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Top Ten Bushcraft Knives
Published: September 4th, 2024
Bushcraft knives are essential tools for outdoor enthusiasts, survivalists, and wilderness adventurers. They are designed to handle various tasks, from carving wood and preparing food to constructing shelters and processing firewood. The best bushcraft knives combine durability, sharpness, and ergonomic design to ensure reliability in demanding situations. In this article, we will explore the top 10 bushcraft knives, each renowned for its unique features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned bushcrafter or a beginner looking to invest in a reliable knife, this guide will help you find the perfect tool for your wilderness adventures.
The Benchmade 163-1 Bushcrafter, designed by Shane Sibert, is a premium choice for serious bushcrafters. Crafted with high-quality S30V stainless steel, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and corrosion resistance. The 4.38-inch drop-point blade is perfectly balanced, making it suitable for precise tasks like carving and more demanding jobs such as batoning wood. The contoured green G-10 handle provides a secure, comfortable grip, even in wet conditions, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. Its full-tang construction ensures robustness, making it a reliable companion in the wilderness. The included leather sheath adds a touch of classic appeal while providing safe and convenient carry options. The Benchmade 163-1 Bushcrafter also features a lanyard hole for added versatility in carry options.
The Morakniv Basic 511 is a fantastic entry-level bushcraft knife known for its affordability and performance. Featuring a 3.58-inch clip-point carbon steel blade, it delivers excellent sharpness and ease of sharpening, making it ideal for beginners honing their skills. The blade's scandi grind makes it perfect for wood carving and other detailed tasks, providing superior control and precision. The ergonomic handle, in green and Dala, the 2024 color of the year, is made from durable polymer, ensuring a comfortable grip and reducing the risk of hand strain during extended use. The knife includes a green polymer belt clip sheath and is equipped with a Morakniv Smart Button System for secure storage and quick access. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, whether on a belt or in a backpack. The Morakniv Basic 511 is a favorite among outdoorsmen and DIY enthusiasts for its reliability and ease of use in a variety of tasks.
The Condor Wayfinder is a robust and versatile bushcraft knife designed to handle a wide range of outdoor tasks. Its 5.3-inch blade, made from 1095 high carbon steel, offers excellent toughness and edge retention, perfect for heavy-duty use. The blade's design features a drop point, providing a strong tip for piercing and fine work. The walnut handle is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, ensuring a secure grip during rigorous activities. The full-tang construction adds to the knife's durability, making it capable of withstanding significant stress. The Wayfinder comes with a handcrafted leather sheath, ensuring easy and secure carry. This knife also includes an ambidextrous bow drill insert in the handle, making it a useful tool for starting fires in survival situations.
The White River Firecraft FC4 is designed specifically for bushcraft enthusiasts who require a dependable and versatile knife. With a drop-point 4-inch CPM S35VN stainless steel blade, it offers superior edge retention and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for harsh environments. The blade features a notched spine designed for striking ferro rods, allowing for easier fire-starting. The ergonomic micarta handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even in wet or slippery conditions. The full-tang construction ensures the knife's durability and reliability under heavy use. Additionally, the Firecraft FC4 comes with a Kydex sheath, allowing for easy and secure carry. This knife also includes a bow drill divot in the handle, further enhancing its functionality for bushcraft and survival tasks.
The ESEE JG3 Camp Lore, designed by James Gibson, is a compact yet powerful bushcraft knife, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The 3.5-inch blade, made from 1095 carbon steel, offers excellent cutting performance and easy sharpening. The blade's black oxide coating provides some protection against corrosion while giving it a rugged appearance. The handle, crafted from tan canvas micarta, is contoured to fit comfortably in the hand, offering a secure grip even during extended use. The knife's full-tang construction ensures maximum strength and durability, making it a reliable tool for various bushcraft tasks. The Camp Lore comes with a leather sheath that provides both protection and ease of access. The ESEE JG3 also features a lifetime warranty, showcasing ESEE’s commitment to quality and durability.
