Best Bushcraft Knife Review
First a bit of background on this Bushcraft knife review and why we feel its important to explain some of the features of each knife before you make a purchasing decision.
Bushcraft – is the art of being self-sufficient while out in the forests or on the land with limited supplies of tools and luxuries. You basically have yourself, your knife, the clothes on your back and little else. It is similar to Survivalism but not in anyway as hardcore. But that’s the beauty of it all.
It is a fading skill that past generations perfected but is getting lost in time. We want to a least bring some of it back here on this website and hope you can help us out.
Central to any bushman or bush crafting person is their trusty knife. You can use it for pretty much everything you need to do to survive. From protecting yourself from wild animals to making traps for those wild animals and then preparing them for a meal. Chopping up firewood, carving tools for survival, whittling fishing hooks, the list is endless. All it takes is some knowledge, a little imagination and a trusty knife.
We have picked what we think are the best bush craft or bush knives available today to give you an idea what to look for when making you choice to buy a knife for yourself.
Best Entry Level Bushcraft Knife
If you are looking for a great entry level Bushcraft knife then look no further than the Mora fixed blade knife. Quite simply the best knife for the money available today.
A rock solid stainless steel knife that you can pick up for under $20. Made by quality manufacturer Mora of Sweden these knives can be found in many a backpack throughout the world.
Even if you later upgrade to a more expensive knife you should still keep the mora in your pack. It won’t let you down – ever. Hands down this is by far the best bushcraft knife under 100 dollars.
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade
Versatile fixed blade outdoor knife of hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel
Patterned, high-friction grip makes the knife comfortable to hold and easy to handle
Blade length: 4.1 inches (104 mm); Blade thickness: 0.1 inch (2.5 mm); Overall length: 8.6 inches (218 mm); Weight w/ sheath: 4.1 oz.
Color-matching plastic sheath with belt clip
Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.
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Best Heavy Duty Bushcraft Knife
If you are looking for a more heavy-duty knife that can take a bit of a beating then we highly recommend the Ka-Bar BK2 by Becker. This multi-use knife is a real work horse and is up to almost any task you throw at it.
Well balanced, this knife does exactly what it is supposed to and does a great job of it too. This 10.5 inch knife made of 1095 cro-van steel gives it it’s superior strength and the Grivory handle provides plenty of grip – you need it with a knife of this size.
If you are looking for a knife that will take some punishment but won’t let you down then the BK2 is the knife for you.
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Kabar Becker BK2 Campanion
Made is the USA
Fixed blade knife with drop point shape and 20-degree edge angle
Blade made of 1095 cro-van steel blade for strength
Handle made of Grivory material
5.5 inch long blade; knife measures 10.5 inches long
Limited lifetime warranty
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Best Bushcraft Folding Knife
If you prefer a folding bushcraft knife thats compact and can be stored away safely then our recommendation or best choice by far is the Spyderco Resilience Black G-10 PlainEdge Knife.
Made with high-grade carbon steel this knife is razor sharp. The full flat grind goes right to the handle so be careful when using this one.
The handle of this folding knife is made from G10 so will definitely stand the test of time.[vc_single_image image=”2274″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” link=”http://amzn.to/1QaSz6l”]
Spyderco Resilience Black G-10
Plain edge folding knife with flat ground steel blade, G10 handle, and 4-way hourglass clip
Screw-together construction with skeletonized steel liners
Phosphor bronze washers for fast, smooth open/close action
Enlarged opening hole; spine and choil jimping for a solid hold
9.375 inches open; 5.25 inches closed; 4.25-inch blade
This is quite a big folding knife but still perfect for EDC use. Would you use it for batoning, well thats up to you. Most folding bushcraft knifes are not exactly suited to batoning but this knife is super strong and you could probably get away with it.
The price of this knife is superb compared to other high end folding bushcraft knives and many have commented on this, and why would you spend those extra dollars on a more expensive knife when this one is so good.
