Mother Nature is a beautiful – if not severe teacher. Her lessons can be harsh and unforgiving, but also rewarding for those willing to learn. Through the years, our own outdoor experiences have molded and shaped expectations of the gear that we rely upon, and that includes the type of blade that rides on our hip each backcountry adventure.
Adopting fixed blade, bushcraft styled knives as our go-to adventure partner has been a process born of education, evolution and our own outdoor experience. These purpose built tools are outdoor multi-taskers, ready and willing to take on virtually every outdoor task whether the goal is survival, comfort or somewhere in-between.
The Value of Bushcraft…
Boiled down to its essence, “Bushcraft” is a group of related skills that help you survive and adapt to overcome obstacles in the outdoors. It’s about sustainability and self-sufficiency, living comfortably within a natural environment. There’s an easy elegance to bushcraft – a beauty that comes from utilizing the material that nature provides rather than carrying everything on your back. Whether you adopt bushcraft as a lifestyle, sport or hobby, the fundamental requirement is a tool capable of tackling tasks that span the gamut from making fire to crafting shelter.
From our perspective, the true beauty of this genre is simply this: You don’t have to be a survivalist to benefit from a bushcraft styled blade. Despite continued growth in this product category, the premise of a good bushcraft knife remains the same, it’s the ultimate outdoor utility tool designed for those who take the road less traveled and come back better for it. So even if you haven’t adopted a bushcraft lifestyle, backpackers, adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts alike can benefit from the wide range of competency and versatility these knives offer.
That being said, endeavoring to find consensus on the ideal bushcraft/camp knife can be akin to finding a needle in the haystack – and truth be told, there is no one perfect knife. What’s true is that our physical environments, experiences and techniques are all vastly different. Even the size of our hands and budgets play a dramatic role in the knives that will best fit an individuals outdoor kit.
There is no right or wrong answer. Instead, it’s a complex and beautiful blend of personal preferences and experiences that eventually leads each of us to their own favored brand or blade. Three years after our first foray into bushcrafting we’re back with new picks and insights. Whether you’re a dedicated bushcrafter, a camper, or a backpacker desiring a fixed blade that won’t fail in the field, the following list includes exceptional options. Each knife offers superior craftsmanship and unsurpassed reliability for adventures planned and unplanned.
Fiddleback Forge: Bushcrafter
Destined for a life of labor, bushcraft knives are typically more function than fashion. Yet the Bushcrafter from Fiddleback Forge beautifully demonstrates that your knife can have a more seductive side while still taking on the serious tasks associated with a life in the backcountry. A stunning example of the brand’s renowned strength, functionality and beauty, the Bushcrafter is the perfect synthesis of both form and function.
When it comes to bushcraft and wilderness use, bigger is not always better. If your blade is too big, you sacrifice the ability to effectively use it for detailed tasks such as dressing small game or carving precision snare sets. Too small, you sacrifice the ability to use the knife for batoning or assist in building shelters. Featuring tapered tang construction and A2 steel there’s no doubt that the Bushcrafter is among the most versatile blade designs you can buy, hitting the sweet spot of versatile performance; not too long, not too short, just right.
From the trademarked “Bullseye Lanyard Tubes”, 3D spalted steel flats, and unique Micarta knife pin patterns, your Fiddleback will always stand out from the crowd. But this knife is more than just striking aesthetics. Like all of Andy Roy’s creations, this knife looks good and works harder. The blade design make it great for drilling tasks, as well as other common bushcrafting chores. A convex grind makes for a smoother cutting (increasing controllability due to the more gradual shift in geometry) but also reduces the amount of material that must be displaced by the blade as it passes through the cutting medium. In layman’s terms, your cuts require less energy, and your edge stays crisp and sharp. Trust us, this tool goes from chopping and batoning, to kitchen work without flinching. Whether you’re making tent stakes, fuzz sticks or just whittling, the Fiddleback Forge Bushcrafter proves time and again that it’s not only elegant, but eager for a life of daunting endeavors.
fiddlebackforge.com; MSRP $365
ESEE KNIVES: Camp-Lore PR4
ESEE knives are an affiliate of Randall’s Survival and Adventure, a prominent survival training school – and their knife line is an extension of that. Each blade is made with input from some of the top survivalists and knife makers in the world, and ESEE’s Camp-Lore PR4 is no exception. Designed by Patrick Rollins, the Lead Instructor at ESEE’s School of Survival the PR4 is an adept and diligent field performer.
With a silhouette that pays homage to the classic knife pattern of Horace Kephart, the Camp-Lore PR4 is predicated on simplicity and practicality. Forged from a high carbon 1095 steel, the blade provides impressive edge retention that would make ol’ Horce Kephart himself jealous. Despite it’s 9” length, a thinner blade stock makes this knife feel almost compact, especially considering the wide array of tasks it can accomplish. The modest 0.125 inch thickness of the blade makes the PR4 a proficient cutter while the sharply squared spine offers an edge capable of throwing sparks from a ferrocerium rod for fire-starting.
