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I’ve been on the hunt for the most effective bushcraft knife for… an extended whereas. When you’re new to knives and on the lookout for the “greatest” knife in a given class, you’ll be able to rapidly turn into overwhelmed. There are such a lot of several types of metal, blades, grinds, sheaths, options, and so on. There are nearly limitless knife choices on the market, which might result in evaluation paralysis.
My Buckmaster 184 is what I used as my survival knife. My Helle Temagami has been my go-to bushcraft knife. Each are nice knives. The Buckmaster is only a little bit of a monster knife, too heavy and ponderous for on a regular basis functions, bugging out on foot, and so on. The Helle knife is a superb bushcraft knife, however I needed one thing extra… trendy. The leather-based sheath and wood handles make for a wonderful knife, however for sturdiness’s sake, I needed a stronger deal with and a tough plastic sheath. I needed a knife with firemaking options, a giant a part of bushcraft and survival.
So, I took my seek for the most effective bushchraft knife to the biggest knife present on this planet – Blade Show.
What’s Blade Present?
Blade Present is the biggest knife present on this planet, held each June in Atlanta. The corporate behind the present additionally hosts Blade Show West in Salt Lake Metropolis and Blade Show Texas. The Atlanta present sometimes has round 900 totally different exhibitors. In contrast to a commerce present, the occasion is open to anybody and attendees are in a position to buy knives.
Past exhibitors promoting their knives, Blade Present hosts Blade College, providing totally different knife lessons from sharpening to writing for knife publications. The occasion additionally contains totally different competitions similar to Bali Championship (a balisong flipping competitors) and a slicing competitors. I filmed the Bali Championship. Comply with the hyperlink to observe it.
The Blade Present I attended was the Atlanta 2023 present.
9 Greatest Bushcraft Knife Choices
I spoke with eight totally different knife makers at Blade Present, and from these discussions, discovered 9 totally different survival/bushcraft knife choices. There have been different bushcraft knives on the present, in fact, however I centered on asking just a few knife specialists what THEY thought was THEIR greatest bushcraft knife and why. Their solutions, I figured, would assist me discover the knife I used to be on the lookout for.
Spoiler alert: there is no such thing as a one “greatest” knife. Knives are designed for various functions. Even if you get into a distinct segment like bushcraft knives, every knife could have totally different attributes. The “greatest” bushcraft knife for hearth making may not be the “greatest” bushcraft knife for batoning wooden, for instance. There’s give and take, so what I needed to – finally – was choose probably the most well-rounded bushcraft knife – for me.
The “for me” is vital right here, as a result of what makes the most effective bushcraft knife for me could not make the most effective bushcraft knife for you. For instance, I reside in Maine. A stainless-steel blade might be going to make extra sense for my space of the nation as a result of it affords higher safety from the weather. This comes at the price of much less hardness than carbon metal. When you reside within the Southwest, carbon metal might be a greater metal for you. Likewise, in case your finances is tight, carbon metal additionally prices much less.
So, you’ll be able to type by these knives to see what would possibly work greatest for you. Evaluate and distinction. Watch my video and listen to from the knife designers and firm representatives themselves. You may be taught so much by listening to the specialists. I did.
Following are 9 bushcraft and/or survival knives that I dealt with and thought of in my quest for the one knife greatest suited to my wants.
1 – ESEE Laser Strike
I went to the ESEE sales space looking for the ESEE 6, which is a very talked-about bushcraft knife. Shane, of ESEE Knives, as a substitute described his favourite bushcraft-style knife, the Laser Strike. He mentioned it goes beneath the radar as a result of it’s usually overshadowed by the opposite knives they carry. He made a compelling case for the Laser Strike.
The Laser Strike has a spear level blade and an ergonomic deal with. These had been promoting factors within the “nicely rounded” survival knife class as a result of they’re extra aligned with self-defense. If I wanted to bug out in a zombie apocalypse, this blade model could be higher for piercing than another bushcraft knives. The jimping on the again of the backbone additionally provides some gripping/piercing attributes.
What I preferred most about this knife was the “hidden” ferro rod and tinder. I preferred the thought of getting that backup ferro rod at all times current with out my having to consider it. If I carried a separate ferro rod, this hidden one would make for a “simply in case” spare, and in prepping, one is none and two is one. One contestant on a season of Alone really needed to stop as a result of he lost his ferro rod. Perhaps he ought to have introduced a Laser Strike.
