bushcraft knife designs
Helles warranty also forbids this sort of abuse. The gentle arc to the handle and blade allow you to project maximum force upon the task at hand and when youre done stow it away in the sturdy nylon sheath. It looks like somethingthat belongs in your kitchenbut really comes to life when you need it in the wild. Despite the fact that the blade is not full tang its incredibly tough and will undoubtedly handle just about anything a typical survival situation presents you (if there is a typical survival situation). But youd better believe youll dry your palms on them. The contoured Zytel handle scales are likewise blacked out, as is the molded nylon sheath. Support us! Blade length: 3.8 in | Total length: 8.3 in | Blade material: VG-10 Steel | Weight: 6.4 oz. Finally, the thermorun handle is surprisingly comfortable and provides a nice firm grip whether youre bare-handed or wearing gloves. Maintain your blade assiduously to prevent corrosion from taking hold and also to retain an effective cutting edge. While the knife profile, grind and handle swell may superficially resemble smaller Morakniv products like, the Morakniv Companion, this full-bodied knife is nothing like its puny cousins. Its 4.3-inch carbon steel blade falls within the ideal range for most outdoorsy types, and the anti-corrosive black coating helps keep rust at bay. Weight: 11.2 ounces (318 grams). The full tang blade is just as comfortable cutting small branches to cover your shelter as it is gutting your catch or skinning a rabbit. Wild grinds, recurves, or serrations will only hinder its usefulness as a tool. Heres what you get for your money: 3.5 inches of Japanese AUS 8A steel, ground to a hair-splitting Scandi edge and flanked by a rugged Griv-Ex handle with a stainless pocket clip. Learn more. 187.95. According to KA-BAR, The Campanion works just as happily splitting out kindling as it does prying apart joints and skinning game, not to mention chopping onions for the campfire chili! This is true, but the operative word there is chopping. The BK2 will have no problem reducing your veggies into chunks, but if youre looking for thin slices of onions and tomatoes, youre going to have a hard time. A typical Scandi grind edge angle is around 22 degrees (made up of two 11-degree bevels). While the handle is on the small side too, the brownish-tan Micarta handle scales create a comfortable grip and they hold a bonus feature for primitive skills enthusiasts. Then you need to grind the edge profile, I did a simple, imperfect scandi grind. It is meant for heavy duty tasks though its so well balanced and engineered it can also handle finesse jobs. If youre looking for a modern, minimalist take on the classic bushcraft knife, look no further than the Gerber Principle ($68). Things like carving, building shelters, starting fires, and laying snares and traps all fall under the umbrella of bushcraft. . And, while they may take a great edge, they may not hold it for as long as a harder stainless steel blade. And while the black Kydex sheath isnt exactly primitive looking, youve got to love the positive click when it locks into place. And after all that, does the knife still carve effectively after performing brutal work? Weight: 9.5 ounces (272 grams). On the downside, they can be prone to rust if not properly cared for. A good and generally accepted size for the category is around nine inches, plus or minus a few. Blade Material: CPM-S30V steel Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel RRP $444.80. This approach also brings added durability to the knife, as the tip is less thin than a Bowie design. In the quest to reconnect with our heritage, the growing bushcraft movement is full of enthusiasts who are rediscovering traditional skills and embracing age-old technology. Stainless, on the other hand, is great for beginners. Theres a firestarter built into the handle to get your camp fire going and enough blade to hack through even decent sized branches to keep it going. It's a high-quality little knife with a classic 3.19-inch drop-point blade and the added bonus of a paracord handle, and it's small enough to work as an EDC option in addition to finding a home in your outdoor pack. Check price on Amazon. It can be used as a bushcraft survival knife. Purchase at Amazon: $60. Whether you want to make your own pocket knife or looking for a personalised gift, Perkin Knives is your one-stop shop for buying premium quality handmade custom knives. The Selkirk is a high quality bushcraft knife that will take on all your cutting, chopping, cleaning and self-defense tasks with alacrity. If you just want a reliable knife to keep in your glove box, purse, or pocket, then a folding knife will work fine. Youll pay a bit more but youll get a bit more. Hunters, fisherman, backpackers and mountain rescuers are all going to appreciate the degree of effectiveness the Craftline bushcraft knife provides whether yourebuilding trapsor notching poles for your emergency shelter. Since so many of these skills involve woodcarving, no other piece of bushcraft gear is as iconic (or as critical) as a good, dependable knife. 