What’s the best beginner’s bushcraft knife? It should be simple, right? But choosing a knife to begin your bushcraft journey can seem overwhelming due to the numerous options available.
In this guide, I’ll outline what to look for and explain why certain knives are more suitable than others, helping you make an informed decision.
Based on teaching bushcraft since 2003, my view is that the best beginner bushcraft knife is the Mora Companion HD in carbon steel.
But regardless of my opinion, it’s important to understand what qualities make a good bushcraft knife for beginners (or more advanced users, for that matter).
Essential Features to Look for in a Beginner’s Bushcraft Knife
When choosing your first bushcraft knife, keep these fundamental bushcraft knife criteria in mind:
Fixed Blade: Fixed-blade knives are typically stronger and safer for demanding tasks compared to folding knives.
Blade length: Opt for a blade that is no longer than the width of your hand (4-5 inches for an adult), as longer blades can be unwieldy for carving tasks. This sizing will make the knife suitable for delicate carving tasks while being robust enough for general camp duties.
Blade thickness: Blades with a thickness of 2-3mm are ideal for wood carving. This thickness, however, can be somewhat too weak for other, heavier tasks. 3-4mm is better in this respect. Thicker blades, above 4mm, while stronger still, tend to be too heavy for carving tasks.
Blade shape and bevel: A Scandinavian grind (a single, flat bevel) is well-suited for wood carving. The blade should have a gradual curvature of the edge that meets the back, forming a fine point. If the back of the knife slopes down to meet the point (a drop point), this is beneficial in both the strength and functionality of the blade.
Grip: The knife handle should be comfortable for extended use without causing abrasions, sores, blisters, or broken skin. This means it should conform to the shape of the hand. It should be rounded, with gradual curves, rather than abrupt angle changes or sharp edges.
Handle Material: Choose a handle material that offers a secure grip, even in wet conditions. On inexpensive beginner’s knives, rubberised or textured plastic handles typically excel here.
Sheath Quality: Your sheath must securely hold the knife. It should protect the blade and keep you safe from it. Also, it should be easy to carry on a belt or in a backpack.
Why the Mora Companion is an Ideal Bushcraft Knife for Beginners
Experienced bushcraft instructors such as myself often recommend the Mora Companion series and for good reasons. It’s affordable, reliable, and well-suited for beginners learning foundational bushcraft skills.
Advantages of the Mora Companion Knife
Affordable: Mora knives generally provide great value, especially the Mora Companions. Their affordability allows beginners to practice bushcraft techniques or knife sharpening without worrying about damaging an expensive blade.
Durable: Despite its low cost, the Mora Companion withstands quite rough use. This makes it a good choice for beginners developing their skills and confidence, who may lack the finesse of more experienced practitioners.
Factory Sharp and Easy to Sharpen: Featuring a classic Scandinavian grind (“Scandi grind”), the Mora Companions arrive sharp and can easily be sharpened with basic sharpening stones, even in the field.
Versatile: It manages many tasks with ease. You can carve wooden implements, make feathersticks, prepare food, cut and scrape bark, and even do light splitting (batoning) with it.
Lightweight: Unlike large survival knives, small bushcraft knives, such as the Mora Companion, don’t weigh down your pack, making them suitable for both extended trips and quick outings.
Choosing Between the Mora Companion and Companion HD Knives
The Mora Companion knife also comes in a heavy-duty “HD” version. The standard Mora Companion and the Mora Companion Heavy Duty (HD) are both great knives for bushcraft beginners. However, there are notable differences that could affect your choice.
The standard Mora Companion has a 2.0 mm thick blade. The HD version has a thicker blade at 3.2 mm. This added thickness gives it more strength for more challenging jobs, such as batoning. The HD also has a slightly larger handle with a fuller grip, making it easier to grip firmly, especially with gloves or larger hands.
While the standard Companion is lighter and more nimble—ideal for fine carving and food prep—it is more prone to breakage under heavy use (which could be characterised as abuse). I’ve seen a few standard Companions fail during use, especially when pushed beyond their intended limits. In contrast, I’ve never seen a Companion HD break, even during extended field use.
In short, if you’re starting out and expect to learn through trial and error—including pushing your knife harder than ideal—the Companion HD offers a more forgiving margin of error without a significant price increase. If lightweight, fine work is your priority, or when pack weight matters down to the last gram, the standard Companion remains the best choice.
Choosing Between Carbon Steel and Stainless Steel
The Mora Companion (and Mora Companion HD) is available in two primary blade materials: carbon steel and stainless steel. Moreover, this is a more general blade steel choice you are always faced with. Each offers distinct advantages and considerations:
Carbon Steel:
- Easy to sharpen quickly in the field.
- Good edge retention.
- Requires more careful maintenance to avoid rust, especially in wet or humid conditions.
Stainless Steel:
- Compared to carbon steel, stainless steel exhibits superior rust resistance. This makes stainless steel steel ideal for use in saltwater environments, generally very wet environments, or for extended periods without requiring immediate maintenance.
Beginners can benefit from stainless steel due to its ease of care. However, many experienced users prefer carbon steel for its versatility and ease of sharpening.
We offer carbon steel knives in our Frontier Bushcraft Courses. We also teach students how to sharpen and care for these knives right from the start.
Other Notable Bushcraft Knives for Beginners
While the Mora Companion is an excellent choice, other knives also warrant consideration:
Hultafors Craftsman Knife:
This knife is affordable and tough. It’s known for its simple design and strong build. It has an ergonomic, grippy plastic handle with a prominent finger guard. This, along with the general-purpose blade design, makes it an excellent choice for bushcraft beginners. The features combined with the low price provide great value without compromising performance. Some people prefer the more pronounced finger guard to that of the Mora Companion. In contrast, others prefer the more subtle guard on the Mora. Available in good quality carbon steel and stainless steel.
Condor Bushlore:
Like some more expensive, bench-made bushcraft knives, the Condor Bushlore knife has a full-tang blade (the steel runs through the handle). This design offers greater strength and durability, particularly for tasks such as batoning. It is perfect for beginners looking for a more robust knife than the others mentioned above.
Mora Garberg:
More expensive than the Companion, the Mora Garberg features a full-tang blade for increased strength and resilience, making it ideal for heavier bushcraft tasks. The longer straight edge means there is more belly on the blade, however, with a less fine point than the Companion, making the Garberg less suitable for fine carving tasks. Available in carbon steel and stainless steel.
Beginner Bushcraft Knives – Final Thoughts and Recommendations
For beginners starting their bushcraft journey, the Mora Companion remains the standout choice. Its mix of affordability, durability, versatility, and easy sharpening makes it perfect for use when learning foundational bushcraft skills. You won’t have to stress about upkeep or cost.
Once your skills and confidence grow, you can consider upgrading to more specialised tools based on your experiences and preferences. However, you won’t need to upgrade for a long while.
With just one of the basic knives from this article, you’ll have plenty for years of bushcraft. This is true even if you become an instructor later on. Indeed, I often use a Mora Companion HD when teaching our Elementary Wilderness Bushcraft Courses, as it is the same knife the participants are issued with on that course.
Whichever knife you choose, consistent practice, care, and responsible use will ensure you get the most out of your bushcraft adventures.