The ESEE Laser Strike could be bought at: Blade HQ – Optics Planet – Amazon
Laser Strike Specs
- Slicing Edge Size: 4.5″
- Deal with Size: 5.25″
- Total Size: 10″
- Metal: 1095 Carbon
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Thickness: 0.19″
- Blade Fashion: Spear Level
- Deal with Materials: Micarta
- Weight: 9.4oz
- Detachable Handles with Ferro Rod, Tinder, and Bow Drill Divot
- Kydex Sheath with Clip Plate
- Lifetime Guarantee
- Made within the USA
2 – White River Firecraft FC5
I needed this knife, designed by Jason Tietz. Frankly, it’s fairly. White River’s Firecraft collection is designed particularly for – you guessed it – firemaking. The blade was sufficiently big to lend itself to normal survival/camp use as nicely. The deep finger choil helps with shut, precision slicing and it affords finger safety in some makes use of. The highest of the blade features a notch for hanging a ferro rod (included) and it was the one bushcraft knife I dealt with that included a chrome steel bow drill divot within the deal with. A number of knives had bow drill divots, however not chrome steel divots. Overkill? No such factor!
There are totally different knives in White River’s Firecraft collection, however the FC5 was my favourite. This measurement was per most bushcraft knives and it was the final measurement I used to be on the lookout for, measuring 10″ general with a 5″ blade constituted of CPM-S35VN chrome steel. I used to be leaning chrome steel as a result of I reside in Maine.
The broad blade and skinny deal with make it nice for a lot of outside/survival purposes. On the “survival” knife entrance, the holes within the handles have tube model pins that will permit you to lash the knife to a keep on with make a survival spear in case it’s essential hunt wild hog like Rambo in First Blood.
The sheath was additionally manufactured from Kydex, which I needed over leather-based, and included a dangler loop with ferro rod.
The White River Firecraft FC5 could be bought at Blade HQ and Amazon
Firecraft FC5 Specs
- Blade Size: 5″
- Total Size: 10″
- Metal: CPM S35VN
- Blade Thickness: 0.158″
- Deal with Materials: Micarta with Stainless Metal Bow Drill Divot
- Weight: 8oz
- Kydex Sheath with Ferro Rod and Choices for Numerous Carry Positions
- Made within the USA
3 – Willumsen Copenhagen Wild1
I hadn’t heard of Willumsen Copenhagen earlier than attending Blade Present. Strolling by their sales space, the Wild1 caught my consideration. The design match the model I used to be on the lookout for.
The most important promoting level of the Wild1 is the price-to-quality ratio. It’s made in China, which can flip some individuals off, however that additionally means decrease manufacturing prices, so the retail value is decrease when in comparison with different bushcraft knives made within the USA.
The backbone of the blade incorporates a hardened space with a pointy 90-degree angle for scraping a ferro rod. The sheath is leather-based, not what I used to be on the lookout for, however a leather-based sheath makes the retail value much more spectacular. Then there may be the included ferro rod. The one function that the Wild1 has that no different knife I dealt with has is the notch on the again of the knife for grabbing pots over a hearth – an fascinating thought!
The Willumsen Copenhagen Wild1 could be bought at Willumsen (European website) and at Amazon.
Wild1 Specs
- Blade Size: 4.5″
- Total Size: 9.25″
- Metal: Sandvik14c
- Blade Thickness: 0.157″
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Deal with Materials: Pakka Wooden
- Leather-based Sheath with Ferro Rod and Dangler
- Weight: 6.8oz
- Made in China
4 – Ka-Bar BK11
Also referred to as the Becker Necker, the BK11 is a knife that basically wasn’t on my radar as a “survival knife” per se, however after talking instantly with the legendary Ethan Becker, the knife designer of the BK collection, I turned satisfied that – whereas not the “greatest bushcraft knife” on the market – it’s actually a survival knife.
The BK11 is without doubt one of the hottest neck knives available on the market, therefore the Becker Necker identify. Being small and light-weight, it makes around-the-neck carry simple and handy. This simple carry model of this knife might imply you’re extra prone to put on it, which in a survival scenario, might improve the chances you even have a knife on you if you least anticipate the necessity for one. It might serve fairly simply as a survival EDC knife.
It’s a really useful knife, excellent for nearly all on a regular basis knife wants. You could possibly use it to pores and skin animals, whittle wooden, or for meals prep. They Kydex sheath permits for upright or carry or the other way up carry. It has a locking mechanism across the knife for extra safety when carrying the other way up. There’s a notch behind the deal with that can be utilized as a wire breaker and/or a bottle opener.
Becker (within the video posted) describes the customized survival package he wrapped round this knife. He lower a bit of interior tube and wrapped it across the sheath. Then he added a ferro rod, small compass, flashlight, and so on. Artistic! Good!
