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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A Detailed Review Analysis for the best hunting knives priced less than dollar 200
This article will help you to make definite decision on best hunting knife priced less than 200 dollars which will suit your needs. There are different kinds of hunting & outdoor knives available but getting into the little details will help you make the right choice. I have tried to summarise it in best possible manner taking into consideration the different needs of a hunter from a practical angle.
You will be rest assured regarding the benefits of knives as these are tried by hunting experts and the detailed reviews are there to help make your decision a little more easier. Also, wherever possible, I’ve tried to include an ongoing Amazon deal to get you some lucrative prices and offers.
I hope the below mentioned details will address the needs of both traditional and new age hunters. So without further ado, let’s move on to our list.
#1 on my list of the best hunting knife under $200 is the CDS-Survival MOVA-58 which is a make that you can trust even with so many competing options available around. It is a handmade knife made in Spain and is a cut above the rest.
This knife is made of stainless steel and cocobolo wood handle and is a popular choice among hunters and is one of the best survival knives available today. This knife has proven to be the most preferred one when you are camping or taking part in any military endeavours. It can cut through the hardest tree branch with its razor sharp edge.
The leather work on the sheath is gorgeous and outstanding. If you feel the need to start a fire, the knife has 90 degree blade spine which will lite up wood with a lot of spark with the help of ferro rod that comes along with the tool.
Advantages
– Perfect choice for cleaning and skinning game
– Blade sharpness retention is superb
– Blade can be easily sharpen
– Sheath is high quality leather made
– Finish of knife and sheath are outstanding
– Fire starter is great
Disadvantages
– Sharpening stone is a bit short
– The leather retention strap has a button tight closure
– Knife is handmade so you may get an imperfect blade but knife can be sent back in case this happens.
Key Specs and Features:
Blade Length – 5.70 inches
Overall length – 10.82 inches
Blade thickness – 0.20 inches
Handle – Cocobolo wood; comes with Genuine leather sheath/ Sharpener stone/ Firesteel
2. Buck Knives 401 Kalinga Fixed Blade Knife
The Kalinga is one of the best Buck models and that’s why it makes it to this list of the Top 10 hunting knives under 200 dollars. It has an ergonomic design with a large skinner blade and looks quite elegant and beautiful with a superb rosewood and brass guard handle.
It remains one of the top choice for hunters as a skinning tool or as a collectible because of its exclusive and elite design. The Buck standard blade material approaches the wear resistance of high carbon alloys and delivers the corrosion resistance of chromium stainless steel.
The knife is best suited for skinning game thanks to the blade design. The knife has narrow tip and wide curved belly which is used in getting through thick layers and gives a nice skinning sweep. You can’t make an accidental slice with the downward angled blunt point.
While buying a skinning knife it is important to note the key features i.e. size of the knife, the design of the blade, the type of grind the blade has and the type of steel from which the blade is constructed. You can make the choice by keeping these aspects into consideration.
Disadvantage:
– Trailing point design is more purpose specific than either drop points or clip points hence it may not appeal to the large majority of hunters.
Benchmade hunting knives are made after lot of research and that’s why the name has made its reputation in the marketplace over the years because of quality of its products. Benchmade products come with limited warranty period and lifetime service to ensure the sharpness of the blade.
The 15016 Canyon Hunter is a technologically advanced hunting knife built from advanced materials which are usually used in surgical equipments and spaceships. It is good in performance and is durable and saves a lot of space as it is compact in size. It fits in your hand perfectly and gives you a spectacular grip.
The blade has a modified clip-point made of CPM – S30V premium stainless steel while the handle is made of Dymonwood or G10.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade length – 2.67 inches
Blade material – S30V Premium stainless steel
Blade Hardness – 58-60 HRC
Sheath – Leather with Dymonwood / Kydex for G10 handle version
Blade style – Modified clip point
Lock mechanism – Fixed
Overall length – 6.32 inches
Weight – 3.41oz
Made in USA
Advantages:
– Blade sharpness
– Length of the handle and blade are perfect
– Can be used for wide variety of applications
– Material is of premium quality
– Finish is superb
– Overall quality
– It is one of the best knives for skinners with its compact design
Disadvantage:
– The knife might be a bit small for large people
– Sheath can be a problem
Overall, the knife is a premium one that offers both style and functionality for outdoorsmen and hunting activities. The handle design of the knife gives you more flexibility and convenience.
4. Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
Buck is an American manufacturer and the company has been credited in inventing the folding hunting knife. The company is known for its quality makes and for Buck, hunting is a tradition which comes with lifetime warranty. The Frontiersman is a classic knife with an overall sleek look and has a beautiful Micarta handle.
420HC steel is standard material used for making Buck knives as the material increases the wear resistance due to high carbon alloys while delivering corrosion resistance thanks to chromium stainless steel.
Advantages:
– It comes with an elite design, Black Mirata handle and genuine leather sheath
– It is durable and can be easily sharpened
– It can be used for various applications
– The blade can be used for heavy duty tasks because of its sharpness
– Comes with a lifetime Buck warranty
Disadvantages:
– Not an excellent one when it comes to chopping related task
– It has a slippery handle as the grip is not rubberised
Overall, the knife has a combination of superior corrosion resistance along with durability and strong wear resistance. It is a reliable hunting knife and can be used for diverse applications. With its ergonomic design and sharp blade, the knife is definitely value for money.
5. ISAK-Black Survival, Hunting, Tactical, SWAT, Commando Israeli Army
Well, we’re almost half way through this list that features the Top 10 hunting knives under 200 dollars and what we have here is one of the best military survival knives in the market.
The ISAK survival hunting knife is made by veterans of the Israeli Army Special Forces and is great for use in the working outdoors. It is the ultimate military knife and was primarily designed by the forces for the use of commando, SWAT teams and infantry units. The handle of the knife has a perfect grip as the surface is made rough by seemingly scratching it.
Advantages:
– Brand name – ISAK is state of the art army knives manufacturer
– Manufacturing is based on decades of experience which ensures the quality of the
– knife
Disadvantage:
– the Sheath might be a concern to some as it is made of plastic
Key Specs & Features:
– Overall length – 11.7 inches
– Blade length – 6.7 inches
– Blade thickness – 0.21 inches
– Blade type – plain edge, clip point
– Blade Finish – Titanium
– Blade material – stainless steel grade 440C
– Handle length – 5 inches
– Handle material – G10 fiberglass based laminate
– Sheath- Made of plastic black in colour
– Knife weight – 1 ounce
The ISAK Black survival knife is reasonably priced and almost all the people I know who have bought it, seem extremely happy with the performance so far.
6. Spyderco Nilakka G-10 Plain Edge Knife
The Spyderco Nilakka has been designed by Pekka Tuominen, who is an award winning Finnish knife-maker. He is a Finnish Ministry of Education certified “master bladesmith” who takes immense pride in personally crafting knife details and sheaths. The Nilakka is the result of translating traditional Finnish Puukko to a contemporary folding knife.
The Nilakka G-10 uses high quality materials and is tested for its durability and quality. The handle of knife is built on a framework of full length stainless steel liners which also provide structure for its Walker Liner Lock mechanism. The Stainless steel back spacer is used to join the liners which are then covered with machined G10 scales that create a cross section which is the hallmark of a traditional puukkoo design. There is also a deep pocket clip support on the right side which makes Nilakka a true pocket puukko that is convenient for you to carry.
The knife blade is made from CPM S30V stainless steel which features full flat ground bevels that flow smoothly into zero – ground cutting edge. It creates a unique Scandia grind which offers exceptional cutting performance along with superb edge geometry.
Advantage:
– The unique design of the knife which is suited for hunting purposes
Disadvantage:
– There might be a slight concern regarding durability which can be addressed by applying a secondary edge bevel and just grinding until the edge thickens enough to prevent damage.
Key Specs & Features:
– Overall length – 8.13 inches
– Closed length – 4.62 inches
– Blade Thickness – 0.177 inches
– Blade length – 3.51 inches
– Edge length – 3.34 inches
– Blade Material – CPM S30 V Stainless steel
– Weight – 5 ounce
– Walker liner lock mechanism
– Deep ride pocket clip
Overall, the Nilakka G 10 is a truly extraordinary outdoor knife that is a combination of function, design and age old Finnish tradition turned into a contemporary cutting knife that is priced at less than 200 dollars.
7. Cold Steel XL Recon 1 Tanto Point Plain Edge
#7 on my list of the best hunting knife under $200 is a tactical folding knife. The Cold steel Recon 1 series is known for its high performance folding knives that are hard to beat.
