A full tang knife has a single piece of steel that runs the entire length and width of the handle. This makes it the strongest construction possible — the handle cannot separate from the blade under hard use. For survival, hunting, and tactical applications, full tang is the professional standard. Partial tang knives are better suited for lightweight carry and traditional collecting where hard use is not a factor.

For deer and general big game hunting, look for a blade between 3.5" and 4.5" with a drop point or clip point profile for controlled skinning and caping. Top picks in 2026 include the Muela BW-16 (stag handle, X50CrMoV15 steel), the Buck 119 (420HC, a classic American design with decades of field-proven performance), and the Boker Germany Hunting Series. Every one of these is available at Knifeworks with full manufacturer warranty support.

For survival use, toughness trumps everything else. The top choices in 2026 are:

• CPM-3V — The toughest powder steel on the market. Nearly impossible to chip or snap under hard use.
• A2 Tool Steel — The bushcrafter's gold standard. Holds a working edge and sharpens easily in the field with a flat stone.
• 1095 Carbon Steel — Proven for decades in military and field use. Tough, easy to sharpen, and forgiving under abuse.
• CPM MagnaCut — The modern all-rounder. Delivers toughness and rust resistance in one package — ideal for wet or coastal environments.

A Scandi grind uses a single wide bevel that runs from roughly the midpoint of the blade to the edge with no secondary bevel. This makes it extremely easy to sharpen in the field — just lay the bevel flat on a stone. It is the preferred grind for bushcraft and wilderness use.

A flat grind thins the blade evenly from the spine down to the edge, creating a thinner, more versatile geometry. It excels at slicing tasks like skinning and food prep but requires slightly more skill to sharpen correctly. Most hunting and general-use fixed blades use a flat or high flat grind.

Fixed blade carry laws vary significantly by state and municipality. Most states permit open carry of fixed blades for hunting and outdoor use, but concealed carry of a fixed blade is restricted or prohibited in many areas. Blade length limits also apply in certain jurisdictions. Always verify your local and state laws before carrying a fixed blade in public. Knifeworks recommends consulting your state's statutes for the most current regulations.

Kydex is a rigid thermoplastic that offers a precise, audible "click" retention fit, weather resistance, and fast draw speed. It is the tactical and field carry standard — virtually indestructible and easy to clean.

Leather offers a classic aesthetic, quiet draw, and a natural feel that improves with age and use. High-quality vegetable-tanned leather — like the hand-stitched sheaths from Muela Knives — is a mark of craftsmanship. The tradeoff is that wet leather can transfer moisture to carbon steel blades, so always dry your sheath before storing.

Carbon steels like 1095 and A2 will develop a natural patina over time — this is completely normal and adds a protective layer against corrosion. For routine care:

• Wipe clean and dry immediately after every use — especially after contact with acidic materials like game blood or citrus.
• Apply a thin coat of food-safe mineral oil to the blade before storage to prevent rust.
• Keep the leather sheath dry — never store a carbon steel blade in a wet or damp leather sheath for extended periods.
• Sharpen regularly — carbon steels are easier to sharpen than stainless, so maintain the edge with a strop or flat stone after heavy use.

We carry the industry's top fixed blade brands — all sourced directly from authorized channels and backed by full manufacturer warranties:

Spyderco, ESEE Knives, Boker Germany, Muela Knives (Spain), Buck Knives, Benchmade, Bubba, CRKT, Kershaw, Zero Tolerance, Bark River, White River Knife & Tool, and many more.

Not sure which blade is right for your next hunt or backcountry trip? Contact our team — we're real knife people and we're here to help.