One factor to notice – the BK11 is just not nice at throwing sparks off a ferro rod.
Whereas the BK11 wasn’t the one all-purpose bushcraft knife I used to be on the lookout for, Becker made a convincing argument for proudly owning one. As a prepper, I felt a bit embarrassed for not already proudly owning a BK11. I purchased one on the present!
The Ka-Bar BK11 could be bought at Blade HQ and Optics Planet and Amazon.
BK11 Specs
- Blade Size: 3.25″
- Total Size: 6.75″
- Blade Thickness: 0.17″
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Metal: 1095 Cro-Van
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Deal with Materials: Metal
- Sheath: Polymer
- Weight: 3.2oz
- Made within the USA
5 – Ka-Bar BK2
Also referred to as the Becker Companion, the BK2 was a knife I went on the lookout for at Blade Present. Many individuals have bought this knife over time and put it by very arduous use. The knife is constructed for abuse. As Becker mentioned, if it’s essential subject costume a Buick, this knife will do it.
Just like the BK11, the BK2 is manufactured from hardened 1095 Cro-Van metal with a black end. Given its measurement and width, it’s nice for duties like batoning wooden and whacking at branches. It’s the heaviest obligation knife I dealt with.
One factor to know concerning the BK2, just like the BK11, it’s not nice at throwing sparks off a ferro rod.
Whereas not the one all-purpose bushcraft knife I used to be on the lookout for, I used to be satisfied sufficient to purchase one! This knife has turn into my truck knife. As a result of everybody wants a truck knife. Am I proper?
The Ka-Bar BK2 is obtainable at Blade HQ and Amazon.
BK2 Specs
- Blade Size: 5.25″
- Total Size: 10.75″
- Blade Thickness: 0.25″
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Metal: 1095 Cro-Van with Cerakote End
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Deal with Materials:
- Sheath: Polymer
- Weight: 15.9oz
- Made within the USA
6 – Zero Tolerance 0006
Searching for one of many highest finish bushcraft knives on the market? Zero Tolerance has a fame for utilizing the most effective supplies out there. Extra of a military-style knife than a bushcraft knife, the 0006 may very well be the best selection for the one who primarily needs combating knife options over bushcraft options. For that reason, the 0006 wasn’t the selection for me, however it’s nonetheless a really spectacular blade.
The 0006 displays its 6″ blade. It’s manufactured from rugged CPM-3V metal. The excessive carbon metal makes for a powerful blade, however it lacks the corrosion resistance of stainless. Zero Tolerance mitigates that by giving your complete blade a Cerakote coating for better sturdiness and life.
I nonetheless need it, however my pockets was restricted. I couldn’t purchase each knife… sadly.
The Zero Tolerance 0006 could be bought at Blade HQ.
0006 Specs
- Blade Size: 6″
- Total Size: 10.62″
- Blade Thickness: 0.189″
- Blade Grind:
- Metal: CPM 3V
- Blade Fashion: Clip Level
- Deal with Materials: Kydex
- Sheath: G10
- Weight:
- Made within the USA
7 – Demko Knives FreeReign
When you watch my YouTube video of this greatest bushcraft knife search, you’ll see Andrew Demko describe the MagnaCut model of the FreeReign, which is the model made within the USA. Sadly, I can’t discover the MagnaCut model on the market on-line, so what I describe right here is decrease value, made in Taiwan, chrome steel model.
Andrew Demko initially got here to my consideration as he’s the designer of the Ocaso Solstice gentleman’s knife. He’s a well known designer within the knife group. Just like the Willumsen Wild1, the FreeReign blends high quality with affordability.
The blade has jimping on the backbone for precision dealing with and is constructed from AUS-10 metal, an honest all-around metal. The drop level blade is nearly a spear level, so it’ll provide higher piercing attributes than a few of the different knives examined right here. Regardless of that, the thick blade and full tang permits for bushcraft duties similar to batoning wooden and whacking sticks.
The simplicity of this knife’s design might be its greatest promoting level – that and the affordable retail value.
The Demko FreeReign could be bought at Blade HQ and Amazon.
FreeReign Specs
- Blade Size: 5″
- Total Size: 9.875″
- Blade Thickness: 0.187″
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Blade Metal: Japanese AUS-10A Stainless Metal
- Deal with Materials: Injection Molded Rubber
- Sheath Materials: Molded Plastic
- Weight: 7.2oz
- Made in Taiwan
8 – Lion Metal T6
Overcoming the Italian accent when interviewing a Lion Metal consultant was a little bit of a problem, however high quality speaks for itself. The Lion Metal T6 displays the 6″ blade (a standard measurement within the knives I surveyed). The T6 is constituted of the sturdy CPM-3V metal. It’s a beast of a knife!
