Beavercraft BSH3 Bushcraft Knife - Watch Before You Buy

[@j.c.5480]

I just ordered this; I don't think any reviews mentioned the soft sheath. My first thought is to insert a thin rod (I have brass rods on hand) to give it some rigidity. I may even just make my own with brass fittings and replace the handle bolts with brass as well. At $35 USD, I fully expect to make some minor modifications, and I enjoy it so it's a win, win for me. In fact, if mine comes looking like yours, that handle will get some work too to knock off those edges for sure. As for the steel, 1066 is tougher than 1095 and easier to sharpen; although more frequently, but I'm cool with it. I also have hatchets and axes, so I haven't a need to do silly things with it. Thanks for an actual review (unlike most knife "reviews" I come across). Edit: I'll be picking up the BPS knife as well! Thanks, Mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have another knife from Beavercraft on the way with a similar sheath. My plan is to try a beeswax and linseed oil dip to see if it will harden up the leather. Thanks for commenting

[@mat314159mat]

I have his big brother BSH4, good value for the price and oiled walnut looks great

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have two more knives from Beaverchraft that are so much nicer than this one. Reviews coming. Thanks for commenting

[@chillindave1357]

In the same manner you point out applies to all gear. "Define the Mission". Backpacks, knives, shelters.. ya just got to know what your needs are. I think the sheath could be perfect around camp. Flexible may be it's charm when kneeling, or sitting in a chair. Thx Mark!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, the sheath would be flexible enough for that reason. although, I wonder if it could force the knife through the side of the sheath if sat on wrong. Thanks for commenting

[@starlingblack814]

Thanks Mark for the review. Those soft knife sheiths are dangerous. I had one cut through while hunting in the Alaska bush. Either my pack was pushing on the back of the knife or I hit it with the butt of my rifle. The result was me walking around in the back country with and exposed razor sharp blade sticking through about four inches out the bottom of the sheath. Did not cut myself, but learned a lesson about carrying a knife.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Totally agree. Glad you weren't hurt. Thanks for commenting

[@clivedunning4317]

Similar thing happened to me many years ago. Duct tape got me home.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day mate, holey moley, thats not good,. Lucky you didnt cop it, valuable comment mate, thanks for the share. Cheers Duke.

[@MrMann703]

Thank you for the review, i did order this knife, i like the soft leather granted it'll likely not be the best sheath but I'll enjoy it till i need to make a new sheath. I watched a Joe X destruction test on another beavercraft model made out of 1066 high carbon steel and it held up amazingly well, it was only 1mm thicker. If you ever watched a Joe X video you will understand the abuse he puts blades through.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have watched Joe X. Very entertaining. Thanks

[@alarsenault1681]

I have 6 beavercraft knifes there awesome I will be putting out some videos soon there awesome knifes for the price tough as hell

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Aside From The Not So Good Sheath The Blade Seems Fair ! Thanks For Your Demo & Thoughts Mark ! ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting Terry

[@kevinobrien2550]

I bought 1 and your right, the sheath is no good. The knife was not even sharp. It won't be my go to but I will use it for smaller tasks. Another great video Mark.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@James-ke5sx]

Beavercraft makes great strops. I have 3 of them. They also make a lot of small carving tools. But like you said I prefer the BPS knife which I have. I use Vaseline on all my knives instead of oil especially since I always carry a small bottle with me for chapskin or starting a fire. It may not be a great knife for Bushcraft but there are a lot of other types of material that people may need to cut. Maybe just a base camp knife for preparing food. But that soft sheath looks like it will get pierced sooner or later.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have two new knives from Beavercraft I will be reviewing. So much better than this one. Thanks for commenting

[@thedriftingspore]

Great detailed review as always Mark. I looked into Beavercraft awhile back and just wasn't sold on them. I looked at the BPS as well. As you know I define budget as 30$ or less. Any more expensive and I really start some serious mulling over before I would commit to a purchase. Luckily for me The QSP Bison D2 is treating me very well (which was a cherished gift that I would not have had otherwise) and it would be a real stretch for me at this point to even consider getting a different knife. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experience with this Knife Mark. I do appreciate it and enjoyed watching!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you are enjoying the Bison. Thanks for commenting Steve

[@rickyhurtt5568]

Glad to see someone else who defines budget like me and not at 209 or less for something to open packages or spend a nite camping with

[@rickyhurtt5568]

Bucks been using 440 for decades and still going strong. Point being you can get a lot out of steel if you know what you're doing with it

[@PMCKnivesAndTools]

I have the Beaver Craft leather strop and green stropping compound and can highly recommend them. Great video, thanks.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@PMCKnivesAndTools]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft no problem, have a keep the algorithm happy

[@jamescovan8853]

