Top products from r/Bushcraft

Steel is steel mate. You can go with the expensive stuff, or with the cheap stuff - We're talking expensive at several hundred and cheap as under 20-50. I've seen 20 dollars knives made just as well as the 600 dollar knives, they just dont have the name brand. It's a chunk of steel, treated so it stands up to specific conditions and holds an edge better. It looks to be full tang - not sure what is up with the holes in the blade, or the design near the MT-5 logo. I found pictures online, looks like the steel comes out a bunch there? No idea what this design is or what purpose it could have - looks sketchy. And the holes in the blade...I mean I've seen the 5 dollar walmart knives with holes so you can create a makeshift spear but..Other then that, no idea why they are on this knife, and they cause more harm then good. You can use it for basic bushcrafting tasks but I'd be careful batoning, I've personally never heard of the brand - it could be name brand and be great, but it has some weird designs.

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Really, steel is steel - all the fancy features cause more harm than good.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-4

That is a 12 dollar knife, and you really won't ever need more, but there are better options. The 12 dollar knife has a thinner blade and isn't suitable to as heavy duty work, but is a great beater knife for doing anything.

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Survival-Starter-4-3-Inch/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sr=1-7

And their top of the line knives are

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Garberg-Carbon-Leather-Sheath/dp/B07B8SP4G9/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-10

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-M-12642-Stainless-Compatible-4-3-inch/dp/B01I1GITMA/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=morakniv&qid=1571462370&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-12

There's a carbon version and stainless steel version. I'm gonna be honest...for the most part, they all do the same thing, but people want different things and fancier things - the garberg is the only full tang out of the bunch, but even their half tang knives are bulletproof, they hold up incredibly well and I've batoned with him countless times without issue. Mora, IMO makes the best knives - I have several other brands, and there are some I like better for ergonomics - but that's not the point, the point is any knife will work, steel is steel. Just find what you think looks and feels good, learn how to sharpen it and what you like, it depends on the what materials/types of trees you are working with, and what type of work you do. I prefer convex and Scandinavian grind (V Grind) knives, the Cudeman MT-5 looks to be a full flat grind - which I mean..AFIAK is mostly used in like chef knives and stuff, it's incredibly sharp but it's not durable, hitting hard objects is gonna cause knicks and it's gonna be brittle. This is all from experience, it's not like im an expert - but to be fair, I'd just keep trying different ones and see how you like it, but I wouldn't go spending crazy money, the $300 knives you see all the fancy bushcrafters use...these are what I call wall knives..They use them in the videos cause they look good but most people would just keep them at home and keep using their beater knives, because we are hard on our equipment and honestly, they work just as wall, all the fancy scalings and what not make them expensive, but they don't make them better.

TL;DR: Steel is steel. Get a cheap knife, in a better grind suited for the work your doing. All depends on what work you do, and what tress you have, soft woods, hard woods ETC.

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Edit: Definately don't have to go with Mora, I've just always used them and they've done me well.

The comments are split into two camps: the "get out and do it" bunch, and those actually listing books. While of course there's no replacement for practice and experience, it isn't always possible to get outdoors the practice, and reading is a good way to correct your perceptions, learn new tricks, or find new ideas and inspirations.

The internet is a great place to start. There are a ton of excellent websites and forums in a variety of topics, and of course the inevitable YouTube channels, although I'm not so much a fan of videos. Be careful about online advice though; try and check reputations first, and validate things they are saying against your own experience (and, often, against common sense). That's the bad side of a place where anybody can say anything - lots of bad advice, and conflicting opinions.

Here's my book list though:

• Finding Your Way Without A Map Or Compass (Harold Gatty), a great guide on observing the world around you, by a guy who was a navigator during WW2
  
• Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival (Mors Kochanski), one of the classical texts on bushcraft
  
• Essential Bushcraft (Ray Mears), although Ray has allowed his name to be slapped onto a load of sub-par stuff, this one is actually a good and well-rounded reference
  
• The Ultimate Hang 2 (Derek Hansen), a packed and illustrated reference to hammock camping, which is an environmentally-friendly and space-efficient way to camp (also check out his website)
  
• Mountaincraft and Leadership (Eric Langmuir), one of the classical texts on mountaineering, but covers a load of great leadership topics on many subject areas, as well as basics like navigation and first aid
  
• Food For Free (Richard Mabey), great book about foraging, covering trees, plants and mushrooms - fairly specific to the UK but works for most temperate regions and contains a lot of interesting information
  
• Canoeing (Ray Goodwin), a fantastic reference for canoeists - basically, a canoe is a pack mule for the water, and a great way to explore new places
  
• Scouting For Boys (Baden-Powell), the original Scouting handbook, an old 1956 copy I picked up somewhere, but will prime you with the basics on camping, tracking, and many other skills
  
  I also have a bunch of guidebooks on recognising trees, wild flowers, insects, birds, and so on, which are always useful skills to have. As with Gatty's book, watching the world around you and understanding the patterns of weather, animals, birds, and insects will give you lots of valuable clues about what's happening and how to predict changes in the environment. Trust the birds and the insects; they've been doing it a lot longer than you have!

First I'd make sure you both have all the clothing and footwear you need to be comfortable and the things you'd need for an urban day out (pack, water bottle, some snacks, etc.). Nothing ruins a day like an unexpected blister / rain shower that causes a chill / burned hand from a fire.

After that I'd consider basic survival needs and comforts that might be different in the woods. A small survival kit (and the knowledge required to use it), toilet paper, bug spray, gloves to protect your hands from heat and thorns, a tarp (which you already say you have) to escape the sun or rain, etc.. One suggestion I have that I don't see mentioned often is a lightweight foam kneeling pad. You can get them at the dollar stores in the gardening section usually and for the negligible weight and space they're worth having in my opinion. They are great for kneeling on (obviously), which you'll be doing a lot when practicing bushcraft skills like fire making, and they make a huge difference for the backside when sitting on ground / logs / rocks that are hard / wet / dirty.

With comfort and survival covered you can look at the real 'tools' of bushcraft. The most important thing, in my opinion, is a good knife for each of you. Soooo many projects / skills that are considered 'bushcraft' require / are made easier when you have a decent knife. You don't need to spend a lot (a Mora Companion is a great choice for under 10 dollars), just be sure to do your homework before spending money so you don't end up with something that looks cool but isn't practical for your bushcraft needs.

Beyond the knife I won't go into details about the rest of my suggestions but I think you'll find reasoning behind them fairly self-evident. I've been bushcrafting / camping / hunting for the better part of 2 decades now and all items I list below are all ones that I've personally used many, many times and wouldn't recommend if I didn't find them awesome and reliable. If you look into them further I think you'll find most / all are considered the best 'bang for your buck' option in their given class.


Mora Companion fixed blade knife - carbon or stainless doesn't matter, both are great: ~$12-15

Nalgene leak-proof water bottle - The cheaper HDPE bottle is actually better believe it or not: ~$5-8

Bahco Laplander folding saw - Silky saws are worth the upgrade price in my opinion but are definitely just a 'nice to have', considering Bahcos can't be beat for the price / function / reliability: ~$20-25

Sawyer Mini water filter - filters twice as good as the LifeStraw (0.1 vs 0.2 microns), lasts 10 times longer (100k vs 1k gallons), is much more versatile (you can screw the Sawyer onto a 2 litre coke bottle), and costs less to boot: ~$19

Fiskars X7 hatchet - I know you already have one bust I figured I'd mention it. For a bombproof, light weight, made in Finland hatchet it can't be beat for the price: ~$20-25

Tramontina 18" machete - great balance and blade, just sand or wrap the handle in some tape if yours isn't finished perfectly to avoid potential blisters (this is also where good gloves come in) - ~$15-18

Depends a lot on what your vision and current understanding of what "Bushcraft" is.