They are known for their strength and reliability since many years and is popular among US Military, Law enforcement personnel, Fire and Rescue crews who prefer and appreciate this hardworking dependable tool for any task.
The Recon series is available in 4 different blade lengths of 2, 3, 4 and 5.5 inches and every facet of their construction has been designed to make them as strong and durable as possible. The series has different sets of knives which can be used for different purpose as per your need.
Advantages:
– The Carpenter CTS alloy steel has very impressive edge holding abilities.
– The Blade has extra fine uniform grain structure which outperforms its other counterparts.
Key Specs & Features:
– XL Recon 1 TANTO Point plain edge
– Blade materials – U.S. made carpenter CTS XHP alloy steel with DLC coating
– Overall length – 31.1 cms approx
– Blade length – 14cms
– Blade thickness – 4mm
– Handle – 17.1 cm, G 10 grip
– Ambidextrous pocket/belt clip
– Weight – 263gm
The Recon 1 series continues to set the standard for tactical folding knives and these utility blades have earned a reputation of strength and reliability over a period of time. The knife is thin, light and has a razor like sharpness. It is also equipped with a world renowned tri-ad lock which makes it impervious to shock and keeps you safe. The XL Recon is a beastly cutting powerful knife which will surely not disappoint you with its performance.
8. Buck Knives 65 Hood Punk Fixed Blade Survival Knife
The Buck 65 Hood punk is an extremely light knife used for camping or adventure and within its own category, it is the lightest of all used for camping, survival and hiking. The knife is handy and is one of the best utility tools for any kind of outdoor adventure.
The blade of the knife is made with 5160 power coated steel which is significantly harder, more durable and tougher as compared to normal steel. However, the blade is vulnerable to rust in humid climatic conditions or if used in water. The blade has a classic tip design and is wide at belly area which makes it an ideal knife for slicing, whittling, preparing food and feathering.
The handle of the knife is hollow layered with Micarta scales. It has a shock mitigation system which allows effortless heavy use along with comfortable grip. The finger coil and thumb ramp gives a snug hold.
The sheath comes with a big external front pocket for the fire starter, sharpening stone and mini survival kit. Also, it is MOLLE compatible and sturdy made of nylon. Blade can be put in two ways – it can either be fastened around the leg or it can be used along with a Velcro system to affix it to the belt.
Advantages
– Very light
– Ultra sharp
– Excellent edge holding
– Durable
– Balanced weight
– Great grip
Disadvantage
– Price is little on higher side
Key Specs and Features:
– Dimensions- 2.8 x 2.2 x 13.2 inches
– 6.4 oz of weight
– Made in USA
– Overall length – 11 inch
– Blade length – 5.62 inch
– Blade coating – 5160 steel with powdery finish
– Lifetime warranty
Overall the knife is ultra light, high in quality and precision. It is also used as a multi function tool which can be used for different outdoor uses. The edge retention and toughness of blade makes it an unbeatable survival and hunting knife.
Making its’ way in at #9 on my list of the best hunting knife under 200 dollars is the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools AG01-L Agency Knife. SOG is known for its tradition of recreating and modernising historic designs and for this particular hunting blade, the original was made in secrecy by CIA operatives in the early days of the Vietnam war. It was designed keeping in mind clandestine and counters insurgency teams and is a true reproduction of the weapon which was used in that era.
The SOG agency knife comes with a sheath to protect the blade and a sharpening stone which is used to restore the sharpness of the blade when used over a period of time. The knife is light weight and is convenient to use and can be used to cut multiple things at home & the outdoors as the knife comes with a sharp edge. Apart from that, it can be used during camping trips to perform small tasks.
The knife is made of AUS – 8 steel with an attractive satin finish. The 7.5 inch straight edge, fixed blade comes with a clip point shape which can be sharpened easily and makes quick work of any task. The handle of the knife is ergonomically designed; it is brown in colour and is made of epoxy filled leather washers which give it a natural look.
