Choosing a Bushcraft Knife - Mora, Condor, Esee, Gerber, Skookum, BHK, BCNW, Victorinox, Leatherman

Cody Coyote from Skookum Bushcraft talks about choosing a good Bushcraft Knife, the difference between a Bushcraft knife and a Survival Knife, and what the hell is Bushcraft anyway!?!
BTW: Don't mind the dirty house at the time, was laid up with an injury. :)

[@StevanOutdoor]

Good review! I like that you discuss knives from different price ranges. Also like your definition of bushcraft, bcs for me it is also about having fun in the woods. Cheers

[@xR1no]

Nice Video! :) I carry an Esee 6P, an Izula II and a Gränsfors small forest axe. Not cheap, not very expensive, but absolutely reliable! Size, weight and shape are a matter of personal preference, reliability is not! The Esee 6 as well as the Izula II are very easy to sharpen to a razor edge , even in the field. They are both great for woodworking and also sufficient for animal dressing. For those of you who do more carving, than serious bushcraft like building shelter, an Esee 3 or 4 would be a better choice, since the Esee 6 is quite big and more on the heavy side. I use the Izula II for carving and small tasks. Just stay away from serrated edges and the sharpened clip point. All the best!

[@fireboxstove]

Thanks for sharing your take on Bushcraft knives. I appreciate hearing what your experience has taught you. I just picked up a Condor Bushlore and am happy with it. I tend to beat stuff up (including myself) in the name of getting the job done so I didn't want to spend a lot.

[@raymonddillon7370]

Great Vid , i love your reviews. I hear your dogs barking in the background, remember to feed the good wholesome foods just in case one day you have to harvest them.

[@D45VR]

true

[@lewisward8483]

I purchased a Slookum Bush Tool in 2009 with 01 steel and two holes, no ole in blade for chopping. I love everything about the knife. Worht every penny. Wow! You figured a simple way to sete it up for belt carry! I'm on it as doon as I obtain some real paracord. Been using a Prusek Loop with white cord. Works quite well but a pain to get the sheath off the belt with the tight loop. Looking for a smaller/shorter carbon blade for everyday carry. I'm a woodcarver/green woodworker. hunter/hiker among other things so I'm cosidering obtaining a Roselli Carpenter UHC steel blade that about 3.5" long. Of course, the downside in makng my own knife is figuring out a sheath for carry! I have the UNH Roseli Bearclaw with a sheath but the sheath is too danged soft so the blade works loose even after making adjustments. Been using knves most of my life, old carbon Schrade etc folders from the early 70's. I like well made knives, you sure figured out the good from the bad. Keep up the good work. Have you received the 01 SBT?

[@JMigUK]

looks like bushcraft can be practiced in your room too

[@Munin497]

Like most of you I have a slight tendency to hoard knives but what I've concluded as they keep piling up is that at the end of the day, they're just pieces of steal. We give way too much credit to the sales arguments and grossly overestimate what more money will give you. You could really just get a 20€ class knife and have a great all round for woodwork, hunting, skinning or whatever. Oh, and my personal favorite is a 7.5cm Helle blade on a shaft I've made myself from moose antler.

[@MichelLinschoten]

I totally agree, he seems to spend more money on blades then a cleaning maid that's for sure. Like it's magic steel the use, that justifies the cost of it, no offense i love blades i do. But i love them, because in this day and era it does not need to cost, an arm and a leg. To get a pretty decent blade for all purpose use.

[@lonepecheurboussac1249]

Michel Linschoten exactly what I thought

[@GruntBurger]

After several outings and much use, I can assure you that I will not be buying another condor. Having a full tang means nothing if the steel isn't properly heat treated and ground. I own Mora knives, Condor, Kellam, many others, and I have no issues carving with and thrashing all buy my bushlore. I really don't know how they have such a high rating on Amazon or anywhere else. Just in very simple tasks, the edge will roll and chip. I'm not talking about batoning through wet oak, I'm taking carving pine and ash, it will be unusable after 2 minutes. It's not just mine, nobody I have personally met has liked condor for the exact same reasons. If you want a cheap knife, get a Mora. Want a nice knife but don't want to spend $200, get a kellam, enzo, buck, ontario, hell, anything but condor.

