OUR TOP PICK

Now, this is a fantastic little pocket flashlight!

Bright, versatile, compact, durable, and rechargeable to boot!

There are two different versions to choose from, a 1000 lumens one, which is really bright, or a 6000-lumens one which is even brighter still. 

It has 5 different light modes you can choose from, namely low, medium, high, strobe, and turbo. So versatile.

It comes with a belt clip and is comfortable to wear on your belt, at less than three inches in length, and just over 2 ounces in weight. But if the belt clip starts to get on your nerves, you can simply remove it.

It’s constructed with anodized aircraft-grade aluminum, so is durable enough to take a knock. And it’s water-resistant too.

It comes with a battery included, and it’s completely rechargeable. You simply attach the USB cable to charge it back up again. 

We also like that it has a magnetic base, which could come in handy.

Please note this review is for the 1000-lumens version, and not the 6000-lumens.

Pros

• 5 different light modes
• Strobe mode for emergencies
• You can wear it on your belt
• Ultra-bright at max 1000 lumens
• Completely rechargeable

Cons

• Premium product at a premium price

EDITORS CHOICE

Now this flashlight really has a lot going for it

It shines an ultra-bright LED light, 3 times brighter than the manufacturer’s 2019 version, and has a maximum brightness output of 1000 lumens, able to light up a range of a whopping 600 feet.

You can adjust the focus, and consequently the brightness, by turning the flashlight’s body. You zoom in for a floodlight effect and zoom out for a spotlight effect.

There are 5 light modes to choose from, SOS mode (perfect for an emergency situation), high, medium, low, and strobe.

In its most compact form, it measures 5.31 inches long, so could fit into a jean’s pocket, which means it could be used as an Every Day Carry.

It’s powered by 3 AA batteries, which are a doddle to get hold of, available everywhere. Just be sure to buy good ones for a longer battery life.

It comes with a wrist strap, which is handy for keeping your hands free, should you need to use your hands for something.

But when you do want to hold it, you can take advantage of the anti-slip grip.

It has a good, durable build, made with aircraft grade alloy, and it has a high water resistance rating, coming in at an impressive IPX6.

It’s available to buy alone, or as a pack of two or three, which is great if you and your partner want to have one each, for example.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Zoomable brightness
• 5 light modes, inc SOS

Cons

• The light is more of a cool white than a neutral white

BEST VALUE

What we love the most about this pocket flashlight is just how small and compact it is, measuring just 2.4 inches, and weight little more than an ounce. Perfect for an Every Day Carry..

It comes with a belt clip and is comfortable to wear on your belt. Ready when you need it. Or you can take advantage of the lanyard hole if you prefer.

Yet, despite its small size, it throws out some really bright light, at 500 lumens. That’s enough to light up to 120 yards ahead - a whole football field.

You don’t have to keep it at this brightness all the time, however.

If you want to keep your night vision, you can adjust the brightness to 80 lumens on the medium setting, or just 8 lumens on the low setting.

It has a good, solid build, constructed with hard-anodized aluminum. Plus there’s laser etching on the outside to ensure you get a good, firm grip. It’s also both impact and water-resistant.

It comes with a battery included, a CR123A, and the flashlight uses a built-in timer, so the light is on only when you need it, to save the battery.

The timer can be set for 3 minutes or 9 minutes. And when it does eventually run out, you can replace the battery with another CR123A or an RCR123 battery.

We love that the flashlight is covered by Olight’s warranty, which is not just 12 months long, but 5 whole years.

Pros

• Very compact, can be worn on your belt
• Adjustable brightness
• Impact and water-resistant
• Comes with battery included
• Comes with a 5-year warranty

Cons

• Some customers complained about the positioning of the on-switch

RUNNER UP

If you’re looking for an affordable Every Day Carry for emergencies, then this one will do the job.

The maximum light output is not as high as we’d like, but you dont always need a lot in most situations, and this flashlight’s 270 lumens can light up objects over 500 feet away, which is plenty.

There are 3 different light modes you can use, and they are high, low and strobe.

And better yet the light is zoomable too, so you can either cover a wide area, or shed a lot of light in a smaller area. So versatile.

It has a durable construction and is really built to last. And it can handle the rain too, thanks to it’s water-resistance rating of IPX4. We also like the laser etching, to better aid your grip.

It takes 3 AAA batteries, so finding batteries that will work won’t be a problem, you can get them anywhere.

It’s small and compact enough to even fit in a back pocket, which makes it a perfect Every Day Carry.item.

You can buy it on it’s own or as a pack of two, so your partner gets one too.

Pros

• High, low & strobe light modes
• It takes 3 AAA batteries
• Small and lightweight
• Impact & water resistance
• Zoomable beam, wide or focused

Cons

• Low maximum light output

RUNNER UP

This flashlight comes as a pack of two, one for you and one for you r partner. And it offers fantastic value for money.

It has a maximum brightness output of 1040 lumens, which is really bright.

But it’s worth noting at this point that the real life brightness depends on what battery you put in. You can put in regular AAA batteries or a rechargeable 18650 battery.

We love that the light is zoomable, and how you can switch from wide mode to focus zoom, as the need arises.

It comes with both a belt clip and a wrist strap, so you’re in no danger of ever losing it.

You can also take the belt clip off for an improved grip. Speaking of grip, it also features laser etching, so it shouldn’t ever slip from your hand.

And it can handle the rain with no problem at all, with a water resistance rating of IPX4.

That, together with it’s impact resistance too, means it can withstand even a drop in a puddle. That’s thanks to it’s tough military grade metal construction.

Sadly although it has different focusing strength, it doesn’t have different light output modes.

But that can be a good thing - no fumbling around and half pressing buttons etc.

In terms of size, it’s not quite as compact as we’d like, but is still less than 6 inches long, making it small enough to fit in your jeans pocket, and therefore small enough to be used as an Every Day Carry.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Uses AAA or rechargeables
• Impact and water-resistant
• Comes with belt clip & wrist strap
• Zoomable beam, wide or focused

Cons

• Doesn’t offer different levels of light output, just different strengths of focus

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the Dune Full Tang Neck Knife from Kershaw. Kershaw has been designing and producing EDC knives in a spring blade, fixed blade and flip blade design for almost 50 years and their expertise in the fixed blades is evident in this neck knife.

Kershaw initially produced knives in and through Japan and the influence is definitely notable in this design.

The Dune takes after a Japanese Tanto knife which is similar to its big brother the Katana except in knife shape and size. This design offers a relatively large cutting edge with high durability and beautiful aesthetics. 

The Dune is a 7-inch knife that is on the larger side of neck knives but it still manages to stay relatively lightweight at only 3.5 ounces.

The knife is constructed from 3Cr13 steel which is known to be a cost effective yet durable steel.

This reduces the overall weight of the unit without compromising quality or ruggedness. This type of steel will last you years and because of its weight, you’ll be able to wear it for years without noticing.

The blade has a black oxide coating that increases the rust resistance and makes the whole piece look absolutely stunning.

The sheath is constructed from an injection molded polymer that is extremely durable. It has been designed to hold the knife in place without making it impossible to remove in case you need to.

Kershaw has achieved this by creating a slight edge between the blade and the handle that snaps into place with a corresponding protrusion inside the sheath.

This method of locking the blade in means you won’t have to worry about any parts becoming loose or mechanisms failing, it uses the natural elasticity of the polymer which cannot be worn down.

The top of the sheath has pre drilled holes and comes with an adjustable paracord lanyard already threaded through.

You can change this out for any lanyard you may want to but the included paracord is extremely resistant to wear and the plastic tightener works great to reduce or increase the size of the neck loop.

The handle is made from a nylon synthetic polymer and is reinforced with glass to increase its strength.

It is textured to increase your overall grip and is long enough to fit in most hands without feeling too flimsy in larger hands.

The bottom of the handle also has a cord loop available for you to add a length of paracord if you’d like to for even easier access.

Pros:

• The Kershaw quality and standards are prevalent in this neck knife. 
• The knife measures 7 inches total and has a full tang design for extra rigidity.
• The Tanto style blade gives you excellent piercing and slicing abilities.
• An injection molded polymer sheath protects you and holds the knife effectively.
• The glass reinforced handle withstands heavy use and is textured for grip.

Cons:

• The blade only weighs 3.5 ounces which is comfortable for extended wear but can seem lightweight when in use.

