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Whether you're a seasoned survivalist or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference in how prepared you are for any situation.
The best bushcraft tools are:
- Best Knife - Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
- Best Saw - Silky Gomboy Folding Saw
- Best Hatchet - Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
- Best Compass - Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
- Best Multitool - Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
- Best Firestarter - Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
We've tested and reviewed some of the best bushcraft tools on the market. With our expertise and experience, we'll help you choose the right gear for your needs and budget. So, let's get started and explore the world of bushcraft tools!
Key Takeaways
- Essential bushcraft tools include a knife, saw, hatchet, compass, multi-tool, and firestarter.
- When choosing bushcraft tools, consider durability, ease of use, and portability.
- Building a shelter, finding food and water, and safety are crucial aspects of bushcraft.
- Choosing the right clothing and gear is essential for bushcraft activities.
Table of Contents
Understanding Bushcraft
As someone who loves spending time in nature, I've always been fascinated by the art of bushcraft. It's a way of surviving and thriving in the wilderness by using the resources around you. Bushcraft is all about knowledge and skills, and it's a great way to live off the land.
To be successful in bushcraft, you need to have a deep understanding of nature. You need to know how to identify edible plants, find sources of water, and build a shelter. You also need to have the right tools at your disposal.
Essential Bushcraft Tools
When it comes to bushcraft, having the right tools can make all the difference.
As someone who loves spending time in the great outdoors, I've learned that there are many bushcraft tools that every bushcrafter should have in their kit.
Knife
First and foremost, a good knife is a must-have. Knives are primarily bladed tools and can be used for everything from preparing food to building shelter.
Look for a high-quality knife blade that is sharp and durable. I personally prefer a fixed blade knife, as it is more reliable and sturdy than a folding knife.
Saw
In addition to a survival knife, a saw is another important tool to have. A saw can be used to cut branches and other materials for building shelter or a fire.
Look for a saw that is lightweight and easy to carry, but also sturdy enough to handle tough materials.
Hatchet
A hatchet or axe is another essential tool for bushcraft. This tool can be used for chopping wood, building shelter, and even hunting.
Try to find a hatchet or axe that is well-balanced and made from high-quality materials.
Compass
A compass is also an important tool to have in your kit. This can help you navigate through the wilderness and find your way back to camp.
Muti-Tool
A multi-tool is another essential tool for bushcraft. This tool can be used for a variety of tasks, from opening cans to fixing gear. Look for a multi-tool that is compact and easy to carry.
Firestarter
Finally, a firestarter is an absolute must-have for any bushcrafter. Whether you're building a fire for warmth or cooking, a firestarter can make the process much easier. Look for a firestarter that is reliable and easy to use.
Tools for Bushcraft: Top 6 Products
As an outdoor enthusiast, I know how important it is to have the right tools for bushcraft. These tools are essential for any outdoor adventure and will make your bushcraft experience more enjoyable and efficient.
1.Best Knife - Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife
Specifications
- Blade Length: 4.1 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 8.8 inches
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
Performance
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is a versatile and durable knife that can handle various tasks in the wilderness.
Its high carbon steel blade is sharp and easy to sharpen, making it ideal for slicing, carving, and chopping. The knife's ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip, even when wet.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is a budget-friendly option that offers excellent value for its price.
Its blade is made from high-quality carbon steel, which is known for its strength and durability.
Recent Updates
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife has undergone some minor updates, including a thicker blade and improved handle design, making it even more durable and comfortable to use.
Benefits
- Affordable
- Durable and versatile
- Easy to sharpen
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
- Sheath is not the best quality
- Blade coating can wear off over time
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Morakniv Companion Heavy Duty Knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and affordable knife for bushcraft.
Where to Buy This Product
2. Best Saw - Silky Gomboy Folding Saw
Specifications
- Blade Length: 8.3 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 17.3 inches
- Weight: 9.5 ounces
Performance
The Silky Gomboy Folding Saw is a lightweight and compact saw that can cut through wood quickly and efficiently.
Its high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, making it ideal for cutting through thick branches and logs. The saw's folding design makes it easy to store and transport.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Silky Gomboy Folding Saw is a high-quality saw that is made in Japan and is known for its superior cutting performance. Its blade is made from high carbon steel, which is known for its durability and strength.
