Bushcraft knives
Bushcraft knives
EXPERT KNOWLEDGE BUSHCRAFT KNIVES
What is a bushcraft knife?
Bushcraft knives are a special type of fixed outdoor knife characterised by their compactness, straightforward design and a semi-hollow bevel or Scandi grind. The Scandi grind gives the blade a particularly high degree of stability and is ideal for carving and batoning (splitting wood). The blades of these knives are often thick and sturdy, and the full-tang construction (blade runs through the entire handle) makes the Bushcraft knives a robust working knife for survival and wilderness.
What is bushcrafting?
Bushcrafting refers to the art of surviving and living in nature using natural resources. The term is derived from bush (wilderness) and craft (trade) and refers to skills that are necessary to live independently in the wilderness, so-called survival skills. These include building shelters, making fires without modern aids, water purification, the production of tools and the procurement and preparation of food through hunting, fishing or gathering.
Is an outdoor knife the same as a bushcraft knife?
Outdoor knives and bushcraft knives are similar, but they differ in their specific range of application and design:
Similarities:
- Both types of knives are designed for outdoor use and are characterised by their robust construction, versatility and durability.
- They are suitable for tasks such as cutting, carving, food preparation and emergency applications.
Differences:
- Outdoor knives: This generic term covers knives for various outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, hunting and fishing. Outdoor knives can have a wide variety of blade shapes and sizes and are often versatile, but not always optimised for heavy-duty work such as splitting wood or intensive carving.
- Bushcraft knives: These knives are specially designed for bushcrafting, i.e. survival and living in the great outdoors. They are often more compact and usually have a Scandi grind or a semi-hollow bevel, which makes them particularly stable. They are ideal for activities such as batoning (splitting wood) and making fires. Survival knives are usually made in full tang construction to ensure maximum stability.
Not every outdoor knife is automatically a bushcraft knife, as outdoor knives can also be designed for lighter tasks or other outdoor activities.
Why all knives in the outdoor sector could still be considered outdoor knives
- Variety of possible uses: Whether you're camping, hiking, hunting or preparing for survival training, an outdoor knife can be used in all of these situations. These knives are made for rugged use in the outdoors, regardless of the specific tasks.
- Customisation to individual needs: Every outdoor enthusiast has different priorities. Some need a lightweight knife for cutting ropes and food, while others prefer a model that can also split wood. The broad term outdoor knife can be used to cover this variety of requirements.
Which bushcraft knife is suitable for beginners?
For beginners in bushcraft, choosing the right knife is crucial to successfully learn basic skills such as wood carving, fire making or shelter building. A good bushcraft knife for beginners should be easy to handle, robust and versatile. It should not be underestimated how important it is to familiarise yourself with your own survival knife so that it really serves you well in the wilderness and during survival.
Features of a good bushcraft knife for beginners
- Blade length: a blade length of 9-12 cm is ideal for beginners, as these models offer a good balance between precision and versatility. As a general rule, shorter blades are easier to handle and control.
- Steel type: A carbon steel such as 1095 is well suited as it is sharp and easy to resharpen. Although it requires some care to prevent rust, it is very durable. Alternatively, a Rustproof steel such as Sandvik 12C27 or VG-10 may be a lower maintenance choice.
- Scandi grind: A Scandi grind is perfect for beginners as it is easy to sharpen and offers good control when carving and batoning (technique for splitting wood). This grind gives the bushcraft knife stability and enables precise work.
- Ergonomic handle: The handle should fit well in the hand and be made of non-slip material such as rubber, micarta or wood to ensure a secure grip even in wet or cold conditions.
- Full-tang construction: A full-tang blade, where the blade runs through the entire handle, ensures stability and prevents the knife from breaking - an important feature for intensive use in the great outdoors.
- Sheath: Safe storage! of bushcraft knives is crucial to prevent injuries and protect the blade. Tried and tested materials for sheaths are robust plastics such as Kydex or nylon. However, a classic leather sheath also has many advantages. In addition to the natural feel, making a suitable Leather sheath for the bushcrafter can be a welcome DIY project.
Important bushcraft techniques
- Fire making: Techniques such as lighting fires with firesteel or by friction.
- Building shelter: Using materials from the environment such as branches, leaves or bark to find shelter from the weather.
- Finding and treating water: Methods of water filtration and disinfection to make it drinkable.
- Producing tools: For example, carving wood or making weapons.
- Foraging: Gathering edible plants or mushrooms, fishing and hunting.
Possible applications - Bushcraft knives
A bushcraft knife is more than just a cutting tool. It is indispensable for carving wood for shelter building, chopping kindling for a fire and preparing meals. Some knives also have a sharp blade back, which is ideal for striking sparks with a fire steel.
Which steel is suitable for a bushcraft knife blade?