[@blackhatbushcraft]

Very sound advice and excellent philosophy of bushcraft knives! Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@MrXLH2003]

I've been looking at a few clip's comparing hiking/camping knives and it is truly amazing how often the Mora turn's up.

[@Danrt2]

I agree 110% about the Blind Horse Knives Bushcrafter. I know those guys (Scooter, in the custom shop is a friend of mine) and they make absolutely phenomenal knives for the money. In fact, the BHK Bushcrafter is the knife that inspired me to start making my own knives. I can't recommend their stuff highly enough. You will not be disappointed with anything they carry.

[@outsyderoutdoors7595]

Hey Cody, Thanks for this vid, I used it when researching and ultimately buying my BCNW-01. You have inspired my to do my own comparison (if I can bear hearing my own voice and grow a pair big enough to get it online!) but mine are different blades to yours so I hope others can find it helpful like I did! FYI mine are a Kellam Wolverine, Temagami, R.Evans Bushtool, BCNW, Fallkniven A1, couple of neckers and an Izula 2…….I think! leave the folders and multitools out of it for now. Thanks again, I enjoy your films Marc

[@rythymroach]

Thanks for the info! I'm into Mora, but branching out for condor now! Working my way up as opportunity permits! Looking to process a bone as well as stone knife this Summer with primitive skills techniques, cheers!

[@SkookumBushcraft]

Sparks off of quartzite stones, and ease of field maintenance. Sharpens easily, holds a edge well, easy to just strop after use and bring back edge. I have a few stainless that I love as well.

[@jamesaritchie2]

The Mora is famous, not infamous.

[@paulie4x1]

I totally agree on your favorite knife, your Skookum, I have one also, in 3V, super knife, I think 3V, is much better than the 0-1, but that's my opinion, as far as the Blind Horse Buscrafter, it is a great knife, Blind Horse split up, now the Buscrafter is being made in A-2, still at a very reasonable price, I have the older 0-1, but most of my knives have thinner handles, and I had mine made thinner, and polished, it slips out of the sheath easier, since the handle is thinner, but for me, it fits great, and I have medium large hands, but it still feels great, I think I might get the A-2 Bushcrafter too, nice to see you again.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah again, It took quite sometime for me to select my Summer into Fall system of cutters, I decided on my Rodent 5 which I had it leaned down, Thinned down but very little, It's a 5 1/2" knife that I can use as a smaller knife because how the choil was designed on it the ergonomics is excellent and now it's even a little lighter but very string, I teamed it with my 2Hawks Double Bit Hatchet which I use it as a large knife and even though my Wicked Tough Saw is my Fav. I went with a Bacho Laplander because it's lighter and more compact and with a Haversack it's all I need, I luv to scout out new area's, For my long knife I use my Rodent Rucki, This right now after alot of researching and practicing with other tools is my Fav. go to. And yes I have a Skookum Bush Tool, But the Rodent 5 is one heck of a Knife, Infact similar to the 5160 but with more carbon and tempered by Busse Technology awesomeness.

[@XPPdaChibsX]

I appreciate the more unbiased review felt it was your true thought on the knives not shoved down your throat to be said

[@schlooonginator1227]

Good video. Nice collection of bushcraft knives. You definitely know your knives,good advice.

[@mglennon5535]

Bonus score! Chances upon your channel... discovery made. I like your attitude, style, knowledge, presentation, and I just happen to agree with your conclusions. Well done. You’ve earned my subscription and I look forward to checking out your other offerings. Thank you and be well. MG

[@jessew5152]

