This is a general rule, though your hand size and grip will play a role. 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. This isnt the common pattern for bushcraft knives, but it works. 103 likes, 1 comments - Covenant Design Works (@covenantdesignworks) on Instagram: "Black Sheath w/blue welt for @skallywagtactical Deep 6. Overall Length: 7.9 inches This helps for grip, but you can also take the paracord wrapping out to provide you with some lashing, which is always handy in survival situations. Modified Item. This famous composite material was developed by George Westinghouse over a century ago, originally intended for use in electrical equipment and related applications. Even without their iconic logo, you can tell that its a Buck. The blade swings on a combination of Teflon and phosphor-bronze washers, making for a generally simple deploy. The 420HC full-tang blade is clad in two rubber over-mold grips, with three holes spaced evenly along the handle. For years, it has been among the gold standards for American-made survival knives. If youre interested in learning about knife sharpening this way, theres dozens of videos on YouTube and a ton of crabby knife sharpening "experts on Reddit who would be more than happy to preach their gospel to you. Blade Length: 3.5 inches Add in a sharp 90-degree spine and dress it up with a black oxide finish, and youve got one serious outdoor tool. But then youd be missing out on their excellent leather sheath, featuring a dangler configuration and ferro rod-holder. 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. 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. This means your designs are stored as CAD files in the cloud (online). A good mobile option is the Fallkniven DC4 whetstone. Avid Field Mag readers know we tend to believe a less-is-more approach to outdoor gear design is often the best path to success, but when it comes to knivesparticularly, survival knivessometimes more is more. And if youre looking for a tool to use for hours on end, something a little larger would be ideal. 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. Weight: 4.1 ounces (116 grams). Bottom line: Make it look like the design you traced out. A good and generally accepted size for the category is around nine inches, plus or minus a few. Blade Length: 3.2 inches 1. Viking seax knife high carbon steel knife/bushcraft knife brass and . And for that, theres really no wrong answer. 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. This word has always been synonymous with outdoor skills, but today, its getting even more traction in the self-reliance world. You bet. If youre looking for a complete package at a reasonable price, its hard to beat the Mora Bushcraft Black ($80). I mean that in two ways, starting with the full Micarta handle. Its Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel is easy to maintain so don't worry about abusing it in the wilds, and its curly birch handle will look better and better with age. 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. You can learn more about our staff. Handmade bushcraft and survival knives offer one-off designs and usually incorporate natural materials in their construction, such as reindeer antler, full-grain, or reindeer leather sheaths, bespoke wooden handles from exotic species of tree, or native timbers, such as old English Yew wood. I highly recommend the LT Wright GNS and would not hesitate to take it into any forest at any time. The drop point blade is full tang and can easily handle tasks you wouldnt normally assign to a knife like splitting logs. Knifeprint is the first cloud CAD service specifically for knife design. A tool must be sharp, however, to make these thin shavings. Bison Bushcraft Knife O1 Cherry. And, while they may take a great edge, they may not hold it for as long as a harder stainless steel blade. All rights reserved. BENCHMADE 112 H2O FIXED Dive Rescue Knife. This is a full-tang blade crafted from S30V stainless steel and at 4 inches its large enough and tough enough for anything the wild throws your way. Weeks of carving up feather sticks, hacking at branches, and skinning our dinner brought us to the list you see above. And if it still maintains a sharp cutting edge after the abuse, all the better. 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. With an overall length of over 11 inches, this full-tang knife is built to take a beating without failmeaning its more than up to the task of batoning logs into kindling and pretty much any other bushcraft task you need to perform. And heres a point that may be counterintuitive: You dont necessarily want to spend a ton of money. This is different from the concept of survival, which has to do almost exclusively with life-and-death situations. Hiroaki Ohta Custom OFF-L Lightning Strike Carbon Fiber and San Mai . GearHungry may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Moras for everybody! This is one tool with a serious design. While these are both comfortable and proven, some of the more modern designs feature a more sculpted approach. Best Tactical Bushcraft Knife: TOPS B.O.B . 