
If you are off to the backcountry where you want to survive the wild, you cannot forget bushcraft knives. That’s because it is the single most important tool that can be used for different purposes, from slicing meats to carving sticks.
One thing that separates the best bushcraft knives from regular ones is that a bushcraft knife is easy to wield and is shorter. It’s purchased for slicing, dicing, and carving instead of chopping and digging.
The issue is common bushcraft knives available in the market are on the expensive side, which can put a dent in your pocket. But the Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife is different because it’s under $100 and has the ability to cut through surfaces seamlessly.
Besides this, there is an ocean of options under $100 for the best bushcraft knife under 100 to wade through. We have tried and tested some of the recommended knives myself. Thus, we can vouch for their quality, performance, and durability.
Here Are The Best Bushcraft Knife Under 100- Tried & Tested
Since several options are available, choosing the best bushcraft knife under $100 can be a daunting task. But we have got your back. After trying and testing a couple of options, we have compiled a list of the best knives.
1. Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife
Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife
Key Specifications
- The prime highlight of this knife is the ergonomic handle that makes it easy to handle and does not let it slip.
- This knife is capable of yielding 7000 strikes.
- The case of this knife has a fire starter that even works when it’s wet.
The discussion for the best bushcraft knife under 100 cannot be started without mentioning Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife because it’s an iconic knife in every possible way. It has a plastic sheath.
It’s one of the best Swedish-crafted survival knives that ticks all the boxes of being a reliable knife. The Morakniv bushcraft knife has a blade made of carbon steel, and its fixed blade edge is V-grind. Moving further, the blade length is 4.3 inches, and the overall dimension of this knife is 11.8 x 5.6 x 1.4 inches.
The razor sharp fixed blade of this knife can withstand any harsh climate. You can use it for different applications as it has great strength. It has a Scandi-Grind on the top that reduces the possibility of the knife’s fixed blade getting stuck or slipping from its position.
Another interesting thing about this Morakniv knife is that it has a sheath along with a diamond sharpener. Also, there is a belt that keeps this incredibly amazing knife in its position.
Lastly, the carbon steel blade of this knife can survive in extreme conditions. It creates a spark at 3000 C degrees. So, hurry and purchase it to use the best bushcraft knife under 100 in the market.
Price: It’s available for $65.
Pros
- One thing that you will like the most about this knife is its functions. This multi-purpose knife can be used for carving, fire starting, batoning, and feather stick.
- This slim knife is easy to carry and is light in weight.
- The excellent design of this knife helps it seamlessly cut through the surfaces.
Cons
- The only downside is that it requires some filing to get a razor sharp blade.
2. Condor Tool & Knife Bushlore 4.5 inches
Condor Tool & Knife Bushlore 4.5 inches
Key Specifications
- The handle of this knife is made of hardwood that does not let it slip or slide while using.
- In addition, this knife has a high carbon steel blade that offers precise cuts through different surfaces.
- Lastly, this knife is rust-resistant. That means you can use it in any weather.
Another option that you can consider buying is the Condor Tool & Knife Bushlore 4.5 inches. This sturdily designed knife is made of high carbon steel, and its blade has a blasted satin finish. Its blade length is 4.5 inches.
This renowned Condor knife will never disappoint you with incredible performance and price. Moreover, it’s quite affordable as you can purchase it at $60. This knife has been created carefully in El Salvador with high-quality walnut hardwood and carbon steel blade.
It has incredible strength and a phenomenal appearance, which makes it one of the best options. As compared to other knives, this one is the lightest and most durable. Not to mention, you can quickly resharpen it and use it on sturdy surfaces.
To make the knife easy to carry while traveling, there is a lanyard hole. You can use this hole to attach the knife to you, so it doesn’t fall. Moving further, there is a leather sheath, which supports belt carry.
This good-looking knife has a straight-back design that makes it durable. So, get your hands on this knife because it’s worth the price.
Price: Available at $55.22
Pros
- It’s lightweight, which makes it easy to carry.
- It’s incredibly affordable and does not give up on hard surfaces.
- This knife is constructed using solid tank material.
Cons
- Although the blade is pretty sharp, it can get dull over time.
3. Schrade SCHF36 Frontier 10.4in Stainless Steel knife
No products found.
No products found.
No products found.
Key Specifications
- The best thing is its full tang blade design and lanyard hole, making it easy to carry while traveling.
- It has a 1095 power coat that does not rust or gives up when used in extreme conditions.
- It has finger choil so that one can use it the right way.
Are you looking for the best bushcraft knife that is a little more pocket-friendly than the above two options? Well, in that case, you can get your hands on the Schrade SCHF36 Frontier 10.4in Stainless Steel knife.
