Cheap Bushcraft Knives Under $50: Real-World Testing

After spending some time testing affordable bushcraft knives in the great outdoors, I can confidently say you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars for a capable wilderness blade. Through extensive testing of commonly available budget options, three knives emerged as clear leaders in the sub-$50 category: the Mora Companion, the Condor Bushlore, and the Schrade SCHF36. I’ve used these knives for everything from shelter building to food prep, testing them through multiple camping trips and bushcraft practice sessions.

While they each have limitations compared to premium options, they prove that effective wilderness tools don’t require premium prices. For most users starting out in bushcraft, I recommend the Mora Companion at around $15-20. It presents the optimal mix of value and performance, although the Condor Bushlore at $40-45 gives a more conventional experience, and the Schrade SCHF36 at $35-40 has the most solid build.

History

The budget bushcraft knife market exploded following the survival TV show boom of the early 2000s. Mora of Sweden led the way with their traditional Scandinavian designs, while companies like Condor revived traditional patterns at affordable prices.

Schrade entered the market later with modern interpretations of classic bushcraft designs. These manufacturers took different approaches: Mora focused on industrial efficiency and modern materials, Condor emphasized traditional construction methods at scale, and Schrade prioritized durability through thick blade stock and modern steels. Each approach has proven valid for different user needs.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Technical Specifications

Mora Companion:
Blade Length: 4.1 inches
Steel: Carbon Steel or 12C27
Handle: TPE Rubber
Weight: 4.1 ounces
Price: $15-20

Condor Bushlore:
Blade Length: 4.3 inches
Steel: 1075 Carbon Steel
Handle: Hardwood
Weight: 12 ounces
Price: $40-45

Schrade SCHF36:
Blade Length: 5 inches
Steel: 1095 Carbon Steel
Handle: TPE
Weight: 12.3 ounces
Price: $35-40

Cheap Bushcraft Knives:Real-World Experience

I tested these knives through multiple camping trips and bushcraft sessions, using each for essential wilderness tasks. The break-in period revealed distinct characteristics for each model. The Mora Companion arrived razor sharp and ready to use. Its lightweight design required no adjustment period, though the rubber handle did take a few days to develop slight wear patterns matching my grip. During the first week, the carbon steel blade developed a protective patina through food prep and wet weather use. The Condor Bushlore needed initial edge refinement to reach its full potential. The wooden handle, initially somewhat square, smoothed out pleasantly after several days of use. The leather sheath required breaking in and treating with leather conditioner to achieve optimal retention.

The Schrade SCHF36 arrived with a workable but unrefined edge that needed attention before serious use. Its thick blade stock and robust construction meant adapting my cutting technique for efficient use. The TPE handle needed scuffing with fine sandpaper to achieve optimal grip in wet conditions. Daily Camp Tasks Through a week-long camping trip, I rotated through all three knives for different tasks. The Mora excelled at food preparation, easily handling everything from vegetable chopping to meat processing.

Its light weight and precise blade geometry made it the go-to choice for detailed work around camp. The Condor Bushlore proved particularly effective at wood processing tasks. During shelter building, its weight and blade geometry excelled at splitting small logs for stakes and notching poles for ridge lines. The traditional design proved especially capable at feather stick creation for fire starting. The Schrade handled the heaviest tasks with confidence.

During one particularly challenging day of clearing a campsite, it powered through thick brush and small saplings without complaint. The robust construction inspired confidence during batoning through knotty wood. Specific Examples One rainy weekend provided excellent testing conditions. The Mora’s synthetic handle maintained grip when wet, though its thinner blade required more careful technique during wood splitting. The Condor’s wooden handle became slightly slick but remained usable, while its carbon steel needed immediate attention after use.

The Schrade’s coating protected its blade well, though its weight became more noticeable during extended use in wet conditions. Fire preparation highlighted each knife’s characteristics. The Mora created precise feather sticks with minimal effort, the Condor excelled at both feather sticks and batoning kindling, while the Schrade powered through larger splitting tasks but required more finesse for detailed work.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Performance Details

Edge Retention Through consistent use, each knife displayed distinct edge retention characteristics. The Mora’s Scandinavian grind maintained its shaving-sharp edge through multiple days of use, requiring only occasional stropping. During a weekend of heavy camp work, it processed several pounds of vegetables, prepared kindling, and still easily sliced paper. The Condor’s 1075 carbon steel took an incredibly sharp edge but needed more frequent attention during heavy use.

After processing hardwood for a campfire, the edge required touching up, though the softer steel made field maintenance simple with basic tools. The Schrade’s 1095 steel retained its working edge through the toughest tasks but never achieved the razor sharpness of the others. Its edge geometry favors durability over ultimate keenness, a reasonable trade-off for heavy use. Maintenance Needs All three carbon steel versions require similar rust prevention care, though their different constructions affect maintenance: The Mora’s simple construction makes maintenance straightforward – just wipe down after use and occasionally oil the blade.

