Bushcraft knives are a must-have item for outdoor enthusiasts as they can be used for a wide range of purposes, such as making feather sticks that can be used as fire, chopping firewood, and cooking.
So this time, we will introduce the recommended products of Bushcraft Knives. It also explains how to choose, so please use it for product comparison and examination.
What is a bushcraft knife?
Bushcraft knives are knives used in “bushcraft”, which is an act of living in nature. In terms of words, it means creating the necessary equipment with materials obtained in the natural environment, using as few convenient camping equipments as possible.
Bushcraft knives can be used in a wide variety of ways, such as preparing “feather sticks”, which are materials for burning with thinly cut branches, and chopping wood called “buttoning”. Even in cooking, you can use a knife to cut ingredients, so it is highly versatile.
How to choose a bushcraft knife
Check the material of the blade
stainless
Since stainless steel is rust-resistant, it is suitable for use near water and cooking. Recommended for beginners of bushcraft because of low maintenance frequency. Because of its sophisticated appearance, it is the material of choice for those who are particular about its appearance. However, please note that the sharpness is inferior to that of carbon.
carbon
Carbon steel is also called “carbon steel” and has better sharpness than stainless steel. It has excellent durability and ease of maintenance, but it has the disadvantage of being easily rusted. This material is recommended for those who are accustomed to handling knives as it requires regular maintenance.
Check the shape of the blade
Hollow grind
A hollow grind is a shape with a radius in the direction of thinning when viewed in the cross-section of the blade. Since the tip is thin, it has a long-lasting sharpness even when the blade is sharpened. However, as the thickness of the blade becomes thinner, it is inferior in strength compared to other shapes.
It is not suitable for hard work such as chopping wood, but it is ideal for delicate usages such as making feather sticks and cooking.
Convex grind
Convex grind, also known as “Hamagriba”, is a shape in which the cross-section of the blade is rounded so that it bulges from the cutting edge to the back. The feature is that the entire blade is thick and durable.
It is also recommended to use it for hard work such as chopping wood because the blade does not easily spill. However, since the blade is bulging, it is difficult to perform delicate work, and it is difficult to sharpen compared to other shapes, so be careful about that point.
Sanji grind
The Sanji grind is a type that is formed straight from the middle of the cross-section of the blade to the tip. The blade is straight and easy to sharpen, and the strength is secured, so it is recommended for those who are new to bushcraft knives.
Since the blade easily bites into the object, it is suitable for delicate work such as making feather sticks. However, when chopping firewood, be aware that the contact area between the blade and the firewood will be large and the load will be easily applied.
Choose a grip that is easy to grip and non-slip
The grip is easy to grip, and it is recommended because it can be cut stably if it is not slippery. If the grip is designed to fit the shape of your hand, it will fit easily and you can use it comfortably. In addition, if an uneven pattern is arranged or rubber material is used, it has a grip and is safe.
If the knife is not stable when used, it will not cut the object well, and there is a risk of injury or damage to tools. If you choose a model that is easy to grip, it will be easier to cut, so be sure to check it when choosing a bushcraft knife.
Recommended brands of bushcraft knives
Mora knives
A long-established knife maker founded in 1891 in the Mora region of Sweden. It has a good reputation for its high quality, such as being certified as a purveyor by the Swedish royal family. It is also characterized by its abundant in-up and excellent functionality.
It is also recommended that there are many color variations. The number of directly managed stores is increasing in Japan, and outdoor events are being held, so if you are interested, please use it.
BOKER
Boker is a well-established German knife brand with a history of over 200 years. In addition to outdoor and hunting knives, we have a wide range of knives such as kitchen knives and razors. It is popular with many users because of its excellent corrosion resistance and long-lasting sharpness.
Among them, the “Magnum” series knives are reasonably priced and popular products with excellent cost performance. Both the knife and the attached sheath are durable, and it is a cheap but long-lasting model.
Recommended model of bushcraft knife
Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Black
It is possible to start a fire and it is reassuring in case of emergency
An easy-to-use bushcraft knife with a fire starter and whetstone attached to the sheath case. It is useful in various situations such as making feather sticks, starting a fire and cooking. Even if the sharpness is reduced, it is also a point that you can immediately respond on-site by using the attached whetstone.
Since the blade is made of carbon material, it is easy to rust, but the sharpness and sharpness are good. The shape of the blade is scandi grind, so it can be used for a wide range of purposes. The handle is made of rubber, so it is also recommended that it is not slippery.
Morakniv Companion MG
Easy to clean stainless steel, perfect for beginners
Bushcraft knives are cheap and easy to get and can be used without hesitation. It is made of stainless steel and is rust-resistant and requires less frequent maintenance, so it is recommended for beginners. The handle is also made of rubber material, so it can be used with confidence even in wet scenes. It can also be used to handle fish, so it is also useful at fishing spots.
With a total length of about 219 mm and a weight of about 84 g, it is small and lightweight, and it is easy to carry and handle. The Sanji grind blade shape makes it easy to handle. However, the strength is not so high, so it is a little unsuitable for chopping wood. It is a recommended model as an entry model.
Boker Magnum Elk Hunter
An excellent thing that can be chopped wood while being compact
A relatively inexpensive but durable bushcraft knife. Although it is small, the thickness of the blade is about 4 mm, which makes it easy to chop wood. The shape of the blade is a hollow grind and easy to sharpen, and the sharpness lasts a long time.
