Article By: Suraiya Fardous
- December 8, 2023 , Last updated on : December 10, 2023
There are a lot of ways to carry a knife on your person, and which one is the best will come down to your personal preferences. However, most people prefer to use horizontal carry knives as they can carry them in knife sheaths. So, today, we are going to see why a lot of people prefer horizontal knife sheaths over other types of sheaths. The best horizontal carry knives make your life easier only because of the sheaths that are provided with them.
Buying guide for the best horizontal carry knives
The requirements for buying the best horizontal belt knives will not be the same as the requirements for buying other types of knives. For example, if you want to buy the best knives for cutting watermelon, you need to check their blade length. In contrast, you need to check the sheaths to get the best concealed horizontal belt knife. Here is how you can choose the best horizontal carry knife on the market.
Sheathe
First and foremost, the sheathe is what allows you to carry the knife horizontally. You need to get the knives that come with sheaths that you can adjust horizontally around your hip. Alternatively, if you already own a sheathe, you need to get a knife that will fit your sheath without any issues.
Material
One important aspect you need to check when buying any kind of knife is the material that was used during its construction. While better materials will raise the cost of the knife, they will also last longer, saving money in the long run. As a result, it is always a good idea to buy the most durable knives.
Functionality
You need to check for other features like size, sharpness, edge retention, etc. The size will always depend on personal preference. To get the best horizontal carry knife for yourself, select the size that will be comfortable for you to carry. Sharpness and edge retention are harder to judge without hands-on experience. Thankfully, we have reviewed some of the best fixed blade knives with horizontal sheaths for you.
Legality
Last but not least, you need to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding carrying horizontal knives in person. While some states outright made it illegal to carry knives, other states have restrictions on knife type and blade length.
Since there is a lot of competition in the market for horizontal knives, it can get quite tough to select the best one for yourself. That is why we have selected the best horizontal carry knives on the market. We have ranked them based on in-person testing and user reviews.
List of the best horizontal carry knives
Hogue F01 Hunting Knife
Morakniv Companion Sandvik Fixed-Blade Knife
Buck Knives 119 Special Hunting Knife
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Knife
Gerber LMF II Survival Knife
OERLA OLF-1009 Field Knife
Gerber LMF II Infantry Knife
ESEE 6P Fixed Blade Knife
BPS Knives Bushcraft Knife
ESEE 4 Plain Edge Knife
Hogue F01 Hunting Knife
Blade Material: A2 stainless steel
Blade Size: 7 inches
If you want the overall best horizontal scout to carry a knife on the market, go for the Hogue F01 hunting knife. It performs the best because of its outstanding features and build quality. For instance, it has a superior stainless steel build thanks to the A2 stainless steel used in its construction.
Besides its durable blade, the Hogue F01 hunting knife also has a comfortable fiberglass handle that makes the knife easy to use as well. That, combined with its lightweight form factor, makes it the ideal horizontal carry knife for anyone. Lastly, it comes with a durable sheathe that will last as long as the knife itself.
The finish of this knife is flawless. With its aesthetic black design and functional features, it is the clear winner on this list. However, we understand that this knife might be out of the budget range of some people. In that case, you can check the other options.
Pros:
Made from superior stainless steel
Comfortable fiberglass handle
Lightweight knife
Durable sheathe
Cons:
Very expensive
While the Hogue F01 hunting knife has some of the most desirable features you can expect in a horizontal carry knife, it is also very expensive. However, if you can afford its price tag, it is undoubtedly the best horizontal carry knife on the market that you can get.
The Morakniv Companion Sandvik fixed-blade knife has a compact design that is perfect for people who prefer a smaller horizontal carry knife. Additionally, it has an ergonomic polymer handle that is both durable and comfortable to use. Its structure makes it very easy to grip in your hand without any issues.
Besides its compact structure and ergonomic handle, the Morakniv Companion Sandvik fixed-blade knife has an outstanding blade as well. It has a corrosion-resistant blade that can hold its edge for a long time without any issues. Lastly, it comes with a sheath that is very easy to clean, so you can store your knife in it after usage without any worries.
Morakniv is a well-known name amongst hardcore survivalists. This knife from them is extremely versatile. It has an ideal blade length, which makes it legal in states where carrying knives is legal. Besides hunting and camping, you can use this knife for self-defense as well.
Pros:
Compact design
Ergonomic polymer handle
Corrosion-resistant blade
Sheath is easy to clean
Cons:
Blade can flex
The only issue we have with the Morakniv Companion Sandvik fixed-blade knife is that the compact blade has a little bit of flex, especially when you press down on something hard. Other than that, its ergonomic polymer handle, combined with its corrosion-resistant blade, makes it the best horizontal carry knife that you can get.
