You might be asking yourself, “What is bushcraft, and why are there specific knives for it?” Well, according to Dave Canterbury, in his book Bushcraft 101, bushcraft is a term for wilderness skills and the practice of surviving and thriving in the natural world.” This may lead you to believe, then, that bushcraft knives are survival knives. But they’re not — not really.

　　The bushcraft and survival categories often get lumped together in the outdoors. But there is a big difference between the two styles. Just ask anyone who’s tried to split logs with a carving knife or whittle with a machete.

　　Whereas survival knives are heftier and generally designed for life-and-death situations, bushcraft knives are meant for carving, kindling a fire, and performing everyday chores in the woods. Fear not — we’ll have a separate list for the best survival knives, coming soon.

　　We’ve spent the year researching and testing knives in real-life situations to determine which is the best of the best. Lead author Nick LeFort has been writing about knives and blades for ten years and is part-owner of an outdoor knife company.

　　Editor’s Note: We updated this article on November 21, 2024, to include the Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter as well as the GiantMouse JAGT. Through testing, we have found that both of these knives outperformed our expectations.

　　The Best Bushcraft Knives of 2024 Best Overall Bushcraft Knife:Benchmade Mini Bushcrafter Best Budget Bushcraft Knife:Morakniv Companion Spark Best Folding Bushcraft Knife: GiantMouse ACE Jagt Best Tactical Bushcraft Knife:Demko FreeReign Best Multi-Function Bushcraft Knife: Victorinox Venture Pro Best Bushcraft-and-Survival Knife Combo:Zero Tolerance 0006 Benchmade 165 Mini Bushcrafter CHECK PRICE AT BLADE HQ

　　Specs OAL: 7.58” Blade length: 3.38” Blade steel: CPM-S30V Blade shape: Drop point Grind: Flat Hardness: 58-60 HRC Sheath: Leather Carry: Right side Weight: 6.45 oz. Price: $380 Pros CPM-S30V Stainless Steel Optimal hand control and fit Overall stout build Drainage hole in sheath (uncommon in leather) Cons The knife will far outlast the sheath The sheath is right-hand only Josh Wussow Read Review: Small Changes Make a Big Difference: Benchmades Best Bushcraft Knife Got Even Better In the spring of 2024, Benchmade released both its new Bushcrafter ($400) and the Mini Bushcrafter ($380). The knives were very similar, but what was different between the two was what made a big difference. We had a chance to have a ton of fun with both knives, but in the end, we found that the Mini Bushcrafter was the best suited for the tasks associated with bushcraft.

　　First and foremost, traditional bushcraft lore claims that bushcraft knives need to be made of carbon steel. There’s also an unwritten rule that to be a bushcraft knife the blade has to have a Scandi grind. The Mini Bushcrafter is made from S30V stainless steel and is flat ground. While we can appreciate a good Scandi grind, the higher flat grind on this knife is more useful, overall. That’s partly due to the false edge on the top of the blade which allows it to pierce and puncture effectively.

　　Additionally, it’s always been a headscratcher that bushcrafters preferred a carbon steel that can rust over a stainless one that won’t. They argue that carbon steel is stronger, but that’s just not the case anymore. Knife steel — like S30V — has been inspected and perfected to the point where it could be argued that it’s better than any carbon steel out there. But that’s not an argument we’re going to take up here!

　　The Mini Bushcrafter is short and stout which allows it to be both durable and precise. It sits well in your hand and gives you a heightened level of control for cutting and carving. Also, the handle tapers in all directions which aids in the overall ergonomics. This, of course, keeps you from cramping up prematurely. For $380, you want a knife to do everything it’s expected to. The Mini Bushcrafter exceeds those demands.