Advantages
– Blade sharpness
– Great Design
– Overall high quality
– Certificate of limited run of 1000 pieces – a collector’s knife
Disadvantage
– Sheath might not appeal to some
Key Specs and features:
– Blade type – clip point which is used for wide range of applications
– Dimensions – 18 x 3 x 3 inches
– Overall length – 12.68 inches
– Blade thickness – 0.15 inches
– Weight – 9.6 ounces
– Blade length – 7.5 inch
– Handle Finish – Satin
SOG knives are created under the supervision of company founder and chief engineer and the knives are known for their innovation, dependability, unique futuristic design and uncompromising style. The SOG designs have been acknowledged awarded worldwide and that’s one of the reasons why these knives perform flawlessly in the toughest and most adverse conditions which have also won them favour among law enforcement, industrial consumers and military.
10. Benchmade Knife 15031-2 North Fork Folder Wood
The Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork hunting knife is a compact AXIS folding knife with a lock mechanism that is very secure and positive. It has a recurved blade to assist with processing duties and because the design is result of R&D lab tests and research projects, the knife is made with advanced technology material which is used in spaceships and surgical equipments.
The Benchmade 15031 North Fork is perfect for everyday carry because of its great size. It has a short blade which is more popular nowadays in comparison to traditional knives. and offers a lot of advantages especially when you are working blind inside a cavity.
The Handle is made from dymonwood material which is moisture resistant and it won’t swell. What I really liked about the design is that it has a nicely curved, hand fitting form with a deep finger cutout below the lock and a front flare which provides good grip and control and prevents hand slipping down to blade.
The Blade is made of full stainless steel to protect against wear & tear and has a drop point shape which is ideal for hunting. The cutting edge of the North fork is as long as it is possible to fit on blade. The edge of the blade is wide, almost flat grind and has a slight recurve before it arcs up to the point.
Advantages
– Blade material is one of the best in the industry
– Ease of use
– Blade sharpness
– Perfect for everyday carry
Disadvantage
– Blade thickness near the tip might disappoint some but that’s mainly because it’s a drop point blade which has greater strength
– the short length of blade thumb studs might not be preferred but this can be ignored as it does not hamper the knife performance in any way
It is extremely important to get yourself a good survival knife, as it can often be the difference between life and death in the wild outdoors. I’m pretty sure the above list will help you narrow down your search for the best hunting knife under the 200 dollar price range.
However, because of the various options available in the market, I might have missed out a few. If that’s the case, please do let me know and I’ll try and update this list from time to time.
If you are a hunting enthusiast, then the Buck 192BR Vanguard is the perfect hunting knife for you. It is usually difficult to find high quality hunting knives in the market these days but the Vanguard is an exception to this rule. Always remember that one should use a high quality hunting knife when it comes to outdoor activities like camping or hunting.
In order to have long lasting user experience, you should use knives with good quality. This knife is perfect right from the aesthetics to the functional sharpness and is great even for a beginner. However, intermediate and expert hunters will also find great use of it.
Buck 192BR Vanguard Quick Facts
Blade Length (in): 4.125 inches
Steel Type: 420HC Stainless Steel
Handle Material: Woodgrain and polished brass
Sharpness of the knife
For great experience, sharpness while using is extremely vital and cannot be ignored. To address any kind of cutting need of a hunter or camper, the Vanguard Fixed Blade knife is made extremely sharp. It is an all purpose knife for hunting because of its sharpness. It is made up of quality material which makes it versatile and contributes to its longevity from normal to heavy use and prevents it from wear and tear. The Owner would not regret buying and owing this amazing stainless steel knife with its 4.125 inches drop point blade.
Edge retention of knife
The Buck 192 BR Vanguard has superb edge retention and for a hunter to cut meat with this knife, it becomes extremely easy and simple because of the length of blade which gives a productive outcome. Because of the sturdiness in blade of the knife, it can be used to cut through the hard skin of any wild animal.
In comparison to other hunting knives this one does not dull so quickly. Irrespective of the usage, whether heavy or light, the edge of the knife retains its sharpness and will impress you with its results. The knife will become extremely addictive if one starts using it and I’m pretty sure, you will always remember to carry it along with you while hunting.
Buck 192 BR Vanguard sharpen ability
The Sharpness of of knife is a pivotal attribute for any hunter. A hunter’s preference is always towards a knife with good sharpness and longevity. It is simple and easy to sharpen the blade of this knife because of which it can be used for long.
Considering its sharpness and longevity, this knife is definitely value for money in comparison to dull knife which is of no use to a hunter. A smart hunter would not let go of this versatile and useful knife.