If you want an excellent sheath to go with your knife, you can go for the Buck Knives 119 special hunting knife. This is because it comes with a Genuine leather sheath that is both aesthetic and functional at the same time. Other than the sheath, the knife also has an aesthetic design that you can confidently use.
The Buck Knives 119 special hunting knife can be used for a lot of purposes thanks to its outstanding versatility. You can use it when hiking, camping, hunting, and even in your kitchen. Lastly, the blade on the knife has excellent edge retention, so you can go a long time without having to sharpen the knife.
If you want something more robust than the Morakniv Companion, then this knife is the perfect replacement. However, since it has a larger blade, you need to ensure that it will be legal in your state before getting it. Overall, it is a really well-designed knife that you cannot go wrong with.
Pros:
Comes with a Genuine leather sheath
Excellent edge retention
Aesthetic knife design
Versatile usage
Cons:
The handle could be more durable
The only drawback of the Buck Knives 119 special hunting knife is that the handle could be more durable. However, if they wanted to include a more durable handle, they would have to increase its price point. Other than that, its excellent edge retention, combined with its aesthetics, makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives.
One of the ways knives can be more durable is by having a full tang build, which is where the metal runs all the way from the top of the blade to the bottom of the handle. The Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion fixed blade knife has a full tang build. Besides that, it also has an ergonomic handle and comes with a hard shell black nylon sheath.
It is one of the best horizontal knives that you can take with you when camping. Its heavy-duty full-tang build makes it perfect for different types of camping chores. Since the handle has a non-slip grip, you can perform these chores without hurting yourself. So, if you are into camping, this knife is perfect for you.
This knife is capable of tackling all manner of outdoor tasks. We think it is perfect for people who love camping and hunting, and you can use it as your primary survival knife. It is very easy to handle and feels great even when you are using gloves.
Pros:
Full tang build
Ergonomic handle
Includes a hard shell black nylon sheath
Cons:
Not ideal for cutting food
The biggest drawback of the Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion fixed blade knife is that it is not ideal for cutting the food that you want to eat. This is because its build material consists of toxic minerals that are harmful to our bodies. Other than that, its full tang build makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives.
If you want the best concealed carry fixed-blade knife, the Morakniv Bushcraft survival knife is the one to get. It has an incognito strong polymer sheath that you can easily adjust horizontally behind your back. Besides that, it is a multipurpose knife that you can use for a lot of purposes, including cutting your food.
This is the second knife from Morakniv on our list. If you prefer carbon steel instead of stainless steel, then go for this option. However, remember that you need to maintain this knife because carbon steel rusts more easily. On the other hand, carbon steel knives are harder and sharper than stainless steel knives.
The knife comes with a substantial ferrocerium rod. For those who do not know, you can swipe the knife on this rod to create a spark. Additionally, there is a slot to keep the ferrocerium rod in the sheath. It is a lifesaver that can get you out of a lot of sticky situations.
Pros:
Multipurpose knife
Provides strength and stability
Strong polymer sheath
Cons:
Can rust if not maintained
One issue you might have with the Morakniv Bushcraft survival knife is if you hate maintenance. It requires regular maintenance, or it might rust because of its carbon steel build. Other than that, its strong polymer sheath, combined with its multipurpose usage, makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives on the market.
The Gerber LMF II survival knife stands out from the crowd because of its aesthetic glass-reinforced nylon handle that is both beautiful and comfortable to use. Besides that, its ingenious build allows it to absorb shocks from impacts with ease. Lastly, it comes with a fire retardant coating, which makes it perfect for firefighters.
This knife was designed by Jeff Freeman, a former military man. He designed it with his experience in service. As a result, it has life-saving applications and other thoughtful features. We also found that it was easy to draw in a pinch. Additionally, the nylon handle is ergonomic as well, so you can wield the knife with ease.
Pros:
Aesthetic glass-reinforced nylon handle
Absorbs shocks from impacts
Sheath with fire retardant coating
Cons:
The blade can cut the sheath
The only problem with the Gerber LMF II survival knife is that the knife can mistakenly cut the sheath if you insert it wrongly. However, this will not be an issue if you are accustomed to using a horizontal sheath. Other than that, its aesthetic handle, combined with its ability to absorb shocks, makes it the best horizontal carry knife.
The OERLA OLF-1009 field knife stands out from the competition because of its razor-sharp edge that can cut through almost anything you might want to cut. Other than that, it is perfect for people who hate maintenance because the blade is very easy to maintain. Lastly, it comes with a versatile sheath that you can adjust both vertically and horizontally.
