BPS Raven Knife Review
Ukraine-based BPS Knives have made a big impact in the bushcraft world in the last couple of years. This company has earned a reputation for making some of the best affordable and simple-yet-effective fixed blade knives for camping, bushcraft and survival.
I myself have been won over by the BPS Adventurer, which I reviewed last year. Today we’re taking a look at the BPS Raven, which shares quite a bit of DNA with the Adventurer, although it definitely has a few modifications (and a higher price tag to match). Let’s see how the Raven stacks up.
BPS Raven: First Impressions
The BPS Raven looks an awful lot like the Adventurer, especially in regards to its blade shape and overall dimensions. The handle is made of black plastic in place of BPS’ typical walnut wood handles, and the interchangeable leather sheath that comes with most BPS knives has been replaced by a black plastic model as well.
Both of these modifications give the Raven a more tactical, military-inspired look. Still, the ‘bones’ of this knife are classic BPS, and like all of their other knives I’ve used, it feels well-balanced in my hand and cuts like a razor right out of the box.
Measurements & Specs
Measuring 9.8 inches in total length, the BPS Raven has a 5.1-inch blade and a 4.7-inch handle. The blade is 1.2 inch wide, and 0.1 inch thick at the spine.
All of these dimensions, for what it’s worth, are very similar to the ever-so-slightly larger BPS Adventurer, which is 10 inches long in total. That being said, the Raven is actually a little bit lighter thanks to its plastic handle, tipping the scales at 5.4 ounces without the sheath.
Blade Shape & Grind
The BPS Raven Knife has a full tang—the tang actually extends visibly past the butt end of the scales, leaving no doubt—and it’s a drop-point blade with a squared-off spine. It makes a decent spark with a ferro rod, though carbon steel generally makes a better spark than the stainless used here.
The Raven’s drop point makes it good at piercing, while the cutting edge is perfectly sharp and works well for all manner of cutting, shaving and slicing. It has a Scandi grind, which is a great choice for a bushcraft knife because it offers great control for finely detailed work while also giving you plenty of splitting power for heavy-duty chores.
Sharpness & Steel
Again, the Raven comes sharp enough to pass a good old-fashioned paper test right out of the box, so I won’t dock any points for sharpness. The blade is made of 5Cr14MoV stainless steel, a cheap grade of steel that comes with a few trade-offs.
One of those trade-offs is that it doesn’t have the best edge retention in the world. It rates somewhere around 56 to 58 on the Rockwell Hardness Scale, which is not especially hard by knife steel standards. So if you use this knife a lot, you’re going to see it dull quickly.
On the plus side, 5Cr14MoV stainless steel is pretty easy to sharpen, so if you have a good sharpening stone, you should be able to put a keen edge back on it in no time. This steel is also corrosion resistant, which is a huge step up from a lot of other BPS knives, which are made of some particularly rust-prone carbon steel.
Handle & Grip
I’ve compared the BPS Raven to the Adventurer a couple times now, partly because the latter is one of the better-known BPS knives, but also because these two have some obvious similarities. But the handle is where the two knives diverge, and where I have to say I like the Raven a bit better.
Whereas the Adventurer has a very basic meat-and-potatoes wood handle with little effort put into its contouring or grip, the plastic handle of the Raven is much more thoughtfully designed. The scales and the tang beneath are beautifully contoured to fit one’s hand, including four finger grooves on the belly of the handle.
The top side of the handle has a gentle swoop to it, with an indentation where one’s thumb can rest. The black plastic offers solid grip, and there’s also some jimping toward the rear of the blade’s spine, a feature lacking on the Adventurer, and which provides some extra grip as well.
Sheath & Carry
The sheath of the BPS Raven is another area where this knife stands apart from the majority of the BPS lineup. Most of their knives come with natural leather sheaths, but this one is made of Kydex plastic, a type of hard ABS plastic that is frequently used for both knife sheaths and gun holsters.
It has its pros and cons. Kydex is durable, impervious to water damage, and will keep its shape pretty much forever. The knife snaps into the sheath snugly, and the hard material provides good protection.
Is it better than leather? Hard to say. I don’t necessarily consider it an upgrade worth paying more for, but I also wouldn’t say it’s necessarily worse either. Kydex certainly has a more tactical look, which is in keeping with the Raven’s overall aesthetic. The belt clip is rock-solid, and is also available in both right- and left-handed configurations.