Durability of Tip
The Knife’s blade tip is made of stainless steel which enhances the performance of the knife and does the job in the best possible manner to give a satisfactory outcome. To add more to the Vanguard’s user convenience, the tip of knife is extremely sharp and strong for any hunter to use it.
Design of the knife
The knife is aesthetically designed so that it is comfortable to use. A User can hold it for long irrespective of the purpose of use as it has wood grain handles, finger guard and its end is polished in brass for better user experience.
The Design of the knife ensures safety of the user using the knife. Apart from its superb make, the overall look is extremely pleasing and sophisticated which makes any hunter proud to have it. In comparison to other similar knives, the Vanguard is preferred because of its functional experience and aesthetics.
Ease of Use of knife
Hunters possessing the Vanguard not only experience the functional benefit and aesthetics but also find it convenient to use. It is convenient to carry the knife comfortably because of its fitted brown leather sheath.
It comes with a knife box to ensure the storage and safety of knife when not in use. Regardless of its age, the Vanguard is easy to use and will help anyone to be a better hunter. If you are a savvy camper, then also it will enhance your experience and will make you rely on it.
All in all, it’s a great knife for hunting and for use in the outdoors.
My KA BAR BK-22 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife Review
The KA-BAR BK-22 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is the upgraded version of the BK-2 model fixed blade knife from KA-BAR. It comes with a polyester sheath that replaced the previous glass-reinforced nylon sheath and is made with 1095 Cro-Van Steel. It is a heavy-duty blade that is excellent for the weightier jobs that a knife can handle such as chopping, batoning, prying and hashing. It is also good for skinning wild game and field dressing. The knife is praised for its high-quality design and durability all for good reason.
You can definitely carry it with trust and confidence and here is why.
Key Specifications
The parts make the whole. And the BK-22 is made with some of the best parts around. Along with a considerable amount of craftsmanship that KA-BAR puts into their products you can tell that this blade was meant to last.
So let’s get into the specs:
The length of the whole knife is 10 ½ inches long
The weight is approximately 14.6 oz
It has a drop point blade that measures 5.25 inches long and ¼ of an inch thick, straight edge
The blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van Steel, flat ground
The blade is covered in black epoxy powder coating
The handle is full-tang and made of Grivory which is a glass-reinforced nylon Swiss material
It comes with a sheath and front pocket that is perfect for holding firestarters
The Blade
To start, we know that the BK-22 comes from a good home. KA-BAR has a tradition of quality blade making which can be seen in their world-renowned USMC Kabar fighting and utility knife. That blade has a remarkable history of its own, which would be another entire article to ramble on about. So even if these guys are short in some areas, they will deliver a razor sharp blade out of the box every time.
The BK-22 blade is basically one solid piece of steel as per the manufacturer’s production methods where the blade is popped out one full piece at a time. It is also made with 1095 Cro-Van Steel which is a popular choice in KA-BAR knife making. It is a plain carbon steel that you will find simple to sharpen and is an improvement of plain old 1095 as well as the original Sharon 170-06 that came from another company the Sharon Steel Company.
This type of blade is also described as flat ground which means that it is a type of annealed steel that has been grounded. It is also designed with a typical drop point blade for this model. Drop point blades are perfect for hunting, easy to control and have a strong hefty tip that delivers when needed. It is also strong enough to endure heavy jobs and won’t break on you. An all-around campanion for sure.
Next, we can mention the knife’s powder coating. Powder coating is common with all forms of metal and gives the product a hard finish along with a thicker shell. This just adds to our previous discussion on toughness and durability.
The Handle
The handle is another story. It has received a few poor marks because it doesn’t offer a whole lot of grip straight out of the box. This is mainly when wet though and feels pretty comfortable otherwise. It is also a full-tang design which lends to its ability to provide leverage with hefty, weighty jobs.
But if you are concerned about the grip issue it can be countered with a small piece of bike tubing over the handle or just by purchasing another grip or handle. The product is very customizable and easy to personal or add your own flare to it.
It is also made from Grivory material which is actually just a brand name for a Swiss-made plastic. The plastic is quite strong though and has been used by other companies to make plastic knives that are actually able to puncture well.