Upon testing, we found that this knife gave us superior hand control, which in turn let us deliver razor-sharp cutting power. Additionally, it was very comfortable to hold and let us cut most ingredients without having to exert too much force.
Pros:
Razor sharp edge
Easy to maintain
Versatile sheath
Cons:
Very small blade
One concern we have with the OERLA OLF-1009 field knife is that it is a small fixed blade knife with a sheath that has a blade length of only 3.82 inches. However, if you are looking for a small concealed carry fixed blade knife, then this is perfect for you. Other than that, its razor-sharp edge makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives on the market.
The Gerber LMF II infantry knife is perfect for people who want a sheath that does not get in the way. It has a functional sheath belt that will not weigh you down when you are wearing it. Besides that, the knife itself has a comfortable soft-grip handle that you will love to use. Lastly, the blade has partial serration that makes it versatile.
Even though this knife is meant for soldiers and infantries, you can use it for everyday purposes. In fact, it excels at regular tasks more than regular knives that people get at a regular price. That being said, it is more expensive than a regular knife. However, if you have the budget for this knife, we suggest you get it.
Pros:
Comfortable soft grip handle
Blade with a partially serrated blade
Sheath belt allows optimal movement
Cons:
Latch is harder to open
One issue we have with the Gerber LMF II infantry knife is that the latch on the sheath is harder to open, which makes it harder to get the knife out of it in a pinch. Other than that, its comfortable soft grip handle, combined with its partially serrated blade, makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives on the market.
The ESEE 6P fixed blade knife has an optimal center of gravity, which makes the knife easy to use, even for first-timers. Additionally, it has a handle with a spine that increases thumb grip for greater stabilization. Lastly, it has an aesthetic black blade that you can display in front of your friends and family proudly.
While the 1095 steel blade is very sharp and tough, it will rust if the knife is not taken care of properly. You can use a dry film rust inhibitor to take care of the blade after washing the knife. Other than that, the blade will remain intact as long as you keep it in the sheath when you are not using it.
Pros:
Optimal center of gravity
Aesthetic black blade
Handle with a spine for increased thumb grip
Cons:
Could be sharper
One setback you might face with the ESEE 6P fixed blade knife is that it does not come optimally sharpened out of the box. However, if you sharpen it before using it for the first time, you will be good to go. Other than that, its optimal center of gravity, combined with its aesthetic black blade, makes it the best horizontal carry knife.
If you want a fixed blade knife with a leather sheath, the BPS Knives Bushcraft Knife is the perfect one for you. It comes with an aesthetic leather sheath that you can fix horizontally behind your back easily. Besides that, it also has an aesthetic wooden handle that looks great when it sticks out of the leather sheath.
When testing this knife, we loved its optimally balanced build, which made it very easy and comfortable to use. Additionally, the full tang build of the knife makes it very durable, so you can cut tougher things like logs and sticks without worrying about mistakenly breaking the knife.
Pros:
Aesthetic leather sheath
Sturdy wooden handle
Comes with a sharpener
Cons:
Needs more maintenance
While the BPS Knives Bushcraft Knife comes with a sharpener, the knife itself requires more maintenance than its competitors. However, if you do not have a problem with maintaining knives, you can get them. Other than that, its aesthetic leather sheath, combined with its sturdy wooden handle, makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives.
The ESEE 4 plain edge knife has a high-performance blade that makes it very versatile. Additionally, it has a compact design, so you can easily carry it wherever you go. Lastly, it comes with a versatile sheath that lets you carry the knife in a wide variety of ways besides carrying it horizontally.
If you love the ESEE 6P fixed blade knife, but you want a smaller blade, then this knife is perfect for you. It has a similar performance to that knife, with two main differences. Besides the length of the blade, we found that the ESEE 4 was easier to sheathe and unsheathe than the ESEE 6P variant of the knife.
Pros:
High-performance blade
Multiple carry options
Compact design
Cons:
Could be more durable
One drawback of the ESEE 4 plain edge knife is its durability, which puts this otherwise great knife last on our list. However, if you maintain it regularly, you can make it last a long time. Other than that, its compact design, combined with its multiple carry options, makes it one of the best horizontal carry knives.
The best horizontal carry knife for you will be the one that caters to your specific needs. For instance, if you want a knife with a fireproof sheath, go for the Gerber LMF II Survival Knife. Alternatively, if you want the overall best horizontal carry knife on the market, you can go for the Hogue F01 Hunting Knife. If you liked our choices of horizontal carry knives, check out our choices of the best Oyster knives and the best spring assisted knives.
