When setting up a wilderness camp with limited equipment, having a reliable blade can be crucial. In a survival scenario, the efficiency of your knife can determine whether you survive or not.
Let us examine the Survival & Bushcraft Blades Buyer’s Guide for the year 2023.
CARBON STEALTH: SLEEK AND NEARLY WEIGHTLESS
When considering survival gear, it is important to remember that the weight of even small items can become significant. Every ounce adds up to pounds, and those pounds can cause discomfort. Therefore, it is beneficial to find ways to reduce pack weight without giving up essential items. This is where the Carbon Stealth from Argali Outdoors comes in.
It would be difficult to find a fixed-blade knife that is both durable and reliable, not to mention ergonomic, and lighter than this one. Weighing less than 2 ounces, this knife is lighter than two AA batteries and is barely noticeable when worn on a belt or carried in a pocket. Despite its lightweight design, the knife does not feel fragile or lacking in strength.
The ideal size for the blade is 3.25 inches, allowing it to be used for a variety of tasks, such as processing foraged food and carving a spoon for eating. The spine of the blade has jimping in two places to aid in detailed work, and the handle is skeletonized and covered with textured G10 material to ensure a secure grip. Additionally, there is jimping along the finger choil and at the end of the handle.
The Kydex sheath is just as thin as the knife and can be easily inserted into a pocket. It does not include a belt clip, but you have the option to buy one separately. A good solution is to thread paracord through the rivets at the sheath’s end and fasten it to your belt, ensuring there is some slack in the cord so that the knife can comfortably rest in your pocket. When you need the knife, simply retrieve it from your pocket and adjust the slack accordingly.
Specifications:
Argali Outdoors Carbon Stealth
The blade length is 3.25 inches and the overall length is 7.25 inches. The blade is made of S35VN steel with an ion bond coating. The handle material is textured G10 and the sheath material is Kydex. The weight of the item is 1.8 ounces and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $229.
OLD WORLD DESIGN EXECUTED WITH MODERN MATERIALS
Craig Caudill, a renowned survival instructor, has extensive experience collaborating with both government agencies and private individuals. His expertise lies in equipping people with the knowledge and abilities required to survive in the wilderness using minimal resources. Additionally, Caudill offers a specialized program solely focused on knife techniques, catering to individuals seeking an exceptional test of their survival skills.
In addition to being a historian, he possesses extensive knowledge and experience in various martial arts such as Aikido and Iaido. The combination of his interests and experiences greatly influenced the creation of the Shemanese.
The pronunciation of the name is SHAY-muh-neece, which is derived from the Shawnee language and means “long knife.” This term was specifically used to refer to renowned explorers such as Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, and Simon Kenton.
Specifications
L.T. Wright Knives Shemanese
The overall length of the product is 12 inches, with a blade length of 6.75 inches and a blade thickness of 0.125 inch. The blade steel used is AEB-L, while the handle material is brown canvas Micarta. The sheath material options are either leather or Kydex. The weight of the product is 8.5 ounces, and it is manufactured in the USA. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) for this product is $289.
Ontario Knife Company
ONTARIO RAT-6
The overall length of the item is 12 inches. The blade length measures 5.5 inches and is made of S35VN steel. The handle material is Micarta and the sheath material is Nylon. The item is originally manufactured in the USA and has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $229.95.
Bradford Knives
BRADFORD GUARDIAN 5.5
The knife has an overall length of 10.05 inches with a blade length of 5.05 inches and a blade thickness of 0.170 inch. It is made with either CPM-3V or CPM MagnaCut blade steel and comes in handle materials of G10, Micarta, or carbon fiber. The sheath material options are leather or Kydex and it weighs 8.30 ounces. The knife is made in the USA and has additional features like a stonewash, Nimbus, or Black DLC blade finish. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) is $259.
More Buschcraft Knives:
Fällkniven S1x Forest Knife, outdoor knife
full-tang
handle. This means that the tang of the blade runs throughout the entire handle. This is stronger than other construction methods. The blade is no less than 6 mm thick. As such this knife is one of the most robust knives on this list.
