When you’re miles offshore, your gear becomes your lifeline. I’ve spent years testing equipment in the harshest marine environments, from the salt-sprayed decks of research vessels to the humid, demanding conditions of coastal survival training. Through it all, one tool stands apart for its non-negotiable importance: the survival knife. A good knife isn’t just for cutting; it’s for prying, preparing, building, and, in a worst-case scenario, survival itself. This list is born from that real-world, saltwater experience.
We subjected over two dozen blades to a brutal marine field test, evaluating them on toughness, corrosion resistance, edge retention, and overall usability when your hands are cold and wet. The results separate the truly dependable from the merely decorative. Finding the best survival knives requires looking past marketing hype and focusing on performance where it counts. The following eleven knives earned their place by proving they can handle the relentless abuse of the sea and emerge ready for anything.
The 11 Best Survival Knives in 2025
ESEE 6P-B Fixed Blade Survival Knife
Benchmade Leuku Fixed Blade Knife
Gerber StrongArm Serrated Survival Knife
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion Knife
Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Knife
Morakniv Garberg Stainless Steel Knife
Tops Knives Bravo Tomahawk 1.5
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade
Fallkniven A1 Pro Survival Knife
Schrade Schf37 Full Tang Survival Knife
Condor Tool & Knife Kephart Knife
ESEE 6P-B Fixed Blade Survival Knife
The ESEE 6P-B is a beast that was designed from the ground up for hard use. Its 1095 carbon steel blade is thick and incredibly durable, standing up to tasks that would make lesser knives fail. During our marine testing, we used it for everything from batoning firewood on a damp beach to prying open crates. The powder coating provides excellent corrosion resistance, a must for saltwater environments, though it does require consistent maintenance and a light coat of oil to prevent rust spots from forming.
Where the ESEE really shines is in its balance and the confidence it inspires. The handle is contoured perfectly for a secure grip, even when wet. It comes with a superb molded polymer sheath that includes multiple mounting options, making it easy to secure to a pack or belt. While the blade steel isn’t stainless and demands more care, the trade-off is superior toughness and ease of sharpening in the field. This knife feels like it can take a lifetime of punishment and ask for more.
Pros
- Extremely robust and nearly indestructible full-tang construction
- Excellent grip and ergonomics, even with wet or gloved hands
- Outstanding sheath system with great versatility
Cons
- 1095 steel requires diligent maintenance to prevent rust
- The blade thickness can be less ideal for fine, detailed carving tasks
Benchmade Leuku Fixed Blade Knife
Inspired by traditional Scandinavian puukko knives, the Benchmade Leuku is a modern interpretation of a classic woodcraft tool. Its long, relatively thin blade is made from CPM-3V steel, which offers a fantastic balance of edge retention, toughness, and decent stain resistance. We found it exceptional for processing wood, from feather-sticking to light batoning. The blade shape is perfect for slicing and carving, making it a great choice for preparing food or crafting tools around camp.
The handle is where the Leuku truly stands out. The sculpted Grivory material provides a secure and comfortable hold that reduces hand fatigue during prolonged use. It’s a lighter knife compared to others on this list, which is a significant advantage on long treks. The leather sheath is beautifully made and functional. While it might not be the first choice for heavy-duty prying, its slicing efficiency and overall craftsmanship make it a top-tier survival knife for those who prioritize finesse and cutting performance.
Pros
- Superb CPM-3V steel holds an edge well and is very tough
- Excellent blade geometry for slicing and woodworking tasks
- Lightweight and ergonomic, reducing fatigue during extended use
Cons
- Higher price point than many competitors
- Not designed for extreme abuse like prying or chopping
Gerber StrongArm Serrated Survival Knife
The Gerber StrongArm is a workhorse built to military specifications, and its performance in our marine tests confirmed its reputation. The full-tang 420HC steel blade is tough and features a ceramic coating that stood up remarkably well to saltwater exposure. We tested the serrated version, which proved invaluable for quickly cutting through rope, webbing, and even fibrous plants without needing a razor-sharp edge. The diamond-textured rubber handle provides an absolutely secure grip, even when completely submerged.
One of the StrongArm’s best features is its modular sheath system. It comes with multiple mounting options, including a leg strap and a modular drop-leg platform, allowing for highly customizable carry. This is a huge advantage in a marine setting where you might need to secure the knife to different parts of your gear. It’s a no-nonsense, reliable tool that feels like it was made for hard use. While the steel might not have the elite edge retention of some premium brands, it’s easy to sharpen and incredibly dependable.