Do you suppose that when it comes to the butt of the handle, it pokes into your palm because you have large hands, but if you had smaller hands, that lip might be the very thing that could allow you to exert more force? Like, sure, the edge pokes ypu in the palm, but if you were smaller, then that point could actually reinforce the hand for better ergonomics? I have the bsh1, and i love it. The handle is really good, and ive found that the curvature really works well for my hand. Im a guitarist, and even though im a skinny dude, my hand arent really dainty, and i dont really have thin "guitarist" type fingers, but my hand is definitely stronger in sone directions more than others, and i found with the bsh1, that scoop in the handle really allows me to apply pressure on the handle in a lot of different ways, while making sure that my palm prwtty much always has firm contact with the handle regardless of which way im holding it. I was think that maybe that handle design is similar, in the sense that, if you had smaller hands, the bulge in the middle of the handle would kind of distribute the resistance of the knife (whatever you are cutting or what-have-you) to where the arm was taking mire of it, qhile the hand isnt really relying on the curl snd grip strength for control, and if you DO turn the knife around, that lip keeps your hand from sliding off the butt of the handle.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, the discomfort the butt of the knife created was likely due in part to the size of my hand; however, it is still a sharp corner that could/should have been rounded and prevent issues for anyone. I now have the BSH1 and BSH2 for testing and consider them both much better knives. Reviews coming. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Mark, I found this review to be a real ripper mate. You included so many facets of a good knife/tool choice .... you had me applauding my screen. On to this knife in particular; we are talk'n a fairly low budget job and personally I wouldn't go with such thin stock on the trail, though I did find it interesting it's debatabley like a thin, really, really low sabre, rather than a more chunky scandi. Re: the sheath; I reckon they've taken a look at a Buck 119 job, though again, still a budget offering, but I do have something of similar grade somewhere that's lasted many a year. The biggest worry is the handle arse end; as you said, too much taper off and the impractical point on the nub, .... yes perhaps fixable with a tape wrap and a file, but really, just sort that lot out in the factory. Cheers Duke. P.S: I do follow Denys Davydov for Ukraine updates and its testament to their population that they can still keep their manufacturing wheels turning.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks Duke. Beavercraft has the potential to turn out some great budget stuff. Just a bit more thought into the design

[@johanesgo8096]

while I'm watching your video, the thought crosses my mind if you're going to do a review of the victorionox knife, and at that moment I see it on your hip😀. When can we expect the video?

[@redsorgum]

I love my Victorinox knives, I carry and use my bantam every day at work. ✌️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Just recorded the review and hope to get it out in a week or two. Thanks for commenting

[@ianbruce6515]

​@@MarkYoungBushcraftit pi

[@AtomicBleach]

Just picked up a BPS MK1S styled like a Mora Eldris... same issue leather was very soft. I may try beeswax on the sheath or get a 3rd party Eldris sheath.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I will be takin a look at that knife. Thanks for commenting Thomas

[@llkj7944]

I have the BPS, great sheath, great knife…..when compared or critique these knives, we need to consider their around $50! The leather in the BPS sheath is worth 20-25$, maybe a little less for the beaver craft the knife itself is pretty cheap to buy.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have a few BPS knives and agree they are a great value. I now have two more Beavercraft knives I am testing and they are on par with BPS. Thanks for commenting

[@llkj7944]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft agreed, I am very interested in the beaver craft, I was going to buy another BPS but since seeing the BC I may need to try one also. They’re both the same price range here in 🇨🇦Amazon.

[@singingtoad]

Thanks for this very well done review, I like how thorough you are and that you demonstrated using the knife in some common around the camp tasks. I also like that you compared it to the BPS, nicely done. 😊Take good care and Cheers!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video my friend. Thanks for commenting

[@foxtonstreet]

That sheath looks like real leather? I just got a BPS knife and the sheath is faux leather which is why it's so stiff.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It is real leather but it is a split leather called Nubuck. Very thin. Thanks for commenting

[@crazkurtz]

Great video. No bs!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for commenting

[@alexandergutfeldt1144]

This looks like an excellent 'first knife' to me. Lots of potential for DIY: shaping the handle, shaping the the sheath, sharpening and profiling the blade and also teaching how to care for the knife. It is not a high quality heirloom knife. A bit too expensive maybe compared to a BPS knife. Still, I like it!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree it would be fine for someone to start out with and will modify to improve. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day mate, yep take care of that point on the backside of the handle first, cant say I'm lik'n that, lol. Seriously though, ... good insight pertaining to all those teaching aspects you mentioned. Its not a poor knife to start with, (sheath, perhaps not so much), but for sure, some tweeking is gonna make it better for anyone, particularly around an "established" camp site IMO. Anyway, a very practical comment mate, good on ya. Cheers Duke.

