GARBERG vs BUSHCRAFT (S): Which Stainless Bushcraft Knife to Pick
By Unplug. Connect. Outdoors. That's UCO | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: Comparisons
Compare the Morakniv Garberg and Bushcraft (S) on tang style, blade thickness, and fire-steel readiness to choose the right stainless bushcraft knife for your trips.
Quick answer
Choose the Garberg if you want a full-tang stainless blade for heavy use like batoning and fire-steel striking. Choose the Bushcraft (S) if you prefer a lighter, lower-cost stainless knife with a high-friction rubber grip for general camp tasks.
Tang construction and blade thickness: what changes in use
The Garberg is a full-tang knife, meaning the steel runs through the entire handle. This generally adds strength and stability for tasks like batoning, where you drive the blade through wood with a baton. The Bushcraft (S) does not list a full-tang construction in its supplied specifications, so if you plan to baton frequently, the Garberg is the safer choice.
Blade thickness also differs. The Garberg has a 3.2 mm thick 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel blade (the catalog also notes a 3.8 mm figure in one spot, so treat the exact number as approximate). The Bushcraft (S) uses a 3.2 mm thick stainless steel blade. In practice, both are sturdy, but the Garberg’s full-tang build gives it an edge for sustained hard use.
Fire-steel readiness and spine design
Both knives are designed with fire-steel use in mind. The Garberg has a pommel and blade spine that are fire-steel ready, so you can strike a ferro rod directly off the spine. The Bushcraft (S) has a ridge-ground blade specifically for use with a fire starter (sold separately). If you rely on a fire steel, either works, but the Garberg’s pommel-ready design gives you more striking options.
Handle, sheath, and everyday carry
The Bushcraft (S) comes with an ergonomic handle with a high-friction rubber grip and an orange plastic sheath with a belt loop. That rubber grip can feel more secure in wet conditions, and the bright sheath is easy to spot. The Garberg’s handle material is not specified in the supplied facts, so if grip texture is a priority, the Bushcraft (S) gives you a known quantity.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Full tang vs partial tang: The Garberg’s full tang adds strength for batoning and heavy tasks, but it also adds weight and cost. The Bushcraft (S) is lighter and less expensive but may not handle sustained batoning as well. If you plan to baton often, prioritize full tang.
- Blade steel and thickness: Both use 3.2 mm stainless steel, but the Garberg specifies 14C28N Sandvik steel, which is known for edge retention. The Bushcraft (S) does not name its steel, so you trade some certainty for a lower price. Check steel type if edge holding is critical.
- Fire-steel compatibility: Both are fire-steel ready, but the Garberg’s pommel and spine are both designed for striking. The Bushcraft (S) has a ridge-ground spine for fire starters. If you use a ferro rod frequently, the Garberg offers more versatility. Practice striking technique before relying on it in the field.
Key product facts
- GARBERG - STAINLESS STEEL: Full-tang construction with a 3.2 mm thick 14C28N Sandvik stainless steel blade; pommel and spine are fire-steel ready. The full tang adds durability for batoning and hard use, while the fire-steel-ready spine simplifies lighting fires.
GARBERG - STAINLESS STEEL - BUSHCRAFT (S): 3.2 mm thick stainless steel blade with a ridge ground for fire starter use; high-friction rubber grip and orange plastic sheath with belt loop. The rubber grip improves control in wet conditions, and the ridge ground helps you throw sparks with a fire starter.
BUSHCRAFT (S)
Which knife fits your needs?
Best for
- Bushcrafters who baton wood and need a full-tang knife
- Users who want a fire-steel-ready spine and pommel
- Those who prefer a proven stainless steel like 14C28N
Not for
- Budget-conscious buyers who mainly do light carving
- People who prefer a high-friction rubber grip
- Those who want a bright, easy-to-spot sheath