EDITORS CHOICE

The Minimalist Bowie Neck Knife is a great entrant on this list from Columbia River Knife & Tool (CRKT) and performs effectively for its small size.

This knife (as its name suggests) is modeled after a bowie knife which is a large clearing knife that would normally work terribly as a neck knife.

At the size that CRKT has manufactured this knife the Minimalist Bowie is made to be a mini chopper.

With an overall length of 6.75 inches and a blade length of 2.125 inches this knife is great for making long comfortable cuts.

The bowie knife shape adds a natural curve to the blade tip that matches the arch your arm makes as you make a sustained cut.

While this knife would be perfect for a farmyard or even a warehouse job it is also designed with a keep fisher in mind. The security the ergonomically shaped handle gives you also makes this perfect for self defense.

The Minimalist Bowie is constructed from 5Cr15MoV steel. This type of steel is similar to the one used by Kershaw but has a higher corrosion resistance and higher carbon percentage.

This makes the blade slightly denser but also slightly harder meaning that it will hold an edge incredibly well.

The knife also uses a full tang design that means the steel from the blade runs all the way through to the end of the handle. This increases the overall structural strength of the knife and makes it better balanced in use.

The blade also has a bead blast finish which makes it less reflective and also gives a stylish matte look to the steel. The whole knife only weighs 1.6 ounces so you won’t even notice it around your neck.

The handle is made from a polished resin infused fiber that has a nice greenish blue tint and is textured for increased grip.

The handle is also ergonomically designed to fit in the hand in one direction. The way CRKT has done this is by shaping the handle to force your fingers into the perfect position without effort. 

The sheath is constructed from a molded thermoplastic and has the exact same adjustable paracord lanyard as the previous entrant on our list. The major difference is in the shape of the sheath.

It uses the same recess in the blade method to lock them together but it also has a few extra holes around the edges.

These extra holes can be used along the paracord to attach the knife to your thigh or ankle or you could use the extra included belt loop to attach the piece to your belt.

Finally, the blade comes with a length of usable braided paracord attached to the bottom that you can use to easily remove it from the sheath or as a rope if necessary.

Pros:

• The high carbon stainless steel blade takes an edge easily and holds it well.
• The shrunken bowie style of the blade makes it perfect for slicing or piercing.
• The resin infused fiber handle is shaped ergonomically for practicality and comfort.
• The thermoplastic sheath comes with an optional belt loop and paracord lanyard.
• At only 1.6 ounces this blade can hang from your neck all day without you noticing.

Cons:

• The finger recesses are spaced quite far apart and can be a bit uncomfortable for smaller hands.

BEST VALUE

The next neck knife on our list is the Eldris Lanyard Knife manufactured by Morakniv in Sweden.

This completely practical knife actually won the 2016 Scandinavian Outdoor Award based on functionality, quality, innovation, design and sustainability so you can guarantee this knife delivers what it promises.

The Eldris Lanyard Knife is constructed from Swedish Sandvik 12C27 Stainless steel that is exceptionally hard, razor sharp and highly corrosion resistant. 

This knife has truly been designed with the outdoorsman in mind. The minuscule 5.6-inch knife is tough enough to carve large chunks of wood while still being sharp enough to feather an edge for kindling.

The sheath is constructed from a hard plastic that isn’t vacuum formed to the shape of the blade but it does include a stylish leather strap with push fastener to secure the knife in the sheath. 

The paracord lanyard isn’t adjustable past you tightening it with extra knots but it does come with 2 firesteel rods included. With this knife around your neck, you’ll be prepared for anything.

The Eldris Lanyard knife also comes in 6 different colors so you can choose which color you’d prefer to have around your neck.

Pros:

• Award winning design.
• The blade is constructed from Sandvik stainless steel.
• The hard plastic sheath comes with a mechanic fastener to ensure the blade stays put it also has a paracord lanyard.
• The knife comes with 2 firesteels that you can strike on the spine to create a spark.
• The anti-slip rubberized handle works well in all weather conditions. 

Cons:

• If you don’t fasten the sheath the knife can fall out.

RUNNER UP

At 8.6 inches in length, the Counter TAC Series Knife is the bulkiest knife on our list. It is also the most badass looking knife on the list. With a traditional spearpoint boot knife design, this knife looks the part.

Cold Steel is well known for creating dangerous and effective steel weapons and their abilities are evident in this knife.

The double sided full tang knife can is tough enough for standard usage and sharp enough to be a hunting or fishing knife. The blade is constructed from Aus8a Steel which is a Japanese steel known for its edge retention. 

The textured ergonomic handle is made from a proprietary kray-ex that Cold Steel claims can be adaptable to any grip.

With the deep texturing the knife is slip resistant and you will have a secure grip in all conditions.

The sheath is made from a hardened plastic that Cold Steel calls secure-ex. While we don’t understand the naming scheme the sheath is very secure and will keep the knife in place regardless of where you carry it.

The included lanyard is similar to a military chain and is colored black just like the rest of the visible components of the sheathed knife.

The sheath also comes with a removable boot/belt clip and 4 separate 1-inch lashing slots so you can really carry the knife wherever it may suit you best.

Pros:

• The boot knife style spear point knife is great for all situations.
• The full tang blade is constructed from razor sharp Japanese Aus8a steel.
• The sheath makes the knife able to be carried anywhere on the body. 
• The textured grip is great for all conditions and gives most hand sizes a secure grip.

Cons:

• At 8.6 inches the knife is a bit bulky to carry around your neck for long periods of time.

RUNNER UP

The last item on our list is the MT-673 Fixed Blade from MTECH USA.

This company has made a name in the USA by manufacturing high quality cost effective blades for any purpose. This knife is no exception and is extremely high quality for its low cost.

The 440C Stainless steel used isn’t the best on the market but will hold an edge reasonably well and is very easy to sharpen.

At 5 inches total length and with a blade length of 2 inches the MT-673 is small but mighty, you’ll be able to get through most utility tasks with this no problem. 

The handle is designed similarly to the much more expensive Minimalist Bowie from CRKT and is ergonomically designed very well.

The handle scales are made from G10 which is a durable composite that can withstand most heavy usage. It is also textured to increase your overall grip. 

The sheath is formed from Kydex and includes a military dog tag chain similar to the knife from Cold Steel.

The locking mechanism works reasonably well and should stop the knife from slipping out without you intending to pull it out.

Pros:

• The cost effective design makes this knife half the price of any knife on our list.
• The full tang handle is sturdy and makes the knife well balanced.
• The G10 composite on the ergonomic handle makes for a high performance grip.
• The kydex sheath is low cost but extremely effective, together with the chain you can wear this knife around all day.

Cons:

• Cheaper quality steel means you may have to sharpen the blade more often.

OUR TOP PICK

The Survival Axe from LIANTRAL is an amazing tool with a huge amount of different uses that come compacted into a tiny form factor.

This aesthetically pleasing hatchet has 9 tools in the one that can come in handy when you’re at home, when you’re camping and more importantly when you need them in a survival situation. 

The tools you get are an axe head, a hoe scoop that can also be used as a pry bar, 3 hex nut spanner holes, a sharp fishing knife with a descaler, a bottle opener, a flint magnesium rod for starting fires, an emergency whistle, a safety hammer to smash the window of a car without in case of an emergency and finally a compass.

Everything you could possibly need to not only survive the elements but also thrive in them. 

The whole package is completely contained inside the handle of the hatchet, they actually make up part of the handle.

Because of this feature you can choose the length of your hatchet by removing the included extension bars, this gives you the ability to choose between power delivery and control.

The shorter you make the handle the easier it will be to wield and make more precise chops. The longer you make the handle the more power you can put behind each swing allowing you to even fell a small tree.

If you’re going on a camping trip or an off-trail hike and you’re traveling light, the hatchet shrinks down to a minimum length of around 10 inches.

The axe head, hoe scoop and knife blade are made from high quality stainless steel that can withstand a huge amount of use and are very durable.

The handle is made from a thick aluminum alloy that is stippled for extra grip. Both materials are water resistant as they are coated in a stylish black finish that makes the whole piece a matte black and highly durable to use. 

With the 2 sheaths that come with this hatchet make sure that you can store it and transport it safely. They are made of thick, high quality nylon that is covered in a digital camo pattern that matches the theme of the hatchet completely.

LIANTRAL are so confident in their product that they are offering a full refund to any of their customers that aren’t completely satisfied. 