　　Best Budget Bushcraft Knife Morakniv Companion Spark $30 at AmazonCheck price at blade hq

　　Specs OAL: 8.75” Blade Length: 4” Blade Steel: Sandvik 12C27 Blade Shape: Drop Point Sheath: Polymer Weight: 4.5 oz. Pros Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel Ferro Rod in Butt You can’t beat the price Cons The spine is broken making it harder to make a fire Josh Wussow Read Review: The Morakniv Companion Spark

　　Throughout the world, you can find the Morakniv Companion ($20) sitting next to the register in hardware stores, tucked on shelves in outdoor stores, and even for sale in some upscale gas stations in the Midwest. We named the Companion the Best Budget Bushcraft knife for 2024. But, after some consideration, we’ve decided to kick things up a notch and name the Morakniv Companion Spark ($35) the Best Budget Bushcraft knife for 2024.

　　The main difference between the Companion and the Companion Spark is that the spark adds a fire starter that stores in the butt of the knife. This is a consumable piece that will eventually need to be replaced, but Morakniv sells those when the time comes for you to replace it. Either way, we think it provides an affordable solution for fire prep, as well as the myriad of other things you can do with the Companion knife itself.

　　The Companion Spark is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. This stuff has been around seemingly forever — and can be found in a majority of Morakniv knives. Aside from being impervious to corrosion, it holds a fantastic edge which is enhanced by the blade’s Scandi grind. Rounding out the Companion Spark is the rubberized handle which provides excellent grip in all conditions.

　　Fun fact about the color-matched sheath that comes with the Companion Spark; it can be hung from a button on your shirt or coat, as well as be clipped to your belt. The more you know, amirite?

　　Best Bushcraft Folding Knife GiantMouse ACE Jagt Knife Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at GiantMouse

　　Specs OAL: 8” Blade length: 3.27” Blade steel: CPM MagnaCut Blade shape: Modified drop point Grind: Flat Hardness: 60-62 HRC Lock type: Frame lock Carry: Left or right hand, tip-up Weight: 4 oz. Price: $215 Pros Nessmuk blade design Rippled Micarta is EPIC Fantastic hand feel Well-balanced Cons Rounded edges minimize your firestarting options Spine jimping could be a stretch for smaller hands Josh Wussow Read Review: The GiantMouse ACE Jagt Hunting Knife Makes a Damn Fine EDC Folding bushcraft knives are far and few between. The Helle Bleja previously held this spot, but when we saw what the GiantMouse ACE Jagt ($215) was made of and experienced how it performed, we deemed the switch necessary. And that’s not a knock on the Bleja. That knife will be written about and touted for years to come. However, the Jagt is made from MagnaCut steel, which, as far as we’re concerned, is hard to beat. It also hosts a historically significant blade shape and comes with a pocket clip.

　　That blade shape was first seen on the “Nessmuk Knife” and has since become a low-key staple for people into hunting, gathering, and spending time in the outdoors with a knife that can perform a lot of tasks exceedingly well. The Nessmuk styling allows the Jagt to process meat, fruit, and vegetables precisely and easily. It’s also great for carving and shaping, which is something that comes in handy when considering some of the facets of bushcraft.

　　We openly admit that the Jagt can do so many more things than what’s expected of a bushcraft knife, but that’s part of the appeal. We believe that a knife should be something you can go out and rely on in the middle of nowhere. With bushcraft being akin to survival, we see this knife as being beyond compare. It’s small enough for precision tasks, but large enough to process kindling. We also found it great for foraging, as the shape of the handle in conjunction with the blade allows for you to hold it in such a way that you get under a morel cap or fiddlehead stem and get in a good, clean cut.

