Bushcrafting refers to wilderness and survival skills. It is not just a question of knowledge about the right techniques, but it also entails the use of the right tools. Among others, one of the most important is the best bushcraft knife. If you are clueless about what to buy, keep on reading and we’ll talk about some of the best products that should be on your list.
Top 6 Picks for the Best Bushcraft Knife Reviews
We are here to make your life a lot easier. Here are some of the best products that should be on your radar, as well as the things that make them exceptional.
Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Fixed Blade Knife
- Used by all branches of military and service members
- Great for collectors and outdoor services
- Tested to ensure quality and durability
- Bowie knife with 1095 Cro-Van steel blade
- Ergonomic Grivory handle minimizes user fatigue
Even military and service members are using this knife, so you can be confident that the quality is second to none. It has passed multiple tests, making sure of its durability.
The construction of the knife is impressive. It is made of 1095 Cro-Van steel. It is a combination of chromium, manganese, vanadium, and carbon. These materials deliver exceptional hardness and edge retention. Even after several years, this knife will not suffer from a decline in performance.
Another thing that we love about this knife is its unique blade design. From prying to digging, it pierces with impressive power, making it the perfect companion when you are in the wild. The grip handle design is also a plus, which will allow you to use it as a hammer.
The knife comes with an auxiliary pouch, which makes it easy to store and transport. It has the right size for portability.
Helle Temagami Triple Laminated Carbon Steel Knife
- HANDCRAFTED QUALITY: Helle Outdoor Knives are handcrafted, high quality knives made in Norway since 1932. Our knives are built to last, and our philosophy is based on the principles of honesty, hard work and quality.
- BLADE DETAILS: Helle Triple Laminated Carbon Steel
- HANDLE MATERIAL: Made from curly birch wood.
- DIMENSIONS: Handle Length 4.7" (120 mm), Blade Length 4.3" (110 mm), Blade Thickness .12" (3.0 mm).
- INCLUDES SHEATH: Genuine leather Scandinavian style pouch sheath included. Designed by Les Stroud in 2011.
A thing of beauty – this is how most people will describe this bushcraft knife. True enough, it is impossible to not fall in love with this knife. It is handmade in Norway by a company operating since 1932, so you can be confident of its quality and performance.
The blade of this knife is made of triple-laminated stainless steel, so durability is guaranteed. Aside from the high carbon core, it has two more layers of stainless steel. This is the one responsible for protection against rust and corrosion.
For the handle, it is made of birch. It is beautifully crafted to complete the aesthetic of the knife. Plus, it has an ergonomic shape, so you won’t have any problem in holding the knife. It is curved to follow the contour of your hand.
CELTIBERO COCOBOLO Tactical Knife
- Explorers, hunters, fishermen and military live exciting experiences with our knives every day around the world. These knives have been specially designed to be used in rough conditions and hard outdoor environments. This is a must have knife to include in your survival and camping gear.
- Blade Length: 145 mm / 5,70 ". Overall Length: 275 mm / 10,82". Blade Thickness: 4-3/4".
- Exotic Cocobolo Wood Handle. Stainless Steel Molybdenum-Vanadium 58 (MOVA-58) / HRC 56-59.
- Genuine leather multi-positioned Sheath + Sharpener Stone + Firesteel + Strap. Designed in USA, Handmade in Spain. Tactical fishing camping hiking survival rescue field knife.
- ✔ 100% RISK-FREE PURCHASE >>> We've tested this knife hundreds of times in different conditions, and we are absolutely sure of its quality! This why we can offer you a 100% money back guarantee if our knife doesn't live up to your expectations!
If you are looking for the ultimate survival knife, then this is one product that should be on your radar. One thing that we love the most is the durable stainless steel blade. It is handmade in Spain. This makes sure of attention even to the smallest detail, resulting in unmatched quality. Meanwhile, the handle is made of cocobolo wood, which is equally as impressive as the blade. It has a curved shape, making it easy to hold.
The genuine leather sheath is one more thing that we love in this knife. It comes with a snap fastener, which will keep the knife in a secure position. There is also a belt loop, making it easy to wear it around the waist.
As a bonus, this is also inclusive of a sharpening stone and firesteel. This makes it easier to keep the blade in its peak state.
Morakniv Garberg Full-Tang Fixed Blade Knife
- Full-Tang Knife: Constructed from high-quality, rugged materials, this fixed-blade knife is the most robust model we offer and makes an ideal bushcraft knife, backpacking knife, camping knife, and hiking knife
- Premium Blade: Stays sharp for a long time and features a semi-matte finish; 0.13 inch thick knife blade features a square-edged ground spine that can be used as a striker with fire steel
- Symmetrical Handle: Provides a comfortable grip, keeps the knife steady, and allows use of the knife tip up or tip down; Built-in click lock between sheath and handle prevents knife from falling out of sheath
- Multi-Mount Sheath: MOLLE-compatible mount system allows you to securely fasten your knife to vehicles, walls, clothing, or packs, meaning it's always instantly accessible
- Specifications: Blade thickness: 0.13 inches (3.2 mm), blade length: 4.3 inches (109 mm), total length: 9.0 inches (229 mm), net weight: 9.6 oz. (272 g)
This is a powerful knife designed to withstand even the harshest environments. Among others, one of the best things about this product is the use of 14C28N stainless steel as the main material. The sharpness and edge retention are incredible. Even after years of use, this knife will deliver unmatched performance. It also has excellent corrosion resistance.