It’s the greatest knife of all time because it is made of high-carbon steel. Its blade has a compound bevel edge, and this item weighs around 0.45 kg. The overall dimension of this product is 14 x 4 x 3 inches.
This knife is manufactured by Schrade, a company that has been delivering premium-quality products over the years. This company is known for giving attention to detail and bringing something to the market that everyone wants.
To maintain the longevity of the blade of this knife, the stainless steel has a powder coat. This coating makes the knife resistant to harsh conditions. Also, there is a TPE grooved handle, which lets the user tightly hold the knife without losing the grip.
It is an ideal choice for many people. It is light in weight and can be easily carried. So, if you like outdoor activity, you cannot miss out on the Schrade SCHF36 Frontier 10.4in Stainless Steel knife.
Price: Available at $26.50
Pros
- This knife has an extremely strong blade that does not break easily.
- It is affordable.
- Its high-quality material makes it last long for so many years.
Cons
- It does not have a fire starter.
4. Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Knife
Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Knife
Key Specifications
- The highlight of this bush knife is its kit, where you can neatly and safely keep all the items without getting them damaged.
- The blade of this knife is quite sharp.
- It is comfortable to hold as it has an ergonomic design.
There is a certain bushcraft knife that many people don’t know about. And the Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Knife is one such knife. Despite its amazing features and amazing materials, it’s not that popular, but you must know about it.
It’s one of the best bushcraft knives under 100 with D2 Steel Blade and compound bevel edge, which makes it reliable. The 4 inches blade can quickly slice ropes, plastic, wood, and aluminum like butter.
It’s anti-rust and razor sharp blade does not give up in extreme conditions. Also, it’s handle has an improved design that offers you a comfortable grip.
One thing that makes this Holtzman’s knife so iconic is the Ferro fling rod. It further has a G-10 flint scraper that can help you to safely and quickly start a campfire. The lightweight and compatible design of this knife makes it easy to carry.
While this knife is an expensive little side, you should not miss it.
Price: $99
Pros
- This bush knife is great for cutting feather sticks, making fire, and is great for batoning wood.
- It has an eye-catching design and is available in black color.
- It has a razor sharp blade for multi-purpose.
Cons
- The only downside is its high price.
5. Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
Key Specifications
- This knife is extremely powerful, and it can easily handle harsh tasks without breaking up.
- This knife’s handle is impact-resistant and has a click-lock.
- It’s virtually indestructible.
Another entry from Morakniv that continues to surprise the outdoor enthusiasts is Morakniv Garberg Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife. This remarkable knife has a square-edged blade that is made of carbon steel. The blade length is around 4.3 inches, and the overall dimension of this product is 9 x 2.2 x 1.9 inches.
The reason that Morakniv fixed blade knives have made it to this list twice is that this company gives attention to the construction of its products. As a result, the blades of all of its knives are of the best quality.
It has an attractive design and is virtually indestructible. Its blade is thick and does not give up on hard surfaces. That means this knife is totally reliable. Also, its strong carbon spine does not let the blade lose its sharpness quickly.
For better protection and transportation, this amazing knife comes packed inside a cocoon. Also, the handle has an improved design, which enhances the grip. That means you can hold and use it without any issue.
This knife is available in three designs, i.e., poly sheath, molle multi-mount system, and leather sheath. Each of these styles is available at a different price, but all of them are affordable.
Price: $75
Pros
- It’s extremely durable.
- It has premium sheath.
- Its razor can be easily sharpened.
Cons
- It does not support firestarter.
6. MOVA-58 Bushcraft Knife
Key Specifications
- One of the best things about this knife is the high-resistant micarta handle that makes it an essential element for hiking, fishing, hunting, survival, and camping.
- Its quality blade has laser-cut, which increases its effectiveness.
- The straight-back knife shape makes it more durable.
The MOVA-58 Bushcraft Knife is a beautiful knife that has a steel blade. It’s a Spanish handmade beast that has been helping outdoor enthusiasts to get precise cuts for a long time.
One thing that has impressed me the most is its aesthetically pleasing handle that looks great and makes it easy to hold the knife for a long time. In addition, the stainless steel of this knife has a laser-cut, which increases the sharpness.
It’s a great hunting knife as it is highly resistant and ideally grips the palm. One thing that you must know before purchasing this knife is that there is an amount of maneuverability and tactility. This thing makes it one of the best contender portable knives.
It has a genuine black leather sheath that looks great and compliments its beautiful looks. In addition, it’s light in weight and compact in size, making it a perfect travel partner for outdoor enthusiasts.
This full tang knife is sturdy and highly durable. But it crosses the margin of $100 by a few bucks.
Price: $104
Pros
- The prime highlight of this knife is its stunning mirrored polish blade that makes it even more attractive.
