Once regarded solely as the province of religious End-of-Timers, Sci-Fi fans and extremists, survivalism is going mainstream. Now, as the popularity of bushcraft and survival skills continues to grow, so does the demand for stronger, more versatile and incredibly durable field knives.
The Value of Bushcraft…
Boiled down to its very 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. Whether you adopt bushcraft as a lifestyle, sport or hobby, it requires a tool capable of tackling tasks that span the gamut from making fire to crafting shelter.
Consider the bushcraft knife a do-it-all blade for those who take the road less traveled and come back better for it. Purpose built and performance driven, these knives define durability for a lifetime of use. And herein lies the beauty of knives that fall within the bushcraft genre: you don’t have to be a survivalist to benefit from the impressive versatility that these knives offer.
As the bushcraft category continues to blossom, finding the right choice can present quite the quandary. So we put our editors to the task of seeking out some of the best handcrafted knives available in this category. The result, is a list of five exceptional options that offer superior craftsmanship and unsurpassed reliability for adventures planned and unplanned.
Helle: Utvær
The new Utvær is a stunning example of the brand’s renowned strength, functionality and beauty. Featuring Helle’s first full broad-tang construction and forged on the ancient Norwegian traditions of knife making, this blade is not only elegant, but eager for a life of daunting endeavors in the wild.
The burly 4-inch blade is made of a single 3mm layer of Sandvik 12C27 steel for exceptional durability, yet is thin enough to perform as a knife should when cutting or carving. With a hardness range 54-61 HRC (placing it near the top of the Rockwell hardness scale) the Sandvik steel is stronger than most other comparable alloys on the market.
The full tang design is encased by a beautiful curly birch handle that is reinforced by two rivets for added stability and longevity. While best suited for small to medium sized hands, the Utvær is the only knife on our list with an extended metal pommel intended for tackling tougher tasks such as breaking up tinder or striking a ferro rod. To protect this stunning specimen of stainless steel, the Utvær also comes with an elegant leather sheath.
Battle Horse Knives: Renegade
Maybe it’s the full-bodied blade, or the Black G10 RTD handle with stonewashed finish. Perhaps it’s the substantial feel of the blade when in hand. Whatever the reason, there was little we could find wrong with this gem from Battle Horse Knives. Robust and rugged, the Renegade is best described as a knife with a tenacious soul.
Full tang strong, the Renegade is weighty but wonderfully balanced rendering this knife nigh indestructible. A saber grind offers the best of all worlds, with a stronger edge for chopping and batoning while still offering the woodworking ability and easy field sharpening of a scandi grind. All the while, the high carbon content of the O1 tool steel holds a keen edge over time even through heavy use.
We all know that Mother Nature is fickle, and that means conditions in the field can change from dry to wet and back again in a flash. Because of that, the flawless grip of the G10 RTD (random textured divots) handle earned top marks from our field team. Whether you choose it for your backcountry excursions, a survival companion, or a dependable tool on the ranch, the Renegade is a sure-handed knife you’ll reach for time and again. Add in the leather sheath made in-house at Battle Horse Knives which you can customize to your liking, and you have a tremendous bushcraft knife, that is worth far more than its price point.
L.T. Wright: Genesis
There’s something about new beginnings and fresh starts that sparks emotions within the very core of a person. For a brand, it elicits an excitement for possibilities that seem endless. For L.T. Wright Handcrafted Knives, the Genesis not only represents new beginnings, but it sets the bar at impressively high levels. Precision made in every detail, the Genesis is true to the Bushcraft legacy from start to finish.
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. 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.
Sharpened like an iceskate, the 90 degree spine is like a secondary tool. Use it to scrape together bundles of tinder and save your blade for other tasks. When partnered with a ferro rod, it throws sparks like a blacksmith’s shop. With the supplied leather sheath from JRE Industries, the Genesis promises offers iconic bushcraft styling while setting the stage for the next-generation of bushcraft knives.
Fiddleback Forge: Mid-Tech Bushfinger
Spend a bit of time online and you’ll see the Bushfinger described as the ‘perfect bushcraft knife’ by an array of blade enthusiasts. Patterned after that flagship custom version, the new Mid-Tech Bushfinger continues that praiseworthy tradition by combining by the heft of a large fixed-blade survival knife with the control of a small detail blade, all in a bombproof, ergonomically ideal package. Boasting premium Crucible CPM S35VN steel and three-dimensionally contoured and textured Micarta handle scales, every detail of this knife is dialed in.
The first production knife from Fiddleback, the Mid-Tech Bushfinger is hand-assembled at the Fiddleback Forge shop and incorporates some of the same personal touches as their custom line of knives. While a great knife for any environment, the Crucible CPM S35VN stainless steel offers tremendous corrosion resistance which is especially valuable for those living in high-humidity or saltwater environments. A slightly more slender – and dare we say sexy – handle eliminates excess bulk making the Mid-Tech Bushfinger a tremendous option for primary (on the hip) and secondary (in the pack) carry options.
And because bushcraft knives were born to take a beating, the Mid-Tech Bushfinger features a flat ground blade. that’s ready and willing to work. All the while, a tumbled finish preserves the sharp appearance of the knife by showing less wear of use over versus a highly polished finish. Throw in a leather sheath made by JRE Industries and the Fiddleback Forge satisfaction guarantee and you’ve got one impressive package.
Valkyrie Knives: Companion
Destined for a life of labor, bushcraft knives are typically more function than fashion. Yet the Companion from Valkyrie shows that your knife can have a bit of flash while still taking on the serious tasks associated with a life in the field. Handcrafted from CPM 154 steel the Companion looks good and works harder.
Each Companion is hand crafted featuring spot on symmetry and a beautiful convex grind. Our particular model came outfitted with a beautiful black and red burlap and black G10 bolster. An orange pinstripe running along the tapered tang gives this Companion an almost collectible look. It is the most expensive knife on our list, but there’s reason for that. The ergonomic handle literally melts away into the palm of your hand, it features tremendous balance for excellent maneuverability, and the large guard offers greater security.
As noted, the Companion is forged from an impressively strong CPM 154 steel which offers the user better corrosion resistance, edge retention and greater toughness than 440C steel. While this is the one blade on our list that doesn’t come with a sheath, the Companion is one stunner of a knife that serve you well through years of use and abuse.
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 crafted by hand and built to excel at their intended purpose.
Selecting the “right bushcraft knife” depends on an array of factors including your environment, preferences and tasks. That being said, these five knives represent can’t miss options for those seeking a steady sidekick for a life both on and off the beaten path.
*Gumption Gear Review received the items featured in this review from the manufacturers at no cost and receives no monetary compensation for this or any related review. The items featured were provided solely in return for our honest views and opinions.