Final Thoughts on the BPS Raven
Comparisons aside, the BPS Raven stands on its own as a solid bushcraft knife, albeit one with a bit of a tactical vibe to it. I took mine camping, and it handled every job I asked it to do.
The Raven is great for debarking, shaving tinder, feather sticking, whittling and cutting notches in wood. It chops small branches effectively on its own, and with the help of a baton can also be used to split modest-sized logs.
BPS is mostly known for making budget bushcraft knives. The Raven costs between $10 and $15 more than the Adventurer, and whether you consider it to be worth the extra scratch really comes down to your personal preference when it comes to type of steel, handle material and sheath type.
The grip of the Raven is, I must say, a true step up from the Adventurer. Also worth noting is that the scales are easily removed and replaced, so there’s plenty of customization potential there.
More BPS Knife Choices:
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: Full Tang Bushcraft Knife made of Carbon Steel with Leather Case Razor-sharp durable Fixed Blade has a true scandi grind. The Camp Knife is sharp out of the box
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: Fixed Blade Knife made of high 1066 carbon steel. Hardened to 56-57 HRC and holds an edge well. Well balanced. The handle of the knife is made of walnut wood, coated with Danish oil, which allows this tourist knife to be resistant to moisture and dirt. The handle is fixed with ties, it can be easily unscrewed in order to clean the knife
- ✅ CHRISTMAS GIFT: Needed thing for those who keen on fishing, hunting, camping and spending time actively. A great gift for true connoisseurs of knives. Stocking Stuffers
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: Total length – 10 inches(255 mm). Blade length – 5 1/3 inches(135 mm). Handle length – 4 2/3 inches(120 mm). Blade width – 1.2 inch(30 mm). Blade thickness – 0.1 inches(2,8 mm). Weight without sheath – 5.7 oz(160 grams). Weight with sheath and Ferro Rod – 10.2 oz(290 grams)
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: Camp knife Adventurer CSHF is equipped with a leather sheath with ferro rod, which allows you to conveniently carry the knife on a belt or in a backpack or bag. And the ferro rod will be relevant in the most diverse situations
- ✅ DESIGNED BY DBK: The Bushmate knife is a collaborative creation between BPS Knives, a renowned Ukrainian camping and bushcraft knife manufacturer, and DBK (Dutch Bushcraft Knives) – a dynamic duo of best friends and famed YouTube bloggers who are passionate about changing lives with knives. Both teams bring their expertise and cool vibes to this remarkable design
- 🔪 MULTIFUNCTIONAL USAGE: Bushmate Camping Knife is designed for use in bushcrafting, hunting, fishing, hiking, in the garden or just on a picnic. This knife has a neat blade shape, which makes it versatile in use, and the convenient shape of the handle allows the knife to lie confidently and securely in the hand
- 📏 DIMENSIONS: Total length – 8.7 inches(220 mm). Blade length – 4 inches(102 mm). Handle length – 4.6 inches(118 mm). Blade width – 1 inch (27 mm). Blade thickness – 0.1 inches(2,8 mm). Weight without sheath – 4.9 oz(140 grams). Weight with sheath and fire starter – 9.2 oz(260 grams)
- 🏕️ SHARP FOR LIFE: Bushmate knife has been designed to take on camp chores and fieldwork in the wild. This fixed blade knife with sheath features a razor-sharp durable carbon 1066 steel blade, ensuring a sharp edge for life
- 💪 STRONG AND STURDY: The handle is made of walnut wood and covered with Danish oil. The survival bushcraft knife is ideal for batoning wood, cutting on logs and sticks, and fishing, hiking, survival training, EDC, camping expeditions or outdoor sports
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: Medium size Bush Craft Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife has a true Scandinavian grind and razor-sharp out of the box. Drop point blade
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: Camping Knife made of high 1066 carbon steel. Hardened to 57-59 HRC and holds an edge well. Bush Outdoor Gear Knife Tool. Well balanced
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife with handmade genuine leather sheath. Crafted from the highest quality premium materials for easy and safe carrying. For vertical carry on a belt or strap
- ✅ DURABLE HANDLE: The handle is made of walnut wood and covered with Danish oil. The Survival Bushcraft Knife ideal for batoning wood, cutting on logs and sticks, and fishing, hiking, training, camping expeditions or outdoor sports
- 🎁 PERFECT GIFT: Needed Knife for those who keen on fishing, camping and spending time actively. A great gift for true connoisseurs of knives
- ✅ MULTIFUNCTIONAL USAGE: The small full tang outdoor fixed blade knife with sheath is the best kind of fixed blade knife for survival, camping or bush craft gears, and perfectly suitable for drilling, cutting, piercing and other bush craft tasks
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: Full tang knife with leather sheath has a belt loop for vertical carrying and perfect as everyday carrying (EDC) knife. The handmade leather case crafted from the highest quality premium genuine leather
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: The bush belt knife blade with sharpening type – Scandi grind and made of durable high carbon steel 1066 and hardened to 57-59 HRC and has a razor sharp edge blade out of the box
- ✅ HANDY SIZE: The compact full-tang lightweight survival knife with 3.7 inch drop point blade and 7.9inch total size has easy and quick access in the leather cover and is perfect for carrying in the backpack, bag, and survival kit
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: Overall length – 200 mm (~8 inches), Blade length – 95 mm (3.74 inches), Blade thickness – 2 mm (0.08 inches), Weight – 80 grams (2.8 oz.), Weight wit sheath – 100 grams (3.5 oz.)
