Bushcraft Folders, is there a case for them?

[dogstar]

I was looking at a Cold Steel Finn Wolf, and asked myself, do I really need a "bushcraft folder?"

My reasoning is if I am heading out to the woods and am planning on doing bushcrafty things, I will always pack a fixed blade. If end up having to make a fire or carve a tent stake, I think any folder in my pocket can serve in a pinch.

What makes more sense to me is to have a primary EDC that also does well at woodworking. I can see the Finn Wolf filling that role, but so can a lot of other knives. All you need is a comfortable handle and a blade capable of taking an edge.

Do you purposely carry a bushcraft folder?

 

[stabman]

Any folder with a comfortable, ergonomic handle can be a good "Bushcraft" folder.
Blade shape and grind is really down to personal preference.

I've found the Spyderco Military and Zero Tolerance 0392PURBLKWC to both be pretty great "Bushcraft" folders, due to how comfortable the handles are.

 

[shane45-1911]

"Bushcraft" is becoming the most overused and meaningless knife term, just like "tactical" was in the 90's.

Any knife is a bushcraft knife.

IT'S A KNIFE. YOU CUT STUFF WITH IT. Don't get too wrapped up in putting a word around it. If you like the knife, buy it - but not because you think it will excel at cutting some things or perform some chores better, just because some marketing or YouTube dipshit labelled it as a "bushcraft" knife.

Rant over.

 

[dogstar]

You guys are right... maybe I was just looking for a reason to buy another knife. But this is BF, where you don't need a reason to buy another knife!

I think I already have number of blades that will do well as an outdoor knife. I do find scandi grinds easier for woodworking, but other grinds have also gotten the job done.

 

[dirc]

these days, it's possible to get a great performing 'bushcraft' folder if that's really what you want... the ontario rat I think is a good example for a low cost folder but solid & tough

but on the other hand why? the small and mid size fixed blade options are so plentiful & useful, and really can hold up to light wood chopping in a pinch (which you'd never do with a folder imho, even with 'super' triad locks & other systems

you just can't go wrong with a mora companion when it comes to general & bushcraft use for a very low budget
if you can spend more, my preference goes to a kephart design every time... ka-bar does a nice one, bk62

 

[killgar]

In my teens and twenties my Buck 110 was my "country" knife (my Kissing Crane stiletto was my "city" knife).

The 110 saw a lot of use hiking, camping, and fishing, as well as any other "outdoors" type activities. Lots of whittling, food prep, and whatever needed cutting. It served me well.

 

[stabman]

You guys are right... maybe I was just looking for a reason to buy another knife. But this is BF, where you don't need a reason to buy another knife!

I think I already have number of blades that will do well as an outdoor knife. I do find scandi grinds easier for woodworking, but other grinds have also gotten the job done.

I say go ahead and buy one just because.
I bought the Battle Horse Knives Tree Frog simply because of the styling. It was designed as a "Bushcraft" folder, made by a company that specializes in "Bushcraft" knives.

As much as it is truly a marketing term, it is equally a style of knife. When someone talks of a purpose-built "Bushcraft" knife you have a certain image in your head.

 

[ferider]

Never really understood “Bushcraft”, so let me talk about camping instead, assuming that’s what’s meant:

IMO, any folder is always a compromise. Fixed blades are more functional.

Now you can carry only a folder for portability and/or to hide it, or it is a great second tool to be used together with a fixed blade. When your fixed is on the large / sturdy side, e.g., a folder that slices better (e.g. for food prep) might be a great complement. For camping (“Bushcraft”?) I love to carry both, where the folder is more special purpose, and the larger fixed for all-around use. Sometimes a wharncliffe, sometimes a stainless when the fixed is not, etc.

 

[gazz98]

Do I purposely carry a bushcraft folder? No. I tend to lump bushcraft, camping, hiking, etc all together like the others above me.

I like a traditional shape blade (like the Buck 110 above) or spear point + good steel + good lock. My camping and hiking knife is usually the Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter. Great shape, steel (cts xhp), fits my big hand well, and I trust the Tri-ad lock.

Should you get a Finn Wolf? Hard to say. AUS 8 isn't my first choice in a blade but in that price range, it is serviceable. I guess the other question is, what other knives would you use?

 

[knarfeng]

I think you actually have two questions here:
1) Do I need a Finn Wolf?
2) Do I need a knife that I will only use as a bushcraft folder?

1) I have a Finn Wolf and I like it. Handle is very ergonomic. very comfortable. And it positions my hand right next to the blade, but the hand can't slip.
Well done AUS8 steel is great stuff. Takes a very fine edge. Holds it reasonably well. Very easy to sharpen on any stone or even a handy rock. The scandi grind actually works fine for EDC activities. So, yeah. I think you need a Finn Wolf.

2) Maybe. In a lot of parts of the country people look at you funny if you carry a fixed blade, even if it's legal to do so. A folder is inconspicuous and doesn't raise as many eyebrows. On the other hand if you live where carrying a fixed blade is a common occurrence, then I don't see a good reason to have a special folding knife used only for camping.

 

[studio]

Bushcraft folders..... agree with many of the sentiments already posted.