Mora Companion Heavy Duty MG carbon, green
Finding a knife with a higher price-quality ratio than the Mora Companion, which is cherished by bushcraft enthusiasts and survival experts alike for its sturdy blade and robust scandi edge, will be difficult. It is crucial to appropriately maintain the blade, as carbon steel, unlike stainless steel, requires clean and dry storage due to its vulnerability to rust.
ESEE Model 4HM bushcraft knife Modified Handle, leather sheath
The ESEE Model 4 is a durable bushcraft knife suitable for survival situations as well. The handle is constructed from micarta, a material known for providing excellent grip even in wet conditions. This ensures that the knife remains effective in any environment it is used in. The blade of the ESEE 4HM is crafted from robust 1095 carbon steel, which is not resistant to stains. Thus, the blade is coated with a highly durable powder coating to enhance its longevity.
Hultafors OK4 Outdoor Knife 4 380270 carbon, fixed knife
The Hultafors OK4 Outdoor Knife, which is a well-liked bushcraft knife, features a carbon-steel blade coated in black to prevent rust. The blade’s spine is deliberately sharpened to effortlessly use a firesteel. Additionally, the blade’s side is equipped with a ruler measuring five cm. In conclusion, these characteristics not only make the Hultafors an ideal survival knife but also a cost-effective one.
KA-BAR BK62 Kephart bushcraft knife
The KA-BAR BK62 Kephart is an updated rendition of the traditional Kephart bushcraft knife. It is bolstered with walnut wood scales, a 1095 carbon steel blade, and a full-tang design. The handle has a tapered tang, resulting in a knife that is both lightweight and extremely sturdy.
Gerber Principle Black Bushcraft 30-001659 USA Made bushcraft knife
The Principle knife by Gerber is the result of extensive research and consideration for the needs of both beginners and experienced bushcraft enthusiasts. With a blade crafted from durable 420HC steel and a handle made of resilient rubber, this knife can handle the demands of any level of expertise.
LionSteel M5-G10 Sleipner blade, G10 handle
The LionSteel M5 is a versatile fixed knife that is suitable for both survival and bushcraft tasks. Every aspect of this knife was carefully considered to ensure maximum user-friendliness. The G10 handle is equipped with grooves to provide a secure grip, while the end of the full-tang handle can also be used as a hammer due to the slight protrusion of the steel. The blade is crafted from Sleipner steel, a strong and dependable type of steel.
Victorinox Outdoor Master Mic Large 4.2261 outdoor knife
The Victorinox Outdoor Master is a reliable knife because it is the first collection of fixed outdoor knives produced by Victorinox. This knife is improved with a 4 mm thick blade featuring a scandi edge and is also full-tang. The blade’s edge is robust and ideal for woodwork.
Gerber Strongarm Fixed Blade Black FE 30-001038 fixed knife
The Gerber Strongarm, manufactured in the United States, is a strong and dependable fixed knife. It is specifically designed for individuals who require a reliable survival knife. Whether you are heading into the jungle, traversing the desert, or exploring nearby woods, the Strongarm is a reliable tool to assist you. The handle of this knife is constructed from FRN, a lightweight and durable glass-reinforced nylon material. To provide even more gripping power, this Gerber knife features an additional rubber overmould layer with a checkered pattern.
LionSteel M5B Sleipner Black, Green Canvas Micarta survival knife
The final product to mention is the LionSteel M5 in the Green Canvas Micarta version. It has been designed to accommodate both survival and bushcraft duties. Every aspect of this knife has been meticulously considered to ensure optimal user-friendliness. The micarta handle has been enhanced with grooves to provide a secure grip. Additionally, the protruding steel at the end of the full-tang handle serves a dual purpose as a hammer. The blade of the knife is crafted from Sleipner steel, a durable and dependable type of tool steel.
