Best Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Knives of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Carbon steel fixed blade knives are a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts and survivalists due to their exceptional durability and sharpness. Made from a combination of iron and carbon, these knives possess a higher carbon content than stainless steel counterparts, allowing them to maintain their edge for longer periods. With their robust construction, these knives are ideal for heavy-duty tasks such as chopping wood, hunting, and bushcraft. Additionally, carbon steel fixed blade knives are known for their ease of sharpening, making them a reliable tool for any outdoor adventure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife Cover #TOP 1
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Morakniv Companion Fixed-Blade Knife Cover #TOP 2
Morakniv Companion Fixed-Blade Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife Cover #TOP 3
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Knives

Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife

M-12159
Military Green
4.1"
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife Cover
Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife with Sheath, 4.1 Inch, Military Green

The Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife is a fixed blade outdoor knife that is perfect for your hunting and outdoor adventures. With its 4.1-inch high carbon steel blade, this knife offers excellent cutting performance and durability. The patterned, high-friction grip ensures a comfortable and secure hold, making it easy to handle even in wet conditions. The 4.1-inch blade length and 0.08-inch thickness provide versatility for a wide range of tasks. Weighing only 3.9 ounces with the sheath, this knife is lightweight and easy to carry. Made in Sweden and backed by a limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty, the Morakniv Companion Carbon Steel Knife is a reliable and high-quality tool for any outdoor enthusiast.

What We Like
High carbon steel blade
Comfortable and easy to handle
Lightweight and portable
#TOP 2

Morakniv Companion Fixed-Blade Knife

M-12494
Military Green
0.125/4.1-Inch
Morakniv Companion Fixed-Blade Knife Cover
Morakniv Companion Heavy-Duty Carbon Steel Fixed-Blade Knife with Sheath, 4.1 Inch

The Morakniv Companion Fixed-Blade Knife is designed for outdoor adventures. Its high carbon steel blade measures 4.1 inches and has a thickness of 0.125 inches, making it durable and reliable. The extra-large ergonomic handle with patterned, high-friction grip allows for comfortable and easy handling. The knife comes with a matching plastic sheath with belt clip for safe storage and portability. Made in Sweden, it also comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty.

What We Like
Durable and reliable high carbon steel blade
Comfortable and easy handling with an extra-large ergonomic handle
Comes with a matching plastic sheath with belt clip for safe storage and portability
#TOP 3

Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife

M-13100
Black
4.3"
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife Cover
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife with Carbon Steel Blade and Leather Sheath, Black, 4.3 Inch

The Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife is a durable and sturdy camping knife that is built to last. This knife is a must-have item for any outdoor enthusiast and is a great gift option.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy construction
Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and camping
Full tang design for added strength and durability

BPS Knives Adventurer - Bushcraft Knife

BPSADVTRCS
Brown
BPS Knives Adventurer - Bushcraft Knife Cover
BPS Knives Adventurer - Bushcraft Knife - Fixed-Blade Carbon Steel Knife with Leather Sheath and Firestarter - Outdoor Full Tang Knife - Camping Knives - Survival Tactical Camp Knife

The BPS Knives Adventurer is a full tang bushcraft knife made of high-quality 1066 carbon steel, hardened to 56-57 HRC and holds an edge well. The handle is made of walnut wood, coated with Danish oil, making it resistant to moisture and dirt. It comes with a leather sheath and ferro rod, making it easy to carry on a belt or in a backpack. It is perfect for bushcrafting, outdoor, camping, and fishing, and makes a great gift for true connoisseurs of knives.

What We Like
Sharp and durable blade
High-quality leather sheath
Includes firestarter
#TOP 5

Morakniv Craftline Basic 511 Knife

M-12809
Military Green
3.5"
Morakniv Craftline Basic 511 Knife Cover
Morakniv Craftline Basic 511 Fixed-Blade Knife with High Carbon Steel Blade and Combi-Sheath, 3.6 Inch

The Morakniv Basic 511 Knife is a reliable tool for craftsmen, providing a sturdy option for various tasks. Its premium carbon steel blade ensures strong and precise cuts, making it perfect for outdoor projects. The ergonomic handle offers a comfortable grip, allowing you to work safely and efficiently, even in tough weather conditions. Additionally, the hard plastic combi-sheath features a belt clip and a unique system for attaching multiple knives, enhancing your convenience while keeping your tools organized.

What We Like
Durable carbon steel blade
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Convenient combi-sheath
Lightweight design

Cold Steel Drop Forged Series 8" Fixed Blade Knife

36MH
Black
Cold Steel Drop Forged Series 8" Fixed Blade Knife Cover
Cold Steel Drop Forged Survivalist 8" 52100 High-Carbon Steel Clip Point Fixed Blade EDC Tactical Hunting Utility Knife, 5" Ergonomic Handle, Weather-Resistant Secure-Ex Sheath

The Cold Steel Drop Forged Series Fixed Blade Knife is a durable and reliable option for survivalists and hunters alike. The knife's unique design makes it perfectly balanced with a sturdy point, wasp waist, and monolithic construction, ensuring there is nothing to break, become loose, or wear out. The handle scales are replaceable in the unlikely event they break or wear out, and the knife is lightweight enough to carry all day. The Secure-Ex sheath ensures safe transport and storage.

