chopping.

The sheath is well-designed. It works for lefties or righties. The strap loops around the back and secures both guarded sections of the blade. The Kershaw Camp 10 is available at KnifeCenter.

Howdy, David C. Andersen

Final Thoughts: Start Your Collection Today

This guide offers a great way to experience the world of fixed blade knives affordably. These knives provide excellent value and performance. They cover a wide range of uses. From everyday carry to hunting and combat, there’s something for everyone.

What do you think? Do you have other suggestions for beginner fixed blade knives? Share them in the comments.

Ready to get your hands on any of these knives? Find them at KnifeCenter.com.