Best Survival Knife for the Money

I’ve been a survival & hunting enthusiast for over 30 years now and even to this day, the first thing I ever pack before even essential clothing is a great survival knife. I just cannot stress the importance of having a great survival tool with you and personally, there have been many an occasion, where my survival knife has helped me overcome the odds & survive in the outdoors.

Trust me, it’s that important!

Thats’ why, I decided to help fellow survivalists & knife enthusiasts by making this monstrous guide on choosing the best survival knife for the money in 2018! By the time you finish reading this, you will know exactly which knife to choose & more importantly, why to choose it. Instead of blindly guessing and getting confused due to the huge number of knives in the market, you’ll benefit from my actual experience of using these knives and know that they come highly recommended.

Although there are many more factors to consider, budget is an important consideration for most and because of this very reason, I’ve classified this survival knife buying guide by picking my top choices under the ranges of $200, $100 & $50. You’ll also learn what parameters to look at when buying a survival tool plus some major brands & why to choose them.

So, without further ado, let’s get going, me lads!

Best Survival Knife

Best Survival Knife under $200 – Top 5 

ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife with Canvas Micarta Handles

First up on my list of the best survival knife under $200 is the ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife that comes equipped with Canvas Micarta Handles. This full tang knife has a blade length of 4.75 inches with an overall length of 10 inches and is made from 1095 High Carbon steel.

ESEE Knives LSP Laser Strike Fixed Blade Knife

It comes along with a few accessories such as a Kydex sheath, handle removal washer, a belt clip plate, tinder tabs and a Ferrocerium fire starting flint which makes it a good well rounded camping survival knife. It looks great in terms of fit and finish and is razor sharp out of the box so you need to be a little careful there.

The 1095 steel blade takes abuse pretty well thanks to the superb heat treatment given by ESEE. I personally like the forward finger choil as well because it gives a much better grip while performing delicate tasks.

The Ferrocerium rod is hidden below the scales while the washer is present on the lanyard paracord. All in all, this is a great balanced knife that is extremely comfortable and ergonomic and is my top choice if you’re looking for a great survival tool below the $200 mark.

Key Features of the ESEE LSP Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 10 inches
  • Blade length – 4.75 inches
  • Handle length – 5.25 inches
  • Material – 1095 high carbon steel
  • Handle – Canvas Micarta
  • Price – under $200

 

 

Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12 3/4 in Sawback

The next survival knife that we’re going to review is the Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12 which is a fairly large full tang knife with an overall length of 13 inches. The blade shape is unique and is called a hunter’s point shape while the blade itself is made from 1095 carbon.

Tops Knives Steel Eagle 12

Tops have a huge history of making some amazing survival knives and this one is no exception to that. It’s extremely durable and if you’re one of this who does a lot of notching, then you’ll love the saw back design. The steel holds a good edge and is razor sharp out of the box.

I keep this knife with me when I’m planning to do a lot of outdoor chores such as hammering, chopping, buttoning or prying and it hasn’t disappointed me at all so far. Plus it’s a pure Made in USA knife with an excellent grip.

The handle material is made of black linen Micarta and is about 6.5 inches long. For a price point of under $200, this one is an absolute steal.

Key Features of the Tops Steel Eagle Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 13 inches
  • Blade length – 7.5 inches
  • Handle length – 6.5 inches
  • Material – 1095 C, RC 56-58
  • Handle – Black Linen Micarta
  • Price – under $200

Benchmade – Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 Knife

Another great survival tool that you should definitely consider under the $200 price range is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 Knife. This 6.32 inches long drop point blade is made from CPM-S30V and has a superb edge retention thanks to the premium stainless steel used in the blade.

Benchmade - Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016

The handle itself is made from glass reinforced G10 material which gives it a good weight plus makes it easier to hold under sticky conditions. This is a fixed blade knife with a Kydex sheath and is ambidextrous so you don’t need to get into a debate upon the virtues of left vs right.

It also comes with the Benchmade lifetime warranty although I’ve never had to use it simply because the knives are so well made and of superior quality. I’ve personally used this knife to process multiple deers and the knife is still extremely sharp!

If you’re looking for a compact horizontal EDC knife, then the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016 is the one for you.

Key Features of the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter 15016

  • Overall length of knife – 6.32 inches
  • Blade length – 2.67 inches
  • Blade Thickness – 0.14 inches
  • Blade Style – Drop Point
  • Handle – G10, 3.53 oz
  • Price – under $200

Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife with Tan Handle

Number 4 on my list of the best survival knifes under $200 is the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife which is one of the best wilderness knives in the market today and is extremely useful for all survival enthusiasts.

Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife

This 10 inches long full tang knife has a Tan canvas Micarta handle with a blade length of 4.5 inches and and blade thickness of 0.1875 inches. This is a great heavy duty knife and I’ve gutted multiple deer with this without any major issue. It’s also performed really well in tasks like cutting tree limbs for shelter or cutting a para cord.