To round up this great tool, you can use this hatchet for chopping, cutting, splitting, chipping, trimming, gutting, scaling, bottle opening, fire making, whistling, shoveling and navigating.

It will be the first and last tool you could need for camping and even highly stressful survival situations. 

Pros 

• 17” to 10” adjustable length for utility, storage and versatility.
• 9 tools in 1 package that doesn’t require an extra carrying case.
• You also get a fishing/utility knife with this axe.
• High quality stainless steel and aluminum alloy construction make this hatchet extremely durable.
• Included sheaths make this hatchet easy to store and transport.

Cons

• There is no hammerhead built in, you can use the side of the axe head but LIANTRAL opted for a hoe scoop instead.

EDITORS CHOICE

SOG is a huge name in the outdoor tactical equipment game, they have been producing extremely high quality knives, throwing knives and axes for many years.

Their years of experience and high quality standards have been channeled down into the Survival Hatchet.

This 12.1 inch survival hatchet has been designed with survival in mind but it also caters for a few more uses a hatchet enthusiast might find handy.

The blade consists of an axe head, a textured hammering surface and a claw spike.

The claw spike can be used for prying nails, cutting wires and it also acts as a cradle for the included ferrocerium firestarter rod to create a more sustained spark. 

As mentioned before SOG has included a ferrocerium fire starting rod, even though it doesn’t fit into the handle like with the previous hatchet, it does fit into the sheath. 

The axe head is made of a hardened stainless steel which means it is durable to heavy use whilst also being weather resistant.

The handle is constructed from a glass reinforced nylon that is completely water resistant and offers a bit of extra grip.

The paracord wrapped around the base of the handle can be removed and used for anything you would normally need rope for. Paracord is extremely tough and has a very high tensile strength relative to its diameter. 

The included sheath is made of ballistic nylon that is extremely durable and matches the black finish of the axe.

It has a dedicated pocket for the fire starting rod, and a belt loop so that you can strap the hatchet to your belt or camping equipment.

This means you won’t have to put the hatchet inside your backpack and take up vital space it can hang off the side for easy access. At 19.5 ounces the Survival Hatchet is easy to carry especially for its size. 

The other selling point of this hatcher is that the blade is actually straight as opposed to straight and the spike on the back is also sharpened to a point.

This makes the Survival Hatcher from SOG a great throwing axe so if you’re a capable tomahawk or hatchet thrower then this gives you another advantage in a survival situation.

Pros

• 12.1 inches of stainless steel and glass reinforced nylon makes this one of the most durable hatchets available.
• The claw spike is usable for multiple different purposes.
• Included ferrocerium fire starter rod and cradle in the spike make it simple to start fires.
• Sheath has space for the fire starter rod and an included belt loop.
• Straight edge and sharpened spike make this ideal for throwing.

Cons

• The blade isn’t full tang which means you might have to tighten some of the nuts for secure use.  

BEST VALUE

This compact multi tool hatchet takes a completely different approach to incorporating multiple tools into one.

Instead of multiple separate tools with a creative method of storing them, the Off Grid Tools hatchet changes the form factor of a hatchet completely and integrates the tools very compactly.

The whole hatchet is only 11.5 inches long and includes a hatchet blade, a hammer head, a nail claw and pry bar, a replaceable 6 inch saw blade, 8 hex bolt sockets, a hardened steel glass breaker and a seat belt cutter. 

The full tang design of the blade means you get the ultimate amount of leverage without having to worry about the structure of the head and whether it’s going to come loose.

The blade and handle core are constructed from 420 stainless steel which is hard steel capable of withstanding strikes and slashes but also is weather and water resistant.

The grip is reinforced with a glass reinforced nylon handle similar to SOG hatchet so you can guarantee ruggedness while still accounting for comfort in the grip of the handle. 

The Survival axe is designed to be kept in the car, with a hardened steel glass breaker and seatbelt cutter built in.

These features can come in extremely handy in the case of a broken down vehicle or a drowning or sinking vehicle where you’d need to exit quickly. 

The hatchet also has a replaceable 6 inch saw built in for sawing needs. You can use it to saw off small tree limbs for firewood or for more precise cuts in a shelter building situation. 

The Survival Axe is very compact and weighs in at 1.6 lbs so is very hefty for its size. This helps when trying to chop through thicker branches. 

Pros

• Great for camping and survival situations with all the included tools.
• Includes a fully replaceable 6 inch metal saw blade.
• Designed for automobile escape.
• Compact yet hefty.
• Grip is made from durable glass reinforced nylon.

Cons

• The axe comes dulled out of the box and needs sharpening to be useful.

RUNNER UP

The compact entrant onto our list uses a swiss army knife style of multitool approach to tackling the survival hatchet.

The 14 in 1 Hatchet from RoverTac is named well, it has 14 separate tools that you can use in this hatchet. 

You get an axe head, a hammer head, pliers, knife blade, saw, assorted hex wrenches, philips head screwdriver, flat head screwdriver, bottle opener, file, flat jaw pliers, wire cutters/strippers and fish descaler.

This means that it can handle most tasks that you throw at it. 

The Multitool Hatchet is only 7 inches long meaning you won’t get the full swing and power of a longer hatchet. 

The handle is constructed from nylon which is the same material as the solid case that comes included for easy carrying. 

Pros

• 14 tools in a very compact size.
• Comes sharpened out of the box.
• The tail lock keeps everything in place when you need to use the hammer or axe.
• Comes with a hard nylon carrying pouch with a belt loop.

Cons

• Too small to chop larger branches.

RUNNER UP

This survival kit implements many different survival tools into one compact carrying case.

The kit includes a shovel and axe combo head, a fire starting kit with a whistle built in, a multi use knife, hex sockets, 2 stippled extension bars, a screwdriver set, a window breaker, a compass and a carrying case with sheath.

With this kit we can guarantee you’ll be able to thrive in the wilderness with no worries of not having the right tool for the job.

You can count on this tool to get you through any rough spots but it’s also a great companion for hikes and camping trips.

The included belt loop with the carrying case makes this whole kit really easy to move around especially at 4.6 lbs total for the whole package. 

The only reason this isn’t higher on our list is because it isn’t solely a hatchet, you get a great hatchet with the kit but you also get other tools. 

Pros

• Comes with a shovel head and axe and hammer combo head. 
• Comes with 2 extension rods for comfortable usage and versatility.
• Has a camo carrying pouch with a belt loop and handle for easy transport.
• Includes all necessary survival tools and works well being stored in a vehicle for emergency usage.

Cons

• Can’t use shovel head and axe head simultaneously.

OUR TOP PICK

The real beauty of this karambit is in the deployment. The blade purs away in slumber until you apply some downward pressure with your thumb and awaken the beast.

The tiger claw bursts out into place, ready for action, and with the protective finger ring, it’s impossible to be disarmed.

The handle is made of 6061 aluminum which is super lightweight and durable. It features a sturdy pocket clip so you can have it close to hand in times of emergency.

The blade itself is made out of D2 steel which measures between 55 and 62 HRC on the Rockwell scale and holds its edge incredibly well.

The steel is coated by a layer of Ni nitride, an incredibly strong ceramic substance that protects against impacts and oxidization and gives it an awesome matte-black color.

This is a great karambit, but we do have a couple of caveats. It’s quite an expensive blade, and due to the location of the crossbar release mechanism, it’s not really suitable for lefties.

Other than that, with only combat uses, it’s not too versatile.

Pros

• Revolutionary, ultra-fast deployment
• Foldaway designs are safer
• Has a low profile pocket clip
• Looks awesome
• D2 steel is pretty hard and holds an edge
• Ni nitrate coating protects the steel
• Lightweight aluminum handle
• Features a finger ring

Cons

• Overpriced
• No real utility purposes

EDITORS CHOICE

Our second slicer is made of formidable VG-10 Japanese steel which, as you’d guess, is insanely tough.

VG-10 is a high carbon alloy finished by other metals such as molybdenum, vanadium, chromium, and cobalt.

It's used to make some of the best chef knives in the world. The 2.75 blade is hollow ground, which means there’s a slight concavity in the bevelling. 

Made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel, the handle makes an excellent match for the blade. It brings the overall weight up to 0.2lbs, but we actually prefer the hand-feel of a heavier knife. It adds a nice tactility to using it.

