Best Bushcraft Knife Reviews: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Are you heading out on a camping trip? Getting out deep into public land or a National Park is a great way to experience nature. The glory of the outdoors contains plenty of beauty, and staring out at a breathtaking landscape might disillusion you about the call of the wild.

The reality is the outdoors are an unforgiving place. If you’re going on a camping trip or a survivalist mission, you need to have some bushcraft skills and the right tools to help you meet the challenges presented by mother nature.

Bushcraft is a term originating out of Australia and South Africa, where the locals refer to public land and the wilderness as “the bush.” Bushcraft describes the skills and tools needed to navigate the tough terrain and conditions.

Bushcraft involves many principles that revolve around surviving and thriving in the wild. Your bushcraft tools can mean the difference between life and death in some situations. Having the right equipment on hand is essential if you want to stand up to the natural world’s demands.

A good knife is possibly the most important bushcraft tool you can own. A full-tang knife with a sharp, durable blade will help you get out of plenty of tricky situations. From scratching a fire-steel to light the campfire, to skinning an animal – a bushcraft knife needs to be at your side day and night.

In this post, we’ll review your options for the best bushcraft knife.

Our Top Picks

If you can’t wait to head out on your camping trip, you probably don’t have the patience to read this entire review. If that’s the case, we picked out our top three models from the knives on display in this article.

We have models to suit different styles and price points, giving you the best options for your new bushcraft knife.

Best Pick: Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue

Cold Steel makes some of the best knives in the world. This brand produces blades in all kinds of styles and formats, with a powder-coated finish that reduces friction and prevents corrosion. With the Cold Steel SRK, you get a survivalist design with clean edges and a razor-sharp blade with SK-5 or CPM-3V steel for a toughened, durable edge that remains sharp.

Premium Pick: KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion

KA-BAR is another premium knifemaker with a range of top-quality knives. This bushcraft model features a 1095-Cro Van steel design providing a tough, sharp, and durable blade. The drop-point blade is suitable for multi-tasking around the campsite, with a straightforward design for plenty of control over the edge.

Budget Pick: Morakniv Craftline Pro S

If you’re a survivalist or camper looking for the most affordable bushcraft knife, we recommend the Morakniv Craftline. This model features design and construction with hardened stainless steel. You get an ergonomic rubberized grip for total control over the knife, even in wet weather.

Bushcraft Knife Reviews

Now that you have an idea of our top models let’s unpack them in detail. We’ll also look at a few other great choices for the best bushcraft knife. Choose the model that meets the demands of your outdoor adventure, and start planning your trip.

Other Best Selling Options

Bushcraft Knife Buyer’s Guide

Picking out a bushcraft knife is a challenging process. For most knife enthusiasts, it’s like being a kid in a candy store. There are so many options, and you only get one final choice.

After reading through your top models’ reviews, you’re likely trying to figure out which knife is the best choice for your camping, hunting, or survivalist needs. In this section, we’ll look at all the factors behind choosing the right bushcraft knife for your needs.

What Do I Look for In a Bushcraft Knife?

Bushcraft is a semi-survivalist specialty, and you’ll need a rugged and durable knife that stands up to the toughest cutting tasks. From splitting branches for firewood to skinning a buck, there are thousand-and-one tasks for your knife around the campsite and out in the field.

So, how do you know what to look for in a good bushcraft knife? All the models in this review come with the highest levels of design and top-quality materials. However, you need to understand the features of your knife before picking out your top choice.

This section will break down everything you need to know about your new knife.

Full-Tang Design

A “full-tang” design describes the handle and the blade made from the same material, in one consistent piece. A full-tang blade provides the best durability in a bushcraft knife. You never have to worry about the handle breaking away from the blade when cutting with a full-tang.

The solid design of the handle and blade means that your knife is virtually unbreakable. Even if the handle cracks or breaks, it won’t affect the integrity of the blade. Full tang designs are the preferred choice for bushcraft and survivalist blades.