TL;DR: Start basic, check it's for you, be comfortable in a new learning journey.

The craft part of the word is important - it's about actually doing something, not just knowing and understanding the what and why. And certainly not about just possessing things and displaying them.

So - there are two aspects of this - you need to be comfortable "in the woods", and there's the creative aspect of doing and making "stuff" in that environment.

Being comfortable: It's important to be comfortable - otherwise the learning experience aspect is jeopardised. You'll see that some Bushcraft course providers have really minimal kit requirements on their courses, because they provide shelter, food and drink in order to get on with the particular skills they're teaching.

There's a really big marketing led "Leisure Camping" industry in the UK, with a lot of gear aimed at festival goers. If you're starting out on this journey, use all that to your advantage - get a basic tent (but one with a porch so you can sit outside, under cover, to make things and talk with others if you're at a communal event/course), sleeping bag, gas stove.

Pretty much everything else can - and I would suggest should - come from your normal, regular home kit. Perhaps the second-rate things that have been replaced, but not yet scrapped. If you lived with them once - you can do so again. This enables you to maintain home comforts and the security of being able to provide for particular personal necessities - diet, health, cultural etc. as a starting point, and then modify things as you learn more.


You'll find after a couple of outings why some things work "outside" and others just fail: Too heavy, too complicated, too dependent on other infrastructure after time (the gas stove for example).

Just make sure the basic Survival needs are met of:

// Protection / Water / Food / Fire / Navigation / Communication / First Aid, Medical, and Self Care / Illumination / Documentation and Information / Repair, Construction and Maintenance / Entertainment / Cash //

and you can support a good camping experience at the very least.

Turning to the craft - there's so much to observe, learn, understand and practice.

The activities you choose initially will reflect your existing abilities and interests, but some basic skills involve fire starting with just a spark or two - or an ember, careful precision woodworking with knife and small saw, and structure construction, that will likely require cordage and knowledge of knots.

So - a small starter kit specifically for the Craft:

• ferro-rod and scraper
  
• folding saw
  
• small fixed-blade knife - and the usual one suggested isn't too bad at all ... Be wary of UK knife law, especially if you are essentially "urban".
  
• big hank of paracord. At the beginning you don't need the more exotic types, and natural fiber alternatives may be something you come to appreciate later.
  
  
  EDIT: s/hunk/hank - the mind boggles as to a paracord "hunk". Perhaps best not to go there ...

*Tl;Dr. BUY CHEAP AT FIRST!! Any Morakniv and the Gator Combo hatchet/saw will get you started with shelter building, firewood processing, and campcraft projects. Total is about $50 USD. I hate pruning saws in general, but if you must have one then the Corona is slightly cheaper than the Bahco, performs the same or better, and has more size options. If budget isn't an issue silky makes professional grade saws, but consider just getting a buck saw blade and making a frame yourself.**

 

I've collected an assortment of knives/axes/saws for trips into the woods and since there is usually 3 or 4 post per week asking about knife purchases, I thought I would share some of my experiences I have with budget/mid range cutting tools for Bushcraft.

 

Pictured:

1. Council Tools boys Axe.
   
2. Hultafors classic felling (They also make the identical husqvarna)
   
3. Bhaco Rucksack Axe on a 28" handle.
   
4. Tramontina machete with modified blade
   
5. Bhaco branded Mora in Stainless Steel
   
6. Esee 6
   
7. Esee Izula 2
   
8. Gerber Gator Combo
   
9. Bob Dustrude Quick Buck saw
   
10. Leatherman Wave
    
11. Opinel no. 8 Carbon
    
12. Esee Avispa
    
     
    
    Thoughts:
    
    
13. Council - Favorite pack axe. Perfect mix of head weight, handle length, cost, and availability. Theres also a smaller version with a 24" handle and lighter head some may prefer.
    
    
14. Hultafors/Husqvarna - Good for green/softwoods but I deal with hardwoods and don't bring it after getting the Council.
    
    
15. Bahco - came with a 19inch handle and I found it's too much compromise for the work it will do. A 28" handle with a slightly heavier head will perform circles around it. Out of the box it its designed for splitting. Takes a significant amount of grinding on the cheeks to be any good at chopping. Tries to hard to be an axe and a hatchet and fails at both IMO.
    
16. Tramontina - Cheap and effective machete. I cut the off some of the blade for better portability and working in denser brush.
    
    
17. Mora - Same thing as the companion but $5-$7 cheaper on amazon. Theres a reason everyone suggests Mora here. For bushcraft you are working primarily with wood and the scandi grind is made for it. Buy a mora first and figure out if you want something specialized later. Really anything with a Scandinavian grind will serve you well. Mora offers high carbon and stainless steel blades. Stainless wont rust but also wont throw sparks by scraping a ferro rod as effectively as carbon. Carbon steels will rust if you don't take care of them but hold an edge much longer. So if your using it for making fire and carving a lot of wood get carbon; if you want to use it for food prep and not worry about it rusting get stainless.
    
    
18. Esee 6 - Shameless McQ inspired purchase from earlier days but still my one knife/survival choice. It does everything adequately but nothing spectacularly. They're over a $100 USD and for a beginner just get a Mora. I mostly only take this car camping now or when I only want to take a knife and a canteen into the woods but it is a chore to use.
    
    
19. Esee Izula 2 - Got as a companion to the Esee 6. Its thick blade makes it poor for most finer work that its sized for. Works better as a fixed blade EDC.
    
    
20. Gerber Hatchet - Good starter hatchet for light wood processing and shelter building. The saw makes quick work of green woods up to 2" diameter and is a easily packable.
    
    
21. Buck saw - As far as packable saws go, this is the bees knees. its super lightweight, uses a standard size blade and the trapezoidal vs a triangular design you see in other pack saws allows for processing of larger diameter logs. I ditched my pruning saw as soon as I got this.
    
    
22. Leatherman Wave - Its heavy, its expensive and a poor choice for woodworking tasks. I use a multi tool every day at work but they dont really have a place for hiking/campcraft.
    
    
23. Opinel no. 8 Carbon - The blade is thin and the lock isn't very sturdy. It handles light carving in softwoods well enough for tent pegs, feather sticks, and pot hangers just not much else. Has a sharp spine for ferro rods and works well for food prep. The handle is bulky in the pocket but since its wood its easily modified. Good foragers knife.
    
    
24. Esee Avispa - Folder EDC. Not really for bushcraft but it's always on me and what I reach for to cut cord.
    
    
    Tools are a personal thing and I expect to hear about it in the comments on where others are coming from. r/bushcraft is largely an echo chamber for mora knives and for good reason. They are inexpensive, high quality, and well designed for the jobs you are likely wanting to do with a knife. Mors Kochanski goes in depth on this subject in his book Bushcraft; it's a must read for anyone starting out.
    