There is a bow drill divot on the handle that allows you to create fires effortlessly while the thumb scallop offer great grip during cutting tasks. There is also a small scraper on the exposed pommel which is great while striking ferro rods. The manufacturer also claims that this knife has gone through some rough duty testing in the wilderness of Canada and is certified by local survival experts!

If you’re looking for a great bushcraft knife under 200 dollars, then this one should definitely be on your shopping list.

Key Features of the Tops Knives B.O.B. Brothers of Bushcraft Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 10 inches
  • Blade length – 4.5 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.5 inches
  • Blade Thickness – 0.1875 inches
  • Blade Style – Drop Point
  • Handle – Canvas Micarta
  • Price – under $200

ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife with Desert Brown Molded Polymer Sheath

And finally, rounding up this list of the Top 5 Survival Knives under 200 is the ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife. This is one of the best hunting knives I’ve ever used and the 11.75 inch long 1095 high carbon steel knife is a true pleasure to wield in the outdoors.

ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife

The blade takes up about 5.75 inches of the overall length and is a true survival knife thanks to its ability to perform multiple tasks from chopping to slicing to batoning. There are slight serrations on the top edge of the knife which works well for cutting purposes while the solid handle comes into play while doing chopping tasks.

I did not like the sheath a lot to be honest but it’s not bad overall. You might do well to buy a better sheath just for this knife. The best part about this and all other ESEE knives is the life time warranty and the fact that they’re Made in USA.

One point to note is that while the 1095 is an excellent blade material, it is prone to rusting if not cleaned and cared for properly. What I usually do is clean the blade with some rust preventive oil and this maximises the life of the tool. Don’t overthink on this one; for this price point (about $120), you really can’t go wrong!

Key Features of the ESEE 6P Black Fixed Blade Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 11.75 inches
  • Blade length – 5.75 inches
  • Handle Length – 6 inches
  • Blade Material – 1095 steel
  • Handle – Grey Micarta with Desert Tan Molded Polymer Sheath
  • Price – under $200

Best Survival Knife under $100 – Top 5 

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

First up on this mega list featuring top survival knives is the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife which is one of my choices for the best survival knife under $100. This is a ceramic coated, full tang knife with a 420HC drop point blade.

Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

As the name suggests, this is one of the strongest knives out there and with the rugged quality of Gerber, it performs extremely well too. This tool has been designed keeping military survival training in mind and the solid grip on the knife thanks to the diamond textured rubberised handle is a prime example of that. Another example of the same military design is the striking pommel mounted at the handle base which is reminiscent of the kind of tasks needed for a rescue operation.

With a blade length of 4.8 inches and an overall length of 9.8 inches, this knife weighs a total of 7.2 oz and comes equipped with a nylon webbed modular sheath. There are also detachable hoops in case you are carrying a belt and this built in the USA knife also features a snap in MOLLE sheath.

I found that the 420HC stainless steel lent a great edge to the knife and the spine of the blade is also ground to a very effective 90 degree angle which makes it great for combat and piercing tasks. Go ahead and buy this knife and you’ll fall in love with the Gerber quality!

Key Features of the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 9.8 inches
  • Blade length – 4.8 inches, drop point blade
  • Handle Length – 5 inches
  • Blade Material – 420 HC stainless steel
  • Comes with – MOLLE sheath, pommel
  • Price – Under $100 survival knife

Schrade SCHF1 Fixed Blade Knife

Not a lot of people would have heard about this knife or the brand but if you ask survival enthusiasts, this knife will tick a lot of their boxes in the right places. Made from SAE 1070 High Carbon Steel, this partially serrated drop point blade has an overall length of 12.7 inches with a blade length of 7.5 inches.

Schrade SCHF1 Fixed Blade Knife

It’s a rather heavy knife and not one of those cheap “Rambo” knives that are floating in the market these days. The handle uncorks to reveal a screwdriver set and you can replace that with a fire starter kit as well. The pommel is great for driving those tent stakes and the edge retention of the knife is also very good.

I’ve been using this handle knife for about a year now and so far, it’s held up pretty good. You obviously have to take care of things like rusting but overall for a less than $100 budget, this one will do the job.

Key Features of the Schrade SCHF1 Knife

  • Overall length of knife – 12.7 inches
  • Blade length – 7.5 inches, partially serrated, drop point blade
  • Handle Length – 5.2 inches
  • Blade Material – SAE 1070 High Carbon Steel
  • HRC – 57
  • Price – Under $100

KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman Fixed Blade Knife

#3 on my list of the top survival knives under $100 is the Ka-Bar BK-10 Becker Crewman knife and it’s popularity can be judged by the fact that it has received over 100 positive customer reviews on Amazon!

The BK10 is made from 1095 Cro Van steel and comes equipped with a zytel handle and a polymer sheath. The overall length of the knife is 10.875 inches while the blade length is about 5.5 inches. The BK10 is way lighter than the famous BK2 and that’s why it allows for much quicker cutting and slashing movements. If you’re looking for a great bushcraft cum survival knife, then this one should be your priority.

KA-BAR BK-10 Becker Crewman

It’s extremely sharp out of the box and my suggestion to you would be to be extra careful with it. Also, go for the micarta scales options and not the grivory scales option.