Thumbs up. I like what you value in a blade and your reasoning behind it. Random thought: Bulletproof survival knife with a razor edge? Go to an antique store, get yourself an old two man crosscut tree saw. Expect to pay $20 to $50. If you can find one that tapers towards the spine, even better, they're the best of the best and the steel is amazing. Super hard, can hold an edge like a straight razor, but not as fragile as you may think- after all the saw itself was made to endure decades of abuse. It will be about 1/8" thick. Think about what you want. Cut out some cardboard blanks to get a feel for your knife. Cut your pattern out of the sawblade, keep it cool to keep the temper. Get it sharp and with a couple of brass pins, handle scales and some epoxy, you got yourself a knife you can be proud of. Hell with a whole 6 foot sawblade you and everyone you know will have knives to be proud of. You can also find the occasional circular mill blade, the big bastards that are 30+ inches across. They also have good steel, doesn't hold the edge as well, but at 1/4" thick it's your best bet for a big chopper. Sincerely, a Kentucky Blacksmith

[@SteeringSteel]

Good video, and i couldn't agree more with your philosophy and closing comments. Good Luck and Stay Sharp!

[@digitalPublius]

Great video! I have the BHK Bushcrafter, easily my favorite knife and a variety of Mora Knives too. My go to survival blade is the KaBar, Becker BK-2 Campanion or my Fallkniven F1. The Izula rides in my Maxpedition VersiPack which I carry everyday. It is a great little fixed blade.

[@letsgosurfing416]

Very informative, thanks for the upload. I'm going into the Blue Mountains (west of Sydney, Aust) into some uncharted territory, only for 3 days. I have a great axe but need a good knife because my former one is just too splintered. Was thinking of a cold steel bushman. Anyway, thanks again mate.

[@Stormstaff]

Good video. You could say I'm an ESEE fan boy. Based out of Georgia they are, I believe. Jeff & Mike are great people and Shon Rowen does something magical with the heat treat on their 1095 steel. The ESEE-5 is a TANK that would be great to have if you needed to cut your way out of a chopper or something, hehe. If you get the chance to handle the ESEE-6, do it. I think you'll really like it. Even as a longer knife, it handles very well. Also, the ESEE-3 is a very nice, lighter option that at 1/8" steel is a sweet slicer that can also take a beating. Last but not least, their Laserstrike is a great middle of the road sized knife for around $110 (I think).

[@outsyderoutdoors]

Nicely done & well explained (found whilst looking up the BCNW which I will be ordering!) Your experience shines through........... far more informative than seeing some dude beating the spine with a log! Good work sir!

[@Timbertrekkerbushcraft]

Couch crafting. I like it. I learned so much very close to my house. Good video cody

[@crosshair64]

I enjoyed your video. Learned some valuable information about different bushcraft knives. I've spent most of my life outdoors, mostly for hunting purposes. I like the way you don't care what it costs, like I am with my firearms, I own the best out there, optics too.. I own a couple dozen knives, you mentioned two of them. Thanks for the info.

[@Redshift313]

I like your passion towards Bushcraft and the Blades... but contrary to what you say... NONE of those Knifes look like they have any use on them !!!

[@RealBushMonkey]

not saying I agree with you,but its utube, half the reviewers beef up blades they never have or never will ACTUALLY USE...sad? yes.im always entertained at the mass opinion that some can form after 10 mins of playing in their backyard...or kitchen,lol

[@StevanOutdoor]

RealBushMonkey I don't own or drive a Ferrari but I do know it is a fast car. I weigh only 85 kilo but I know my climbing gear can hold op to 2200 kilo. I know my Glock 78 field knife can take some abuse bcs I'v seen the Noss destruction video's. Proper use of a knife won't leave to many marks. Only abuse of a knife will. Just my 2 cents.

[@-NoneOfYourBusiness]

Subbed. No BS no frills info. I like it that way. Im not into knives anymore since I finally found my personal holy grail of outdoor knives. But you are right, Condor is a very good place to start for the folks who wont spend too much on a single knife. Either de bushlore, the bushcraft basics, the sapiens are excellent blades for the price. Their bigger Hudson Bay is something too and price-value is simply unbeatable. I wanted to ask you, host : Hatchets ? I would be happy to see a video.

[@knifemaker2472]

"pummel glass breaker....whatever.." I love it!!!! I feel the same. :)

[@Standswithabeer]

Nice worthwhile comparisons...thanks!

[@TheMontanaBushcraft]

Thank you for the information provided in this video. Added a couple more knives to my wish list. Keep up the great work.

[@learnspeakthai]

Excellent review of knife options. Learnt a lot. Many thanks.