1. The 4.1-inch drop-point blade is available in either 12C27 stainless steel or a high-carbon variation. Their hallmarks include comfortable grips, sharpened spines for scrapping a ferro rod or other firestarter, and edges suitable for carving and splitting natural materials such as wood. According to the makers website, The Fieldcraft was designed by The Brothers of Bushcraft, a coalition of men across North America focusing on sharing wilderness living skills of all categories.. Best Overall Bushcraft Knife. Browse high-quality survival fixed blades and bushcraft knives available from KnifeArt.com. This bushcraft knife was designed for the Swedish armed forces with survival in mind so it should be no surprise to anyone that it excels in this arena. Bottom line: Make it look like the design you traced out. A G10 or hard plastic handle will suffice, but a Micarta handle or other natural material usually offers superior comfort on a fixed-blade knife. With full tang construction, this 9-inch carbon steel knife has a 4.3-inch blade and weighs in at a beefy 9.6 ounces. enabling you to choose the best bushcraft knife to fit your needs. The sheath is made from the same tough material and even covers the handle, keeping the knife 100% protected. Its comfortable to hold, can really take a pounding, might struggle a bit with larger branches due to its light weight but will otherwise rise to every occasion in spectacular fashion. Ray worked with prominent UK knife maker Alan Woods to bring his design to reality. While some would argue that edge retention or a precision Scandi grind is the most important feature of a bushcraft knife, Id put handle comfort at the top of the pile. It even has a sharpening choil! To make these skills even more fulfilling, its important to have the right tool for the job. Bushcraft is the art of living in the wild, off the grid, and unfettered by modern technology. Its only 3.75 inches long, with an overall length of 8.25 inches. Before you end up deep in the backcountry with a wimpy knife, its smart to take the tool for a test run. This edge bevel is simple but very effective at wood carving. Now you can make it look like a knife. Ray worked with prominent UK knife maker Alan Woods to bring his design to reality. All rights reserved. It features a 4 3/8 inch 1095 high carbon, full tang blade, a nylon handle that's light and grippy and a hardened plastic sheath with ripstop nylon belt loop. The result is a material that is durable and offers great grip without feeling rough to the touch. Then, moving forward, users are treated to 4.25 inches of U.S.-made, handcrafted O1 tool steel. Bushcraft takes a step forward with the Bushcraft Carbon Fixed Blade bushcraft knife. How could you have adiscussion about outdoorknives without including an entry from Buck? BOKER Arborlito Bushcraft Micarta Fixed Blade Knif. . Few brands in the knife world enjoy the same reputation as ESEE. It has been manufactured to stand up to all kinds of applications and challenges you will encounter on your outdoor adventure. In stock. Its a beast of a bushcraft knife and one that can take down a branch or a wolf, should you have the bad luck to encounter one. Designed by Ethan Becker and built in Olean, N.Y., the BK2 Campanion is 10.75 inches of straight-up damage. With either choice, users will be treated to a grippy rubber handle and a precision Scandi grind. Simplicity is key when choosing a blade shape for your bushcraft knife. Overall Length: 7.9 inches We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and were now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Weeks of carving up feather sticks, hacking at branches, and skinning our dinner brought us to the list you see above. If you couldnt tell by the glowing description, this is my primary bushcraft knife. Weight: 4.1 ounces (116 grams). This knife is ultra-durable and the black Multi-Mount sheath offers many options for carry. And its available at a very reasonable price. In the two years that Ive been using this knife on a regular basis, it has held edges well, and been almost immune to damage. Pair that with a lifetime warranty and this is one of the most widely useful outdoor fixed blade knives around. Learn More . The Buck Compadre continues this trend. Theres no fat on this fixed blade knifeits all business, which is probably also why it's moderately priced for a high carbon steel full-tang knife. The Multi-Mount kit includes a strap that can hold the knife securely in its sheath. Here are some common questions surrounding the choice of a good bushcraft knife. Other thoughtful details include finger scallops for added comfort with skinning or carving grips, as well as thumb ridges along the spine. But the selling point here is the Principles wealth of carry options. Some of the tools of the bushcrafter include