The pommel is also very strong and perfect for all hammering and smashing tasks be it rock or nut. Obviously, the BK10 is not a replacement for a machete so don’t expect the world from it when it comes to chopping related tasks. All said and done, it’s a great bushcraft knife to own for less than 100 dollars.

Key Features of the BK10 Becker Crewman

  • Overall length of knife – 10.875 inches
  • Blade length – 5.5 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.275 inches with Zytel handle
  • Blade Material – 1095 Cro Van Steel
  • HRC – 55-57
  • Price – Less than $100

SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N

With a 6 inch long, AUS 8 steel blade, the SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N sure packs a punch and is a great tactical cum survival knife to carry with you. A true heavy blade tool to use in the outdoors, the SE38-N has a great edge and good overall retention qualities.

SOG-Force-Fixed-Blade-SE38-N

Whether it’s battening or hacking or skinning, the knife delivers a positive experience on all parameters and is visually unbreakable thanks to the thick blade and full tang design along with SOG’s unique cryogenic heat treatment. The sheath comes quipped with a lanyard hole, lanyard and MOLLE attachment.

Another great plus is that it comes with a lifetime warranty against any manufacturing defect. All said and done, a great heavy duty knife to add to your portfolio.

Key Features of the SOG Force Fixed Blade SE38-N

  • Overall length of knife – 11.25 inches
  • Blade length – 6 inches
  • Handle Length – 5.25 inches, MOLLE compatible sheath
  • Blade Material – AUS 8 steel with cryogenic heat treatment
  • Price – Less than $100

Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife

Finishing my list of the best survival knife under $100 is the Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife. This 10.75 inches long knife has a blade length of 6 inches and a blade thickness of 0.19 inches and has a clipping style blade.

This is one of the best multi-purpose survival cum hunting knives in the market and is extensively used by Navy seals which is a testament to its durability under extreme weather conditions. It works great for all kinds of hacking, cutting, chopping and prying work thanks to the strong VG1 steel and is extremely sharp out of the box.

Cold Steel 38CKJ1 Hunting Fixed Blade Knife

The blade has a good angle grind which is truly appreciated once you’re doing some battening work. The 90 degree back grind is mainly while you’re using ferro rods. The only issue is that the sheath that comes along with this knife is not MOLLE compatible. Also, while the VG1 steel is more durable and harder than normal steel, this means that you need to spend some more time in sharpening it. However, at this price point, it’s a great value for money hunting knife and comes strongly recommended from my end.

Key Features of the Cold Steel 38CKJ1

  • Overall length of knife – 10.75 inches
  • Blade length – 6 inches
  • Handle Length – 4.75 inches, sheath is not MOLLE compatible
  • Blade Material – VG1 steel, highly durable
  • Price – Less than $100

Best Survival Knife under $50 – Top 5 

Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife

My #1 choice for the best survival knife under $50 is the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife which has an overall length of 9.1 inches and a blade length of 4.3 inches. This knife blade is not only tungsten coated to avoid corrosion but is also made from which carbon grade steel which makes it perfect for all your bushcraft & survival tasks.

Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife

The spine has been ground purposely so that you can easily use it along with a fire starter while it also has a scandi grind to prevent nay type of slip-offs. The handle can definitely be better and while the rubber grip does provide  good grip, it’s not really world class.

If you’re looking to perform some basic batoning or fire starting tasks or scraping tinder, then the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife is perfect for you. Obviously you can’t expect the world when buying a survival knife under $50, but for this price range, it’s real value for money.

Key Features of the Morakniv Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 9.1 inches
  • Blade length – 4.3 inches
  • Handle length – 4.8 inches
  • Material – high grade carbon steel, 90 degree grind
  • Handle – Black handle with over-molded rubber grip
  • Price – under $50

Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

One of my favourite survival tools is the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife which even at a price point of less than $50 is one of the best full tang knives available in the market.

This Made in the USA knife comes with the standard Buck Forever lifetime warranty and at an overall length of 7.75 inches is a beauty to look at thanks to the hardwood cocobolo handle and the brass pommel at the base.

Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife

The knife itself is made from 420HC steel and is a 4 inch long clip blade that is not only resistant to corrosion but also has a brilliant edge retention. It’s perfect for all your slicing and piercing work and thanks to the deep choil and integrated finger guard is a true hunter’s delight. I don’t have large hands so this feels just perfect and this blade is one of my first choices when it comes to cleaning game because it just keeps cutting. Beautiful knife with a great performance and highly, highly recommended.

Key Features of the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 7.75 inches
  • Blade length – 4 inches
  • Handle length – 3.75 inches
  • Material – 420HC steel, clip style blade, anti-corrosive
  • Handle – Hardwood cocobolo handle with brass pommel base
  • Price – under $50

Schrade SCHF9 Extreme Survival Full Tang Drop Point Fixed Blade

Another contender on this list of the top survivals knives under $50 is the Schrade SCHF9 which has over 1000 positive reviews on Amazon alone!

