Best Bushcraft/Survival knife for 80$?

J

JakeMakes

Joined
Mar 8, 2016
Messages
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Hey guys, I am new here and this is my first thread. (Hope I did it right) I am 15, and don't own any really high end knives, 'cause my budget can't handle it. ;) Anyway, I looking to get a good, tough fixed blade bushcraft/survival knife, and 80 bucks is the most I will spend. (and yes, I own a Mora) I'm thinking something more on the small side, because I usually carry a machete or hatchet for the larger work. A blade length of 4-6 inches.

I have done some research, so I know the options: Condor bushcraft, Esee, bk2, Sog seal pup, cold steel srk, Ontario rat, five Mora's :D , etc. I just need some help getting sold on a particular one. So, what do you think? Which one is the best? Any other suggestions?
 
First off, for less than half your budget, the Condor Bushlore is one of my favorites. I just had my Bushlore out in the woods with me yesterday as a matter of fact.
I notice you mentioned the Kabar/Becker BK2. A great knife, but totally overkill for 99% of the tasks you'd need a knife to do. Much more handy on a day to day basis and for the chores you'll most likely do and do the most of, is the BK16. i have one and absolutely love that knife.
 
To tell the truth, the bk2 would be one of my last choices. It's just to big and heavy for the stuff I would do with it.
 
You can find these for around $80 online
DSC00826.jpg.html

MASTER HUNTER
Specifications:
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Overall Length: 9 1/4"
Steel: VG-1 San Mai III®
Weight: 6.4 oz
Blade Thickness: 3/16"
Handle: 4 3/4" Long Kray-Ex™
Secure-Ex™ Sheath

Modesty seldom comes into play when we are describing how good our knives are. But in the case of the Master Hunter®, we've been unquestionably negligent in that department. So, modesty aside, we want to go on record and say, without a doubt, the Master Hunter® is the best hunting knife you can obtain at any price. It features a broad VG-1 San Mai III® blade that's been flat ground to achieve the ideal blade cross-section and edge geometry. Carefully honed to razor sharpness, its edge cuts effortlessly while its dropped point simplifies the chore of field dressing and skinning.
The spine of the blade is a full 3/16" thick to allow for the necessary strength and stiffness to field dress and skin the biggest animals like elk, moose, brown bear, and the African Dangerous Seven. The grip is specially designed to promote long use without fatigue. Made of the shock absorbent, slightly tacky feeling Kray-Ex™, and featuring our deeply checkered surface, it positively won't slip no matter how wet or bloody your hands get. Plus, Kray-Ex™ has specially enduring advantages in that it will never rot, shrink, crack, splinter, or mildew, and is completely impervious to even the harshest weather. For safety, the Master Hunter® comes in a thick, heavy Conceal-Ex™ sheath that will accommodate just about any size belt and allow you to carry it all day without fatigue.
 
2nd the BK16. Great knife and a good size. Personally, I love the BK15. If you're carrying a hatchet and/or machete, the 15 might be a good fit.

You might also be able to find a Falkniven F1. Amazing little knife w/ a 4 inch blade.
 
hermit dave said:
You can find these for around $80 online
DSC00826.jpg.html

MASTER HUNTER
Specifications:
Blade Length: 4 1/2"
Overall Length: 9 1/4"
Steel: VG-1 San Mai III®
Weight: 6.4 oz
Blade Thickness: 3/16"
Handle: 4 3/4" Long Kray-Ex™
Secure-Ex™ Sheath

Modesty seldom comes into play when we are describing how good our knives are. But in the case of the Master Hunter®, we've been unquestionably negligent in that department. So, modesty aside, we want to go on record and say, without a doubt, the Master Hunter® is the best hunting knife you can obtain at any price. It features a broad VG-1 San Mai III® blade that's been flat ground to achieve the ideal blade cross-section and edge geometry. Carefully honed to razor sharpness, its edge cuts effortlessly while its dropped point simplifies the chore of field dressing and skinning.
The spine of the blade is a full 3/16" thick to allow for the necessary strength and stiffness to field dress and skin the biggest animals like elk, moose, brown bear, and the African Dangerous Seven. The grip is specially designed to promote long use without fatigue. Made of the shock absorbent, slightly tacky feeling Kray-Ex™, and featuring our deeply checkered surface, it positively won't slip no matter how wet or bloody your hands get. Plus, Kray-Ex™ has specially enduring advantages in that it will never rot, shrink, crack, splinter, or mildew, and is completely impervious to even the harshest weather. For safety, the Master Hunter® comes in a thick, heavy Conceal-Ex™ sheath that will accommodate just about any size belt and allow you to carry it all day without fatigue.
Click to expand...

What is the difference between the hunter and the srk? I've heard a lot about the srk, not much about the hunter.
 
JakeMakes said:
To tell the truth, the bk2 would be one of my last choices. It's just to big and heavy for the stuff I would do with it.
Click to expand...

And what would you do with it? "Bushcraft/survival" is pretty meaningless...it means different things to different people.

So if you tell us what it means to you (if you know), then we can help you.
 
Honestly, something Scandinavian.

For a more modern, American take on such a knife at a great price, buy an Enzo Trapper kit in your choice of steel. You save by finishing the handles yourself, the sheath and blade are ready to go. Otherwise, Helle, Ahti, Marttiinni, etc.
 
marcinek said:
And what would you do with it? "Bushcraft/survival" is pretty meaningless...it means different things to different people.

So if you tell us what it means to you (if you know), then we can help you.
Click to expand...

