You may be wondering, “What is bushcraft and why do I need a different knife for it?” Let’s consult an expert to find out. According to David Canterbury in his renowned book “Bushcraft 101,” bushcraft refers to wilderness skills and the ability to survive and thrive in the natural environment. Therefore, are bushcraft knives essentially the same as survival knives?
No, that’s not entirely accurate. Although people often combine the terms in outdoor settings, there exists a significant distinction between them. Simply inquire with anyone who has attempted to divide logs using a carving knife or carve with a machete.
Survival knives are typically heavier and intended for critical situations, while bushcraft knives are specifically designed for tasks such as carving, fire starting, and handling daily wood-related chores.
The Best Bushcraft Knives: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: TOPS Fieldcraft 3.5
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Features that are essential or important.
- Blade Length: 3.75 inches
- Cutting Edge: 3.63 inches
- Overall Length: 8.25 inches
- Blade Material: 1095 Carbon Steel
- Blade Thickness: 0.16 inches
- Blade Hardness: 56-58 HRC
- Blade Grind: Scandi
- Handle Material: Tan Canvas Micarta
- Sheath Material: Black Kydex
- Weight: 5.5 o ounces
- Made in the USA
Advantages or benefits
- Easy to carry
- Durable
- Can be used for nearly all bushcraft tasks
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- Handle could be small for large hands
The TOPS Fieldcraft 3.5 is a well-designed bushcraft knife that is aesthetically pleasing. Despite being made from thick 1095 steel that measures 4mm, it remains relatively lightweight at 5.5 ounces due to its lean profile. Although the blade length is not overly large, measuring only 3.75 inches, it is still sufficient for performing smaller baton work and is thick enough to withstand heavy use. The handle is also compact and features brownish-tan Micarta scales, which provide a comfortable grip. Additionally, the handle has sockets on each side that can be utilized by primitive skills enthusiasts for friction fire starting with a bow and drill.
I have been using this knife regularly for two years, and it has proven to retain its sharpness and remain highly resistant to damage. The thick knife stock and Scandi grind edge have been reliable in various tasks such as batoning, chopping, and delicate carving, making it an exceptional all-purpose bushcraft knife. Although the black Kydex sheath may not have a primitive appearance, its secure locking mechanism with a satisfying click is certainly admirable.
Best for Carving: Buck Compadre
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Listed below are the essential characteristics.
- Weight: 7.1 ounces
- Blade Length: 4.5 inches
- 5160 spring steel
- Micarta Handles
- Made in USA
Buck has been producing high-quality knives for outdoor enthusiasts for more than a century, and the Buck Compadre carries on this tradition. Even without their recognizable logo, the knife clearly bears the Buck signature. The Compadre’s design incorporates elements reminiscent of many other Buck knives. The model features a 4.5-inch long, 3.8 mm thick blade made of 5160 spring steel. With a total length of 9.5 inches and handle scales composed of natural canvas Micarta, the knife is slightly heavy at 7.1 ounces. However, this weight provides adequate mass for light chopping tasks. I especially appreciate the knife’s ergonomics, as the Micarta handle scales are contoured for comfort and the knife spine includes a small section of thumb jimping near the handle. If you are not familiar with the term “jimping,” you likely still understand its purpose — jimping refers to the tiny grooves filed into a knife spine to enhance grip.
Similar to other Bucks, the Compadre is a drop point knife with a hollow ground. While this pattern is not typical for bushcraft knives, it is effective. Unlike most Bucks and many bushcraft blades, it has the unique feature of a black Cerate Cobalt coating, which provides protection against corrosion. Initially, I was worried that this coating would hinder cutting, but it turned out not to be the case. The knife is able to cut and carve efficiently; however, its thin edge is more susceptible to damage from impact compared to Scandi grind knives.
Best for Survival: Morakniv Garberg
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Characteristics that are crucial
- Blade Length: 4.3 inches
- Blade Thickness: .13 inches
- Carbon steel blade
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
Advantages
- Affordable
- Full tang
- A survival knife that can do bushcraft tasks as well
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- Heavy
The industrial town of Mora, Sweden is known for producing blades that have become a bushcraft tradition. However, customers have consistently requested thicker tangs and stronger blade construction. To meet this demand, the Morakniv company created the Garberg, which we believe is the best survival knife. This 9-inch carbon steel knife has a 4.3-inch blade and weighs 9.6 ounces. While it may share similarities in knife profile, grind, and handle with smaller Morakniv products such as the Morakniv Companion, the Garberg is a much larger and more robust knife.
Despite being a little rough without gloves, the black polyamide handle of the Morakniv Garberg does not hinder its ultra-durable nature even during impact work. Additionally, the black Multi-Mount sheath provides ample options for carrying the knife, including MOLLE compatibility. The sheath retention issue commonly faced with Morakniv knives is resolved with the Multi-Mount kit, which includes a strap for secure holding. Initial tests proved successful, and even after several seasons of tough use, the Garberg remains in excellent condition, making it my top choice for a survival knife that excels in bushcraft tasks.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Bushcraft Knife
Use
How is a bushcraft knife different from a survival knife? We have discussed this before, but let’s delve deeper. Although there is considerable overlap, survival knives are typically designed for heavy-duty tasks such as hacking, prying, and breaching, thus requiring thick spines and sturdy edges.
Bushcraft style involves carving sticks, splitting small logs, and starting fires, using your knife to craft and utilize the natural resources surrounding you. Unlike a leisurely experience in nature, survival focuses more on ensuring one’s survival and not merely having a relaxed time.
