Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta: A detailed look at the bushcraft knife

Read my review of the Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta bushcraft knife and find out if it is suitable for you. Is it the perfect knife for outdoor activities?

from Martin Gebhardt | Gear | reading time 6 Min
Updated on 11 September 2023 5.021 views 100% found this guide helpful
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta: A detailed look at the bushcraft knife

Martin Gebhardt

From Martin Gebhardt. Check out my “About me” page.


👉 The key facts from this guide

  • The Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife is a robust and durable tool designed specifically for outdoor activities such as bushcraft, camping, and hiking.
  • It features a blade made of Böhler N690Co steel, which is known for its excellent sharpness and edge retention. The steel is rust-resistant and tough.
  • The handle is made of red Micarta, a resilient material that offers fantastic grip even when wet.
  • The knife provides a comfortable grip and ergonomic handling. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport.
  • Although the knife is in the mid-price range, it is worth the price due to its high quality and performance.
  • The Real Steel CVX-80 is a fantastic tool for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and durable knife.

Hey, nice to have you here!

Do you want a bushcraft knife that is robust, durable, and versatile?

Then read our review of the Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife and find out if it's suitable for you.

I have tried the knife myself and am impressed by the quality of the materials and the workmanship.

Review for the Real Steel CVX-80 Bushcraft Knife

If you are a nature lover and outdoor enthusiast, then you will definitely like this knife.

In this review, I will tell you everything you need to know about the Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife and share my personal experiences with you.

I will describe the characteristics and functions of the knife and show you why it is well-suited for bushcraft activities.

Why is the Real Steel CVX-80 an interesting product that deserves a review?

Quite simply: The knife is a high-quality and versatile tool that is suitable for various outdoor activities.

Whether you want to camp, hike, or fish in the wilderness, this knife will help you accomplish your tasks with ease.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above

The knife is not only functional, but also aesthetically appealing. The design of the knife is modern and eye-catching, while the red Micarta handle material provides a warm and natural look.

In the following sections, I will go into more detail about the materials and processing, possible uses, handling and user-friendliness, as well as the price-performance ratio of the Real Steel CVX-80 bushcraft knife.

So, let's get started and take a closer look at this great knife!

Product Description

The Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife is a knife specifically designed for outdoor activities such as bushcraft, camping, hiking, picnicking, and fishing.

On the other hand, it is also so compact that I can imagine the knife being perfect for an EDC.

The Steel and the Blade

It features a blade made of Böhler N690Co steel, which is known for its excellent sharpness and edge retention. The steel is also rust-resistant and durable.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Handle from Below
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Handle from Below

Through a special heat treatment, the hardness of the steel is increased, and its performance is improved. This heat treatment makes the blade very resistant to wear and corrosion.

The blade is 7.7 cm long and has a thickness of 3.5 mm.

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Blade Full View
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Blade Full View

The convex grind (CVX stands for "convex ground") is really great because it is unfortunately not used very frequently in knives (or it is expensive). The convex grind edge is rounded and therefore very sharp, allowing for precise cutting performance.

Here are the different grinds compared:

Knife grinds and blade design
Knife grinds and blade design

For sharpening the knife, here is the necessary information:

The Convex Grind is not without reason, also called the "axe grind". This grind is very stable and robust, while the sharpness of the knife is hardly affected during use. The Convex Grind usually allows for just as good cutting as the Scandi Grind - however, one should be careful as it is not quite as durable as the Sabre Grind.

If you want to make finer cuts or cut or remove very controlled small amounts of materials, then the Convex Grind is the perfect choice. This grind offers a healthy balance of resistance and precision work, as well as rough work and control.

Unfortunately, the Convex Grind is also somewhat more difficult to sharpen than other grinds, as it has no flat edges. Nevertheless, the Convex Grind is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a stable and versatile knife.

If you are more interested in the different types of knife sharpening and blade designs, take a look at my Survival Knife Buying Guide.