While it doesn’t have the kinetic deployment power of our top pick, the Harpy can still be opened and closed using one hand thanks to the circular hole grip.

There’s no finger ring, which some might find disappointing, but this isn’t a combat knife.

Designed specifically for cutting rope, netting, chord, and webbing, as long as it’s oiled every now and again and sharpened sufficiently, the Harpy is perfect for marine use.

Pros

• VG-10 Japanese steel is incredibly high quality
• Stainless steel handle
• Foldaway function
• Ambidextrous single hand deployment
• Hollow ground
• Proprietary serrated edge
• Large pocket clip
• Great for marine use

Cons

• Quite expensive
• No finger ring

BEST VALUE

The big difference with the Fox 599 G10 is that it’s double-edged. Both sides of this crescent-shaped blade are sharp, making it quite dangerous to wield, but even more deadly to the opposition.

There are three materials in play in the 599’s construction. The claw itself is made of N690CO steel which is fantastic for everything from kitchen to outdoor survival use.

It’s corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, has great edge retention, and sharpens up easily. 

The handle is crafted from black V10, a high-pressure fiberglass laminate. It’s so strong and moisture resistant that it never needs maintenance.

The final material to speak of is the sturdy aircraft aluminum that makes up the finger ring, which doesn’t just keep the overall weight down, it avoids disturbing the balance between the blade and the handle as well.

It’ll be difficult to find a karambit as sharp and functional as the G10, but it might be worth purchasing a pair of gloves too, as the grip scales are fairly abrasive on skin after a while.

Pros

• Very sharp, double-edged claw
• Aluminum finger ring
• Strong fiberglass handle
• Awesome stealth look
• Ergonomic finger grooves
• Single hand deployment

Cons

• Pricey
• Grip is quite abrasive

RUNNER UP

The S-tech is a very popular lower-end model karambit with great specs for the price tag.

Similar to the Fox knife, the ergonomic handle is made out of G10 fiberglass and features an almost identical grip pattern. The finger loop is heavier this time around, giving it a brass knuckle feel.

8CR13MOV steel isn’t technically the best, but for the price, it’s one of the toughest materials out there. It’s known to be highly wear-resistant, so your blade will really hold its edge.

The TS005 is a foldaway design, but it also comes with a sheath and an ambidextrous belt mount. To deploy the blade, you simply draw from the sheath in a quick upward motion. Pretty cool, right?

If you’re looking for a budget blade, you can’t beat this S-Tech creation.

The sheath could be improved as it’s quite chunky, and noisy as you draw the blade, and the grip can feel aggressive on sensitive skin, but all in all, it’s well worth the money.

Pros

• Amazing price
• Innovative draw deployment
• Foldaway, sheathed, and belt-mounted
• Quality steel blade
• Strong G10 handle
• Heavy finger ring

Cons

• Sheath could be streamlined
• Aggressive grip

RUNNER UP

Our final karambit is actually the most versatile on the whole list. It features a double-edged D2 steel blade.

The primary edge is fairly linear until you reach two serrated teeth towards the hilt. The outer edge is equal and opposite with a large serrated section.

The handle is ergonomically shaped fiberglass for lightweight and long-lasting performance. It’s a foldaway karambit, but like our fourth pick, comes with a sheath that, with some simple screwdriver work, can be mounted left or right.

It’s a little tight, but after a few months of use, might start to ease up a bit.

This is the perfect karambit for utility use, especially as the sheath prevents a quick draw. If you’re an outdoors kind of person that spends a lot of time exposed to the elements, this little thing will keep you going.

Pros

• Amazingly versatile
• D2 steel, double-edged blade
• Ergonomic fiberglass handle
• Foldaway and sheathed design
• Ambidextrous mounting
• Comfortable and effective grip
• Amazing value

Cons

• Sheath is tight

OUR TOP PICK

Taking the top spot on our list is this tactical rigger belt from a brand called Fairwin. It caught our eye due to its thousands of positive Amazon reviews from happy customers.

It’s easy to see why this belt was so well received, as it’s the perfect tactical belt for preppers and it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg!

This is a military-grade V-ring rigger belt that comes complete with a one-second quick-release buckle, making it perfect for combat and prepping.

The belt itself measures 45” in length, 1.5” in width and fits waists measuring between 30” and 36”. The belt is made from high-quality, fast-drying, and sustainable 1000D nylon which is durable yet gentle on any exposed skin. 

The buckle of this belt is military-grade and has been constructed from solid metal. It even has a convenient V-ring which allows you to attach possessions and accessories, without the risk of losing them during conflict or bugging out.

The buckle is fitted with quick release technology that is activated by pushing two golden tabs down simultaneously. If only one tab is pushed down, the buckle will still hold and fully re-lock on its own.

Be aware that the maximum bearing weight of this belt is 1100lb/500kg, however, this should be plenty for training and prepping purposes.

This tactical belt even comes with a 2-year warranty and a 60-day hassle-free returns policy. There’s even a handful of different color options available and this belt is suitable for use by men, women and children. 

Pros:

• Has a military-grade V-ring for holding necessary equipment
• Can hold up to 500kg of equipment and goods
• Made from a durable, high-quality nylon material
• Safety lock contraption fitted on the buckle to prevent accidents
• 2-year warranty and 60-day guarantee included 

Cons:

• Some reviewers mentioned that they wish the belt was a little thicker

EDITORS CHOICE

Next up has to be this tactical belt made for men by a brand called Bestkee.

We love this belt due to the fact that it’s made from tactical-grade nylon. You can even customize the thickness to increase durability and sturdiness.

Compared to your average leather belt, a good-quality nylon belt won’t crack and disintegrate over time.  The length of this belt measures at 49”, the width is a reasonable 1.5” and it’s suitable for waists measuring 46” and below.

The manufacturer claims that this nylon belt is soft, gentle, and comfortable, even on exposed skin. This makes it perfect for emergency bug-out situations when you may not have time to completely gear-up, simply grab your belt and go. 

Much like our previous option, the Bestkee tactical belt also features an intelligent quick-release belt buckle.

The buckle is made from solid metal and can be released by pushing down the two gold tabs. Just pushing one gold tab won’t open your belt, keeping it securely locked.

This belt comes with super cool freebies too, including a tactical molle key ring holder and a tactical molle pouch. These are helpful for keeping essentials on your belt. 

Pros:

• Made from tactical-grade 1.5”-thick nylon
• Soft and gentle yet durable and strong
• Intelligent, quick release belt buckle automatically locks
• Keyring holder and tactical pouch included

Cons:

• The buckle is a little on the heavy side

BEST VALUE

Next is this tactical nylon belt from JUKMO. The belt strap itself is made from a high-quality nylon material that has plenty of stretch, making it easier to put on and more comfortable to wear than ordinary leather belts.

The belt has been specifically designed to be used over long periods of time, so it’ll never cause you any painful friction burns or lose rigidity over time.

The manufacturer claims that this belt is suitable for military use, police use, firefighter use, work use, sports use, and tactical use.

The buckle of this belt is made from an aluminum alloy construction and has a simple user-friendly design. This heavy-duty buckle has great load-bearing capacity and also features the same gold tabs that the previous belts have.

These gold tabs make sure that your belt simply can’t just come undone and fall off, the removal of the belt is always deliberate.

There are gift options available for this belt, so you can choose to have it wrapped for that special prepper in your life. The manufacturer also promises a lifetime warranty for your peace of mind.

Pros:

• Made from high-quality nylon that is durable yet comfortable
• Less rigid than leather belts
• Heavy-duty aluminum alloy buckle
• The buckle has gold tabs to prevent accidents
• Lifetime warranty included

Cons:

• The belt loop is rather small

RUNNER UP

This next belt is yet another tactical belt made by the brand Fairwin. However, this one is their Nylon Ratchet Web Belt model.

This is a brand new addition to their tactical belt collection, and it’s worth including in this list. The belt adopts a horizontal grain design without the need for a hole and spring snap.

This design means it is unlikely for it to come undone under a strong pulling force. The belt itself measures 4.4 x 4.4 x 1.8 inches and weighs in at a moderate 7.2 ounces.

The buckle features electroplating coloring instead of inkjet painting to avoid the problem of discoloration and fade while improving the texture and gloss of the buckle.

It’s also made from solid metal construction, so it’s unlikely to ever break. This belt also comes with a lifetime warranty. 

