In my experience, a good knife is a good knife, period. For the past couple of seasons, I used a mora HD carbon companion to thoroughly field-process numerous deer along with deboning and quartering the meat. You don’t have to split the pelvis-use your knife to follow where the meat meets the bone and then eventually sever the tendon holding the ball joint together. Freeing the hindquarters this way eliminates worrying about the bladder and colon, and you can thank a Greek butcher for this valuable information.

So this is the way I describe the difference between survival and bushcraft to my kids… “survival is when you have to and bushcraft is when you want to” …you name it. Eat, build, create, gather, explore. And the more you learn the more the distinction matters less.

This has been the best explanation to differentiate between the categories of “survival” vs “bushcraft” I’ve seen on YT.

I have had alox Swiss Army knife since 1988. It did everything I needed knife for : camping, fishing, hunting, cooking you name it. Had to replace it a few years back due to blade becoming too tin and small from sharpening. My new knife is alox pioneer x . Add Maglite solitaire and bic mini lighter and that is all I need.

I really like what you said about materials. Obviously there is the constant back and forth between carbon vs stainless for the blades, but I never considered the sheath materials as well. I knew that the main advantage or the fallkniven zytel was that it is waterproof and that it has some intentional play of the blade so that if it gets wet and freezes, it would allow you to get the blade out. I haven’t considered resistance to fuel, oil, fire, etc as the strenghts of the sheath.

Excellent definitions and Very helpful. I've been involved for many seasons in wilderness survival and yours is the first to detail the why's and what's between Bush crafting & Survival; thanks again

The best knife in my opinion is the one you have on ya when you need one . Just saying . I know that a number of people will disagree with me but I like a hollow grind . Back in the late sixties and early seventies I carried the Puma White Hunter it got me through 18 months of Vietnam and it still serves me today .

You summed it up very well .For myself I find a fine middle ground in grind material and cost with a Cold Steel SRK in V10 with a attached fire rod. In the States at gun shows around $50.00 US.

Great clear explanation on the basic differences in outdoor knives. So many people buy their first knives and select the 2nd best choice. Great quality video Fella.👊

Some thoughts: Firstly, I thought about what the woodsmen of a century ago carried out in the wild. Generally, they seem to have preferred a large, heavy-bladed knife that could be used to perform many and various tasks about the camp and in the wilderness - often this would be like a bowie knife. In the business of living in the wild, finesse didn't often carry a high priority; for example fine, evenly spaced feathersticks etc. Secondly, I thought of the chef in the kitchen. How many chefs (or cooks) normally rely on only one knife? Very few. They would have several - each of them the best for a specific task. Thirdly, I thought of how one would actually end up in a survival situation (excluding aeroplane pilots). Usually (but not exclusively) it would be the result of a trip away from "civilization" where something went wrong and they are now in IT! This would logically presuppose that, prior to such an adventure, there would have been some sort of preparation phase, and consideration about what kit to take along. I think this is a reasonable and logical deduction. One could therefore accommodate a proper knife selection. Also other tools, eg a folding saw, or possible an axe. Taking all this in account, it seems to me that an adventurer (just like a chef) would consider what would be needed for what purposes and plan accordingly. I would think a prudent adventurer would select more than one knife: possibly a large knife (like a Cold Steel Trail Master), a medium size knife (like a Cold Steel SRK (or ESEE 4), and a smaller knife, say a Mora Skandi grind knife. He/she might even have a SAK and/or Leatherman on his/her belt. The "only ONE knife" scenario is a popular one for the sake of discussion and debate, but with little practical application. Also, with this all in mind, it would mean that each knife choice could have the specific grind choice one would prefer for the particular application, instead of relying on one grind for all jobs. In the words of that great man Lord Baden Powell (founder of the Boy Scouts movement), "Be prepared!" In all this there is not, of course, only one CORRECT answer, as personal preference will always play a major decision-making role.

Great informational video - very well spoken. I love the scandi grind but when I discovered the convex grind of a bark river knife I fell head over heels in love!!! Needless to say, I now own quite a few bark river knives. The Fallkniven F1 is one of the best knives ever made in my opinion. I think it makes one heck of a bushcraft knife as well. It is a very versatile knife. New sub here - love the content!!!

Love the animated illustrations between the grinds! Now I know the differences after watching many so-called Bush crafters or survivalists on KZfaq. Thx

Wow that Fallkniven S1x is absolutely beautiful. After hearing you describe it I just ordered myself one. Thank you and great video 👍

Another strong point for fallkniven knives is that after I use my f1 and a1 to process deer and other game I boil the knife and the sheath for sanitary reasons and it works out great. I always hated sticking a bloody knife back in a leather sheath after field dressing game.