- It has corrosion-resistant steel.
- It’s well-constructed and is great for heavy-duty use.
Cons
- It lacks certain techs and features.
7. Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed Blade Knife
Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed Blade Knife
Key Specifications
- The highlight of this product is its full tang and serrated tang blade.
- It can easily break through hard surfaces without giving up.
- It has a rubberized handle coating.
After the Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival, Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed Blade Knife is my personal favorite. That’s because it has a partially serrated blade that does not get rusted quickly. It’s blade length is 4.8 inches and it’s a full tang knife.
This versatile blade can take different kinds of heavy duty tasks without giving up. For example, you can use it for cleaning fish or cutting branches. Additionally, the 5 inches long blade can handle small or medium bushcraft tasks.
One interesting thing is that it has multiple sheath options, which makes it look unique and helps the user quickly carry it around. Furthermore, it features ceramic blade material and weighs around 7.9 ounces.
Its power source is AC/DC, and it comes in two colors, i.e., black and brown. What makes it a must-have is its multiple sheath attachments.
For optimal safety and comfortable grip, there is a rubber handle that does not let this knife. So, if you are impressed by its features, purchase it now.
Price: $69.50
Pros
- This product comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
- It has a ceramic blade coating.
- You can keep it as horizontal belt carry, molle mount, or vertical belt carry.
Cons
- It’s heavy and has a complicated design.
8. Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion
Key Specifications
- One of the best things is its blade. The length is sufficient enough to make heavy-duty cuts.
- It can be used for different applications.
- It comes with a hard shell.
There are a few bushcraft knife brands that have gained recognition throughout the world. And Ka-Bar is definitely one such brand. Why? That’s because this company designs and manufactures the best bushcraft knives under 100 by giving attention to the details.
Ka-Bar Becker BK2 Companion has been in the market for quite a long time. It has a refined craft that cannot go unnoticed. The knife features a carbon steel blade with a blade edge of the compound level.
This incredibly strong kb fixed blade knife can be easily used for skinning, chopping, splitting, and kindling. In addition, it has an extra weight that allows it to offer better performance with increased versatility.
To keep the blade protected and in shape, Kb knife company offers glass-filled nylon sheath. Talking about the handle, it’s made of synthetic plastic. It offers a better grip and makes the knife quickly accessible.
Its blade length is 5.25 inches and it has full tang blades.
Price: $85.49
Pros
- It has a thick blade.
- It perfectly locks into the sheath.
- It is durable.
Cons
- It has a plastic handle.
9. Gerber – Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife
Gerber – Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife
Key Specifications
- This knife has a rubber handle that maximizes the grip and makes it easy for users to hold it.
- Its blade folds correctly and safely.
- It’s inexpensive and can be easily carried around.
If you have a limited budget, you can purchase Gerber – Bear Grylls Folding Sheath Knife. It’s an excellent survival knife. It has a half serrated half carbon stainless steel blade that does not give up while hunting or industrial applications. Its blade length is 3.58 inches.
It is an excellent hunting knife and comes in an attractive color and can be easily folded. Its handle is made of a textured rubber, and it has a nylon sheath for better protection. This lightweight knife can be easily carried around without any damage.
It weighs around 5 ounces and is the second lightest knife on this list. Also, its folding capabilities will surprise you. You can keep it either vertically or horizontally, in any way that you like.
Not to mention that it has a blade with a dual-sided thumb stud. That means whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can use this perfect knife without any issue. So, hurry and purchase this budget bushcraft knife today.
Price: $23.74
Pros
- It has a textured rubber and comfortable grip.
- It has a dual-sided thumb stud.
- It’s compact.
Cons
- The only downside of this knife is that it has a short blade.
10 KA-BAR Becker Kephart
Key Specifications
- It has a brown sheath that protects it and lets it stay sharp for a long time.
- Its handle is made of durable wood that maintains grip.
- It’s easy to carry.
The last bushcraft knife that we have mentioned on this list is the KA-BAR Becker Kephart. It’s the second entry from the Ka-Bar brand because this knife ticks all the boxes of being a durable and excellent knife. Its blade length is 5.125 inches.
Despite being a little expensive, we have listed it because it has a 1095 Cro-Van Steel blade. In addition, its handle is made of walnut hardwood, and it has a leather sheath, which protects the knife’s sharpness.
Its blade is more than 5 inches, and it is one of the thickest blades on this list. You can use it for different applications, whether small or big. It makes a great companion for trimming, kindling, and skinning of animals.
So, if you can spend a little more, you should definitely get this knife because it’s worth the price.
Price: $133.79
Pros
- It can be used for different purposes.
- It has a thick blade.
