What does full-tang mean?

The tang of a knife is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full-tang knife has the handle pieces or scales attached to each side of the tang to form the handle of the knife. In contrast, a half-tang knife has a tang that only extends halfway into the handle.

How do I choose a full-tang knife?

A good, quality full-tang knife should be a tool that you can take for granted because it will be able to perform whenever and wherever you need it. Choose one that will perform the specific tasks that come up for you when and wherever you’re carrying it. For example, if you’re camping or surviving in the wild, you need a knife that can perform a variety of tasks including cutting kindling for a fire, preparing food and building a shelter.

Which type of blade steel is the most rust-resistant?

Generally, most blades made are categorized as stainless steel, high carbon steel and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is the most rust resistant of the three types because it has a minimum of 12% chromium in it, which is an anti-corrosive ingredient.

Which steel makes the sharpest blade?

Blades made of high carbon steel can be sharpened to a keen edge and will keep a sharp edge longer.

Why do I need a knife sharpener?

A knife will serve you well for many years if you keep it properly sharpened. Also, a blunt or dull knife requires more pressure to use, which opens the door to it slipping and causing injury. What you want is a sharpener system that offers a couple of different grit options. The grit is the size of the particles in the stone, which affects the finish on your blade – a finer grit giving you a finer finish.

What does “feed your blade” mean?

It means that to maintain your knife, you should coat it with a clear, non-organic oil to prevent moisture from reaching the blade, when storing. A light oil like gun oil works perfectly but it should be changed regularly by wiping the blade clean with a soft cloth until dry and applying more.

Best Fixed Blade Knife: Top 16 Knives Available [Tactical/EDC]

By Adelia Ladson

There are so many exceptional fixed blade knives out on the market that it can be a little overwhelming when you’re shopping for one. Here are 16 of the best fixed blades out there in both tactical and everyday carry styles.

Tactical

KA-BAR USMC Tactical Bowie Knife: Made by KA-BAR in Olean, NY, for the US Marine Corps and first introduced in WWII, this knife is an exact replica of knives carried by Marines in WWII. It has the iconic stacked leather handle, topped by the steel hammer butt cap and the razor-sharp black, non-reflective blade.
Undercover CIA Stinger Knife: This discreetly compact knife was designed to be that easy-to-hide, backup buddy they don’t expect to sting them! A non-reflective, black oxide coating and weight-reducing thru-holes make this compact fixed blade perfect for covert missions.
M48 Tactical Commando Knife: M48 covers all the bases of combat with this knife, which features a razor-sharp AUS-8 stainless steel blade with powerful sawback serrations. The textured, ABS handle has an oversized handguard that protects your hand from the rock solid blade.
United Cutlery Large Honshu Push Dagger: This large push dagger is constructed from one solid piece of AUS-6 stainless steel with double edge styling and rubberized, contoured grips for pure thrusting power. You’re also getting a solid, peace of mind!
Gil Hibben Expendables Toothpick Knife: Gil Hibben has a history of designing knives for Sylvester Stallone to feature in his films, going back to the “Rambo III” Bowie. He commissioned Gil to make several knives to use in his “The Expendables” film franchise. One of those was this never before produced, custom designed knife. It offers a classic Arkansas toothpick style 3Cr13 stainless steel blade and a solid brass spine plate. The wooden handle features a synthetic ivory inlay with an “Expendables” skull and crow etching.
Combat Commander Mini Boot Knife: The ultimate in concealed, compact self-defense, this boot knife hides discreetly within reach at all times. An injection molded sheath with a nylon lanyard ensures it’s close at hand in case of attack. An impact-resistant TPR handle is b and textured for a slip-proof grip, complete with a brass lanyard hole. The razor sharp AUS-6 stainless steel blade is double-edged and the extended TPR guard protects against accidental injuries to your hands while in use.
SOA One Shot, One Kill Survival Bowie Knife: Don’t take shots in the dark when you are talking about survival. This survival bowie is a knife you can always count on. Whether you’re deep in combat or simply need a reliable bowie, this one fits the bill. The razor sharp AUS-8 stainless steel blade has powerful sawback serrations and the bowie has a rubberized handle with a lanyard and an oversized hand guard.
United Cutlery Honshu Karambit: When you need an easily concealed, serious self-defense weapon, this karambit knife from United Cutlery is exactly what you’re looking for. It comes with a tough ABS, adjustable shoulder harness sheath that can be worn discreetly, making it easy to carry and conceal. The karambit has a razor-sharp, D2 tool steel, curved blade with a penetrating point. The handle is grippy, over-molded TPU with the classic finger-ring pommel.