[@kevola5739]

The trouble you had finding the angle while featherstitcking made me suspect convex grind. The sheath reminds me of of the Benchmade Bushcrafter sheath which is what prevented me from buying that knife. The handle with the sharp butt point reminds me of cheaper kitchen knife handles. I guess that is my longwinded way of saying , not for me. Good informational review as always.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Good comments for sure

[@teemuholopainen4745]

What's sharpening shawl mean?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I may have not pronounced it clearly but the sharpening "choil" is the small half-circle cutout where the blade meets the handle. It allows you to sharpen to the very end of the blade. It is harder to do on knives that do not have the choil. Thanks for commenting

[@teemuholopainen4745]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft thank you sir

[@redsorgum]

I'm with you on using ceramic, I use it most of the time when I want to maintain the edge. I don't mind a knife steel that's easier to maintain out in the field. I think using a good food grade oil on the blade is a good option on coating the blade. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Good choices. Thanks for commenting

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day mate, yep, ease of sharpening on the trail makes perfect sense IMO too. Btw; Lanolin is a great treatment for carbon steels and leather, and cheap as chips; not recommended for ingestion though. If you need food grade specifically, I believe walnut oil is very good, but certainly not cheap here. Cheers Duke.

[@redsorgum]

@@eyeofthetiger4184 Yes, walnut oil if you’re going to use it for food prep. Thanks for the tip.🙏🏻

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

@@redsorgum No worries mate, just need to take care, food grade oils can go rancid, particularly confined and absorbed into a leather sheath. Hava a good one.

[@MPiKMS72]

That sheath would be a good candidate for a jacked leather conversion. Impregnate it with a mixture of melted bees wax and pine rosin.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It would certainly help with the stiffness but I am not sure if it would be more secure, unless I formed the sheath at the same time. Thanks for commenting

[@MPiKMS72]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Yes, I'd do that. Kind of like wet forming. I mean sure, its a cheap knife and not really worth the effort but it would be kind of fun to try because it is so cheap. Oftentimes even with rather thin leather you can stiffen it almost like kydex. At one point in history, the middle ages I believe, it was very common to use jacked leather sheaths. All those knives in Pieter Bruegel paintings probably were. :D

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I may try this. No reason not to. Thanks@@MPiKMS72

[@MPiKMS72]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft It can be fun to experiment with. I really think jacked leather sheaths offer a lot of advantages even today. I'm sure there are some guides or tutorials on the Bushcraft forum or here on KZbin. Otherwise I can dig through my files and find some historical recipes. They're usually just various proportions of bees wax, rosin, and maybe pine tar.

[@PrideofAmerica7332]

Bottom line, do you want a showpiece Benchmade or Tops knife? Or do you want a well valued outdoors tool that works incredibly well? I’ll choose the latter.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Thanks for commenting

[@foxtonstreet]

Thanks, good video

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@amounifnd]

Great comment around showing use vs neglect. Humans survived an evolved for thousands of years without todays super steels. And we will continue to do so without them.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have found people who are down on old school steels usually don't know how to sharpen them and will spend more for a super steel they still don't know how to sharpen. Thanks for commenting

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Beaver 🦫 craft mmm 😋 Those Ukrainian beavers turn out a bog standard camping knife 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@Robert_Thomas832]

Thanks for your reply

[@rickyhurtt5568]

Well you know to be fair some people gotta have that magnacut for that serious work of opening packages and breaking down the cardboard afterwards. It's not life a $10 utility knife and a pack of blades can do that kinda work. Hahahaha

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting

[@jimf1964]

Your review seems spot on with what I see in the video. Personally I have no use for a thin blade unless it’s only for cooking. The metal needs to be strong to stand up to heavy, long term use. And that handle and sheath is just awful. I don’t know why many companies seem to think the handle needs to get very narrow towards the end, but for me personally, I have a busted knuckle and it doesn’t close properly, so I need anything I use to be quite large all the way through. Ukraine makes a lot of knives for some reason. I was looking on Etsy for a Yakutian style knife, and all I could find was ukranian ones. I have no interest in supporting Ukraine and if I did, buying a crappy knife wouldn’t be the way I’d do it, but I’d love to know if there is a good company out there.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

It is too easy to jump on the bandwagon of what is being said about certain knives (and other things). My opinions may not be popular but I feel I need to say them to help people make informed decisions about what they spend their money on. Thanks for commenting Jim

[@jimf1964]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Right on Mark. Thanks for replying and thanks for all these Saturday morning videos. They’ve become a part of my Saturday morning tea time. Wouldn’t miss them.

[@ianbruce6515]

I have beavercraft spoon carving tools. They are ok--but not brilliant I have three bps knives. They are superior. There is a very superior Ukrainian maker of knives and hatchets that are very high end--beyond my budget! Kharkov Forge. They are VERY special.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have the Beavercraft spoon carving set as well. A good basic starter set. I just received two more knives from Beavercraft. That are way beyond this knife in quality. More like the BPS. Thanks for commenting

[@sosteve9113]

She at looks indeed a bit flimsy

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The company advises they will be upgrading the sheath. Thanks for commenting Steve

[@sosteve9113]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft looks like a decent knife