Folding Bushcraft Knives
Folders are inherently weaker than most fixed blade knives and break Rule 1 of Bushcraft Knives - "Fixed Blade and NOT Folder". They will eventually fail at the hinge with repeated abuse. That said, the best knife in a survival situation is the one you have on you. And if you can't walk around with a fixed blade knife, then maybe you can make do with a Folding Alternative.
Folding Alternatives
General Rules of Folding Knives
Folders are more expensive and fragile compared to a simple fixed blade knife
Breaking a folding knife is a good learning experience for a Scout - which is another reason an inexpensive knife is preferred
Beware of counterfeit knives! They may look the same, but aren't made with the same materials or at the same level of quality.
Ontario RAT
Economical knife options (made in Taiwan)
Model 1 - 3.6" blade
Model 2 - 3.0" blade
AUS-8 - Japanese stainless steel option - doesn't rust
D2 - Tool Steel option - holds an edge longer
Comes in multiple colors including Orange
BRK Designed by ESEE
Economical knife options (made in Taiwan)
Avispa - 3.5" blade
Zancudo - 3.0" blade
AUS-8 - Japanese stainless steel option - doesn't rust
D2 - Tool Steel option - holds an edge longer
SK5 - Japanese med/high Carbon steel - Rusts, doesn't hold edge very long but can get a really fine edge (used to make razor blades)
Comes in multiple colors including Orange
Same designers as Ontario RAT
Buck Selkirk
Nice handle
Comes with sheath and ferrorod
420HC Stainless Steel (very soft steel)
Made in China
Cold Steel SR1 LITE
Super strong Tri-Ad locking mechanism
8Cr13MoV Chinese Stainless Steel
Not too expensive compared to non-Lite versions with CPM-S35VN blade steel
Made in Taiwan
Cold Steel Ultimate Hunter
Super strong Tri-Ad locking mechanism
Black and Orange versions
Very expensive for a knife made in Taiwan
CPM-S35VN Stainless Steel
CRKT Parascale
Paracord wrap
Heavy duty hinge and "Deadbolt Lock"
D2 Steel
Hollow grind - not ideal for Bushcraft work
Made in Taiwan
Spyderco Shaman
American made and expensive
CPM-S30V Stainless Steel
Benchmade Freek
Different Versions
560BK-1 Freek = CPM-M4 Super Steel
American made and Expensive
TOPS Knives Fieldcraft
American made and Very Expensive
Solid liner lock
1095 RC 56-58 Carbon Steel (soft compared to other carbon steels)
Even has a bow drill divot
DPx HEST
Some made in USA and some in Italy - All VERY VERY expensive
Solid frame lock
Most economical version has D2 Tool Steel Blade - other options available
AUS-8 Stainless