Short, sharp and straight to the point. Excellent.

Excellent chat. very clear and objective. I liked it even more because I have a BK2 and ESEE 4. Two great tools. I also have the Mora for bushcraft services. Hugs from Rio de Janeiro Brazil

the bk2 is a tank of a blade....a true beater,i have one along with the Terävä Jääkäripuukko 140.....both totally reliable in survival situations,great video i gave it a thumbs up

Hey I really enjoyed this video. The topic of survival knives creates a lot of debate and your observations are a very useful addition. Thanks.

The first time I'm watching one of your videos and I'd say that it was pretty spot on as far as content VS length. I think you covered the essentials so weary well done. Best regards Conny from Finland the land of puukko 😉

When I got my first scandi-gring knife, a Mora 510 (or 511), I couldn't believe how good it was at hogging off excess wood fast. I was thinking this style of knife is the best for making a quick primitive style bow. Good video, thanks

Very nice points! I have been using my Jääkäripuukko 110 as my go to bush knife! If the apocalypse zombie comes, then I will grab my BK-7! A "survival knife" may be used as a self defense tool, so a bigger blade would be better in my opinion. Greetings from Sweden 🇸🇪

Very well spoken and presented. I don't think it will take you long to reach 10k subscribers and well beyond with this sort of content. While big, heavy knives have a purpose (in a survival situation), I do find a shorter blade to have more control and practical purpose out in the bush. Bigger is not always better. But there are many factors. Greetings from Cape Town. Looking forward to more content.

Thumbs up. Great delivery. Good points. You have an endearing nature, which goes beyond just the content. One important factor for which donates the difference between a bushcraft knife and a survival knife is simply the length of blade. And the reason being is when I'm batoning, I have more area to hit with the baton (striking wood). So for a proper survival knife for me I need about a seven inch blade. The longer (and chunkier) the blade the bigger the diameter of wood I can split. Hope all that is legible. Respect from England.

Great information....I had never really given the topic too much thought before. Now I will have to re-think the knives I have, and what/when I would use and carry them.

The BK2 is a sabre grind ground knife. This is considered as its own grind ( theoretically, it is just a very high scandi with a secondary bevel) and has different characteristics as a scandi and a flat ground knife. These scandi ground knives were of course also meant to prepare food and process meat and hide as well as wood processing.

For me, survival knife is what you have on you at the time. It would be crazy to think I’m going to have _that _ knife when I’m suddenly trusted upon that situation, unless I’m carrying it with me wherever I am.

Very helpful now to decide what’s most important.

Awesome content my dude! Thanks for the calm and collected delivery while still teaching. Fallkniven is something I will have to look into!

Poll for everyone: What are the most important specs of an outdoorsman knife when choosing one? Examples: price, length, full tang, width, weight, tip type.

Hello from Ukraine here! Been 2 weeks in russian occupation in Feb-Mar 2022 (Irpin-Bucha area). Got mortar shelling and lost electricity and gas (propane, not gasoline) that is used for cooking and heating, pretty soon after the russian invasion. Knife-wise, did not need anything special. Used 1-kilo local-made axe to split wood and heat the house using the fireplace. Had a "survival" blade from Bear Grylls, but barely used it a couple of times. Stay safe. Long live Ukraine!

I really appreciate the info. Would like to see side by side usage comparisons on the different scandi grind vs a couple others doing the same tasks and going over why each style works better at different tasks. I appreciate the extra details and info. I know I “ramble” as well.

Nice explanation. I have had the BK2 for years. Just love it for preparing a camp fire.

If you are in a city you are not in a survival situation, unless there is a civil war going on. In such case you need a gun way more than a knife.

Survival knife will survive even without you and bushcraft knife will craft bushes. That's it.

A good discussion indeed. I agree with you about the BK-2 being the best overall “survival” knife…. I would have one too, but I really like my TOPS Outpost Command… a similar knife with a bit wider blade and a little bit heavier.

Great video straight to the point

This was the best video I have seen covering this topic.

Very good site, I can see that you have done your homework on the subject and have experience. Greetings from a bush war veteran in South Africa. I have an original Wilkinson Sword survival knife (tactically modified) as well as a Lion. Steel product, and Extrema Ratio kukri / parang type machete for bush clearing. Another category of knife is that of the military field knife. Thank you, I like your style and have subbed!

Awesome content and ideas. As you say so many options and thought and so many work!! Personally i recently found a knife that fits a wide range of skills and all my other knives keep loosing to. A Kellam Ranger Puukko in 80crv2. It keeps up with any of my scandi grind knives for bushcraft and isn't that bad for processing animals.. not heavy and strong. I think it's a highly underrated knife.

