If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you can confirm the unforgiving nature of the wilderness. Talk of harsh weather, ambush from predators, losing the direction in the middle of nowhere, lack of network coverage, and many others.
Now, how comfortable things are going to get in the woods will depend on the quality of your outdoor gear. For instance, a high-quality sleeping bag can make the difference between waking up refreshed and ready for the day and getting up battling with hypothermia.
Other gears you can’t afford to skimp on are a compass, a watch, lighter, tent, flashlight, and of course, a knife. Now, when buying a knife for your camping trip, you need one that will help you prepare food and cut wood for fires when dabbling as a reliable weapon in case of an attack. And what other version will serve you better than a bushcraft knife?
As the name suggests, bushcraft knives are for use in the wilderness. They offer all the versatility a knife needs to make your life more comfortable far from home. With us are 11 most reliable bushcraft knives for your forthcoming outdoor trip.
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11 Best Bushcraft Knives
#1 Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
No products found.This outdoor knife is one of the most popular options among serious outdoor enthusiasts. The piece makes use of materials of the highest quality for reliability at all times when out in the woods.
The Swedish stainless steel blade is very tough and will retain its sharpness for longer than most materials. Additionally, this construction offers better resistance to rust for long-lasting performance.
This outdoor cutting tool has great versatility. In other words, you can use it for preparing food, cutting tinder, carving, and in other many outdoor activities where a decent bushcraft knife may come in handy.
The handle of this cutting tool is very sturdy for exceptional durability. Also, the patterned-handle offers a sure grip at all times while the well-thought-of size feels comfortable in palms of most users.
Each cutter comes with a durably-constructed color-matching sheath for protecting the blade when the unit is not in use. The most exciting part about the sheath is that it has a pocket clip for easy carrying and to give you instant reach for the knife when you need it.
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#2 Morakniv Craftline Pro S Allround Fixed Blade Utility Knife
No products found.If you have interacted with any cutlery from Morakniv, you can attest that she is one of the most reliable manufacturers when it comes to making high-end cutting utensils that meet most budgets.
Now, coming from this manufacturer, this is one of the bushcraft knives you can count on to make things more comfortable when away from home. It has everything that a tool of its caliber needs to last for many days.
The unit is one of the most versatile knives we have in the market. It is ideal for fishing, outdoor trips, construction sites, and other rugged and corrosive environments where a standard knife can not thrive.
The hardened stainless steel blade is of premium-quality and is incredibly tough to withstand heavy use. Also, the material of the blade will not lose its sharpness quickly like some of the models out there.
The handle features TPE rubber construction. This material provides extra-grip for comfortable use. The high-quality combi-sheath holds the knife securely when not in use. Also, the sheath has a quick-connect feature that provides a convenient way to link it with an additional cutting tool or sheath.
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#3 Schrade SCHF9 12.1in High Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Knife
No products found.Schrade SCHF9 is also another reliable bushcraft knife you can consider adding to your shopping cart. It comes from Schrade, one of the most dependable names when it comes to making trustworthy knives for outdoor applications.
That said, even before we see what the knife has to offer, we are confident that we are getting a decent-quality knife that isn’t likely to frustrate when miles away from the home kitchen.
The unit makes use of 1095 high carbon steel construction. Therefore, we can think of it as a heavy-duty outdoor cutting tool that will serve you for a very long period no matter Mother Nature poses at it.
You can use the knife for camping, hiking, and other outdoor-related projects that require a dependable knife. The TPE handle interacts well in the palm and offers a sure grip to minimize the chances of injuries.
The knife comes with a top-grade nylon belt sheath for quick access when you encounter a threat in the wild. Also, there is a removable storage pouch that allows for convenient everyday carry.
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#4 Schrade SCHF36 Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
No products found.The next bushcraft knife is similar to the previous model in several ways. For instance, they all originate from the same facility. Thus, just like the predecessor, we also expect this unit to perform exceptionally in outdoor settings.
Also, the Schrade SCHF36 has 1095 high carbon steel structure. This construction gives it superior toughness to make it more well-suited for more applications than the standard knives and some competing options.
The thermoplastic elastomer handle makes the unit comfortable to use when utilizing it for the toughest jobs in the most unsupportive conditions. I mean, whether you are chopping meat, cutting wood, or preparing a shelter, expect this knife to interact well with your palm- even when using it with wet hands.