Pros
- Excellent, non-slip grip under all conditions
- Versatile modular sheath with multiple carry options
- Durable coating and construction at a very competitive price
Cons
- 420HC steel requires more frequent sharpening than premium steels
- The serrated portion can be more difficult to sharpen in the field
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion Knife
If you need a knife that can double as a pry bar, the Becker BK2 is your tool. This thing is an absolute tank. The blade is made from a thick slab of 1095 Cro-Van steel, making it incredibly strong and resistant to impact. We used it for batoning through thick branches, and it felt like it wasn’t even working hard. The weight and heft give it a feeling of immense solidity that is hard to match. It’s a knife that inspires confidence for heavy-duty tasks.
The handle is designed to be adaptable. It comes with Zytel scales, but the design allows for aftermarket customization if you want a different feel. The powder coat finish held up well against corrosion during our tests. The main thing to consider with the BK2 is its weight and size; it’s not a light knife to carry on long hikes. However, for a base camp knife or a situation where outright brute strength is the priority, the BK2 Companion is very hard to beat. It’s a classic for a reason.
Pros
- Extremely strong and thick blade, virtually indestructible
- Excellent for heavy chopping, batoning, and prying tasks
- Simple, robust design with a very reasonable price tag
Cons
- Very heavy and bulky for extended carry
- The thick blade spine is not ideal for fine fire-steel striking
Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue Knife
Cold Steel is known for producing over-built knives, and the SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a prime example. We tested the version with San Mai III steel, which features a hard, high-carbon steel core clad in softer stainless steel. This creates a blade that is both very sharp and highly durable. The blade has a versatile clip point design that is excellent for piercing tasks. It performed flawlessly in our marine tests, showing great resistance to the elements and holding its edge through rigorous cutting.
The Kray-Ex handle is textured to provide a solid grip, and the overall balance of the knife is excellent. It feels nimble enough for precise work but strong enough for heavier chores. The Secure-Ex sheath is functional and includes a drainage hole, a small but critical feature for marine use. The SRK has been a staple in the survival community for decades, and our testing showed that its reputation is well-deserved. It’s a fantastic all-arounder that won’t let you down.
Pros
- San Mai III steel offers a great combination of sharpness and strength
- Excellent balance and versatile blade shape for multiple tasks
- Secure sheath with practical features like a drainage hole
Cons
- The clip point can be a bit delicate for extreme prying
- Some may find the handle texture too aggressive for bare hands
Morakniv Garberg Stainless Steel Knife
Morakniv is synonymous with quality and value, and the Garberg is their top-of-the-line survival model. What sets it apart is its full-tang construction in a Morakniv, a departure from their typical partial tang, making it immensely strong. We tested the stainless steel version, which was practically carefree in the salty marine environment. It resisted rust beautifully and maintained a sharp edge through extensive wood processing and rope cutting.
The Scandivanian grind is superb for woodcarving and slicing. The handle, made from textured polyamide, is incredibly comfortable and secure. It’s a no-frills knife that focuses purely on function. The Garberg comes with a multi-mount sheath system, adding to its versatility. For anyone looking for a bomb-proof, low-maintenance survival knife from a brand with a centuries-old reputation for reliability, the Morakniv Garberg is an outstanding choice. It proves that simplicity and good design often beat complex features.
Pros
- Stainless steel option offers excellent corrosion resistance with minimal maintenance
- Classic Scandinavian grind is incredibly effective for woodcraft
- Full-tang robustness in a classic, comfortable Morakniv design
Cons
- The spine is not ground to a sharp 90-degree angle for striking a fire steel
- Sheath, while functional, is more basic than some tactical options
Tops Knives Bravo Tomahawk 1.5
The Tops Bravo Tomahawk 1.5 is a rugged, purpose-built knife designed by a survival instructor. Its 1095 carbon steel blade is thick and features a distinctive recurve shape that aids in drawing cuts. During testing, we appreciated the sharp 90-degree spine, which made sparking a ferro rod effortless every time. The blade coating provided good protection, though like all 1095, it needs to be kept dry and oiled. The knife feels substantial in hand and is clearly built for hard use.
The handle is made from durable canvas Micarta, which provides an excellent grip that improves when wet. It’s contoured to fit the hand well, offering good control for detailed tasks. The included leather sheath is robust and well-made. This knife is designed by someone who understands survival needs, with features like the lanyard hole large enough for parachute cord. It’s a serious tool for serious users who don’t mind putting in the maintenance effort for a high-performance blade.
Pros
- Designed with practical survival features by an expert
- Excellent spine for striking a ferro rod
- Comfortable and secure Micarta handle that grips well when wet
Cons
- 1095 steel requires vigilant maintenance to prevent rust
- The recurve blade shape can be slightly more challenging to sharpen