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. A typical Scandi grind edge angle is around 22 degrees (made up of two 11-degree bevels). We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Weight: 7.5 ounces, "This is my knife, there are many like it but this one is mine," so they say. Treat this knife the same way, and youll get along great. Micarta, rubber, and non-rigid handles with a gentle palm swell usually offer a more ergonomic grip. 21 Reviews. Fear not well have a separate list for the best survival knives, coming soon. If youre packing light on your next hike, it may be all the knife you need. If you couldnt tell by the glowing description, this is my primary bushcraft knife. Brand. Its a great looking knife but its no gentleman. It also has a serrated blade that comes in handy for bushcrafting (and works pretty darn well considering its size). In its simplest form, a knife is just a sharp edge with a place to safely hold it. The sheath is made from the same tough material and even covers the handle, keeping the knife 100% protected. . Looking for more essential gear for an adventurous life? The scales are very thin and heavily textured. Its also one of the cheapest high-quality knives around, which makes it a huge hit with consumers. Blade Material: D2 steel Try making some hardwood kindling by striking the spine of the knife with a sturdy baton. When you do put it to work you realize that all those factors that make it so physically attractive also make is so physically imposing and effective. Even though it is made from very thick 1095 steel 4mm thick, in fact the lean profile keeps this tool relatively lightweight (5.5 ounces). The camp knifes 3.35-inch blade is made of Helle's triple-laminated steel, formulated to hold up to years of backcountry use, and its handle is a curly birch that'll only wear in with age (the handle also includes a lanyard loop). There are some iconic silhouettes in this world, like the Coca-Cola bottle, the Kikkoman soy sauce bottle, and, Id argue, the American made Ka-Bar Straight Edge. The Micarta handle scales are well contoured for comfort and the knife spine has a great little section of thumb jimping near the handle. 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. 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. Its a thin blade, good for carving yet its tough enough to harvest the wood you need to get a fire going and shelter built. So what is bushcraft, and why do you need a knife for it? * * * * * * #skallywagtactical #skallywag . CRKT's Parascale is another exception to the no-folder rule. Weight: 13.4 ounces (380 grams) including sheath. Portable knife. As they say a dull knife is a dangerous knife. Blade Material: 1095 Cro-Van steel Best Overall Bushcraft Knife: LT Wright GNS Saber. But most importantly, its comfortable to use. While Id generally be happy with any handle construction that feels good in my hand, I keep going back to Micarta. The handle is approximately 5 inches long, and the knife itself is pretty lightweight, weighing only 11 ounces. Joe works closely with Condor Tool and Knife, and for over the past 10 years, the hard working company, based out of El Salvador, has consulted with him on knife design, promotion, production, and endeavors related to the knife industry. More robust tangs are the full height of the handle. This is a very lightweight knife (the lightest of the bunch, at only 85 grams) and comes with a nice high-viz orange handle. The TOPS Fieldcraft 3.5 is a beautiful bushcraft knife with a balanced design. And though the price for some handmade blades has gone up, Fallknivens factory efficiency now makes the F1 something of a bargain. In an emergency situation a bushcraft knife can literally be the difference between life and death. The blade is just a hair over 5 inches long making it one of the longer bushcraft blades out there. Both of these features make the USA-made blade a good knife for a weight-weenie ultralight backpackers and hardcore hunters alike. Were not stuck in the wild trying to stave off death, were going out into the wild to really live. The full tang design of the BPS Knives Adventurer provides excellent balance and control, making it easy to handle and use even for extended periods. Just ask anyone whos tried to split logs with a carving knife or whittle with a machete. Still, the Morakniv Garberg is ultra-durable and the black Multi-Mount sheath offers many options for carry. In a true wilderness emergency, a strong, sharp, reliable blade can be your ticket to fire, shelter, and survivalthey're also fun for regular camping. Fallkniven, KA-BAR, Mora, and many of the others listed here have excellent coverage as well. The black polyamide (plastic) handle could be a little rough without gloves, and it is a little jarring when doing impact work. Fear not! Joe Flowers runs Bushcraft Global, where he instructs students on basic and advanced survival skills while in the Amazon jungle. Its comfortable to hold, to wear, and even to look at. Tool handles should be secure and allow for a firm grip on the item. The 2nd Morakniv entry on our list is the Craftline Pro S Fixed Blade Utility Knife. But the F1s selling point has always been that gorgeous 3.75-inch blade. The Fallkniven F1 was devised for the Swedish armed forces and it shows. The Morakniv Companion ($20) is a legendary knife and for good reason. 