Go check out the reviews here and see for yourself…[vc_spacer size=”50px”][vc_separator style=”simple” type=”normal”][vc_spacer][vc_row top=”25px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion”][vc_single_image image=”341″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/ka-bar-becker-bk2-campanion/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”mora companion”][vc_single_image image=”345″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/mora-companion-fixed-blade-stainless-knife/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”25px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”mora black bushcraft”][vc_single_image image=”349″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/mora-bushcraft-carbon-black-tactical-knife/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”schrade schf9 survival”][vc_single_image image=”353″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/schrade-schf9-extreme-survival-knife/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”0px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_spacer size=”10px”][vc_spacer size=”10px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”25px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”condor bushlore”][vc_single_image image=”355″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/condor-tool-and-knife-bushlore/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”TOPS Knives BOB Hunter”][vc_single_image image=”360″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://amzn.to/2a1DSyC”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”25px” bottom=”25px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”Spyderco bushcraft g-10″][vc_single_image image=”362″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/spyderco-bushcraft-g10/”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_heading title=”benchmade 162 bushcrafter”][vc_single_image image=”364″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” qode_css_animation=”” link=”https://www.wildgetaway.com/benchmade-162-bushcrafter-knife/”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row top=”0px” bottom=”0px” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_separator style=”simple” type=”normal”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Reviews of the Best Bushcraft Knives of 2016
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Knife Model: | Blade Material: | Price: | Rating: |
---|---|---|---|
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife | 1095 Cro-Van steel | $$ | 4.8 |
Tops Knives BOB Hunter | 1095 Carbon Tool Steel | $$$ | 5.0 |
Spyderco Bushcraft G10 | O-1 Tool Steel (high carbon) | $$$$ | 4.6 |
Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife | Fire Starter | Coated Carbon Steel | $ | 4.7 |
Condor Tool and Knife Bushlore | 1075 Carbon Steel | $ | 4.6 |
Being avid followers of camping and bushcraft skills we love to talk to others similar to ourselves and get your thoughts and tips for making it in the wild.
We are not extreme survivalists but more weekend warriors who like nothing more than getting out into the wilderness and trying to look after ourselves without any modern luxuries.
As stated earlier Bushcraft is a set of skills that can save your life some day but a lot of the younger generation think that sometimes its pointless. They have grown up with everything they need and have never had to revert to basic survival skills to eat or just exist.
We encourage you to tech this next generation all you know about the art of bush crafting because you never know when they might need it and anyway its great to just get outdoors and do these sort of things with your kids. You will build stronger bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime.
So what are you waiting for. Grab you camping gear and trusty knife and off you go. Leave the phones, tablets and games consoles at home – you will be glad you did.
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One thing that is often overlooked is how to sharpen and look after your bushcraft knife. You could potentially spend hundreds of dollars on one so why not treat it properly and it will last for a very long time.
Different knives have different blades. Some are stainless steel, some are carbon steel, but each different knife has its own set of characteristics.
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Here is a great video by expert Bushrafter Ray Mears on how to sharpen your knife. Now before you all get excited and say that there is no way you could carry all that equipment into the bush when you head out, this is a guide on how to sharpen a knife, not what to bring with you on a day hike or weekender.
You should always make sure your bushcraft knife is razor sharp. Its actually safer to have a sharp knife over a dull one.
Take a look at the video and if you have any tips or suggestions leave a comment below on how you keep things in good order.
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One thing that always amazes us is the guys that make their own bushcraft knives. There are a load of videos on YouTube showing you how they do it.
Some have very expensive tools and gear they use and would be out of reach of most of us. They make it look so easy but they are geared up to make high quality knives and replicate the design over and over again.
One particular guy I follow is called Trollskyy and he has published great videos on how he makes his knives. One of a number of very skilled custom bushcraft knife makers Trollskyy stands out to me because he uses old fashioned techniques to produce some amazing handmade bushcraft knives.
The video we posted below shows him making a small bushcraft knife with very basic tools and is well work a look. He does in this instance have a pre made blade he purchased online so you could follow along if you have an existing knife with a broken handle and go build you own custom..