The fact is, the blade was precisely sharpened, and the edge was carefully polished to ensure maximum sharpness and edge retention.

The back of the blade is unfortunately not sharp-edged and therefore does not provide any additional support when igniting a fire with the fire steel (here I show you the best technique for igniting a fire with the fire steel).

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Knife Back from Above
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Knife Back from Above
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Knife Back Side
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Knife Back Side

The knife is 18.2 cm long overall and weighs 115 g without the leather sheath, making it a lightweight and handy tool for use in nature or everyday life.

Here are a few more facts:

  • Handle length: 10.5 cm, G10 scales
  • Blade shape: Drop-Point
  • Blade execution: Plain edge
  • Construction: Full-Tang knife
  • Grinding method: Convex grind
  • Notches on the back
  • Robust leather knife sheath, well-made
  • Designed by Poltergeist Works
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above

The Handle of the Knife

The handle is made of red Micarta (a composite material), a durable material that also provides fantastic grip even when wet.

The handle design is ergonomically designed to ensure comfortable and secure handling. At no point could I detect any fatigue in my hands.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Handle Close-up
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Handle Close-up

The design of the knife is modern and eye-catching, with a red color that conveys a warm and inviting feeling.

The Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife is, for me, a robust and durable tool designed for outdoor use.

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Top View
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Top View

It is perfect for tasks such as carving wood, preparing food, or working with leather.

With this knife by your side, you can be sure that you are equipped for any task in nature.

Applications of the CVX-80

The Real Steel CVX-80 knife is a versatile tool that is suitable for various outdoor activities.

The knife is particularly suitable for bushcraft activities such as building shelters, carving tools or working with wood.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Handle
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Handle

The convex edge of the knife makes it very sharp and allows for precise and controlled cuts.

The knife can also be used for splitting wood (Batoning), which is very useful for camping and outdoor activities.

But to be honest, I wouldn't do that to the knife - it seems too precious for that. Instead, use a cheaper knife for that.

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review with Leather Sheath Opened
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review with Leather Sheath Opened

But the Real Steel CVX-80 can also be very useful for camping, hiking, or fishing.

It can be used, for example, for preparing food (such as filleting freshly caught fish) or for cutting fishing lines.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test - Cutting Mango
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test - Cutting Mango

Thanks to its light weight and compact size, it is easy to transport and can be easily stored in a backpack or carried on a belt.

Conclusion: It is perfect for anyone who enjoys being outdoors and relies on a reliable and sturdy knife.

Handling and User-Friendliness

What first caught my attention when I held it: It feels brilliant in the hand, and I was able to handle it confidently right away.

However, if you have huge hands, the handle will probably be a bit small.

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Size Comparison in Hand
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Size Comparison in Hand

The knife offers a pleasant grip that is not affected even when wet. The handle made of red Micarta is ergonomically designed to ensure comfortable and secure handling.

The design of the handle also ensures that the knife does not slip out of your hand, and you have full control over the tool.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Firm in the Hand
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Firm in the Hand

The sharpness of the knife is impressive. The convex blade is very sharp and allows you to make precise and controlled cuts. The convex edge ensures that the knife remains sharp even after prolonged use and has high edge retention.

The knife does not need to be sharpened often, making it an extremely practical and user-friendly tool. However, I recommend regularly honing it over a leather strop.

If you are looking for a user-friendly and reliable knife, you should definitely consider the Real Steel CVX-80.

Price-performance ratio - middle price segment with just under €100

Ok, let's talk about the price. If you are familiar with knives from Reel Steel, you will know that this knife forge also offers high-priced models.

The Bushcraft knife is not a cheap tool, with a price of almost €100. However, due to its high quality and performance, it is worth the price.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Test, Delivery and Packaging
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review - Test, Delivery and Packaging

Compared to other knives on the market, the Real Steel CVX-80 is positioned in the mid-price range. There are both cheaper and more expensive knives on the market, but in terms of the quality and performance of the knife, the price is reasonable.