Well, ShitOnYourMom, the best way to get a start in whittling is to start. That may seem silly, but you'll need practice, and the acceptance that it will take a bit to get comfortable understanding the grain and learning to work with it. You'll need wood (I prefer green, unseasoned wood - as in directly from a living tree) and some basic tools. I'll give examples for someone on a budget, so that this will be relevant advice for anyone who may read it. Any small axe with a narrow profile and a blade you can choke up on will work. like this: http://www.knifecenter.com/item/CN4052C15/Condor-Tool-and-Knife-Woodworker-Axe-5-12-inch-Carbon-Steel-Head-American-Hickory-Handle-Leather-Sheath
I use this one (A Hans Karlsson sloyd axe):
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KoKxz2rDEAE/UfiKUo8EhhI/AAAAAAAAAK8/UMz87UUUEII/s1600/axe2.jpeg
And you'll need a knife or two. I suggest a Mora 120 or 106. The difference is the 106 has a longer blade. The longer blade allows you to take longer continuous cuts, while the shorter allows you to choke up and get finer detail work. Example: http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Laminated-1-9-Inch/dp/B004GATX62/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396873922&sr=8-2&keywords=mora+carving
I suggest the Mora knives because they're quite decent for the money.
You'll also want a hook knife if you'll be making spoons, cups, etc. You want to make sure you go quality on this one. A poorly designed and executed hook knife is unpleasant and ineffective to use.
I have one of these, and I enjoy it very much: http://www.deepwoodsventures.com/301spooncarver.html
Lastly, you'll need something for sharpening. I just went the route of buying decent tools that arrived razor sharp, and then used a leather strop to keep them sharp. Like this: http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/8-Leather-Bench-Strop-P263C11.aspx
The strop should have some honing compound rubbed on it. I use jeweler's rouge. You can easily make a strop from some tanned leather. Now that I've listed all of that, you just need some inspiration, some knowledge, and some patience. You can find the first two of these in this giant list:

Good luck, and feel free to PM me or post more questions. The reason I share photos of my work (and the work in person) is to inspire others to pursue crafts. The world needs as much art and craft as possible.
-Adam

So for shelter, I'd suggest this tarp. I also suggest checking out the forum that the tarp is from (www.bushcraftusa.com) because it's a forum all about bushcraft but has sub forums in ultralight and backpacking. The tarp is https://bushcraftoutfitters.com/coyote-tarp-10x10/ which is priced at $67. The reason I suggest this is because this tarp specifically, there's lots of way's to set it up. Check out this video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxtHJm51NPY&t=


So for cooking, it's pretty simple. This video will show you what most bushcrafters use and the links that follow are the two items. I use it myself and in fact have two sets because of how much I enjoy it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00gwQ4z_nQQ&t and the following links for the items. https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=Ozark%20Trail%2018-Ounce%20Stainless%20Steel%20Cup
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Stanley-Adventure-Camp-Cook-Set/16784406
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Ozark-Trail-9-5-Round-Frying-Pan/49332895


Hammocks are over rated, sleeping pads are a mess to figure out, get a cot. In fact, get this cot. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Outdoor-Super-Ultralight-Portable-Folding-Aluminium-alloy-Cot-Camping-Tent-Bed/112355265955?hash=item1a28e54da3:g:-PUAAOSwTM5Y365i:rk:2:pf:0


And now you need a knife, saw, and hatchet right? Well let's tackle all three.
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004ZAIXSC?ref_=w_bl_hsx_s_sp_web_6501052011
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1540606867&sr=8-1&keywords=Bacho+Laplander
https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-Inch-378501-1002/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1540607032&sr=8-2&keywords=Fiskars+X7+Hatchet+14+Inch%2C+378501-1002
And as a added bonus here's a fire steel.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-x-2-5-Drilled-Ferrocerium-Ferro-Rod-Steel-Flint-Fire-Starter-w-Lanyard-Hole/131485475489?hash=item1e9d2522a1:rk:4:pf:0


And finally to end it all, we have a sleeping bag. This one is well known in the world. Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree. It's a dry down bag which means it's made of down that can handle some moisture but still keep you warm. It's rated for 20 degree's. I'll post the same bag as well but is rated for 0 degrees'. It'll be more expensive but it'll let you stay warm during the winter.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-20-Sleeping-Bag-20-Degree-Down/253894865275?epid=1152349824&hash=item3b1d50317b:m:mFpUvLXnvtZZETXdugDHwvw:rk:2:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Kelty-Cosmic-0-Sleeping-Bag-0-Degree-Down/253375355468?epid=28012067594&hash=item3afe591a4c:m:mCrEnOYV72CJ257e08pGR4Q:rk:2:pf:0


Check the sizes of the sleeping bag before you buy.


Also a pack, this one works as two in one. Really nice for a 60L https://outdoorvitals.com/products/rhyolite-60l-lightweight-internal-frame-backpack1
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If you do plan on doing any winter camping, I'd edit a few things. One of them is I'd get the 0 Degree sleeping bag posted. Instead of the tarp I'd get this pup tent. https://www.ebay.com/itm/USGI-Military-Issue-2-Man-Canvas-PUP-TENT-w-Poles-Stakes-Complete-VGC/392111853275?hash=item5b4bb00edb:g:JEQAAOSw~jJarA5E:rk:1:pf:0 Which comes with poles and stakes. I normally toss the poles and get some branches outside. I get four branches and make a bipod that I tie off on either end. That gives me more room inside the tent and less weight I have to carry on my person.


I'd still get the cot but I'd also include Thermarest Z-Lite sleeping pad to put on top of it https://www.ebay.com/itm/Therm-a-Rest-Z-Lite-Sol-Ultralight-Foam-Backpacking-Mattress/132801349129?epid=1900010560&hash=item1eeb93c609:rk:1:pf:0 as well as one of those super heavy duty emergency blankets. It's a reflective blanket but it's also the same thickness as some of those heat reflectors you use for a car windshield. Not those flimsy things you see "survivalists" use. Those placed on the cot, with that zero degree bag, and that shelter works amazingly. Just don't throw a heavy blanket on the sleeping bag and don't wear a lot of clothes in it either. That'll make everything for naught.
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So with everything listed, the pack, cooking stuff, tools, cot, sleeping bag, and either the canvas shelter or tap, you'd be looking at around $560 assuming you got the 0 Degree Sleeping Bag instead of the 20 Degree. Which you really should. A 0 Degree is much better in my case.


Also if you do get a down sleeping bag, NEVER STORE IT IN THE COMPRESSED STATE!!! Always store it someplace with it out of it's bag. If you keep it compressed 24/7 until you use it, you'll destroy the down.

I've tried a LOT of different knives in a wide range of sizes and 4-5" seems to be ideal for me. I want a blade that's at least twice as long as the thickness of anything I'd try to baton and I don't really need to baton anything thicker than 2 inches. In my opinion, batoning is for making kindling and I use anything larger than 2" as fuel, not kindling.

Take a look at this picture for a second. That's a 20.8oz Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet and a 22.5oz Ontario RTAK II, after the same number of chops on the same log. The RTAK II is a BIG knife made for chopping wood but it can't even match the performance of a hatchet that is both smaller, lighter and 1/3 of the price.

You say hatchets are "specialized" tools as if they aren't capable of more than 1 or 2 things, but a good hatchet is one of the most versatile tools available. I carved my first bow drill kit with a Fiskars X7, in addition to chopping, limbing, splitting, carving feather sticks, etc.

I've had a KaBar Becker BK7, Ontario RAT 5, multiple machetes and other big knives but even though my BK7 chopped and split better than my current ESEE 4, it sucked at everything else and my $25 Fiskars X7 still chopped and split better. I've just never found big knives to be as useful as a good hatchet (or a folding saw) paired with a well made work knife, like an ESEE 4. That combo offers FAR more versatility, which saves you calories, for only a few more ounces and for the price difference, you can save weight elsewhere by splurging a little on Titanium cookware.

