Fort Knox Maverick Safe Review — The Best Value Fort Knox Safe

Looking for a Fort Knox safe that blends American-made quality and construction, and great value? The Fort Knox Maverick Safe could be the perfect choice.

Since 1988, our family-owned and operated business has prided itself on carefully curating the highest quality safes for the value. We don’t just carry every safe available or cater to the bargain box-store shopper. We believe in helping customers get the right safe to meet their needs. Which is why we’re honored to be a Fort Knox dealer.

These American-made safes are built with American steel and feature impeccable craftsmanship. The entry-level Fort Knox Maverik is no exception. In this post we’re going to look at what makes the Maverick so unique, why it’s a great value, and what safes you should consider if you need a step up in protection.

Fort Knox Safes: What is the Maverick?

The Fort Knox Maverick is what would be considered an entry level model in the Fort Knox lineup — but don’t let that term mislead you.

While most safe manufacturers use 12- or 16-gauge sheet metal in their entry models, the Maverick features a solid 10-gauge steel body with a reinforced 3/8-inch door edge — a massive upgrade in real-world protection.

Like every Fort Knox Safe, the Maverick is proudly built in the USA at Fort Knox’s Orem, Utah facility, backed by their lifetime warranty and decades of manufacturing excellence.

So even though it’s one of the more affordable Fort Knox models, the Maverick still delivers premium build quality, smooth bolt action, and high-grade fire insulation that outperforms nearly every “big-box” gun safe on the market.

Key Features of the Fort Knox Maverick

• 10-Gauge Steel Body — Thicker and stronger than most safes in its class.

• ⅜-inch Steel Door Edge — Reinforced construction for exceptional pry resistance.

• Fire Protection: 90 Minutes @ 1600°F — Well-above industry average for home and office safes.

• Fully Customizable — Choose your paint, shelving, lock type (mechanical or electronic), and accessories.

• Made in the USA — Built from American steel in Orem, Utah.

• Sizes Available — Multiple configurations from compact 40 inch × 26 inch models to full-size 72 inch × 61 inch vaults.

NOTE: These features describe a standard Fort Knox Maverick safe. As with all Fort Knox Safes, all upgrade options are available with the Maverick, including additional layers of steel and fire insulation. These upgrades can greatly enhance the safe’s resistance to burglary attempts and fire.

Why Choose the Fort Knox Maverick Safe?

At Northwest Safe, we believe your safe should match the value of what you’re protecting. The Maverick’s thicker steel body and reinforced door design give you the strength needed to stop common pry-bar attacks and other brute-force entry attempts.

If you’re storing medium- to high-value firearms, cash, precious metals, or important documents, the Maverick offers an ideal blend of weight, security, and price.

Unlike box-store safes with thin sheet metal that can flex or pry open, the Maverick uses true plate-steel construction — giving you the peace of mind you expect from a Fort Knox.

Fire Protection You Can Trust

The Fort Knox Maverick Safe offers 90 minutes of fire protection at 1600°F, giving you a strong fighting chance in a typical residential fire.

Fort Knox safes are engineered to survive real fires, not just pass lab tests. Each safe uses multiple layers of Type C fireboard, solid welded steel, and a heat-activated door seal that expands to lock out smoke and flames.

The fireboard is hand-cut for each safe, ensuring a precise fit that leave only the smallest micro-gaps. During a fire, Type C fireboard releases chemically bound water as steam, helping to regulate the temperature inside the safe and slow heat transfer. At the same time, its vermiculite content expands, filling micro-gaps and preventing the insulation from cracking or separating — a key weakness in cheaper safes that use basic gypsum panels.

Ordinary safes rely on drywall that’s attached with glue. Fort Knox safes are built with fully welded steel anchors that offer an air gap, creating a thermal barrier from the steel to the fireboard. This thermal barrier keeps the body rigid, sealed, and square even under extreme heat. The result? A safe that stays intact, sealed, and cool — protecting your valuables long after others have failed.

If you need even more insulation, consider stepping up to the Fort Knox Defender or Fort Knox Titan for 120 minutes of fire protection.

When to Consider Stepping Up

The Maverick gives outstanding protection for most homeowners and small businesses. However, upgrading to a higher model might make sense if:

• You require 2+ hours of fire protection.

• You’re defending against cutting tools or torch attacks.

• You’re storing very high-value assets like precious metals or jewelry exceeding $50K in value.

In those cases, moving to the Protector or Titan lines adds thicker plate steel, and additional insulation

Who Is the Fort Knox Maverick Safe For?

The Maverick is ideal for:

• Homeowners seeking real protection beyond big-box safes.

• Gun owners who want dependable pry and fire resistance.

• Business owners looking for secure cash or document storage.

• Buyers who value American-made craftsmanship and long-term durability.

If you want a safe that’s built like a tank, but priced for a reasonable budget, the Maverick is an excellent investment.

Fort Knox Maverick vs. the Competition

The Fort Knox Maverick Safe with its 10-gauge steel body, reinforced 3/8″ door edge, American build quality, and 90-minute fire rating, outclasses almost every comparable model on the market.

If your priority is peace of mind without the premium price tag, the Maverick delivers everything you need — and nothing you don’t.

Ready to find your fit? Answer a few, quick questions on our safe selection tool and you’ll get personalized recommendations of the best safes to meet your needs. Protecting your valuables is just a few clicks away. Review your Good+Better+Best safe options and then easily order your safe.