The knife comes with a sturdy leather sheath, which allows you to store the knife safely. By being able to attach the sheath to your belt, the knife can be handled more comfortably and quickly.

Leather sheath on top of Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta bushcraft knife review test
Leather sheath on top of Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta bushcraft knife review test
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test

As expected, the leather sheath has an opening at the bottom, allowing excess water to drain or moisture to escape.

Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test
Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test

A high-quality snap button would have been preferable to me, as it would likely last longer, but I am also satisfied with this opening mechanism.

Leather sheath closure Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta bushcraft knife review test
Leather sheath closure Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta bushcraft knife review test

As I really like leather sheaths, I am pleased with them and prefer them over Kydex sheaths.

Conclusion: excellent tool that I recommend for every outdoor enthusiast

The Real Steel CVX-80 with the Red Micarta handle is an excellent tool for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a reliable and durable knife.

The blade made of Böhler N690Co steel and the handle material made of red Micarta are of high quality and offers excellent performance and grip.

Although the steel used (N690) may not be the first choice for some, it is still a good choice for this knife. There are many steels on the market that I prefer, but there are also plenty that I like even less.

Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above
Real Steel CVX 80 Red Micarta Bushcraft Knife Review Test in Hand from Above

The design of the knife is modern and eye-catching, making it an attractive tool for use.

The great edge of the knife is the special feature that sets it apart from other knives. The convex grind ensures excellent sharpness and makes the knife very precise and controllable.

The advantages of the Real Steel CVX-80 are its high quality, performance, and user-friendliness. It is a versatile tool that is suitable for a variety of outdoor activities, and is particularly well-suited for bushcraft and EDC activities.

One disadvantage of the knife is the comparatively high price of almost €100. Furthermore, I miss the sharp-edged back of the knife, which I occasionally need for the fire steel and for making wood shavings.

However, the price-performance ratio is completely reasonable and the quality and performance of the knife are worth the price.

Umarex Unisex – Erwachsene CVX-80 Green, grün

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Umarex Unisex – Erwachsene CVX-80 Green, grün

  • CVX-80 Green
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I recommend the Real Steel CVX-80 to anyone looking for a reliable, durable, and handy tool for outdoor activities.

Real Steel has really taken an excellent path with this knife when it comes to sharpening, pricing, and processing.

If you are willing to spend a little more money, this knife will provide you with a tool that will probably never let you down in nature.

Overall, the Real Steel Bushcraft knife is an excellent tool that I can recommend for any outdoor enthusiast.

Take care, Martin
Martin Gebhardt

Author of the guide


Martin Gebhardt

Hey, I'm Martin. On my blog, you will learn the basics and numerous details about living in the wild. I think survival, bushcraft and the good life in nature are the keys to happiness. Find me here on Instagram or on YouTube. You can find more about my mission on the About Me page.

Since this is a gear guide, here ...


🤝8 reasons to trust my recommendation

  1. Practical Experience: I have tested most of the products I recommend under extreme conditions myself.

  2. Independence: As a wilderness mentor, I am not tied to any specific brands - this means my recommendations are unbiased.

  3. Expertise: My many years of experience allow me to understand the intricacies and details of various products that a layperson might overlook.

  4. Target group understanding: I understand the needs and challenges of outdoor enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned experts.

  5. Quality focus: I attach great importance to quality and longevity. These are characteristics that are crucial in the wild.

  6. Clear communication: I try to explain the pros and cons of each product clearly and understandably so that you can make an informed decision.

  7. Currentness: I always keep my guides up to date and adapt them to new findings or products.

  8. Community Feedback: I work in wilderness schools, teach courses myself, attend courses and am active in various outdoor and survival communities and therefore integrate the feedback and experiences of others into my recommendations.

So when I introduce the best survival knives or flashlights, you can be sure that every recommendation is based on solid experience and extensive knowledge.

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