Other features of the handle include a wrist lanyard hole. Lanyard holes usually do not provide too much use outside of having easy access to the knife but some may find it a nice addition. Others just may prefer to attach the knife to something using the sheath such as a backpack or belt strap.
The Sheath
The last feature that will be expanded on here is the MOLLE compatible heavy-duty polyester sheath. The polyester here is important to note as the previous model came with a glass-reinforced nylon sheath. This old sheath caused some problems as it would dull out the blade. But the new polyester one however, rectifies this.
The BK-22 sheath is a great piece of construction and has received lots of rave reviews. From the compartments to the material and special features, everyone loves an awesome sheath. Especially for survivalists, sometimes a great sheath is half the buy.
This one comes with plenty things to help you feel secure. It has a plastic insert to keep the knife in place along with a front cargo pocket, snaps, Velcro straps, riveted leg lashing holes and a metal snap for extra security.
Price
The price of the BK-22 seems to range quite a bit depending on where you purchase it. The official KA-BAR company website offers it for around $120. You can also find it from third-party vendors for about $20-$40 less factoring in some discounts and promotions especially on Amazon. Many would consider it to be an affordable knife and sheath overall. Other blades can definitely run much higher so this is a good value knife for its construction and ability.
Testimonials
The general reviews of this product are pretty positive with it receiving 4.7 out of 5 stars. People are pleased with the fact it that it is well-made with 1095 Cro-Van Steel, has great handle to it and movement when it comes to chopping, skinning and the hard work of hunters and campers. They are also happy about the weight in some cases. Though some have stated that it would be hard to fight with or do finer tasks because of the weight. But it does provide confidence and zeal for harder jobs.
So to recap we can review some of the Pros and Cons of this tool and campanion:
Pros
The BK-22 is well-made and very impressive at first glance
It is perfect for hunters and can serve multiple purposes to campers
It has good edge retention
The Grivory handle is very comfortable and controllable
The sheath is polyester and comes with many attractive features
Cons
The knife is heavy which makes it difficult for some jobs
The handle gets slick and slippery when wet
Summary – KA BAR 22 BK2 Review
Overall the BK-22 from KA-BAR is a durable fixed-blade knife that should please any moderate spender that is into hunting, hiking, or camping. The few cons that it does have really don’t do much to deter prospective buyers. It is well-constructed with Cro-Van Steel in a full-tang drop point design that is perfect for skinning game. You can also play survivalist with all the sheath has to offer and should be well-quipped for whatever adventure you have ahead. Lastly, the cost won’t break the bank so it is a good buy and nice addition to any knife collection.
A detailed search for the best hunting knife under $100
If you’ve ever tried searching for a great hunting tool but are overwhelmed by the different types of knives in the market, then this post on finding the best hunting knife under 100 dollars is perfect for you. I’ve been in your situation before but after numerous years of hunting and survivalist experience, I’ve handpicked my list of the Top 10 hunting knives that cost less than $100.
Remember, each of these knives has been personally tested by me or a fellow hunting expert, so you’re definitely going to be getting the best bang for your buck. Some of these hunting tools are even below the $50 range thanks to the amazing deals that Amazon runs from time to time.
However, if you’re short of time and don’t want to take the trouble of going through the entire list, then simply go with my #1 choice for the best hunting knife as given below:
1. Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife
First up on my list of the best hunting knives under $100 is the Knife King “Emperor” Custom Damascus Handmade Hunting Knife. This razor sharp, rock solid hunting blade has a hardness of 58-60 on the HRC scale and has over 200 layers of damascus steel. The blade length is a good 8 inch while the handle is approximately 5.25 inches long.
The hilt and sub hilt design is great and the walnut grips are a pleasure to work with. The blade is real Damascus steel with a TUF Glide coating on top. The sheath that comes along with the knife is also of a great quality and one look at it will have you hooked to this hunting blade.
All in all, a great knife to choose for hunting especially if your budget is less than 100 dollars!
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 8 inch length, 0.3125 inch thickness, 15N25 & 1075 Damascus steel, 58-60 HRC
Handle: 5.25 inch length, comes with a sheath
Weight: 12 ounces
2. Buck Knives 0103 Skinner Fixed Blade Knife
I’ve been a long time admirer of the Buck Knife Company because they truly make some great hunting & survival knives and the 0103 Skinner is definitely top on that list. Made from 420 HC steel, the 0103 Skinner is 4 inch long skinning blade with a black phenolic handle and comes with a pommel guard. Another great selling point about this knife is that it is Made in the USA so it’s a great way to support your country.