Its synthetic handle requires no special care beyond basic cleaning. The Condor needs more attention – the wooden handle benefits from occasional oiling, and the leather sheath requires leather care products to prevent water damage. The uncoated blade demands prompt attention after use in wet conditions. The Schrade’s coating provides good corrosion protection, but the exposed edge remains to be seen to. The synthetic handle is nearly maintenance-free, though the hollow design could retain water if not completely dried. Handle Comfort Extended use revealed how each handle design performs under stress: The Mora’s simple rubber handle provides excellent grip in all conditions without hotspots, though its slim profile can cause fatigue during extended heavy cutting.

The Condor’s wooden handle, while initially boxy, develops character with use and provides positive control during power cuts. However, it becomes slippery when wet unless properly maintained. The Schrade’s TPE handle offers secure grip in all conditions and good shock absorption during batoning, though its aggressive texture can wear on bare hands during extended use.

Lock/Tang Performance Being fixed blades, construction quality matters more than locking mechanisms: The Mora’s partial tang proves more than adequate for realistic use, though it can flex slightly during extreme batoning. The Condor’s full tang provides excellent stability and power transfer, with no detected loosening even after aggressive use. The Schrade’s full tang construction feels virtually indestructible, though the added weight affects agility during precise tasks.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Long-Term Assessment

After a good period of regular outdoor use, each knife shows distinct wear patterns and long-term characteristics worth noting. The Mora Companion’s blade has developed a stable patina, while its handle shows minimal wear despite extensive use. The plastic sheath has some scuff marks but retains the knife securely. The partial tang construction has shown no signs of weakness, though I’ve been careful to avoid excessive batoning. The Condor Bushlore’s wooden handle has darkened from hand oils and developed a smooth, comfortable patina.

The blade shows honest wear marks but remains structurally perfect. Its leather sheath has molded to the blade, though it needed regular conditioning to maintain water resistance. The Schrade SCHF36’s coating shows wear along the edge and spine but continues to protect the blade effectively. The handle texture has smoothed slightly from use, actually improving grip comfort. Some surface rust appeared on the exposed edge when left wet overnight, but cleaned up easily.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Pros/Cons & Buying Guide

Mora Companion Advantages:
Exceptional value Lightweight
Excellent slicing geometry
Perfect starter knife
Minimal maintenance

Limitations:
Less robust than full-tang knives
Basic sheath
Limited batoning capability
Plain appearance

Condor Bushlore Advantages:
Traditional aesthetics
Excellent wood processing
Full tang construction
Quality leather sheath
Good balance

Limitations:
Requires more maintenance
Heavier than Mora
Handle needs break-in
More expensive

Schrade SCHF36 Advantages:
Most durable construction
Excellent for heavy tasks
Good coating
Affordable full-tang option

Limitations:
Heaviest of group
Less refined edge geometry
Bulky carry
Aggressive handle texture

Price Tracking: For these Cheap Bushcraft Knives, watch for sales at major outdoor retailers during seasonal changes. The Mora often drops to $12-15, the Condor to $35, and the Schrade to $30.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Alternatives

ESEE 3HM ($120) while not excalty a budget knife, it is the next logical step up. the ESEE offers premium 1095 steel, better heat treatment, and an unconditional lifetime warranty. Consider this if budget allows and you need professional-level reliability. However, for most users, the performance gain doesn’t justify the 3x price increase over the Condor.

Cold Steel SRK ($60) Slightly above our $50 limit but offers a middle ground between budget and premium options. Features SK-5 steel and robust construction, though the handle ergonomics don’t match our tested knives. Worth considering if you find it on sale, but our tested options provide better value at their price points.

Cheap Bushcraft Knives: Final Thoughts

After my testing, I think theres a clear winner for most people. I would start with the Mora Companion. It has good performance, is lightweight, and has incredible value which makes it the ideal starting bushcraft knife. The money saved can go toward other essential outdoor gear.

Choose the Mora Companion if you:
Want the best value
Prioritize lightweight carry
Need excellent food prep capability
Are new to bushcraft

Select the Condor Bushlore when:
Traditional aesthetics matter
You prefer wooden handles
Need more robust construction
Want a leather sheath

Opt for the Schrade SCHF36 if:
Maximum durability is priority
You do heavy cutting tasks
Want modern materials
Need all-weather reliability

Where to buy: Purchase through established outdoor retailers or authorized dealers to ensure authenticity. Amazon offers competitive pricing but verify the seller is authorized. For the Condor, specialty outdoor retailers often provide better quality control than mass-market sellers. Remember: Any of these knives can handle most bushcraft tasks when properly used. The differences lie more in user preference and specific task optimization than absolute capability.

Focus on learning proper technique rather than worrying about having the “perfect” knife. For beginners, I especially recommend the Mora Companion. Its lower price allows investment in other essential gear while providing performance that won’t limit skill development. As skills advance, specific needs may guide upgrade choices, but any of these knives can serve well for years of outdoor use.