In outdoor survival, few tools are as essential—or as versatile—as a dependable knife. Whether you’re trekking deep into the backcountry, preparing for emergencies, or refining your bushcraft skills at Arcturus Primitive Skills Institute, a survival knife is more than just a cutting edge. It’s your all-in-one solution for splitting wood, carving traps, preparing meals, protecting yourself, and so much more. When conditions turn unforgiving, your knife becomes more than gear—it becomes your lifeline.
What Makes a Knife Ideal for Bushcraft?
For bushcraft, the ideal knife is a fixed-blade, full-tang design with a comfortable, secure grip and durable steel. While folding knives and multitools have their place, bushcraft demands strength and reliability. Tasks like carving, batoning, and shelter-building require a knife that can take abuse and keep performing.
Key features to look for:
• Full tang construction for strength and stability
• Carbon steel (like 1095 or 1075) for easy sharpening and fire-starting
• Stainless steel for better corrosion resistance
• Scandi grind for clean wood carving and feather sticks
• Ergonomic handles made from micarta, rubber, or wood to reduce fatigue
• Blade length of 4–6 inches for versatility
• 90° spine for striking a ferro rod or processing tinder
Top Bushcraft Knife Picks by Budget
Budget-Friendly Workhorses
• Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty
Made from Sandvik carbon steel with a partial tang, this knife is perfect for wood carving and camp chores. It’s a solid choice for those seeking affordability without sacrificing too much performance.
• Condor Bushlore Camp Knife
A full tang 1075 high carbon steel blade ideal for shelter building and classic bushcraft tasks. Typically priced between $60 and $80, it’s a favorite among traditionalists.
Mid-Range Performers
• ESEE 6
Forged from 1095 carbon steel, this knife is built for heavy-duty batoning and chopping. Priced between $120 and $150, it’s a reliable tool for serious survivalists.
• Schrade SCHF36 Frontier
A stainless steel full tang blade that balances affordability with rugged versatility. Great for those who want solid performance without stretching the budget.
Premium Blades
• Benchmade Puukko 200
Featuring CPM-3V tool steel and a Scandinavian grind, this knife offers exceptional edge retention and durability in the $150–$200 range.
• Fallkniven F1
Trusted in all weather conditions, this knife uses VG10 laminated steel and full tang construction. Priced at $180–$200, it’s a favorite among professionals.
• LT Wright and White River Knives
Known for exceptional craftsmanship, these brands offer high-end tools for those willing to invest in premium quality.
Beast Knives
• Ka-Bar Becker BK7 and BK9
These heavy-duty knives are built for brute-force tasks like chopping. The BK9 borders on sword territory and can fatigue your hand during finer work. These two knives are both beasts in the field.
Best Overall: Mora Bushcraft Black
The Mora Bushcraft Black is widely regarded as the best overall bushcraft knife for good reason—for a good price, it delivers exceptional performance without compromising on quality. Crafted in Sweden, it features a razor-sharp carbon steel blade with a robust Scandi grind, making it ideal for carving, feathering, and fire-starting. Its ergonomic rubberized handle offers a secure, comfortable grip even in wet conditions, while the included hard plastic sheath ensures safe and convenient carry. Despite its highly affordable price, the Mora Black punches far above its weight class, offering durability, edge retention, and versatility that rival knives costing three times as much. For beginners and seasoned outdoorsmen alike, it’s a reliable, no-nonsense tool built to thrive in the wild.
Pro Tip: Skip the Gerber
While Gerber knives may look the part, many fall short in real-world performance—often plagued by poor edge retention, weak tang construction, and subpar ergonomics. Worse yet, you’ll likely end up spending nearly twice what you would on a Mora Bushcraft Black, a knife that consistently outperforms in durability, sharpness, and reliability. The Mora Bushcraft Black is a proven bushcraft tool trusted by professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. If you’re serious about your gear, put the Gerber down and pick up a knife that actually delivers.
Where to Buy
Christmas is coming! I offer the Mora Bushcraft Black at a great price—visit the Sky North Outfitters tab at survivalschoolmichigan.com to grab yours.