Recent Updates
The Silky Gomboy Folding Saw has undergone some minor updates, including an improved handle design for better grip and comfort.
Benefits
- Lightweight and compact
- Sharp and durable blade
- Easy to store and transport
Drawbacks
- Expensive compared to other saws
- Blade may require occasional sharpening
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Silky Gomboy Folding Saw is perfect for hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and efficient saw for bushcraft.
Where to Buy This Product
3. Best Hatchet - Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet
Specifications
- Blade Length: 3 inches
- Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
- Overall Length: 13.5 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
Performance
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a high-quality hatchet that is perfect for chopping wood and other bushcraft tasks.
Its high carbon steel blade is sharp and durable, making it easy to chop through even the thickest branches and logs. The bushcraft tool features ergonomic handle and provides a comfortable grip, even when wet.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is a premium hatchet that is hand-crafted in Sweden. Its blade is made from high-quality carbon steel and is sharpened by hand, ensuring superior cutting performance.
Recent Updates
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet has undergone some minor updates, including an improved handle design for better grip and comfort.
Benefits
- Hand-crafted in Sweden
- Sharp and durable blade
- Comfortable grip
Drawbacks
- Expensive compared to other hatchets
- Blade may require occasional sharpening
- Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Gransfors Bruks Wildlife Hatchet is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want a premium hatchet that is both durable and efficient.
Where to Buy This Product
4. Best Compass - Suunto MC-2G Global Compass
Specifications
- Compass Type: Baseplate
- Dimensions: 2.5 x 4.9 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 2.65 ounces
- Features: Global needle, adjustable declination, sighting mirror, clinometer
Performance
The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass is a high-quality compass that is perfect for navigating in the wilderness.
Its global needle delivers accurate readings anywhere in the world, while its adjustable declination allows for easy correction of magnetic declination. The compass also features a sighting mirror and clinometer for more advanced navigation.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass is a premium compass that offers superior accuracy and features. The global needle ensures accurate readings anywhere in the world, while its sighting mirror and clinometer make it a versatile tool for advanced navigation.
Recent Updates
The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass has undergone some minor updates, including an improved sighting mirror and declination adjustment mechanism.
Benefits
- Accurate readings anywhere in the world
- Adjustable declination for easy correction
- Sighting mirror and clinometer for advanced navigation
Drawbacks
- Expensive compared to other compasses
- May require some practice to use effectively
- Not suitable for beginners
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Suunto MC-2G Global Compass is perfect for experienced outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and accurate compass for bushcraft.
Where to Buy This Product
5. Best Multitool - Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool
Specifications
- Closed Length: 4 inches
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Features: 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, knives, saw, scissors, can opener, bottle opener, and more
Performance
The Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool is a versatile and durable tool that can handle various tasks in the wilderness.
Its 18 tools, including pliers, wire cutters, knives, saw, scissors, can opener, and bottle opener, make it a versatile tool for any outdoor adventure.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool is a premium multitool that offers excellent value for its price.
Its 18 tools make it a versatile tool for any outdoor adventure, while its durable construction ensures long-lasting use.
Recent Updates
The Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool has undergone some minor updates, including an improved blade design and better ergonomics for comfortable use.
Benefits
- Versatile and durable
- 18 tools in one compact package
- Easy to use and store
Drawbacks
- Can be heavy for some users
- Some tools may be difficult to access
- Blade may require occasional sharpening
Who Should Buy This Product?
The Leatherman Wave Plus Multitool is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a versatile and reliable tool for bushcraft.
Where to Buy This Product
6. Best Firestarter - Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter
Specifications
- Overall Length: 4.8 inches
- Weight: 2.6 ounces
- Features: Ferrocerium rod, metal striker, emergency whistle, lanyard
Performance
The Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is a compact and reliable firestarter that can start a fire in any weather condition.
Its ferrocerium rod and metal striker produce a shower of sparks that can ignite any tinder, while its emergency whistle and lanyard make it easy to carry and use in an emergency.
What Sets This Product Apart
The Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is a budget-friendly option that offers excellent value for its price.
Its compact size and reliable performance make it a must-have tool for any outdoor adventure.
