Do you have a passion for camping, hunting, fishing or hiking through the wilderness? Then you need to pack the best bushcraft knife. These solid, sturdy, and razor sharp knives are specifically designed for rough and tough outdoor environments, from the barren wilderness to a dusty desert or a steamy jungle.
Whatever type of adventure you have planned, a bushcraft knife is an essential wilderness survival tool for any outdoor enthusiast.
The 7 Best Bushcraft Knife Reviews
- Morakniv Bushcraft 4.3-inch Fixed Blade Knife
- Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife (Overall Best)
- Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Knife
- Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 PlainEdge Knife with Leather Sheath
- Perkins Handmade 01 Carbon Steel Bushcraft & Hunting Knife
- Condor Tool & Knife 4-5/16-inch Bushlore Camp Knife
- Grand Way 148109 Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Knife
Our Top Pick for the Best Bushcraft Knife
Our top pick for the best bushcraft knife is the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife.
If you are a hardcore outdoor survivalist or you love exploring undiscovered wilderness or jungle terrains, the Tops Knives B.O.B Brothers of Bushcraft Knife is destined to be your new bushcraft buddy. Designed by bushcraft experts, this superbly crafted knife is tough enough for the harshest outdoor conditions and its high versatility for all types of cutting and carving tasks means it is the perfect knife for any type of outdoor survival scenario.
What is a Bushcraft Knife?
If you are planning a trip into the wonderful untamed and unspoiled wilderness, there are 3 things you need to do:
1. Learn some basic survival tips.
2. Take a survival kit.
3. Pack a bushcraft knife.
What sets the bushcraft knife apart from other survival-type knives is its shorter blade design that ranges in size from 3 to 5-inches. Anything longer than 6-inches falls into the machete category which is better suited for heavy-duty cutting like chopping through dense vegetation. The bushcraft knife has a small compact size so it is easier to pack in your camping gear and gives you more cutting and chopping control for lots of different tasks such as:
- Batoning – Cut or split wood into kindling for a fire by using a baton-sized stick or mallet to repeatedly strike the spine of the knife, which then cuts the wood into more manageable pieces.
- Carving – Carve a piece of wood into a fishing spear or a piece of bark into a water container, tree limbs into a shelter, or create feather sticks.
- Ignite a fire – Ignite a fire by making a firestick or rubbing the spine of the knife against a firestarter to create sparks to use on dry grass, leaves, or paper.
How To Choose a Bushcraft Knife
Blade Construction
As well as its short blade, a bushcraft knife should have a fixed-blade, drop-point design and be full-tang if possible. You also need to consider the grind of the blade which refers to the cross-section of the blade.
Blade grinds can be flat, double bevel, hollow, chisel or a Scandinavian grind. Knife enthusiasts have their blade grind references but the Scandinavian grind or Scandi-grind is considered to be the best and most versatile type of grind. A Scandi edge has a single bevel grind that is wide and flat and cuts with a superior strength and is able to withstand twisting and hacking in hardwood.
The blade will also vary in thickness. A blade that is thicker is better suited to heavy-duty cutting or chopping tasks, and a thinner blade provides excellent cutting action for carving up meat but it may not be strong enough for batoning.
Stainless Steel or High Carbon Steel
Bushcraft knives are either made out of highly polished stainless steel or high carbon steel.
Stainless steel is strong and sturdy and highly rust-, stain- and chip resistant, which means it is low maintenance. Bushcraft knives that are made out of stainless steel have different hardness levels like 53-55HRC or HRC 56-58, which is considered to be the hardest type of stainless steel.
You will have to sharpen the blade more often as stainless steel is softer than high carbon steel which also means that the knife can lose its edge faster than a high carbon blade bushcraft knife can.
High-carbon Steel
High-carbon steel is the best material for a bushcraft knife, like the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife. Carbon steel is an extra hard material which enables the knife to hold its edge very well over the long-term, which is a good thing as high carbon steel is not as easy to sharpen like stainless steel.
This type of steel rusts easily so you will have to take care of it especially in wet environments. To minimize the rust factor some knives have a special DLC anti-corrosive black coating that protects the blade from rust like the Morakniv Bushcraft Knife. But for superior blade hardness for tough cutting tasks, nothing beats high carbon steel.
