Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife Review

First Impressions of Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife immediately struck me as a budget-friendly option trying to punch above its weight class. It promises to be a versatile tool for outdoor enthusiasts, but can it truly deliver the ruggedness and reliability needed in the backcountry? I was curious to find out.

My old go-to folding knife, a Gerber Paraframe, had finally given up the ghost after years of abuse. I needed a replacement that could handle basic camp chores, some light wood processing, and general utility tasks. After a fair bit of research, the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife seemed like a promising contender, especially given its attractive price point.

Upon unboxing, the knife felt surprisingly solid for its price. The handle had a decent heft, and the blade, while not razor-sharp out of the box, appeared robust enough. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic – it looked the part of a capable bushcraft knife, but I needed to put it through its paces to see if it lived up to the name.

I considered a few other options, including a Mora Companion fixed blade and a slightly more expensive Kershaw folding knife. Ultimately, I chose the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife for its combination of portability and perceived capability. I was hoping for a folding knife that could bridge the gap between a pocketknife and a small fixed blade.

My first impression was a mix of excitement and skepticism. It looked like it could handle the tasks I had in mind, but only time and testing would tell if the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife could truly earn its place in my pack.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

I took the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife on a weekend camping trip in the local state forest. The weather was typical for the area – damp, with occasional light rain. I primarily used it for tasks around the campsite, such as preparing kindling, food preparation, and cutting rope.

The knife performed adequately in dry conditions, but the handle became noticeably slippery when wet. The blade struggled a bit when slicing denser vegetables, requiring more force than I expected. After the first day, the lock felt a little gritty.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, mostly on weekend camping trips and occasional backyard tasks, the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife has held up reasonably well. The blade has retained its edge surprisingly well, though it does require periodic sharpening. There is no rust on the blade.

The handle shows some minor scuffs and scratches, but nothing major. The lock is still a bit gritty, but it hasn’t failed on me yet. Compared to my old Gerber, the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife is a step up in terms of blade steel, but the handle ergonomics and grip are not as refined.

Breaking Down the Features of Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife

Specifications

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife boasts an 8.5-inch overall length when open. Its folding design makes it easy to carry. The blade material is undisclosed, but it is a steel that Camillus Knives claims offers good edge retention.

The handle is made from a textured material designed to provide a secure grip. The knife features a liner lock mechanism for secure blade lockup. The price, around $41.99, makes it an accessible option.

Performance & Functionality

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife performs adequately for light to medium-duty tasks. The blade is suitable for slicing, cutting, and some light wood processing. The handle is a bit slippery when wet.

The knife’s strengths lie in its affordability and portability. Its weaknesses are the somewhat underwhelming handle grip and the gritty lock mechanism. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly knife, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality of the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife is decent for the price. The knife feels fairly solid. The handle’s ergonomics are adequate but not exceptional.

There’s a slight learning curve to the lock mechanism, as it can be a bit stiff at first. The balance is good, but the handle could be more comfortable for extended use.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife should last for several years of moderate use. The blade requires regular sharpening to maintain its edge. The knife is relatively easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional lubrication of the pivot point.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife doesn’t come with any accessories. There are no readily available customization options for the handle or blade. The pocket clip is not reversible.

Pros and Cons of Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife

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Who Should Buy Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife?

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife is perfect for budget-conscious campers, casual hikers, and anyone needing a general-purpose utility knife. It’s a solid choice for those starting to explore bushcraft skills and need a decent tool without breaking the bank.

Those seeking a high-performance, professional-grade knife with superior ergonomics and a flawless locking mechanism should skip this product. People working in consistently wet or demanding environments might find it lacking in grip and overall robustness. A sharpening stone and some lubricating oil are must-have accessories to keep the knife in good working condition.

Conclusion on Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife

The Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife offers a reasonable value proposition for its price. It’s not the best knife on the market, but it’s a capable and affordable option for general outdoor use. The fact that Camillus Knives are behind this product is also reassuring.

The price is justified for what you get – a decent, functional folding knife. I would recommend it to beginners or anyone needing a backup knife for their outdoor adventures. If you’re looking for an entry-level bushcraft knife without breaking the bank, the Camillus Knives BUSHCRAFTER 8.5in Folding Folding Knife is a solid starting point – give it a try and see if it fits your needs.