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. Traditionally, bushcraft knives are made out of carbon steel. Its triple-mounting sheath can be used in drop-leg or scout carry configurations, or users can take advantage of the MOLLE attachments. A well-designed bushcraft knife ensures optimal performance, durability, and comfort during use. Blade Material: Sandvik 14C28N stainless steel It might only be small but its hugely effective. Buck has been making quality knives for outdoor enthusiasts for over a century. 9 Reviews. Second: Keeping your knife sharp is important. 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. So what makes a knife a survival knife? They use materials that fit the bill and get the job done. Speaking of handle, the handle here is another Schrade winner that looks way too attractive to be of much use but which actually kicks butt in both the grip and comfort departments. If you have large hands you may need to add liners to the factory scales or purchase the TKC scales, or make your own. Blade Material: 420HC Stainless Steel Just $1 per month , A bushcraft knifes primary job is wood processing, and these knives excel at that task. TOOR KNIVES Serpent Fixed Blade Caiman Green. Morakniv Carbon Fixed Blade Bushcraft Knife. The result is a material that is durable and offers great grip without feeling rough to the touch. Perfect Portable Power Station: EcoFlow River 2 Pro Review, Watch Aldo Leopolds Passion for Conservation Take Root in Serve the Land, Best Overland Water Storage Containers for Long-Distance Travel, AI Hiking Bears Fascinate Internet, Scramble Human Brains, Civivi Conspirator Nitro-V Review: The Budget-Friendly Super Steel Youve Never Heard Of, Nissan Frontier PRO-4X Review: Mojave Road Overland Adventure, The Benchmade Narrows Resets the Engineering Bar, A Scope That Performs Without Breaking the Bank: Maven CRS.2 Review, The Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags of 2023, The Best Camping Mattresses and Sleeping Pads of 2023, From a Reclining Camp Chair to Kickass Layers: Best Gifts for Outdoorsy Moms, Best Gifts for Dad: Great Gear for Your Old Man, Best Fitness Gifts: 10 Must-Haves for the Outdoor Athlete. Bushcraft is about getting to know nature, about having the knowledge needed to be in nature and survive there. When doing fine carving, I prefer a thinner knife like the Morakniv Companion. Look, I dont think youll find many ardent bushcrafters whod advocate for a pocket knife as your sole tool in the field. Weight: 5.4 ounces (153 grams). But the right tool for the job will make the work much more pleasurable, and thats what bushcraft is all about. Its ideal for survival-relatedcutting and chopping taskswith its 1075 carbon steel blade and slightly heavier than average weight of 12 oz. They can be used in food prep, yard work, and even dressing game. It even has a sharpening choil! Things like carving, building shelters, starting fires, and laying snares and traps all fall under the umbrella of bushcraft. Its bevel curves down toward the edge, almost like an axe. This bushcraft knife gets after wood, underbrush, game and anything else you need to process to advance your odds of survival. If you spend any time out in the wilderness, you need a knife like the Morakniv Companion. The full tang blade sees to it that this bushcraft knife wont wilt under pressure or separate from the handle like many EDC knives can do when stressed. Step 4: Bench Grinder, and Blade Edge Grinding. But the selling point here is the Principles wealth of carry options. Tops Knives Brothers of Bushcraft. The blade is just a hair over 5 inches long making it one of the longer bushcraft blades out there. Overall Length: 7.8 inches The Companion is like a filet knife for wood, using finesse to cut instead of brute force. Is the knife good for chopping? As per the originals, this one is made from O1 high carbon tool steel at 3mm thick. So itll fit on pretty much any belt or pack in your collection. Can you baton with the knife? Something 3mm to 4mm thick would be a much heavier knife and more suitable for chopping and heavy work, though blades of this thickness dont glide through the wood like a thinner blade. Originally made of wood, bone, and stone (such as flint and obsidian), over the centuries, in step with improvements in both . 2% OFF. For a dedicated survival knife, bigger is typically better. They are specially designed for those who are passionate about knives and the outdoors. The tang is metal the part of a knife that extends into the handle. Back in the day, any self-respecting knife maker would pick the best metal available for tools as vital and versatile as knives. Leather sheath bothers many people. This is great news for folks who suffer from buyers anxiety. You can also rethread the handle with paracord of your own (we recommend bright orange, of course). This knife is ultra-durable and the black Multi-Mount sheath offers many options for carry. It also happens to be the best deal in bushcraft pocket knives. A bushcraft knife with a blade size between 89mm and 152mm will be sufficient for most tasks. Expect to see the Campanion again on our list of best survival knives. Most bushcraft knives are meant to be carried on a belt with a formed sheath in either plastic or leather. No. The TOPS Fieldcraft 3.5 is a beautiful bushcraft knife with a balanced design. While the knife itself can be had for less, the added firestarter, sheath, and sharpening stone make this an incredible value. From batoning and chopping to delicate carving, its an excellent all purpose bushcraft knife. 