Handle
Bushcraft knife handles are made out of either hardwood, dense rubber, Micarta or fiberglass. Hardwood, like walnut wood, is a good choice as it is a dense wood that creates a solid and sturdy handle and it has an attractive natural swirl pattern. The wood may have a contoured design like the Perkins Bushcraft & Hunting Knife or the Condor Tool & Knife, but it can get slippery in wet conditions. The best type of material is micarta or canvas micarta, dense rubber or fiberglass.
Micarta, canvas or line, is a silicon or melamine resin and it is highly durable and resistant material and is easy to grip when the handle is wet. Dense rubber is also very durable and feels comfortable in the hand and fiberglass, also known as G10, is strong, lightweight and impervious to moisture.
Whichever type of handle you choose, it needs to be reliable and not rot or crack under rough wilderness conditions, and more importantly, its hold must be ergonomic and fit comfortably in your hand.
Sheath
Keeping your knife at your side for quick and easy access is important. A sheath allows you to safely store and attach the knife to your belt for quick and easy access and will maintain the blade's sharpness.
Best Bushcraft Knife Reviews
1. Morakniv Bushcraft 4.3-inch Fixed Blade Knife
Tough and dependable, the Morakniv bushcraft knife is an excellent choice for the serious survivalist. It features a superbly hand-crafted 4.3-inch drop-point blade that is made from extra hardened HRC 56-58 carbon steel, which gives the knife its extra strength to withstand the stress of harsh outdoor environments. For long-term durability, the blade has a DLC anti-corrosive black coating to protect it against corrosion from moisture, rain, and snow.
The razor sharp blade is ground to perfection with a special Scandi grind for extra blade traction tor cutting into wood without getting stuck. Even though the 0.125 inches blade (3.2 mm) is relatively thin, it gives you a very good level of control for carving tasks but is still robust enough for batoning. You can also use the knife's spine against a firestarter to creak sparks to light dry grass, leaves, paper, or bark and even light up your favorite gas grill or stove.
The ergonomic over-molded anti-slip black rubber grip hand is comfortable to hold and gives you good control while you slice through animal meat or carve wood for a spear.
The only downside of the Morakniv bushcraft knife is that it is not a full tang knife.
Morakniv offers a limited lifetime warranty on their fabulous knife and it comes with a black plastic sheath with belt loop to keep the knife securely at your side.
Pros
- High-quality
- Very affordable price
- Great value for money
- Superb craftsmanship
- Razor sharp fixed-blade, drop-point knife
- Strong black high carbon steel
- DLC anti-corrosive black coating
- Extremely durable blade
- Multi-functional
- Ideal for batoning, firestarting, and carving a wood feather stick
- Ergonomic high-friction anti-slip black rubber grip handle
- Great performance and works extremely well in wet and cold conditions
- Black plastic sheath with belt loop
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sheath is not very strong
- Not full tang
2. Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife
The Brothers of Bushcraft Fieldcraft knife has been specially tested in the Canadian wilderness, which makes it a must-have survival tool. You can use it to construct a shelter, ignite a fire, slice off bark to make a water reservoir, field dress a deer, or use it as a self-defense stabbing weapon against predators or scorpions.
Built for hard work, the 4.5-inch, 3/16-inch thick drop-point blade is made from extra tough 1095 high carbon steel that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Its superbly crafted cutting edge features a modified Scandinavian grind, which is very effective at carving or skinning wild game and other wood-related tasks. The razor sharp blade holds its edge well but if you need to resharpen it, just a few strikes on a whetstone will give the blade long-lasting sharpness.
The Fieldcraft knife has an ergonomic handle that is made of durable black canvas micarta which is easy to hold and grip. The bow drill divot is frictionless and is specifically designed for starting fires and the “Thumb Scallops” on the hilt of the handle offer more comfort and control while carving and skinning game.
The pommel of the blade is exposed enough to allow the handle to take the impact of a baton and can be used as a scraper for striking Ferro rods in a safe and efficient manner. The bushcraft knife comes with a high-quality black Kydex sheath with a rotating belt clip and there is a lanyard hole at the end of the handle to attach a cord.
The Brothers of Bushcraft knife is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Excellent design
- Great value for money
- Made from 1095 high carbon steel
- Solid, strong and thick blade
- Long-lasting razor-sharp edge
- Ergonomic black canvas micarta handle
- “Thumb Scallops” offer more comfort and control
- Frictionless bow drill divot is specifically designed for starting fires
- Handle can take the impact of a baton
- Exposed pommel can be used as a Ferro rod scraper
- Easy to resharpen
- High-quality black Kydex sheath with rotating belt clip
- Lanyard hole
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Rough material on the handle can feel uncomfortable after continuous use
- Clip on the sheath is quite bulky
3. Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Knife
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 knife features a superb design and delivers a superior cutting performance, which makes it an excellent tool for wilderness survival. Although it is one of the more expensive bushcraft knives it is worth every cent and will not let you down.
