(Part 2) Top products from r/Bushcraft

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!

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

My thoughts are this: A full tang knife will be more durable and more apt towards any bushcrafting (Becker BK2 is, Moras are 3/4 tang). Don't think that a knife is an axe. Nor a machete. There's "halfway" blades, but they're jacks of all trades. IE: Kukri [knife/machete].

Granted, I'm just a goof who tinkers with his stuff when I go out in the woods.

Those two knives blow the MORA lineup away, as they should at their pricepoint. I think they'd be great, just the value of the Mora and the extent I'd need them for is just fine for me.

edit: Just to mention, I'm a cheapo. My firesteel is this from amazon lol. Works well enough for me.

Nalgene 38oz Guyot designs, with a nice flat bottom. Amazon Canada, $76 (stupid!),
Amazon US, $30

Kleen Kanteen 40oz, Amazon Canada, $70 (just slightly less stupid!),
Amazon US, $23

There's the best of the best options. Try not to live in Canada for the best deal.

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.

Wow, That cooking set looks absolutely amazing.

I saw that $58 price tag and was a bit put off (as I was looking for cheaper starting stuff) but after going through the contents and seeing what I could remove from the amazon shopping cart It really doesn't seem that bad.

With the items mentioned in the original post I also added this and this the total came out to $65 on amazon.

After removing the stuff included the kit and having the tarp, knife, and paracord it is about $35. With the kit its puts the total up to about $95.

Considering this is about a $30 increase but with all the extra kit it really does seem tempting.

Nice work! Definitely get a hook knife for the next one. Also, do you have an axe? I'd highly recommend using that to do the vast majority of the wood removal. Here is a good video showing one technique.

You can also burn the bowl out with a coal. I have one of these and it's perfect for directing air flow and burning the bowl out really quickly.

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!

How about a survival starter kit? I like to get a one-quart widemouth Nalgene bottle, a steel cup that fits around the base of the bottle for cooking, and a bottle bag to carry it in. In an emergency, you can take out the bottle and empty its contents into the bottle bag for carry while having a bottle for water.

For my friends I add something like a Survivor HK-106 series fixed blade knife with fire starter; it's not a top-quality bushcraft knife and I typically have to spend some time with it and a sharpening stone, but it is rugged, full-tang, stainless steel, and will get those bushcraft jobs done; I use it over others (such as the Mora, which I use in other applications) because it fits inside the bottle, the sheath fits too (though they don't fit when sheathed), and it's a good value.

You should easily be able to get all this plus a water filter or purification tablets and have budget for a few more items if you like. I usually leave it at this and let the recipient Google "water bottle survival kit" and finish customizing the kit--there's plenty of room left.

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

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 use one as my catch-all machete/hatchet-type thing for clearing. I'm building roads through some woodland that my family owns. Mine is the Ka-Bar and I had a bit of a time getting the edge on it that I wanted, but now it's easy to keep sharp and I really enjoy using it. I don't bring an axe any more, just that, a weed-whip and a chainsaw.

Now I just need to get around to making a belt sheath for a lefty...

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.

If you haven't already, definitely check out this book, by far the best I've seen on the topic (for animals), and I've read a bunch. This one is another great one.

Woodcraft and Camping by Nessmuk and Back to Basics I actually enjoy more. It's more a mix of homesteading and bushcrafting which is why I enjoy it more.

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.

https://www.amazon.com/Ontario-Knife-7025-Hickory-Butcher/dp/B000MF9PY0

​

$10.41 w/ Free shipping.

7" blade

Full Tang

1095 HC Steel

Not 100% on it being uncoated or having a 90 degree spine.

3/32" blade thickness

​

Downside: Two rivets for handles.

Solution: Use techniques to create an axe handle wrap with epoxy and bank line to reinforce the handle to endure substantial batoning doesn't cause the handle to fall off.

No worries champ. Well you said your firesteel is [this] (http://www.amazon.com/SE-FS374-Magnesium-Fire-Starter/dp/B0010O748Q/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1376457959&sr=8-5&keywords=fire+steel). I read it as "Finest" and said your finest is functional, as in it is a good fire steel; because i have the same and it works pretty well.