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. Understanding Bushcraft Knife Design . 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. 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. The lightweight but heavy duty Boltaron sheath (considered superior to kydex sheaths by many) is a huge plus. 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. Both options are available in Natural or Black coloration, as well as left- or right-side carry directions. Right now, it appears, the tactical-style and/or celebrity-endorsed knives are in favor. Public Projects can be created using the Knifeprint Free Plan, which is great for hobbyists, makers and open-source designers who want to design knives with . Authorized dealer. The handles are carved from curly birch, providing a warmer feel than plastic or other synthetics. In stock. 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. A bushcraft knife worthy of the name Buck and a remarkable deal at under 50 bucks. Price-wise, it sits between the Bushcrafter 162 and Morakniv's offerings. This particular knife features an 11-inch Tanto blade measuring 3/16 inches in thickness. The two most important elements in most survival situations are fire and shelter. Open Length: 6.75 inches Its flat-ground 1095 blade is coated in a protective black finish, measuring 5.25 inches long and a beefy quarter-inch thick. 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. Maintain a proper distance between yourself and others when wielding your bushcraft knife. Can be used for nearly all bushcraft tasks, A survival knife that can do bushcraft tasks as well. While some would disparage the heft of the knife we found it a very satisfying tool to hold; not too heavy, not too light. Try doing some fine work, like carving a feather stick after doing some baton work. Compare. If you just want a reliable knife to keep in your glove box, purse, or pocket, then a folding knife will work fine. Of course maybe the most important item when it comes to effective bushcrafting is the knife. Your dads old folding Buck knife oughta work well enough in most casual situations, too. When you are ready to live off the land with your chosen bushcraft knife, I hope you have a sharpener in your bushcraft kit. Some of the tools of the bushcrafter include thecompass, thefirestarter, thetactical flashlightand other things like emergency blankets and a tactical or field watch. The Signal has 19 tools total, including the typical Leatherman standbys like pliers and screwdrivers as well as survival-oriented implements like a whistle and Ferro rod for emergency fire starting. These steels are usually softer, making them less likely to shatter under heavy use. Users with large hands may want to try before they buy. Blade Material: stainless steel Being such a critical point of contact, the handle needs to be both comfortable and reliable. If you want a larger bushcraft knife to optimize your chances of survival its hard to beat the Bushcrafter 162. It also lends itself well to handle scales, which pair perfectly with our next point (full tang construction). Maintain your blade assiduously to prevent corrosion from taking hold and also to retain an effective cutting edge. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Anyway, the PR4 is an excellent performer for all around woods use. The BK2 generally excels at tasks that take advantage of its full one-pound heft, like batoning and chopping. 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. Fieldcraft ($145) ships with a hardened Kydex sheath, sporting a steel belt clip. (This was the first knife I bought to practice bushcraft techniques so I have a soft spot for it. I sharpen all my knives (kitchen and outdoor) on a Japanese whetstone. Carbon steel? Best Budget Bushcraft Knife: Morakniv Companion. Available with or without leather sheath. Bushcraft is the practice of using a few basic tools to transform the natural resources of the forest into the things one needs to survive. Or not, I really don't care. The term bushcraft has been kicked around for decades, popularized by Britains Ray Mears and Canadas Mors Kochanski. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Read More. Plus, the use of natural materials ensures that no two knives will have exactly the same pattern. The carbon layer gives us easier sharpening and less brittleness, while the stainless exterior protects the core from rust and corrosion (and provides greater durability). The best bushcraft knife will allow you to harvest wood for fires, cut small branches to build a shelter, carve tent stakes, clean fish and small game and defend yourself if the need arises. Here are some common questions surrounding the choice of a good bushcraft knife. Poor man's rucksack. Browse high-quality survival fixed blades and bushcraft knives available from KnifeArt.com. Support us! Outstanding customer service. The Bowie is in . While some would argue that the Bushcraft Black has been eclipsed by the newer Mora Garberg, I tend to disagree. & Tm Off, Get the best new gear, dreamy cabins, and epic adventure photography delivered to your inbox each week with Field Mag newsletters. Weight: 5 ounces (142 grams). 