“Bushcraft knife” is one of the indispensable tools for outdoor activities. It is generally used for chopping wood and starting a fire, but it can also be used to make locally procured ingredients and plates for eating, so you want to choose something you are satisfied with. However, since it is sold by various brands such as Mora knife and here, some people may be wondering which one to choose.
Therefore, this time, we will introduce choosing a bushcraft knife and recommended popular products in a ranking format. This is a must-see for those who are thinking of buying a beginner pocket knife for the first time or thinking of buying a new one!
How to choose a bushcraft knife
Now let’s see how to choose a bushcraft knife. Not only is the knife easy to hold, but there are also a wide variety of blade materials and shapes, so please refer to it when choosing the one that suits you.
The ease of holding the knife is essential! Check the material of the grip part.
First of all, it is a central premise that the knife is easy to hold. Because it is used in various situations with the minimum necessary belongings, the point to choose is whether it fits when holding a knife or can be used without slipping, even if it is held with wet hands.
The grip material includes wood and resin, but the shape and fit of the grip will change depending on the type of knife, so it is best to hold it and make a judgment. Also, the resin grip is easy to grip even when wet, so it is especially recommended for new bushcraft knives.
Choose the blade material according to the application
When choosing a bushcraft knife, pay attention to the difference in blade material (carbon / stainless steel).
Carbon is recommended if you want to use it widely.
Carbon bushcraft knives are recommended as they can be used outdoors in a wide range of ways. Carbon is a popular material for outdoors because it is durable, sharp, and easy to sharpen.
It can handle everything from chopping wood, making fire, cooking, and making cutlery by yourself, but the drawback is that it is easy to rust. If you use it with dullness, the knife may come off your hand, and you may get injured unexpectedly, so be careful. After using a carbon knife, take regular care to prevent rust. To prevent rust, it is also effective to apply camellia oil or olive oil to the blade.
If you want to use it near water or in cooking, use stainless steel
Stainless steel bushcraft knives are recommended for waterside camping, fishing and cooking. Although it is inferior to carbon fiber, it has good sharpness and is a material used by many people.
In addition, stainless steel is resistant to water and rust. Another advantage is that the sharpness can be quickly restored if you take care of it. It’s easy to clean, so it’s great for camping in wet areas.
As a Tactical Hunting Knife, it’s great
Choose the shape of the blade according to your purpose
Bushcraft knives have different blade shapes (Sanji grind, convex grind, hollow grind), so choose the one that suits your purpose.
Sanji grind / convex grind suitable for rugged use such as chopping wood
There are three main types of bushcraft knife blade shapes. Among them, if you want to use it mainly for complex situations such as chopping wood, we recommend “Scanji Grind” and “Convex Grind.”
The Sanji grind, which has a straight shape toward the tip of the blade, is characterized by the fact that it is easy to cut tree branches in addition to chopping wood. It’s easy to clean, so it’s the perfect knife for those new to it or who want to use it in small areas.
The convex grind has a round thickness on the outside of the blade and has excellent strength. This roundness exerts a wedge effect when chopping wood. However, it is more difficult to handle than Scanji Grind and requires a little technique. Those who are accustomed to the outdoors may try it.
If hunting and cooking are the primaries, the hollow grind is
Among the bushcraft knives, if you want to use hunting and cooking mainly, “Hollow Grind” is recommended.
The hollow grind with a curved inward cross-section has the advantage of sharpness. Originally a knife often used for hunting, it is now widely used by the general public. It is suitable for those new to the outdoors and who want to use Bushcraft knives in the future.
Check the length of the bushcraft knife.
Bushcraft knives vary in length depending on the product.
Hunting, such as fishing or starting a fire, does not matter if it is short, but when doing hard work such as chopping wood, the longer the blade, the more stable it can be used. The appropriate knife length will vary depending on the purpose of use, so be sure to check in advance.
8 Recommended Popularity Rankings for Bushcraft Knives
You are introducing popular bushcraft knives in ranking format. There are various bushcraft knives in the ranking, from those with excellent functionality to stylish designs, so please find personalized pocket knives you like.
The ranking is based on the best-selling orders (as of May 22, 2020) of each EC site, such as Amazon, Rakuten, and Walmart Shopping.
8th place
Tenderloin Temagami ST (stainless steel) 300
Stainless steel handmade knife that can be used habitually for a long time
Helle’s bushcraft knives are attractive for their high quality, handmade by Norwegian craftsmen. It will be helpful in various scenes, from chopping wood to cooking.
The high durability, which is unique to stainless steel and is resistant to water and rust, is also a point. The price is reasonable, but it is recommended as a gem that can be used habitually for a long time.
