Camping requires many essential tools to help you survive in the open woods. One of them is the bushcraft knife which comes at an upper-end price point and may be out of reach for many. However, you can track one down for a more affordable price nowadays.
Bushcraft knives are excellent for all camping-related tasks. Hence, you can use them for splinting woods and creating sparks for a fire.
So, they provide the means to feed yourself and keep warm during prolonged outdoor adventures. As such, you should opt for reliable products that won’t get dull when you don’t expect them.
In this guide, we’ve put together a list of the five best bushcraft knives under $100. Here’s what makes them almost as good as the premium offerings.
The Five Best Bushcraft Knives Under $100
Though you can find many similar-looking products within this price range, they’re not all worth it. To shed some light, we’ve singled out the key factors you should consider deciding for your search.
After a detailed review of dozens of bushcraft knives available online, we selected the ones that provide the greatest value for money. Here are the top five best bushcraft knives under $100:
- Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Knife – Overall Best
- Schrade Full Tang Knife – Best Value
- Handmade Damascus Knife – Best Handmade Bushcraft Knife
- Ontario 8667 Rat-5 Knife – Best Multi-purpose Bushcraft Knife Under $100
- Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife – Most Portable Pick
Let’s look at the features these top bushcraft knives have and the benefits you’ll get from them.
1. Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Knife
Morakniv makes sturdy bushcraft knives that outlast expectations. As a result, it is not a surprise that this elegant-looking knife tops the list.
This survival knife has a comfy and sleek black handle that you need for camping and bushcraft.
Also, the blade is fixed and made from high carbon steel. So, it does not flex or fold – an important feature for splitting wood or sharpening stakes.
On a related note, this bushcraft knife is also full-tang. Lastly, the package includes a special sheath and a fire starter, further confirming its value.
Pros
- Full-tang blade
- Made from high-carbon steel
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Comes with a knife sheath
- Fire-starter included
Cons
- 4.3 -inch blade may be small for some people
2. Schrade Full Tang Knife
If you want a budget knife that offers the same versatility as higher-end options, the Schrade Full Tang Knife is a strong alternative. Coming in with a 4.5-inch full tang blade, you can find many uses for this product out in the open.
The handle has a simple yet elegant design that makes it stand out among your camping gear. In addition, the high-carbon steel fixed blade does not flex; therefore, it won’t bend under pressure and allow you to perform precise cuts when needed.
Pros
- Great value for its price
- Sturdy and nice-looking blade
- Blade length of 5 inches
- High-carbon steel
- Great for splitting wood
Cons
- The coating peels off fast
- Limited usage
3. Handmade Damascus Knife
This is a very practical and durable handmade bushcraft knife. For example, it has an impressive 10-inch length – with 5 inches for the blade and the remaining part for the grip.
Also, this blade has a wide surface area, giving you more room for skinning meat and collecting firewood. In addition, the large grip also provides extra comfort when using the knife for extended periods.
Pros
- Specially designed by hand
- Unique and comfy handle
- Wide high-carbon steel blade
- Perfect for skinning meat and making fires
- Very affordable option
- Has a walnut wood finish
Cons
- Maybe a bit heavy for some people
- No fire starter included
4. Ontario 8667 Rat-5 Knife
The Ontario Knife Company makes some of the best bushcraft knives out there. This model comes with a sheath that protects the blade and allows easy transport. The blade has a black luster, while the handle has a light brown texture.
One great thing about this knife is that you can use it for various things while camping. For instance, it’s great for splitting wood for fires, making fish slices, cutting fruits, or even mashing vegetables.
The blade’s 5-inch length makes using it easy and risk-free. Plus, this is also a full tang model, meaning extra durability.
Pros
- Sizeable blade surface
- Easy-to-grip handle
- Comes with a knife sheath
- Sturdy blade
- The pommel can serve as a hammer
- Stylish 5-inch blade
Cons
- Firestarter not included
5. Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife
If you’re concerned about the weight of your bushcraft knife, this option from Morakniv gives you more portability when camping. With its 4.1-inch blade, this knife won’t take up much space yet provide results due to its proper build.
The Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife has a full tang blade that is fixed and less broad than most models. As such, it is quite lightweight and easy to handle. Also, it comes with a sheath and a beautifully carved grip.
Pros
- Stylish and compact
- Sturdy, fixed blade
- Comfy grip for added versatility
- Sheath included in the package
Cons
- Shorter blade length
- No fire starter
Things to Consider Before Buying a Bushcraft Knife
Here are some things you must consider when shopping for the best bushcraft knife under $100:
The Blade’s Length
The blade length is vital for bushcraft knives. For example, a longer blade means you can do more demanding work like splitting wood for fires or making harpoons from sticks.
Generally, a 5-inch blade is a sweet spot many opt for. However, if you intend to use it for fish slices or skinning meat, get a model that’s also wide.
The Blade’s Type
High-carbon steel is a perfect pick for bushcraft knives since it sharpens easily and can last for a long time. In addition, this type of steel produces very hot sparks even in a damp environment.
Full Tang Fixed Blade
A full tang blade comes in one piece – the blade has the handle clamped onto it with screws. This type differs from many kitchen knives with the blades stuck into the handle.
As a result, bushcraft knives can resist the intense pressure of splitting wood. Also, a fixed blade does not bend or flex as these may cause it to snap when in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best bushcraft knife under $100?
This choice depends on your preferences. For example, the Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Knife is the all-around best choice, but the Schrade Full Tang Knife is slightly cheaper yet similarly great.
On the other hand, if you value aesthetics above all else, go for the Handmade Damascus Knife for its unique looks.
Furthermore, the Ontario 8667 Rat-5 Knife is a decent multi-purpose option, while the Morakniv Companion Outdoor Knife is the most compact of the bunch.
2. Which blade length is best for bushcraft?
Always look for knives with blade lengths within the 4.5 – 5.5 inch range. In addition, knives with wide blades perform better.
Plus, if you don’t mind carrying something a bit more cumbersome, then you can look for a 6-inch blade instead.
3. What is the best knife for survival?
Bushcraft knives are sturdy and have a strong blade. Therefore, they’re excellent for camping-related tasks like splitting wood, crafting a cup out of bamboo, making harpoons, and even slicing up meat. As a result, campers often look to update their set of bushcraft knives.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best bushcraft knife under $100 requires a lot of comparing to develop a keen eye. This guide shows you what you should look for in both physical and online stores.