Everyday Carry

Ridge Runner Renegade Bowie Knife: This is a gargantuan fixed blade that is unbeatably tough, featuring a whopping stainless steel, full-tang blade and a handsome pakkawood handle with silver pins.
Bushmaster Bushcraft Explorer Knife: Hardness and durability are the hallmarks of the richly veined zebra wood used to craft the handle scales of this fixed blade knife. The scales are securely fastened to the tang with brass pins, assuring that when you use this awesome camping knife, you will never have to worry about its reliability. Combine the incredibly b zebra wood with a 1095 high carbon steel blade that’s razor sharp and you have a knife you will use for every situation.
Gerber Spine Fixed Blade Knife: Every outdoorsman needs a utility blade for tasks around camp and on the trail, whether it be for making kindling, cutting rope, or opening a bag of trail mix. This Gerber fixed blade knife brings exactly what is needed - a sturdy, full tang blade, rubberized grip for all weather conditions, and a rugged glass-filled nylon sheath for safe storage and transport. The sizable, 7Cr17MoV stainless steel blade is full-tang with a fine edge, ideal for any number of utility tasks. The grippy, textured handle feels secure in the hand, when working through kindling or chopping up dinner.
Gil Hibben Sidewinder Knife: Knifemaker extraordinaire Gil Hibben continues to design exceptional knives made for hard everyday use. His Sidewinder is a smaller fixed-blade designed to fit comfortably on your side in its premium leather belt sheath. It features a sharp 7Cr17 stainless steel blade and a black pakkawood handle that fits comfortably in your hand. The full-tang knife isn’t just a practical choice of an everyday fixed blade but typical of Hibben knives, it is visually pleasing with brass accents and decorative pins.
Kershaw Camp 5 Fixed Blade Knife: The Kershaw Camp 5 is a big, blade-forward Bowie-style knife that’s ready for your next adventure. The full-tang, D2 tool steel blade is ideal for survival, camping, bushcrafting, or just about any outdoor activity. D2 tool steel is a great choice for a hard-use knife like this because the high-carbon, high-chromium steel offers good edge retention and hardness, while being more corrosion-resistant than other high-carbon steels. A machined texture on the glass-filled nylon handle scales provides a secure grip.
Timber Wolf Peruvian Knife: A handsome everyday carry fixed blade, it features a handle crafted of curved black and brown wood pieces separated by thin, curved lines of inlaid brass. The curves of the handle, as well as being visually pleasing, also serve to provide a comfortable grip. The handle scales are secured to the full-tang with brass pins and the handle has a brass lanyard hole. The razor-sharp, 3Cr13 stainless steel blade has a mirror-polished finish that extends to a stainless steel guard.
Bushmaster Carbon Steel Utility Knife: This utility knife is the perfect addition to your tackle box, toolbox or even your bug-out bag. The thick, razor sharp, non-reflective 1065 carbon steel blade can be used for a wide range of cutting jobs - both large and small - like cleaning wild game, building shelters, splitting firewood and even everyday tasks. An overlaid black rubber handle with a checkered pattern allows for a firm grip, even in wet situations. It even includes an ABS sheath with belt clip to carry your knife when not in use.
Schrade Money Clip Fixed Blade Knife: Outwit muggers and wallet snatchers by securing the loot they seek with a foe-stopping fixed blade knife! Small yet potent, Schrade’s 3 5/8” money clip fixed blade knife slides discreetly into a pocket-sized thermoplastic sheath that doubles as a sturdy money clip. The metal clip keeps credit cards and/or cash secure, and the knife is easily accessible via the handy finger hole. Its 1 9/10” drop point blade is forged from professional grade 8Cr13MoV high carbon steel, carefully honed to a razor-sharp edge. Though perfect for self-defense, it is also great for everyday cutting jobs, replacing bulky pocket folders with a sleek, streamlined tool.

Fixed Blade FAQ's

What does full-tang mean?
The tang of a knife is the part of the blade that extends into the handle. A full-tang knife has the handle pieces or scales attached to each side of the tang to form the handle of the knife. In contrast, a half-tang knife has a tang that only extends halfway into the handle.
How do I choose a full-tang knife?
A good, quality full-tang knife should be a tool that you can take for granted because it will be able to perform whenever and wherever you need it. Choose one that will perform the specific tasks that come up for you when and wherever you’re carrying it. For example, if you’re camping or surviving in the wild, you need a knife that can perform a variety of tasks including cutting kindling for a fire, preparing food and building a shelter.
Which type of blade steel is the most rust-resistant?
Generally, most blades made are categorized as stainless steel, high carbon steel and Damascus steel. Stainless steel is the most rust resistant of the three types because it has a minimum of 12% chromium in it, which is an anti-corrosive ingredient.
Which steel makes the sharpest blade?
Blades made of high carbon steel can be sharpened to a keen edge and will keep a sharp edge longer.
Why do I need a knife sharpener?
A knife will serve you well for many years if you keep it properly sharpened. Also, a blunt or dull knife requires more pressure to use, which opens the door to it slipping and causing injury. What you want is a sharpener system that offers a couple of different grit options. The grit is the size of the particles in the stone, which affects the finish on your blade – a finer grit giving you a finer finish.
What does “feed your blade” mean?
It means that to maintain your knife, you should coat it with a clear, non-organic oil to prevent moisture from reaching the blade, when storing. A light oil like gun oil works perfectly but it should be changed regularly by wiping the blade clean with a soft cloth until dry and applying more.