The 4.0” cutting edge is large enough to baton wood yet agile enough to process small game. But it’s the functionality and design of the handle that ensured this blade was our co-pilot for most backcountry excursions. The slender micarta handle with deep sculpted grooves provides a flawless grip when conditions change from wet to dry and back again. The slender handle eliminates excess bulk making the PR4 a tremendous option for primary (on the hip) and secondary (in the pack) carry options. Overall, the Camp-Lore PR4 defied our expectations and assured that it won’t be the last ESEE blade in our gear stash.
eseeknives.com; MSRP $190
BATTLE HORSE KNIVES: Smoky Mountain Razor
Battle Horse Knives melds modern design, tried-and-true field abilities and bombproof strength better than just about anyone else. And if you’re looking for a blade that epitomizes what Bushcraft is about – the Smoky Mountain Razor is true to that outdoor legacy from start to finish.
Good knife skills, along with a quality knife that can handle a variety of tasks are the fundamental pieces of bushcrafting – and it’s one of the reasons the Smoky Mountain Razor has earned the respect of our team. Measuring in at a stout 8 3/4″ overall length, and full tang strong, the Smoky Mountain Razor feels weighty but is wonderfully balanced rendering this knife nigh indestructible. You can order your SMR with either a Scandi or Flat grind, depending on your preference. We snagged a flat grind, which in our opinion offers the best of all worlds – a stronger edge for chopping and batoning while still offering the woodworking ability and easy field sharpening of a scandi grind.
The handle is contoured for comfort and reliability making the SMR easy to control in difficult grips – ie chest lever grip – without needing to place your thumb on the blade. All the while, the high carbon content of the O1 tool steel holds a keen edge over time even through heavy use. In a nutshell, this blade is ready to tackle every task you set before it and then beg for more.
If you’re willing to demonstrate a little patience, Battle Horse also affords you the opportunity to customize your knife. So whether it’s the Smoky Mountain Razor, or another BHK blade that sets your heart aflutter, you can choose the handle color, add liners and even specify the type of grind that you prefer.
Battlehorseknives.com; MRSP $180
TOPS KNIVES: Tex Creek
Maybe it’s the full-bodied blade, or the Black River Wash finish on the quality 1095 steel. Perhaps it’s the substantial feel of the blade or the way the black canvas micarta handle settles into the swell of your hand. Whatever the reason, there was little we could find wrong with this gem from Tops Knives.
Robust, rugged and resourceful, the Tex Creek features a straightforward and usable design reinforced by a sturdy 3/16″ thick blade and full tang handle. This American made knife is best described as a bold multi-tasker with a tenacious soul. If you’re the type of person that feels compelled to categorize everything, then the Tex Creek is more “Camp Knife” than “Bushcraft” – but in no way does that diminish its capabilities. Born from the diversity of outdoor experiences in the Tex Creek wildlife management area, this knife measures in at 9” overall with a cutting edge of 4.19”. It’s wide enough to give you leverage without being so wide as to compromise precision on smaller tasks.
A section of jimping on the spine gives your thumb a natural place to rest and aids in overall control when bearing down on the blade. And whether you choose it for your backcountry excursions, a survival companion, or a dependable tool on the ranch, rest assured this blade won’t fail in the field.
The Tex Creek is a prime example of understanding how you will utilize your knife, and then picking the appropriate tool to meet those needs. If you’re looking for a blade to baton through lumber, the Tex Creek won’t be your go-to option. But the hunters point gives this knife a definitive edge when it comes to field dressing, and the overall structure and design ensures the Tex Creek is a worthy fieldcraft tool and up to almost every camp chore you’ll run into. All told, this is one of the best all-around camp knives you can own.
topsknives.com; MSRP $175
CRKT: Saker
Designed as a no-frills field knife, this Abe Elias design possesses the qualities necessary to competently perform in almost every fieldcraft activity. Featuring 1075 Carbon Steel, an overall length of 9.1” and cutting edge of 4.53”, the Saker Bushcraft is a solid workhorse with a simple elegance and style that comes at an affordable price point.
Bushcraft knives are truly designed to be an extension of your hand. As a knife’s intended use moves from fine to gross motor control, or from shaving to chopping, the fit and feel in the hand becomes increasingly crucial. In our opinion, this is where the Saker truly shines. The ergonomic and durable walnut handle settles into the palm like a firm handshake, providing tremendous control no matter what task is at hand.
