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What makes a good bushcraft knife

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What Makes a Good Bushcraft Knife? (And Why It Matters in the Wild) Built to be used. There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to knives — fancy steels, tactical looks, and gimmicks that look good online but don’t always hold up in the real world. In bushcraft, it’s different. Out in the woods, your knife isn’t just a tool — it’s your most relied-on bit of kit. It prepares your fire, your food, your shelter… and sometimes gets you out of trouble. At Skol Knives, we keep things simple: A good bushcraft knife should be reliable, practical, and built to be used. 🔥 1. The Right Steel (Toughness Over Hype) The best bushcraft knife steels are those that perform consistently in real-world conditions. Popular choices include: 1084 carbon steel – simple, tough, easy to sharpen 80CrV2 steel – excellent toughness and edge stability O1 tool steel – proven performer with great edge retention For UK conditions, stainless options like: AEB-L steel 12C27 Sandvik steel offer corrosion resistance...
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Cornelius Whitehouse circa 1890

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🔨 Work in progress – built to be used 🔨 This vintage Cornelius Whitehouse Kent pattern hatchet is coming back to life in the Skol workshop. Wedge is set and she’s hanging true… next up is shaping the handle, oiling the ash, and bringing that edge back to a proper working sharp. Over a century old and getting ready for another lifetime in the woods. 🪓 Not finished… but getting close #skolknives #builttobeused #workinprogress #toolrestoration #vintageaxe #kentpattern #bushcraftuk #ashhandle #handtools #greenwoodworking #campcraft 
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Skol Knives Built to be Used

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🔥 Skol Knives – Built to Be Used | Handmade Bushcraft Knives from England 🪓 Not Just a Knife — A Tool for the Wild In a world full of polished display pieces and collector’s blades, Skol Knives stand for something different. Every knife we create follows a simple philosophy: Built to be used. Not admired behind glass. Not kept pristine in a drawer. But carried, trusted, and worked hard in the outdoors. 🌲 What Does “Built to Be Used” Really Mean? At Skol Knives, it means every blade is designed with real bushcraft in mind. That includes: Feather sticking by the fire Batoning seasoned wood Food prep in camp Everyday outdoor tasks These aren’t just tests — they’re the foundation of the design. Each knife is shaped, ground, and finished to perform when it matters most. ⚒️ Handmade Bushcraft Knives in England Every Skol knife is handmade in England, combining traditional craftsmanship with practical design. From forging and stock removal to heat treatment and finishing, each step is carr...
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Skol Knives donation to the Bushcraft Show Charity Auction Hand Forged Puukko Knife by Skol Knives Donated to Bushcraft Show Charity AuctionSkol Knives, a British bushcraft knife maker based in England, is proud to announce the donation of a hand forged Puukko knife made from British SF100 stainless steel to the Bushcraft Show Charity Auction 2026.The Bushcraft Show is one of the UK’s largest and most respected outdoor events, bringing together bushcraft instructors, survival experts, woodland craftspeople, and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. Each year the event hosts a charity auction to raise funds for important causes within the outdoor community, and Skol Knives is honoured to support the initiative with a handcrafted knife.This unique hand forged Puukko bushcraft knife represents the traditional craftsmanship and practical outdoor design that Skol Knives is known for.What Is a Puukko Knife?The Puukko knife is one of the most iconic bushcraft knife designs in the world. Originating in Finland, the Puukko has been trusted by woodsmen, hunters, and outdoor workers for centuries.Its design is simple yet incredibly effective for everyday woodland tasks such as:Feather stick carvingFirewood preparationCamp cookingCrafting wooden tools and trapsGeneral bushcraft workThe Puukko is widely respected in the bushcraft world for its precision, control, and versatility.Unlike larger survival knives, the Puukko is designed to be a true working knife for woodcraft and outdoor living.Hand Forged in the UK from British SF100 Stainless SteelThe blade donated to the Bushcraft Show charity auction has been hand forged in the United Kingdom from British-made SF100 stainless steel.SF100 is a modern high-performance stainless steel that offers excellent characteristics for bushcraft knives, including:Strong edge retentionExcellent corrosion resistanceGood toughness for outdoor useEasy maintenance in the fieldForging the blade allows the steel’s structure to be refined during shaping, resulting in a strong and reliable blade designed for real outdoor use.The finished blade is then carefully ground with a traditional Scandinavian grind (Scandi grind), making it ideal for precise carving and woodcraft tasks.A Handmade Bushcraft Knife by Skol KnivesEvery knife produced by Skol Knives is handmade in England using traditional methods and carefully selected materials.The Puukko donated to the charity auction features:Hand forged British SF100 stainless steel bladeScandinavian grind for bushcraft carvingTraditional Puukko handle design for comfort and controlHand finished blade and handleThe distinctive Skol maker’s markEach knife is designed to be a reliable tool in the woods rather than just a display piece.Supporting the Bushcraft CommunityBushcraft is built on shared knowledge, respect for nature, and community spirit. The Bushcraft Show charity auction helps raise funds for organisations and initiatives that support outdoor education and conservation.By donating a handmade Puukko knife, Skol Knives hopes to give something back to the bushcraft community that continues to support independent knife makers and traditional outdoor skills.If you’re attending the show, we encourage you to take part in the auction and support the cause.You might even go home with a unique handcrafted Skol Puukko knife.Visit Skol Knives at The Bushcraft ShowIf you’re attending the Bushcraft Show 2026, be sure to visit the Skol Knives stand.You’ll find a selection of handcrafted outdoor knives including:Puukko knivesBushcraft field knivesCompact carving knivesOutdoor blades designed for woodland useAll knives are handmade in England and designed for bushcraft, camping, and outdoor adventure.The Meaning Behind SkolThe word “Skol” comes from an Old Norse toast meaning “good health” or “cheers.”It represents the spirit of gathering around the campfire, sharing knowledge, and celebrating traditional outdoor skills.The Puukko knife donated to the Bushcraft Show charity auction reflects that same spirit — a tool made to be used, trusted, and carried in the wild.Skol.