All that being said, if I could only take a knife with me, then I'd take a BK7 or an ESEE 6, but I'd still prefer a good hatchet over either of them.

I'll have to disagree here. The Mora Bushcraft Triflex is one of the finest blades I've used. It is light weight, yet, is extremely durable. It sharpens easily, holds and edge, and is about the right size for bushcraft in my hands.

I've used them to prep meat and vegetables, carve wood needles, baton firewood, cut cordage, fell tiny trees, and most other tasks one needs in the woods or at home. It is a joy to use.

I've used other brands at 20 times the price and have been left not nearly as satisfied.

Don't take for granted that you won't feel bad about really using this blade. At less than $30 you won't worry about replacing it (but you might never need to).

I've held and used the Mora Companion and the Mora HighQ Robust, I give them to folks that go into the woods with me as gifts. They are fine knives as well, with the same qualities as the Triflex.

If you are cheapo, grab one of these knives and try it. I'd bet most people like them.

As for the knife is not an axe part, we'll disagree there too. The Parang type machete, and other long knives of similar design is a type of tool used in many parts of the world. It can be used very skillfully for rather delicate tasks, such as food preparation, or it can be used to cut down a tree. In some areas that's all a person carries.

Firesteel, I'm with stupid_guy, hit Amazon: Light My Fire Scout has been working for me. I like that when it feels like you are holding it right, you are. Works good in the dark that way.

Guyot Stainless Steel Bottle, 32-Ounce

And one more thing you didn't ask for, but I love. And I like to spread the love:

GSI Halulite Ketalist

I've got a compass that I've used for 30 some years, but can't find it anywhere.

Let us know what you get and how much you like it after using it a bit! :-)

Oh fun! $500 is a good amount to work with. I am going to assume he has absolutely nothing as you said full kit.

This folding saw is just awesome, and on sale! I've had one for many years. About $22.

This Knife is a lot more heavy duty than the Moras people will inevitably recommend (not that there is anything wrong with them). It's also a lot more expensive. I think it would make a nice gift. Also on sale. $104.

A pot $15.

A Silnylon tarp $63.

Gotta have paracord $10

There are a lot of firesteels out there but this one was uber cheap and looks just like the one I've had for years. >$2.

I would HIGHLY recommend a small forest of Hultafors, Wetterlings, or Gransfors Bruks make. I couldn't find a good link for them on Amazon. They'll be about $150

All told that list(including and axe) is about $360 before tax and shipping) Obviously a pack to put it would top it all off and bring you pretty close to $500 mark. It's just too personal a choice and I can't begin recommend one.

What stuff if any does he have already? A blanket or sleeping bag could be a good choice. A small alcohol stove too.

You gotta be more specific in your original questions buddy.

First of all, there are 2 reasons to remove an animal from a trap. To rescue (and minimize harm to the animal), or to harvest (and minimize damage to the trap). Here in bushcrafter land, I wouldn't usually assume you aren't planning on eating what was caught in the trap.....

It does sound like you are looking for the rescue side of things, and this is for a film, and you are looking for realism..

A swiss army knife or basic folding pocketknife are fairly realistic options for what a typical person might have with them with just a general plan of being 'prepared'. Something like 4-5inch Condor Bushlore is a decent approximation for what a more bushcraft oriented person might have with them in a wilderness setting. Someone who is going out intentionally to rescue animals from traps though, that is an entirely different question! For that you'd want a blunt tip, the type found in rescue knives, and/or EMT scissors.

For realism, most of us here know enough about the various types of knife that we could likely give you good answers - but you really should explain what kind of realism you are actually going for.

Average outdoorsy person with basic 'preparedness' is likely to have something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Swiss-Army-Huntsman-Leather/dp/B000IOI0NC/

Or this:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Spine-Fixed-Blade-Camping/dp/B07DDCG3HD

Average Joe who has no idea of what makes a knife good or useful is likely to have something like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Tac-Force-Police-Assisted-Tactical-Rescue/dp/B01LZ0T3N9



Average bushcraft subreddit user probably has something similar to:

https://www.amazon.com/Condor-Tool-Knife-Bushlore-Hardwood/dp/B002CC6BPM

but wishes they had:

https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-162-Bushcrafter-Drop-Point/dp/B00B0E1MB6

Someone going out with them intention of rescuing persons or animals would probably be carrying something like this though:

https://www.amazon.com/Victorinox-Rescue-Tool-Pocket-Fluorescent/dp/B000PX0LKG

https://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Assist-Orange-Handle-Rescue/dp/B0012G6KI2

https://www.amazon.com/LEATHERMAN-832590-Raptor-Shears/dp/B07N6P2RCB

https://www.amazon.com/DGX-Titanium-Coated-Stainless-Shears/dp/B01B2YF0AM

And then finally, I'll say this - pretty much anything sharper than a butter knife can be used to safely rescue an animal from most situations. Hell I could probably do it with a can opener or nail clippers. So just decide what sort of situation you expect your characters to have intentionally been prepared for, and go from there.

https://www.amazon.com/GI-P-38-Can-Opener-5-pack/dp/B005EAIXAU

Personally, I look for steel to be suitable for the job above anything else. To me, any knife out in the bush is better than no knife and the last thing that you want is it to fail on you out in the middle of nowhere. I always look at the heat treat to see if it suits the proper intended usage of the blade, steel choice, etc.. I like to see a steel with a good ratio of toughness and wear resistance while also retaining an acceptable amount of corrosion resistance and sharpenability.

After that, I move on to the blade grind and shape. Scandi grind is probably my favorite for working with wood. Full Flat Grind is probably a close second. I want the blade to actually cut, so having a nice balance of thin behind the edge, while still retaining decent thickness and strength in other areas like the spine, swedge, tip, etc is important. Definitely a huge plus if the spine is 90 degrees and rough to give you the ability to scrape.

The handle is probably the last thing that I care about, but still important. I want it to fill my hand, but not be too thick or long. If you can work a finger choil in the design without sacrificing a lot of cutting edge, great, but it's not a necessity. I prefer there to be minimal finger guard, but I do like for a little something to be there and not just a straight, abrupt transition from handle to cutting edge.

FWIW, My usual bush knives vary from the Mora High Q Robust, to the Spyderco Mule Team in CPM 4V (or PSF27) for smaller blades, to the Cold Steel Bushman in 1095 (or SK5) or the Ontario RTAKII in 5160 for larger blades.

I do these for myself. The good news, they are cheap and easy to make, I'm going to link to the various rods I have used so far here, the 4.5mmx75mm, the 8mmx80mm and finally the big one, 12.7mmx127mm. All of these rods have performed well for me, I personally prefer the larger diameter, although the 8mm might push it a bit. I have some 6.5mmx75mm rods on order, expecting to see them in the new year.

The next part is a bit of antler. For these, I picked up a bag of antler tips off of Etsy, I think the bag of 50 tips was less than $20 shipped. So right around $2 to make the 8mm size.

I did these a little different, and tapped them both the antler and the fero rod. I recommend that if you have a tap and die of the right size. I used JB Weld on these, and am happy with the results, any good 2 part epoxy should give you a good bond.

One of the things I like about this hobby is being able to make good equipment, if you decide to try, don't hesitate to ask questions, I'll answer the best I can.