Here’s the deal: Scandi Grinds and wood go together like cigars and whiskey – hence the Saker’s voracious appetite for wood. The true Scandi Grind not only ensures a high degree of control over the depth of your cuts, but makes tuning trap parts, or precision work around camp highly accurate. Even when not being used for serious camp chores, the Saker is a joy to use around the campfire for whittling and carving. As an added bonus the Saker comes with a Bushcraft accessory tool that can help wedge, pry, collect pitch, strike a fire starter, and assist in a variety of tasks. Hands down, this is the best value bushcrafter you can buy.
crkt.com; MSRP $125
LT WRIGHT: Genesis
A good bushcraft knife contains a simple design, with elements, proven over time in the field, that make it ideal for general versatility, ruggedness, and simplicity. Three years ago we were entrusted with the Genesis from LT Wright Knives, and today it continues to impress as a serious blade intended for serious tasks.
Considered by many to be the standard in bushcraft blades, the Genesis Scandi is precision made in every detail. Constructed from 1/8″ A2 steel with a Scandi grind, this full tang drop point blade wasn’t just born to work, but made to endure. Measuring in at 9 inches overall, and following the traditional Kephart design, Genesis knives are tested to 57 to 59 HRC on the Rockwell hardness scale – in other words, they’re tenacious but hold an edge beautifully. Sharpened like an ice-skate, the 90 degree spine of this knife serves as a secondary tool. Use it to scrape together bundles of tinder and save your blade for other tasks. When partnered with a fire steel, it throws sparks like a blacksmith’s shop.
With a blade this good, L.T. Wright went the extra mile to ensure that every detail of the handle ensures that the Genesis feels like an extension of the hand – not just a tool. The neutral handle with Micarta scales rests easy in the palm and fits easily with any sized hand. Meanwhile, deep scallops on each side of the handle provides extra stability during more finessed tasks. All told, the Genesis offers iconic bushcraft styling with modern rugged performance.
ltwrightknives.com; MSRP $170
CASE x Winkler Knives: Skinner
The Case® Winkler Skinner is a new fixed blade knife crafted collectively by Winkler Knives and the legendary Case Knives brand. The design is the result of a decades-long career in knife making by Master Bladesmith Daniel Winkler and the extensive experiences of retired U.S. Army Special Operator and Navy SEAL Kevin “Skinner” Holland. The fruit of this collaboration is impeccable craftsmanship and a level of tough resilience that will serve outdoor enthusiasts for a lifetime, and beyond.
Designed with tactical intentions, this high-performance field knife offers the versatility and dependability that you desire in a frontcountry, backcountry or even sidecountry partner. The flat ground, distal tapered Trailing Point blade is made from tough 80CrV2 steel. This particular steel is not only unique but holds intriguing characteristics which make it a steel that isn’t exceedingly common. While not stainless, it offers corrosion resistance from an elevated level of chromium. It possesses many of the cutting characteristics of tool steel and closely resembles 1080/1095 carbon steel. In layman’s terms, you get a metal renown for its enduring lateral strength, superior edge retention and ease of sharpening – all features which benefit you both on and off the trail.
The full tang is skeletonized and tapered to reduce weight and improve balance. This design feature not only lightens your load, but provides a nice balance of cutting power and slicing ability. Case is also offering this knife in three different handle materials: G-10 multi-cam design, a black cloth laminate design, or a smooth walnut design. Whether you’re being deployed to a foreign land, or you are in need a professional level tool for your adventures in the deep backwoods, the Wrinkler Skinner is a force to be reckoned with.
caseknives.com; MSRP $300
Fox Knives: Octopus Vulgaris
Family run Fox Cutlery in Maniago, Italy was founded in 1977 by Oreste Frati. The brand is renowned for their innovative and well made cutlery products used the world over by military, law enforcement and EDC fans. They also make damn good fixed-blade knives, and the Octopus Vulgaris knife is one of them.
Designed by Tommaso Rumici, the foundational premise of this knife is a versatile design that can excel in sporting, hunting and tactical applications. Impressive blade geometry is paired with a beautifully designed handle that ensures a comfortable non-slip grip whatever conditions Mother Nature throws your way. The result is, an impressive blend of portability and performance: a knife that will never be too big or heavy to have it with you when you need it.
Bolstered by a full tang design, the Octopus Vulgaris is forged from N690Co Cobalt Vanadium stainless steel. More commonly found in European knives, the added value of cobalt is that it produces a fine edge with excellent edge retention. While chopping isn’t the forte of the Octopus, the flat grind and a curved 4.52″ edge offer impressive cutting performance – like filleting that salmon you just caught with your bare hands. An extended skull crusher pommel provides one more tool in your backcountry quiver, and the 6.7ounce weight make this an easy carry.
foxcutlery.com; $189
Closing Thoughts…
Too often, our modern lives find us surrounded by pre-fab, unimaginative, cookie cutter products. In a world where one-size fits all and ‘function’ is a term defined by fleeting moments, these knives are a stunning reminder of the quintessential beauty that comes from products that are purpose built and designed to excel at their intended purpose.
Selecting the right bushcraft or camp knife depends on an array of factors including your environment, preferences and tasks. That being said, these eight knives represent can’t miss options for those seeking a steady sidekick for a life both on and off the beaten path.