Nothing Boosts Confidence Like a Big Knife on Your Belt.
Among the knife’s many uses is the deep, satisfying sense of security one can give you. A fixed-blade knife is a great direction to go for this because they are often larger and sturdier, and you won’t have to worry about it going down on your hand. But not all big knives are made the same. You have to take a lot of different details into account to find the right one. Consider the way it feels in your hand, the quality of the material, and the length, of course, requires special attention. Big is the goal, but a knife can be too big, despite what you might have heard. Here are some fixed-blade knives, all over the average 4 inches, that are certain to satisfy your needs.
Buck 119 Brahma Knife
This update on the Buck 119 brings you harder steel with a black powdercoat and a leather handle for a firm grip, so, yes, this will feel great in your hands. With the same solid construction as the old 119, it has all kinds of uses for fishing or hunting trips with a bit better performance and reliability.
Blade length: 6”
Overall length: 10 ½”
Buck 120 General Hunting Knife
Now if 6 inches isn’t enough for you, don’t worry. Buck has something bigger. The 120 General is another long established design, made mostly for hunting, but people enjoy looking at it enough that it’s become a nice piece to have in your collection, if just looking is what you’re into.
Blade length: 7 ⅜”
Overall length: 12”
Cold Steel SRK
Cold Steel has always made a big deal about making some of the strongest knives in the country, especially when it comes to tactical. So if it’s some sizable security you’re looking for, the SRK is a good start. With a 6 inch blade made of VG-1 stainless steel (basically a tougher version of AUS8) and a positive history in military use, the SRK gives you plenty to show off when you start feeling inadequate.
Blade Length: 6”
Overall Length: 10 ¾”
Gerber Strong Arm FE
This is one of the more modest blades in our large knife selection, but it has plenty of thickness to make up for the length. The Strong Arm FE is a very robust design with a full tang 420HC steel blade making it a great survival knife that can really take a pounding.
Blade length: 4.8”
Overall length: 9.8”
Gerber Serrated Prodigy Survival Knife
The Prodigy Survival knife carries a similar philosophy of “smaller but stronger” as the Strong Arm. This is a little more versatile with a serrated edge and a spiked pommel, and the tachide handle provides more comfort. It does tend to be pricier, but you’re getting quality stamina with the price tag.
Blade length: 4 ¾”
Overall length: 9 ¾”
Ka Bar Survival Utility Knife
A classic style is sometimes the best way to prove you have nothing to prove. The Ka Bar design has been around for many wars, and with 7 inches of 1095 Cro-Van steel it ensures that you won’t have anything to prove either. Nothing at all. It’s the kind of knife that boasts long lasting performance through a simple, sturdy structure with a thick handle for easier use. Great for survival and general camping uses, and also for swinging around pretending your a war hero and a likable person.
Blade length: 7”
Overall length: 11 ¾”
Gerber Bear Grylls Series
As long as we’re pretending to be other people, Bear Grylls is also a good choice. The generous 10 inch length of this knife is not all for show. It has just about every kind of survival aid you can fit one tool. A rubber grip with a steel pommel gives you a great hammering buddy. And the sheath has an integrated fire starter and a diamond sharpener inside. None of these features are you would call ideal for the job, but when you’re in a pinch and have no other ways of making heat and hammering things, this is a good tool to have hanging on your pants.
Blade length: 4.8”
Overall length: 10”