Recent Updates: The Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter has undergone some minor updates, including an improved striker design for better performance.
Benefits
- Compact and lightweight
- Reliable performance in any weather condition
- Emergency whistle and lanyard for easy use
Drawbacks
- Lanyard may be too short for some users
- Metal striker can wear out over time
- May require some practice to use effectively
Who Should Buy This Product
The Gerber Bear Grylls Fire Starter is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable and affordable firestarter for bushcraft.
Where to Buy This Product
Choosing the Right Bushcraft Tools
Bushcraft Knives
As an outdoor enthusiast, bladed bushcraft gear is crucial for survival. There are many factors to consider when selecting a knife, including fixed-blade vs folding knives, grip and blade quality, and knife sharpeners.
Fixed-Blade vs Folding Knives
Fixed-blade knives are a popular choice among bushcraft enthusiasts due to their durability and strength.
They are also easier to clean and maintain than folding knives. Folding knives, on the other hand, are more compact and easier to carry around. They are also more versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks.
Grip and Blade Quality
When choosing a bushcraft knife, grip and blade quality are important factors to consider. The grip should be comfortable and provide a secure hold, even when wet.
The blade should be made of high-quality steel that is durable and able to hold a sharp edge. A full-tang blade, where the blade extends through the handle, is also recommended for added strength.
To ensure the blade quality, a knife sharpener will be essential for maintenance and consistent performance.
Fire Making Tools
Starting a fire is one of the most crucial bushcraft skills. Whether you need to cook food, purify water, or keep warm, a fire is essential.
Here are some of the best fire-making tools to include in your bushcraft kit.
Flint and Strikers
Flint and steel is an age-old method of starting a fire. It involves striking a piece of flint against a piece of steel to create sparks that land on a piece of char cloth or other tinder.
This method requires practice, but it's reliable and doesn't require any fuel.
Matches and Lighters
Matches and lighters are the most common fire-starting tools. Matches are cheap and easy to use, but they can get wet and become useless.
Lighters are more reliable but require fuel and can break. Make sure to keep them dry and protected in your kit.
Shelter Building Tools
When it comes to bushcraft, building a shelter is one of the most important skills you can have. To build a shelter, you will need the right tools. Here are some of the most essential tools for building a shelter.
Tents and Tarps
While building a permanent shelter is ideal, sometimes you need a quick and easy shelter. That's where tents and tarps come in.
A good quality tent or tarp can provide shelter from the elements in a matter of minutes. When choosing a tent or tarp, make sure it is durable and waterproof.
Axes and Saws
The best bushcraft gear should allow you to make a permanent shelter, which is where axes and saws come in. A good quality bushcraft axe or saw can make all the difference when it comes to building a shelter quickly and efficiently. When choosing an axe or saw, make sure it is durable and sharp.
First Aid
A first aid kit is one of the most important pieces of gear you can have. Look for a kit that includes items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
It's also a good idea to take a first aid course to learn how to properly use the items in your kit.
Factors Affecting the Durability of Bushcraft Tools
As an avid outdoors enthusiast, I have always been interested in the performance and durability of different bushcraft tools. That's why I find the idea of conducting a field study to compare the effectiveness of various tools in real-world situations so compelling.
Materials & Design
Research has shown that the performance and durability of bushcraft tools can vary widely depending on factors such as the type of steel, the blade geometry, and the handle material.
High-Carbon Steel
For example, a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that knives made from high-carbon steel tend to be more durable and retain their sharpness longer than knives made from stainless steel.
Full-Tang & Ergonomics
Similarly, a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that knives with full-tang construction and ergonomic handles are more comfortable and effective to use than knives with partial tangs and non-ergonomic handles.
About THE AUTHOR
Brittany Melling
Brittany has been in the land business since 2020 when the world was starting to shut down. Since then, we’ve sold to dozens of people from ATV weekend warriors to camping enthusiasts to retired truck drivers. Our inventory spans mostly in the western United States. We’ve been trained by experience, land acquisition courses, and hundreds of hours meeting with county assessors and clerks, zoning officials, realtors, and land investors. We’ve answered hundreds of questions from people regarding the buying and use of land.
Read More About Brittany Melling