As an avid outdoorsman, I know that having the right gear can make all the difference. And when it comes to bushcraft, a good knife is essential.
The best bushcraft knives are:
- Best Overall: Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
- Best Value: Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
- Best Budget: Morakniv Companion Knife
- Best Folding Design: Benchmade Bushcrafter 162
- Best Multi-Purpose: ESEE Knives 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife
At the end of the day, a good bushcraft knife can be a lifesaver in the wilderness. Whether you're building a shelter, preparing food, or starting a fire, a reliable knife is essential. That’s why we have thoroughly researched the best bushcraft knives on the market to help you pick the perfect product for your bushcraft needs. So, let's dive in and explore the best bushcraft knives on the market today.
Key Takeaways
- The best overall bushcraft knife: Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife.
- Morakniv, Ka-Bar, Tops, and Fallkniven are the top bushcraft knife brands.
- Consider intended use, blade thickness, blade length, and handle comfort.
- Stainless steel and carbon steel are the two main types of steel used in bushcraft knives.
- Proper maintenance of your bushcraft knife is essential to ensure longevity.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bushcraft Knives
What is a Bushcraft Knife?
As an avid outdoorsman, I can tell you that a bushcraft knife is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys spending time in the wilderness.
A bushcraft knife is a versatile tool that is designed to help you survive in the great outdoors. It is a type of fixed blade knife that is typically between 3-6 inches in length and is made from high-quality steel.
Why Use a Bushcraft Knife?
A bushcraft knife is designed to handle a wide range of tasks that you may encounter in the wilderness. It is an all-purpose tool that can be used for everything from chopping wood to preparing food. It is also an excellent tool for building shelters, starting fires, and carving wood.
One of the main advantages of a bushcraft knife is its durability. These knives are built to last and can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. They are also easy to sharpen, which means that you can keep them in top condition even when you are miles away from civilization.
Bushcraft Knife vs Survival Knife
While a bushcraft knife and a survival knife may look similar, there are some key differences between the two.
A bushcraft knife is designed to be a versatile tool that can handle a wide range of tasks. It is typically smaller and more lightweight than a survival knife, which makes it easier to carry in your pack.
A survival knife, on the other hand, is designed to be a heavy-duty tool that can handle extreme conditions. It is typically larger and heavier than a bushcraft knife and is designed to be used in emergency situations.
Special Mention Knives
1. Best Overall: Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Specifications
- 4.1-inch blade (high-carbon steel)
- Rubber handle for a comfortable grip
- MOLLE-compatible sheath
- Length: 8.8 inches
- Weighs 4.8 ounces
Performance
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is versatile and can handle a variety of tasks with ease. Its high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, while its rubber handle provides a comfortable grip.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife stands out for its affordable price point, making it a great value for its quality.
Recent Updates
Recent updates to the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife include improved blade sharpness and a more durable handle material.
Benefits
- Versatile and durable
- Comfortable grip
- Affordable price point
Drawbacks
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- MOLLE-compatible sheath may not fit all gear
- Blade may be too short for some tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable bushcraft knife.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife on Amazon or other outdoor gear retailers.
2. Best Value: Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Specifications
- 4.8-inch full tang blade
- Diamond-texture rubber handle for a secure grip
- Modular sheath system
- Total length of 9.8 inches
- Weighs 7.2 ounces
Performance
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife is tough and can handle heavy-duty tasks with ease. Its full tang blade provides added strength and durability, while its diamond-texture rubber handle ensures a secure grip.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife stands out for its modular sheath system, allowing for customizable carry options.
Recent Updates
Recent updates to the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife include improved blade coating and handle materials.
Benefits
- Tough and durable
- Secure grip
- Customizable carry options
Drawbacks
- Blade may be too thick for some tasks
- Sheath may be bulky for some users
- May require frequent sharpening
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for anyone looking for a high-quality bushcraft knife at an affordable price.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife on Amazon or other outdoor gear retailers.
3. Best Budget: Morakniv Companion Knife
Specifications
- 4.1-inch stainless steel blade
- High-friction rubber handle for a secure grip
- Plastic sheath
- Total length of 8.6 inches
- Weighs 4.1 ounces
Performance
The Morakniv Companion Knife is a reliable option that can handle a variety of tasks. Its stainless steel blade is sharp and durable, while its high-friction rubber handle ensures a secure grip.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Morakniv Companion Knife stands out for its affordable price point, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Recent Updates
Recent updates to the Morakniv Companion Knife include improved blade sharpness and a more ergonomic handle design.
Benefits
- Affordable price point
- Reliable and durable
- Comfortable grip
Drawbacks
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Plastic sheath may not fit all gear
- Blade may be too short for some tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Morakniv Companion Knife is perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable bushcraft knife.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Morakniv Companion Knife on Amazon or other outdoor gear retailers.
4. Best Folding Design: Benchmade Bushcrafter 162
Specifications
- 4.4-inch CPM-S30V stainless steel blade
- G10 handle for a comfortable and secure grip
- Leather sheath
- Total length of 9.2 inches
- Weighs 7.7 ounces
Performance
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 is a high-performance option that can handle even the most demanding tasks.
Its CPM-S30V stainless steel blade is sharp and durable, while its G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 stands out for its folding knife design, allowing for easy and convenient carry without sacrificing performance.
Recent Updates
Recent updates to the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 include improved blade sharpness and a more ergonomic handle design.