　　Best Tactical Bushcraft Knife Demko FreeReign Check price at DLT Trading

　　Specs OAL: 9.875” Blade Length: 5” Blade Steel: MagnaCut Blade Shape: Drop Point Sheath: Injection Molded Plastic Weight: 6.9 oz. Pros Lightweight Super grippy handles The sheath is awesome Cons Can’t find the MagnaCut version anymore Josh Wussow Read Review: The Demko FreeReign

　　The first thing you notice about the Demko FreeReign ($200) is just how light it feels. At almost 10 inches in length and only 7 ounces, it’s got a great weight-to-length balance that keeps you from getting prematurely fatigued when putting in the hard work. The FreeReign, after all, was designed to be used hard and put away wet. With the knife being made from MagnaCut steel you totally can too. However, we always recommend you clean and dry your knives and tools to keep them in good working order.

　　I know, we’re party poopers.

　　MagnaCut steel has really made a name for itself this year. It excels where you want it to — in corrosion and abrasion resistance. It also holds a very good edge, and with 5” of blade to play around with, staying sharp is important. We really like the stonewashed finish of the blade here, it adds to the all-around machismo that the FreeReign gives off.

　　The grippy rubber handle on the FreeReign is great in all conditions. It’s a softer durometer rubber so you can get a good, prolonged grip, without having to really squeeze down on it. This is a fantastic feature if you’re working on a tough task, especially in the cold.

　　Additionally, the included sheath has a nice drop which allows it to be worn on your belt without interfering with a pack. It also has four slots in two additional holes that allow you to strap the FreeReign down or hang it from your neck.

　　As of right now, you can’t find the MagnaCut version anywhere. But the AUS-10A variant is only $100 and does a fantastic job. It’s also available in a tanto blade configuration if you want to bridge the gap between survival and bushcraft.

　　Best Multi-Function Bushcraft Knife Victorinox Venture Pro Check price at Blade HQCheck price at victorinox

　　Specs OAL: 9.5” Blade Length: 4.13” Blade Steel: 14C28N Blade Shape: Drop Point Sheath: Nylon / TPE Weight: 7.4 oz. Pros 14C28N Stainless Steel Multiple carry options The fire-making blow tube/sheath Cons Do we really need a ballpoint pen? Josh Wussow Read Review: The Victorinox Venture Pro

　　Victorinox decided they wanted to throw their hat into the bushcraft ring and we’re wicked happy they did. The brands Venture Pro ($115) is not only a great full-tang bushcraft blade but it’s got some onboard accessories that make it a viable multitool as well. Additionally, it’s got a bow drill cup in the handle, and its sheath can be used as a fire-making blow tube. In short, Victorinox really did their homework with the Venture Pro.

　　Made from 14C28N stainless steel, the blade on the Venture Pro won’t rust on you, is tough, and is super sharp. Victorinox chose to not break the edges on the spine, so the included ferro rod can throw an impressive shower of spark with a singular pass. Other accessories like the 1⁄4 hex bit holder, bow drill divot, and tweezers open up your options to do a whole heck of a lot more. But we’re really not sure why Victorinox added a ballpoint pen into the mix.

　　Two sheaths come with the Venture Pro. The sheath that holds the knife itself is small, portable, and features the aforementioned blow holes so you can amplify your breath to stoke a fire. This sheath nests into a larger sheath that carries the accessories. Rounding off this carry system is a nylon leash that allows you to carry the Venture Pro on your belt without it interfering with your pack’s hip belt.

　　The Venture Pro is also available in a stripped-down version, the Venture ($75). With the Venture, you get the same knife and belt sheath, but you lose the larger sheath that holds the accessories, as well as those accessories that aren’t built into the knife (Tweezers, Pen, and Fero Rod).

　　Best Bushcraft-and-Survival Knife Combo Zero Tolerance 0006 $270 at Amazoncheck price at blade hq

　　Specs OAL: 10.7” Blade Length: 6” Blade Steel: CPM 3V Blade Shape: Clip Point Sheath: Kydex w. Nylon Belt Loop Weight: 7.4 oz. Pros CPM 3V Steel G10 Handle Scales Sleek Profile Cons The price tag Josh Wussow Read Review: The Zero Tolerance 0006

　　The Zero Tolerance 0006 ($400) is the closest to feeling like Rambo that most of us will ever get. If we were forced to describe the 0006 in one word it would either be “aggressive” or “effective” as this knife is ready for war. But, you’ll find that it’ll suit you rather well on your next outdoor adventure.