The knife comes with a sheath to hold it when not in use. The case is of best-in-class quality polyester for years of reliability. Therefore, if you want a bushcraft knife with a sheath that won’t lose its retention with time, Schrade SCHF36 should end your search.
The knife also has a finger choil where the blade joins the handle. This feature implies that this unit is among those conceived with the safety of the user as the ultimate priority. The feature also guides you when putting a new edge on the knife.
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#5 Condor Tool & Knife Bushlore Camp Knife
No products found.This full tang knife embraces 1075 high carbon steel. And like other previous options that are also of the same construction, this outdoor knife will not likely to disappoint once you get to the camping site.
The blasted satin on the knife provides superior protection against rust and other elements. However, like any other bushcraft knife, be sure to oil it if you want to get the best in terms of durability and service.
The handle features hardwood construction. Therefore, it is not only long-lasting and great in the palm but also heat-resistant for comfortable use even during the chilliest moments in the woods.
Other than the material of the grip, the size of the handle comes as a major selling point. In other words, the handle is quite larger than average for comfortable use with individuals with large hands.
We all know leather as one of the most fantastic materials in terms of durability and resistance to tearing. And with the sheath featuring leather construction, we are safe to see it as one of the finest sheaths that will ever come with a bushcraft knife.
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#6 KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
No products found.Whether you love camping, hunting, or spending time afield, this premium cutter has everything that it takes to make your perfect outdoor companion. It is a well-built knife that will tackle a variety of outdoor jobs with great perfection.
In other words, whether you want to split wood for feeding the fire, skinning game, chopping onions, shelter-building, or even prying apart joints, this is one of the options you can count on to not disappoint easily.
The knife obtains its incredible toughness from the 1095 cro-van steel construction of the blade. The handle is of Grivory. Hence, it’s comfortable for use and remains well balanced when tackling any outdoor chore.
The full-tang knife comes from the United States. Hence, in case you are among the people who are considerate of a product’s country of origin before buying it, this knife should fit your category.
The unit comes with a nylon sheath to make it easy to carry along on your next camping or hunting trip. The sheath has a special spot on the back that lets you release the knife from the case by just applying a minimal amount of pressure.
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#7 TOPS Knives Brothers of Bushcraft – Tumble Finish
No products found.Seventh on the list is another dependable knife when it comes to bushcraft. The specifications of this piece are as a result of combining the forest living skills and experiences of a group of colleagues who have spent the better part of their lives in the wilderness.
That said, whether you are planning a camping trip to one of the humid rain forests or drought-stricken areas, expect this knife to make your life away from home a whole lot easier.
The thickness and length of this knife make it compact to fit the category of EDC items without sacrificing serviceability. The 1095 carbon steel construction delivers durability even with the heaviest of daily abuse.
The handle is of Tan Canvas Micarta so that it lasts for many years. The design of the handle improves the overall grip, making this knife one of the most comfortable knives in the market.
You will notice that the tang of this knife extends past the handle to serve as the pommel. This design improves the overall durability of the handle by reducing the amount of impact the grasp absorbs.
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#8 Kershaw Camp 10 (1077), Fixed Blade Camp Knife
No products found.For those that want a unique design with a great level of reliability, this cutter by Kershaw is one of the options that is not likely to disappoint. The unit is available in several lengths to let you pick the one that works best for your needs.
The blade is of 65Mn carbon tool steel. Hence, it’s incredibly tough and will withstand the abuse that you and mother nature throws at it. The black powder-coat improves the visual appeal of the tool when adding an extra degree of toughness and resilience.
Therefore, whether you want it for light applications such as preparing food or heavy use such as cutting wood and clearing small trees, this knife is among the few models that will make the work a whole lot easier when maintaining their integrity.
The full tang handle has rubber over-mold. This feature ensures that it remains comfortable to the palm even with extended use. The handguards imply that user safety is one of the ultimate priorities when coming up with this bushcraft knife.
You will also note that this cutting tool comes with pre-drilled lanyard holes at the front and back of the handle. These holes make the knife stand out from the rest when also giving you the much-needed versatility when moving it.