Blade Steel

The type of steel used in the manufacturing process is avital consideration when picking out your bushcraft knife. It would help if you had a steel with a hardened finish, providing a durable edge for your blade. The harder the edge, the more the knife retains its sharpness.

There are four types of steel suitable for use in bushcraft knives.

• 1095 Carbon Steel – These blades feature tempering for a durable and hardened finish.
• 1095 Cro-Van Steel – This combination alloy makes for a toughened edge on any bushcraft knife.
• CPM-3V Steel – Suitable for use in coastal or jungle environments. This steel is corrosion-resistant and tough.
• Sandvik stainless steel – Typically features Scandinavian knives, providing a hard, sharp edge on the blade.

Blade Design

The design of the blade also plays a role in choosing your knife. Typically, center point blades offer the best overall utility around the campsite and while hunting. These blades can do everything from skinning an animal to striking a fire-steel.

Drop-point knives have a more tactical feel to them, but they make a good choice for bushcraft purposes. The drop point provides better penetration, and it’s a better choice for self-defense. However, these knives are suitable for use around the campsite or while hunting.

Blade Shape and Size

The shape and size of the blade make a big difference in its performance. Knives with shorter blades allow you more control and better leverage over the cutting material. A 5.25-inch handle with a 3.6″ to 5″ blade is a great choice for your bushcraft knife.

For bushcraft purposes, we recommend going smaller than larger with your blade. Larger blades give you less control, and that can end up forcing an injury. The shape of the blade makes a difference in the performance of the blade.

Models like the Smith & Wesson SW7 feature complex designs in the blade to enhance the utility for penetration, slicing, and fighting. A multi-purpose blade is a nice addition to your camping gear, but we have to say we prefer a cleaner, traditional design for bushcraft knives.

Blade Thickness

The thickness of the blade determines the durability and versatility of the knife. Many people focus on the edge of the blade when picking up a knife. Few people think about examining the spine. The spine is another useful part of the knife that’s vital for bushcraft purposes.

You can strike a fire-steel on the spine to start a fire or decide to use it as a hammer-edge when splitting wood. Spine thicknesses typically vary between 0.2 to 0.5mm for bushcraft knives, depending on the blade design.

The knife’s thicker spine adds rigidity to the blade, which is an important feature for bushcraft knives. When you’re splitting wood or skinning a deer, you don’t want any flexion in the blade. Flexion could cause a nasty accident if it slips out of your hands.

Handles

The handles of your knife are another vitally important feature. The handle typically screws into the knife’s body with full-tang blades, providing the user with grip. Handles come in a variety of designs, from flat to ergonomic. A flat handle design like you find on the Cold Steel SRK is useful for a general-purpose handle covering bushcraft, survivalist, and combat needs.

Some knives feature ergonomic handles with grooves for your fingers. This design gives you a better grip and control than a flat handle. However, you have less versatility in hand position on the knife, with the grooves locking in your fingers to the set hand position.

When selecting your handle, make sure you look at the grip it offers. A stippled or textured handle provides the best grip, and the knife won’t slip if you’re using it in cold or wet weather. Crip on the handle also helps you keep control over the knife when wearing gloves.

Some models come with brighter colors on the handles, allowing you to see the knife if it’s lying on the floor. Other models feature a classic bushcraft design, featuring wooden handles. Wooden handles typically are flat and have no texture or grip.

These handles work well in dry weather, but they get somewhat slippery in wet conditions. The last thing you want is for the knife to slip and cause an accident. However, wooden handles are attractive, and they provide a traditional finish to the knife.

Some models feature design with plastic handles that don’t conduct the cold. If you’re working in the northern tundra, then this handle design will prevent operator fatigue in your fingers.

Functionality

The functionality of your bushcraft knife is another critical consideration. How do you intend to use the knife? Do you want a general-purpose model suitable for camping, or are you looking for a dedicated hunting or tactical model?

The functionality of your knife can differ greatly. For example, the Morakniv Craftline Pro S is a great bushcraft tool that has an industrial design. You get a short blade for optimal leverage and a sharpened stainless steel blade for durable use around industrial sites.

