Bushcraft: How To Choose a Survival Knife
The term “Bushcraft knife” first appeared in the 1988 book Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival, written by Canadian survivalist Mors Kochanski. He helped usher in a new era within the
Damascus knives industry.
However, bushcraft knives have existed for thousands of years. Some researchers even argue the earliest examples date back to prehistoric times. They believe cavemen may have used them for hunting and trapping.
Since then, bushcraft knives have evolved considerably and are no longer used exclusively for hunting. They have gradually become bigger and bulkier, enabling them to tackle heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting wood, building fires, preparing meals, clearing trails, and creating shelters in the wilderness.
Are you interested in adding a new knife to your collection? Carefully consider several key factors when shopping for a survival knife to ensure you have the best option money can buy. Here is how to choose one that checks all the right boxes.
Start by Searching for a Well-Respected Knife Manufacturer
The global knife market is worth a whopping $4 billion and is expected to grow to over $7 billion by 2032. Because of this, you won’t find any shortage of options when you Google something like “bushcraft knives for sale” or “what is the best survival knife.”
This isn’t necessarily bad since it provides countless choices for knife enthusiasts worldwide. However, locating a survival knife you love might be more complicated than anticipated.
Narrow down your options by searching for a well-respected knife manufacturer. They should have the following qualities:
Above all else, this company should also be ready, willing, and able to provide invaluable insight into each bushcraft knife it sells. With a manufacturer like this, you will be in excellent hands.
Track Down Knives That Allow for Complete Customization
Since so many knives are sold annually, it’s challenging to find ready-made options that stand out in the crowd. For this reason, you should see if you can find a knife manufacturer that will allow you to customize every aspect of the new knife you buy.
This is a surefire way to separate your survival knife from the pack. It will also guarantee this new knife covers all your bases when you use it in the wild.
Focus on Knives With Tough and Easy-to-Sharpen Blades
The blade you incorporate into a bushcraft knife’s design will be its heartbeat. If you don’t consider the blade you add seriously, your customized knife could fail when needed most.
The blade of a survival knife should be unmatched in toughness and easy to sharpen when it starts to dull. It should also be constructed out of one of the strongest metals around. Examples include:
Additionally, you should look hard for a bushcraft knife with the right blade size. A six-inch blade is a superb choice.
Look for Knives With Comfortable and Durable Grips
You can order a top-notch survival knife with the toughest blade known to man, but if it doesn’t feel good when you hold it, guess what? You might choose not to turn to it when you need a knife to stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at you while exploring the great outdoors.
Many bushcraft knives come with rubber handles. While they will work for some survivalists, better options are available. G10 handles, made of fiberglass and synthetic resin, and Micarta handles, made of linen and synthetic resin, are superior to rubber.
Micarta, in particular, is often heralded for handling moisture, extreme temperature fluctuations, and more without presenting any problems.
Find Knives That Fit Inside Solid Sheaths for Safety
If you want to get the most out of a bushcraft knife, invest in more than just a knife. Pick out a solid sheath to accompany it so you can safely handle it when needed, make it easily accessible, and protect it.
Finding a reputable knife manufacturer is essential because they should also be capable of supplying accessories, like a gorgeous, safety-prioritized sheath. When you secure a survival knife in a more than satisfactory sheath, you can keep it around for much longer.
Keep Price in Mind While Comparing Different Knives
“You get what you pay for” is an age-old cliche that applies to knife buying. If you skimp on a new survival knife and aren’t willing to spend top dollar, it might not meet your lofty expectations.
Does this mean you must splurge on the most expensive bushcraft knife that money can buy? Of course not!
At the same time, simply selecting the cheapest knife and ordering it is a recipe for disaster. Look for one that fits nicely into your preferred price range, and don’t be afraid to put off buying a knife for a few weeks so you can save some extra cash to purchase a truly special one. It will be one of the best investments you can ever make.
You never know when you will need to pull out a survival knife in a life-and-death situation. Make sure you have the right bushcraft knife by your side so you can have complete confidence in it every time you use it.
Remember the tips we’ve discussed while shopping for a knife — and walk away with one that is even better than you could have imagined.