thecompass, thefirestarter, thetactical flashlightand other things like emergency blankets and a tactical or field watch. Toss in an incredibly low price point and this may be the one bushcraft knife you cant afford not to have. may not have the agile carving prowess of a Mora or L.T. This is a knife that feels great in your hand and makes the performance of typical survival tasks easy so you can concentrate on things like plotting your escape route or finding water. Survival is less about relaxed fun in nature and more about getting out alive. The BK2 generally excels at tasks that take advantage of its full one-pound heft, like batoning and chopping. Blade Material: stainless steel It's also the cheapest full tang knife on this list. In the late 1980's, Ray developed the design for his Woodlore style knife, which by now must be one of the most recognisable and cloned knives within the bushcraft community and is widely considered the best bushcraft knife. What Makes a Good Bushcraft Knife . Its comfortable to hold, to wear, and even to look at. Its a great looking knife but its no gentleman. You can lean into the task at hand with confidence knowing the full tang, drop point blade wont let you down. These files are called Projects. In the late 1980's, Ray developed the design for his Woodlore style knife, which by now must be one of the most recognizable and cloned knives within the bushcraft community and is widely considered the best bushcraft knife. Most bushcraft knives are meant to be carried on a belt with a formed sheath in either plastic or leather. These steels are usually softer, making them less likely to shatter under heavy use. Buyers even have a choice of grinds: saber for an all-around cutting edge or Scandi if youre looking for something a little more wood-focused. It also happens to be the best deal in bushcraft pocket knives. For instance, bushcraft knives are perfect for camping and hiking as well. 2% OFF. Whether splitting logs or whittling by the fire, we've found the best bushcraft knives for every budget and use. The Craftline bushcraft knife has a 3 inch blade crafted from high grade stainless steel and an overall length of 8 inches which puts it firmly in the mid-sized category of bushcraft knives. Toggle menu. Sharpening these can be a bit of a different experience, but the performance upgrade cant be denied. The LT Wright GNS ($218) can be summed up in one word: comfort. The blade length isn't gargantuan. Theres a nylon sheath that attaches to your belt but realistically, at more than a foot in length, this may be too much knife to be comfortably toting on your belt. The Bushcraft Black was long held as the paragon of Moras line. The main attraction is the ultra-sharp 4.1-inch hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel blade, designed for food preparation, cutting tinder, and general carving. Beyond the steel used in the bushcraft knife, theres something even more relevant to the effectiveness of a blade the shape of the working edge. Blade Length: 5.79 inches . The term bushcraft has been kicked around for decades, popularized by Britains Ray Mears and Canadas Mors Kochanski. Buyers are covered with an unconditional, fully transferable lifetime warranty. Then maybe you want something a little tougher. Looking for more essential gear for an adventurous life? While some can be used for high-stress work, most bushcraft knives fall into a medium-duty role. The full tang drop point blade will pierce, notch, chop, slice and dice until the cows come home while the grip jimping on the textured TPE handle ensures that your hand stays in place and the blade is always properly aligned to address whatever material needs attention. Its triple-mounting sheath can be used in drop-leg or scout carry configurations, or users can take advantage of the MOLLE attachments. This knife is the ultimate bushcrafting knife or the one "go to" knife to carry outdoors or simply in the woods! So what is bushcraft, and why do you need a knife for it? A well-designed bushcraft knife ensures optimal performance, durability, and comfort during use. Most all-purpose knives will feature a blade with a length between 3.5 and 4.5 inches. But with the release of the RB3 ($119), the company added a proper bushcraft blade to its repertoire. Bonus: It comes with a leather sheath. Blade Length. If you have large hands you may need to add liners to the factory scales or purchase the TKC scales, or make your own. The 5.25-inch blade of 1095 carbon steel is a drop-point pattern with a . Harking back to my roots many years ago, this Bison Bushcraft knife is the first design profile I ever made. Plus, the use of natural materials ensures that no two knives will have exactly the same pattern. In stock. This isnt the common pattern for bushcraft knives, but it works. All of the knives on this list retail below $200 and many are under $100. This construction offers a high carbon steel center with stainless layers on each side. Back in the day, any