　　The CPM 3V steel is wicked tough, but — unlike almost every other knife on this list — it’s not stainless. To combat that, Zero Tolerance Cerakoted the steel so that it’s even more durable and now impervious to rust. When you combine that with the rugged, and thick, patterned G10 handle scales, the 0006 becomes formidable in every situation it faces.

　　The one surprising thing about this knife is its weight or lack thereof. For a full tang knife of this length to only be 7.4 ounces is a real treat. At this weight, the 0006 can maneuver with increased fluidity. So, where the 0006 is built to do demanding tasks like splitting kindling, and hunting down bad guys, it’s also able to cut and slice with precision.

　　We had a little too much fun testing the Zero Tolerance 0006, which we found out makes a great throwing knife as well as a survival and bushcraft knife. It’s great around camp for various reasons, from food prep to fire prep, but the steel butt on the 0006 makes it perfect for hammering in tent stakes as well.

　　Another Excellent Folding Knife Helle Bleja Check price at Helle

　　Specs OAL: 7.90” Blade length: 3.35” Blade steel: H3LSS (Triple Laminated Stainless Steel) Blade shape: Drop point Sheath: Leather Weight: 6.6 oz. Pros Helle’s proprietary stainless steel Curly Birch handles scales Scandi Grind Cons It’s a wee heavy Josh Wussow Read Review: Bushcraft-Ready Folding Knife From the Land of Trolls: Helle Bleja Review There aren’t a lot of folding bushcraft knives on the market, but the Helle Bleja ($224) is the blueprint of how one should be. Made from Helle’s own triple laminate stainless steel and curly birch handles, the Bleja is a robust knife that’s built incredibly well. Aiding in the build of the knife is a pair of stainless steel liners. These liners help keep the knife rigid and allow it to be used and abused without worry.

　　In regards to the steel, known simply as H3L33, it has excellent corrosion and abrasion resistance. It also keeps an incredible edge. We do love a good Scandi grind around here, and it’s an enhancement on the Bleja that aids in cutting and slicing. Helle has put a lot of stock in this proprietary blade formula and has been using it in a majority of their knives since the 1960s.

　　Overall, the Bleja is intended to function like a fixed-blade knife, and does. Its lock-back lock keeps the blade in place even if you decide to hammer on it to split kindling. Due to this design, you’ll need both hands to open the Bleja. This isn’t a fidgety knife at all, it’s a workhorse. There’s a nail nick on the blade to aid in the opening.

　　There’s no pocket clip on the Bleja, but it does come with a really well-made belt sheath. If you’re looking for a knife like this with a pocket clip, consider the Helle Nipa. It’s an inch and a half smaller than the Bleja and is made from Sandvik 12C27 steel, but features a Scandi grind and those stellar curly birch scales.

　　Bushcraft Knives Comparison Chart

　　The Zero Tolerance 0006 bridging the gap between bushcraft and survival; (photo/Nick LeFort) The GearJunkie team is composed of avid outdoor folk who live and breathe the products they test. Bringing together years of product knowledge as well as a keen sense of what kind of situations we’re going to get into, we scour the interwebs for knives and tools that will meet our needs. Before we even get out on an adventure, we’re looking for materials that we know are durable and reliable. We’re looking for sheaths that are easy to carry, and possibly a ferro rod thrown into the mix.

　　The whole idea behind bushcraft is self-reliance. The knives we pick need to be able to process food and timber, and yeah — they may need to act as a line of defense. I mean, who doesn’t want to be in that same situation that Brad Pitt found himself in at the end of “Legends of the Fall? Okay, we’re not really thinking that dark or that deep. But we do head off on our adventures knowing that the knife we’ve chosen is the knife we NEED to keep us alive.

