What's up with bushcraft craze?

[jackknife]

So how come my whittling knife won’t work for making feather-sticks?

Silly marketing aside, don’t get hung up on the knife. Bush crafting can be done with just about anything. Mors Kachanski, use to buy cheap folders for his high school and college students. Then he was making bushcrafting knives for them by cold cutting knives from salvaged industrial bandsaw blades ( no heat treat - he would just cut them out and put a crude wood handle on it and sharpen it).

Bushcrafting is a low hanging branch. Enjoy the activity, and don’t get hung up on the knife. Whatever you happen to have will work well enough.

n2s.

Amen!

 

[GIRLYmann]

The thing is that there really is no such thing as a bushcraft knife. It is just a general purpose woods use knife which can be just about any design including a tactical design....

You might try some punctuation and capital letters to begin sentences.

you're absolutely right of course.
imo, its just modern day "terminology":
not that the basics of knife usage has drastically changed from the moment
man first counted upon its usefulness
as a "survival tool" to beat the elements.
awfully sorry about the after effects of having consumed some rather strong "survival tonic" in keeping morale up...
this could take some time yet

 

[stabman]

The thousands of homeless might just need some "urban crafting" especially in the west coast states.

We have some homeless doing "urban crafting" in our city.
A few of us brought them some food, coffee and insulating materials a few days before Christmas.

These folks have a HUGE winterized shelter shelter going; 4 people living in it with room for more.
They had a full sized axe, a shovel, a carpet knife, and a few assorted other knives I saw laying around.

"Urban Crafting" (or "Urbancrafting") is definitely a thing.
I was taking a look around, noticing some "bushcraft" skills involved, along with a uniquely urban twist.

It takes skill to be somewhat comfortably homeless during the winter, sleeping outside and not getting injuries from the cold.
Not something I want to do, but I can see the effort involved.

 

[Smiling]

S Smiling the CS dropforge hunter has appealed to me for a while, but never really saw a need for it based on what I already have. This does make me think the CS Pendleton hunter would be a good choice for you as well, though it doesn't have the best point. I think there's always a tough balance with EDC knives and self-defense or hard use as small handles don't work well for hard use, in my opinion, but are better for carry. The Bradford guardian series and esee izula are very common EDC models, as examples.

What I often consider hard use is just something that puts a lot of pressure on the hand, like cutting wood and cardboard or similar situations that really let you know about the hotspots.

I have to agree. Handle of Drop Forged Hunter is large enough to give you a good grip, is also shaped that way and is just comfortable enough not to be uncomfortable.

But would I use it for larger work or prolonged time?
Well probably no, unless I do some work at wrapping the handle first. But if I happens to have no other choice - then yes.
I use this knife as EDC, so it sees ocassional use through the day. At some days I use it more, and at some I don't use it at all. The best thing about this knife is it's edge holding ability.
For big and heawy tasks, (mostly at home) I just use my Recon Tanto.
But handle lenght of Drop Forged Hunter is the same as one of Recon Tanto, and width is also there, only thickness is different but it doesn't mean too much to me because it makes it so easy to conceal.
So that combined with knife beind solid one piece, thick blade, strong tip and finger guard makes me confident in it even in case of needed self defense which is worst case scenario. I mean if you're already carrying a knife then why not carry a one you can use to defend yourself? If a person or animal wants you dead - your knife could make difference between life or death.

Other appealing thing about it is the fact that it just looks basic. Kinda resembles chef knife, which is a good thing. I'll rather have a knife that looks like chef knife than a knife which looks like Rambo knife.

I mean, I see it as a good general purpose knife. Jack of all trades, master of none as people would say.

 

[Henry Beige]

This discussion has caused me to take a closer look at the Drop Forged Hunter. It’s interesting, but I am not sure what it will do for me that the SCHF55 or the SCHF42 doesn’t already do.

 

[Smiling]

This discussion has caused me to take a closer look at the Drop Forged Hunter. It’s interesting, but I am not sure what it will do for me that the SCHF55 or the SCHF42 doesn’t already do.

I just looked into those 2 knives and they have lots of similar features with DFH.

From thickness to size and shape (though SCHF42 is a bit different because of the recurve). But yeah, those 2 knives also seem to be good for general use. So they do seem to be able to do same tasks.

Availability played important role in my decision process though. CS has their distributor here, and not only it's convenient to buy directly in the store, but you can also see the product before you buy it, also in case there is something wrong it's easier to return the product... lots of benefits.

 

[bikerector]

I have to agree. Handle of Drop Forged Hunter is large enough to give you a good grip, is also shaped that way and is just comfortable enough not to be uncomfortable.