"Bushcraft Knife, One that can make fine wood shavings" - Courtesy of Tim Smith at Jack Mountain Bushcraft school.

Wilderness Survival Principles | JMB Podcast Episode 3

Wilderness survival; what is it and how do you go about preparing for it? We've been teaching survival for 20 years and in that time have learned a few things

blog.jackmtn.com

My point being if you have a folder that can do that well (and comfortably), you're on!

 

[Lee D]

Deep down, every folding knife wants to be a “bushcraft folder” but they haven’t worked up the nerve to tell you.

 

[afishhunter]

110/6OT/7OT have been used out in the boonies and the more remote sticks for decades, by many.
I know from "been there dun that" I've never felt "under knifed" when afield with only a 110/6OT/7OT, stockman, and 4 blade scout/camp/demo knife on me.

 

[Boombats]

"Bushcraft" suggests these 3 things: Scandi grind, 90 degree spine, and stoutness suitable for batoning. If those features aren't what you're looking for, then you aren't really looking for a bushcraft knife per se.

If I had to pick one bc knife I'd go with a nessmuk like the one I have from Erickson Knifeworks. The only thing it doesn't have is the Scandi grind, but they're overrated. You can get the most insane edge on a Scandi, but it still won't make feathersticks as well as something with a full flat or hollow grind.

 

[Danke42]

Deep down, every folding knife wants to be a “bushcraft folder” but they haven’t worked up the nerve to tell you.

First of all the light bulb has to want to change.

 

[Lee D]

I never ended up buying one, but I think this folder had a lot going for it…

TOPS Knives BOB Fieldcraft Folder Liner Lock Knife Tan Canvas Micarta (4.37") - Blade HQ

The BOB Fieldcraft Folder from TOPS Knives is the folding version of their #1 selling Fieldcraft fixed blade. This hard working folder has a large 1095 steel blade with a modified Scandi grind and an elongated thumb hole for one-handed opening. Its handle is outfitted with comfortable tan canvas...

www.bladehq.com

 

[dirc]

"Bushcraft" suggests these 3 things: Scandi grind, 90 degree spine, and stoutness suitable for batoning. If those features aren't what you're looking for, then you aren't really looking for a bushcraft knife per se.

If I had to pick one bc knife I'd go with a nessmuk like the one I have from Erickson Knifeworks. The only thing it doesn't have is the Scandi grind, but they're overrated. You can get the most insane edge on a Scandi, but it still won't make feathersticks as well as something with a full flat or hollow grind.

honestly, meant to mention the condor nessmuk, good old 1075 goodness, tough,
they're quite specialized however, and I don't own one yet - but every time I look I want it

 

[Spears]

The "bushcraft folder" you're looking for is the EnZo Borka 90 with a scandi grind (they do have a full-height flat ground version, as well)

Though, in all seriousness, what you said about having a fixed blade for all the wood processing and general camp chores with a backup-whatever folder is honestly better. I tend to think if you're going into the woods or camping, the fix blade is likely going to be thick stock and thick edge... plus it's gonna get real, real dirty. It's better to bring a thin slicey knife (folder or fixed) dedicated for food prep and other light duties. While, scandis grinds can do that, a "regular" high-flat or full-flat ground folder with a stock <.145" is gonna cut better than a scandi "bushcraft" dedicated folder in pretty much everything else except for wood.

A multi-tool (leaning more towards Leatherman-esque) would also probably be more "bushcrafty" and actually expand your capabilities along with your fixed blade significantly more than just another small folder; obviously this depends on what your multi-tool has: a small saw, awl, file, scissors, knife, serrated knife, etc.

Unless you're trying to go for the one-knife-for-everything mentality, then sure, go for it. Though, that's a skill thing more than tool thing. Where's that vid of the dude doing all camp chores with a really tiny SAK?

 

[EngrSorenson]

I will say that “bushcraft” is just a fancy way of describing handicrafts with limited tools and resources. Sloyd techniques are great for making the most out of a knife in these situations, but personally I wouldn’t ever perform the same roughing cuts on a folder that I would on a fixed blade. It just doesn’t give me warm fuzzies about the longevity of the tool.

it can be done, however, I’d just take shallower cuts and recognize that the price of a folder’s convenience is the joint. If made plenty of things with a simple slip joint.

but shoot, just get the knife.

 

[Steely_Gunz]

I can see bushcraft as two different things:

Something one is prepared for and is packing reasonable tools to perform.

Something that is thrust upon someone where knowledge is crucial and the tools required secondary.

If I were to go out and decide to build a camp fire and make dead fall traps, I would not consider a folder my go-to choice. Honestly, a 3.75" fixed blade would handle most of the needs my skill set could muster.

However, if I were dropped out of a plane into the wilds with nothing more than what was in my pockets, I would feel way worse not having a CRK Inkosi or ZT 303/350 on me.

A lot of bushcraft can can be tackled with a folder. The parts that "require" batonning, just find a wedge shape rock and a log stout enough to smack it. Fine cuts can still be made by a folder.

Let me put it this way, my dad has spent the better part of 50 years using and abusing a Buck 110 for hard-core work. If it can stand up to him, then a knowledgeable Woodsman could do worse with less.