What is the best bushcraft knife for intermediate use? [Free Buyers Guide]

You may have bought a relatedly cheap but quality knife for your first bushcraft knife. This was the best bushcraft knife for you at that point in time, and you have by now used it extensively to learn different knife grips, different cuts and how to sharpen it properly.

You have also explored its limitations and determined the features that you find important and those that are just a little bit frustrating. Eventually you are going to want to move on from your beginner knife and upgrade to something a little special. What ever your reason for moving on, what makes the best bushcraft knife for intermediate or hobbiest use?

This category includes several popular knives that are in the £100 to £150 price range. Expensive enough that most people will think twice before buying but not so expensive people will not want to use it. 

As you have been using your first bushcraft knife for some time and have learnt what you like and dislike about it, you will also have journeyed along the path of becoming more adept in bushcraft skills, things that interested you when you were a beginner may have fallen by the wayside whilst, new things have intrigued you. All of this information will inform you of the features you consider important when you decide to purchase a better quality knife. 

At this stage, for a general bushcraft knife, most people will be looking for a fixed blade knife with a full tang, a blade length between 100mm (4”) and 125mm (5”) in length and around 3mm (1/8”) thick with a Scandi grind. The materials used, blade shape and handle shape will all play a part in the choice you make.

Mora Garberg

Morakniv recognised the growing popularity of bushcraft and the market demand for a knife that met the general criteria above. This led them to develop the Mora Garberg, the strongest and most robust knife they have ever made. It features an ergonomic moulded on handle that completely encloses the full length tang making the knife suitable for use in cold conditions, without the risk of it freezing to your hand. The ergonomic shape of the handle allows use in a variety of grips without causing discomfort. The blade is a robust 3.2mm (1/8”) thick and features a 90 degree spine to allow its use as a scraper or with a ferrocerium rod.  

The Garberg is an excellent best bushcraft knife choice especially if you plan on using it in cold environments.

Helle Temagami

In conjunction with Survivor Man Les Stroud, Helle of Norway have developed the Helle Temagami, following the classic Scandinavian tradition. The blade is 105mm (4 1/4”) of laminated Swedish steel in either high carbon or stainless. The handle is made from a really well figured piece of curly birch. The tang is full length with the lower half of the handle made fully from the wood. The handle is beautifully crafted to fit comfortably in the hand, although I have found that the somewhat sharp edges on the butt end can be a little uncomfortable in some specialised grips. All in all, this knife successfully marries form and function into an excellent bushcraft tool with high utility.

If you favour the traditional Scandinavian style then the Helle Temagami could very well make your best bushcraft knife.

Fallkniven F1

The Fallkniven F1 is technically described as a survival knife having been developed to fill that role for the Swedish Air Force. It does however make a very capable and robust bushcraft knife with its 97mm (4”) laminated VG10 steel blade. At first glance, the handle looks a little square, and as though it might cause blisters, but the soft rubber used actually makes the handle feel very comfortable. Unusually, the knife utilises a full convex grind on the blade making it very robust but also razor sharp - this knife will easily carve feather sticks with the correct technique.

At the time of writing this journal entry, the F1 is my personal best bushcraft knife choice. To date it has done everything I have ever asked of it and I would more than happily take it on expedition with me.

Best bushcraft knife for intermediate or hobbyist users summed up.

In this journal entry we have only looked at the very tip of the iceberg of knives that could reasonably fit into this category. There are many, many more knives from reputable manufacturers that are equally suitable.

Ultimately the features you feel are important to you will help you determine which of these make the best bushcraft knife that is right for you.