I had a thought

I

Isaacherring

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Oct 27, 2015
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So today I was thinking and I realized that you really don't need a bushcraft knife, not that they aren't fun but I think I could do all bushcraft tasks comfortably with a 3 inch edc knife and a forest axe. What do you use a knife for?
•food prep
•woodcarving/feathersticks/whittling
•game cleaning (a 3 inch blade is ideal for small game and you can comfortably gut deer with a knife that size
•wood prep for fire, the axe would do that
•tool making but that falls under woodcarving
Any of those things can be easily done with a pocket knife, not that bushcraft knives aren't fun and it would be much harder to baton (although SUPPOSEDLY you can baton with ANY knife) but you could just split it with the axe. Don't get me wrong, all knives are fun, but do you agree that you could do it all with an axe and a pocketknife?
 
I believe the "Fathers of Modern Bushcraft"; Misters Nessmuk, Kephart, and E.H. Kreps (Mr. Kreps is not as well known as Nessmuk and Kephart) would agree with you.
Both Nessmuk and Kephart, in their writings talk of the "ideal" knives for use in the bush. Both preferred a fixed blade of 3.5 to 5 inches, with a bit of flex, for general camp use (food prep, processing fish and game , etc.) a stout folding knife, Nessmuk used a two blade Moose pattern, I do not recall off hand Mr. Kephart's choice.
Both favored an axe for firewood and shelter construction. Nessmuk a double bit, Kephart, a single bit.
Mr. Kreps, on the other-hand, in his writings has two or three chapters on the axe, yet does not even mention the knife. (In his book, 'WOODCRAFT' Mr. Kreps devotes the first three chapters to building a base cabin and the furniture for it, using the axe.) Kreps was a professional trapper and hunter.

Personally, I agree with you. A small fixed blade, a two or three blade slipjoint (or 4 blade camp/scout knife) and an axe are all you need. "The right tool for the job".

Of course these days, most outings are along established trails in parks and preserves, with established camping areas, (possible exceptions Alaska and portions of Canada) so the axe might be a bit of overkill - or banned outright.
 
Yes but I do my bushcraft and camping on private land so I get to use and axe😉. But while bushcraft knives sure are fun, I don't believe they are necessary, you really don't need a fixed blade at all IMHO
 
If you're going to take an ax (or chainsaw, or mobile home) you definitely don't need much of a knife. If the knife is intended to be a last ditch, potential do-all system or an ultralight solution, that where a particular knife design starts to make sense.

It isn't right or wrong, just how much stuff you want to carry. A SAK with saw can be incredibly efficient as a replacement for a sturdy fixed blade.
 
On a more serious note the "bushcraft" knife is made for more of a one tool option like the kabar bk 4. You've metioned several tools to do that which one bushcraft knife could do fine it's sort of a jack of all trades master of none kind of knife
 
Yes I understand that they do have place and are handy, I was just pointing out they aren't necessary if you have an axe
 
I don't think that there is one tool that can do it all, and some people like the feel and sense of strength that you get with a fixed blade.
And for that reason a Mora sized fixed blade is a great option ( weather or not a folder can suffice )
 
It's all opinions and everyone thinks their method is best, there is no right or wrong it's all preference and familiarity/experience with your particular equipment if you can get by with a jackknife and an axe that's great, if you want a 6 inch combat knife that's great too, to each his own, whatever works for you.
 
I myself think that My GEC #42 w/ELK & a small Buck Hatchet would be all I would need just about any place here in Tn. as far as I am concerned.!*
 
I like a large knife that can handle trail clearing as well.
An axe is less handy for that, and a small pocket-knife won't do it very well either.

It all depends on where you're camping/hiking.
On some trails, during some seasons, a keychain knife and a Bic lighter might be all you need.
 
I think back to the Nessmuck trio, those essential tools you need or are experienced with to get the job done. As stated before, nothing is really wrong if it works for you, your experience level, and where you do your outdoor activities. I can see where an ax would come in handy for wood, or a saw, with the smaller chores handled by a small fixed blade or pocket knife. The tools you need can be different for the needs of others. Myself, I am usually in the campground with a pop up or taking a car or truck to walk along on the trails of a park or area, so a SA and a small fixed blade work for me if needed, I pretty much use it for cutting open packages or help in cooking. I have a small hatchet in the trailer or truck, but I have not had to use it since my fire needs is done with pine cones, small branches and a lighter, and are are more fun like marshmallows and hot dogs.
 
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It all depends on where you live. The US has basically every type of bio region on the planet. Artic Tundra, to Everglades and Tropical Rainforests, and everything in between. Where I live (Sonoran Desert), a short, heavy Machete (like an ESEE Junglas, Condor Golok, or Parang Machete) works better than a hatchet or hawk (or thinner bladed Latin Machete as the seasonal shrubs out here will wreck a thin edge). But if I lived in the rolling hills of Appalachia, I would go for a nice hatchet. If I lived in Puerto Rico, I would opt for a Tramontina or a Cold Steel Latin Machete.
 
Why do we need reasons to buy cool knives?... LOL

I use 3 or 5 edged tools in my regular bushcraft rotation...I could get by with 1.... but I'm a knife guy.

First world problems..
 
I understand what you're saying, OP. But, if I know I'm going to be doing shelter-craft and/or fire-craft, then I want at least a 5-6" full-tang fixed blade in addition to the camp axe or hatchet. If I'm going without the axe/hatchet, then I want at least a 7-8" fixed blade, preferably bigger. I'm more experienced with large "survival" blades than I am with axes, and it makes me feel like I have more capabilities. As always, YMMV.
 
link2derek said:
I'm more experienced with large "survival" blades.
Click to expand...

Ya I get that, it really comes down to being familiar/experienced with whatever you prefer, and there isn't a right answer I was just considering what I would use a bushcraft knife for and I can do it all with a pocket knife and a hatchet/axe
 
All the talk about "need" is fine. You want to go into the wild with just a folder, g'head.

I prefer to have a larger knife as well. I usually am not looking for a challenge as opposed to peace of mind and making things a bit easier.
 
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