Grip material: Curly birch
Blade material: Triple Laminate Stainless Steel
Blade length: 110mm
Total length: 230mm
7th place
Bushcraft Knife Belmont Floating Knife SP MP-189
Light enough to float on water. Recommended for those who value portability
It is a product of Belmont, which manufactures a lot of fishing equipment and outdoor equipment in Niigata prefecture. The prominent feature is that it is light enough to float on water. Recommended for those looking for a knife that is easy to carry and handle.
There was also word of mouth on the EC site saying, “The finish of the blade is rough. It is recommended to finish it yourself before using it.” Affordable price is attractive, but it seems better to prepare a tooth sharpener together.
Grip material: ABS resin
Blade material: stainless
Blade length: 155mm
Full length: 280mm
6th place
Tenderloin Didi Gargal
Handmade knives from a long-established Scandinavian brand. Both functionality and design ◎
Mainly handmade tenderloin knives are attractive because of their high quality that is worth the price. Stainless steel is used for the blade, and natural wood is used for the handle. The more you use it, the more you will become attached to it.
It is unique to handmade that each one has individual differences. There was also a review on the EC site that it was “wonderful and sturdy.” Recommended for those who are looking for a knife that has both functionality and design.
Grip material : African Kiaat ・ Vulcanfibre
Blade material: Stainless steel (Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel)
Blade length: 129mm
total length: 249mm
5th place
Bushcraft Knife Frost Cutlery Black Hills Hunting Knife FBKH202PW
Complete tongue structure and sturdy. Also, pay attention to a feeling of moderate size.
A full tongue type knife with a structure in which the grip part sandwiches the blade is a sturdy knife. The blade is made of stainless steel, and packer wood is used for the grip. The total length is 200mm, which is not too big and is just the right size.
It is also an excellent point that the tip of the handle has a small hole through which a string such as a paracord can be passed. It is a product that is not only sturdy but also easy to carry.
Grip material: Packer wood
Blade material: stainless
Blade length: 100mm
Full length: 200mm
4th
MOSSY OAK Sheath knife
The uneven design handle is easy to grip, and the luxury of natural wood is also. ◎
The uneven design of the handle is easy to grip, and it is a knife with excellent stability. The handle is made of natural wood, so I’m happy that it’s gentle on the hands and has a luxurious feel.
It also comes with a particular storage case with a belt loop, making it easy to carry. It is recommended for those who want an easy-to-use and fashionable knife.
Grip material: Natural wood
Blade material: stainless
Blade length: 145mm
Total length: 275mm
3rd place
Mora of Sweden Mora Knife Companion Spark 13567
The rubber handle makes it hard to slip, even with wet hands
Mora Knife, an outdoor knife brand from Sweden that has been around for over 120 years. Since the handle is made of rubber material, it is not slippery.
In addition to black, there are red, yellow, blue, and green color variations, so it’s fun to find one you like. It is also recommended to purchase in different colors according to the purpose.
Grip material: rubber
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: About 104mm
Total length: Approximately 238 mm
2nd place
Mora knife Bushcraft Survival Black
An excellent one with a fire starter that can start a fire
A significant feature is that the knife case has a whetstone and a fire starter. It is a reliable knife that can be sharpened on the spot and can even start a fire. It will be instrumental when cooking with fire or doing a campfire.
The blade also has a solid thickness of 3.2 mm, so it can be used for complex scenes such as chopping wood. Word-of-mouth communication such as “a knife that can be used for multiple functions such as chopping wood” can be seen on the EC site, and it is a reassuring dish even when you need to bring it with you.
Grip material: rubber
Blade material: Carbon steel (black coating)
Blade length: About 109mm
Total length: Approximately 232 mm
First place
Mora of Sweden Mora Knife Companion Heavy Duty Stainless 13158
Recommended for beginners! Simple function knife
Among the Mora knives, it is a simple bushcraft knife with no special attached functions. The blade is made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean even when it gets wet, and the grip is made of a non-slip rubber material.
It is also recommended for those who have difficulty getting their hands on high-end knives, as it is relatively reasonably priced and has sufficient functions. In addition to black, there is also a lineup of orange colors, and the point that you can appeal to your individuality is also ◎.
On the EC site, there was word of mouth that “the price and usability are well-balanced in everything.” If you are a beginner in the outdoors, why not try this one for beginners?
Grip material: rubber
Blade material: Stainless steel
Blade length: About 104mm
Total length: About 224mm
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Summary
We introduced how to choose a bushcraft knife and recommended popular products, but how was it?
Not only is it easy to hold, but the material and shape are also essential points when choosing a bushcraft knife. The way you enjoy the outdoors changes with just one spoon, so please refer to this article to find the knife that suits you best.