Best Full Tang Bushcraft Knives
- Taylor Perkins
- Mar 3, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 16, 2024
A reliable bushcraft knife is an essential tool for outdoor enthusiasts, offering versatility, durability, and precision in wilderness tasks. In this guide, I'll delve into the top 10 full tang bushcraft knives, focusing on those with Scandi, flat, hollow, or convex grinds and explaining their uses. These knives are renowned for their exceptional cutting performance and resilience, making them invaluable companions for outdoor adventures.
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Table of Contents (With Clickable Bookmarks)
Morakniv Garberg
No bushcraft knife list can be complete without a Mora, the Garberg is unique in its full tang construction and the coating on the carbon series adds to its corrosion resistance.
Grind: Scandi
Pros: Robust construction, high-quality stainless steel blade, versatile design, comes with a ferro rod.
Cons: The sheath could be more durable, and the handle may feel small for larger hands
Helle GT Big Knife
The Helle GT distinguishes itself with its traditional Norwegian craftsmanship and attention to detail. Handcrafted from high-quality materials, it features a triple laminated stainless steel blade, providing exceptional strength and edge retention, and a Curly Birch handle which is very comfortable.
Grind: Scandi
Pros: Handcrafted in Norway, laminated stainless steel blade, ergonomic handle
Cons: Expensive, may require regular maintenance to prevent corrosion
Enzo Trapper
The Enzo Trapper is a very functional knife, it has a very simple design but the trapper has been well thought out and comes with a durable Micarta scaled handle with a diamond pattern for an optimal grip and a well-made leather sheath.
Grind: Flat
Pros: Customizable handle options, versatile blade design, excellent edge retention
Cons: The handle is a bit short for people with larger hands.
ESEE 5
One of the most heavy duty and versatile knives on this list, the ESEE 5 is what some people would call a "sharpened Prybar" This knife is .25" thick and 5.25" long and can easily withstand batoning, chopping, and bushwhacking without issue.
Grind: Flat
Pros: Tough 1095 carbon steel blade, comfortable Micarta handle, versatile size, and Comes with a Kydex sheath. Has an unconditional lifetime warranty.
Cons: Relatively heavy, sheath retention may loosen over time
Fallkniven F1
Official knife of the Swedish Force Pilots the Fallkniven F1 is a renowned bushcraft knife revered for its exceptional balance of durability.
Grind: Convex
Pros: Laminated VG-10 stainless steel blade, lightweight, ergonomic handle
Cons: Expensive, has a smaller blade length compared to other options
Bark River Bravo 1
The Bark River Bravo 1 offers exceptional edge retention and durability, making it an ideal choice for demanding wilderness tasks. The ramp-style thumb rest offers greater control when fine carving.
Grind: Convex
Pros: Premium A2 steel blade, rugged design, comfortable grip
Cons: Pricey, may be heavy for extended use.
Condor Bushlore
The Condor Bushlore distinguishes itself with its traditional design and affordability without compromising on performance. Crafted from 1075 high carbon steel with a Scandi grind, it excels in woodwork and general camp tasks, making it a reliable companion for outdoor enthusiasts on a budget.
Grind: Scandi
Pros: Affordable, 1075 carbon steel blade, sturdy construction, Walnut Handle, good edge retention
Cons: May require regular maintenance if you want to keep it from rusting
Tops Brothers of Bushcraft
The TOPS Brothers of Bushcraft stands out for its rugged build and versatile design, featuring a 1095 high carbon steel blade with a modified Scandi grind. Its specialized scraper for using the included ferro rod and the frictionless bowdrill divot for making a primitive fire offer great bushcraft versatility.
Grind: Modified Scandi
Pros: Tough 1095 carbon steel blade, comfortable handle, versatile design
Cons: Relatively expensive, sheath retention could be better, may require regular maintenance to prevent rust.
Buck Compadre
The Buck Compadre offers a corrosion-resistant 5160 spring steel blade. Its ergonomic handle design and textured Micarta scales provide a secure grip in challenging conditions, making it an ideal companion for bushcraft enthusiasts seeking reliability and durability in the field.
Grind: Hollow
Pros: 5160 spring steel blade, corrosion-resistant coating, ergonomic Micarta handle, versatile design, reasonably priced
Cons: Sheath design may not suit everyone's preferences, a little heavy
Gerber Principle
The Gerber Principle offers a zero-edge scandi grind, and clips into it's sheath so it can be carried in any position. The 3 lashing holes allow it to be tied to a larger stick if needed.
Grind: Scandi
Pros: Durable full tang construction, versatile blade profile, budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
Cons: Knife has a little play in the sheath, may require sharpening out of the box
Different Edge Grinds and their Uses
Scandi Grind: Known for its simplicity and ease of maintenance, the Scandi grind features a single bevel that runs all the way to the edge, creating a strong and durable cutting surface. This grind excels in woodworking tasks such as carving, whittling, and feather sticking due to its ability to bite deeply into wood.
Flat Grind: Characterized by its symmetrical taper from the spine to the cutting edge, the flat grind offers excellent slicing performance and versatility. It is well-suited for general-purpose tasks such as food preparation, camp chores, and basic woodworking, providing a balance of cutting efficiency and durability.
Convex Grind: The convex grind features a smoothly curved profile that gradually tapers from the spine to the edge, resulting in a robust and resilient cutting geometry. This grind excels in heavy-duty tasks such as chopping, batoning, and processing tough materials like bone or dense wood. It offers superior strength and edge retention, making it ideal for demanding outdoor activities.
Hollow Grind: With its concave shape that creates a thin cutting edge, the hollow grind excels in tasks that require precise slicing and intricate cuts. It is commonly found on specialized knives designed for filleting, skinning, and fine detail work. The hollow grind's thin edge geometry allows for effortless slicing through various materials with minimal resistance.
Each of these full tang bushcraft knives offers exceptional performance and durability, making them indispensable tools for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a Scandi, flat, or convex grind, there's a knife on this list to suit your needs. Take your time to evaluate the features and characteristics of each option, and choose the one that best aligns with your preferences and requirements for your wilderness adventures.
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