Schrade SCHF9

This is one long knife with a total length of 12.1 inches and a blade length of 6.4 inches. Made from 1095 Carbon steel, this drop point blade has been my steady companion for over 2 years now and has a great edge retention. This is a great blade to carry on your next camping trip and especially for those whose primary use for this is going to be batoning.

The sheath that comes along with this knife isn’t that great but the grip on the handle is pretty good. It’s a heavy knife with a weight of approximately 1 pound and is a good addition to any survival enthusiast’s bug out bag.

Key Features of the Schrade SCHF9 Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 12.1 inches
  • Blade length – 6.4 inches
  • Handle length – 5.7 inches
  • Material – 41095 Carbon steel, drop point blade
  • Weight – 1 pound
  • HRC – 56 to 58
  • Price – under $50

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Series Fixed Tanto Blade Tactical Knife

I had never used an MTech knife prior to this so was pleasantly surprised once I tested it out last month and the MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 did not disappoint at all. Made from 440HC stainless steel, this gold titanium coated tanto blade measures about 5.5 inches long and is an ideal tactical knife that you can carry in survival situations or camping expeditions.

MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054

The grip of the G10 handle is pretty good and does help during wet conditions and the knife also comes along with a black nylon sheath. There is also a lanyard hole at the end which allows you to attach an additional para cord.

There are serrations long the back and spine along with a blood grove which all aid during cutting, notching and chopping tasks. I particularly liked the finger guard which prevent accidental cutting of your own hand and the only complaint I have is that the nylon sheath could definitely be better. All in all, for around $30, this is a great tactical blade to own!

Key Features of the MTech USA Xtreme MX-8054 Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 11 inches
  • Blade length – 5.5 inches
  • Handle length – 5.5 inches, G10 handle with lanyard hole
  • Material – 440HC steel, gold titanium coated tanto blade
  • Sheath – nylon
  • Price – under $50

Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife

And finally completing my roundup of the best survival knife under $50 is the extremely popular Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife. Made from hard stainless steel, the handle comes wrapped with 60 inches of customisable paracord and is a true budget survival knife.

Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife

The overall knife length is 7.75 inches out of which the blade itself takes up about 3.25 inches and this lightweight knife also comes with a removable belt loop. I’ve found this knife to be indispensable on fishing trips and is particularly suited to cutting and cleaning fish. Obviously, it’s not in the range of it’s bigger cousins but at this price point, it sure packs a punch thanks to its sharp edge and low blade profile.

A great all round survival knife to own if you do regular campings and something that won’t hurt your pocket.

Key Features of the Gerber Bear Grylls Paracord Fixed Blade Knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 7.75 inches
  • Blade length – 3.25 inches
  • Handle length – 4.5 inches, comes with 60 inches of paracord
  • Material – hard stainless steel
  • Price – under $50

Top 5 Brands to Look for when Buying a Survival Knife (1000)

I’ve always been of the view that one should always look at the brand while buying a survival knife because that’s one of the key considerations and factors that should influence any buying decision. Because there are so many knife manufacturers in the market, it does get confusing as to what brand to pick.

That’s why I’ve picked my list of the Top 5 Survival Knife Brands that one can safely bet on along with a little history on the brand and why it’s included in this list.

Gerber

Gerber is one of the oldest knife brands in the market and started off as a small company in 1939 which manufactured cutlery sets. However, by 1960, they had branched out into producing a lot of survival gear and their main products were survival knives.

Even after 70 years, the company founded by Joseph Gerber continues to grow and is considered by many survival enthusiasts as one of the best brands in the industry. Right from knives such as “Magnum Hunter” to the more recent “Gerber Bear Grylls”, any knife from this company represents quality and value for money.

Over the last few years, Gerber has done a lot of advancements in production especially in the USA and hence, more and more American knives are now hitting the shelf with better quality steel blades such as the 154CM steel knives and S30V Gator premium knives.

Buck

Another American manufacturing company, Buck, is among the finest hunting and survival knife brands in the world at the moment. Starting off in San Diego, the company now has their head office in Idaho and has been owned by five generations of the Buck family so far. They’re credited with inventing the folding or half tang knife so much so that originally Buck knives were associated with folding knives!

Buck has produced a great many survival knives for us enthusiasts including the Model 110, 0102, 119BR, 65 Hood Punk and the 501 among many others. I’ve covered the 0102 Woodsman earlier in this article so you’ll know the kind of quality knives this company manufactures. You can definitely put your money into any knife owned by this brand and you’ll not be disappointed.

Cold Steel

Another one of my favourite survival and combat knife manufactures is Cold Steel and almost every survival and outdoor enthusiast is familiar with this name and the quality knives manufactured by this company.

Founded in 1980, the company produces some of the strongest survival blades I’ve ever used and has many innovations to its name. From Krayton handles to tango point style blades, Cold Steel truly manufactures some of the best survival knives in the market as of now.

