Knife Skills & Sharpening
Your knife is your most important tool in the field. Learn to use it safely, maintain a sharp edge, and perform the core bushcraft cuts: feather sticks, batoning, carving notches. A dull knife is a dangerous knife.
Beautiful UK woodland setting. Covers grip, cutting techniques, feather sticks, and safety.
A Mora Companion (about £12) is the best beginner bushcraft knife. Full flat grind, carbon steel, takes and holds an edge beautifully.
Always cut AWAY from your body. The 'blood bubble' — the space around you where a slip could cut you — should always be clear.
A sharp knife is safer than a dull one. A dull blade requires more force, which means less control and more slipping.
Strop your knife on a leather strop after every outing — this maintains the edge between full sharpenings.
SAFE HANDLING: Always sheath when not in use. Pass handle-first. Never leave unsheathed on the ground
GRIP: Full grip for batoning/chopping. Chest-lever grip for controlled carving. Thumb-on-spine for detail work
FEATHER STICKS: Secure a dry stick upright. Shave thin curls from the surface, leaving them attached. These are your kindling
BATONING: Place knife edge on top of a round, strike the spine with a baton (another piece of wood). Splits rounds safely
SHARPENING: Use a diamond stone or Japanese water stone. Maintain a consistent 20° angle
10-15 strokes per side, alternating. Feel for a burr forming on the opposite side — that means you've reached the edge
STROPPING: Draw the blade backwards along a leather strop (loaded with compound). 20-30 passes per side
Clean and dry your knife after use. Carbon steel knives need a light oil coating to prevent rust
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