- ✅ MULTIFUNCTIONAL USAGE: HK2 Hunting Knife is designed for use in hunting, fishing, hiking, in the garden or just on a picnic. This knife has a neat blade shape, which makes it versatile in use, and the convenient shape of the handle with gouges for the fingers allows the knife to lie confidently and securely in the hand
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: Bushcraft Knife HK2 has been designed to take on camp chores and fieldwork in the wild. Perfect all-around bushcraft tool for hiking or setting up your campsite
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: Camping knife made of high 1066 carbon steel. Hardened to 58-59 HRC and holds an edge well. Bush Gear Knife Tool. Well balanced
- ✅ Dimensions: Total length – 10.2 inches (260mm). Blade length – 5,1 inches (130mm). Handle length – 5.1 inches(130mm). Blade thickness – 0,11 inches(2.7mm). Weight without sheath – 6,3 oz (180 gram). Weight with sheath – 9.1 oz (260 gram)
- ✅ STRONG AND STURDY: The handle is made of walnut wood and covered with Danish oil. The survival bushcraft knife is ideal for batoning wood, cutting on logs and sticks, and fishing, hiking, survival training, EDC, camping expeditions or outdoor sports
- ✅ SHARP FOR LIFE: The HK6 Handmade Stainless Steel Knife boasts a razor-sharp, durable fixed blade with a true scandi grind that remains sharp out of the box. This full tang bushcraft knife is great as a hunting knife, camping knife, or any knife outdoor activity requiring precision cutting
- ✅ COMFORTABLE SHEATH: This fixed blade knife with sheath ensures a comfortable and secure fit for your HK6 knife. The leather case provides ease of access and protection, making it an ideal choice for bushcrafting, hunting and camping knife enthusiasts
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: Total length – 9,7 inches(247 mm). Blade length – 5 inches (127 mm). Handle length – 4,7 inches (120 mm). Blade width – 1.2 inch(30 mm). Blade thickness – 0.1 inches(2,8 mm). Knife weight – 5,46 oz (155 g). Weight with case – 8,81 oz (250 g)
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: The HK6 Handmade Stainless Steel Knife features a fixed blade knife made of high stainless steel, hardened to 56-58 HRC. It holds an edge well, ensuring it remains a reliable hunting knife, camping knife, and knife outdoor tool for years to come
- ✅ GREAT GIFT IDEA: The HK6 Handmade Stainless Steel Knife is a needed tool for fishing, hunting, camping, and outdoor activities, making it a great gift for knife connoisseurs. Impress with this high-quality knife design that is both stylish and functional. Stocking Stuffers
- ✅ FULL TANG DESIGN: With this sturdy and robust full tang construction, our Bushcraft Axe provides superior strength and durability. Crafted from high-quality 1066 carbon steel, this rugged survival tool won’t let you down
- ✅ SAFE TRANSPORTATION: The camping axe comes with a comfortable leather sheath that ensures safe transportation and prolongs the axe’s lifespan. This accessory adds a layer of security to your outdoor expeditions
- ✅ ESSENTIAL TOOL FOR OUTDOORS: The Bushcraft Axe is your go-to tool for all outdoor activities. It’s not only a survival axe, but also perfect for chopping wood, carving, gardening and other camping tasks, making your adventures hassle-free
- ✅ COMPACT SIZE: The Bushcraft Axe’s overall dimensions are 9.2 inch (23.5 cm) x 5.2 inch (13.2 cm) with a blade thickness of 0.2 inch (5mm), Blade length – 3,4 inch – 85 mm. This compact size and weight (17.2 oz without sheath, 19.7 oz with sheath) offer comfort and convenience
- ✅ PREMIUM QUALITY: Our Bushcraft Axe with Leather Sheath offers versatile functionality. Its scandi grind blade and walnut handle ensures precision in wood chopping, carving and other survival tasks, proving it’s more than just a camping axe