Iv used these alot i dont use it to dig a wwi replica trench but it works great for cat holes and fire pits havent had it fail yet infact they are kinda hard to close back up

SE 8794SP Stainless Steel Folding Trowel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013KTADE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_-dqiybS4PH2YK

Check out a field guide for your area. I'm an entomologist and we recommend the same thing for bugs.

The one I use. Other people may like different ones
http://www.amazon.com/Audubon-Society-Field-Guide-American/dp/0394507606

I'd actually recommend the Trail Hawk I've watched a couple of reviews and it stands up very well for the price and size.

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/

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?

I'd get a wide mouth klean kanteen if you can find one. good for boiling water and much easier to cook in than a narrower mouth if necessary.

I have a 40 oz, and it's big but not unmanageable.

http://www.amazon.com/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-Brushed-40-Ounce/dp/B0093IS19C/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382815166&sr=8-1&keywords=klean+kanteen+wide+mouth

I used a Bahco Laplander for a while before upgrading to a Corona, which I really like. Very fast at processing wood, durable, reliable.

do you think the smaller mora might fit?
http://www.amazon.com/Morakniv-Craftline-Allround-Utility-3-8-Inch/dp/B004GAVOUU/

I'm not exactly sure what you're looking for, but if you need a cheap "beater" that is larger than a Mora but not too heavy, you could get an Old Hickory. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MF9PY0/

Can't beat the price, but I've read two reviews where the handle rivets could not take sustained batoning. More substantial rivets were required.

I don't know if drilling out the rivets and replacing them while using epoxy on the scales is something you want to do. Probably not out-of-box ready.

http://www.amazon.com/SE-8794SP-Stainless-Folding-Trowel/dp/B0013KTADE

This is solid, small and light, and I've heard of people finding them for a couple bucks.

I use the EOG Pocket Bellows. It works amazingly.

> 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

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/

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

Old Hickory for less than $10

What about a [40oz Kleen Kanteen] (https://www.amazon.ca/Klean-Kanteen-Stainless-40-Ounce-Brushed/dp/B0093IS19C/) and a 750ml Toaks pot? $90 CAD plus tax for the two together.

*Edit: didn't catch the part about being made in Canada. Guessing both of these are from China...

http://www.amazon.com/Estwing-E24A-14-Inch-Sportmans-Leather/dp/B00BNQR4SG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139135&sr=8-5&keywords=estwing+axe

http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-paracord-550LB-NYLON-FOLIAGE/dp/B002TT9NL2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139216&sr=8-3&keywords=paracord

http://www.amazon.com/SE-FS374-Magnesium-Fire-Starter/dp/B0010O748Q/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1394139294&sr=8-2&keywords=fire+starter

>but at the same time I am not going to buy a 10$ knife and toss it next month

Buy a $9 knife...and keep it for a lifetime.

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?

• [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

If you need something to curl up by the fire with - this is a spectacular reference for animal sign in NA. There is a companion volume for birds, as well.

The KA-BAR Kukri Machete
Its an axe saw and knife all in one. This thing has taken out 1-3 inch diameter trees in one swing.
http://www.amazon.com/Ka-Bar-2-1249-9-Black-Kukri-Machete/dp/B001H53Q8A

http://www.amazon.com/Corona-RS-7265-Folding-Pruning/dp/B001RD7LRO

Couldn't be happier with 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.

It's short, maybe 120, 140. I.m not at home now, but I'm sure you look it up on Amazon.

edit: shorter than I thought, the edition I have is this one at 105 pages. There's also a lot of illustrations, so the actual amount of writing is very small. You can read it in an afternoon no problem.

I'm a beginner, so take my suggestion with a grain of salt, but I've brought a Cold Steel Trail Hawk on my last few trips and it's worked well. They don't chop as well as a regular axe, but they're only $30. People go crazy on the mods, but all I did was sand the varnish off the handle and sharpened the edge. If you end up not liking it, well you're only out $30. This video made me look into them and give one a try.