　　Nick LeFort — outdoor knife expert and lead author of this guide — has been testing and writing about blades for over a decade. He has been around long enough to see blade steel evolve and understands the true meaning of durability. Hes also a part-owner of a boutique knife company.

　　So what do bushcraft knives do? Before we head out on any adventure, we do our research. A good bushcraft knife needs to be reliable, packable, and durable. You can’t always figure that out by reading some specs on the internet. So, we’ll head out to retail shops, talk with our survivalist friends, and read up on what people are seeing and thinking out there. From there, we make our decisions on what bushcraft knives we want to test out.

　　The internet is peppered with people testing and reviewing knives and tools in their garage or at their kitchen table. In those controlled environments, everything works as intended. So, we take it one step further and spend time with these knives in real-life situations. That could be a few days in the woods on a state campground. It could also be a few days in the woods in the middle of nowhere without a trail or campsite in proximity.

　　Here at GearJunkie, we decided long ago that if we’re going to recommend something to you, we need to be as authentic as we can. In terms of bushcraft, the only way to determine the top line of knives is to get out there in it and rely on them.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Bushcraft Knife

　　Who said you can’t start a fire with stainless steel? The Victorinox Venture Pro makes starting a fire easy; (photo/Nick LeFort) Blade Shape The key to bushcraft is simplicity. So when looking for the right bushcraft knife for years of use and abuse, avoid knives with wild grinds. Recurved blades and serrated blades will only complicate things and prove to be a royal pain to resharpen.

　　The ideal bushcraft knife blade will be between 3.5 and 4.5 inches long. The knife itself should have an overall length of 10 inches or less. Regarding the overall shape, drop point and clip profiles are the most common because they’re the most useful.

　　In his book, “Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, legendary outdoorsman, Mors Kochanski states, “All general-use knives should have the blade tip close to the profile center-line of the handle.” This allows users to more easily control the blade’s point during drilling or detail work. This approach also brings added durability to the knife, as the tip is less thin than a Bowie design.

　　Knife Steel The amount of knife blade steel and handle materials out there is pretty impressive. But, where the handle materials seem to have stabilized, there’s new steel coming out every year. As you can see from the above selection of eight knives, there are seven different knife steels. Our recommendation is to consider each steel on a case-by-case basis. But they should still meet or exceed the following requirements:

　　Corrosion Resistance The last thing you want is your knife turning orange on you out in the field. Especially if you’re planning on using it to prepare food. All of the steel mentioned in this guide either has exceptional corrosion resistance or has been coated to eliminate the occurrence of rust.

　　Abrasion Resistance Some people consider this property to be more form than function. But in all reality, if your blade can easily get scrapped up that can lead to chipping, which then could lead to blade failure.

　　Edge Retention/Ease of Resharpening No matter what knife you carry, the worst knife you could carry is a dull one. That being said, you want to look for knife steels that either excel in edge retention or can be easily resharpened.

　　All that said, a lot of traditional bushcraft subscribers believe that using carbon steel is the best way to go. They believe that because carbon steel is usually softer than stainless steel those blades are less likely to shatter. Where at one point, we would have agreed to with this hypothesis, over time it’s proven to be a moot point.

　　Stainless steels like Sandvik 12C27 and 14C28N have been used by Morakniv and Victorinox, respectively, for more than fifty years in bushcraft and utility applications without fail. Newer stainless steels like S35VN and MagnaCut, which feature improved toughness, have started replacing carbon steels like 1095 and 440C, which are great for toughness — but are susceptible to rust.

　　Handle Material When it comes down to handle material its all about grip. Ergonomics play a part in this as well, as you could have great handle material in a weird shape that will cause fatigue. In the end, you won’t want to use the knife and you’ll have wasted your money. These are some of the more preferred materials on the market today:

　　G10 Micarta G10 and Micarta are both extremely strong materials. Both excel in grip whether yourhands are wet or dry which is why those two materials are so popular with EDC,Survival, Tactical, and Bushcraft-style knives.

