Your Go-To Cutting Tools for Bushcraft and Survival

When it comes to bushcrafting or survival camping, nothing gets more use than your cutting tools. Whether you're building shelter, processing firewood, or prepping food, a good blade is worth its weight in your pack. But not all knives—or cutting tools in general—are created equal. Some are better for carving and fine work, others for brute strength, and a few have no business being out in the woods at all.

Here’s a solid rundown of the cutting tools that actually make sense to bring when you're out there roughing it.

🔪 Fixed-Blade Knife
This one’s the workhorse. If you’re carrying only one blade, make it a fixed-blade knife. It’s strong, dependable, and doesn’t fold or lock—just one solid piece ready for serious jobs. Whether you're making feather sticks, slicing food, batoning wood, or crafting a trap, this is the kind of knife that can take a beating and still perform.

🔪 Folding Knife
A pocketknife is great for smaller tasks—think opening packets, whittling, or carving down small pieces of tinder. It’s not built for heavy-duty work, but it earns a spot in your kit for its convenience. Just don’t expect it to split logs or handle tough materials. Use it for light duty and backup.

🔪 Bushcraft Knife
Bushcraft knives are designed with wilderness use in mind. They often have a simple, sturdy design that’s perfect for woodwork, carving, or food prep. The grind (usually Scandinavian) allows for better control when making precise cuts. If you spend time doing things like carving notches or making tools out of sticks, this one will feel like an extension of your hand.

🔪 Survival Knife
Now we’re talking heavier blades. Survival knives are meant to do a little of everything: chopping, sawing, prying, even signaling if needed. Some come with extra features like saw teeth or firestarter slots. They’re bulkier, but when you need to rely on one tool for everything, this one steps up.

🔪 Camp Knife
A camp knife is basically a bigger version of your regular bushcraft knife, often sitting somewhere between a machete and a kitchen knife. Its longer blade makes it decent for light chopping and slicing through thicker material. It’s handy around basecamp for cooking or processing larger chunks of food or firewood.

🔪 Neck Knife
These are small, lightweight blades you wear on a lanyard or cord around your neck. They’re quick to grab and perfect for emergencies or quick tasks like cutting cordage, opening packages, or whittling. Not your main blade, but a good backup.

🔪 Tracker Knife / Survival Chopper
Not everyone’s cup of coffee, but some folks like a wide, heavy blade that’s designed to do multiple things—chop, slice, scrape, saw. Tracker-style knives are built for survival, but they can feel a little overkill for bushcraft. Still, for people who prefer to carry one blade that does it all, these are it.

🪓 Machete, Parang, or Kukri
These long-bladed tools shine in dense vegetation. Perfect for clearing trails, chopping down saplings, or breaking down big limbs. They’re too big for precise carving but are essential in jungle or tropical environments. If you’re heading into thicker woods or making large shelters, these earn their keep.

🪓 Compact Hatchet
This isn’t technically a knife, but it’s earned its place in most serious kits. A compact hatchet can split kindling, chop limbs, clear brush, and even drive tent stakes or dig if you need it to. It’s like a pocket axe that gives you the power of a big tool in a more portable size. Great when paired with a smaller knife to cover all your cutting needs.

🔪 Multi-Tool Knife
You won’t be gutting a deer with it, but a multi-tool has a role in the wild. From pliers and screwdrivers to can openers and mini-saws, it’s that just-in-case tool that comes in handy in unexpected ways. Not your go-to blade, but worth stashing somewhere in your gear.

Final Thoughts
You don’t need to carry every blade under the sun. What you bring depends on what you plan to do. If you're carving spoons and building shelters, a bushcraft knife and a hatchet might be perfect. If you're on a long trek through brushy terrain, a machete and a neck knife combo might serve you better.

Choose what works best for your camp, your skills, and the terrain you're heading into. Out there, your knife isn't just a tool—it's your lifeline.

Who We Are
At Texas Bushcraft, we are a small family-owned business founded in 2018 in Austin, Texas. We were motivated to share our love for the outdoors and inspire others to enjoy nature without the need for big, fancy gadgetry. Our mission is to preserve traditional bushcraft skills and support our customers on their path to self-reliance. We offer simple, elegant outdoor gear and educational resources to help you prepare to thrive in the great outdoors. Thank you for choosing Texas Bushcraft as your guide.