>On some comments there people complain not getting any sparks so I guess there's really some kind of quality issue with some.

Generally, it's not that there are quality issues. It's that people are unaware ferrorods can have different hardnesses. The harder the rod is, the more difficult it will be to get sparks off of the rod. You will need to scrape faster and press harder, but the rod will last much longer as a result. You probably have noticed it is incredibly easy to scrape dents and wells into that Light My Fire rod, and that's because the rod is about as soft as they come. But the result is that you can flick sparks off of it with ease.

If you have confidence with your ferrorod technique, or are ready for a better challenge, it is absolutely time to graduate to one of the harder rods. You get more mileage out of them, and you can actually use them in more different ways than the softer rods. I bought two of these last year, and I have been a very happy customer. They will undoubtedly last me for many, many years.

Congrats on starting the journey that is bushcraft and woodsmanship. It's such a rewarding pastime. Since you seem to be loading up on gear I have on huge piece of advise for you. I beg you BEG YOU to invest a little bit of money on a good belt knife. Nothing to fancy. Some thing like an Old Hickory butcher knife or a good quality Mora . Both are relatively inexpensive and quality products. When I started out I bought a cheap "survival knife" which wasn't worth the cardboard packaging it came in and then eventually upgraded to the Bear Grylls ultimate survival knife which promptly broke after about 3 overnights of use. Budget bushcraft is fine for most things however spending 15 dollars on a mora you will have to replace MAYBE every 3 or 4 years if you take care of it certainly beats spending 10 dollars 3 or 4 times a year on junk. Good luck and remember... in the famous words of Ray Mears "If you're in the woods and you're 'roughing it' you're doing something wrong"

I agree with the comments about fire. Here are a few other thoughts.
Don’t go crazy getting expensive kit. When starting out, a $20 dollar Mora teaches you just as much as a more expensive blade. Same for your pack, axe, and pot.
Buy a few good books. I like Bush Craft by Mors but there are a lot of good ones out there. Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival https://www.amazon.com/dp/1772130079/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_g0RKDb263G68Z
Experience is the best teacher. Once you’ve read a chapter, pick a skill and head bush to practice.
Learn about plants. In my view it’s 80% of bushcraft. An aboriginal in a new environment would want to know about edible and medicinal plants. Mammals, fish, insects, and reptiles are ubiquitous.
After a bit, you’ll see the more you know the sorter your knife is and you don’t carry as much in your pack. 😊

I liked Dave Canterbury's Bushcraft 101. I thought it started from zero and started working up well. I've also purchased his other two books in this series and enjoyed both of them as well. Pretty much everything in his books he has a good youtube video on already too so you can really see what he is talking about in real time and then keeping the book with you to refresh the steps has been really helpful when I was starting out.

You might consider the Condor Bushlore, especially if he's just getting into bushcraft, or even at an intermediate level. http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Bushlore-4-375-Inch-Walnut-Leather/dp/B002CC6BPM

Edit: I also agree that the Mora Classic is excellent and at the right price point, but I think the Condor Bushlore is also an excellent value and is in a few ways a step-up from the Mora. Its full tang, larger, and has an excellent leather sheath.

A GREAT read is Bushcraft (formerly Northern Bushcraft) by Mors Kochanski. This book is not so much a "survival guide" per se, as it is a bushcrafting skills primer (Chapters include titles like "Knifecraft, Firecraft, Sheltercraft, Axecraft, Sawcraft, Bindcraft and so on...)


Mors is considered by many to be the father of modern North American bushcrafting and his students include Les Stroud and Cody Lundin.


One of my favorite quotes from Mors, "The more you know, the less you carry" sums up his philosophy perfectly.


http://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Outdoor-Skills-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1551051222


Other highly recommendable books:


Camping and Woodcraft, by Horace Kephart


The Bushcraft Handbooks, by Richard Graves


Woodcraft and Camping, by George Washington Sears (Nessmuck)


Essential Bushcraft, by Ray Mears


Northern Wilderness: Bushcraft of the Far North, by Ray Mears


Wildwood Wisdom, by Ellsworth Jaeger


Primitive Wilderness Living & Survival Skills: Naked into the Wilderness, by John McPherson


SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the WIld, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea Paperback by John Lofty Wiseman


Any of the numerous Peterson Field Guides

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002CC6BPM/ref=pd_aw_lpo_200_tr_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GR55ZR4H7T6DHD4B2NBN
Love this knife, great craftsmanship and just feels nice. Totally worth the 55$. Just keep the blade clean and wipe off any debris (it's best to oil it).

Not to be that guy... but knowledge is the cheapest tool. But you probably know this! I'm just reiterating for other viewers. A compass and a map, along with some compass-using skills, would be my absolute first pick for going out in the wild. A knife would be #2 (a close #2), but most of the time you'll never be so far away from civilization that you can't just walk to safety. If you are, and don't have all the tools, you're screwed anyway. But that's more for r/survival rather than r/bushcraft.

So then I'd say get a Mora. The Mora Classic 2 can get to your front door within a week for ~$20, usually less. It's tough as nails, super functional, and classy as hell with it's wooden handle. Be a little carefu because it doesn't have a guard.

But if you're looking for other, more functional items, get yourself a steel cup and a few large trashbags. The trashbags can be used to collect rainwater, as a makeshift tent, maybe a bivy bag, and poke some holes in it and you have a parka.

The steel cup is just the epitome of bushcraft to me: You go into the woods, start a safe fire, and make yourself a cup of tea while enjoying the bush. You can make wind-shields from sticks and saplings (knowledge). Make a fire using wood you've collected (knowledge and matches). And then create a rain shelter to sleep in (knowledge, sticks, and fallen leaves). But what fun is all of that if you don't get to do something neat? Boil some snow or rainwater and make yourself some bush tea. Steel cups are cheap and allow you to do a lot of things in terms of food and water.

These are some of my favorites. I always have a course/fine version in my EDC backpack and my outdoor bag.

It's large enough for most knives but small and light enough to pack really easily.

I also absolutely love the KSF field sharpening kit
for convex blades but unfortunately appears to not be available anymore but you can build one yourself easily as they still sell the properly sized strops.

• It includes a double sided strop with 2 compounds and multiple strips of varying grit wet/dry sandpaper. Put the strop on top the otterbox and strap the sandpaper strips across it and sharpen away!

A lot of people like fiskars axes or hatchets for inexpensive options. Available at local hardware stores. There are pros and cons to them but overall considered good value for the price.

An axe is probably the most dangerous tool you can have in terms of inflicting self harm. Skill and care are required. Risks are severing fingers, major arteries, deep cuts through tendons, shattering bones. If you don't practice with one, better not to take one out IMO. With a saw, which can perform many tasks, there is much less risk of fatal or debilitating injuries. Much easier to operate in less than ideal conditions.

A bacho folding saw is a great value at $20. Small, lightweight, and we'll tested in the field. If you want a higher end folding saw, a silky gomboy would be the next step up.

If you want something heavier duty, a proper bucksaw would be required. Though at that point I think you are moving out of bug out bag territory.