Pros:

• Brand new innovative design
• Horizontal grain design eliminates the need for a hole spring and snap
• Electroplated buckle coloring improves longevity and appearance
• Lifetime warranty included

Cons:

• The back of the buckle can dig into your waist causing pain and discomfort

RUNNER UP

Our final addition to this list is this tactical belt for men made by a brand called IDEATECH. This belt is made with a heavy-duty metal buckle and abrasion-resistant nylon webbing.

The quick-release design buckle can withstand multiple uses without wear and allows for easy fitting. The thickened webbing is made of high-strength 1000D nylon material, a popular choice for tactical belts. 

The maximum load of the entire belt is up to 1100lb/500kg and it can support heavy objects without changing shape.

This belt comes with a free tactical pouch and 2 free tactical hooks. These accessories are great for prepping, training, and drills as they can hold cell phones, keys and other small tactical tools. 

Pros:

• Made from high-quality 1000D nylon
• Quick-release buckle system
• Heavy-duty metal buckle
• Tactical pouch and 2 tactical hooks included

Cons:

• The buckle can be too wide to fit through belt loops

OUR TOP PICK

The Spyderco Harpy folding knife was the very first knife to integrate the dynamics of the Hawkbill blade profile with the cutting power of the fully serrated SpyderEdge.

Essentially, this knife has the power and capability of two knives, all in one product. It is both powerful and efficient, and it also has hollow-ground VG-10 stainless steel blade cuts with an authority that is far beyond the size of the knife.

This knife also has a solid-steel handle that is extremely strong and is able to provide the perfect surface for engraving.

The steel actually contains a minimum of 12.5% chromium, which makes sure that the steel is resistant to corrosion. However, the knife is not stain-proof, so this doesn’t mean that it will look pristine forever. 

The knife also comes with bevels that are ground with a concave radius, and these bevels can extend to the full width of the blade, or just a portion of its width, depending on what you need.

It uses a two-step serration pattern that consists of one large and two small serrations, and the pattern increases the cutting edge’s surface by up to 24%. The blade itself is 2.75 inches long.

Pros

• This knife combines two knives into one with new technology
• The knife is both powerful and efficient and is usable for a variety of purposes
• The handle of this knife is made from solid steel, making it strong and durable
• The steel is resistant to corrosion, making it last longer
• The blade pattern increases the cutting edge’s surface by up to 24%

Cons

• This knife is not stain proof

EDITORS CHOICE

This Salt series folding knife is able to tackle rust with ease by using nitrogen-based blade steels, like H-1 and LC200N.

This actually results in a more diverse selection of knives that are highly resistant to corrosion, allowing them to be more durable.

It features a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle, which is a polymer that is mixed with glass fiber before being injection molded into formed and textured lightweight and high-strength knife handles.

It also comes with bevels that are ground with a concave radius, and these bevels can either extend to the full width of the blade or just a portion of it.

It uses a two-step serration pattern that consists of one large and two small serrations, and the pattern increases the cutting edge’s surface area by up to 24%.

The length of the blade is 3.68 inches. Ultimately, this knife has impressive strength and can be used for just about anything. 

Pros

• This folding knife is able to tackle rust with ease due to nitrogen-based blade steels
• This knife is also highly resistant to corrosion, which allows it to be more durable
• It features a fiberglass reinforced nylon handle that is both lightweight and strong
• The serration pattern increases the cutting edge’s surface by up to 24%
• The length of the blade is an impressive 3.68 inches
• This knife has impressive strength that can handle most tasks

Cons

• This knife can be hazardous when used underwater as it is easier for the latch to open by itself

BEST VALUE

This Endura 4 knife is one of Spyderco’s best-selling products that they have available. It features a four-position clip, a high strength locking mechanism, and a trademark round hole, as do all of the folding knives from the Endura series.

When selecting this product, you will have the option to choose between a variety of different handle colors, depending on which one you think suits you the best.

Most knives come in just one color option, so this is a nice additional feature in terms of customizability. There are a total of eight different colors to choose from. 

Additionally, this knife is both lightweight and really durable, as it is fabricated using fiberglass reinforced nylon.

This material is actually a polymer that has been mixed with fiberglass that is then molded and formed into this sleek and textured handle. This material allows the knife to be lightweight and, therefore, easily portable.

It is also a very strong material, which makes it unlikely for the blade to snap, like some other cheaper knife alternatives. This knife is highly likely to last for a very long time.

This knife also features a blade ground with flat bevels that extend all the way from the spine of the knife to the cutting edge.

This will help to reduce any drag that could otherwise occur while you are using the knife for cutting, and it also helps to decrease the overall weight of the knife.

It even has a secure grip that has non-slip properties, and the added texture helps you to grip the knife properly and safely. 

Pros

• There are eight different colors to choose from
• The knife is both lightweight and durable
• This knife is likely to be long-lasting due to the materials used
• The flat bevels help to reduce any drag while cutting
• You can easily grip the handle with its non-slip feature

Cons

• None that we could find

RUNNER UP

As with some other Spyderco products, you can choose between multiple handle color options for this knife.

It also features superior blade steel that has a refined cutting edge and a larger 13mm opening hole.

The knife is lightweight, and the dual skeletonized stainless steel liners inside the handle strengthen the knife without adding extra weight. 

This product is going to be sturdy and long-lasting, and the blade’s spine is slip-resistant.

There are phosphor bronze washers that smooth out the open/close action, and the clip has an upgraded four-way tip. The handle also allows for a firm and secure grip due to its textured surface.

Pros

• Multiple handle colors available
• Superior blade steel has been used
• The knife is lightweight
• Dual skeletonized stainless steel liners inside the handle strengthen the knife
• Uses and upgraded four-way tip

Cons

• Many product reviews say that the rounded hole is really sharp, which has led to injuries

RUNNER UP

The Tenacious folding knife offers high performance in all aspects of use, and the blade itself is 3.39 inches in length.

The stainless steel blade is also coated in a non-reflective black coating, and it is ground flat from the spine to the cutting edge for non-stop cutting.

It also has a G-10 black laminate handle that has been ergonomically designed with fatigue-free cutting in mind.

The knife is simple and easy to use, and it even includes a walker liner lock and a four-way pocket clip.

Pros

• The knife offers high performance
• It is simple and easy to use
• Has non-reflective coating
• Ergonomic design for fatigue-free cutting
• Ground flat from sprint to cutting edge for non-stop cutting

Cons

• Unlike most other Spyderco products, this one is manufactured in China

OUR TOP PICK

The Jundun Fireproof and Waterproof Document Bag is a bestselling product when it comes to safe accessories, and it is backed by an overwhelming number of positive reviews and ratings, placing it straight at the top of our list of favorite picks.

It is made from a high-quality non-itchy silicone that is coated in fiberglass, and it is able to withstand a temperature of up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore keeping your documents completely safe, even in a fire.

It is also waterproof so that your documents are also safe from water, liquid spillage, or if it gets wet for any reason.

It has a capacity of 13.4-inches x 9.4-inches, so it can keep most of your important documents, such as passports, licenses, certificates, money, USB sticks, and more.

It closes with a zipper, which is also fireproof and safe, keeping the documents well-protected inside. It also means you can carry it around without anything falling out.

It is extremely portable, can be easily folded, and can essentially be used anywhere, as well as being carried anywhere you go, while keeping your documents protected.

If you want the maximum protection possible for your documents and valuables, then you can store them inside the fireproof document bag, and place the fireproof document bag inside a fireproof safe.

Jundun also offers a replacement or a full refund if you have any issues whatsoever with the product, so you’re guaranteed reliable and helpful customer service. 

Pros:

• Made from high-quality non-itchy silicone, coated in fiberglass
• Can withstand a temperature of up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit
• It is also waterproof for extra protection 
• A capacity of 13.4-inches x 9.4-inches
• Easy to carry and transport, it can also be folded and easily stored anywhere 
• Full refund or replacement if you have any issues with the product 

Cons:

• No downsides

EDITORS CHOICE

The Moko Store Fireproof Money and Document Bag is another excellent product to choose, and it is second on our list thanks to its amazing quality and thanks to its incredibly budget-friendly price that makes it extra accessible.

It is made from a high-quality silicone-coated retardant-fiberglass exterior and an aluminum foil interior. It is able to withstand temperatures of up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit, so it will keep your documents and money 100% safe in the case of a fire taking place.