[@in2thepickers950]

Good video but remember bushcraft and survival are two different knives for survival I'll take a larger knife for processing firewood and chopping for crafting yes the blind horse bushcrafter is hard to beat I also love the hell out of my mora knives I think you should just see how tough that bear grills knife is you might be surprised how tough it is even though its big and klunky it might make a good review

[@rakehell404]

I think the Gerber BG knife is at least as good as the Mora. I know it's fashionable to disdain it but I suggest giving it a go. I'm not sorry I bought mine. Initially, they had problems with the handle durability but that's a thing of the past. I pounded a 10 penny nail with mine and it held up fine. One of the nice features is that sheath turns into a sharpening platform. Frankly, I like the whole thing, even the knife.

[@StreamTin]

Condor re the best quality for money, and the best blades overall, probably because their company is in el salvador, so they've got testing space on their doorstep

[@shadowalker1776]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this subject.

[@Screamingtut]

Great video Cody I have several Mora's plus I got a schrade 9 for heavy stuff I hope to get a really good knife when I can afford it!

[@americanpatriot3667]

Can't wait for my skookum bush tool but for now I'll stick with the lt. Wright bushcrafter great video man

[@futuresonex]

(P.2) Other options that you might consider from Mora are the Light My Fire series which feature Sandvick stainless steel blades & a ferro rod built into the handle and the new Mora Bushcraft knives. The Bushcraft series is the heaviest duty series form Mora and are available with either a stainless blade (Bushcraft Orange) or a high carbon blade (Bushcraft Black). (Continued in part 3, I hate YT's 500 character limit!)

[@robw3027]

This is the first video of Coyote's I've seen- I like it. Thought a very good, quick overview of some knife choices considering some real world concerns. By that last I largely mean money. Tell you though you have to wonder about some posted comments- particularly ones telling the guy to clean up his place! WTF? And these are men posting those comments- yikes!

[@IBREPANI]

@Curtis5511 I believe that it's because they can be used to spark with flint and stuff where as the stainless steal doesn't? But the carbon steal will rust if you don't look after it! I could be wrong, I'm quite new to bushcraft etc...

[@thereverendmikejones]

Hey man, decent video (aside from the "I'm not sure"s and "don't really know"s) definitely dig your taste in bushcraft tools. Good, honest opinions. Looking forward to more videos. Good luck with your foot!

[@charlesmckinney]

I like my Condor Bushlore. I have two. The first was a first run. It was in pitiful shape. Very bad. I decided to keep it and see if i could turn it into something i really wanted and that was a thick spear shaped blade, not too long but tough enough to be driven deeply into whatever with little chance of breaking. I bought the second after using a friends and liking the knife. They're good.

[@paulie4x1]

Say Heah Cody, there's a new kid in the block for me, a while back since I always wanted a Busse Battle Mistress, Busse sent me a e-mail that they were making the Anneversary Straight Handle Battle Mistress LE so I got it, their knives sell out pretty fast and I was worried that I would miss the boat, with that large knife I wanted to pair it off with a smaller knife, but no such luck but then I got another e-mail that they had a Sarge 7, I got that one too, but still wanted a smaller blade, one of my favorite Busse - kin knife is the Swamp Rat Ratmandu. I said if only they made that in a INFI Steel, but at that time no luvk, then they came out with the Anneversary Mean Street LE so I got that one too, then I get another e-mail this time for a Son of Badger, and I got that one, always hoping for a 5"-6" blade in INFI, at last year show Busse made a few INFI Ratmandu's it was a drawing on BladForum, well anyhow I finally got my dream come true, I got one, but, that S.O.B. turned out to be one of my all time favorite bushcraft knives, it's thicknrss, the lenght everything about it fit like a glove, I have three Bravo 1's and seriously I like that S.O.B. The best, thought I would share this with you, it's a great knife I thought you might be interested in.

[@kestrelfpv4712]

wow! great video man, opened my eyes and changed some opinions i had on bushcraft knives. thanks!!

[@thebigone022]

It depends on preference. Instead of looking at carbon vs. stainless, look at the individual steels themselves. Each steel is unique and has different characteristics that can be better depending on how you plan on using it, how hard you are on tools, and how well you maintain things over time.