Since the material is stainless steel, it is resistant to rust and is ideal for cutting watery ingredients in cooking. The handle is made of pearl wood and has a sophisticated design, and it is also a point that the index finger has a dent for easy grip.
A leather sheath is also included, and the longer you use it, the more you can enjoy the tasteful texture. If you are interested, please check it out.
BOKER Magnum Life Knife
Easy to carry and also useful for cooking
A bushcraft knife designed for “when you can only own one knife in your lifetime”. The total length is about 200 mm and the blade length is as small as about 100 mm, so it is a model with excellent portability.
The thickness of the blade is as thick as about 4 mm, and the full tongue structure makes it durable. The blade adopts the shape of a hollow grind, and the sharpness is good. The material is stainless steel and it has excellent corrosion resistance, so it can also be used as a cooking knife.
The handle has an uneven pattern arrangement to improve grip. The red color of the spacer is one point, and it is also excellent in design. The price is also relatively low, so it is also recommended as an entry model for bushcraft knives.
APEC Sheath knife
It has a structure that makes it easy to apply force and is characterized by its sharpness.
Bushcraft knife made of 440C stainless steel. It has a high carbon content and is characterized by its sharpness. In addition, it is a well-balanced product that is resistant to rust. The full tongue structure makes it easy to put effort into use.
Since the handle is made of ABS resin, the weight of the main body is as light as 90g. It has a non-slip effect, so it can be used stably. Since the attached sheath is fixed with a snap button, it is also attractive that it is easy to put on and take off. The price is cheap and it is also recommended as an entry model for outdoor knives. The entire product is unified in black, and it has an excellent design.
G.SAKAI Sabi Knife 5 Wild Hunter
Strong against rust and active in various situations such as fishing
Bushcraft knives from the knifemaker “Jisakai” in Seki City, Gifu Prefecture, which is famous as a knife town. It is characterized by using H-1 steel, and it can be used with confidence even in a rust-prone environment such as the beach. Since stainless steel is used for the screws, parts other than the blade are also designed to prevent rust.
The thickness of the blade is as thick as 4 mm, and it is durable with a full tongue structure. It can also be used for chopping wood. The sheath uses glass fiber reinforced nylon, which is lightweight and has excellent impact resistance. It can be attached to the belt with one touch, and the angle can be adjusted freely, so it is easy to use.
It is also a point to play an active part in all outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, and mountain climbing. Recommended for those who frequently use knives.
MOSSY OAK sheath knife
A model that combines excellent design and durability
A luxurious and warm item that uses natural wood for the handle. The shape of the handle fits easily in the hand and can be used stably. It is also attractive in that it has a full tongue structure and is durable. The blade is made of 3CR13 stainless steel and has excellent durability.
The size is about 275 mm in total length and about 145 mm in blade length, which is medium-size and easy to use. It is also ideal for cutting branches and for cooking.
It weighs only 300g, so it feels good to use. The included leather sheath can be fixed and stored with two snap buttons. It can also be fixed to a belt, making it convenient to carry. It is also recommended for those who want to use a knife roughly.
BarkRiver Bravo 1 A2 Black Campus Micarta Lampless
Recommended for those who are strong and frequently used
“Bravo 1” is a popular series of American knife brand “Bark River”. The shape of the blade adopts a convex grind and is characterized by its strong construction.
It is the best product for bushcraft, which is hard to spell and uses knives frequently. The thickness of the blade is 5.5 mm, which is also recommended for those who want to chop wood.
The point is that the handle has a shape that fits easily in the hand and has a sense of stability. It weighs 209g, which is convenient in situations where power is required. The attached sheath is made of leather, and you can enjoy a unique texture if you use it for a long time. If you can afford it, please consider it.
OPINEL Explorer # 12
A versatile foldable knife that can be used for a variety of purposes
Folding bushcraft knife from French knife maker “Opinel”. Opinel products are of excellent quality as they are handmade by skilled artisans.
Since it has a foldable structure, it is also recommended for those who want to emphasize portability such as solo camping and mountain climbing. In addition, it is equipped with a fire starter, cutting hook, and whistle, which can be used for various purposes.
Since the blade is made of stainless steel, it has good durability and corrosion resistance. It is also recommended to have a rotary safety lock mechanism at the base of the blade.
OPINEL Stainless Steel # 12
Compact and light, convenient to carry
Folding knife made of stainless steel. Due to its simple function, it is lightweight and highly portable. As the name suggests, it is made of stainless steel and is resistant to rust.
There is a rotary lock structure at the base of the blade, so you can rest assured that the blade will not come out when not in use. There are 6 sizes from # 6 to # 12. The smaller the number, the smaller the size of the knife, so choose the one that suits your taste.
Columbia Knife (COLUMBIA KNIFE) SA39
It features a luxurious design and robust construction.
A bushcraft knife that is reasonably priced but has a sophisticated design. The handle of natural wood and the fashionable design with the maker logo printed on it make it look luxurious. The total length is 270 mm, which is a medium size, so it is easy to use.
The thickness of the blade is 3 mm, and it is also a point that it has excellent robustness. Also, a nylon sheath is included. The double fixing type of Velcro and snap button is adopted. In addition, the shape of the handle is molded to fit your hand, and it is also attractive that you can hold it firmly.
Summary
Bushcraft knives vary greatly in usability depending on the material and shape of the blade. If you are new to Bushcraft, we recommend choosing a stainless steel model as it will reduce the maintenance effort. To cut things accurately, the ease of gripping the grip and the difficulty of slipping are also important points, so be sure to hold it down.
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