　　Nylon Plastic Nylon and plastic also make for great handle materials because they’re durable andlightweight, but they’re also generally textured. It’s this texturing and styling thatincreases the grip on a knife with these materials.

　　Note: Nylon and plastic handle scales can be called a litany of names. Some of themore popular names are FRN/Zytel (Fiber Reinforced Nylon), GRN (Glass ReinforcedNylon), GFN (Glass Filled Nylon), and Grivory (Injection Molded).

　　Rubber In some knife worlds, rubber is the sign of a cheap knife. However, in bushcraft,rubberized handles can be a great benefit to you due to their durability as well as theirunsurpassed grip.

　　Wood Wood is a fantastic handle material as long as it has been stabilized so it won’t crack. Itoffers a good amount of grip which generally increases when the wood gets wet. It alsolooks very nice.

　　Ease of Use Ease of use is a big deal when considering what knife is right for you. It can come in many forms from ergonomics, to lock design, to the hardware used to keep the knife together and in good functioning order. All in all, the last thing you want to do is struggle with or be uncomfortable using your knife.

　　Ergonomics A good knife will feel right in your hand. From the shape of the handle scales to theoverall thickness, and even texturing, ergonomics can be the difference between youbeing confident with your knife or leaving it in your drawer at home. When you considera knife, put it in your hand and give it a good squeeze. Then, push down hard on a hardsurface. If everything feels right — that’s your next knife.

　　Sheath A good bushcraft knife is only as good as its ease of carry. In considering your nextbushcraft knife, consider a sheath made from leather or kydex. Leather will cost youmore, but can last you for years. Kydex, which is widely used by the military, is durableand generally offers not only multiple carry options, but room for you to expand it to carrya Ferro rod.

　　Lock Mechanism Without fail, you will find yourself in a position where you need to rely on the lock on yourknife more than you expected.

　　Some of the more common lock types are liner/frame locks that use a bar that indexes into the back of the blade. There are also button-style locks that use a steel barrel to keep the blade engaged. However, the most popular lock type is the crossbar lock which also uses a steel bar to hold the knife in place.

　　In our time and experience, we have never seen a crossbar-style lock mechanism fail without some outside force creating a major disruption in how the knife functions. Like a truck running it over.

　　How a knife carries is an important factor in picking the right one for you; (photo/Nick LeFort) Price Value Knife pricing isn’t as cut and dry as I think most of us would like it to be. Yes, just like with any other consumer good, factors like materials, design, and function all play into the final price of a knife. However, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that determine what we pay at the store for a knife.

　　How much material a knife manufacturer buys has a major impact on the price you pay for a knife. Material prices, in general, will fluctuate based on how much of each item is being bought overall. We’ve most recently seen this with MagnaCut, which became a popular steel seemingly overnight. As more brands adopted it in knives, the overall price of the steel itself went down.

　　Overall, bushcraft knives tend to be more affordable. They’re simple knives designed to do a lot of different things. But they’re generally not flashy and composed of common materials. For a niche market, this is a welcomed departure. As we have seen with other knife categories — like Tactical Knives — sometimes being purpose-built or labeled a certain way can have a big impact on pricing.

　　With that being said, we’re going to break knives down into the following three categories based on pricing in general. But, to be fair, in the production knife world, there are no clear and defining lines between budget knives, mid-tier knives, or premium knives. The following is a generalization of what you can expect from each category.

　　$215 is a steal for a reliable bushcraft knife like the GiantMouse ACE Jagt; (photo/Nick LeFort) Budget Budget bushcraft knives are usually made from carbon or stainless steel and feature simple designs for use and carry. Although some bushcraft knives can excel in ergonomics and be more complex than others, the common recipe is to keep the form simple so it functions with ease. With that being said, a good budget bushcraft knife could easily be under $50.

