When you consider the fact that knives are man’s oldest tool, then you need to recognize that fixed blades were the first form of them. Even today, many moons later, fixed blade knives are the most widely adopted blade variant across the world. From the hunting knife to the kitchen knife, it’s probably safe to say that you’ve probably got one of each, if not multiples of each in your home. But with all of the variants available in the market today – from blade shape to steel type – it’s never easy knowing which one will be right for you. Once we’re done testing those blades, we know exactly what they can and cannot do – and that should narrow down your list of final contestants to just a handful.

As it has been for the past few years, tactical and hunting knives – which generally become hybridized within their classifications – are the most popular of fixed blade knives. You’re most likely going to carry a fixed blade knife on your belt which means size isn’t really an overall factor – so the current trend in the market is to go bigger and thicker. This subcategory is known as a “camp knife” and though its numbers don’t come close to a classic hunting knife or skinner in terms of what’s available in them out on the market, they have the ability to replace a hatchet or even a shovel – so they’re appealing to survivalists and folks who spend a considerable amount of time out in the outdoor world trying to figure life out.

That said, the leader of the pack – in terms of fixed blade knives – is still generally under 4” in blade length, features a drop point style blade, and resembles something your grandfather or father may have carried back in their day. This is a generalization of course, but the old adage still rings true – if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. Though blade and handle materials have changed, and more blade shapes slowly slip through the cracks every few years, why bother reinventing the wheel when it already rolls so well?