Another good feature is the textured polyamide handle. With its rugged construction, the handle is not easily prone to wear. It is also comfortable to grip, even when your hand is wet. This is unlike others that slip easily.
The square-ground spine is another thing that we love in this bushcraft knife. You can use it as a striker. Although, you will have to buy the fire-starter separately.
Lastly, for your peace of mind, it is also good to know that the manufacturer is offering a limited lifetime warranty.
ESEE Knives 4P Fixed Blade Knife
- Cutting Edge Length: 4 1/10" (10.41 cm)
- Handle Material: Grey Linen Micarta
- Overall Length: 9" (22.86 cm)
- Weight (Knife Only): 8.0 oz
- Blade Type: Drop Point
With a longer and thicker blade compared to its predecessor, this knife is built for the wilderness. It has an overall length of nine inches and weighs only eight ounces. You can expect it to be extremely lightweight, which means that handling the knife is a breeze.
The use of high-carbon 1095 steel is one of the many reasons why it is a trusted knife, even by professionals. It is used and abused, yet it retains its peak performance even after many years. From military personnel to adventurers, this is an impressive bushcraft knife even for people who have discerning preferences.
It is also impressive because of the removable Micarta handle. It has a textured grip to make it easy to hold. Plus, it is black coated, which protects against external damages.
Morakniv Companion Heavy-Duty Knife
- Fixed blade outdoor knife with 4.1-inch high carbon steel blade
- Extra-large ergonomic handle with patterned, high-friction grip that makes the knife comfortable to hold and easy to handle
- Blade Thickness: 0.125 inches (3.2 mm), Blade Length: 4.1 inches (104 mm), Total Length: 8.8 inches (224 mm), Net Weight: 4.8 oz. (135 g)
- Color-matching plastic sheath with belt clip
- Limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty; Made in Sweden
This fixed-blade knife comes with a 4.1-inch blade. It might be small, but it is powerful, making it an exceptional outdoor companion. The blade is made of high carbon steel, which has been praised by many for its exceptional sharpness. The Scandi grind is also a good thing, which makes resharpening a breeze.
Meanwhile, with the large and ergonomic handle, the knife is comfortable to hold. Even if you are in a wet and cold environment, you will not have a problem gripping this bushcraft knife. It also has a well-balanced design and provides the user with great control.
Lastly, there is also a color-matching sheath that comes with the knife. It is made of heavy-duty plastic, so it is not easily prone to wear.
How to Choose the Best Bushcraft Knife
Especially if you are buying a bushcraft knife for the first time, it is easy to be overwhelmed. To help you narrow down the choices, below are some of the most important considerations.
Material
For the blade, metal and carbon steel are two of the most popular materials. Some people do not like carbon because it requires more maintenance. Stainless steel is usually combined with chromium or similar material, which will improve rust and corrosion resistance. As for the handle, wood, steel, and plastic are the most common options. Regardless of the material of choice, make sure that it connects well to the blade for safety.
Blade
Aside from the material, the size, length, and construction of the blade are also important considerations in your search for the best bushcraft knife. One of the best types of the blade is called a Scandinavian grind or Scandi grind. It has a broad flat surface, which is also easy to sharpen. Choose a blade that stays razor-sharp even after years of use to minimize the effort required when it comes to care and maintenance.
Handle
It is best if you can try the handle before purchasing a bushcraft knife, which is an opportunity to test how comfortable it is. The handle should fit your hand. It should also have a curved and ergonomic design. Plus, it should be non-slip, which will make it safe to use even if you have a wet hand.
Sheath
Most of the top-notch options for bushcraft knives will come with a sheath. It protects against dust and dirt, among other external elements that can speed up wear. It also improves the portability of the knife, providing different options for carrying it. Nylon and hard plastic are the most common materials used for the sheath. Make sure that it has an enclosure, which will keep the knife secure.
Bushcraft Knife: FAQs
Got questions about Bushcraft knives? We’ll answer some of them below.
What is a bushcraft knife?
A bushcraft knife is a special type of knife used for different situations in the wilderness. It is a good replacement for heavier and bulkier tools, such as an axe. It can be beneficial in many survival situations, making it a must when you are camping or hiking. From cutting wood to setting up your temporary shelter, it is useful in more ways than one.
How thick should a bushcraft knife be?
It should be as thick as possible, but most models tend to be up to 3.2 mm thick. Thicker is better because it will be more versatile. This means that it can handle more materials effortlessly without the risk of breaking the blade.
What is the difference between a bushcraft and a survival knife?
The main difference is the length. A bushcraft knife is usually smaller with a length of only three to five inches. This is as against a survival knife, which can be as long as 12 inches. More so, bushcraft knives are built for more delicate tasks.