1st bushcraft knife

[japandy]

Hello Im new here. ive been reading up on what makes a good bushcraft knife.
I do mostly light weight hiking. So Im really hoping to find a knife that can perform great at bushcraft task in mind. I would like to carry only my small travel kitchen knife, small muti-tool, and a working knife. I know there's no do it all knife.
So Im thinking something in the middle. Ive been looking at the aurora, and the northstar. I ordered a becker necker for international travel, camp task, general use, light weight.
seems most people agree at least 4in for a bushcraft knife and a spear point. I was thinking 4 &1/2 would be good instead of getting a larger heavier duty knife.
The only thing thats keeping me from buying the aurora is the larger handle. My palm is 4in wide. and I havent found a lot of info on people with smaller hands liking or disliking the handle.
Im also open to other knife brands, and other bark rivers.
any experience, or opinions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[DocGP]

I love Bark River knives and wouldn't hesitate to get anything from them. I think the Gunny would be my pick for a smaller do everything knife. I also like these two from Blind Horse Knives;

Bushcrafter

Baby Bushcrafter

They are also making more Boat Tail Scandi's that would fill the bill nicely.

Doc

 

[fnc]

I was thinking 4 &1/2 would be good instead of getting a larger heavier duty knife.
The only thing thats keeping me from buying the aurora is the larger handle.
My palm is 4in wide. and I havent found a lot of info on people with smaller hands liking or disliking the handle.

I am not sure I understand this. Are you saying: "I have big hands and I am concerned
that some small bushcraft knives have handles that are too small, for me."

For small handles (or any handle):
I prefer a lanyard hole in the handle and a very rounded pommel area. You can use a
lanyard to brace your hand against the handle. I have seen threads with pics of this.

I hope some guys will post on hands vs handle size. Good luck.

 

[HaroldB]

I have med/small man-hands and have been using the Aurora since last Spring. It's handle is perfect, certainly not too big at all.

The handle material on mine is linen micarta.

 

[Diomedes Industries]

Have you checked out the Full Tang Kephart from Bark River? It is worth a look for sure.

TF

 

[vrocco1]

Koster Bushcraft 3V - my favorite bushcrafter

 

[sadiejane]

good morning-i'm fairly new on this subforum but really having a good time and learning lots. notice that mostly "production" knives are listed as recommendations. and of course there are some great american companies making these knives. but there are also lots of great knifemakers who make very tough, functional knives handmade right here in the good ole usa too. this guy is one of my favorites. tho i also "collect' some knives, this guys knives are made to be used, very affordable and lovely to boot.
http://mlknives.com/huntingbowiescamp2.htm
i have a cupla his knives and use them! they are not safe queens

 

[japandy]

Sorry I meant my plam is 4 in and was looking for a blade 4&1/2 in length.
I've looked at busse,ML,BHK,helle,dozier,falkniven,and many more. Price is becoming a big issue for me. the more I research the higher I find knifes get. $100 was the most I was going to pay but Ive got the bug, $200 and im maxed out. I havent had the chance to feel the difference between a convex and sandi grind. Seems from reaserch sandi is the more traditional grind bushcrafters prefer.
I didnt realize the BRK canadian special qualified as a bushcraft knife. I love the shape. Its in my number one spot right now. aurora 2nd.
I know I'll want more, but I'm on a budget. So I'll have to make the 1st one last for a while, until I cant resist the urge. great info from everyone much appreciated.
And do most people agree that 4in blade is enough for general bushcraft use?
Is the aurora's longer blade to help rebalance the longer handle, or maybe its the other way around.?
Sorry Ive always carried folders. fixed blades are new to me. but I feel like I'm seeing the light. at least Im seeing I can push a fixed blade much farther in the woods( in general ). thanks for the help.

 

[HaroldB]

Not to "tempt" you, but .... just sayin'

 

[Frostyfingers]

I didnt realize the BRK canadian special qualified as a bushcraft knife. I love the shape.

A "bushcraft knife" is really anything you want it to be! As long as it performs the tasks you want it to perform, that's what counts. What tasks were you looking to perform, exactly?

I know I'll want more, but I'm on a budget...

A simple mora is considered by many (myself included) to be one of the best bushcraft knives out there, and they're CHEAP! Get three of them! Good luck!

Frosty