Bushcraft vs Survival Knife – Which one to carry in the Wild in 2023?
The bushcraft knife was designed for survival in the wild, yet it’s also perfect for camping and hunting. It’s made of high-quality materials and is built to withstand the harshest conditions. But it’s not meant to be used for self-defense purposes.
But what about survival knives? These are much more affordable and are great for both self-defense and everyday uses. So which one should you choose?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the difference between bushcraft knives and other survival knives and which is better for your bushcraft adventure.
? Bushcraft Knife vs Survival Knife – Key difference
The main difference between bushcraft and survival knives is that the bushcraft knife is relatively smaller in size i.e. around 3-5 inches in length. whereas the survival knife is usually bigger around 6-12 inches long that can also be used for the purpose of self-defense.
The major use of bushcraft knives includes performing delicate tasks like making traps and skinning small games. While the survival knife is better to do buttoning, chopping and digging.
✔️ Bushcraft vs Survival Knife – Similarity
You can consider the bushcraft knife the same as a survival knife in some cases. But not all bushcraft knives are survival knives. Both knives are very similar with full tang blades made up of carbon steel or stainless steel, with handles designed to be held for a long period.
Bushcraft knives are used for delicate tasks like starting a fire, skinning a small game, or making a tarp. On the other hand, survival knives are used for bigger tasks like chopping, batoning, or digging.
? Is the Bushcraft knife better than the Survival Knife?
Yes. There are several benefits to using a bushcraft knife rather than a survival knife. A bushcraft knife can be used for a variety of tasks such as cutting wood, making fires, skinning animals, and many other things. Bushcraft knives are much more versatile than survival knives.
Another benefit of bushcraft knives is that they are often much smaller than survival knives. This means that they are easier to carry around and take with you.
Survival knives, on the other hand, are usually more robust and have longer blades. They are usually used for chopping wood, skinning animals, and other tasks that require a large blade.
? Characteristics of Bushcraft Knife
You can say that bushcraft knives are the subset of survival knives used for the more delicate task performed in the wilderness. Some of the task performed by the Bushcraft includes making traps, skinning smaller games, or getting a fire started.
Not only this, but you can also use a bushcraft knife for root trimming, wood cravings, and cutting tree limbs. You can say that these knives are durable, trustable, and flexible to use for anything.
A few elements that are common in bushcraft knives which I have detailed listed below:
1. Dimensions of blade
The length of these bushcraft knives tends to be between 3-5 inches. You can say that these knives are tending to be very small and easy to keep and use for different purposes in the wild.
The thickness of this type of blade ranges from 1/6 to 1/8 inches.
2. Type of blade
The bushcraft knives have a tang blade, the most reliable blade in the market. A full-tang blade is single and runs through the entire length to the handle.
3. Material of the blade
Most of the knives used in the wilderness use stainless steel or carbon steel to make them last longer. If the blade is made up of Stainless steel, it will not rust easily and the reason for using carbon steel is to make it easier to sharpen.
4. Shape of the blade
The most common cross-sectional shape will affect the work of your knife. Mostly the bushcraft knives have Scandinavian or flat grind to make them easier to sharpen.
5. Construction of handle
The handle of bushcraft knives is made up of rubber, firm plastic, or wood. You can see the blade through the middle of the handle.
Check out this article where we have provided an in-depth review and guide to get the best bushcraft knives for your money.
? Characteristics of Survival Knives
Survival knives are bigger than bushcraft knives, used for buttoning, digging, skinning, and prying. These knives are specially designed to perform various tasks without bending, breaking, or becoming dull.
You can use the survival knives as a universal tool as they can be used to cover multiple tasks.
1. Dimension of blade
The survival knife is usually about 6-12 inches long, but it can be longer as per your choice, as it is typically 1/8 to ¼ inches thick.
2. Type of blade
The good and perfect survival knives have a full-tangle blade. A single metallic piece is quite enough to create one of the trustable knives.
3. Material of blade
The blade of survival knives is just made of a similar material to a bushcraft knife blade, which is carbon steel or stainless steel.
4. Sharpness of the blade
Sometimes survival knives’ blade has single-edge or semi-serrated edge. Serrated edge blades are said to be more suitable for wilderness.
5. Handle Material
The most common handle of survival knives is made up of metal, but sometimes it can be rubber, wood, or micarta.
Check out our detailed guide for the Best Survival Knives for outdoor adventure.
? Bushcraft Knife vs Survival Knife – Which is best?
In conclusion, bushcraft knives are generally considered to be the best type of knife for wilderness survival. They have been used by people throughout history for hunting, fishing, building shelters, and doing other activities in the wild.
They’re also lightweight, easy to use, versatile tool that can be carried in a pocket or backpack, and is perfect for outdoor activities.
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