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Skol Knives

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Batoning Wood for Bushcraft: Why a Strong Knife Matters By Skol Knives – Handmade Bushcraft Knives from England One of the most useful skills in bushcraft and wilderness survival is the ability to process firewood with nothing more than a knife and a piece of wood. This technique is called batoning, and when done properly it allows you to split logs, reach dry wood inside wet branches, and prepare kindling for a fire. A well-made bushcraft knife — like a hand-forged Skol knife in 1084 high-carbon steel — is more than capable of handling this task. What Is Batoning? Batoning is the process of using a wooden club (a baton) to strike the spine of a knife, driving the blade through a piece of wood to split it. This technique is commonly used in bushcraft, camping, survival training, and wilderness living because it allows you to process firewood without carrying an axe. Instead of chopping, the knife acts like a wedge, splitting the wood along the grain. Why Batoning Is Useful in Bushcraft...
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Farrier Rasp Knives Handmade in the UK

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Hand Forged Rasp Knives – Reclaimed Farrier Steel Reborn | Skol Knives UK There’s something deeply satisfying about taking a tool that has already lived a hard working life and giving it a new purpose. These two latest Skol Knives creations began as high-carbon farrier rasps — tools once used to shape and maintain horses’ hooves. Today, they’ve been transformed into rugged, functional bushcraft knives built for real outdoor use. If you’re searching for a handmade rasp knife in the UK, or a reclaimed steel bushcraft knife, these are exactly that — practical tools with real character. What Is a Rasp Knife? A rasp knife is made from a farrier’s rasp — typically high carbon steel similar to 1095 or O1. These rasps are tough, wear resistant and designed to cut aggressively, making them excellent candidates for knife making. At Skol Knives, each rasp is: Annealed for shaping Ground to profile Heat treated for edge retention Tempered for durability Finished to preserve the textured rasp patte...
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Hand made Kitchen Knives

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Best Handmade Kitchen Knives in the UK (2026 Guide) If you’re searching for the best handmade kitchen knives in the UK, you’re probably looking for something beyond mass-produced stainless sets. Handmade kitchen knives offer better balance, superior edge geometry, and natural materials that age beautifully over time. But what actually makes a great British handmade kitchen knife? Here’s what to look for — and why small-batch makers like Skol Knives are gaining serious attention. 1️⃣ Steel Quality Matters The foundation of any great kitchen knife is the steel. High-quality handmade kitchen knives in the UK commonly use: 12C27 stainless steel AEB-L stainless 14C28N 80CrV2 (less common in kitchens) Premium powdered steels like Elmax For everyday kitchens, 12C27 stainless steel is one of the best balanced choices: Fine grain structure Excellent edge stability Good corrosion resistance Easy to sharpen Reliable heat treatment The Pure Edge Kitchen Collection by Skol Knives uses 12C27 specifi...
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