However, it’s not the best choice for dry, warm environments. Matching your blade and handle to your environmental conditions is a top priority when selecting your knife.

Knife Sheath

When selecting a knife, most people don’t even think about the sheath. They focus on the blade and the finishes, but they neglect to see if the sheath is suitable for their needs. When selecting your knife sheath, you have four options.

• Nylon – This material is tough, durable, and affordable. It’s the ideal weatherproof choice and offers a lightweight design that’s easy to carry.
• Plastic – Plastic sheaths offer the best protection for your knife. These sheaths often feature a locking design that holds the blade in place. They offer friction-free draws, and the knife won’t damage it when returning it to the sheath.
• Hybrid – These sheaths feature design and construction with nylon and plastic. The belt loop is typically nylon materials, and the blade sheath features a plastic scabbard. Hybrid sheaths offer you the best of both worlds. You get the versatility of nylon, with the rugged durability of plastic.
• Leather – These sheaths come with traditional bushcraft knives. If you’re buying a model with a traditional look, you can expect it to come with a leather sheath. Leather is durable and long-lasting, but it requires some conditioning and maintenance to prevent it cracking.

You won’t have the option of changing sheaths, as most of them come with a custom-fitted design to match your knife’s blade. Choose the model that suits your bushcraft needs.

Work with Your Budget

With so many options in this review, it’s challenging to settle on the right bushcraft knife for your hunting or camping trip. Before you start running through the options in this review, set a budget for your new knife. Most bushcraft knives vary between $30 to $130 in price.

It’s easy to find yourself getting carried away with the models. As a result, you might end up exceeding your budget. The last thing you need with your new bushcraft knife is buyer’s remorse, which will ruin your trip.

Choose a model within your budget, and you’ll have a functional tool that suits use around the campsite and the field. Our review has models at different price points to help you with your purchase decision.

Bushcraft Knife FAQs

What is the ‘Scandinavian grind?”

The ‘Scandinavian grind’ describes a grinding finish on the blade. The grind starts a quarter of the way up the blade, beveling to the edge, with no secondary blade bevel.

What is a trade knife?

A trade knife is the original tool of trappers and mountain men in the United States and Canada. Back in the pioneers’ times, knives were essential tools, and its legacy lives on today in the design and construction of bushcraft knives available from several manufacturers.

Do bushcraft knives work for EDC?

Bushcraft knives are not a good choice for EDC (Everyday Carry). The bushcraft knife requires sheathing on your belt, and it’s a longer, bulkier design that’s not suitable for carrying around with your car keys and wallet. For EDC, you need a purpose-designed lightweight folding knife or tactical knife.

Where is the best place to buy the best bushcraft knife?

We recommend picking up your bushcraft knife on Amazon. Amazon has fast shipping for Prime members, and you’ll have your knife in time for it to debut on your next camping or hunting trip.

The Best Bushcraft Knife – The Verdict

By now, you should have your eye on a preferred model for your bushcraft needs. However, we understand it’s challenging to select one knife from all the models in this review. IF you have a passion for collecting blades, you probably want to take them all.

If you’re finding it challenging to settle on the right model for your campsite requirements, why not rely on our top picks? The Cold Steel SRK Survival Rescue is the top choice for the best overall bushcraft knife in this review. This model comes with a drop-point blade, and it’s a popular model with the SEAL teams, where instructors use it in BUDs training.

The KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion is another solid choice for a top-quality bushcraft knife. This model wins our top pick for the best premium bushcraft knife. You get a 10.5-inch total length on the knife, featuring a 5.25″ 12095-Cro Van blade for a durable blade that holds an edge in the most demanding conditions.

The Morakniv Craftline Pro S features a 3.6-inch Sandvik stainless steel blade for a tough, reliable bushcraft tool. This model features a rubberized, ergonomic grip. You get total control over the knife in cold and wet weather, even when wearing gloves. This model comes at an affordable price for imported quality, and it’s a great choice for your campsite tasks.