It has a great capacity of 15-inches x 11-inches, and you can keep things such as money, valuable jewelry, passports, photos, certificates, a tablet, and many more, completely safe in it.

It features a double protection function, thanks to the zipper and the hook and loop closure design, which ensures the items are secured and safely stored inside the bag.

It is also designed to be compact and foldable so that it is convenient to carry around when needed, and convenient to store away almost anywhere. 

Pros:

• Made from a high-quality silicone-coated retardant-fiberglass exterior, and aluminum foil interior
• Able to withstand temperatures of up to 1832 degrees Fahrenheit
• A capacity of 15-inches x 11-inches
• Double protection design with a zipper plus a hook and loop closure 
• Compact and foldable - convenient design for traveling and storage 

Cons:

• No significant downsides

BEST VALUE

If you’re looking for a bigger and chunkier fireproof document bag, able to carry many more items, then the Blokkd Fireproof Lock Box Bag for Documents might just be the product you’ve been looking for.

This bag has an incredible capacity of 13-inches x 16-inches x 5-inches, with an interior storage capacity that can further expand to 7-inches wide.

The design is inspired by military archive bags, meaning you can store plenty of documents and valuables inside it, so that more of your important items remain protected and safe in the worst-case scenario of a fire taking place.

It is made with non-itchy silicone-coated fiberglass, with an Aramid trim around the seams, corners, and edges. It also features lockable zippers, so that nobody else gets inside your bag, with a strong metal zipper that gets covered by a secure velcro flap closure.

It keeps out the fire, and it is also waterproof so that is safe in the case that it gets wet. The product has been U.S. Laboratory tested for confidence, complying with standards of safety, and proven to be able to withstand temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit.

It will 100% keep your items safe and protected, plus it has several different pockets to keep them well-organized! 

Pros:

• Made from non-itchy silicone-coated fiberglass, with an aramid trim around the seams, corners, and edges
• A large capacity of 13-inches x 16-inches x 7-inches
• Able to withstand temperatures of up to 1500 degrees Fahrenheit
• Design inspired by military archive bags, with several pockets and sections
• Lockable zippers for a more secure closure 
• U.S. Laboratory tested - complies with safety standards

Cons:

• The lockable zipper isn’t very secure

RUNNER UP

Another great option for a reliable and convenient fireproof document bag is The Good Stuff Store Fireproof Document Bag, which is a highly popular option amongst customers.

Designed for keeping legal documents safe, it has a capacity of 11-inches x 15-inches, making it a super convenient and useful size for easy storage and easy transportation when traveling.

It is extremely fireproof, able to withstand an incredible temperature of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit, so you are guaranteed that your documents will remain safe and protected.

It is also completely waterproof, so your documents are also safe in the case of the bag getting wet for some reason. It features an ultra-strength, water-sealed zipper, ensuring a secure closure for your documents to be safe and protected.

Whether your documents face a fire or a flood, they will remain completely safe and protected, giving you peace of mind. And with its convenient size, the bag can be stored almost anywhere!

Pros:

• A capacity of 11-inches x 15-inches - designed for legal documents
• Able to withstand temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit
• 100% fireproof and waterproof
• Ultra-strength, water-sealed, zipper closure
• Easy to store or carry around

Cons:

• No significant downsides

RUNNER UP

Last but not least on our list of top picks, is the Flypal Fireproof Document Bag with Lock, which is another highly popular product amongst those looking for a bag to keep their documents and valuables safe in the case of a fire.

This bag is very spacious and versatile, with a capacity of 16-inches x 12.5-inches x 6.5-inches, that is able to accommodate plenty of documents and items, including a laptop and many more.

The unique U-shape zip closure helps maximize the opening space so that it is easier to access the contents within the bag.

And thanks to the interior smaller pouch, you can keep your items organized, with the smaller documents and items secured. 

It features a built-in combination lock and strong lockable zipper heads, ensuring that only you have access to the bag, making it safe from thieves.

It is made from a certified dual-layer silicone coated fiberglass, with heat-blocking aluminum foil that is able to withstand temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.

With the 4-layer design, you are 100% guaranteed that your documents and valuable items will remain completely safe and protected from both fire and water.

It is portable and foldable for convenience, and it is also incredibly durable and sturdy so that it lasts many years. And just in case, it comes with a lifetime warranty! 

Pros:

• Made from a certified dual-layer silicone-coated fiberglass with heat-blocking aluminum
• Able to withstand temperatures of up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit
• A large capacity of 16 x 12.5 x 6.5 inches
• 4-layer design - 100% guaranteed to keep your items safe from fire and water
• Lifetime warranty included with the product 

Cons:

• No significant downsides

OUR TOP PICK

Our top pick is the very advanced Tecsun PL880. Whatever feature you may be looking for in a shortwave radio, the Tecsun PL880 will offer just about every one.

Tuning to your favorite radio station is a breeze with easy tuning knobs. The main tuning knob works alongside a fine-tuning knob for easy use.

You also have the option to simply use the keypad to enter the frequency you desire.

When you have found your favorite frequencies, there is an option to save them to presets to find easily and quickly. This helps reduce signal noise hugely.

You will get full range coverage with the built-in antenna alongside a jack for an AM external antenna.

The LCD screen allows you to get the perfect frequency as well as keep an eye on the level of the battery life.

The sound is a key aspect of any radio and the Tecsun PL880 has great quality. It has one of the best and clear audio qualities of any radio in its price range.

The 18650 Li-ion rechargeable battery is replaceable so you can bring another one along when it has run out. Nevertheless, this battery should last up to 2 weeks, even with heavy usage.

As well as this, the size and weight are extremely lightweight for easy portability, including a hand strap.

Pros

• Multiband with access to AM, FM, and SSB
• Includes an LCD screen for perfect frequency and access to battery level
• Simple to use with a main and a fine-tuning knob
• Long-lasting battery with use of up to 2 weeks
• Very portable measuring only 7.5 x 5.4 x 1.25 inches and weighing 1lb

Cons

• Plastic kickstand sometimes folds out when the power button is pressed

EDITORS CHOICE

Our second pick is the compact and affordable Retekess V115. Small enough to fit in your pocket, this is a versatile shortwave radio.

You are able to access AM and FM radio stations on this portable device as well as connect your smartphone to play music.

You can even plug in a TF card with all your saved music to play anywhere you like. The sound quality is very good with a great level of bass.

If you prefer to use headphones, there is an option of using a earphone jack too.

All the information you need is visible through its LCD screen including the frequency you’re tuning in to and the time. If you use it at night, the backlighting allows for easy readability.

It is important to find a good shortwave radio with a powerful battery. The Retekess V115 offers this with a built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery. This can be charged with an adaptor or a USB cable through your PC.

Pros

• Very affordable compared to radios with similar features
• Extremely portable measuring a minuscule 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches
• Can tune in to shortwave, AM, and FM stations
• Can play your own music using a TF card or connect your smartphone
• Contains a built-in rechargeable battery but can be plugged in with an adaptor or a USB cable

Cons

• Doesn’t include a clock
• No tuning knob for easy access of radio stations

BEST VALUE

This is one of the smallest portable shortwave radios available today. At less than 5 inches long, and around 3 inches high, the C.

Crane CC Skywave radio can be carried around anywhere and everywhere. For extra safety, it comes with a stylish leather case.

When you’re looking for a new shortwave radio, you will be wanting one with as many features as possible.

The C. Crane CC Skywave radio has an abundance of features to wow you. You can access pretty much any radio source you like such as shortwave, AM/FM, the NOAA band plus the Alert, the Airband, and single sideband.

The C. Crane CC Skyware is technologically advanced with a state of the art circuit board designed for crystal-clear reception.

The audio is plain to hear thanks to a 23-inch shortwave reel antenna which picks up a clearer frequency than any built-in version.

These frequencies can be entered via the keypad or you can scan automatically. Then, simply find your favorite stations and save to over 400 presets.

The backlit LCD screen displays a clock, alarm function, and many more features. The radio can be powered through an adaptor or by using 2 AA batteries.

These batteries should last up to 60 hours with an additional 10 hours if the CC earbuds that come with the radio are used tool.