If you want another proof of the company’s quality, then look no further than the American military and law enforcement agencies where a number of their blades are used in combat and rescue operations. Currently, the company also operates manufacturing plants in Taiwan and Japan – all the Cold Steel knives that use VG1 Stainless Steel are manufactured in Taiwan while the ones that are made from German 4116, 1055 carbon steel etc are manufactured in Japan. Like I said, you can trust Cold Steel knives with your life as they are true value for money and of extremely superior quality!

Ka Bar

Another great brand that I’ve always found producing quality survival tools is Ka Bar and of course, most of you would be familiar with their world famous Ka Bar Becker series of hunting knives, a few of which I’ve chronicled earlier as well.

Ka Bar was the first combat knife adopted by the USMC and the US Navy as their official service knives. When it comes to high quality hunting, combat and military knives, you can trust this name as be absolutely content with your purchase. Established in 1988, each knife undergoes a rigorous manufacturing and QC process before it is brought to the market and these processes include blanking, tang stamping, tempering & grinding, inspection and testing.

A prime example of its superior quality is the Ka Bar USMC knife!

ESEE

An finally, the last brand that I consider as one of the best survival knife manufactures is ESEE. Owned by a parent company called Randall’s Adventure & Training, ESEE is a privately held company operating out of Alabama and is one of the biggest names in the wilderness and outdoor gears industry.

I’ve owned a lot of ESEE knives through the years and some like the ESEE6 and the Junglas remain my favourite to this date. Almost all their survival gear is tested in the jungles of South America and other remote environments before hitting the market which ensures that they are coastal tweaked and worked upon to give you a true survival tool.

Established in 1997 and owned by Jeff Randall & Mike Perrin, ESEE knives carry some of the highest ratings on Amazon and are undoubtably, one of the first brands that you should consider while purchasing a survival knife.

Of course, don’t limit yourself to just these 5 brands listed above; there are a lot of other brands & knives that I have reviewed in this article that are just as good, if not better. However, the whole idea was to let you know you’re getting yourself a quality knife even if you decide to restrict yourself to just these 5 brands!

Closing Thoughts

So there you have it! My mammoth list of the best survival knife for the money is done and dusted and I sure hope you benefit from the detailed reviews listed above. The whole idea of this post has been to segregate survival knives based on budget and then filter out the Top 5 Knives for you to choose from.

Also, because there are so many knives in the market currently and new ones are introduced as well from time to time, I will definitely try and update this list of the top survival knives from time to time. If you feel there’s a particular blade or survival tool that I’ve missed out on and which should have been on this list, do give me a shout out via the contact form here and I will make sure I include your choice.

So fellow hunters and survivalists, do spread the word around for this post and share it as much as possible with all your friends and contacts. The more people get to read this, the better survival knife they will choose!

Best Bushcraft Backpack – My Top 3 Choices

When you are out in the wilderness, you need to be prepared. Modern humans are used to having all of the amenities of society close at hand, so it can be hard to adapt to the world of bushcraft. When you’re out in the wild far from civilisation, all you’ll have are your wits and the things you can carry on you. That’s why it’s important to find the best bushcraft backpack possible before you head out.

In this article, we will look at my 3 top choices for the best bushcraft backpack. Each of these backpacks has something to offer, but only one will be the best for your needs. Read on and think over just what each of these backpacks can do to help make your bushcraft experience the best that it can be.

1. Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack – Meat Hauler – Rifle, Bow, and Pistol Compatible and Hydration Compatible

The Badlands 2200 earns its top spot on our list of the best bushcraft backpack thanks to a high level of utility and a great design. When you’re equipped with one of these bad boys, you feel great, and you look great. This backpack is a fantastic choice if you like to hunt when you’re out in the bush. It’s specifically designed for use by hunters, with built-in compartments for all the hunting essentials. There is an integrated spotting scope pocket, a pistol older, and even a meat shelf so you can carry back the results of your hunt with ease and convenience.

Badlands 2200 Camouflage Hunting Backpack

This is a backpack built with high-grade materials and quality craftsmanship. For an exterior that’s both waterproof, silent, and durable Badlands uses KXO-32. This is stretched over a frame of T-6 aluminum. Everything works together to make a backpack that is strong, durable, and comfortable to wear. The Badlands 2200 comes in two different colors, Approach Camo and Realtree AP-Xtra. The back can also be switched from camo to orange for maximum safety.

The one real downside to this backpack is the cost. It’s the most expensive backpack on our list, especially if you want to go from the Realtree AP-Xtra. But the cost doesn’t just go to a fancy brand name; it’s clear that all the money goes into paying for the full range of features that Badlands have packed into every square inch of this backpack. It may seem a little expensive for beginners, but if you’re a seasoned bushcraft veteran, you know that a backpack like this is an investment.

2. OneTigris BUSHCRAFTER 50L 3 Day Pack MOLLE Tactical Military Assault Backpack Outdoor Sport Camping Hiking Trekking EDC Survival Rucksack

The Bushcrafter from OneTigris is a backpack for folks that want to carry as much as they can out into the bush. This backpack is designed to hold 50 liters, the most out of any on our list.