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#9 Schrade SCHF56LM Blade Knife
No products found.Although it’s the ninth option on our coverage, it comes as the third option from Schrade. Therefore, just like the earlier siblings, we expect Schrade SCHF56LM to hardly disappoint no matter where you use it.
The length of the handle is quite large to give you a maximum gripping area. The long grasp alongside the finger guard also minimizes the likelihood of your hand coming into contact with the blade for user safety at all times.
Like all the previous options from the same manufacturer, the blade of this knife is of 1095 high carbon steel. Hence, we are safe to think of this knife as one of the options that will deliver the highest degree of performance on the toughest applications.
The full tang design gives you confidence that no matter what nature brings your way, the Schrade SCHF56LM will always be there for you. The Micarta handle has a nice design and remains comfortable for hours.
However, there are still a few flaws we can identify with this knife. For instance, we can’t put it in the same class as the high-end steel versions. However, for the price, the performance is high above what you may be expecting from a unit of the range.
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#10 Spyderco Proficient Fixed Blade Knife
No products found.Spyderco has for years been known for making high-quality and reliable folding knives. Now, when it comes to bushcraft knives, this manufacturer also proves that he can also impress. And yes, here comes one of her flagship products of the category.
This knife utilizes excellent engineering for a ground-breaking performance on your next trip to the woods. Hence, no matter what comes your way, expect this unit to make things work comfortably on your side.
The highly-evolved ergonomics ensures that you get the best user experience with this knife. Hence, no matter the project you have at hand, this comfortable grasp alongside the improved cutting power guarantee outstanding performance.
Although it has a solid construction, this knife still maintains a lightweight design. Therefore, expect to tackle the most demanding of jobs with minimal hand fatigue. The leather sheath holds the belt in place to allow for an enhanced experience.
Nevertheless, since it’s of exceptional quality, this bushcraft knife isn’t the most affordable option you will find in the market. Therefore, in case you are operating on a tight budget, it may not be the ideal pick for you.
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#11 Ontario Knife Company 8696 Bushcraft
No products found.With more than 130 years of operation, Ontario Knife Company turns out to be one of the most experienced members of the industry. She is famous for producing cutlery, kitchenware, science and medical tools, tactical knives, and more.
Now, with all the time she’s been in the market, we expect her to have more technical knowledge than most members of the industry. That’s why this knife comes as one of the finest options you will find in the market.
The 5160 carbon steel blade is exceptionally strong and will stand up to heavy use in the toughest conditions. Its handle is also of tough hardwood construction and will stand the test of time.
Unlike some options, this knife adopts a flat-ground design to give the user maximum cutting surface. Therefore, with this cutting tool, expect to do the job easier and quicker than most members of the competition.
The nylon densatis sheath is very tough and will hold the knife in place when not in use. Additionally, most users like the idea that it’s brown since it makes maintenance easy through its ability to mask stains and dirt.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Full Tang Knives Better?
Yes. The full tang design gives a knife an added advantage when it comes to strength. Full tang knives are sturdier and offer better resistance to bending than half tang and other types of designs. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get a reliable knife from other versions.
What Material Of A Blade Is Good For Bushcraft Knives?
Since these knives are for heavy use, the blade needs to be extra tough. That’s why most of the top-notch options feature stainless steel and high carbon steel constructions.
What Is A Full Tang Knife Blade?
A full tang knife is one that has the full length of the knife extending right from the tip all through the handle. Examples of full tangs include skeletonized, extended, encapsulated, and many others. If it’s not a full-tang knife, your cutting tool falls in the category of partial tangs.
What Makes A Good Bushcraft Knife?
A nice bushcraft knife needs to have several features on board. For instance, the blade and handle should be extra tough. Also, it needs to have a long cutting edge. Other features to consider include the ergonomics and the thickness of the spine. Lastly, be sure to pay attention to the material of the sheath.
How Thick Should A Bushcraft Knife Be?
Although bushcraft knives are generally thicker than other versions, it’s easy to wonder what thickness is ideal for them. According to most experts, the thickness of about 3 mm is nice for super-tough materials.
Final Verdict
Since bushcraft knives are not job-specific, it’s almost impossible to get one that works exceptionally across all applications. They are a jack-of-all-trades but a master of none kind of knives. However, the degree of an impression on different tasks varies widely. That’s why we have put together some of the options that will impress the most in a wide range of applications.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