Designed by Molletta, the T6 is aggressive and good for tactical makes use of. Actually, it’s extra tactical than bushcraft. The Kydex sheath a with MOLLE system is per that tactical model. The T6 is obtainable with satin-finished or black handled blade.
It wasn’t the bushcraft knife I used to be on the lookout for, and the retail value was increased than what I needed, but when I needed tactical first and bushcraft second, the T6 could have been my selection.
The Lion Metal T6 could be bought at Blade HQ and Amazon.
T6 Specs
- Blade Size: 6.03″
- Total Size: 11.5″
- Blade Thickness: 0.22″
- Metal: CPM-3V Software Metal
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Blade Grind: Flat
- Deal with Materials: Micarta
- Sheath Materials: Kydex
- Weight: 13.66oz
- Made in Italy
9 – TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft Fieldcraft
TOPS might be the only greatest knife maker of bushcraft-style knives. They make many knives and lots of of these incorporate outside, camp, and survival options. Actually, they’ve a whole collection of Brothers of Bushcraft knives, described by TOPS as “a coalition of males throughout North America specializing in sharing wilderness dwelling abilities of all classes. From monitoring to constructing shelters, the Brothers of Bushcraft make it a degree to point out the abilities to all individuals, of all ages, from throughout.”
TOPS was on my listing to go to even earlier than Melissa Backwoods suggested them. The Fieldcraft knife specifically was on my listing. This knife, as TOPS described it, is the end result of the Brothers of Bushcraft’s data, “combining experiences from the broad and humid rain forests, the arid and scorpion-littered deserts, and the frigid northern lands that span the Americas.” That’s a really broad vary of environments, rather more than the distinctive environments I face within the Northeast, however that broad vary additionally speaks to the knife’s well-rounded, all-purpose options. On the plus facet, you’ll be able to select between excessive carbon or chrome steel blades.
I just like the Scandinavian grind discovered on my Helle bushcraft knife, and the Fieldcraft incorporates that very same grind. The grind is nice for carving, skinning, and normal wooden work. It takes a thick, rugged blade and offers it a tighter slicing profile. The blade is 4.75″, smaller than the 6″ blade on a few of the different bushcraft knives, however that additionally makes it lighter and simpler to hold.
The deal with can be ergonomic, becoming the hand significantly better than a few of the tubular formed handles. That deal with additionally contains two bow drill divots, one on both sides, and you’ll entry these whereas the knife is in its sheath, providing better blade security when within the subject. The rear finish of the deal with, the again finish of the complete tang blade, features a “scraper” for hanging a ferro rod.
The sheath is manufactured from sturdy Kydex, like most of those knives, and features a metal belt clip and ferro rod. Sadly, it doesn’t embody a dangler loop.
The TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft Fieldcraft could be bought at Blade HQ and Optics Planet and Amazon.
BOB Fieldcraft Specs
- Blade Size: 4.75″
- Total Size: 10″
- Blade Thickness: 0.19″
- Metal: 154CM Stainless Metal OR 1095 Carbon
- Blade Fashion: Drop Level
- Blade Grind: Scandi
- Deal with Materials: G10
- Sheath Materials: Kydex with Ferro Rod
- Weight: 9.6oz
- Made within the USA
My Greatest Bushcraft Knife Alternative
I selected the TOPS Fieldcraft knife. Whereas not excellent (no knife is), it had the most effective mix of options I used to be on the lookout for – Made within the USA, Kydex sheath, broad blade, and chrome steel. Importantly, just like the BK2 and in contrast to MagnaCut, the Fieldcraft has stood the check of time. There have been many Fieldcraft knives made and bought. There are nearly numerous critiques of this knife, and TOPS is a stable firm with a powerful fame.
I actually preferred the ferro rod “notch” behind the deal with, however – up to now – I’m not discovering it throws as many sparks because the again of a 90-degree blade, like on my Helle.
I’m pleased with my Fieldcraft selection at this level. I plan to make use of it within the subject and check it myself, nonetheless. That’s the one solution to know for positive – self testing. After all, like Shane mentioned in my video, the device is only one side of the job. Talent is the opposite. Whereas I’m not at all a bushcraft skilled, use and testing of the Fieldcraft could have the additional benefit of enhancing my abilities alongside the way in which.
Let me know within the feedback which knife you want the most effective, or is there one other bushcraft knife that you simply assume is the most effective.
If you wish to see different, fascinating knives, see my video from SHOT Present 2023: