6 Best Bushcraft Knives for Your Adventures

Bushcrafting demands having the right tools for convenience and survival. Among these items, the best bushcraft knives are among the few that you should prioritize acquiring. 

A Quick Overview

In a nutshell, bushcraft is a term that refers to various skills that you can use in the wilderness. This includes building shelters, creating fires, hunting, and foraging. If you are into camping or outdoors, bushcraft is a trade skill that can benefit you. It can actually help you have a stress-free time outdoors. 

Of course, bushcraft doesn't mean that you have to be empty-handed. Effective bushcraft requires specific tools in your checklist, such as good-quality knives. Well, many of you are not new to knives. However, there are specific knives out there that work well for this particular trade. 

Choosing the best bushcraft knife can be a little daunting. Hence, our staff from Rilor Wilderness has made a list of the top bushcraft knives that you should get today. 

Best Bushcraft Knife: A Quick Rundown

Product	Blade Material	Blade Length	Where To Buy
Helle Knives Utvaer	Sandvik 12C27	4.0 inches	Amazon
Helle Temagami Carbon Knife	Triple laminated carbon steel	4.3 inches	Amazon
ESEE PR4 Fixed Blade Survival Knife	Carbon steel	4.0 inches	Amazon
GERBER LMF II Survival Knife	420HC stainless steel	4.84 inches	Amazon
BOKER Arbolito 02BA331 Bushcraft Micarta Knife	N690 stainless steel	4.1 inches	Amazon
Tops Bushcrafter Kukuri	1095 carbon steel 56-58	7.75 inches	Amazon

Best Bushcraft Knives Review

1. HELLE Knives Utvaer - Editor's Pick

HELLE Knives Utvaer Review

Several reasons why our staff enjoy using the Utvaer Bushcraft Knife. First, it is touted to have a handcrafted quality, which is extremely great. The brand itself originated in Norway in 1932, so most of its knives are actually designed by expert knife artisans. 

In fact, the steel used on its drop-point blade isn't run-of-the-mill. Specifically, it utilizes the proprietary Sandvik 12C27. It is a versatile metal that offers excellent edge retention and sharpness. The blade is also robust and can fairly hold against corrosion. 

The handle is well-designed, too. It is made from a combination of curly birch wood and Vulcan fiber. So aside from its alluring aesthetics, it is actually comfortable to hold. Holding it securely when it is wet isn't problematic; it is an outdoor utility that you will want. 

2. Helle Temagami Carbon Knife

Helle Temagami Carbon Knife Review

The Helle Temagami Carbon Knife is another opus of the Norwegian knife manufacturer. It has a semi-full tang construction, where its tang is exposed on its pommel and top. But at the same time, its finger side has the wood material of the handle that covers it. This design prevents your fingers from getting in contact with the blade. 

Similar to the first Helle knife, this one features a drop-point blade. However, the blade material is triple-laminated carbon steel. This particular steel has a reputation for being durable. It also has great edge retention and can be sharpened easily. After all, it is carbon steel!

The balance of the Helle Temagami is awesome. During the time we used it, the knife didn't give us any trouble. From chopping meat to slicing portions of tree bark, the knife allows us to execute those tasks without the need to exert too much effort. Plus, it has a nice leather sheath that keeps it safe from the elements when unused. 

3. ESEE PR4 Fixed Blade Survival Knife

ESEE PR4 Fixed Blade Survival Knife Review

As an American brand, the ESEE boasts of itself as one of the top manufacturers of high-quality bushcraft knives. Among its creations is the PR4, which is designed for backpacking, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The knife itself features a 4-inch blade made from 1095 HC steel. It has an almost equally long handle, sitting at 4.75 inches. The blade has a decent thickness of 1/8 inch. 

Notably, it has a 90-degree spine that will let you strike a Ferro rod. And to top that, the knife comes with a nice leather pouch sheath for added convenience. According to ESEE, this knife, as well as other SEE knives, doesn't have the aesthetics that knives from other brands have. However, it boasts the ergonomics and effectiveness that a bushcraft tool should have. And that alone is the reason why we are huge fans of the PR4. 

4. GERBER LMF II Survival Knife

GERBER LMF II Survival Knife Review

The Gerber LMF II has a history that backs its reputation. Today, it is a known reliable survival weapon and bushcraft tool. It has a purposive design, as well. It is tough enough to cut through thick, stubborn objects. Meanwhile, it has ergonomics that would allow you to use its full potential without getting hurt. 

There's a break between its butt cap and tang. This unique architecture minimizes the felt shock whenever you use the knife's handle for hammering. It is also a relatively large knife. Sizing 10 inches long, the LMF II can easily handle various tasks and scenarios. It is good for hunting, foraging, and even making shelters. 