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. View Condor Designs. The Micarta handle scales are well contoured for comfort. But with the release of the RB3 ($119), the company added a proper bushcraft blade to its repertoire. Also, be sure to check out our handy comparison chart, buyers guide, or FAQ sections at the bottom of this article. Youre going to feel lucky you have this compact beast with you when the weather closes in and youre miles from camp. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, were trained journalists. 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. This is a great question, and much of the answer depends on the manner of use. Blade Length: 4.3. In this spirit we are pleased to host a library of our own knife designs and templates, free for anyone to learn from and use. Blade Design. This was a knife issued in WWII to soldiers for survival and self-defense but it can surely fill in as your survival knife with its seven-inch Cro-Van steel clip-point blade, stacked leather handle (not a micarta handle), and included sheath. Wild grinds, recurves, or serrations will only hinder its usefulness as a tool. Knife Design. And while were here, lets talk about tips. This is a hotly debated topic in the bushcraft community. 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). Youll need the right tool for the job, for the work to be effective and the experience to be satisfying. The high-friction rubber on the Black is closer to what youd find on the brands Companion line, which is more comfy couch and less waiting room chair for your fingers. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Full Tang Vintage Bowie Knife Handmade Stainless Steel Camping Hunting knife at the best online prices at eBay! . Best Overall Bushcraft Knife. Grind it to perfection, and make it look better than you possibly can. This is a husky knife. Toss in an incredibly low price point and this may be the one bushcraft knife you cant afford not to have. Weight: 9.5 ounces (272 grams). enabling you to choose the best bushcraft knife to fit your needs. ), Blade Length: 7 inches Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. This bushcraft knife makes no secret of its intentions to make short work of your survival related tasks. The Mora stainless steels, however, are every bit as good as their carbon steels.. 4. Add to Cart. Worried about dulling your blade? Bushcraft is the art of living in the wild, off the grid, and unfettered by modern technology. Theres just been one little problem over the years. A: Here are the main considerations that go into choosing a bushcraft knife. To make these skills even more fulfilling, its important to have the right tool for the job. If your bushcraft knife has a busy handle with cutouts for each finger, youre going to have a bad time. This approach also brings added durability to the knife, as the tip is less thin than a Bowie design. Whether carbon or stainless, the best steels for bushcraft knives tend to be slightly softer versions. ), Blade Length: 4 inches BOKER Arborlito Bushcraft Micarta Fixed Blade Knif. This collaboration resulted in a stunning 4.5-inch blade, forged in the U.S. from 1095 high-carbon steel. Having a blade thatll split wood and featherstick a whole tree is great, but its going to be a miserable experience if the knife doesnt fit in your hand. Ensure that all your carving, cutting or hacking motions move away from your body. These hold an edge for a reasonable length of time when dealing with natural materials such as wood. We offer a variety of knives ranging from bushcraft knives to choppers. 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. This can be an involved but rewarding process that I wont go into too much detail about. Blade Edge. Benchmade - bushcraft 162 is a good-looking knife designed for the trail. But youd better believe youll dry your palms on them. Best Upgrade Bushcraft Knife. Other than Morakniv, Schrade may make the best cheap bushcraft knives. I generally prefer the latter approach, but only when its employed sparingly. Its an all-purpose knife but with a more heavy duty task list than the averageSwiss Army Knife. The GearJunkie team consists of avid outdoorsmen with keen eyes for what makes the best tool for the backcountry. Helles warranty also forbids this sort of abuse. Blade Material: 12C27 stainless steel 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. So what makes a knife the best bushcraft knife? A notable authority in the field, he also designs knives, including the Brakimo from TOPS Knives, a tool that can carve, cut, split, and perform just about any task involving outdoor survival.. The Companion doesn't have a full-tang construction but it is definitely sturdy enough for serious use. 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. 139.95. It is made out of 12C27 stainless steel, which is respectable steel that tends to hold its edge well. All of the knives on this list retail below $200 and many are under $100. Its only 3.75 inches long, with an overall length of 8.25 inches. Bushcraft knives are an essential component to any outdoor adventurers basic kit along witha goodcompassand a tactical flashlight. The Bushcraft Black was long held as the paragon of Moras line. Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. But lets talk about durability for a minute.