Bahco 396-LAP Laplander Folding Saw, 7-1/2 -Inch Blade, 7 TPI https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0001IX7OW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Sq5Ezb2KYC5PC

Silky Folding Landscaping Saw GOMBOY PROFESSIONAL 240 Medium Teeth 121-24 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CED1OG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ds5Ezb0SPWFTV

I just picked up a Fiskars hatchet. It's cheap enough at ~$25 that I didn't think that I could go too wrong, and it has great reviews. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it does have a great feel in my hand.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002YTO7E?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00

I'm not a folding saw guy, but if this is the saw you're talking about I don't see why you'd want to save just $10 with a product you're not familiar with. Doesn't seem like enough of a value over the one you know will be good.

Great set. Though if you plan on using that saw often you may want to replace it with a higher quality model. It's a great bang for your buck saw, but in my experience it does not stand up to continued use well. I took mine to work (I work for a tree company) to test it out and it lost a few teeth/started to dull after only 10-15 cuts.

Silky makes great pruning saws, though more expensive ($40~). That type of saw is mostly suited to cutting green wood, however. If you plan on using it mostly for dead stuff (firewood) it may be worth investing in something like a bowsaw that is designed with that purpose in mind.

Disclaimer: I have no personal experience with that particular bowsaw and cannot personally attest to it's quality. Though it does seem well regarded.

Edit: That knife seems nice, but from what I can tell it is not made of high carbon steel so it cannot be used for firestarting on it's own. It may be worth investing in something cheap like a Mora so that you may use it with a flint

x 2! the Mora is a good starter work knife. They are cheap enough to have a few, which is better IMO than one super expensive knife. I keep one in my vehicle, one in my winter emergency bag, and one with my camping stuff. Plus a few other lying around, I think. (I'm not even sure how many I have now...)

They are not perfect, but for the price they are a great value.

If you want an inexpensive folder that will work for carving Try this:

https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-Mini-Griptilian-Folding-Knife/dp/B019J0DYY0/

That's my daily EDC btw. I like the Benchmade with the "spyderco blade" in it. Works good, it's fairly sharp out of the box, that kinda thing.

compare the blade shape to a dedicated carving knife:

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Laminated-2-35-Inch/dp/B004GATX62

Then when you want a little nicer handle...

http://wilkins-knives.com/wilkinsgrip

I've been comparing "The Complete Book of Camping" to "Bushcraft 101". Both of these are great resources and are fairly similar conceptually. Obviously, there are some differences seeing as "The Complete Book of Camping" was published in 1966 and "Bushcraft 101" was published in 2014. To answer your question, yes and yes. This would be a good book for both collection purposes and being used if you found yourself lost in the woods.

I’d take a good full-tang knife (though a Morakniv is always a good, cheap choice ) and a folding pocket saw (I use the Bahco Laplander ), as most wood needed can be easily processed with the saw and batoned with the knife.

Some sort of fire-starting implement.. ferry rod is an easy choice if you are in an area where you can access quality tinder, and you can always bring some char cloth or other tinder type with you.

I love my orange companion - great pick!

an 8X10 equinox tarp, $45 shipped:
http://www.amazon.com/Equinox-145774-Egret-Tarps-8-Feet/dp/B000C3MIL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138363&sr=8-1&keywords=equinox+tarp

Wetterlings Forest axe, $110
http://www.amazon.com/S-A-Wetterling-Axe-Wetterlings-Axes/dp/B002NWT68K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138611&sr=8-1&keywords=wetterlings

wide mouth stainless steel water bottle, $16
http://www.amazon.com/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-Brushed-64-Ounce/dp/B0093IS22I/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138674&sr=8-6&keywords=klean+kanteen

Mora bushcraft, $50 (includes firesteel)
http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Carbon-Survival-Starter/dp/B00BFI8TOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138730&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+bushcraft

100 feet of parachute cord, $9
http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-Commercial-Paracord-550-Pound-50-Feet/dp/B000S5ODN2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138780&sr=8-2&keywords=paracord

MSR stainless steel pot: $20 (I have one of these, they're fantastic)
http://www.amazon.com/MSR-321109-Stowaway-Pot-1-1-Liter/dp/B000FBSZGU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1394138913&sr=8-1&keywords=msr+alpine+pot

leather work gloves, $13
http://www.amazon.com/Carhartt-Grain-Leather-Driver-Glove/dp/B005I34I5W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139051&sr=8-2&keywords=leather+work+gloves

That all adds up to $263.

brand isn't that important, but you can also find the following on Amazon for probably around or under $60-$70 total.

1. a wool hat and gloves
   
   
2. stormproof matches (look for the NATO approved ones)
   
   
3. water treatment tablets
   
   
4. a space blanket
   
   
5. a basic first aid kit
   
   
6. a sewing kit
   
   
7. a bandana or other cotton scarf (keffiyeh, etc.)
   
   
8. A stainless steel or titanium backpackers spoon or spork (spoon on one end, fork on the other)
   
   
   The remaining money, probably about $150, I would put on a gift card to EMS, REI, Cabela's, or some other outdoor goods store where he can get some basic outdoor clothing or fill any remaining gaps with his gear, such as a pack. I generally don't recommend bags over the internet because it's so important that you try one on in person before buying it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CZ9UY4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&ps

This is the one I bought and I absolutely love it. Not to expensive and great all around axe.

From my research, there's no better bang for your buck than the fiskars x7. 24 oz, and $25. It is very well reviewed. I love mine.

• Fiskars X7 Amazon Link

Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival by Mors Kochanski
www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Outdoor-Skills-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1551051222

SAS Survival Handbook by John 'Lofty' Wiseman
http://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Third-Surviving/dp/0062378074

Bushcraft is not about what you can buy, it's about what you can KNOW.

Some will say all you need is a good knife. Some will load up a 45lb pack. Some will go out in shorts and a t-shirt and start knapping flint.

Check out a LOT of videos. I like NativeSurvival quite a bit. Youtube has some amazing bushcraft people.

Here is another very solid axe that's even a little more budget friendly.

Consider this saw, it is amazing and inexpensive.

Titanium spork

Thanks!

I went with this one:

Relefree 1/2" X 5" 12.7mmx12.7cm Ferrocerium Rod Flint Fire Starter Lighter Magnesium Tool Kits Camping Hiking Survival Outdoor Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UHD41T6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_9WJOwb10GP4JQ

Thanks to whoever recommended it here on /r/Bushcraft. :)

Here's the reason to take an axe on an extended trip.... It's safer. The longer the axe, the safer it is. The short arc of the hatchet means it'll hit your body before almost anything else, an axe however, has a better chance of hitting the ground before it hits your body.

Then pick yourself up a copy of Mors Kochanski's Bushcraft and see his diagrams and descriptions of it.

I say, get a boy's axe, one that if holding the head in your palm the handle fits into your armpit.

Condor Bushlore is a great knife and it's cheaper than the Gerber. I started with a Mora but I like the Beefier Bushlore and it comes with a nice leather sheath. Only problem is I didn't like the edge on it so I had to do some work getting it sharp the way I like it. I didn't mind cause I enjoy sharpening my knives.
http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Bushlore-4-375-Inch-Walnut-Leather/dp/B002CC6BPM

I had been making photo albums but just started a YouTube channel. My friend was nice enough to let me borrow his GoPro and mounts but most of the time I record with my phone (also have another camera but it's a bit broken and can only take pictures). Part of what I'm ordering from amazon is a new monopod/tripod/selfie stick which I'm very much in need of at the moment since my videos are a bit shaky.

Haven't gotten around to do any solo 2 day trips yet (most of the time I'd be with a group and there would be designated campsites to fill up water at) but if I was going out with no means to fill up I'd take anywhere from 4-6 liters of water. The climate here is very hot and there is no such thing as bringing too much water. If there was a water source I could potentially allow myself to bring less since I could boil any water I find.