The sheath that comes with it is military-grade. Tailored from ballistic nylon with fire-retardant coating, the sheath conceals the knife's blade securely, ensuring that it won't be exposed to the elements when unused. Meanwhile, its glass-filled nylon handle offers great surface traction to your hands for a more secure, comfortable hold.

5. BOKER Arbolito 02BA331 Bushcraft Micarta Knife

BOKER Arbolito 02BA331 Bushcraft Micarta Knife Review

With its full-tang construction, ergonomic handle, and robust blade design, it is evident that the Boker Arbolito is made for outdoor use. It is a reliable knife that can do different tasks on the field. Our staff vouched for its impeccable craftsmanship that enabled them to fully utilize the tool in camping, backpacking, and other backcountry activities. 

The Micarta handle of the Arbolito knife allows stability when handling. It ensures a secure grip; even if your hands are wet, the knife won't slip off. Notably, the spine on its thumb ridge has a sharper edge. This unique construction allows you to use that part as a Ferro rod. 

But how sharp is its blade? Well, we can testify that the knife arrives in a perfect cutting shape. It is not arduous to work on dense objects. Sharpening the blade is not an issue either. It can be field sharpened, even with the use of simple whetstones. 

6. Tops Bushcrafter Kukuri 

Tops Bushcrafter Kukuri Review

Probably one of the most rigid bushcraft knives that you can get today is the Kukuri. Manufactured by Tops Knives, this particular tool is inspired directly by the Nepalese Khukuri blades. While it is viewed primarily as a weapon, the knife is actually an all-rounder utility. 

When checking the blade, you will immediately spot its deep sweeping belly. Because of this design, you will be able to use the blade in heavy-duty chopping jobs. This particular belly is also valuable for skinning animals. Of course, the blade itself is not only sharp; it is also thicker than the rest of the bushcraft knives I listed here. It has good edge retention, and since it is carbon steel, sharpening the blade is a breeze.

Meanwhile, its handle has been intuitively designed to be usable under challenging conditions. And it will not hurt your hands, even if you hold it for a prolonged period. The bow drill divot on both sides of the handle aids in fire-making, while the lanyard hole of the pommel is pretty useful for securing the knife in your hands. 

How To Choose The Best Bushcraft Knife

The world of bushcraft and the outdoors are inseparable. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you most likely need to learn basic first aid and other outdoor skills. Whether you are backpacking, dispersed camping, or tailgating, being able to prepare yourself for the handiwork of the wilderness is the most important thing. After all, field tasks and emergencies can emerge whenever you don't expect them. 

Survival knives for bushcraft knives are integral to all of these situations. Aside from survival whistles or first-aid kits, knives are the most important tool that you can bring outdoors. 

Of course, I am not saying that you are going to duel against someone in the woods. But if push comes to shove, these knives can actually help you do that. Beyond that, these knives are essential in doing tasks such as building shelters, foraging, and even making fire. 

But not all knives are for bushcraft. A fine kitchen knife is not for the job. Trust us on this. So if you want to narrow your choices, here are some of the integral guidelines for choosing a bushcraft knife. 

Blade Material: Carbon Or Stainless

Arguably, the most important part of a bushcraft knife (or any knife) is its blade. After all, it is the one that actually does the cutting and slicing. 

When it comes to bushcraft knives, there are two key materials used in constructing the blade: carbon steel and stainless steel. 

• Carbon steel is a type of steel that contains low levels of alloy-type elements. Stainless steel has high amounts of these alloying components. Therefore, one could say that carbon steel isn't similar to stainless steel. Compared to its counterpart, stainless steel is more robust and convenient to sharpen. And if the carbon steel is coated, it won't sustain rust issues that much. 

• Stainless steel, on the other hand, is simply stainless. Hence, it is not a material that will worry you about maintenance. But this doesn't mean that it is impervious to rust. In specific situations, it can rust. Fortunately, stainless steel is known for its toughness. Carbon steel is still tougher, though. It can be sharpened, but doing so could be tricky. 

Knife Size 

Size does matter when it comes to bushcraft knives. Contrary to popular belief, the efficiency of a knife is defined by how compact it is. Keep in mind that what we are looking for here is a tool that could help us with outdoor errands. Definitely, a pocket knife won't sustain you. I mean, pocket knives are useful. But for big tasks, they might be difficult to use. 

The knife should have a decent size so that you can use it to slice or chop branches. A knife with adequate help will be able to let you do these tasks more comfortably. 

The issue with sizable knives is that they add weight and bulk to your package. Fortunately, sheaths are a thing, and you can always hang them in your belt or somewhere you can access them easily. 

The ideal bushcraft knife should have a length of six inches, at the very least. But it should not exceed ten inches, as it will get too bulky. You may also want to learn how to organize your gear for a more comfortable outdoor experience. 