If you are just getting started in the world of bushcraft, then the Bushcrafter is a smart choice. It may not come with as many features as some other backpacks, but OneTigris passes the savings onto you. This backpack is highly affordable, offering a great ratio of storage liters per dollar without sacrificing quality.

OneTigris BUSHCRAFTER

This storage space is divided between the main pack, front pocket, middle pocket, and expansion pouch. The expansion pouch can be removed if it’s unnecessary. The main pack itself measures in at 20 inches tall, 15 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. It’s made of durable 100D nylon, so you can trust that it will take a beating and continue to do its job. The pack comes in black, camo, and ranger green so you can find a Bushcrafter that fits your look as well as your storage needs.

The Bushcrafter is designed for the explorer with uncomplicated needs. If you want a backpack with a lot of specialized compartments and advanced features, then you might want to look elsewhere. But that’s fine; it’s impossible for every backpack to be perfect for every job. The important thing is that the Bushcrafter does what it was designed to do and does it well.

3. BackSak Waterproof Backpack: 500D PVC

The BackSak from Såk Gear might be the last backpack on our list, but it’s far from least. This backpack is designed for wet environments, with a waterproof design to keep the contents of this backpack safe from the elements. It’s a decent size, weighing in at around 2.4 pounds and capable of carrying 35 liters. This storage space is divided into the main compartment and two smaller pockets that offer extra waterproofing.

Best Bushcraft Backpack - BackSak Waterproof Backpack

You might have noticed that the BackSak’s main draw is its waterproofing. It is guaranteed to be waterproof thanks to its design and materials. This backpack is designed to seal shut tight. When properly closed no water can make it through its defenses. The exterior of the bag is made using 500D PVC, and water washes off of it with no problem. Don’t settle for a backpack that soaks up water like a sponge and allows the contents within to be destroyed. With a BackSak you can take your smartphone and tablet out into the bush if you want. When the rain comes do, you can tuck your devices away and keep them safe and dry.

It also helps that the BackSak has a very nice look. The DigiCamo color is the most popular, it looks like a piece of military equipment and will help you blend into the environment. If you want to stand out, you can choose from blue, red, and yellow models that will help you avoid getting mistaken for a wild animal. Even if you do get the DigiCamo, you can still take it off without being too worried about losing it. The bag has reflective areas that make the bag, and you, easy to find even in low sunlight.

Conclusion – Best Bushcraft Backpack for the Money

Each of these different bags has something to offer. If you’re a hunter that wants to carry your weapon and supplies as easily as possible, then the Badlands 2200 is a smart bet. If you’re looking for a workhorse of a bag that can give you a lot of storage at a low price, then the Bushcrafter is a good pick for the title of the best bushcraft backpack

And if you are headed out into the elements the BackSak will keep your supplies nice and dry even when you’re soaking wet. To be successful out in the bush, you need to bring along the right supplies for the job. Find a backpack that is designed to handle the sort of situations you’re likely to face, and things will go much more smoothly in the end.

Best Field Dressing Knife – Top 3 & Detailed Review

My Top 3 Choices for the Best Field Dressing Knife – Introduction

When asked the question, what is the most important part of the hunt? Most people will likely respond with the actual killing or taking of game. An argument could be made however, that the most important part of the hunt is the step that immediately follows the taking of game. That step is field-dressing.

As a hunter all my life, I have come to know the importance of field dressing and how critical it is to the process of taking game from the field and putting it on your table. When it comes to field dressing, there is one tool a hunter or survivalist simply cannot do without and that tool is a great knife.

In this article I’m going to look at three of my top choices for a field dressing knife. The three knives selected were chosen for a combination of factors including, price, blade, grip and functionality.

Not only will these knives help you make quick work of downed game, they will also provide you with a solid and sturdy blade for a variety of other uses. I’m sure I don’t need to explain the importance of a having a good knife or two in a survival situation. For the purpose of this article, you can be confident than any of these knives will serve you well.

What To Look For:

Briefly, I’d like to mention a few things to look for when purchasing a field dressing knife.

First, a good knife needs to be quality-built and durable. Mainly, I’m looking for a knife that uses high quality and corrosion-resistant materials. Rust on a blade does us no good when cleaning game and it also destroys the structural integrity of the blade.

Secondly, a good knife should have an excellent grip. Field dressing an animal can get messy and it’s likely your knife will be covered with blood, hair and moisture from the process. A sure grip helps you to make better cuts and makes sure you do not cut yourself.

Lastly, I look for functionality in a knife. Most knives don’t have a lot of bells and whistles, however there are a few. Things like folding blades, a gut hook and a god sheath can all add considerable value to any particular blade.

Top 3 Field Dressing Knives for the Money:

1. Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife

First up, I’ve chosen the Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife. As the name suggests, this is a fixed blade knife and it comes with a sheath. Gerber has been in the knife-making business for a long time, and they know how to produce a quality product.

Best Field Dressing Knife - Gerber Moment Fixed Blade Knife

The Moment Knife delivers a simplistic design that flat out functions. For the simplicity, you will pay a lower price and at less than $30, this knife is a great value.