Best vid I’ve seen explaining all of this, great job 👍🏻

Very detailed analysis of these blades perfect time some/most of us could watch and learn for much longer very good quality content very good time explaining. You got the important differences with similarities of them/ pros and cons. Awesome work

A little tip put your notes above or behind the camera for future videos, cutting your eyes to the left for your notes. For some reason, it's bugging the crap out of me, lol, but other than that, it was a great video explaining the difference a bush knife and a survival knife. Thanks for your time and effort 👌🏻

Great to see an Irish lad doing excellent content like this - looking forward to seeing the rest of your stuff. Subscribed. Best of luck with your channel from Dublin.

Very good context. Vid length is just right, thanks.

Lots of good information enabling an informed choice. Thank you.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on knives. Your knowledge is very good and I tend to agree with your opinions. I believe you’re correct about materials used to make knives but I suppose I’m lazy because regardless of style I prefer low maintenance materials. I noticed you didn’t say anything about concave grinds, a common grind I’ve seen on many budget (I don’t say cheap anymore) knives. It’s not a favorite profile of mine due to it being a bit less robust than other profiles. That said I do believe familiarity with your chosen tool makes the most difference when using the tool. That unfortunately isn’t something I’ve seen for sale anywhere; I’ve only gained familiarity from using the tools I have.

It's not the length of the content, more about the content itself, so this is really good, cheers

Hi. I loved the illustrations of the knife grinds. It was great for the newbies like me, it made sense. Thank you

great video man! if i may add my 2 cents, my favorite all around is the varusteleka terava jakaaripuukko 110 its a mouth full..but just a rock solid medium sized blade, affordable and a workhorse. holds an edge pretty well. but just overall toughness and the price in my opinion is hard to beat. i use it everyday at work. and at home. give it a look or review if you havent already. again great video, be safe out there!

Great video! Great definition of which is which, while emphasizing the lines are blurred in some applications.

Great video, thanks! I carry a Scandi grind, a flat grind for food prep etc. And a hatchet. I can see how a survival knife could be pushed to do the work of all three and save some weight :)

That was helpful and enjoyable. Thank you.

This was an amazing video! Learned so much! Gracias!

Im new to knife purchasing. Info was great and confirmed my new purchases to b what i needed. Looking forward to more of your videos :)

nice video bro, liked a lot!! thanks for the information, actually helped a lot too. always good to carrie those informations along with yourself in the woods

GREAT VIDEO! ALL GOOD INFO TO KEEP IN MIND FOR MY NEXT KNIFE BUILD!

Perfect! Thank you!

Just popped up in my recommendations. Excellent. Subbed.

Thanks for this. I've learned something!

Thank you for a great video!

All around 👍 excellent video bud. Thanks

That cleared up the question for me.

Very good video, well done and very informative. One most of what you said, but just didn't have it all in one Mental File. The explanation on blade grinds and their uses was very useful, as was the explanation about full tang vs rat tails and Rambo knives, which are usually just cheap metal welded to a cheap metal tube. The weld is the common failure point. I have several of the knives that you featured. I love my Fallkniven S1, but I just really hate the sheath. I had a guy on etsy make me a kydex one that I like a lot better. I really like the handle material on my Esee. Even cheap Mora knives are a good bang for the buck.

Being Irish I did not know we had survivalist in our lineage it's good to see a fellow Irishman living in the woods like the leprechaun top of the morning to you lad hopefully you find a pot of gold just jokin great video

very informative without being pretentious or preachy. you're a natural presenter. keep up the good work. nice collection by the way. have you seen the new morakniv range with the wood handles? they look nice at least. would be curious to know how they perform. cheers! 👍

I really enjoyed your tutorial I am more of a folding blade enthusiast but I'm developing an interest in fixed blade The survival I do is in Urban environment what I'm trying to say is Q.C.Q . On the average I carry two blades my primary and backup secondary on my person and I'm noticing that people starting to carry small fix blade. Anyway I really enjoyed your tutorial thank you😊

Well thought out. I carry a RAT 7 as a one tool survival blade. The longer blade makes batoning through wood easier.

Good video. I would only add handle differences like shape. That with a bushcrafter you want a handle to be ergonomic and comfy for long hours of work with no hot spots. But for a survival you would want something more grippy more guards to prevent slippage from the hand like when said that you might chop with the knife or want to baton threw a log.

Great Video! I learned a few things I didn't know! Alot of good information!

Good discussion of a foggy distinction, although you, perhaps wisely, omitted any mention of the type of survival knife that contains elements of a kit or design features that allow it to, for example, measure angles to function as a level or estimate distances.

Good video, maybe do something more in depth in terms of how you use each blade and what your thought process is for selection. Cheers!