Whether you need to fashion a piece of wood into a spear or field dress a deer, the knife features a 4.40-inch, 0.164-inch (4.17mm) thick blade that is made from rust-resistant extra strong 58-60 stainless steel, which gives the knife its powerful strength and super sharp edge.
Although the Benchmade knife does not have a Scandi-grind like other knives, it has a double beveled edge and the smoothly polished blade glides effortlessly through hardwood.
The stylish ergonomic green and red contoured G10 high-pressure fiberglass handle feels solid in your hand and is impervious to moisture, and stays stable under extreme temperatures.
To keep your bushcraft knife ready for action and in optimal condition, the durable leather sheath has a belt loop and a D-ring.
Benchmade offers a limited lifetime warranty and a LifeSharp service if it needs to be repaired or sharpened, which will keep your knife in the best condition.
The Bushcrafter comes in a forest green or a sand color.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Superior design and cutting performance
- Superb sharp edge
- Ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks
- Made from extra strong stainless steel
- Smoothly polished blade
- Rust-resistant
- Stylish ergonomic green and red contoured G10 high-pressure fiberglass handle
- Durable leather sheath has a belt loop and D-ring
- Limited lifetime warranty
- LifeSharp service
Cons
- Expensive
- Knife can slip easily out of the sheath due to a poor belt loop
4. Spyderco Bushcraft G-10 PlainEdge Knife with Leather Sheath
The Spyderco Bushcraft knife has been designed by tactical bushcraft expert Chris Claycombe from the popular bushcraft website BushcraftUK.com, which makes this high-performing knife an essential tool for any outdoors enthusiast.
If you are stuck out in the harsh wilderness, this heavy-duty plain-edge knife is ideal for heavy-duty use and can perform almost any task, from sharpening wood into a spear, batoning wood for a fire, or making wood shavings for kindling. The secret to its exceptional performance is its powerfully strong 4-inch high carbon durable blade which retains its sharpness and keen edge over the long-term.
The Bushcraft has a Scandi-grind blade, which is wide and flat and cuts with a superior strength and can withstand twisting and hacking in hardwood, and it is easy to sharpen.
The handle is made of G10 black fiberglass and its ergonomically contoured design fits comfortably in your hand and the handle has an opening for a lanyard.
The Spyderco knife comes with a high-quality leather sheath that fits securely on your belt and is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Exceptional quality
- Great value for money
- High-performing knife
- Tested for quality and durability by a bushcraft expert
- Powerfully strong high-carbon blade
- Idea for heavy-duty tasks like wood batoning, making a spear or creating kindling
- Single bevel Scandi-grind is wide and flat and cuts with a superior strength
- Blade edge can withstand twisting and hacking in all types of wood
- Long-term sharpness and durability
- Easy to sharpen
- Well-balanced
- Ergonomically designed contoured G10 black fiberglass handle
- Comfortable to hold
- High-quality leather sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Can rust easily
- Expensive
- No hand guard
5. Perkins Handmade 01 Carbon Steel Bushcraft & Hunting Knife
Whether you enjoy camping, hiking along the forest trail or hunting game in the woods, the 4.5-inch custom-made Perkins knife is a beautifully designed knife that comes at an exceptional price.
Razor sharp out of the box, this excellent handmade full-tang bushcraft knife has a 4.2-inch, 4-millimeter thick, extra wide flat-saber grind blade which is made from highly polished, extra strong 56-58 HRC carbon steel.
It is the perfect tool for batoning or creating wood shavings as it cuts through the wood effortlessly and its strong edge is ideal for carving bushmeat.
The walnut buffalo-horn handle is solid and its contoured design feels comfortable in the hand while the thick spine is designed for batoning and splitting wood at the campsite.
The Bushcraft and Hunting Knife also comes with a durable handmade brown leather sheath with quality hand stitching and there is a hold on the handle to attach a lanyard cord.
Perkins only offers a 1-year warranty on their bushcraft knife.
