Bushcraft blades?

B

brady.kevin07

Joined
Dec 7, 2011
Messages
369
So I have decided that I want to make some bushcraft knives and what I want to know is what do you like in a bushcraft knife? Like what steel, size, shape, grind, etc.

Thanks for your time and any input is appreciated
 
4.5 inch to 5 inch, 1/8th inch stock ( appx. I've seen thinner, not much, and thicker, up to .215-.220 )
O-1, A2, W2, 3V, 52100, a stainless like CPM 154 or Elmax for those so inclined
Drop point but not too wide. Enough to drill.

As comfortable a grip as possible ( see Spyderco Bushcraft for comfortable grip) Wood, G10 or Micarta
No sharp angles, top suitable for making sparks.

Comfortable, very secure sheath with pocket for stone or firestarter.

Joe
 
Mastiff has some solid suggestions.

You mentioned grind. It's hard to go wrong with a scandi grind for bushcraft, but it's best to keep the blade on the thin side with that grind. Full convex or full flat grind would also be good, and can tolerate a thicker spine. No sabre grinds with secondary edges, no hollow grinds. Keep edge angles to 30 degrees or less (probably 25 or less for a scandi).

There should not be a big guard, especially on the spine side of the blade. The handle width should taper quite thin towards the blade, for choking up and for chest lever gripping, then swelling to a reasonable thickness at the middle of the handle.
 
I'll turn this one around at you...

What do you find works best when you do bushcraft? :thumbup: Make that! That's how you make a great knife.

Then show us pictures!
 
Marcinek I don't bushcraft and thats the problem lol It's something i'm trying to start doing but between going to school full time and work I don't get much of chance to get out.
Thanks for the input Joe and Robs it's very helpful
 
Skookum bush tool
Fiddleback buschcrafter
BHK pro woodsman
Off the Map bushcrafter
Koyote great basin bushcraft
Laconico camp knife
Mora Companion MG
ML Kephart

Take a look at these and come up with something that has your own style to it. You're going to get so many different responses as to the best knife that you're going to end up with no real direction to take it in. Most are going to say carbon steel with a blade 3.5-5 inches but then you have weirdos like me using a 2.5 inch Izula or a SAK. :D
 
I've come to the conclusion that I want to try more bushcraft knives before I decide what I like. I think a hard decision would be either a saber grind or full flat grind for various strengths and weaknesses. then of course length and a comfortable handle that your hand wont slip off of (pulling or pushing). Some guys would probably want convex edges, but if you can make a less expensive blade that works. Yeah, the sheath too, kydex would be nice or offer accessorys. But I have got to not talk myself into another knife right now, lol.
 
I've decided to answer this question whenever it comes up with a new answer every time. Here is my answer for today, which is 4/20, so I'll take a carefree 60s starchild approach.

Blade: Stainless, carbon, tool steel, flint-knapped obsidian, whatever.
Handle material: cord, wood, micarta, duct tape, whatever.
Grind: whatever is sharp, I hear there are several options here.
Sheath: something that allows you to carry it without cutting stuff you don't intend to.

Personal preferences: pick or make something you can sharpen on a rock (or IS a rock) and broken pivot pins are, like, a drag. So avoid pivot pins unless you want one, then by all means don't avoid it.
 
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