Bushcraft isn’t only about cutting branches and leaves outdoors. It’s about survival. If you’ve ever spent time in the outdoors, you’ll have a deep appreciation for what the best Bushcraft knife can do for you. Not only are they incredibly useful and able to protect you when other tools fail, but they’re also built to last.
You’ll find these knives are incredible companions and you can rely on them when you need them most. That being said, there’s a lot that can go wrong when you’re choosing a knife. You don’t want something that can’t live up to its claims. We’ll guide you through the buying process and review 7 of the best bushcraft knives on the market. Let’s get into the guide!
Top 7 Best Bushcraft Knife Reviews in 2023
We’ve taken the time to choose 7 of the best bushcraft knives to break down and show you. We’ve chosen knives that suit different needs and budgets so that you’ll find something you like. Choosing a quality knife isn’t easy and tons of knives don’t live up to their claims.
With our guide, you’ll develop a keen sense of what to look for in high-quality bushcraft knives, and to know what to expect. By the end, you’ll be ready and equipped to make a smart buying decision! Let’s dive into our 7 best bushcraft knife reviews.
Morakniv Fixed Blade Bushcraft Knife
If you want a mix of versatile features and traditional rough-and-tough performance, this is your knife. Despite the larger size and tungsten coating, the blade is exquisitely sharp. Coming in at just under 10”, this knife is easy to carry around on hikes and camping trips.
It’s highly resistant to corrosion and can be used in all conditions. The spine of the blade has been carefully ground for use as a fire starter. All you’ll need is the fire starter rod and you’re good to go. The 90-degree finish is quick and easy to start fires with. You’ll love the rubberized grip.
It’s a lot easier to hold and apply force with than many of the grips in this list. You’ll be able to get a comfortable hold regardless of your hand size. These are quality best bushcraft knife that responds well to a good care and maintenance routine. That being said, they’re still robust enough to handle long outdoor trips and rough work.
- Ergonomic handle that suits a variety of hand sizes
- Tungsten coated blade is more durable than most others at this price
- The 90-degree ground spine can be used seamlessly with a fire starter rod
- An exceptionally sharp blade that holds its edge well
- Not easy to sharpen and the coating tends to get in the way a little
- The sheath doesn’t fit as well as it could with some minor tweaks
Condor Bushlore Camp Bushcraft Knife
Coming with a 100% leather sheath, this is a robust knife well-suited to extensive outdoor use. You’re getting a slim-belly knife that’s exquisitely sharp and excellent and stabbing and piercing. It’s a great general-use hunting and camping knife. The high-carbon steel is resistant to rusting and the hardwood handle is extensively treated to bacteria and slip-resistant.
You can sharpen the knife as you like. I prefer to double-side bevel sharpen and you’ll get a razor edge. Thanks to the compact size, you’ll even be able to carry this knife every day. It’s not nearly as heavy as many other options around this price point. It’s a top pick for best bushcraft survival knife if you’re into camping, light hunting, and the outdoors in general.
- The simple design is exceptionally durable
- Rust-resistant steel that’s easy to sharpen and not easy to damage
- Great replacement knife if you’re trying to preserve your other knives
- Non-slip handle is perfect for outdoor use
- Not the best looking knife
- The handle is a little small and not too ergonomic if you have large hands
SOG Bushcraft Survival Knife with Sheath
Here is a heavy-duty survival/bushcraft knife. This knife has a thicker-than-usual blade that can handle almost all types of outdoor uses you’d expect from the best bushcraft knife. It also boasts a bit of serration on the spine.
The stainless steel blade holds its edge exceptionally well and the heavier weight gives you above-average cutting power. It’s a great knife to keep with you when you’re out trekking or hunting. You’ll find the knife to be quite bulky, especially when it’s in the sheath.
Additionally, this clip point SOG knife has a full tang construction, which is always a reassuring feature to have in a fixed blade knife. Additionally, the robust sheath of this knife also has a notch for cord-cutting that’s going to come in handy when you’re camping, hunting or fishing.
- Thick steel gives extra durability and cutting power
- The ultra-ergonomic rubberized handle is one of the easiest to use
- Hard and strong GRN sheath gives excellent protection
- The sheath has an efficient notch and offers multiple carry choices
- The handle could be a little bigger
JEO-TEC Bushcraft and Survival Knife
Here’s a unique and gorgeous looking knife. The Micarta handle is one of the most aesthetically pleasing bushcraft knives in this price range. There’s a thumb ridge on the spine of the knife for extra control over the thicker blade. HRC56-58 steel is used for the blade.
It’s not brittle and can handle rough use. You’ll need to keep the edge as sharp as possible for the best performance. The edge retention isn’t as great as some knives that use harder steel – but this is the trade-off you have to make for the enhanced durability.
The handle is curved and the blade is balanced. With a well-centered tip, this knife feels far lighter in your hands than you’d expect. It’s a great hunting knife thanks to the wider belly and tanto design. Overall, it’s one of the most versatile and attractive picks for the best bushcraft knife.
- Unique handle design and one of the most attractive knives in this review
- The blade is very resistant to chipping and scuffing thanks to the softer steel
- Very easy to sharpen and maintain
- Thumb ridge teeth aren’t too pronounced and give you better control over the knife
- Doesn’t come very sharp out the box
- Not that great as a primary fire starter
TOPS B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife
Here’s one of the best bushcraft knife choices if you want a long knife. At nearly 10 inches, this isn’t your everyday carry knife. It’s got some heft and weight to it. In the outdoor/survival world, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. You’ll get loads of cutting power and a knife that can support you in any situation.