Bushcraft/survival was meant to classify the type of knife I am looking for. I would use it for basic bushcraft skills, some light batoning/splitting, feather sticks, etc. For chopping down small trees I bring a machete.
 
Get a Condor Bushlore with Micarta scales.
Has a pretty good leather sheath, costs less than your budget, and meets your criteria pretty much exactly. :)

I like it better than the Condor Bushcraft.
It is very "Bushcrafty", the Bushlore is (still has Bush right in the name :D).
 
stabman said:
Get a Condor Bushlore with Micarta scales.
Has a pretty good leather sheath, costs less than your budget, and meets your criteria pretty much exactly. :)

I like it better than the Condor Bushcraft.
It is very "Bushcrafty", the Bushlore is (still has Bush right in the name :D).
Click to expand...

You have no issue with the soft-ish steel? That's a criticism that seems to come up often with the Condor.

To me, they seem slightly pricey for fit, finish and materials - but lots of people like them, too.
 
Just to clarify, the 80$ is the absolute MOST I would spend. Anything 80 or under, nothing above. I also know nothing about blade steel, so I leave you guys to help me with that. Thanks.
 
RX-79G said:
You have no issue with the soft-ish steel? That's a criticism that seems to come up often with the Condor.

To me, they seem slightly pricey for fit, finish and materials - but lots of people like them, too.
Click to expand...

It is slightly softish, but I found it works pretty good.
You won't have to sharpen it in the field unless you're bushcrafting to an extent beyond what most folks can manage! :D

I'm using mine as my cardboard cutting knife for a bit (The grind is NOT good for that), and it does lose it's edge more quickly than some others, but is still working.
I haven't sharpened it since the initial sharpening to get the edge the way I want, and it still cuts paper along the entire edge (just checked), although not as well.

Sure won't be shaving with it though.
 
If you want, you can get the wood handled Bushlore AND the Bushcraft for less than $80 for both.

The Micarta Bushlore can be had for $55 as I write this.
 
JakeMakes said:
Bushcraft/survival was meant to classify the type of knife I am looking for. I would use it for basic bushcraft skills, some light batoning/splitting, feather sticks, etc. For chopping down small trees I bring a machete.
Click to expand...

OK...that helps, but keep in mind that "Bushcraft/survival knife" is pretty meaningless, "Bushcraft knife" and "survival knife" are just marketing terms. Every company was just throwing orange handles or spitting out scandi grinds just to hop on those fads.

Like "Oooh! Slap a orange handle on it and we can call it 'bushcraft.'" Then it was ""Oooh! Take off the orange handles, slap a neon green handle on it and we can call it 'zombie.'"

Its best to forget about looking for a ______ knife, and get the knife that suits your actual needs.

Are you an experienced outdoors person? Will you be looking to spend extended periods outdoors? What climate are you in? You a "car camper"? A "ultralight backpacker"?
 
For that price range, the Condor Bushlore is hard to beat. I have one with the wood handles (never held the Micarta one) and it is great value for the money. If you want something a little beefier, the Condor Crotalus is about $60 with micarta handles.

Many of the Cold Steels and Beckers will push your price point.
 
stabman said:
It is slightly softish, but I found it works pretty good.
You won't have to sharpen it in the field unless you're bushcrafting to an extent beyond what most folks can manage! :D

I'm using mine as my cardboard cutting knife for a bit (The grind is NOT good for that), and it does lose it's edge more quickly than some others, but is still working.
I haven't sharpened it since the initial sharpening to get the edge the way I want, and it still cuts paper along the entire edge (just checked), although not as well.

Sure won't be shaving with it though.
Click to expand...

I make knives myself, and can somewhat easily build a bushcraft that will hold an edge ok. (I havn't done it long and need better ht equipment) Not sure how well the bushlore will hold it's edge, but if possible I think I'd prefer a 'better' steel/knife. Any experience with the Ontario Rats? I am looking at the 5 right now on amazon for 75$. I have heard some really good things about them.
 
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JakeMakes said:
I make knives myself, and can somewhat easily build a bushcraft that will hold an edge ok. Not sure how well the bushlore will hold it's edge, but if possible I think I'd prefer a 'better' steel/knife. Any experience with the Ontario Rats? I am looking at the 5 right now on amazon for 75$. I have heard some really good things about them.
Click to expand...

From what I've heard and seen, and experienced on other Ontario knives, be ready to sand the handles rounder till they fit your hand.
 
Personally I'm very, very tired of Scandi grinds and since you already have a Mora I honestly think the Condor Bushlore is a bit redundant. So I'll stick with the same company and suggest the Condor Kephart instead. Very simple knife that has a grind and thickness that will actually make it cut pretty well.

I'll even tell you where to buy it. ;) Check out Baryonyx Knife Company. It's owned by Bladeforums very own FortyTwoBlades who is both exceptionally knowledgeable and also an all-around good guy. Condors can be a little rough from the factory, but he offers a special grade option in which he'll clean them up and thin out the edge.

So yeah, grab a Kephart and see how you like it compared to the Mora. An FFG will give you a much slicier blade, but you'll need a lighter touch when feather sticking and such. It's also a good companion blade to a machete or hatchet as it can happily do camp kitchen type chores.
 
Insipid Moniker said:
Personally I'm very, very tired of Scandi grinds and since you already have a Mora I honestly think the Condor Bushlore is a bit redundant.
Click to expand...

It is a sturdier knife though.
I'd pick a Bushlore instead of a Mora...oh wait, I did! :D
 
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