Blade Design

Aside from the material of the blade, it is also essential that you pay attention to the design of the blade. Bushcraft is about constant use and abuse, so you have to make sure that the knife you use is durable enough. 

The blade itself should be robust and thick. That's why thickness matters when it comes to choosing bushcraft knives. So that if you are going to use the knife to cut or slice wood, it will not get dent or bent. Specifically, the last half inch of the knife's blade should be durable so that it can handle multiple tasks in the field. 

Check the spine of the knife, too. As much as possible, it should be thicker and sturdier than the rest of the blade. In this way, it can support the entire knife when you are prying stuff. Here, you will also realize that functionality is better than thinness. In short, you want a blade that has greater edge retention than it being ultra-tough. Otherwise, it will chip off easily when under stress.

Handle Design

For a bushcraft knife, the handle is perhaps the most overlooked aspect. But it is the one that actually lets you use the knife efficiently and securely. 

• Needless to say, you would want the knife's handle to be as comfortable as possible. In this way, your hands won't strain during prolonged or high-stress usage. 

• A rounded handle is alright. But if it is too round, then there's a good chance that it will cause the blade to turn whenever you are slicing or hitting a hard object. That could potentially cause injuries. 

• When gripping the handle tightly, it is just natural that your hands will experience more strain and fatigue. This is the price for ensuring that the knife won't fall off your hands. To ease this trade-off, you should look for knives with flat sides. If the sides are flat, you don't have to exert too much grip. 

• Our staff from Rilor Wilderness also reminds users that they should check the angle of how the blade stems from the handle. Specifically, make sure that the blade's alignment is centered on the handle. This kind of balance will help your arms and hands control the knife more efficiently. 

• Also, it is ideal that there's a separation between the blade and the handle. Guards are essential so that your hands remain on the handle. It is a useful feature, especially if you are using the knife with force. You don't want your hands to accidentally slip toward the blade. 

• While other knives don't need this feature, bushcraft knives must let you attach them to paracords or lanyards. The purpose of this is to ensure that you can tie the knife to your arms while you are using it. It prevents the knife from becoming a projectile if you ever lose your grip on its handle. Of course, don't carry the knife openly, even if it's tied to your arms. Only do this when you are actually using the knife. 

Best Bushcraft Knives: Full Tang Or Partially Tang

When it comes to knives, the tang is definitely a topic that you will certainly encounter. 

So what is a tang in the first place? 

The tang is the component of the blade that reaches into the knife's handle. It has an important role in reducing the manufacturing cost, as well as the overall quality of the knife. Knives can have partial tang or full tang, and here's a comparison of these two. 

Full Tang

When you say a full-tang knife, this means that the knife has a blade that extends thoroughly to the handle. Both the width and length of the blade are accommodated by the handle.

The handle is then pressed in between two pieces of materials, which, in turn, reveals a portion of the tang (usually a strip). In some knives, the tang is hidden. The material used in the handle encloses the blade handle, allowing it to conceal the steel. 

Compared to partial-tang knives, full-tang knives are heavier. After all, these knives are almost steel in composition. But that also results in more balance in the knives' construction, enabling you to use them for prolonged periods. Since their handles are heavy, excessive force is not needed to cut through dense objects. 

The only downside of these full-tang knives is their cost. They are more expensive given that they contain lots of steel. 

Partial Tang

On the flip side, a partial tang knife has a blade that doesn't extend fully to the handle. Most of the affordable knives that you can get today have a partial tang. Aside from the minimal material requirement, they are easier to construct, too. 

These knives aren't as durable as full-tang knives, though. They can be useful in simple tasks. But when it comes to bushcraft, they won't come as impressive as their counterparts. 

These knives have blades that stop somewhere in the handle. Because of this, they are susceptible to snapping. To deal with this problem, some manufacturers decided to change the design of the partial tang. An example is the rat tail. The metal of the knife's blade extends almost nearly the entire length of the handle. However, the steel is somewhat thin. Furthermore, the extension doesn't match the entire handle's width. 

The cutting edge of partial-tang knives is heavier than the rest of its body. Such a design could potentially strain their users while cutting or slicing. To compensate for this problem, manufacturers integrate heavier handles. 

So, in a nutshell, the best bushcraft knives are those that have a full-tang construction. Some partial tang knives work great as bushcraft knives. But if you have the choice and budget, go with full-tang knives. 

Final Thoughts

For hikers, survivalists, and outdoor enthusiasts, selecting the best bushcraft knife is essential.

Due to the large number of alternatives available, it's critical to consider factors such as blade material, grip design, and blade size before making a purchase. If done correctly, a good bushcraft knife can significantly improve any outdoor task, including shelter construction, fire lighting, and meal preparation.

In emergency scenarios, a dependable, strong bushcraft knife can be a useful instrument and even save your life. It's crucial to take the time to find and choose the ideal one for your needs.