Pros

• Extremely compact for easy portability
• Comes with 400 presets to save your favorite radio stations
• Fast and fine-tuning on all bands including aviation
• At least 60 hours of battery use when used heavily
• Precise reception thanks to a 23-inch shortwave reel antenna for clear frequency and audio

Cons

• Weather is not included when fine-tuning bands

RUNNER UP

There is no surprise that Sony has made a top-quality shortwave radio. The Sony ICF-SW7600GR gives you AM and FM radio along with shortwave and SSB.

Sony has included an antenna for AM and LW as well as a telescoping antenna for shortwave and FM.

Synchronous detection helps minimize noise and fading, giving a clear reception. Alongside this is the PLL Quartz Frequency Synthesized Tuning that decreases any drift.

There is an auto-scan function that can scan up to 100 presets at any one time. Before moving on to the next preset, you will be able to listen for a few seconds to check if you have found your beloved station.

Although compact, this radio is equipped with a large LCD screen as well as a keypad for you to find your desired station quickly.

All this needs a good amount of power and the AC adaptor or 4 AA batteries will keep the radio running sufficiently.

Pros

• Offers a superb reception 
• The synchronous detection helps minimize any noise for clear audio and frequency
• Very compact and lightweight for easy transportation
• Includes two different alarms including the choice to set one to a different radio station to wake up to

Cons

• No air band

RUNNER UP

Our final pick is the retro-looking Prunus M-160BT radio. Vintage by name, but definitely not by nature. It may look like it has jumped out of a 1940’s home but its technology is modern and state of the art.

With a tempting price tag, the Prunus M-160BT is a stylish, compact shortwave radio. If you are looking for a desktop radio, this may be one of the best choices, especially in this price range.

You can tune in to AM, FM, and shortwave radio but there are a few fantastic bonuses. This budget-friendly radio comes with aux-in and Bluetooth for you to connect your smartphone as well as attach a TF card to play your favorite tunes.

This is a bundle of vintage looks and contemporary technology and would look great in any environment.

Pros

• Retro design for a vintage look
• Very inexpensive compared to many similar models
• Offers Bluetooth connectivity and Aux-in to play music straight from your smartphone
• Able to play TF cards and flash drives
• Comes with a rechargeable 12000 mAh battery for extended use

Cons

• Doesn’t include a low volume setting
• No battery backup

OUR TOP PICK

The thing about a pocket knife sharpener is that it needs to be small, ideally...pocketable, and the PP1 is just that.

It’s 3.5” x 1”, probably around the same size or smaller than your pocket knife itself, and it only weighs 0.02lbs. It even has a lanyard hole, perfect!

This is a 3-in-1 sharpener. First of all, you have the fold-out tapered round diamond-coated rod that doesn’t only work a treat on your standard straight or curved blade but helps bring any hard to sharpen recesses to a fine edge too.

Next, you have a course carbide stone V in the hilt perfect for resurrecting the edge of a totally dull knife in seconds. No knife is ever dead if you have the PP1.

Lastly, you get the fine ceramic stone V for refining those new edges into razor-sharp polished perfection. All the stones are replaceable and reversible, so you don't ever need to replace the PP1.

Smaller sharpeners can be quite dangerous to use, but the PP1 has an ergonomic thumb space to help you keep a tight grip as you give your knife a once over.

The PP1 is incredible, but it’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to small sharpeners. It’s not going to give you a surgical edge.

Pros

• Diamond edge tapered fold out rod can sharpen any shaped edge
• Course V will give dull blades new edges
• Ceramic edge polishes and refines new edge
• Stones can be replaced
• It’s lightweight and small
• Features a lanyard hole
• Thumb space helps with grip
• Amazingly affordable

Cons

• Doesn’t give you a professional edge
• You have to switch hands to sharpen both sides of the knife, which can be dangerous

EDITORS CHOICE

Next on our list of survivalist sharpeners is a totally different design that sacrifices a bit of portability for some extra cutler proficiency.

Although this sharpener has a lanyard hole, and at 2.5 ounces, is fairly light, due to its size, it’s more of a pack-held device.

Instead of the convex carbide stones, you have an extra diamond plate, one course, one fine. The plates run along almost the entire length of the sharpener which makes working on larger blades way easier.

In addition, each end has an angle guide to keep your strokes perfect.

Ceramic shows up here in the form of a rod that can be turned using a side dial, switching between coarse, fine, and fishhook settings.

There’s even a smaller ceramic rod specifically for sharpening serrated blades.

Another big defining factor with the Field Sharpener is the awesome leather strop on one of the sides. Moreover, the diamond plates can be removed to reveal an internal broadhead wrench.

Pros

• Leather strop for polishing
• Two ceramic rods with various surfaces
• Fishhook feature
• Internal broadhead wrench
• Angle guides
• Two removable diamond plates
• More expensive than our others but still fairly cheap

Cons

• Even fine diamond is still quite coarse
• Quite large
• Heavier than our other picks

BEST VALUE

This flexible and durable helmet is one of the best in today’s market. Built for a range of water sports, this piece of headwear is equipped to keep you looking great and feeling safe.

Whether you’re a beginner tackling your first wave or a professional looking to play hard, this helmet will provide you with the reliable protection you need.

From a brand known for their recognizable and unique style, this model comes in four finishes, including a ‘satin orange’ which will not only ensure you stand out but can be extremely useful in terms of lifeguard visibility with there are ultra-crowded line-ups.

With its high-density injection-molded ABS shell and its soft, quick-absorbing EVA liner, the helmet provides not only effective protection but comfort around the top of the neck and the ears.

For further comfort, the straps of the helmet are made of a soft, nylon, webbed material rather than the harsh plastic that many manufactures tend to use.

This helmet with its durability, ventilation, and practical composition is one that is known for its mass appeal amongst surfers and water enthusiasts worldwide.

If you are looking for a high-standard, substantial value for money model, you will not regret choosing the Pro-Tec Ace Water helmet.

Pros

• Light and comfortable fit
• Closed-cell padding which prevents water build-up
• Safety Standard Certification verified
• Equipped with 15 open vent holes
• Universal and built for a range of water sports

Cons

• Non-adjustable straps

RUNNER UP

Our penultimate edge edifying friend is reminiscent of our number one pick but with a few extra facilities worked into the compact design.

You get the exact same convex course carbide stone section in the hilt and the same fine ceramic section for finishing an edge.

You even have a fairly similar tapered diamond rod, but this time around it has a groove for fish hooks.

Our favorite thing about this little thing is the Ferro rod, which is sure to be handy for starting fires out in the wild.

In addition, it comes with a high pitched emergency whistle. We also love the soft rubber grip, making it handy in the rain.

The reason this is at number four is that you don’t necessarily need the extras it provides.

They mostly just add to the weight, but if you like the sound of the extras, this is still a great portable sharpener, and it’s actually the second cheapest on our list.

Pros

• Course carbide for establishing edges
• Fine ceramic V for fine-tuning new edges
• Tapered diamond rod with groove for fish hooks
• Comes with an emergency whistle
• Includes a Ferro rod
• Super affordable
• Small and lightweight
• Hole for lanyard
• Soft rubber grip

Cons

• Would be better if extras were sharpening related
• May work better on larger knives
• It won’t provide a professional edge

RUNNER UP

Our final pick is a modern take on a classic whetstone.

The stone itself is reversible, giving you the choice between a 1000 and 6000 grit ratingsl, and it sits in a silicone rubber enclosure which in turn fits into a nonslip bamboo base.

Only the finest materials are used to create the whetstone, giving you the finest edge humanly possible without the use of high tech laser beams.

The 1000 side of the stone is perfect for creating an edge, while the 6000 side refines it.

At 7.25” x 2.25” x 1”, it’s a little large. Realistically it’s more of a stay-at-home-sharpener, but it will give you the most professional-grade edge of any sharpener on our list. It’s also the most expensive on our list, so there’s that to consider.

It also comes with an angle guide so you can perfect every stroke and have your pocket knife ridiculously sharp in a matter of seconds.

Pros

• Provides the sharpest edge of any on our list
• Quite small for a quality whetstone
• Comes with rubber enclosure to protect stone
• Bamboo provides a stylish and safe base for use
• Nonslip rubber base prevents movement during use
• Two grit levels
• Comes with a really good angle guide

Cons

• Not suitable for travel
• Quite pricey

OUR TOP PICK

BaoFeng is as American as apple pie and football on a Sunday.

This South Dakota company was set up to do one thing and one thing alone, to help their customers connect with each other and stay in touch. 