There’s a non-slip thumb rest on the spine of the blade. You can put it to good use when there’s a need for extra leverage during a vigorous cutting job. Additionally, there’s a lanyard hole if you’re used to attaching your survival knives to your backpack.
Aside from this, you’re getting a heavy-duty sheath, a Ferro rod, and one of the better handle designs. You’ll have no trouble using this knife if you have big hands. The finger mold near the handle is just the right size for small and large hands. It gives the knife a more weightless feel and is very balanced.
- A balanced knife that doesn’t feel as heavy as it is
- Long blade for versatile outdoor use
- Comes with a durable case and fire-starting tool
- Excellent value for money considering the size and performance of the knife
- The sheath can be uncomfortable
Off-Grid Knives Backcountry Bushcraft Knife
The first thing you notice about this drop point knife is the stunning black build that the manufacturers marketed as “BombProof”. While that sounds a little ludicrous, the various outstanding features on this knife makes it one of the top-rated bushcraft knives for heavy-duty.
At 4.5 inches, this blade might seem too short, but the wide and elegantly carved design more than makes up for the length. The steel has Titanium Nitride worked into it, which gives it extra strength, corrosion resistance, as well as edge retention. Let’s now take a look at the beautiful G10 ergonomic handle that looks reliable from the first glance.
The jimping especially provides extra power and control when you’re tackling a tough cutting job, and the finger guard keeps your hand safe. Lastly, this knife comes with a Kydex sheath with its own quick-clip. You can carry it in a multitude of ways- whichever makes you the most comfortable. The sheath of this OKG knife also comes with its own lanyard hole.
- Heat-treated D2 blade
- Adjustable belt clip
- Incredible non-slip handle
- Full tang blade
- Doesn’t come too sharp out of the box
Bushmaster Bushcraft Explorer Knife
This knife’s blade is slightly shorter than the most standard bushcraft knives, and you might want to keep that in mind. Additionally, the blade is made of a 1095 high carbon steel blade, which is sometimes prone to rusting but has amazing edge retention! This blade also comes with a hard gray coating that’s, while looking sturdy and aesthetic, isn’t actually all that durable.
Although coupled with the hardwood handle it does give your knife a rugged look. On the other hand, I have the feeling that the sheath is the shining point of this knife! It’s a beautifully made stitched leather sheath and looks much more expensive than it is. Moreover, the sheath makes the knife comfortable to carry. All in all, for the quality that the knife and the sheath offer you, it’s really a bargain.
- Tough 1095 high carbon steel blade
- Formidable edge retention
- Gorgeous leather sheath
- Rugged hardwood handle
- Rusts easily
What to Look for in a Great Bushcraft Knife?
When you’re choosing a Bushcraft knife, you need features that play to your strengths while improving the knife’s overall performance and reliability. Here are some features you need to keep an eye out for during your search:
Steel Quality
Stainless steel or high-carbon steel is essential for Bushcraft knives. You’re going to be using them extensively outdoors and in varying conditions. It will only take a couple of days in a humid environment to set off a plague of corrosion on your knife.
Once it gets a footing, corrosion isn’t easy to treat and get rid of. You also want to lean towards slightly tougher steels like 1095 carbon steel as it has excellent edge retention and a great balance between strength and durability.
Full-Tang
You’ll need a full-tang Bushcraft knife to give you the durability to handle more strenuous cutting work and tasks. They’re a little bit more expensive but well worth the extra investment. Knives without a full-tang are far more likely to snap with quick and strong lateral/twisting movements. Full-tang knives are also heavier, so you’ll need to take that into account.
Blade Length
We’d suggest getting a Bushcraft knife over 4-5” long. Any shorter and you’ll limit your functionality and won’t be able to handle big game hunting as well as you should. Larger 6” knives are also extremely capable and versatile but are significantly heavier and bulkier to carry.
Serrations and Other Features
Many Bushcraft knives have serrations along the blade’s spine or on the section of the cutting edge nearest to the handle. Personal preference plays an important role here, though you might want to go for a larger serrated cutting edge if you’re going to use the knife for a lot of sawing and heavy-duty cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is It Better to Strap a Sheath to My Belt Only – or Should I Wrap It Around My Leg Too?
A: If you’re a hardcore survivalist, you should be using a leg strap along with a belt fix. This makes it far less likely to come loose and gives you added maneuverability. It’s these small things that add up when you’re in an emergency. Not all knives have a leg strap mount, so you might need to make do with what you have – or do some DIY work on the sheath.
Q: Is a Wide Belly Blade Better on Bushcraft/Survival Knives?
A: This depends on how you plan on using the knife. If you’re after a hunting knife, then the wider belly will be better. Wider belly knives are heavier and bulkier to carry and can get in the way. Thinner belly blades are better for trekking and light outdoor use. Your personal preference and experience also play a role in the type of blade you’re more comfortable with.
Final Thoughts
We’ve looked deeper into what you can expect from a bushcraft/survival knife at different price points. You should now have a clear idea of what you’re looking for and what features best suit your needs.
Take some time to go back over the reviews and fill in any blank spaces you have. Getting the best bushcraft knife for your needs will let you handle yourself more professionally and reliably in the outdoors. You’ll be ready for anything!