The KA-BAR Becker Companion, designed by Ethan Becker, is a favorite among bushcrafters and survivalists for its rugged design and versatility. Featuring a 5.25-inch 1095 Cro-Van steel blade, it excels in heavy-duty tasks such as chopping, batoning, and digging. The blade's full flat grind ensures excellent slicing capabilities, while the drop point design provides a strong tip for precision work. The ergonomic handle, made from durable Grivory, offers a secure and comfortable grip, reducing hand fatigue during prolonged use. The full-tang construction adds to the knife's robustness, ensuring it can withstand significant stress. The Becker Companion comes with a MOLLE-compatible nylon sheath, allowing for multiple carry options. This knife also includes a pommel designed for hammering and breaking tasks, adding to its versatility.
The Victorinox Venture Pro Fixed Blade Knife is a compact, durable, and versatile fixed-blade knife that's perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. The Venture Pro features a 4.12-inch drop point blade made from Victorinox Proprietary stainless steel with a satin finish. The blade is also partially serrated, making it ideal for cutting through tough materials. The handle is made from microtextured polymer with an eye-catching "Powerzone" profile, whose grooved lines show where the strongest force can be applied. The handle also features a lanyard hole for easy attachment to a lanyard or key ring. The Venture Pro comes with a nylon sheath with a belt loop. The sheath is also black, making it a perfect match for the knife. This special Pro version includes a fire-making blowtube, tweezers, a ballpoint pen, fire steel, and an upgraded Tek-Lok sheath, making it an excellent choice for anyone seeking a versatile and comprehensive tool for outdoor adventures.
The Morakniv The Wilderness is a robust and reliable bushcraft knife designed for demanding outdoor tasks. The 4.3-inch carbon steel blade offers excellent sharpness and durability, making it perfect for carving, cutting, and slicing. The blade's scandi grind ensures easy sharpening and superior control, making it a favorite among bushcraft enthusiasts. The ergonomic handle, made from a durable polymer, provides a comfortable and secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The knife's lightweight design makes it easy to carry, whether on a belt or in a backpack. The Wilderness comes with a plastic sheath that offers good protection and easy access. This knife also includes a fire starter, making it a complete tool for bushcraft and survival situations. Additionally, it features a built-in sharpening stone, ensuring you can maintain the blade's edge while out in the field, making it a versatile and essential tool for any outdoor adventure.
The CRKT Ramadi is a high-performance bushcraft knife designed by Sergeant Major Darrin William Sirois Its 4.37-inch blade, made from SK5 Tool Steel, offers excellent toughness and edge retention, ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The blade features a drop point design with friction grooves on the spine, providing a strong tip for piercing and detailed work. The handle, made from durable tan G-10, is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand, ensuring a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. The full-tang construction adds to the knife's durability, making it capable of withstanding significant stress. The Ramadi comes with a tan thermoplastic sheath that provides both protection and ease of carry. This knife also features a versatile carry system with multiple attachment points, enhancing its practicality for various outdoor scenarios, and ensuring that it can be adapted to any survival situation.
Bradford Guardian 4.5
The Bradford Guardian 4.5 is a top-tier bushcraft knife known for its superior craftsmanship and performance. The 4.5-inch blade, made from CPM-3V steel in a stonewash finish, offers exceptional toughness and edge retention, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor tasks. The blade's sabre grind provides a strong edge for heavy-duty use while maintaining excellent sharpness for precision work. The handle, made from durable OD micarta, is contoured to fit comfortably in the hand, providing a secure grip even in challenging conditions. The full-tang construction ensures the knife's durability and reliability under heavy use. The Guardian 4.5 comes with a leather sheath that offers good protection and easy access, making it an indispensable companion for serious bushcrafters and outdoor adventurers.
Written by Drew Clifton
Expert Reviewed
T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.