Amazon list:
-5.11 Rush 72 55L backpack
-Mora Companion (stainless steel)
-Bahco Laplander
-Headlamp
-Jetboil 10in frying pan
-Whetstone

All together that weighs 7.9 pounds and at some point I'd like to get a sleeping pad and tarp bringing it up to ten pounds (not including food, water, and other supplies which might get me to around 15-20 pounds depending on the duration of my outings).

As for the grill it's just a makeshift one. Four tent pegs and a small grate.

Great. I'm excited. I'm going to go with http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Bushcraft-Carbon-Survival-Starter/dp/B00BFI8TOA

I purchased a Mora 120 about 2 weeks ago and have been using it as my primary whittling knife. It's razor sharp and pleasantly comfortable to use.

$100 to spend? Lets get him started out right!

Fixed blade knife and Saw for Bushcraft tasks:

Bahco has a combo kit with a Mora fixed blade knife and a folding saw for $28.50 at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-LAP-KNIFE-Laplander-Folding-Multi-Purpose/dp/B008ZG8S0A

Folding Knife for food prep:

Add an Opinel #8 for $20: https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Carbon-Blade-Folding-Knife/dp/B002SCUO04/ref=sr_1_4?crid=3OVY093ZE8FB9&keywords=opinel+no+8&qid=1573841922&sprefix=opinel%2Ctools%2C152&sr=8-4

or an Ontario RAT 1 for $25: https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-8848-Folding-Knife-Black/dp/B0013ASG3E/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ontario+rat+1&qid=1573842093&sr=8-1

Axe for fire prep:

Cold Steel Trail Boss fo $32: https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-CS90TA-BRK-Trail-Boss/dp/B001CZ9UY4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=21DD9KF7WOYCB&dchild=1&keywords=cold+steel+trail+boss&qid=1573842210&sprefix=cold+steel+trail%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1

Total

That pretty much covers all things pointy and sharp to get him started in bushcraft for a grand total of $85.50

As he learns and develops more bushcraft skills he can upgrade when needed but this will get him started out with some solid gear.

>Nothing is ever sold at the msrp unless it is enforced in some way. It'll probably cost about the same or a bit more than a Bushcraft Black.

I agree, for any readers interested in the numbers, the MSRP on the Bushcraft Black carbon steel is $79.99 and is currently going for $57 on Amazon. That's 29% off MSRP.

This kind of folding saw is great for camp-scale stuff. And a nice 4" fixed blade knife that you can baton with is all you need to split it. I've heard this is a good starter knife for bushcrafting but I haven't got to use mine yet.

thanks!

whats difference between bushcraft black and the survival? looks like its the same knife but $12 more for the sheath with firestarter and sharperner. worth it?

$36 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BFI8TOA

vs

$24 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009O01H0Y

There are several variations, and tbh it’s no an axe you can beat the shit out of but for a lightweight backpacking hatchet(or even axe) they’re pretty hard to beat.

Fiskars X7 Hatchet 14 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002YTO7E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gCsOAbBQ3ZR0F

You should check out:

Cody Lundin 98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive

Dave Canterbury Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Surviva

Mors kochanski Bushcraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival

Lofty Wiseman SAS Survival Handbook: The Definitive Survival Guide

George Washington Sears Woodcraft

Horace Kephart The Book of Camping and Woodcraft: A Guidebook for Those who Travel in the Wilderness

Warren H. Miller The Sportsman's Workshop

I also compelled a list of youtube channels that are worth checking out for another thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bushcraft/comments/40e53a/field_dressing_game_rabbit_for_meat_fur/cytpjd5

And lastly the common sense answer go out and enjoy the wilderness.

I had assumed you meant this: http://www.amazon.com/Bahco-396-LAP-Laplander-Folding-8-Inch/dp/B0001IX7OW

I have one, it's awesome.

Ray Mears "Essential Bushcraft" is an excellent anday patient introduction to skills.

It does what it says on the tin.

https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Bushcraft-Ray-Mears/dp/0340829710

I've been real happy with the DMT FWFC Double Sided Diafold Sharpener
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004WFTW/

For processing firewood, get a Bahco Laplander folding saw. It's lightweight, durable, works well, and it's only about $24. It's lighter than an axe or hatchet, and much safer to use.

Your Mora has a Scandi grind, so you can easily sharpen it with a bit of practice and an abrasive surface. Get some Japanese water stones next (like the K-80) and learn how to maintain the blade.

Which Mora model did you get?

http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Bushlore-4-375-Inch-Walnut-Leather/dp/B002CC6BPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449015699&sr=8-1&keywords=condor+bushlore
the condor bushlore is by far my favorite knife. thats after moras, ka bars, opinels, and esee. condor is the way to go imo

If your looking for a big knife I've only heard good things about the Ontario RTAK II.

Review.

Nice first shot. Get a mora hook knife and really up your game.

I've used this while chainsawing a large swath of pine. inexpensive but high quality and the head is well set. https://www.amazon.com/Cold-Steel-CS90TA-BRK-Trail-Boss/dp/B001CZ9UY4

Yep that's the one I use. Huge and inexpensive - think they are still 8 dollars. I use a bit of gorilla duct tape around the end for some grip.


There is also another one that has a hole for a lanyard for a couple bucks more - but if you have a vice and a drill you can put a hole in this one easy enough to run some paracord through.


This is the firesteel

For the money, it's hard to wrong with a Mora. Amazing value in a darn tough and well-made knife.

Lifestraw: $19.99
http://www.amazon.com/Vestergaard-Frandsen-527950-LifeStraw-Personal-Filter/dp/B006QF3TW4/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394141409&sr=1-1&keywords=lifestraw

Or Alternatively:

Sawyer Water Filtration System: $50.42
http://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-SP181-Emergency-Filtration-Light-Weight/dp/B004TZ86M6/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1394141349&sr=1-2&keywords=sawyer+filtration+system



While not vital, here is something to consider:

Mora Hook (spoon) knife: $22.16
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00343VCCK/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

That's what I thought of off the top of my head. I'll see if I can add to the list when I get home.

• [BushCraft 101] (http://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-101-Field-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1440579776) by [Dave Canterbury] (https://www.youtube.com/user/wildernessoutfitters)
  
  
• [BushCraft: Outdoor Skills and Wilderness Survival] (http://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-Outdoor-Skills-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1551051222) by [Mors Kochanski] (https://www.youtube.com/user/morsKochanski)
  
  
• [Essential BushCraft] (http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Bushcraft-Ray-Mears/dp/0340829710/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1425230789&sr=1-1&keywords=ray+mears) by [Ray Mears] (http://www.raymears.com/)
  
  *** EDIT: Adding
  
  
• [BushClass] (http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/132-BushClass-USA) by BushCraftUSA

Pick up these two books...

https://www.amazon.com/SAS-Survival-Handbook-Third-Surviving/dp/0062378074/

https://www.amazon.com/Bushcraft-101-Field-Wilderness-Survival/dp/1440579776/

Bushcraft by Mors Kochanski

> DMT

Wow..nice.

But not cheap!

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/DMT-FWFC-Double-Diafold-Sharpener/dp/B00004WFTW/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=DMT&qid=1562163324&s=gateway&sr=8-7

Non-mobile: 250/1000 waterstone

^That's ^why ^I'm ^here, ^I ^don't ^judge ^you. ^PM ^/u/xl0 ^if ^I'm ^causing ^any ^trouble. ^WUT?

compare:

https://www.amazon.com/Gerber-31-002647-14-Inch-Hatchet/dp/B00KCY7W1O/ and https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-X7-Hatchet-Inch-378501-1002/dp/B0002YTO7E/

The Condor bushlore might be the sort of thing you're looking for.

Is this the one you have?

Condor Tool & Knife, Bushlore Camp Knife, 4-5/16in Blade, Hardwood Handle with Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CC6BPM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_XxGXDbEGH9XNT

Condor Tool & Knife, Bushlore Camp Knife, 4-5/16in Blade, Hardwood Handle with Sheath https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CC6BPM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_oLEYDb7EX5494

This,

http://www.amazon.com/Condor-Bushlore-4-375-Inch-Walnut-Leather/dp/B002CC6BPM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I5SMOC4CF93VY&colid=2RWIYGI2LVXDJ

and

http://www.amazon.com/Old-Hickory-76-7-Cleaver-Chopper/dp/B000MF7LFU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_T1?ie=UTF8&coliid=IT1OWSPNBG088&colid=2RWIYGI2LVXDJ

https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-4-1-Inch-Military/dp/B004TNWD40

or, if you prefer a wood handle:
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Classic-Handle-Utility-4-2-Inch/dp/B004D6H1WC/ref=sr_1_21?ie=UTF8&qid=1540401595&sr=8-21&keywords=mora

Even cheaper in Carbon Steel

Edit: or carbon with a thicker blade

This is the old Mora Bushcraft Black.

I bought this from Amazon for $45, now it's $52. The new one comes with a firesteel and a holder attached to the sheath, and even that costs $66.

Here ya go!
https://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Sandvik-Carbon-4-1-Inch/dp/B009XDR0NK/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=2WKZYRSQE7X1V&keywords=mora%2Bcompanion&qid=1555823105&s=gateway&sprefix=mora%2Bcom&sr=8-2&th=1&psc=1

Specifically this mora.

It's got a 4.1 inch blade vice the shorter 3.6 inch ones.

It's got a .125 blade vice the slimmer .1 inch ones.

It's carbon steel vice the stainless steel ones.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009XDR0NK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=AWGC09A86Y1U8

I know this answer gets teased for being ubiquitous...but a great first knife in this arena is a Morakniv Companion. It's very hard to beat in terms of quality-to-price ratio.

Don't worry about a sawback knife....especially since you said you already have a good handsaw. I haven't seen one that saws worth a damn anyway.

Check out the Mora Bushcraft Black this way you get a decent sharpener and a fire steel as well.

My first "real" outdoors knife was the Ontario RAT-7, If I could do it all over again I would get the Ontario RAT II.

The RAT II can be used in place of an axe and a saw.

Depending on your skill\applications this means you might need a small Mora in addition to that knife.

If it's not knife enough for you, try the Mora Bushcraft Black. Really, though, unless you're an absolute idiot with the knife, the one you got will last you a long time/lifetime.

I recently purchased a companion MG stainless for fishing, and it held up very well for all of the bushcraft knife tests I could throw at it.

Get a 250/1000 waterstone and you can use it to sharpen a $1000 Japanese steel kitchen knife or a $20 pocket knife and everything in between.

Most other things posted here chew off ALOT of steel and aren't the best choice. I use these professionally in the kitchen, and I use them for sharpening even my axes at home.

As noted, this might be worth a look OP. Personally I think you'll be able to use that knife you bought, but you'll find it will wear down or break. Not because it can't cut, but because it isn't designed for heavy use. Just keep that in mind. Anyway here's the Mora people are talking about.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004TNWD40/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1484813998&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=mora+blades&dpPl=1&dpID=31hduVz10IL&ref=plSrch


Edit: and everyone in this sub has bought a knife just like yours (we aren't trying to be assholes, we just are naturally occurring assholes). There's a reason we're recommending something else.

41.99$ you liar >:(

But really that's a cool account O:

Heheh....


Whetstone

Folding Saw

With that one you are paying a large premium for the sheath. This has a thinner blade 2.5mm vs 3.2mm, but is arguably not as tough.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40

It was this guy: https://www.amazon.ca/Morakniv-Carving-Knife-Carbon-Steel/dp/B00343VCCK?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0 had two bevels, not sure why, maybe they changed their grind in new productions. When did you get yours? Mine was about two years ago when I just started carving. I got it to a useable state but the shape wasn't as good as the deep wood ventures one I got. I don't even use the mora anymore.

Here's what I'm looking at now:

Cold Steel Trail Boss Axe, 27 Inch https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B001CZ9UY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_ee.yDbKD8AFP2

Fiskars 378571-1002 X15 Chopping Axe 23.5", Yellow/Black https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000BX4SBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Je.yDb7PQS6XP

Council Tool 2.25 lb Boy's Axe, 24 inch Curved handle https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01I0BK13Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9e.yDbHVHD850

Right now I'm leaving slightly towards the Fiskars, since i live in such a dry climate. My current axe is about to come off the handle because the handle had shrunk so much.

mora companion is an inexpensive and extremely reliable bush knife. You can get it in high carbon steel or stainless depending on your preference. Its really hard to beat for the price. I have take used and abused mine and its still holding up very well.

https://www.amazon.ca/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40

I'm new to Bushcraft in this past last year myself. I posted the link to the first and so far only knife I have purchased below. Its a Mora Companion and runs under $15. I've cut rope and cloth with it, carved wood, batoned wood and generaly tried to abuse it within reason and thus far I'm impressed.

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Stainless-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004ZAIXSC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396450010&sr=8-1&keywords=mora+companion

When I finally do upgrade I think I will go with the Mora Bushcraft Black.

From one beginner to another.
Theres my two cents.

holy crap those are expensive. may I suggest a wetterlings and a mora, and a ka-bar primary?

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dsporting&field-keywords=KA-BAR

http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Companion-Outdoor-Military-4-1-Inch/dp/B004TNWD40/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407815295&sr=1-1&keywords=mora+knife

http://www.amazon.com/Wetterlings-Large-Hunting-overall-cutting/dp/B00ALQKQ0M/ref=sr_1_13?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407815318&sr=1-13&keywords=gransfors+bruks+small+forest+axe


Heck, this smaller wetterlings is even cheaper and more in line with those kits. http://www.amazon.com/Wetterlings-119-Backcountry-Axe/dp/B00A0ADV6U/ref=sr_1_6?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1407815595&sr=1-6&keywords=gransfors+bruks+small+forest+axe

The classic Companion is a sore dick deal - you just can't beat it!!

High-Vis version of this kit.

I'm not a fan of the Knife+Ferrocerium rod combos. The Mora Survival one specifically is more expensive than the counterparts purchased separately. I prefer purpose built strikers because trying to exercise mechanical force using something other than the business end of something sharp and pointy sounds like a recipe for injury. Plus, if you lose your knife you're fucked because now you don't have a striker.

Get some:

• Gobspark Armageddon
  
• Mora Companion Stainless in Orange
  
• Mora Companion Carbon Steel in Orange
  
• Bacho PG72 'Expert'
  
• Sawyer Mini
  
• Reflective tape, electrical tape and cordage from Walmart. You can get a standard colored Sawyer for 20$ at Walmart too while you're at it.
  
  Not pictured: the sharpener I keep with this kit. It's just a 6$ Arkansas stone I picked up at the local hardware store.