by There is a huge amount of information out there about bush knives. From cold, hard facts to unconvincing rumors, we’ve heard it all.
Unfortunately, some of the things bush say about knives are just plain wrong — or, more often than not, outdated. It’s time to set the record straight and debunk the most common myths about bushcraft knives.
Myth 1: All Bush Knives Are the Same
We sell many types of bush knives because different knives are suitable for different purposes. Shapes, sizes, profiles, materials, and other characteristics matter.
Therefore, there is no need to rely on one camping knife for all your adventures. If you have a favorite knife, take it, but having more can only help. What if you lose or break one? What if your usual blade just isn’t up to the task?
However, size is not the most important thing in a knife. Some knives are fragile and won’t stand up to rough handling, while others can really take a beating. Some blades are good for tough tasks like chopping wood, but aren’t suitable for delicate tasks.
Unless you’re going ultra-light, don’t be afraid to pack enough knives to get the job done.
Myth 2: A Bigger Knife Is Always Better
You may be tempted to only bring compact knives when you go camping. However, I highly recommend that you consider knives in a variety of sizes.
While a small pocket knife is convenient and easy to carry, there are many tasks that a small knife simply cannot accomplish.
Not all campers are hikers or cooks, but consider bringing knives that are appropriate for these tasks. I like to carry a large knife for cooking and other high-impact tasks, while keeping my small knife with me for short-term use.
A large blade is especially important if you plan to:
hunt,
gather,
prepare food while you are away.
While keeping the weight low is a laudable goal, it may not be worth sacrificing your comfort and, of course, your safety.
Myth 3: Stainless Steel Is the Best Material for Every Knife
The material of your bush knife is just as important as its geometry. Each material excels in different areas.
Stainless steel is easier to maintain than carbon steel. It is resistant to corrosion, so it is great for salty hikes. It is also the best material for kitchen knives that come into contact with acidic and salty foods.
Myth 4: You Don’t Need to Sharpen a Quality Bush Knife Often
The sharpness of a bushcrafting knife does not affect its long-term quality or durability. A razor-sharp blade from your local supermarket will likely dull quickly. It may be fine the first time or two, but it will not stand up to the demands of heavy use.
The geometry of the blade—and, to some extent, its intended use—is more important than its initial sharpness. After all, you can sharpen a camp knife as often as you like to get a crisp, killer edge. However, you can’t change the size, handle, or shape of the knife as easily.
Sharper knives also tend to be less durable. They tend to have thin spines and a serious edge grind, which often results in a sharp but fragile blade.
When buying a knife, consider its intended use first and foremost and make sure it’s right for you.
Myth 5: Bush Knives Are Only for Survivalists
A good bushcraft knife can be great for cutting rope, vines, and other fibers, but it also has a ton of other uses. For example, the Speedgoat is a great all-purpose knife, and its paracord handle will come in handy more often than you think.
Knives can chop food, dig holes, pull a splinter out of your hand, cut bandages, club, and chop branches, among countless other tasks. Most importantly, you can use a knife to protect yourself in a dangerous situation. It can save your life.
Modern handmade bushcraft knives have more features than ever before. I’ve seen knives with built-in bottle openers, gutting hooks, serrated teeth, and even crazier things (some of which are completely unnecessary). Don’t even get me started on multi-tools!
My point is this: don’t limit your thinking to just cutting. A knife is a tool, especially on the trail.
Final thoughts
The myths about bushcraft knives near me we hear today were created for real reasons, but that doesn’t mean they’re still relevant.
Today’s bush knife options have come a long way.
Having a specialized blade that’s right for the task at hand is not only convenient, but also much safer than trying to use a general-purpose knife. After all, safety is always the most important factor, whether you’re backpacking, hunting with friends, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