The choice of steel depends on the requirements and intended use of the bushcraft knife. There are different types of steel, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
1. carbon steel (carbon steel)
Advantages: This steel is very popular for bushcraft knives as it offers excellent sharpness & edge life. Carbon steel knives are easy to resharpen and are very robust. They are ideal for heavy-duty work such as wood carving or batoning.
Disadvantages: This Steel is not Rustproof, meaning it is more susceptible to rust, which means you will need to oil and maintain it regularly, especially in humid or salty environments.
Examples: 1095, 5160, O1 steel
2. rustproof steel (stainless steel)
Advantages: Stainless steel is rust resistant, making it a good choice for humid environments or where maintenance is minimal. It is corrosion resistant and low maintenance, so ideal for beginners.
Disadvantages: Stainless steel can have reduced Sharpness & Edge Life compared to carbon steel and is often more difficult to resharpen.
Examples: 440C, AUS-8, VG-10, Sandvik 12C27
3. D2 steel (semi-stainless steel)
Advantages: D2 steel is called semi-stainless steel because it contains slightly more carbon than typical stainless steels, but also has some rust resistance. It offers excellent hardness and wear resistance, making it a good choice for bushcraft tasks.
Disadvantages: D2 is slightly harder to resharpen than carbon steel and can be prone to rust in extreme conditions if not maintained.
4. boehler steels (e.g. N690, M390)
Advantages: Böhler steels are state-of-the-art, high-quality steels that offer good Sharpness & Edge Life as well as corrosion resistance. They combine the advantages of carbon steel and Rustproof Steel.
Disadvantages: Knives made from Böhler steels are often more expensive and require specialised tools for resharpening.
Conclusion:
Carbon steel (e.g. 1095) is ideal if you prioritise sharpness and durability and are prepared to maintain the knife regularly.
Rustproof steel (e.g. VG-10) is good for bushcrafters who want less maintenance.
D2 steel and Böhler steels offer a mix of hardness, sharpness and rust resistance for advanced users.
The choice of the best steel therefore depends heavily on the specific requirements and personal preferences.
Care of the bushcraft knife and the corresponding sheath
After a survival trip, a bushcraft knife that is wet and dirty should be thoroughly cleaned and cared for before storage to prevent damage and prepare it for the next use.
Firstly, coarse dirt must be removed from the blade and handle. Warm water and a mild soap can be used to remove residues such as dirt or resin. It is important to dry the knife completely afterwards, preferably with a clean knife, followed by a short period of air drying. Matériau du manche include checking and, if necessary, sharpening the blade to ensure that the knife is ready for the next use.
Rust protection in the form of oil should then be applied to the blade, especially for knives made of carbon steel. A few drops of a suitable oil such as camellia oil are enough to protect the blade. For a wooden handle, it is recommended to use a Wood care oil such as linseed oil to keep the material supple and dirt-repellent and to protect it from cracking.
After care, the knife should be stored in a dry place. It can be an advantage not to store the bushcraft knife in its sheath, as this can also store moisture and thus favour rust. In any case, it is advisable to allow the sheath of the knife to dry well.
If the sheath is made of leather, appropriate care is important to keep the material supple and durable, especially as leather can absorb moisture and thus lose its structure or become brittle. Here are the basic steps for caring for a Leather sheath:
- Cleaning: Firstly, dirt and dust should be removed from the Leather sheath with a dry cloth.
- Drying: If the Leather sheath has become wet, it should be dried gently, away from direct sunlight or heat sources such as radiators. Drying too quickly can make the Leather brittle or deform it.
- Apply care oil or leather balm: After cleaning, the sheath should be treated with a special leather care product. Leather oils or leather balms are suitable for this purpose, as they keep the material supple and protect it from drying out. It is advisable to apply a small quantity of the product with a soft scarves and gently massage it into the leather. Excess oil or balm should be wiped off after a short application time.
- Impregnation: Impregnation can be applied to protect the Leather sheath from moisture. There are special waterproofing sprays or waxes for leather that form a water-repellent layer without sealing the Material so that it can continue to breathe.
- Regular care: Leather should be cared for regularly, especially if the sheath is used frequently and in all weathers. Every few months, depending on the wear and tear and the environment, it is advisable to treat it again with leather care products.
These measures will keep the leather sheath supple, reliably protect the knife and maintain its aesthetic appearance.
Blade length and legal aspects - not only for bushcraft knives
According to the English Weapons Act (§42a), bushcraft knives with a Blade length of up to 12 cm may be carried legally and freely. (Status 2024)
Sizeable selection of bushcraft knives at DICTUM
If you want to buy a high-quality bushcraft knife, you will discover a wide range of models in our online shop. We offer small and large bushcraft knives with handles made of wood, Micarta, G10 and other materials. You will find Fixed-blade knives with straight, curved, short or long blades, made from Rustproof, carbon or Böhler steel. We also offer knives with Leather or Kydex sheaths so that you can find the right bushcraft knife for your needs.