Benefits
- High-performance and durable
- Comfortable and secure grip
- Convenient folding design
Drawbacks
- Expensive compared to other options
- Leather sheath may not fit all gear
- Folding design may not be as strong as a fixed blade
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 is perfect for anyone looking for a high-performance bushcraft knife with a convenient folding design.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 on Amazon or other outdoor gear retailers.
5. Best Multi-Purpose: ESEE Knives 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife
Specifications
- 6.5-inch 1095 carbon steel blade
- Micarta handle for a comfortable and secure grip
- Kydex sheath
- Total length of 11.75 inches
- Weighs 12 ounces
Performance
The ESEE Knives 6P-B is a versatile option that can handle a variety of tasks, from chopping wood to preparing food. Its 1095 carbon steel blade is durable and sharp, while its Micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
What Sets This Product Apart
The ESEE Knives 6P-B stands out for its versatility and durability, making it a great option for a variety of outdoor activities.
Recent Updates
Recent updates to the ESEE Knives 6P-B include improved blade coating and handle materials.
Benefits
- Versatile and durable
- Comfortable and secure grip
- Comes with a Kydex sheath
Drawbacks
- Blade may need frequent sharpening
- Heavier than other options
- More expensive than some budget options
Who Should Buy This Product?
The ESEE Knives 6P-B is perfect for anyone looking for a versatile and durable bushcraft knife.
Where to Buy This Product
You can purchase the ESEE Knives 6P-B on Amazon or other outdoor gear retailers.
Key Features of Bushcraft Knives
As an avid outdoorsman, I know that having the right knife can make all the difference when it comes to survival in the wilderness. When it comes to bushcraft survival knives, there are a few key features to look for that will ensure you have a reliable and durable tool for all your outdoor needs.
Blade Design
The blade of a bushcraft knife is arguably the most important feature to consider. A good blade should be made of high-quality steel, such as 1095 carbon steel, which is known for its durability and ability to hold an edge.
The blade should also have a Scandi grind, which is a flat grind that makes it easy to sharpen and maintain.
Another important factor to consider is the length of the blade. A blade that is too short will limit its usefulness, while one that is too long can be unwieldy. A blade length of around 3.5 to 4 inches is ideal for most bushcraft tasks.
Handle Design
The handle of a bushcraft knife should be comfortable to hold and provide a secure grip, even when wet.
Look for handles made of materials such as Micarta or G10, which are durable and provide good grip. The handle should also be designed to prevent slipping, with a texture or pattern that provides a secure grip.
Tang Construction
The tang of a knife is the portion of the blade that extends into the handle. A full tang construction is ideal for bushcraft knives, as it provides maximum strength and durability. Full tang knives are also less likely to break or become loose over time.
When selecting a dedicated bushcraft knife, be sure to consider the blade design, handle design, and tang construction. These key features will ensure that you have a reliable and durable tool for all your outdoor needs.
Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel Blades
When it comes to bushcraft knives, the type of steel used in the blade is a crucial factor to consider. There are two main types of steel used in bushcraft knives: stainless steel and carbon steel.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a popular choice for bushcraft knives due to its resistance to corrosion. This is because it contains at least 10.5% chromium, which forms a protective layer on the surface of the blade.
This layer helps to prevent rust and other forms of corrosion, making stainless steel blades ideal for use in wet or humid conditions.
However, stainless steel blades can be more difficult to sharpen than carbon steel blades, and they may not hold their edge for as long. Additionally, stainless steel blades are typically more expensive than carbon steel blades.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is another popular choice for bushcraft knives. It is a type of steel that contains a higher percentage of carbon than stainless steel, which gives it a harder and more durable edge.
Carbon steel blades are also easier to sharpen than stainless steel blades, and they tend to hold their edge for longer. However, carbon steel blades are more prone to rust and other forms of corrosion, so they require more maintenance than stainless steel blades.
How to Choose
When choosing the best bushcraft knife, deciding between stainless steel and carbon steel ultimately comes down to personal preference and intended use.
If you plan on using your knife in wet or humid conditions, a stainless steel blade may be the better choice.
However, if you prioritize edge retention and ease of sharpening, a carbon steel blade may be the way to go.
It's important to note that there are many different types of stainless and carbon steel available, each with their own unique properties and characteristics. When choosing a bushcraft knife, be sure to research the specific type of steel used in the blade to ensure that it meets your needs and preferences.
Customer Reviews and Considerations
As an experienced bushcrafter, I know how important it is to have a reliable and high-quality bushcraft knife.
That's why I conducted a thorough analysis of customer reviews for some of the most popular bushcraft knives on the market, including the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife, Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife, Morakniv Companion Knife, Benchmade Bushcrafter 162, and ESEE Knives 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Survival Knife.
Top Pick
After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews, it's clear that the Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is the best overall choice for a bushcraft knife. Customers rave about its durability, sharpness, and versatility, making it a top pick for both beginners and experienced bushcrafters alike.
One customer wrote, "I've used this knife for everything from carving wooden spoons to skinning game, and it's never let me down. The blade holds an edge well and the rubber grip is comfortable and secure."
Top Budget Pick
For those on a budget, the Morakniv Companion Knife is the best choice, offering excellent quality at an affordable price point.
Customers praise its sharpness and durability, with one reviewer stating, "This knife is a steal for the price. It's sharp right out of the box and has held up well to heavy use."
Overall, it's clear that there are many great bushcraft knives on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. By considering your individual needs and preferences, you can find the perfect knife to accompany you on your outdoor adventures.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
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