They serve a higher calling, but their overriding mission is to keep their customers happy, and that’s almost certainly why they’ve become one of the premiere names in handheld ham radio circles. 

They call this particular ham radio their most powerful one yet, and it’s not hard to see why.

This dual-band radio uses a new generation chipset which means that it has more transmitting power than any other previous model and uses a tri-band power setting (one, four, and eight watts) that’s driven by BaoFeng’s more advanced battery to allow you to monitor anything up to one hundred and twenty-eight different channels and talk to whoever is in range whenever you need to. 

As a brand BaoFeng also understands that most people weren’t born knowing how to use a ham radio, which is why the BF-F8HP comes with an incredibly detailed, and easy-to-understand user manual. 

By the time you’ve finished reading it, you’ll be up to speed with every aspect of Ham radio and will know almost as much about it as BaoFeng does. 

Pros

• The impressive list of features that this incredibly affordable ham radio is packed with is simply staggering. Incredible battery life (which on average will give you between eighteen and twenty hours of usage from a single charge), a high-gain antenna, and dual-band accessibility with multiple power modes. It’s literally a ham radio operator’s dream machine. 
• And then there’s everything that BaoFeng includes with the radio - an earpiece, a belt clip, a hand strap, a power adapter, and charger, and, of course, the comprehensive and simple to follow users manual. 
• If that wasn’t enough to tempt you, it also comes with a limited twelve-month warranty and tech support.

Cons

• While it’s powerful enough to allow you to tune into and listen to a whole host of different channels, in order to comply with FCC regulations, you’ll need to program the BaoFeng before you use it so that you don’t end up listening to military and government chatter that you weren’t meant to hear.

EDITORS CHOICE

With two decades of experience in two-way radio design and manufacture, TYT has earned their ham radio stripes the hard way; by making radios that you can rely on, and always depend on, to do exactly what they’re supposed to do when you need them the most. 

This DMR (digital mobile radio) and analog radio is a single band unit that’s deceptively powerful and versatile.

Built with ease of usage in mind, it’s the perfect vessel for ham radio users to venture into the world of DMR while staying fully grounded in the traditional analog realm.

Able to send and receive text messages when it’s in digital mode,  the MD-380 knows that sometimes silence is a virtue and some conversations should be seen and not heard.

It’s full-color display also makes it easier to follow and monitor the channels and chat that you want, and need, to and proves that this user-friendly radio has been designed with the operator in mind. 

Knowing when to, and not to, talk is one of the unsung lessons of ham radio, and the TYT makes it easy for you to know when you should be chatting and when you need to listen.

Bridging the gap between digital and analog, the TYT offers the best of both ham worlds at an incredibly realistic and affordable price. 

Pros

• It's straightforward, easy to use, and simple to get to grips with DMR that makes it easier than you ever thought possible to embrace the benefits of the digital world that also lets you cling tightly to all of the joys of the analog.
• It’s light too. In fact, it’s so light, there’s a good chance that you’ll forget that you’re carrying the TYT unless you’re switched on and listening. And the included earpiece means that no matter where you are, with the TYT, you can always be listening.

Cons

• Even though it comes with all of the user-friendly software and equipment that you’ll need to program it, some dedicated ham enthusiasts have reported that it’s not exactly the easiest radio to program to make it FCC compliant. It’ll probably take you a while unless you have a degree in radio engineering and rocket design, to fully program it, but then the best things in life always demand a little extra time and effort.

BEST VALUE

When it comes to names you can trust, few carry the sort of weight and gravitas that Kenwood does.

While they’ve branched out into almost every sphere of modern life, they’ve always had a passion for audio and radio, and the TH-D74A is their most advanced entry into the world of handheld ham radio. 

A multi-functional DMR that combines GPS, Bluetooth, and all of the virtues of traditional radio communication, the Kenwood can monitor around one thousand channels and switch between conventional FM, AM, and CB stations and the more elusive amateur digital networks.

And best of all? Should you wish to, you can also record anything that you’re listening to or conversation that you have on the Kenwood straight onto an SD card.

With most ham radios, the question you’ll usually find yourself asking is “What can this radio do?”, but with the Kenwood, that question becomes “What can’t this radio do?”

And the answer is very little. If you can think of something that you want your radio to do, there’s a good chance that the Kenwood can, and will, do it. 

Featuring four different power settings and a surprisingly efficient and long-lasting battery, the TH-D74A is a go anywhere and do anything ham radio that drags the conventional world of amateur communication into the future. And it does it with flourish, charm, and an incredible amount of user-friendly know-how and technology. 

Pros

• It uses DStar, which allows you to also send and receive text messages while embracing the more conventional aspects of the ham radio world. 
• Fully weatherproofed and built to take a beating, no matter where you are in the world and what sort of situation you find yourself in, you can depend on the Kenwood to never let you down. 
• Designed with the user in mind, it’s easy to operate and simple to master and offers a world of ham radio functionality at the touch of a couple of buttons and much, much more besides.

Cons

• All of the technological punching power that Kenwood offers comes at a price, that’s reflected not only by its eye-watering cost but also by the fact that it’s incredibly big and bulky for a handheld ham radio. 
• And, given how user-friendly it is, its operating manual is surprisingly difficult to follow which means that it'll take you a while to figure out how to make the most out of this incredible piece of kit. 

RUNNER UP

Yaesu is the ham radio devotees brand of choice and for more than sixty years they’ve been at the forefront of amateur radio communication.

Yaesu has forged a cast-iron reputation for reliability and innovation that few other ham radio brands can hope to compete with, which is why they’re regarded as being the best of the best. 

This dual-band ham radio exemplifies what Yaesu does, and has a one thousand channel memory, can receive NOAA weather updates, and has been a favored weapon of choice in the ham radio scene for a number of years.

Don’t be put off by the fact that it’s a slightly older design, as this handheld ham radio adheres to the idea that if something isn’t broken, there’s no need to fix it.

And when a radio works as well as the Yaesu does, it makes you realize that sometimes the best tunes really are played on old fiddles. 

And it has a surprise up its dual-band sleeve that few other ham radios possess. It comes with EAI (Emergency Automatic Identification), which means that if you ever need to be rescued, the emergency services can track your location and find you, even if you don’t know where you are. 

Pros

• While most ham radios rely on firmware updates and need to be programmed via the machination of the internet, the Yaesu relies on its user to program it by hand.  Which is surprisingly easy to do. 
• With a one thousand channel range and long-lasting battery, this lightweight handheld ham radio has been designed to go everywhere with you and keep you in the loop at every stage of your journey. 
• Designed, engineered, and built by the ham radio aficionado’s brand of choice, the Yaesu has been made to be reliable and will help you to explore every corner, and all of the minutiae, of ham radio.

Cons

• Even though it’s versatility and functionality among ham radio fans is near legendary, the Yaesu is saddled with a surprisingly inefficient and ineffective antenna, so if you want to make the most of this radio, you’ll need to look at changing that component as soon as possible. 

RUNNER UP

We’re ending our list as we began it, with one of the premier brands in ham radio, BaoFeng, and their UV-5R dual-band ham radio.

While the BF-F8HP showcases the very best of BaoFeng’s high-end radios, the UV-5R  is their budget-conscious entry-level model that’s designed to introduce everyone to the world of ham radio.

Small, light, and effective, the UV-5R has one hundred and twenty-eight programmable channels, two power settings, and a battery life of around twelve hours, depending on the power setting that you use.

Capable of transmitting on almost all amateur wavelengths and frequencies, the UV-5R is an affordable way to dip your toes into the surprisingly inviting waters of ham radio without unduly damaging your pocketbook. 

The UV-5R proves that good things often come in small packages and that the multitude of technological bells and whistles that some ham radios are packed with aren’t always necessary.

Sometimes, you just want a radio to be a radio. 

Pros

• Lightweight, durable, and easy to use, the UV-5R will help you to find your feet in the ham radio universe and will help you to master everything that you need to know quickly and effectively. 
• It’s also surprisingly affordable, and won’t break anyone’s bank or even leave a dent in the most slimline of pocketbooks. Seriously, we don’t understand how BaoFeng can afford to sell this radio at the price that they do without taking a massive financial hit. 

Cons

• If you’re looking for a world-changing radio that’ll do everything except sit up and beg, then you’re looking in the wrong place. The UV-5R is a straightforward, easy to use handheld ham radio. Nothing more, nothing less.