Terrific video. Thank you

Thank you for the lesson

A thoughtful video on these concepts

Hello from Oklahoma! Good Video! Explained well. Thanks!

I tend to carry three blades if I go off into an isolated area: 1/. My survival knife - chunky 7" blade, carried on my person 2/. A secondary splitting tool, such as small wood machete, Sherade Froe, or cleaver - carried in my hip bag or backpack 3/. A finer work blade: a Mora, or lockable folding blade, or a multitool. Usually a Scandi grind to slice, carve and shave wood. This way I have two forms of splitting wood. One is a redundant blade in case I lose my main splitting tool.

Excellent description of knives

I've learned something, Thx ! 👍🙏

I’m old, Spent 24 years in the Army and even more hunting and fishing. I have used and bought so many knives. I now just use the mora garberg it’s tough and does everything I need. Not fancy but it works

Fun talk! Weird how some people get stuck on crazy absolutes with this topic. You should do more knife stuff!

Top shelf video braw ❤ just found your channel. Fantastic content braw as always.

I really like the way you went with this video. I’m an experienced knife user and thought you made great knife choices 🔪🎸

Good content and information on the differences! 😊

All in a very good video imo. One telling factor is I didn't find myself fast forwarding to skip 'rambling' comments.

Rambly is good for those of us who don’t know a lot about the subject. Thank you for your passion in fixed blades and going on and on… lol!!

Awesome video, really enjoyed. Hope you are on you way to many many more subs, you deserve it!

Great video! (wellgreat channel in general). Cheers from a fellow outdoors lover / knife enthusiast from a village of Fiskars, Finland!

Very useful video. Inspired us to get our knives out to have a look at them and understand more about them. Thank you.

Bought a TOPS BOB Fieldcraft 4.5 right before a trip to the Alpines here in BC Canada, I got to say that knife is a damn beast, I used it to cook, baton, featherstick even filleted a fish with it, now it wasn't the best for any sort of butchering because of the beefy blade but it got the job done without losing it's edge, still seems just as sharp as when I got it, still got to patina though it as I did get the 1095 carbon steel version. If anyone is looking for a good knife, I definitely suggest it as one to take a look at however if you aren't wanting to maintain a carbon steel knife, there is a 154cm stainless version of it, another one of my favorite knives is an Esee 4, although it is a little smaller and less beefy, the Esee 5 I've heard is really good as well but I have never owned or even held one

Thanks. Love your jumper and overshirt. Where'd you get them?

Excellent. Simple and concise, and I'm better informed. Flaxen Saxon.

Good, thoughtful discussion!

Nice video! A question that is often asked. I’m half Norwegian and I love my Scandi knives, but they aren’t survival knives. They are made for wood and meat processing. Prost

For me, the survival knives I've settled on are a couple from White River. Ursus 45 in Cpm3v, and a firecraft 3.5 in Magnacut, both with kydex sheath and ferro rods. I have a Fallkniven F1 as well, it's a great knife. Those are my favorite knives to travel with just in case me job tried to un-life me.

In the words of Cody Lundin, when one's knowledge & skills increase one can effectively use about any knife. I can do everything with a slip joint swiss army camper pocket knife or an imperial sod buster that I can do with my Mora companion. Imagine, our ancestors were professional bush crafters/survivors/hunters/fishermen using only stone blade knives. . . amazing how successful they were without 200 dollar, full tang, pry bar, tacticool knives.

Very nice comprehensive video with good information! Cheers, brother. 🥃

Good basic info. Thanks.

From SERE training, through bushcraft, overlanding, hiking, hunting, etc... I've found the classic K-Bar style knife to be very very hard to beat. I do carry an ONYX EDC replaceable blade knife on the daily and it has been my go to for skinning and daily duties for several years. However, it does not hold up to wood working, splitting, carving, and field craft types of things, but it is so much better at boning, and fine work that i carry the big knife on the pack and the precision tool in the pocket.

Grind is probably a good main difference after intent of design. I generally think of survival knives as being big and tough for chopping, whereas bushcraft is more for fine carving. I would also say survival knives should perform as a hunting knife, bushcraft knife, and a hatchet, so you want that multipurpose geometry, with enough sharpness for some skinning and machete use. Some survival knives are also designed to escape from vehicles, so you may find saw serrations for cutting sheet metal, a glass breaker, and/or seat belt cutter, while the sheath may include a fire starter, knife sharpener, cordage, fishing line, and/or compass. So survival knives really try to do-all in one simple package the best they can.

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, greetings from Northern California. Thank you for sharing this informative video. You helped to further my knowledge regarding knives. Ll the best to you. Stay safe out there. 🤗