[@MaZEEZaM]

Great reviews, full of info. Please for future video's (not looked at your others yet) but a higher resolution camera would be great.

[@futuresonex]

(P.3) The Mora Bushcraft knives run around $40, & the Bushcraft Survival series goes for around $60. I think the Bushcraft Black ($39) is the best knife Mora makes. Add in a good multi-tool like a Leatherman Wave ($55) & a good hatchet or folding saw and you're good to go! The Gerber Bear Grylls Survival Hatchet ($33) is an excellent, razor sharp, multi-use tool that I really like. If necessary it could replace the Schrade SCHF9 in your kit. I'd want both, but the hatchet could do it all.

[@davidjollie3807]

Sitting in the house bored???? Why dont you clean the friking mess behind you!!

[@insomb]

He don't give any shits

[@Peteru69]

Ssshhh David.

[@derekstynes9631]

I thought He had been Burgled ?

[@narlee2014]

Thanks for the knowledge!!!

[@fondolon]

Dammit..... now all I see is the mess.

[@anubis1335]

Nice collection man. You had some good insights.

[@TonberryShuffle]

The BCNW O-1 has been replaced by their Celilo style knife. Similar design said to use their experiences to improve on the old knife. I think it may even be a little larger but I'm not sure.

[@aokspage]

Nice video. Liked seeing all the knives. I have a Mora I made a handle for works great. Just don't ask it to perform out of its realm and you would be fine. If you do then be aware and you would still be fine. nothing like a full tang though.

[@7point62by54R]

the bear grylls isnt for bushcraft anyway.but ive used one for a while as a heavy blade in the woods.the fine edge model is way better than that serrated one.i see what your saying bout it, but it shouldnt be on the list when looking at bush blades.when using a knife the PROPER way, the BG will work

[@scarz1951]

I've got two Condor Bush Lores. The first generation with the 3/16" thick blade and the second generation with the 1/8" thick blade. I also own 4 Moras. I've put those 5 knives through hell and they are still going strong. I have a Falkniven F1 but I don't reach for it often. I like the Moras and Condors much better.

[@drcsep]

I like your honesty. Gracias for your info lad

[@TKDLION]

My first bushcraft knife was a Condor Bushlore. I just got a TOPS BOB Fieldcraft knife and I think that it is awesome.

[@michaelbyrd2043]

I really like your video everyone's opinions are different it's what works for them keep up the good work

[@SurvivorGuy720]

Nice discussion. Very informative. Grate job man!

[@paulie4x1]

Heah Cody, I always wanted a Leuku ever since I seen SaraDreaming review a gift she got then Tactical received a Leuku as a gift and did a video on it, even though I always wanted a Leuku because the Saame People not only live by that knife, but it is their one tool carry kniv, so I started to research the Leuku I almost bought it from a seller over sea, but with the price of two kniv's and the money transfer I found a local man from Ragweed Forge that carries alot of the Nordic type Kniv's, and I was able to buy three kniv's all are Stromeng the KS 9, KS 5 and the Puukko STAK, Jim also use to forge knives that's where the name came from, Jim is a very knowledgeable guy to talk to about knives, so I finally got my Leuku and then sone, I think you would enjoy talking to him and check out what he has check him out, before that the only Puukku I had was the C old Steel SISU and a vintage Frost Mora Companion is is still scary sharp, but I still luv my Skookum Bush Tool and my John Bradley World's Finest Camp Knife and a few others like my Benchmade Bushcrafter #162 anyhow I got a few more but none that are real Traditional Kniv's, check him out.

[@intrepid5592]

Sir please try to hold the knife still while explaining it's characteristics so we can get a good look ...each individual has unique dexterity skills so your choice of a good bushcraft knife might not be mine. but still pointing out the merits of your choices will certainly invite our attention on what to look out for when we do ours. good job sir. appreciate it...

[@RobHill00]

I have ordered a mora to get me started! Good video!