- It can be easily cleaned.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
What Makes a Bushcraft Knife Great?
If you are an active outdoor enthusiast, you should invest in the best bushcraft knife under 100. That’s because such a knife can make outdoor activities easy. But what’s the difference between a bushcraft knife and a regular knife?
The basic difference between regular knives and bushcraft knives is that bushcraft knives are a little smaller. In general, these knives are 3-5 inches in length and are designed especially for chopping, digging, wood carving, and hiking.
One thing that makes the best bushcraft knives so great is their compact size. You can easily keep this knife and travel without any issue. Also, it has fixed blades that make them more stable and strong.
The thick blades of a bushcraft knife do not give up easily. It offers lasting functionality and comes with outdoor-friendly options. People love this knife because it is durable, versatile, and easy to access.
You can easily find a bushcraft craft at an affordable price range below $40 and premium options above $100.
How to Buy a Knife for Bushcraft?
Buying the best bushcraft knife under 100 might sound easy, but it’s not. That’s because multiple things need to be considered, starting from the material to the blade design. And if you purchase a knife without considering these factors, you might not find the right kind of knife.
That’s why we have listed some important aspects. Don’t forget to consider them the next time you are out, purchasing a good bushcraft knife.
Material
The first and foremost thing that you should check is the material. Bushcraft knives under 100 come in different steel blade options. Every material is different, and they have different advantages. Besides steel, carbon is another common material.
Steel
A knife made of stainless steel means that the knife will stains less. However, you still need to keep the knife properly. The best thing about this kind of knife is that it is more durable than the other materials. But resharpening it might be an issue.
Carbon
Another good knife blade material is carbon. Although a carbon-made bushcraft knife requires more maintenance, it can be easily re-sharped. For carving items, generally, people use carbon knives.
Blade Design
Besides blade material, another important thing is blade design. Different knife blade shape impacts its performance and ability to cut hard surfaces.
Blade design also matters because the tip of this knife is heavily abused. That’s why the design needs to be appropriate. Drop point and spear point knives are common.
Along with the blade design, you should check the blade grind. The best blade grinds are supposed to be strong and versatile. Some common grinds are a convex grind, chisel grind, flat grind, and scandi grind.
A poorly-made grind cannot increase the durability and strength of a knife. That’s because such a knife is too weak to handle pressure.
Also, you should check the cutting edge. If the cutting edge is more, the knife will be stronger. For better results, you should look for a knife with a thin blade. That’s because this kind of knife can take any amount of abuse without giving up.
Handle
After the material and blade design comes the handle. Generally, woods are used for constructing bushcraft knife handles. But the issue with wood is that it quickly gets sweaty. This thing can make the user lose grip.
Wooden handle is quite durable. It looks beautiful and offers a better feel. On the other hand, bushcraft knife handles made of leather are also an option you can consider buying. But it’s not as durable as wood. Also, the grip is compromised.
Besides wood and leather, you can also consider purchasing synthetic handles. The overall durability and grip of a synthetic handle are better. But you might have to compromise on the looks because the synthetic handle does not look attractive.
Sheath
The sheath is often overlooked, but it’s an important aspect of a bushcraft knife. That’s because a good-quality sheath can maintain quality and sharpness. Also, by keeping your knife in a good-looking sheath, you can show off your knife.
You can find plastic sheath and leather sheath. Here, leather sheath requires more care, but it looks better than other quality materials.
Popular Brands
If you don’t want to get disappointed with the performance of your new bushcraft knife, make sure you pick one that is designed and manufactured by a popular brand. Some popular brands are Morakniv, Gerber, Condor, and Schrade. You can also check Buck knives.
Morakniv
The knives of this brand look classic. You can buy premium quality knives of this brand without burning a hole in your pocket.
Buck
Buck knives are great as they are known for their quality and affordable price.
Gerber
Gerber is another brand that you can consider as it designs reliable knives. The products of this brand are durable and they don’t give up easily.
Summary
No matter what the purpose is, you should never purchase a knife without paying attention to the details. That’s because a random knife might not fulfill all of your needs.
You should start the process of buying a knife by setting a budget. Then you should check different aspects like blade material, blade design, sheath, tang, handle, and strap. For the brand, you can trust Morakniv, Ka-bar knives and Buck knives.
Once you have purchased a knife, you should keep it nicely. Look out for the blade, handle, and sheath. Make sure that you get the knife re-shaped and polished when required. This way, your bushcraft knife will stay in good shape for a long time.
You can go through the given buying guide to find the right bushcraft knife. Or you can consider the recommendations and can purchase the best bushcraft knife under 100 directly by clicking on the link.
Also read: Best knives for butchering deer and Best shun knife set