I’ve skinned multiple pigs using the 103 and have rarely had to touch up the knife post skinning which just goes to show you how great this is performance wise. It’s a must have in your hunting kit and at a price point of less than $50, this one is great value for money.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4 inch length, 0.120 inch thickness, 420 HC steel with narrow tip, Made in USA
Handle: 4.25 inch length, black phenolic handle with pommel
Weight: 4.3 ounces
3. KA-BAR Fighting/Utility Serrated Edge Knife
3rd up on this list of the Top 10 Hunting Knives under 100 dollars is the KA-BAR Fighting Utility Serrated Edge Knife. I’ve been using this 7 inch long 1095 Cro Van steel blade for quite a few years at various hunting expeditions and it has never let me down.
It comes with a Kydex sheath and locks securely into it. Mine didn’t come out fully sharp out of the box so I did have to sharpen it just a bit but that’s not a big deal. Some people did tell me that the grip becomes slippery during wet conditions but I’ve never really faced any issue so far – in fact, I quite like the grip!
It comes with serrations which give it extra utility especially while creating wood shavings for campfires. All in all, it’s a great hunting tool to own and at under $60, it’s a no brainer really.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 7 inch length, 20 degrees edge angle, 1095 Cro Van steel fixed blade, HRC 56-58
Handle: 4.125 inch length, Kraton handle with sheath
Weight: 11.2 ounces
4. Buck 192BR Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife
Another Buck on this list; this time it’s the 192BR Vanguard Fixed Blade Knife. This 4.125 inch long Drop point blade has one of the best edge retentions I’ve ever seen in a hunting blade and thanks to the 420HC steel, the strength of the knife is also excellent.
If you’re an outdoor hunting enthusiast or a big game hunter, then this blade is perfect for you. The handle is walnut coloured and contoured with a polished brass butt that is a boon when it comes to field dressing. It also is a Made in USA knife covered under the Buck Lifetime Warranty.
The 192BR Vanguard is perfect for all your outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hiking and hunting and is also priced extremely reasonably at less than $100.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4.125 inch length, 420 HC steel fixed blade, Made in USA knife
Handle: 4.125 inch length, Walnut contoured with brass butt and leather sheath
Weight: 6.3 ounces
5. Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife
Another one of my old favourites makes it to this list of the best hunting blades under 100 dollars and this time it’s the Kershaw Ken Onion Blur Folding Knife. This is one of the rare times that I endorse a folding knife but the Ken Onion with its Speed Safe option and Sandvik 14C28N steel blade is truly a hunting enthusiast’s delight.
You have the option of going with either a smooth or serrated blade and either ways, the 3.375 inch blade is ideal for extreme outdoor situations. The anodized light weight aluminium handle has a good grip that won’t give way even under slippery conditions.
For $55, this tactical knife is a great steal considering the amazing build quality and fast assisted opening. The perfect folding knife for all your hunting and tactical activities.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 3.375 inch length, Sandvik 14C28N steel blade, DLC black coating
We’re halfway down this list of the best hunting knife under $100 and there’s another Buck on this list (third and final one). This time it’s the Buck Knives 0102 Woodsman Fixed Blade Knife and at less than $40, you’ll be hard pressed to find a cheaper high quality knife.
The 4 inch long blade is made from 420 HC steel and offers excellent edge retention, which is a quality shared by most Buck blades. This is a full tang knife that has a finger guard integrated into the handle and features an aluminium pommel. It’s great for field dressing deer and the shape of the knife really helps in that aspect.
It comes with a leather sheath that has a plastic liner so you don’t need to worry about it getting all wet during rains. I’ve even used it for gutting chicken and rabbits and it performed remarkably well even with smaller game. One of my most trusted hunting tools ever!
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4 inch length, 420 HC steel blade, Made in USA, Buck Forever Warranty
Handle: 3.75 inch length, black phenolic handle, genuine leather sheath
Weight: 2.8 ounces
7. Puma Coyote Stag Handle Blade Hunting Knife
In at #7 on this list of the Top 10 Hunting Knives under $100 is the Puma Coyote – an 8 inch long knife with a blade length of 3.8 inches. The first and most impressive thing that you’ll notice about this knife is the stunningly beautiful Stag handle that feature brass finger guards and brass lined lanyard holes.