[@patriotrob7066]

Funny I use my Gerber strongarm all the time. my esse and my Ontario rat 5 sit at home.. But any knife you have on you is the best knife!! Period

[@phillipdelaney3315]

I am really considering that condor over a mora now. They are so highly recommended but that condor has really caught me eye... I was actually planning on buying a heavy duty carbon mora, and a SS companion for more like food and i live in utah, it snows a LOT so the SS sounds nice

[@SkookumBushcraft]

all healed up and back at it, thanks! I generally have too many with me. I can never decide which one I want to take, so throw a few in the pack and two or three on me. If you aren't concerned about that weight then it can't hurt to have too many. :)

[@larryneff6419]

I think they probably fixed the QC issues on the Condors..My Bushlore came razor sharp..Outstanding purchase for around 35 bucks..

[@livingsurvival]

Nice review, just the info I was looking for, thanks for sharing ;)-

[@futuresonex]

(P.1) If you want a good do-all knife setup for less than $70 get a Schrade Knives SCHF9 & a Mora Companion Heavy Duty. The Schrade SCHF9 is your heavy duty survival knife. It has a 6.7" full tang blade of 1095 high carbon steel & kraton rubber handle scales that help absorb the impact of chopping & batoning. It's a little over $40 and is worth every penny. The Mora Companion HD is $20, has a 4" carbon steel blade and is your lighter duty bushcraft knife. (Continued in part 2)

[@Dietdrshasta]

Great Video, really clarified things up.

[@eheritage21]

I have a few knives and just got the esee 4 and been second guessing if I shoulda got the 5. Thanks for the vid I think I made the right choice

[@SkookumBushcraft]

It was actually a Condor Sapien. Decent little blade, I gifted it to a brother of mine.

[@hamiltoncallum]

Thankyou for the very insightful and informative video. A very good introduction to the subject.

[@SkookumBushcraft]

Looks way better, I haven't held one or seen one in person though. But it looks way better, looks like they upgraded the steel as well. Price increase as well with that. I am sure its better than the previous version. Smart move on Gerbers part. Now people that liked the last one have to buy another one.

[@kenship7]

"I just wanna hold it cuz it feels good" haa awesome. good vid bro.

[@chrisdotpaul]

I can't believe you didn't mention anything by Tops Knives. Their Bushcraft knife would definitely scratch the itch for a lot of people and it's reasonably priced.

[@benmaddison575]

Beautiful selection of knives brother! enjoyed the watch.

[@RDPproject]

Great review of the various knives...and I totally agree with your view points on the Teddy Bear Grylls knife....lol

[@adelarsen9776]

Bear who ??

[@wildairsoft1]

yup teddy bear is dumb and fake les stroud now were talking

[@mumbo223]

wildairsoft1 Les Stroud is better, but his knife he put his name on sucks.

[@juggaloninjoe]

Bear Grylls would out perform and out craft any of you any day.

[@mumbo223]

real life survival is totally different than his stupid show. you know that message to not try this at home at the beginning of his show? its there because when people are in a real life situation and it doesn't work they cant sue them

[@ArthurHau]

Try to buy a pre-1960 knife made in Germany, England, or U.S. Steel making is an art that old blacksmiths performed better than current mass production machines do. I learn this from refinishing my old chisels from ebay.

[@NATEaBERGERturtle1]

Informative video dude, you've got quite a collection! Thanks for posting it.

[@johnsanders186]

If ya regret buying a Gerber BG knife mail it to me...i'll use it...(I've used brittle yet uber sharp molybdenum vanadium + Sheffield, swiss, Chinese, german & Scandinavian steel & had no problems using all)...a knifes only as reliable as the person who cares for it :)

[@JayWandersOut]

How could you tell people to avoid the BG knife without testing it first? I've heard an awful lot of people here and on forums bash it but they've never used it. You people are so closed minded and such snobs that you hate it because it's branded by a celebrity and can't conceive of ever liking it. It's almost like an argument about religion with you people. Amazing. Try it! Go check out the actual reviews! I'll admit the ultimate survival knife doesn't have the best steel but it's not bad and you can beat the crap out of it and it holds up just fine.