The Moment utilizes a full tang construction which simply means that the blade travels all the way through the handle. This puts one solid piece of metal in your hands and allows for greater feel and strength of blade.

The textured rubber handle provides excellent grip and the glass bead finished blade will take and hold an sharp edge through repeated use.

Again, the Moment knife from Gerber is a simple tool, but it is one that does its job and does it well.

2. Buck Knives 0863BRS Selkirk Survival Knife

Next up, I’ve chosen the Selkirk Survival Knife from Buck Knives. This knife is also manufactured by a company that has been in the business for a long time. The Selkirk serves as an excellent field-dressing knife with it’s drop point blade, but it doubles as an essential survival tool with the included ignitor and whistle.

Buck Knives 0863BRS Selkirk Survival Knife

A custom designed, injection molded nylon sheath secures your knife and allows for horizontal or vertical carry. Also included and attached to the sheath is a Ferrocerium striker for starting fires and a whistle integrated into the grip. A textured and contoured grip combined with a full tang construction ensures smooth handling and excellent feel with the Selkirk knife. Last but not least, the rear bolster, or butt-end of the knife has been flattened and strengthened to allow for use as an improvised hammer.

The added features and functionality of the Selkirk knife make this an excellent survival tool. You can rest-assured this knife will field dress game and in a pinch, it might even save your life.

3. Outdoor Edge FZB-20 Flip n’ Blaze Knife

Lastly, I have chosen the Flip n’ Blaze Knife brought to you by Outdoor Edge. Outdoor Edge is a company that has made a name for itself in the butchering and game processing industry. They have a reputation for designing unique and functional knives that do the job well and always come with a razor sharp edge, right out of the box.

Outdoor Edge FZB-20 Flip n' Blaze Knife

The Flip n’ Blaze knife delivers on Outdoor Edge’s promise and even comes with two separate blades. What makes this knife you unique is the folding two-blade system. The traditional drop-point blade is excellent for field dressing game, skinning and butchering. The secondary gutting blade allows you to use a separate blade for opening up the hide and gutting animals.

During the gutting process, the knife normally comes into contact with lots of fur which can be dulling to the blade. With the Flip n’ Blaze, after the animal has been opened, up you can switch to the standard blade in order to finish the job with a sharp edge.

Also, the Flip n’ Blaze combines a unique folding design to save you space in your hunting or survival pack. The reinforced and fully enclosed sheath protects your knife from the elements, while the air vent keeps it dry and rust-free.

If you’re looking for a solid and sturdy knife that you can take anywhere and do just about anything with, the Flip n’ Blaze will serve you well.

Best Bushcraft Knife for the Money

A Guide to Choosing the Best Bushcraft Knife

It is important to have the right knife, if not the perfect, which can be used in place of different tools in different situations. If you’re someone who loves the outdoors, then having a great bushcraft knife is a must for you and I’ll tell you the secret to owning the best bushcraft knife.

Bushcraft Knives differ from survival knives and pocket knives and are considered as primarily a wood cutting tool which can be used effectively for notches, feathering and creating points on wooden objects. A bushcraft tool is extremely sharp with a blade of 3 to 6 inches in length.

Bushcraft is also a popular term for wilderness skills; these skills include fire-craft, tracking, hunting, fishing and shelter building. The term came into existence when it was coined by Bush Tucker Man (Les Hiddins) in the Southern Hemisphere and Mors Kochanski in the Northern Hemisphere. The knife is used mostly in Anglo Saxon countries like the US, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. The right bushcraft knife is an essential tool for the bush crafter who loves the outdoors.

There isn’t a perfect bushcraft knife available as a lot depends on the right environment, conditions and likely tasks. For a beach scenario, often a stainless steel blade with a lower hardness is required while a hard carbon steel knife is used in dryer wooden areas by a camper.

There are hundreds of brands and manufacturers available for Bushcraft knives and thus, while choosing the best bushcraft knife, one may make some common mistakes which should be avoided.  The functionality, strengths and weakness of knife are dependent on material, design, features, fit and finish.

One important fact that I always share with my readers is that it is always better to avoid buying a folding bushcraft knife. Always choose a full tang bushcraft knife – where the knife steel runs through the full length of the knife. Also, many people think that the Rambo knife is the ultimate bushcraft knife as it looks attractive. But actually, this is an exception as these knives are cheap and low in quality and are of no use in real life outdoor survival situations.

The best way to truly understand your knife is to put the knife to the task and test it in the wild. For hunting purpose you should be able to track the animals and skin them for food. You can also use it for self defence purpose where you can rescue yourself when attacked by an animal.

Top Bushcraft Knives – Value for money

Below are top bushcraft knives which will help you make your best pick in regard to functionality and money.

1. Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Fixed Blade Knife

Morakniv bushcraft knives have achieved a cult status over time. The knife is made in Swedan and is known for its state of the art quality, impeccable resilience and an extremely sharp blade.

