Contributed by Paul Seaburn, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

In her classic hit, Gloria Gaynor sang “I will survive … as long as I know how to love.”

If she was lost in the wilderness, Gloria’s survival song would probably have not been about love but about a good survival knife. These versatile, sometimes multi-purpose knives are essential tools for hunters, campers, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts who might end up in a situation where they need to catch and cook an animal, cut branches or even protect themselves.

If you’re a survivalist or just want to look like one, here are six of the best survival knives to consider.

Smoky Mountain Knife Works

Premium Survival Knife

The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Survival Knife is a premium fixed blade model with some nice extra features including an ergonomic textured rubber grip and a cord-attached emergency whistle. The stainless steel pommel at the end of the handle can be used as a hammer and the nylon and plastic sheath contains a fire starter, an integrated diamond sharpener and emergency survival instructions.

Gander Mountain

Folding Survival Knife

When space is at a premium in a backpack or pants pocket, a folding knife is a convenient alternative to the fixed blade. The SOG Trident Tanto Folding Knife uses SOG’s Assisted Technology for easy one-handed opening with either hand. A groove in the handle holds a cord cutter and the 3 2/3 ounce Trident Tanto folds down from 8 1/2 inches to 5 inches. That’s a lot of functionality in a compact knife.

Knife Cave

Folding Knife And More

The Swiss Army Knife has served the Swiss Army well since it was invented by Karl Elsener in 1897 and the versatile folding knife continues to aid survivalists today, both in the wilderness and in less wild but still treacherous urban settings. The Victorinox StayGlo RescueTool contains a 3 1/4 inch locking blade, a seatbelt cutter, a window breaker and a disc saw, as well as the standard Swiss army knife favorites like a bottle opened and toothpick for the post-survival celebration. What’s more, the StayGlow fluorescent yellow composition handle glows up to two hours.

Captain Dave’s

Hollow-Handle Survival Knife

If the thought of surviving in the wilderness is more than you can “handle,” consider a knife with a hollow handle filled with a survivalist’s wish list of stuff. The handle of the Deluxe Adventurer Survival Kit Knife stores a fingertip saw, fishing line, hook, sinkers, band-aids, a pencil, a signal mirror, a slingshot, a compass and more. Add some matches and you’re ready for the great unknown.

Filson

Limited Edition good looks

While we may dream of adventures in the great outdoors, most of us rarely venture far from home and our biggest fear is getting stuck on the road or locked in a elevator. That’s when having a Limited Edition Filson Collectors’ Knife and Display Box Set from Filson on your desk or in your study can make you look like an urban survival hero. The classic display box makes it look really cool, and the genuine stag handle and stacked leather accents make this a beauty.