Bushcraft takes the love of the great outdoors to a whole new level by throwing you into a natural environment and forcing you to learn how to survive using the environment around you. There’s a lot of improvisation in this hobby and not bringing everything is expected. But the one thing you can’t go without is your bushcraft knife.
Sure, you’re not going to be chopping firewood with a tiny knife anytime soon, but your bushcraft knives are going to keep you fed, warm, and safe while you’re out in the woods if you know how to use them. This makes it one of the best items in your kit to invest the most in as you can expect to use it often.
These bushcraft knives are some of the best we’ve seen on the market, especially at their price points. There’s a few pricey ones and one really cheap one from Morakniv that we’re big fans for you to choose from.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
- Full-tang knife with riveted blade.
- Comes with a durable plastic sheath.
- Non-slip grip with finger wells.
- Thick, sturdy blade.
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Best Budget Knife
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
- Affordable yet durable.
- Comes with sheath for safe storage.
- Friction grip handle.
- Great for cooking outdoors.
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Best Aesthetics
Condor Bushlore Camp Knife
- Gorgeous walnut wood handle.
- Leather sheath with engraving and belt clip.
- Made from high carbon steel.
- Keeps its edge for a long time.
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1Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
Best Budget Knife
The Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife has been making its way into a lot of our lists lately and why wouldn’t it? For such a low price, it has one of the nicest blades and builds out there and it manages to fill most roles decently. It’s a jack of all trades of knives.
The blade comes with a good polymer sheath that you can clip to your belt. It uses the same material for the blade handle only with texture so your grip never slips. This knife isn’t going to wow you, but it sure won’t leave you disappointed either.
PROS
- Affordable yet durable.
- Comes with sheath for safe storage.
- Friction grip handle.
- Great for cooking outdoors.
CONS
- Blade is on the thin side but is still durable nonetheless.
2Kershaw Camp 5 Fixed Blade Knife
The Kershaw Camp 5 Fixed Blade Knife is another knife you’ll see often on knife lists, reviews, and buying guides because it’s quite the versatile hunk of metal. Its slender yet slip-free grip fits perfectly in the palm of your hand and feels lightweight. The blade is just the right amount of thickness and length to be serviceable for stripping wood and cooking in the great outdoors, though the Morakniv knife feels more natural for impromptu chef work.
This survival knife is made from premium D2 steel and comes with a custom molded sheath.
PROS
- Made from premium D2 steel.
- Pattern grip nylon handle.
- Custom molded sheath.
- Bowie-style blade.
CONS
- A little pricey for its size.
- Sheath tends to loosen overtime.
3KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
Best Overall
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is strong, really strong. This is a knife that can take a beating and still keep its edge, though abusing your knife outright is and never will be good for its longevity.
The knife is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel, a type of high carbon stainless steel. It has a full tang blade riveted onto an Ultramid handle, another specialized material but this time derived from polyester. Overall, it’s a beautiful and well-balanced drop point knife that feels great to have in the hand.
PROS
- Full-tang knife with riveted blade.
- Comes with a durable plastic sheath.
- Non-slip grip with finger wells.
- Thick, sturdy blade.
CONS
- A serrated section on this knife could have been nice.
4Condor Bushlore Camp Knife
Best Aesthetics
The Condor Bushlore Camp Knife is easily one of the most beautiful bushcraft knives on the market. While most knife manufacturers are switching over fully to having polymer handles, this knife is still made with teak wood polished to a smooth yet grippy surface.
The blade is made from 1075 high carbon steel that’s built to withstand a good bit of abuse. Its full tang blade is riveted onto the handle with brass rivets, complimenting the visual tone of the handle.
PROS
- Gorgeous walnut wood handle.
- Leather sheath with engraving and belt clip.
- Made from high carbon steel.
- Keeps its edge for a long time.
CONS
- Factory edge isn't ideal so you'll need to sharpen it again.
5BIGCAT ROAR Handmade Damascus Hunting Knife
The BIGCAT ROAR Handmade Damascus Hunting Knife looks like it should be a decorative knife but is really an actual survival knife designed for hunting and bushcraft. The knife comes with a stitched leather sheath that clips onto your belt.
Its ergonomic walnut wood handle has two separate finger wells, letting you separate your fingers across the handle for the most comfortable finger placement.
PROS
- Damascus steel patterned blade.
- Walnut handle with finger wells.
- Sizeable 5-inch blade.
- Leather sheath included.
CONS
- Handle tends to chip with hard impact.