What We Like
Durable and reliable design
Lightweight for all-day carry
Replaceable handle scales
#TOP 7

High Carbon Steel Full Tang Bushcraft Knife

Brown (10 inch)
High Carbon Steel Full Tang Bushcraft Knife Cover
High Carbon Steel Knife - Handmade Full Tang Bushcraft Knife - Hunting Knife, Survival Knife, Fixed Blade Knife & Camping Knife - Camping Knives & Hunting Knives with Rosewood Handle & leather Sheath

This handmade, full tang, 10-inch fixed blade knife is made of high carbon steel, making it a versatile and dependable tool for combat and survival situations. The 5-inch blade with 4.5mm thickness has excellent hardness ranging from 56-58 HRC, ensuring proper operations without daily sharpening. The knife's ergonomic handle is made of rosewood, providing reliable stability for all kinds of activities. It comes with a high-quality handmade leather sheath, allowing for easy belt carrying. Proper lubrication and cleanliness are necessary to maintain the blade's rust resistance.

What We Like
Versatile and dependable tool for combat and survival situations
Excellent hardness ranging from 56-58 HRC for proper operations without daily sharpening
Reliable stability for all kinds of activities with the ergonomic rosewood handle
#TOP 8

Sczo Supplies 6.25" Fixed Blade Knife

Sczo Supplies
PA203422
Brown
6.25"
Sczo Supplies 6.25" Fixed Blade Knife Cover
Sczo Supplies 6.25" Fixed Blade Full-Tang Carbon Steel Blacksmith Style Outdoor Hunting/Skinning Knife with Sheath, Brown

The Sczo Supplies 6.25" Fixed Blade Knife is a versatile and durable outdoor hunting and skinning knife. With its 6.25-inch overall length and 3.25-inch handle, this knife offers a comfortable grip for efficient and safe handling during your outdoor activities. The 3-inch full-tang carbon steel blade is treated to withstand rust, corrosion, and harsh elements, ensuring long-lasting durability. The strong wooden handle, fastened with brass pins, provides a secure and ergonomic grip, allowing for maximum efficiency when in use. The knife features an authentic blacksmith style, giving it a rugged and steel-hammered look. It also comes with a top-grain leather sheath with a belt loop for easy storage and carry. Whether you're hunting, fishing, hiking, or surviving in the wilderness, the Sczo 6.25" Fixed Blade Knife is a must-have tool for all outdoor enthusiasts.

What We Like
Durable
Dependable
Authentic style
#TOP 9

Flissa Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath

Flissa-FixedBlade
Brown
Flissa Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath Cover
Flissa Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath, 9.8'' Full Tang Hunting Knife with High Carbon Steel Blade, Non-Slip Rose Wooden Handle, Lanyard Hole, Camping Knife for Hiking, Outdoor, Hunting, Survival, Camping

The Flissa Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, versatile knife. With a 9.8-inch overall length, 4-13/16 inch blade length, and a weight of 9.38 ounces, this knife is easy to carry around. Its full tang construction provides superior durability, while the ergonomic rosewood handle ensures a comfortable and non-slip grip. The blade is made of premium 5CR15MOV steel for excellent hardness and sharpness. This hunting knife is suitable for camping, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities, making it a multipurpose tool for any adventurer.

What We Like
Durable full tang construction
Ergonomic and non-slip rosewood handle
Made of premium 5CR15MOV steel for excellent hardness and sharpness
Can be used for various outdoor activities, including camping, hiking, and hunting
#TOP 10

BPS Knives Finn Lite Puukko Knife

Finn Lite
Silver
BPS Knives Finn Lite Puukko Knife Cover
BPS Knives Finn Lite - Puukko Knife - Fixed-Blade Carbon Steel Knife with Leather Sheath - Small Full Tang Knife - Camping Knives - Scandinavian Camp Knife - Utility Knife

The BPS Finn Lite Knife is a versatile tool crafted from high-quality Carbon Steel 1066. With its sharp, straight blade and comfortable wooden handle, this puukko knife excels in carving and outdoor tasks, making it perfect for camping enthusiasts. You’ll appreciate the included handmade leather sheath, which allows for safe and easy carrying on your belt. Whether you need to start a fire, prepare food, or tackle utility tasks, this knife is designed to handle it all with precision and durability, ensuring you are well-equipped for various situations.

What We Like
High-quality carbon steel
Comfortable wooden handle
Handmade leather sheath
Versatile multi-purpose use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is carbon steel the best for knives?

Carbon and stainless steel are both capable of making excellent knives that are durable and can get very sharp. When purchasing a new knife, we suggest thinking about how you work and how much you want to care for your knife while using it, because in the end, the right knife is the one that you're going to use.

2. Are carbon steel knives hard to maintain?

Carbon steel knives are loved by many chefs for their ability to keep dangerously sharp edges with minimal sharpening, even after months of wear and tear. But carbon steel is to knives as cast iron is to skillets: It gets a bad rap for being difficult to maintain.

3. Can a carbon steel blade cut?

A carbon steel bandsaw blade is made from high carbon steel. It can cut all types of woods, especially ideal for soft woods i.e. pine, polar, fir and spruce. It is also suitable for cutting plastics, aluminum, metals, and mild steel.

4. Is carbon steel good for cutting?

When it comes to cutting tools - such as knives, scissors, and blades - carbon steel is usually the better choice. Here are some of the advantages: A super tough metal, but also softer than stainless steel. This means that it can be sharpened to a finer edge and is easier to sharpen.

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel fixed blade knives research, we found 48 carbon steel fixed blade knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 145,968 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel fixed blade knives list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel fixed blade knives with an average price of $27.91.

The carbon steel fixed blade knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel fixed blade knives, including Morakniv, BPSKNIVES, Cold Steel, HotSteel, Sczo Supplies. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 570 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.