[@jbar3762]

Most of us are not snobs, but thanks for the label probably makes a few of us feel a little more prestigious. Most people bash it first because BG is pretty well hated among the survival/bushcraft crowd and the idea that his name on a product should make it more valuable is a slap in the face, second because it has a pretty poor design as far as most of the bushcrafters are concerned (serrated blades are more or less useless) but the survival crowd might disagree, third its not of any robust quality when compared to other leading knives like the mora and is really only as robust as any other hunk of steel, and fourth if you watch reviews from people who use knives abusively which they should be able to handle, you'll hear a good number of complaints. All in all its a camper/bravado knife, looks nice, cuts string, and can physically separate wood with more effort then is necessary.

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Actually Jay, I have a Gerber Bolt-Action Lock that a friend gave me and I bought the Gerber "Bear Grylls" Scout Folder and I use it everyday, often as much as 10 times a day and that is not an exaggeration. So those who hate certain people or brands and assume the whole line is bad will limit themselves. I don't have expensive blades (except the Cold Steel Recon Tanto), but I don't dismiss all of them as over priced toys for snobs or fancy rich guys. The brand is often irrelevant, each product needs to be evaluated.

[@danmartin4552]

MasterK9Trainer And that is my problem with the BG stuff. I have handled the old model and was less than impressed, but I have looked at the new generation an it seems much better. But with out handling, after looking into it and doing research, I can dismiss it. I can look at the steel and see that for the same price I can find much better. I can look at the specs (grind style, edge geometry, blade shape, mass, ect...) and compare them to other knives in the same price range, and logically figure what will perform the best. I do have more expensive blades, and I do tend to use them more often than the cheaper onse, because they just work better, but it does not mean that I have only ever used more expensive stuff. Ideally I would like to have a BlackHeart Gunner 12, it is a $500 knife, but that will not happen for quite some time. I am even starting to test out some of my own designs an blades that I am making.

[@shadowdance4666]

I have a Bear Grylls clone I keep in the basement just in case. He's got a tread mill & a TV camera so he's pretty happy. I named him George

[@MasterK9Trainer]

Jay, I have a Gerber Scout folder and I use it every single day, so like any company, some products are better, but it's a good $20 knife and if prices drop, I may buy another one.

[@theaquasmith]

Good selection of knives to talk about. You covered a lot of price points well. Perhaps someday when I am a "Bushmaster" I will spend the big $$$ for a real buscraft knife. For now I am gonna have to stick with my budget friendly Bear Gryll's- Mora combo. I also carry a Victorinox Hiker. It has that wood saw you mentioned and is still pocket friendly. I've used my BG knife a lot now and I really don't see that knife breaking or bending in any hard use field application. It may not hold an edge like those O1 tool steel knives but it is much tougher than you believe it to be.

[@isaac_k98]

The Woodlore knife is a traditional British design that can be seen in A.Wright & Sons catalogues before WWII.

[@Serenityindailylife]

mora also sells knife blades without handles, partly the reason you see custom handles

[@SkookumBushcraft]

Thanks! I did the same thing. I have a bunch of skinners and such that I was using, and a buck hunting knife, then bought the Esee5 thinking I was going to craft with it. It's just way too big. You would have better luck crafting with the Esee6 than the 5. Its just a pig of a knife.

[@DutchBushcraftKnives]

IMO. ESEE's steel is way too soft, spine doesn't scrape firesteels, it is carbon and comes with a terrible huge edge angle. It's not a survival knife nor a bushcraft knife IMO. The sheath is awesome though. Carbon steel is not a bad thing but 1095 carbon steel on a survival blade is. It rusts faster than you can dry it when your surviving in wet terrain.

[@DutchBushcraftKnives]

Do you keep them in a pot of grease? It's true it doesn't rust if you can keep it oiled but that's the problem. Esee says it makes survival knives. When I'm stranded in the amazon I don't want my knives to rust nor think about it.

[@dsjc666]

Ka bars are 1095 cro van bet you won't find a rusty one of those

[@DutchBushcraftKnives]

I had a Ka-bar becker Bk2 in 1095 Cro van. it was much nicer than esee's 1095. I was quite happy with it. I had made a mirror polish on mine so i removed the coating. it did rust one time when i left it in the rain for half an hour but it was no problem. My esee however rusts when I'm sharpening on my wetstone.