But would I use it for larger work or prolonged time?
Well probably no, unless I do some work at wrapping the handle first. But if I happens to have no other choice - then yes.
I use this knife as EDC, so it sees ocassional use through the day. At some days I use it more, and at some I don't use it at all. The best thing about this knife is it's edge holding ability.
For big and heawy tasks, (mostly at home) I just use my Recon Tanto.
But handle lenght of Drop Forged Hunter is the same as one of Recon Tanto, and width is also there, only thickness is different but it doesn't mean too much to me because it makes it so easy to conceal.
So that combined with knife beind solid one piece, thick blade, strong tip and finger guard makes me confident in it even in case of needed self defense which is worst case scenario. I mean if you're already carrying a knife then why not carry a one you can use to defend yourself? If a person or animal wants you dead - your knife could make difference between life or death.

Other appealing thing about it is the fact that it just looks basic. Kinda resembles chef knife, which is a good thing. I'll rather have a knife that looks like chef knife than a knife which looks like Rambo knife.

I mean, I see it as a good general purpose knife. Jack of all trades, master of none as people would say.

Only to address the self-defense question, because it is illegal to carry a knife with the intent to do bodily harm in my state, and I'm largely ineffective with a knife. I also find larger guards annoying in most cases. I guess I'm not willing to let my desire to defend myself with a knife to limit my knife options. I'll use what I have but will go for something different 1st, like running. If at home, I have better tools for defense.

 

[BJE]

So, for people who aren't into bushcraft it's hard to find a decent review and not to mention other tests. I mean I found a youtuber who cut sythetic materials like thicker rubber and seatbelt and I was like "WOW, they exist".
I mean car seatbelt cutting test should be here more often for knives suitable for EDC.

Have you ever cut a seatbelt?
It’s incredibly easy with any sharp edge.

I cut them all the time to make lifting straps, a Victorinox classic keychain SAK breezes through one, as does a box cutter, or even a sharp spoon.

I don’t consider that a very good test medium when anything sharp will pass easily.

 

[Smiling]

Only to address the self-defense question, because it is illegal to carry a knife with the intent to do bodily harm in my state, and I'm largely ineffective with a knife. I also find larger guards annoying in most cases. I guess I'm not willing to let my desire to defend myself with a knife to limit my knife options. I'll use what I have but will go for something different 1st, like running. If at home, I have better tools for defense.

Well, I was twice i situation where I used my fists and legs in self defense and lucky for me it was enough.
Then I was once in a 3 vs 1 situation and I ran away, that was probably fastest run I had in my entire life. But I was lucky I was in place that allowed that option, and also lucky they didn't really even bother to get me, but just started to harass someone else instead.

Then a thought came to my mind, what if I won't be lucky next time?
I have a pepper spray and would use it as my primary option, but if it's windy outside or something else limits me there... I would likley reach for my knife instead.

I'm not Bruce Lee or Rambo, but I do have some training and experience.

But I also hope I will never be in situation where I need to use even pepper spray, yet alone to have to reach for my knife for that purpose.
Those situatons are seriously stressful, and for next few days you won't fully be yourself, you'll get stressed even by just remembering it... It fades away with some time but you'll lose some sleep and it will have impact on your work performance and personal relationships until you get yourself together.

 

[Kels73]

OP, I hear your frustration. Sometimes people develop tunnel vision. The individuals who made those comments probably have a strong interest in bushcraft. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. However, it sounds like they are so focused on bushcraft that they've lost sight of the fact that not every knife needs to be optimized for fire prep and wood carving.

I feel that it's important to judge knives according to their intended application. For example, if a knife is specifically designed for tactical usage, then it's reasonable to expect it to provide quick deployment and excellent grip. I think it's interesting when reviewers also consider the knife from an EDC, bushcraft, or hunting perspective, but I wouldn't deduct points because a tactical knife doesn't excel at wood carving.

 

[rxavage]

As a child and as a teenager, my bushcraft knife happened to be whatever one I had on me when I left home. I had a fixed, a couple slippies and a lockback. Usually had one of them in my pocket. Worked good for me no matter which one I was “caught” with. Its all about skill when in the bush. If you have the skill, a rock can work. No knife necessary (I know, blasphemy!), but convenient.

Your post reminds me of camping in the woods behind my parents house as a young teen. When I first started I had to process my firewood with a rock and make kindling with my s&w swat folder that was partially serrated. I’d gather deadfall, lay it on a big boulder and smash it apart with one I could man handle. A friend and I had to use this method until we finally found a cashier willing to sell us one of those ozark trail sets with an hatchet, machete, and knife.

 

[Smiling]

OP, I hear your frustration. Sometimes people develop tunnel vision. The individuals who made those comments probably have a strong interest in bushcraft. There's certainly nothing wrong with that. However, it sounds like they are so focused on bushcraft that they've lost sight of the fact that not every knife needs to be optimized for fire prep and wood carving.

I feel that it's important to judge knives according to their intended application. For example, if a knife is specifically designed for tactical usage, then it's reasonable to expect it to provide quick deployment and excellent grip. I think it's interesting when reviewers also consider the knife from an EDC, bushcraft, or hunting perspective, but I wouldn't deduct points because a tactical knife doesn't excel at wood carving.