The finished product is simple but superb so check it out.
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Bushcraft Knives
The most important part of any survival kit has to be the right bushcraft knife. The bushcraft knife can be used in so many different ways and can help to save your life when you are out there in the wilderness. The bushcraft knife is not meant as a weapon but it can mean the difference between life and death. With so many different bushcraft knives available, it can be hard to decide which is right for you and your bushcrafting needs.
TYPES OF BUSHCRAFT KNIFE.
There are many things to consider when deciding what bushcraft knife is right for you. The type of blade you decide depends on where and how you are going to use your bushcraft knife. Things to consider include:
- Fixed blade of folding knife
- Stainless steel or carbon steel
- Straight edge or serrated edge
FIXED BLADE AND FOLDING KNIVES
Fixed blade knives are usually the best type of bushcraft knives to suit most environments and purposes. The fixed blade does not have the same kind as issues as a folding bushcraft knife. A folding bushcraft knife can break easily and may be rendered useless. However, a fixed blade means that even should the handle break you can still use the blade.
The blade of a fixed blade bushcraft knife is usually far stronger than the folding knife. The strength of the fixed blade bushcraft knife means that you can do far more with the fixed blade than the folding knife. The fixed blade is also easier to sharpen and to maintain.
STAINLESS STEEL AND CARBON STEEL KNIVES.
The type of steel you choose for a bushcraft knife should depend on the environment that you intend to use it in. The stainless steel option is one that is best suited to climates that are wet, damp or humid by nature. Stainless steel is rust resistant meaning it will last longer than the carbon steel.
Carbon steel however are far better to be used in any other climate. Carbon steel is a material that is best suited to hot, dry climates.
STRAIGHT AND SERRATED EDGE KNIVES
There is much controversy over the type of edge that you will need for a good all-purpose bushcraft knife. Most people will agree that the straight edge is better for all-purposes where the serrated has limited uses.
Advantages of a straight edge bushcraft knife include:
- Easier to sharpen
- You can do far more with a straight edge than a serrated edge
- Straight edge knives offer more accuracy and precision tasks
For most bushcraft task, the straight edge bushcraft knife is the best choice to use. However, if you prefer to have a serrated edge then an alternative would be to look at combination bushcraft knives that have both serrated and straight edge options.
Choosing the right bushcraft knife is a difficult option to decide. However, when you know what you will be using your bushcraft knife for, it does become easier to decide on the features that are right for you. There are bushcraft knives that are suited to any purpose and any climate.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” section_id=”grinds”][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Bushcraft Knife Blade Grinds
There are various styles and shapes for bushcraft and camping knife blades. Often called the ‘grind’, the difference between each type can have a drastic effect on the action and usability of the blade for particular jobs.
Scandi Grind
The most common grind or blade shape is the scandinavian grind – or scandi for short. It can also be called a wedge grind due to its unique shape. This blade is great for chopping wood, splitting logs with a baton and plenty of other heavy duty chores.
It is by far the easiest blade to keep sharp because it only has two flat edges and is easy to set on a sharpening stone and keep it flat. A great knife for beginners because of this. The one downside to this knife is that if you are making one yourself from a lump of bar stock then there is a log of initial grinding required to get the shape roughed up before you begin the finishing.
Here is a quick video showing how to sharpen a Scandi grind – similar to the blade on a Condor Bushlore
Hollow Grind
The hollow grind blade is sort of a two stage blade. The primary grind is a concave grind from towards the spine to just before the primary edge of the blade. This is finished off with a much shallower V grind to the leading edge.
Because of the overall shape of this blade it is harder to perform standard enough jobs like splitting wood etc. It is also difficult to keep a good edge on this type of knife blade because it’s harder to identify the angle when you are sharpening the blade.
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If you are on the lookout for a bushcraft knife or a folding bushcraft knife or just a general purpose knife for camping or weekenders then we hope you found our review useful. If you have a favorite go to knife or EDC knife you cant live without then drop us a comment and we will go take a look.
Have an awesome day folks and happy camping…
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