　　The Morakniv Companion Spark is made from Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel and uses a simple polymer handle that stores a ferro rod in the butt. Like other Morakniv knives, the Spark is what you should expect from a budget to even mid-tier bushcraft knife with the added benefit of having a firestarter included. If you don’t need a ferro rod, you can always save another $10 by going with the standard Morakniv Companion.

　　Mid-Tier A good mid-tier bushcraft knife will be top out at $200. If you look at this list, a majority of the knives on it are mid-tier. Again, bushcraft is about durability and reliability. Sure, there are a couple of carbon fiber handled bushcraft knives out there, but if you bring one of them out there by the fire, someone is going to give you a hard time.

　　The Victorinox Venture Pro is a multifunction knife designed specifically for bushcraft and the Scouts. For $115, you can have a reliable stainless steel knife that comes with a ferro rod, tweezers, pen, and two sheaths, making your carry and deployment experiences enjoyable.

　　We also really like the Demko FreeReign ($200). It’s an every day, all-day kind of knife that works really well in the bushcraft scene. It has a simple, straightforward design that allows it to adapt to a variety of tasks. Being made from MagnaCut makes it strong, efficient, and easy to maintain.

　　Premium A premium bushcraft knife is one that goes above and beyond the demand of bushcraft. It’s one that is built from premium materials, and hosts advanced ergonomics. In some cases, this is where you’ll start to see a transition from a polymer or Kydex sheath over to a leather one, but that’s not always the case.

　　Benchmade’s Mini Bushcrafter ($380) is the definition of premium. In both form and function, it will offer you a lifetime of reliability while being used and abused. It’s not only made from premium materials but there’s an extra layer of attention baked into all facets of the knife. This can be seen in the tapering of the handles, the false edge on the blade, and even the notch at the back of the blade for the ferro rod. This carries over to the premium leather sheath, which has been stylized to cradle the knife and has a spot for a built-in ferro rod.

　　Frequently Asked Questions What is bushcraft? Bushcraft is the practice of using a few basic tools to transform the natural resources of the forest into the things one needs to survive. Things like carving, building shelters, starting fires, and laying snares and traps all fall under the umbrella of bushcraft. This is generally seen as more of a hobby for outdoors enthusiasts. This is different from the concept of survival, which has to do almost exclusively with life-and-death situations.

　　What constitutes a bushcraft knife? Bushcraft knives are medium-size fixed-blade knives, mostly utilizing carbon or high-quality stainless steel. Their hallmarks include comfortable grips, sharpened spines for scrapping a ferro rod or other firestarter, and edges suitable for carving and splitting natural materials such as wood.

　　Most bushcraft knives are meant to be carried on a belt with a formed sheath made from kydex, leather, or plastic. While some can be used for high-stress work, most bushcraft knives fall into a medium-duty role.

　　What should I look for in a bushcraft knife? While some would argue that edge retention or a precision Scandi grind is the most important feature of a bushcraft knife, handle comfort should be at the top of the pile. Having a blade that’ll split wood and featherstick a whole tree is great, but it’s going to be a miserable experience if the knife doesn’t fit in your hand.

　　What is the best bushcraft knife? The best bushcraft knife is the one that covers all your needs. Do you enjoy building shelters? Then maybe you want something a little tougher. Or, if carving feathersticks and starting campfires is the highlight of your day, then maybe something with a comfortable grip would fit the bill. The list we’ve assembled above should help you choose the bushcraft knife that’s right for you.

　　The Best Knives for Hiking Backpacking of 2024 Hikers want a light, reliable, versatile pocket knife on the trail. These nine knives will keep hikers happy mile after mile.

　　The Best Tactical Knives of 2024 Known by many names, a tactical knife generally refers to a hardworking, do-all blade. Here, we review the best folding and fixed-blade knives for every budget and use.