When SHTF, your knife and axe ain’t just tools—they’re your lifeline. Mountaineers and campers swear by gear that can chop a branch, skin a deer, or fend off a threat when the grid’s down and chaos reigns. Preppers need the best: blades and axes that won’t fail when you’re carving out survival in the wild. Here’s the rundown on six knives and two axes that’ll keep you alive—whether you’re building a shelter or defending your camp.
Knives: Your Do-It-All Blades
A good knife is your first defense and your best tool. These six are top-shelf—built for cutting, fighting, and surviving.
- Ka-Bar Fighting Knife (Ka-Bar)
Ka-Bar’s been battle-tested since World War II, and their Fighting Knife is a legend for a reason. This 7-inch fixed blade, made of 1095 Cro-Van steel, is tough enough to baton wood or slice through a threat—human or otherwise. Weighs 11.2 oz, with a leather-wrapped handle for grip even when your hands are bloody or wet. Preppers love it for its durability—won’t snap when you’re prying or chopping. Ka-Bar’s been making these since 1942, and they’re still the gold standard for survival. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/4iMHmru
- Mora Garberg (Morakniv)
Morakniv’s Mora Garberg is a Swedish beast—built for bushcraft but deadly in a fight. Its 4.3-inch blade, made of 14C28N stainless steel, holds an edge like a demon, perfect for carving stakes or gutting game. Full-tang construction means it won’t break when you’re batoning logs for a fire. Weighs 9.6 oz, with a grippy polyamide handle—sticks to your hand in rain or snow. Morakniv’s been crafting these since 1891—Scandinavian reliability at its finest. Preppers dig the included MOLLE-compatible sheath; you can strap it anywhere. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/4iH4urq
- Gerber StrongArm (Gerber)
Gerber’s StrongArm is a prepper favorite—born for the wild since Gerber started in 1939. Gerber’s known for durability—this blade’s ready for anything SHTF throws at you. This 4.8-inch fixed blade, made of 420HC steel, is a tank: cuts branches, splits kindling, and can stab through a threat if it comes to that. Full-tang, with a diamond-textured rubber handle—won’t slip, even in a downpour. Weighs 7.2 oz, light enough to carry all day. The modular sheath lets you mount it on your belt or pack. - Buy Here (Black One) https://amzn.to/3FZxmfW
- Buy Here (Coyote Brown One) https://amzn.to/441yNoc
- Cold Steel SRK (Cold Steel)
Cold Steel’s SRK (Survival Rescue Knife) is a beast for preppers who need a blade that doubles as a weapon. Its 6-inch blade, made of SK-5 high-carbon steel, is thick enough to chop through branches and sharp enough to slice through flesh—animal or otherwise. Weighs 8.2 oz, with a Kray-Ex handle that’s grippy even in freezing temps. Cold Steel’s been making hardcore blades since 1980, and the SRK’s a go-to for its balance of weight and cutting power. Toss it in your bug-out bag—it’ll save your life. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/3DTjOSN
- Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 (Benchmade)
Benchmade’s Bushcrafter 162 is a premium pick for preppers who want precision and toughness. Its 4.4-inch blade, made of CPM-S30V stainless steel, is razor-sharp—perfect for detailed carving or slicing through tough branches. Full-tang, drop-point design makes it versatile for bushcraft or self-defense. Weighs 7.7 oz, with a contoured G10 handle for a rock-solid grip in any condition. Benchmade, based in Oregon since 1988, is known for high-end blades that last a lifetime. It’s pricey, but when SHTF, you’ll thank the edge that never quits. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/3FMQZIb
- ESEE 6P (ESEE)
ESEE’s 6P is a survivalist’s dream—built for the end of the world. This 6.5-inch fixed blade, made of 1095 high-carbon steel, is a workhorse: chops, slices, and stabs with ease. Full-tang, with a micarta handle that’s grippy even when soaked—perfect for wet, bloody work. Weighs 12 oz, a bit heavier but balanced for hard swings. ESEE, founded in 1997, backs it with a lifetime warranty—no questions asked. Preppers love it for its raw durability—baton logs or fend off a threat, it won’t flinch. This blade’s your SHTF partner. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/4iJjC7z
Axes: Chop Hard, Swing Harder
An axe is your heavy hitter—whether you’re felling trees for shelter or swinging at a threat. These two are the best for preppers.
- Gränsfors Bruk Small Forest Axe
Gränsfors Bruk, a Swedish legend since 1902, makes axes that preppers dream about. The Small Forest Axe has a 19-inch hickory handle and a 3.2-inch blade forged from recycled steel—sharp enough to fell small trees or split logs for a fire. Weighs 2 lbs, light enough to carry but heavy enough to pack a punch if you need to use it as a weapon. Each axe is hand-forged, stamped with the smith’s initials—old-school quality. Preppers love it for its balance and edge retention—chop all day, it’ll still bite. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/3FFMCP1
- Fiskars X15 Chopping Axe
Fiskars, a Finnish giant since 1649, knows how to make an axe that lasts. The X15 Chopping Axe has a 23.5-inch composite handle—stronger than wood, won’t splinter—and a 4-inch hardened steel blade that slices through branches like butter. Weighs 2.4 lbs, with a low-friction coating to prevent sticking in wood. It’s perfect for clearing a campsite or cracking open a door in a pinch—swing it hard, it’ll hold up. Preppers swear by Fiskars for its lightweight durability—your arms won’t give out before the axe does. - Buy Here https://amzn.to/420NFC9
Prepper Truth
My camp’s ready—Ka-Bar on my belt, Mora in my pack, Cold Steel and ESEE in my bug-out bag, Benchmade for precision, and a Gränsfors hanging by the fire. These blades and axes ain’t just tools—they’re my survival. SHTF hits, you’ll be glad you’ve got ‘em. Mountaineers and campers don’t mess around, and neither should you. Gear up, or get got.
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