Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife Review

First Impressions of Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife, from Real Steel, immediately strikes you as a tool built for serious work. Its full-tang construction and convex grind blade hint at a no-nonsense approach to bushcraft and survival tasks. The promise of a storage compartment within the handle adds an intriguing element, setting it apart from many fixed-blade knives in its class.

I needed a reliable, all-purpose knife for extended backcountry trips, capable of handling everything from processing firewood to preparing meals. I was searching specifically for a knife with a robust blade and a comfortable handle for extended use. The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife’s advertised durability and potential for gear storage made it an immediate contender.

Unboxing the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife revealed a solid, well-balanced tool. The black nylon belt sheath is functional, if not particularly stylish. The knife feels substantial in hand, inspiring confidence in its ability to withstand hard use.

I considered the Fallkniven F1 and the ESEE 6 before settling on the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife. The Fallkniven F1 is a proven performer, but its price point is significantly higher. The ESEE 6 is incredibly durable, but lacks the potential storage of the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife has the potential to be an outstanding tool, but its performance in the field will be the ultimate deciding factor.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was a weekend backpacking trip in the Allegheny National Forest. I used the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife for a variety of tasks, including batoning firewood, feathering sticks for fire starting, and preparing meals. The knife felt comfortable in my hand even after extended use, and the blade held its edge remarkably well.

The weather was dry and cool, which provided ideal conditions for testing. I encountered no issues with grip or performance related to moisture. However, I suspect that the smooth handle scales might become slippery in wet conditions.

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife was easy to use right out of the box. The convex grind made carving and slicing tasks surprisingly efficient. The only adjustment I had to make was getting used to the slightly thicker blade profile when performing finer cutting tasks.

My first experience with the storage compartment was a bit disappointing. The milled space is smaller than expected, and the screw heads protrude slightly, reducing the usable volume. Also, one of the screws holding the handle scales loosened during batoning and needed tightening.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife has proven to be a reliable and capable tool. I’ve used it on multiple camping trips, hiking excursions, and even around the house for general tasks. The blade continues to hold its edge well, and the overall construction feels solid.

There are some minor signs of wear and tear. The black coating on the blade is starting to show scratches. The nylon sheath is holding up well, although the stitching could be more robust.

Maintenance is straightforward. I clean the blade after each use and apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. The handle scales can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth. Tightening the handle screws periodically seems necessary to avoid loosening.

Compared to my previous bushcraft knife, a Mora Garberg, the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife offers a more substantial feel and greater overall versatility. The Mora Garberg is an excellent knife, but it lacks the full-tang construction and potential for gear storage offered by the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife.

Breaking Down the Features of Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife

Specifications

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife features a full-tang construction for strength and durability. The blade is made from high-quality steel, known for its edge retention and resistance to chipping. The convex grind is specifically designed for bushcraft tasks, offering excellent slicing and chopping capabilities.

• Full tang: This ensures the blade extends throughout the handle, providing maximum strength and preventing the handle from breaking under stress.
• Convex grind blade: This grind offers a balance of sharpness and durability, making it suitable for various tasks.
• Milled space for storage: This is a unique feature that allows for the storage of small survival items within the handle.

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife has a black nylon belt sheath for carrying the knife on a belt. The handle scales are secured with two screws, which can be loosened to access the storage compartment. It features a hidden lanyard hole for attaching a cord or strap.

These specifications are important because they directly affect the knife’s performance and usability in the field. The full-tang construction and convex grind ensure durability and versatility. The storage compartment, while limited in size, provides an opportunity to carry essential survival gear.

Performance & Functionality

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife performs admirably in a variety of tasks. It excels at batoning firewood, feathering sticks, and carving wood. The convex grind makes slicing tasks efficient, and the blade holds its edge well even after prolonged use.

The knife’s strengths lie in its durability, versatility, and comfortable handle. Its weakness is the limited storage space in the handle. The blade coating scratches easily.

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife largely meets my expectations. It’s a solid and capable bushcraft knife that performs well in a variety of tasks. The storage compartment is a nice feature, but it’s not as spacious as I had hoped.

Design & Ergonomics

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is well-designed and comfortable to use. The handle scales provide a secure grip, even in wet conditions (although textured scales would be better). The knife feels well-balanced in hand, and the full-tang construction adds to its overall sturdiness.

The knife is generally user-friendly, although accessing the storage compartment requires loosening two screws. This is a minor inconvenience, but it could be improved with a more user-friendly design. There’s no significant learning curve.

Durability & Maintenance

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is built to last. The full-tang construction and high-quality blade steel ensure long-term durability. With proper care and maintenance, this knife should provide years of reliable service.

Maintaining the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is relatively easy. Simply clean the blade after each use, apply a thin coat of oil to prevent rust, and periodically tighten the handle screws. The sheath may require occasional cleaning to remove dirt and debris.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife comes with a black nylon belt sheath. There are currently no officially supported customization options. However, the handle scales could potentially be replaced with aftermarket options.

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is compatible with most standard lanyards. The blade’s design limits compatibility with specialized accessories.

Pros and Cons of Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife

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Who Should Buy Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife?

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is perfect for: bushcrafters, survivalists, campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a reliable and versatile knife for outdoor use. This knife offers an excellent balance of durability, performance, and value.

Those who should skip this product: Anyone looking for a lightweight knife or a knife with a large storage capacity.. Also, those who prioritize aesthetics over functionality may find the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife aesthetically unappealing.

Must-have accessories or modifications: A sharpening stone or strop to maintain the blade’s edge. Also, adding textured handle scales would improve the grip in wet conditions.

Conclusion on Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife

The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife is a solid and capable bushcraft knife that offers excellent value for the price. While the storage compartment is smaller than expected and the blade coating scratches easily, its full-tang construction, versatile convex grind blade, and comfortable handle make it a reliable tool for a variety of outdoor tasks.

The price is definitely justified. The Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife delivers performance comparable to knives costing significantly more.

I would personally recommend the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus CONVEX Knife to anyone looking for a durable and versatile bushcraft knife that won’t break the bank. Its blend of features and performance makes it a worthy addition to any outdoor enthusiast’s gear collection. Grab yours today and experience the difference a quality knife can make!