I agree with you. In my humble opinion lots of knives can cover more than just one area of use and do it well. But to bash something for not performing well at tasks that it wasn't designed for is just wrong.

 

[jackknife]

Well, I was twice i situation where I used my fists and legs in self defense and lucky for me it was enough.
Then I was once in a 3 vs 1 situation and I ran away, that was probably fastest run I had in my entire life. But I was lucky I was in place that allowed that option, and also lucky they didn't really even bother to get me, but just started to harass someone else instead.

Then a thought came to my mind, what if I won't be lucky next time?
I have a pepper spray and would use it as my primary option, but if it's windy outside or something else limits me there... I would likley reach for my knife instead.

I'm not Bruce Lee or Rambo, but I do have some training and experience.

But I also hope I will never be in situation where I need to use even pepper spray, yet alone to have to reach for my knife for that purpose.
Those situatons are seriously stressful, and for next few days you won't fully be yourself, you'll get stressed even by just remembering it... It fades away with some time but you'll lose some sleep and it will have impact on your work performance and personal relationships until you get yourself together.

Smiling, I'm curious. Do you live in a state that always concealed carry of a firearm?

I'm always curious as to why people will carry a knife for self defense when there's way better options. I've always thought of my knife as a cutting tool, and if I need some protection, I'd carry a tool just for that. When I was on the Boy Scouts, we used our standard "Scout knives" for all ur camp crafts and what the modern folk would call bush craft today. The scout knives of the 1950's as made by Camillus, PAL, Imperial, Schrade, Kinfolks, Boker, were all the same pattern like a modern Vicorinox pioneer. They worked fine for the "bushcraft" woodsy stuff. Our scout master was an old retired Marine, and he taught us that our knife was a tool, and if we needed a weapon, use a blunt force impact tool. Stick, creasent wrench, whatever.

Now as a an old man, its easier to just carry a gun. My knife is for cutting

 

[A.L.]

This discussion reminds me that my favorite "bush blade" is still my mora companion. It has the perfect handle and blade for me. I made leather sheath for it long time ago to make it a little fancier and more nice to carry. I would love to update and try the kansbol though!

 

[Rasmus80]

I agree with you. In my humble opinion lots of knives can cover more than just one area of use and do it well. But to bash something for not performing well at tasks that it wasn't designed for is just wrong.

Which knives are you talking about here?
Which knives have you heard getting bashed, for not performing well bushcraft tasks?

 

[Smiling]

Smiling, I'm curious. Do you live in a state that always concealed carry of a firearm?

I'm always curious as to why people will carry a knife for self defense when there's way better options. I've always thought of my knife as a cutting tool, and if I need some protection, I'd carry a tool just for that. When I was on the Boy Scouts, we used our standard "Scout knives" for all ur camp crafts and what the modern folk would call bush craft today. The scout knives of the 1950's as made by Camillus, PAL, Imperial, Schrade, Kinfolks, Boker, were all the same pattern like a modern Vicorinox pioneer. They worked fine for the "bushcraft" woodsy stuff. Our scout master was an old retired Marine, and he taught us that our knife was a tool, and if we needed a weapon, use a blunt force impact tool. Stick, creasent wrench, whatever.

Now as a an old man, its easier to just carry a gun. My knife is for cutting

In my country you can't legally carry a gun if you aren't in police or millitary.

Fixed blade is the best thing I can legally carry except pepper spray. I carry both.

Primary use of my EDC are every day cutting tasks, but I want my EDC to be viable self defense option too in case that I ever need it.
Law is simple - you can legally carry a folding or fixed blade knife if it's concealed, and your behaviour with it isn't threathning to other people.
It is only illegal to carry it to night clubs, concerts and other gatherings of such nature (where I don't carry a knife anyways).
Only illegal knives are assisted opening ones, double edge blades (daggers), knives with knuckle duster handles and bayonets.

 

[Smiling]

Which knives are you talking about here?
Which knives have you heard getting bashed, for not performing well bushcraft tasks?

Mainly tanto styled blades.

 

[Rasmus80]

Mainly tanto styled blades.

Ok, then I guess you are looking at the wrong people, reviewing knives.
Also remember, that 99% percent (I don't have an R-value for this claim) of what is being uttered on YouTube is garbage.
So just disregard what is being said on YouTube, and read up on knives here.

 

[eveled]

S Smiling thats basically what I was asking in this thread a while back. About batoning. https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/general-knife-discussion.715/
Certainly nothing wrong with doing those things with the right knife. But it shouldn’t be the benchmark for knife quality.

 

[Kels73]

This discussion reminds me that my favorite "bush blade" is still my mora companion. It has the perfect handle and blade for me. I made leather sheath for it long time ago to make it a little fancier and more nice to carry. I would love to update and try the kansbol though!

Yes, the Kansbol is definitely worth a look. I love mine. I also recommend the Eldris. I just got one for Christmas, and I couldn't be happier.