Despite its quality and performance, Morakniv are extremely light on the wallet. It has a 3.3mm thick high carbon made blade which is anti corrosive as it is treated with DLC anti corrosive black coating. To avoid further corrosion, you should clean and wipe the knife to make it dry, plus oil the blade after each use. The blade has a flat grind and sharp point.

best-bushcraft-knife-morakniv-bushcraft-carbon-fixed-blade-knife

The backside of the knife can be used as a fire starter. The knife comes with ergonomic handle with high friction rubber grip and there is jimping at the top of the handle to provide greater thumb control. The sheath comes with full loop and a belt clip while the contour of the grip is extremely pleasing which takes care of the condition that knife will involve some sweat. While working with fire steel or scrapping tinder, the knife is extremely useful as the spine of the blade has a very sharp 90 degree angle.

Key Features of knife:

  • Blade thickness – 3.2mm
  • Blade length – 4.3 inches
  • Total length – 9.1 inches
  • Net weight-  5.4 ounce

2. ESEE-6 Survival Knife

The ESEE-6 is generally used on a camping trip or while fishing. The knife cuts with precision and is used to cut freshly caught fish or any other animal during a hunting trip. It is known for its quality and performance as it is manufactured by Randell’s Adventure Training Company which specializes in making all purpose knives from outdoor to military to kitchen. The knives manufactured by the company are especially used by law enforcement, the military, backpackers and adventurers.

esee-6-survival-knife-review

The handle is made with a comfortable linen Micarta which can be removed or replaced, if needed. The handle provides maximum gripping power and doesn’t get slippery and a brown polymer sheath is also included which can be carried with convenience. There are lashing and cord storage holes and a drainage port at the end of knife which reduces water damage. Towards the end of the blade, there is a friction retention mechanism which gives it a good hold in the sheath.

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length of knife – 11.75 inches
  • Blade length – 1.56 inches
  • Overall Blade length – 6.50 inches
  • Made – 55-57 Rc 1095 carbon steel
  • Handle – Linen Micarta

The ESEE- 6 is a great and handy tool but you’ll have to do a few preparatory things and the flat grind takes a few passes to make the blade sharp. It has a beautiful design and comes with a lifetime warranty. ESEE knife edges are razor sharp so you have to be careful while using them. The ESEE 6 comes with a full flat grind and a drop point for piercing and general safety.

3. Cold Steel Survival Edge

The knife can be considered as an upgraded version of the old Japanese hunting knives. The Cold steel knife is razor sharp, light and is not a full tang blade in the traditional sense. However, it is not made to be used for batoning. The handle of the knife gives it a firm grip which is of great help while doing fine detail work and to be honest, it is a perfect tool to take with you while backpacking or hiking in the wood.

cold-steel-survival-edge-black-knife-review

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length – 9.25 inches
  • Weight – 3 ounces
  • Blade thickness- 2.5mm
  • Blade length – 5 inches
  • Made – German 4116 stainless steel
  • Handle material – Polypropylene with several rubber O rings

The handle of the knife is hollow with a waterproof cap at the end which allows you to use it for small storage purpose for survival aids. It is not a full tang knife and it comes with an ambidextrous secure-ex sheath and a ferro rod. The rubber ‘O’ rings give it a good grip even when the hand is wet. Since the knife is extremely light, you don’t feel a burden carrying it around; it even floats on water because of its weight.

4. Tom Brown Tracker 2

#4 on my list of the best bushcraft knife is the Tom Brown Tracker 2 is designed by the renowned Tom Brown Jr who is an expert survivalist and tracker. The knife is specifically designed to be an outdoor survival knife and is convenient to carry for camping, hiking, fishing or hunting purposes because of its smaller size. The Handle has multiple finger grooves and traction surfaces for easy and safe handling.

tom-brown-tracker-2

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall Length – 9.5 inch
  • Blade material – 0.25 inch thick 1095 high carbon steel
  • Blade Height – 2 inch
  • Blade length – 3.5 inch
  • Handle material – Black linen Micarta with Lanyard hole
  • Sheath – Kydex
  • Weight – 9.6 ounces

The knife can be used to cut through anything because of the durable high carbon steel. It is designed as a survival tool to chop, split, scrape, hammer, saw and do much more. The knife has been made famous by getting featured in movie “Hunted” as well as getting published on the cover page of BLADE magazine.

5. Spyderco Bushcraft G-10

The Spyderco bushcraft G10 knife is a threefold collaboration between Tactical bushcrafter Chris Claycome, a Bushcraft website called BushcraftUK.com and Spyderco designers. The knife has a typical 4 inch blade which is a specific characteristic of Bushcraft knives and the blade is Scandinavian and is made with O-1 tool steel.

Spyderco bushcraft G10

O-1’s high carbon content holds a long term edge and also gets sharpened easily. The black G- 10 handle is comfortable to hold and comes with a lanyard hole while there is also a black leather sheath as well that comes along with the knife. The knife is used to perform wilderness chores such as slicing, chopping, whittling and game processing.

Key Features of knife:

  • Overall length – 8.75 inch
  • Blade – 4 inch O-1 steel blade
  • Blade hole – 0.23 inch
  • Blade thickness- 0.14 mm
  • Weight – 7.75 ounce
  • Blade material – G 10