Made from 440A German manufactured steel, this blade has been an old hunting favourite of mine that I’ve used for skinning and field dressing. It’s a great drop point blade to own with a great edge and you’ll surely consider this as one of the best fleshing knives in the market once you get down to skinning whitetail deer capes.
It comes with a leather sheath, which honestly isn’t one of the best but is good enough to use and is durable. All in all, a great hunting tool to buy when your budget is in the range of $75-$100
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 3.8 inch length, 440A German steel with stag scales, HRC 55-57
Handle: 4.2 inch long handle, leather sheath, handmade
Weight: 4.3 ounces
8. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife
One of the most famous hunting and survival knives in the world, thanks to the legendary Bear Grylls, this knife had to make it on this list. This is a full tang knife made from 9CR19MoV premium steel and has an overall length of 10 inches with the blade measuring 4.8 inches.
It comes with a fire starter mounted within the sheath so it’s a great boon for all those who intend on camping out in the wild. There’s also an emergency lanyard whistle which thankfully, I’ve never had to use but is definitely comforting to have around. Gerber is an extremely reputed knife manufacturer and they’ve combined their world class manufacturing skills with the legendary survival skill of Bear Grylls to create this masterpiece.
The knife really feels solid and balanced in my hands. The original survival knife had a 3/4 tang design but this new one is a full tang construction and it’s a good upgrade on the tang and pommel. However, it is not MOLLE compatible which is a bit of a turn off to me but the ferrocerium fire starter sure makes up for this.
Priced at just under $100, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro is a blade worth buying!
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4.8 inch length, 9CR19MoV premium steel, drop point blade, great for filleting
Handle: 5.2 inch length, no serrations, full tang, comes with a ferrocerium fire starter
Weight: 13.7 ounces
9. Puma Elk Hunter Stag Handle Hunting Knife
We’re almost to the end of this list and making its way in at #9 is the Puma Elk Hunter Stag Handle Hunting Knife. This 440A German manufactured SGB fixed blade tool is 4.2 inches long with stag handles that are similar to the Puma Coyote that I covered earlier.
The hardness is about 55-57 on the Rockwell scale and the overall knife length is 8.5 inches. It comes with a leather sheath that is beautiful to look at and does the job admirably well. There’s also a lifetime warranty but it’s only for the original owner that’s why I recommend that you buy a new one on Amazon where it’s available for a discounted price of less than $100.
The blade is ground to a fine edge but is quite thick and you’ll appreciate that once you’re driving this through the rib cage of a deer or a similar animal. All in all, a great knife that adheres to high quality German manufacturing.
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4.2 inch length, 440A German steel, 55-57 HRC
Handle: 4.3 inch length, full tang, leather sheath with stag handles
Weight: 6.7 ounces
10. Gerber Gator Premium Fixed Blade Knife
Finally, we’ve reached the end of this list that aims to help you choose the best hunting knife under $100 and at #10 is another old favourite of mine – the Gerber Gator, which is one of the most famous survival knives in the world.
This premium blade is made from S30V steel and has excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It’s an original Made in the USA hunting tool that comes with a high rubberized grip for all those wet conditions. The sheath is a nice black leather one and is again made in the USA.
It’s extremely sharp and I found that out first hand while using it on two large hogs. There’s also a bolster that helps protect your hand from sliding up on the knife and accidentally cutting yourself.
For less than 100 dollars, this knife is a dream come true for anyone who is serious about hunting game like deer, elk or hogs. Highly recommended from me personally!
Key Specs & Features:
Blade: 4 inch length, S30V steel, drop point blade, 0.75 inch thickness at the spine
Handle: 4.8 inch length, full tang, Gator Grip, US made leather sheath
Weight: 6.9 ounces
More Hunting Knives Under $100?
Well, I’m pretty confident by now that you would have made up your mind with regards to choosing the best hunting knife under 100 dollars after going through my exhaustive list. I also do understand that there might have been a great knife that I might have omitted or missed so if that’s the case, please drop me a note and I’ll try and have this list updated.
Till then, here are some great videos that feature some of the above hunting tools and which I think you will find useful
