There’s no shortage of fixed blades out there, but not all of them are worth strapping to your belt. Some knives are built for Instagram, not survival. Others are all gimmick, no grit. I’ve tested plenty over the years, and a few didn’t even make it past the first trip into the woods.
These are the fixed blades you’ll never catch me carrying, because when gear fails in the field, it’s not just annoying—it can be dangerous.
Schrade SCHF52 Frontier
On paper, the SCHF52 looks like a survival monster. Big blade, thick spine, decent steel—but in practice, it’s a hot mess. The handle is blocky and uncomfortable, and the grind feels slapped together. It’s a knife that looks the part but can’t back it up.
I’ve used one, and it felt more like a pry bar than a cutting tool. You can baton wood with it, sure, but carving or slicing? Forget it. There are better options in the same price range that actually feel like they were designed by someone who’s spent time outdoors.
United Cutlery M48 Tactical Kukri
This thing is a wall-hanger pretending to be a survival blade. It’s oversized, awkward, and has more fantasy flair than practical use. If your plan is to fight zombies, maybe it makes sense. But in the real world? It’s a joke.
The blade geometry is useless for anything beyond swinging at cardboard boxes. It’s more of a cosplay prop than a knife you’d stake your life on. I don’t care how cool it looks—if it can’t prep kindling, skin game, or cut clean, I’m out.
Boker Magnum Collection
The Magnum Collection knives look slick in photos, but they’re made more for collectors than users. Most of them come with stainless steel that dulls fast and scales that feel like they’d snap if you dropped it once.
I’ve handled a few, and they’re all flash and no grit. If your knife’s main job is to sit on a shelf, that’s fine. But out in the woods? I want a tool, not a trophy. These are better left in display cases where they can’t let anyone down.
Cold Steel Shanghai Shadow
This one’s trying way too hard to be tactical. The ring-style handle and double-edged spear point are more suited for fantasy roleplay than survival or bushcraft. It’s awkward to carry, awkward to use, and doesn’t do anything particularly well.
Cold Steel makes some great knives, but this isn’t one of them. I don’t need a knife that doubles as a throwing spear—I need something that can carve, chop, and hold an edge. The Shanghai Shadow is more gimmick than gear.
MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054
You can find the MX-8054 for cheap online, and that’s about the nicest thing I can say about it. The steel is soft, the coating flakes off with light use, and the handle feels like a toy. It’s tactical in name only.
I’ve seen these bend under basic pressure. If you’re in a survival situation, that kind of failure can cost you. I get wanting a budget knife, but there are plenty of affordable options that actually hold up. This one isn’t worth the gamble.
Buck Intrepid-L
Buck makes some knives I like, but the Intrepid-L isn’t one of them. The blade geometry is thick and clumsy, and the tanto tip doesn’t serve much purpose outside of breaching drywall or opening crates. It’s not suited for the bush.
I tried carrying this for a week in the woods and gave up fast. It felt awkward doing basic tasks like food prep and feather sticking. I get the idea behind it, but it’s more of a tactical knife for show than something I’d ever carry long term.
CRKT Chanceinhell
This is a machete-style knife that doesn’t know what it wants to be. It’s too big for fine tasks and too flimsy for serious chopping. The handle feels slick when wet, and the balance is off—it’s like swinging a yardstick with teeth.
CRKT usually gets their designs right, but this one’s more style than substance. If I’m clearing brush, I want a real machete. If I’m in survival mode, I want control. The Chanceinhell doesn’t offer either, so it stays off my belt.
Gerber LMF II Infantry
The LMF II is popular with the tactical crowd, but for outdoor use, it’s bulky and overcomplicated. The partially serrated edge gets in the way more than it helps, and the sheath is a brick. I’m not rappelling out of helicopters—I’m building fires and skinning deer.
I’ve used it on hikes, and it felt like carrying a cinder block for not much return. There are lighter, simpler knives that perform better in the woods. Unless I’m heading into a war zone, I’ll pass on this one.
SOG Jungle Primitive
The Jungle Primitive wants to be a do-it-all knife, but it doesn’t do anything well. It’s big, poorly balanced, and has an edge that rolls fast. The sawback on the spine is more of a gimmick than a usable feature.
I tried processing some small wood with it, and the experience was downright frustrating. The grip chews up your hand, and the steel doesn’t inspire confidence. SOG has some solid knives in their lineup, but this isn’t one I’d trust for anything more than light backyard use.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
