10. SOG Fielder XL
Are you looking for a large, durable knife that’s going to be able to easily intimidate others? Of course, that’s not the point, but the old Crocodile Dundee quote will always be rattling around in our heads, “That’s not a knife. This is a knife.”
Well, at 9.63 inches in overall length, most people will agree that the Fielder XL is a knife.
The SOG Fielder XL fits the bill nicely, and it has a highly useful 4.13-inch blade with a mirror finish. The folding knife features a thumb stud for one-handed opening and big honking liner lock bar with jipping for thumb grip. Inside the handle are substantial steel liners, and the construction quality on this line is generally very good with no side-to-side play. It also has a nice pocket clip for carrying convenience.
This another wickedly sharp knife, straight from the factory, and it’s ideal for skinning and cleaning game animals. It’s definitely tough enough for other tasks, but it’s so pretty you may not want to use it for them. One thing’s for sure, this knife is a great value at $25 to $30.
The Bottom Line
There are, of course, dozens and perhaps even hundreds of other budget knives that deserve some consideration, including variants of the knives on this very list. This guide isn’t meant to exclude any great options, or suggest that you shouldn’t spend upwards of $50 on your SHTF knife.