self-respecting knife maker would pick the best metal available for tools as vital and versatile as knives. Well, not really. Sheath made from synthetic materials. The Scandi Mora knife has a 90 angle on the spine so you can strike a ferro rod with it to start a fire or use it to strip bark, and the cutting edge of the carbon steel blade is durable and strong. Weight: 13.4 ounces (380 grams) including sheath. The black Thermorun handle swells to fit the palm, and the Zytel sheath is serviceable if a little basic. Weight: 3 ounces (85 grams), This knife is dirt cheap and a Swedish classic. The spine of the blade can be used to activate your firestarter and will send a generous shower of sparks raining down on your kindling, birch bark or whatever. 3 in stock (can be backordered) Qty : Weight: 11 ounces (312 grams). Is tactical bushcraft really a thing? GGD Handmade High Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Bushcraft Knife. Bushcraft style is more lets carve some sticks, split some small logs, and start a fire. In short, its using your knife to craft and kindle the natural resources around you. It is made out of 12C27 stainless steel, which is respectable steel that tends to hold its edge well. This is a hotly debated topic in the bushcraft community. So what makes a knife the best bushcraft knife? Imagine a carpenters frustration, trying to saw with a hammer or trying to drive nails by banging them with a saw. Bushcraft knife designs tend to be one of three types: Clip point: Looks like the front third of the blade has been "clipped" on top, either in a straight or concave shape. This word has always been synonymous with outdoor skills, but today, its getting even more traction in the self-reliance world. We went with a really simple handle design, he said. (For a couple bucks more, get the Companion with integrated fire starter. This bushcraft knife is fairly light so it wont wear you out, safe to use, modest in length at 3 inches and boasts a sure grip thermorun handle. Various fibers and fabrics are used to make this special substance, along with thermosetting plastics. The TPE rubber handle which is responsible for giving the knife a more domestic air is actually incredibly comfortable and allow you to hold your grip even while leaning into more labor intensive tasks like splitting wood. But if were looking at secondaries, youd ideally want something on the budget end of the spectrum. The blade is just a hair over 5 inches long making it one of the longer bushcraft blades out there. Youre going to feel lucky you have this compact beast with you when the weather closes in and youre miles from camp. Another big plus is the performance grip. In an emergency situation a bushcraft knife can literally be the difference between life and death. But most importantly, its comfortable to use. There are some survival knife considerations that don't specifically pertain to pure function. The Fallkniven F1 was devised for the Swedish armed forces and it shows. Micarta, rubber, and non-rigid handles with a gentle palm swell usually offer a more ergonomic grip. The classic design calls for a basic oval shape, often referred to as a broomstick handle. Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category youre looking for. Thankfully, the Cold Steel Finn Wolf ($65) punches above its weight class. If youre heading into the wild for any length of time youre going to want the Ka-Bar Campanion bushcraft knife slung from your belt. You might be asking yourself, What the heck is bushcraft, and why do I need a separate knife for it? Well, lets check with an expert. The Morakniv brand is built on a history of 400 years of knife making, and every tool they produce is the very definition of excellent workmanship. Morakniv Carbon Fixed Blade Bushcraft Knife. When evaluating a knife's design, consider the following features: Full tang construction: This means the blade's steel extends through the entire handle, providing superior strength and durability. 19. r/Bushcraft. It is small enough to keep in a bugout bag or survival kit and could help in a pinch if youve dulled your blade after hours of surviving with it. The 2nd Morakniv entry on our list is the Craftline Pro S Fixed Blade Utility Knife. It also remedies a classic Morakniv problem: sheath retention. Its also one of the cheapest high-quality knives around, which makes it a huge hit with consumers. The blade length isnt gargantuan. Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van steel Still, the Morakniv Garberg is ultra-durable and the black Multi-Mount sheath offers many options for carry. EKA Nordic W12 Black, 714302. They can be used in food prep, yard work, and even dressing game. More recently, Micarta has become a very popular material for knife handles. The robust finger guard keeps you safe from the razor sharp 12c27 Sandvik stainless steel blade and it comes with a hard plastic combination sheath for effective storage and transport. Blade Length: 3.4 inches A: Bushcraft knives are used to build shelter, start and maintain fires, collect water (think carving through ice on a frozen stream), make secondary tools like batons orspears for catching fish, prepare food and for self-defense and rescue. But the Ultimate's bones are solid too: it has a partially serrated stainless steel blade and its grippy handle has an exaggerated guard to minimize the risk of hurting yourself when you're trying to survive. A dedicated bushcraft knife has a few must-have design features. The belly on the cutting edge is so pronounced that it drops below the line of the blade's straight edge. Youll need some ingenuity and know-how to achieve both, but a good knife will make the job a lot easier. From batoning and chopping to delicate carving, its an excellent all-purpose bushcraft knife. The fixed blade knifes razor sharp blade is 3.54 inches long and made of high-end CPM-S30V stainless steel, which will hold up to serious use over time with solid edge retention and corrosion resistance. Its balance of flat to belly is suited for a variety of camp tasks, from food prep to woodwork. How does a bushcraft knife differ from a survival knife? (Sorry Team Zombie Apocalypse Survivalists, no carbon steel machetes on this list.). Viking seax knife high carbon steel knife/bushcraft knife brass and . The Schrade Frontier Fixed Blade Knife may be the best looking bushcraft knife on the market today with its 1095 high carbon drop point blade with finger choil and drop dead gorgeous textured TPE handle. Blade length : 4 inches. Best Budget Bushcraft Kmife. $269.95. Customers have been crying for thicker tangs and more robust blade construction. Total Length: 9.1. Bushcraft is about getting to know nature, about having the knowledge needed to be in nature and survive there. This is one tool with a serious design. Bottom line: If youre looking for something with the pedigree of a Mora but with an upgrade in materials, construction, and price point, youre going to love Fallkniven. And heres a point that may be counterintuitive: You dont necessarily want to spend a ton of money. * * * * * * #skallywagtactical #skallywag . 14 Best Bushcraft Knives on the Market Right Now. 2. Blade Material: 12C27 stainless steel Heck, theres even a sharpening choil! Overall Length: 9.8 inches We've kept these skills in mind when designing our Bushcraft knives. Users with large hands may want to try before they buy. Best Tactical Bushcraft Knife: TOPS B.O.B . In its simplest form, a knife is just a sharp edge with a place to safely hold it. Second: Keeping your knife sharp is important. Whether its made from the finest Micarta or an old deer antler, the handle is the interface between the user and that tool. Clip points, drop points, and spear points are relatively common, but you wont see many trailing, tanto, or sheepsfoot models. While the B.O.B. $111 AT AMAZON. There are a few issues, however. The 420HC full-tang blade is clad in two rubber over-mold grips, with three holes spaced evenly along the handle. And see that bit of steel peeking out from the back of the handle? Its only 2mm thick, which may turn off many knife enthusiasts. For our purposes, lets say youre a little more prepared than that, and youve gotten a specific knife to help you survive, or practice surviving. This type of bull work has broken or bent countless blades over the centuries, but its also tested and proven countless knives since the dawn of the Iron Age. A bushcraft knife with a blade size between 89mm and 152mm will be sufficient for most tasks. Best Overall: TOPS Fieldcraft 3.5. You can also rethread the handle with paracord of your own (we recommend bright orange, of course). Usually referred to simply as Moras, the entry-level Companions have earned a reputation for comfort, toughness, and capability. On a related note, consider the makers warranty. 21 Reviews. . This scaled-down knife features a 3.1-inch blade, ground down to what the maker calls a zero-degree Scandinavian grind.. Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel You know who Les Stroud is, right? Sharp edge. ), Blade Length: 4.3 inches This famous composite material was developed by George Westinghouse over a century ago, originally intended for use in electrical equipment and related applications. But since the blade on a bushcraft knife is typically big and sharp you have to know how to wield it or your savior could wind up being your enemy. As with any tool that spends hours in your hand, comfort is at a premium with bushcraft knives. It is a blade after all. The Tungsten DLC anti-corrosive coating protects the high carbon blade from the elements to give you years of faithful service and the over-molded rubber handle ensures you can direct your energy effectively without worrying that your hand will slip. For those of you that plan on being away from your home sharpening tools, there are some less cumbersome options but, as with everything else mentioned earlier, this requires planning.