[@xXSpartan029Xx]

I work in a vineyard, and have used carbon steel Opinels, Mora's and several 1095 slipjoints out in the pouring rain and have never had any issues, even though a lot of what I was cutting (the canes and tendrils of the vines) were acidic and was reacting with the steel quicker than the water was. Rust does occur, but if you keep using it or just wipe it down every now and then it doesn't take.

[@DutchBushcraftKnives]

Hey, thanks for your comment. I really like opinel but when mine gets wet the wood swells and pinches the blade. How do you prevent that? I already oiled the wood with both linseed and danish oil.

[@davixavier3261]

Great thoughts! Keep up the great work!

[@das291556]

Great bid bro. I personally love moras. Hate the sheath though.

[@RoninBlades]

many good and nice blade exist and sometimes hard to find your best for bushcraft, since many met your expectations . . .

[@onsquare3rd537]

I'll give you this brother, you know your knives.

[@colonelchimp]

very good sensible advice and nice selection of blades thanjs have subbed

[@FrontierLegacy]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the Russel Green River knives. The hunter is a decent size and they old a good edge and are very economical. Just about on part with Moras and they are made in the US.

[@charless8641]

Thank You, you gave me some great info and I appreciate it.

[@joesphx19]

Great video, new sub. BTW, the first Condor knife you said was sent to you by mistake is called the Condor Bushcraft Basic, it's a knock off of a backwoods Finnish knife.

[@kaizoebara]

You should try a Hultafors HVK for dirt cheap goodness: - thicker stock than Mora - Japanese SK-5 steel - come razor sharp

[@Edogawa1117]

Very informative and useful. Thank you!

[@CristiNeagu]

I think Gerber really lost a lot with their choice for the BG knife. It wasn't really that well thought out. The new version, the Pro, is way better in all aspects but people stay away from it and call it gimmicky cause the first one wasn't very good. The Pro is actually a good knife. It's not my first choice for bushcraft either, but as an all-around knife for stuff around the campsite, it's a really good package. It's got a very good steel in it, full fine edge, full tang, strong pommel for hammering stuff, better sharpener on the sheath, better ferro rod placement. My preference is to have that knife as a general purpose knife, and for finer stuff like you would do in bushcraft i chose a Victorinox Hunter. You can't have everything in a knife, so why not carry two that cover the whole range?

[@dsjc666]

Bear grylls knife would be ideal if the steel wasn't so soft

[@CristiNeagu]

dsjc666 No version of that knife had soft steel, as far as i know. The old version had problems with keeping an edge. But the new one has top quality stainless steel.

[@CristiNeagu]

***** I don't know what you got, but mine splits logs with no problems. I never heard of someone reporting the same issues as you, so i can only assume you got a cheap knock-off.

[@CristiNeagu]

***** It sounds to me that i was talking about the Pro version, and you replied by complaining about the old version. Why would you even do that? Do you like being off topic?

[@CristiNeagu]

***** I was talking about the Pro. When you replied that your knife is bad, i of course thought you meant the Pro. And since that knife has very good steel in it, it stand to reason it was not a Pro. Which apparently wasn't. I am not being defensive about Gerber products. They are what they are. However, everyone's a bit sick and tired of you smartass know-it-alls who badmouth a product just because it says Bear Grylls on it, without ever actually trying it. And if you want my honest opinion the the first BG knife, it still is a good knife. The steel might not be what people are accustomed to, the build quality might not be the highest and the features might not be the best, but it's still a decent knife. The standards have gone up so much that products that do their job quite well are being disregarded because they don't compare to some other product 5 times more expensive.

[@DutchK75]

(1)One of the better reviews on knives. I have a lot of Mora's. I have a lot of knives in general. I think the Mora is a better choice than the Condor. All things being equal 1095's edge holding is superior to 1075. Plus I have heard way too much about the QC problems they have going on. I understand your love affair with O1 also. It's a very forgiving steel for the maker and end user.

[@johnwilson9842]

yes! you and i speak the same language on your philosophy could not agree more!