In addition to carving and scraping, various tasks can be accomplished with most bushcraft knives. These tasks include food preparation, yard work, and the dressing of game. If you are concerned about your blade losing its sharpness, there is no need to worry. The straight-V of an authentic Scandi edge functions as a built-in sharpening aid, making it effortless to restore their sharpness.
Blade
When selecting a blade shape for your bushcraft knife, it is important to prioritize simplicity. Blade shapes such as wild grinds, recurves, or serrations will only impede its effectiveness as a tool. Typically, all-purpose knives will have a blade length ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 inches, although this is a general guideline and your hand size and grip will also be factors to consider. Regardless of the size you prefer, it is advisable to choose a blade with a combination of straight edges and a gradual belly that curves towards the tip.
As we discuss this topic further, let’s also consider various knife tips. While clip points, drop points, and spear points are quite popular, trailing, tanto, and sheepsfoot models are relatively rare.
In his book “Bushcraft” published in 1988, renowned woodsman Mors Kochanski emphasized the importance of having the blade tip positioned near the handle’s profile center-line for all-purpose knives. This positioning enables users to effectively handle the blade’s point when engaging in precision tasks such as drilling. Additionally, this technique enhances the knife’s durability, as the tip is sturdier compared to a Bowie design with a thinner tip.
Steel
In the Knifecraft chapter, Kochanski once again emphasizes the importance of using a high-quality carbon steel blade. Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel can be effectively used as a striker when using the flint and steel fire-lighting method. Cheap stainless steel blades are not known for their ability to maintain a sharp edge, let alone hold it. However, the Mora stainless steel blades are just as reliable as their carbon steel counterparts.
This is a highly discussed subject among the bushcraft community, with the conventional viewpoint advocating for high-carbon steel due to several logical reasons. Such steels are typically less rigid, reducing the risk of breaking during intense use. Additionally, they can be easily sharpened in outdoor settings and can achieve a sharp cutting edge. The drawback is that they are susceptible to rust if not maintained properly. Furthermore, although they can attain a superior edge, they may not retain it as long as a harder stainless steel blade.
On the contrary, stainless steel is a suitable choice for beginners as it performs well in moist conditions and for preparing food, although it requires wiping after being used. With the advancements in metallurgy since 1988, numerous brands now produce high-quality bushcraft knives using stainless steel.
Depending on the type of stainless steel used, the knife’s sharpness will generally last longer. However, when it becomes dull, sharpening it may be slightly more difficult. Additionally, stainless steel is not as effective for firestarting compared to carbon steel, which reacts well with a ferro rod. Ultimately, the choice of knife depends on your intended usage.
Handle
Comfort is highly important when it comes to bushcraft knives, just like any tool you hold for long periods of time. The traditional design typically includes a simple oval shape, commonly known as a “broomstick” handle. Although these designs have proven to be both comfortable and reliable, some of the contemporary designs take on a more sculpted style.
If your “bushcraft” knife has a handle with cutouts for each finger, it will be problematic. Morakniv, on the other hand, adds contours for the palm and a subtle finger guard, which I usually prefer, but only in moderation.
When considering materials, a G10 or hard plastic handle can be adequate, but a fixed-blade knife generally provides enhanced comfort with a Micarta handle or other natural material.
FAQ
Bushcraft involves using minimal tools to transform forest resources into necessary survival items such as shelters, fires, and traps. It is commonly regarded as a hobby for those who enjoy the outdoors. This distinguishes it from survival, which primarily focuses on life-or-death scenarios.
Bushcraft knives are typically medium-sized fixed-blade knives that mainly use carbon or high-quality stainless steels. Key features of these knives include ergonomic handles, sharpened spines for effectively scraping a ferro rod or other firestarter, and blades designed for carving and splitting natural materials, like wood.
The majority of bushcraft knives are designed to be worn on a belt using a molded sheath made of either plastic or leather. Although there are a few that are suitable for demanding tasks, the majority of bushcraft knives are suitable for moderate-duty purposes.
In the past, carbon steel has been the traditional material used for making bushcraft knives. Despite the possibility of rusting if not cared for properly, carbon steel is durable and can be easily sharpened using basic tools. Nevertheless, modern stainless steels have become increasingly popular, as they offer enhanced rust resistance, and many reputable companies now manufacture top-notch bushcraft knives with this material.
When it comes to bushcraft knives, the most suitable steels are usually slightly less hard, whether they are carbon or stainless. This allows them to maintain a sharp edge for a decent amount of time when working with natural materials like wood. If the edge does start to dull, it can easily be restored using a leather belt, a sharpening stone, or even a flat rock.
Additionally, there is a lower possibility of softer steels shattering. It is possible to restore the sharpness of an edge that has chipped or rolled, but not if it has completely fragmented.
How To Test Your New Bushcraft Knife
Is it possible to baton with the knife? Can the knife be used for chopping? And even after all of that, does the knife still have an effective carving ability after enduring intense use? Before finding yourself deep into the backcountry with a weak knife, it is wise to put the tool to the test. Attempt to create hardwood kindling by striking the back of the knife with a strong baton. This type of demanding work has caused numerous blades to break or bend throughout history, but it has also proven the durability of countless knives since the Iron Age. If your tool can withstand this abuse in a controlled environment, it is highly likely to endure the challenging tasks it will encounter in the field. And if it can still maintain a sharp cutting edge even after such hardships, that is even better. Try engaging in more intricate work, such as carving a feather stick, after the baton test. Feather sticks consist of fine pieces of kindling that ignite easily in unfavorable weather, as the curled shavings burn more readily than whole sticks. However, to create these delicate shavings, a sharp tool is necessary. The knife that successfully passes both of these tests, particularly when completed consecutively without sharpening in between, is one worth keeping.
