For hiking and bushcraft, a fixed-blade knife with a 10 to 12 cm blade, in an easy-to-sharpen steel, with a non-slip handle and a reliable sheath, covers the vast majority of needs. A good folding knife with a lock is enough for light hiking and picnics. The rest is a matter of use: preparing kindling, whittling, cooking at camp. Here are our criteria for choosing well.
Hiking or bushcraft: different needs
When hiking, the knife is mainly used to cut bread and cheese, open packaging, cut a piece of string. Weight and bulk matter above all. Bushcraft, on the other hand, is the art of living in the forest with minimal equipment: preparing wood, lighting a fire, sharpening stakes, carving a utensil. The knife works much harder there, and its sturdiness becomes the priority.
Fixed blade or folding knife?
The folding knife
Compact and discreet, it slips into a pocket or a pouch. For outdoor use, prefer a model with a locking blade, which is safer when cutting. The Opinel N°08 Outdoor was designed for this: 8.5 cm 12C27 stainless blade, partly serrated, locking ring, dual-material handle and built-in whistle.
The fixed-blade knife
With no hinge, it is stronger, simpler to clean and withstands demanding work. It is the natural choice for bushcraft. A "full tang" construction, where the steel runs through the whole handle, strengthens the whole even further: this is the case with the Morakniv Garberg Multi-Mount, with its 10.8 cm blade and multi-mount sheath.
What blade length?
A blade of 9 to 12 cm offers the best compromise between control and versatility. Any shorter, it lacks the reach to split or prepare wood. Any longer, it becomes less precise for fine work, such as carving or making feather sticks. For heavy woodwork, an axe or a folding saw remains more effective than a very large blade.
Choosing the steel
Carbon steel
It sharpens easily, even in the field, and can produce sparks with a ferrocerium fire starter (depending on the spine of the blade). In return, it fears moisture and must be dried and lightly oiled. The Morakniv Bushcraft Black, in black-coated carbon steel, is an excellent way in. The ESEE 4, in 1095 steel with a Micarta handle, is aimed at those looking for a more substantial tool.
Stainless steel
More tolerant of rain and moisture, it suits hikers who want minimal upkeep. The Morakniv Kansbol with kit, in stainless steel, comes with a fire starter, a diamond sharpening stone and paracord. Its orange colour is easy to spot in the grass.
Laminated steels
Some brands combine a hard core with tougher outer layers. Fällkniven uses this technique on the Fällkniven F1, compact, with a non-slip handle and leather sheath.
Grind and blade shape
The grind describes how the blade thins towards the edge. Morakniv is particularly known for the Scandinavian grind, much appreciated in bushcraft: a single wide bevel, easy to lay flat on a stone and effective for carving wood. As for shape, a "drop point" blade, whose tip is slightly lowered, remains the most versatile.
Handle and sheath
The handle must offer a secure grip, even when wet or with gloves: rubber, textured polymers, Micarta or stabilised wood all work well. Avoid aggressive contours that hurt the hand during long work.
The sheath is often neglected, wrongly. It must hold the knife firmly, be easy to clean and comfortable to wear. Leather is traditional and quiet, while Kydex and polymers resist water better. A multi-mount sheath lets you attach the knife to a belt, a backpack or a strap.
Care in the field and on your return
- Wipe the blade after each use, especially after cutting food.
- For carbon steel, a drop of oil protects the blade during the trip.
- Take a small stone or a pocket sharpener to revive the edge.
- On your return, clean and dry the knife and let the sheath dry separately.
Our guide to caring for and sharpening a knife details the method, step by step.
Find our whole selection in the Fixed-blade knives and Hunting and outdoor knives collections, where you will also find Morakniv, Fällkniven, ESEE and Opinel models.
A tool, to be used with respect
In the forest, the knife is a working tool. Respect local rules on fires and wood cutting, take only dead wood and carry your blade in its sheath, stowed in your pack when you have no use for it.
Frequently asked questions
Which knife should I choose to start bushcraft?
A fixed-blade knife of about 10 cm, with a Scandinavian grind and in carbon or stainless steel, like those from Morakniv, is an excellent starting point.
Fixed blade or folding knife for hiking?
For light hiking, a folding knife with a locking blade is enough. If you plan to work wood at camp, the fixed blade is sturdier.
Carbon or stainless steel outdoors?
Carbon sharpens more easily but needs to be dried and oiled. Stainless tolerates moisture better and suits minimal upkeep.
What blade length for bushcraft?
Between 9 and 12 cm. Beyond that, the blade loses precision for fine work.
How do you sharpen your knife in the wild?
A small diamond stone or a pocket sharpener is enough to revive the edge. Keep a constant angle and finish with a few light passes.
Knives are sold only to customers aged 18 and over. Carrying a knife is regulated by law: find out about the legislation in force wherever you take it.