Pros
- High-quality
- Solid construction
- Fantastic handmade knife
- Made from strong and durable carbon-steel
- High-polished blade
- Very thick razor sharp blade
- Full-tang
- Extra wide blade
- Flat-sabre grind
- Ergonomic solid walnut buffalo-horn contoured handle
- Easy to use
- High-quality handmade leather sheath
- Handle has a lanyard hole
- The thick spine is ideal for batoning
Cons
- Handle may be too thick or big for small hands
- Blade can rust easily in wet environments
- Only 1-year warranty
6. Condor Tool & Knife 4-5/16-inch Bushlore Camp Knife
The German-made Condor Tool & Knife Bushlore Camp Knife has been expertly crafted from the finest quality materials in El Salvador, which means this fantastic knife is tailor-made for all sorts of wilderness adventures.
A highly functional knife, the Bushlore is an excellent all-around cutting and chopping tool. You can use it to cut, slice, whittle and carve a maple branch into a fishing spear, shave seasoned hickory to make a fire, baton small branches, or even gut a fish.
It is easy to see why the Condor Bushlore knife is the most popular bushcraft knife with many outdoor enthusiasts. The Bushlore features an overall solid and sturdy construction which is designed for rough and tough outdoor conditions. Its razor sharp, 4-5/16-inch long and 1.8-inch thick blade is made from extra hard high carbon steel with a blasted satin finish. The modified Scandi-grind with a micro bevel grind ensures that its blade will maintain its razor-sharp edge over the long term. Even though the blade does not have a “true” Scandinavian grind, it is very easy to grind and resharpen.
The full-tang well-balanced handle is made from beautiful walnut wood which is securely fitted to the steel with brass pins. As the handle has a smooth finish, it is a good idea to attach a lanyard cord through the brass reinforced lanyard hole to maintain a firm grip on the knife. There is also a high quality 100% Welte thick leather sheath with two reinforced rivets and solid stitching to keep you bushcraft in.
For extra peace of mind, the Condor Tool & Knife, Bushlore Camp Knife is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Great value for money
- Excellent price
- Strong and super sharp 1075 high carbon steel with a satin finish
- Superb German-made construction
- High cutting performance
- Scandinavian grind
- Heavy-duty blade
- Ideal for wilderness survival, hunting, and fishing
- Beautiful walnut handle is comfortable to hold
- Handle is securely fitted to the blade with brass pins
- Easy to sharpen
- Brass reinforced lanyard hole
- Quality handcrafted 100% Welte leather sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Blade can rust easily in wet environments
- Beveled edge may need to be ground back for a true ‘Scandi' grind
- Handle may be too bulky or big for small hands
- Not ideal for batoning large pieces of wood
7. Grand Way 148109 Hunting Survival Fixed Blade Knife
Whether you enjoy camping, hiking or fishing, the Grand Way 149109 Bushcraft knife is a very good choice for light to medium bushcraft-related tasks and it comes at an extremely affordable price.
The stylish Grand Way bushcraft knife is the perfect mix of high functionality and craftsmanship, with a durable high-quality factory-sharpened 4-inch, rust-resistant stainless steel blade that shines with brilliance.
The well-balanced knife has a contoured textured black rubber handle which is easy to hold and maneuver while you are stripping a tree branch for kindling, cutting rope or cleaning a fish. For messy hunting work like dressing a deer, the handle is protected from the blade by a securely fitted safety metal guard, which also absorbs any shock when you baton small pieces of wood for a fire.
To keep the knife by your side for quick and easy access while you hike through rough terrain or hunt for game, the solid and practical nylon Cordura sheath can be attached to your belt.
Grand Way offers a 100% money-back guarantee and the knife is covered by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- High-quality
- Excellent price
- High level of durability
- Ideal for camping, hiking, and hunting
- Thick stainless steel blade
- Attractive brilliant shine
- Extra sharp blade keeps it sharp edge for a long time
- Sturdy contoured black rubber handle has a textured surface
- Shock-absorbing metal safety guard
- Solid and practical nylon Cordura sheath
- 100% money-back guarantee
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Flimsy Velcro on the sheath
- Not full tang
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
Our Top Pick for the Best Bushcraft Knife
Our top pick for the best bushcraft knife is the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife.
If you are a hardcore outdoor survivalist or you love exploring undiscovered wilderness or jungle terrains, the Tops Knives B.O.B Brothers of Bushcraft Knife is destined to be your new bushcraft buddy. Designed by bushcraft experts, this superbly crafted knife is tough enough for the harshest outdoor conditions and its high versatility for all types of cutting and carving tasks means it is the perfect knife for any type of outdoor survival scenario.