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: The Bushcraft Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife made of high carbon steel 1066 and hardened to 57-59 HRC. Has a Scandinavian grind and drop point blade. Has a razor sharp edge blade out of the box
- ✅ DURABLE HANDLE: The handle of Camping Knife made of walnut wood and covered with natural Danish oil. The handle fastened via 2 steel bolts and can be easily disassembled for the customization or cleaning
- 🎁 PERFECT GIFT: Needed Outdoor Knife for those who keen on fishing, hunting, camping and spending time actively. A great gift for true connoisseurs of knives. This camp knife makes an excellent present for Christmas, birthdays, Father’s Day, and other special occasions. Stocking Stuffers
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: total length – 215 mm (8,46 inches), blade length – 100 mm (3,9 inches), blade width – 19 mm (0,74 inch), blade thickness – 2,5 mm (0,09 inches), handle length – 110 mm (4,4 inches), weight witout sheath – 125 grams (4,4 oz), weight with sheath – 170 grams (6 oz)
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: The genuine leather sheath is included. The leather case has a belt loop for vertical carrying and perfect as Camping Survival Outdoor Knife or everyday carrying (EDC) knife
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: The Bush Knife blade with sharpening type – Scandi grind. Blade has satin polishing and made of durable 1066 high Carbon steel Blade Hardness 57-59 HRC. Has a razor sharp edge blade out of the box
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: Outdoor Knife made of high carbon steel and has a Full Tang Handle. The blade is extremely durable and can be used for any bush activities: cutting on logs and sticks, preparing food, etc. The handle of the knife is made of oak wood, coated with Danish oil, which allows this tourist knife to be resistant to moisture and dirt
- 🎁 PERFECT GIFT: Needed thing for those who keen on fishing, hunting, camping and spending time actively. A great gift for true connoisseurs of knives. Stocking Stuffers
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: Handmade knife with leather sheath has a belt loop for vertical carrying and perfect as everyday carrying Knife. The handmade leather case crafted from the highest quality premium genuine leather
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: Overall length – 9 inches. Blade length – 4 1/4 inches. Blade thickness – 0.1 inch. Weight – 5 oz. Weight wit sheath – 8 oz
- ✅ SHARP BLADE: The Bushcraft Knife blade with sharpening type – Scandi grind. Blade has satin polishing and made of durable 1066 high Carbon steel Blade Hardness 56-58 HRC. Has a razor sharp edge blade out of the box
- ✅ HIGH QUALITY: Outdoor Knife made of high carbon steel and has a Full Tang Handle. The blade is extremely durable and can be used for any bush activities: cutting on logs and sticks, preparing food, etc. The handle of Camping Knife is made of walnut wood, coated with Danish oil, which allows this tourist knife to be resistant to moisture and dirt
- ✅ PERFECT GIFT: Needed knife for those who keen on fishing, hunting, camping and spending time actively. A great gift for true connoisseurs of knives
- ✅ SAFE CARRYING: Full Tang Bushcraft Knife With Leather Sheath has a belt loop for vertical carrying and perfect as everyday carrying knife. The handmade leather case crafted from the highest quality premium genuine leather
- ✅ DIMENSIONS: Overall length – 9 inches. Blade length – 4 1/4 inches. Blade thickness – 0.1 inch. Weight – 5 oz. Weight wit sheath – 8 oz
Blair Witkowski is an avid watch nut, loves pocket knives and flashlights, and when he is not trying to be a good dad to his nine kids, you will find him running or posting pics on Instagram. Besides writing articles for Tech Writer EDC he is also the founder of Lowcountry Style & Living. In addition to writing, he is focused on improving his client’s websites for his other passion, Search Engine Optimization. His wife Jennifer and he live in coastal South Carolina.