A camping knife is a vital tool for campers, but choosing the best knife takes a little time and research. It is essential to learn about the need for a knife while camping and how you can make the best choice based on your circumstances.
We’ve put together a list of what we consider the best camping knives in the world.
Though you might think a camping knife is a worst-case scenario tool (it can be) or is a vital necessity you’ll use every few hours while camping (it is, too), you need to choose one that is high quality and that you can depend on. Your camping knife can be your best friend, even if you don’t need to use it for survival. It’s one of the most versatile camping tools around and comes in handy whether you’re just away overnight at a campground or if you’re roughing it for weeks hiking through the wilderness with only the most basic supplies in your pack.
If you’re not a frequent camper, you might assume camping knives are used only in high-stress situations. You might need one for warding off a bear or cutting yourself free after falling into a ravine. Though these aren’t impossible scenarios, they’re improbable, and it’s unlikely you’ll be using your knife for these adventures. But this doesn’t mean you won’t need a quality camping knife.
What are the most common everyday uses for a knife when you’re camping?
- Shaving wood to create kindling for a campfire
- Striking a spark to start the fire
- Preparing the food while cooking, especially if you’re “living off the land.”
Tips for Choosing the Best Camping Knife
It’s vital if you’re just now buying your first camping knife not to get overwhelmed or carried away. There are plenty of large, fancy knives out there that can do a lot, but you probably don’t need anything too elaborate. Also, keep in mind that a more substantial knife might not be a better knife.
A big knife might provide better protection if you’re attacked, but it will be difficult to maneuver with other tasks. You’ll only be using your camping knife for self-defense as a last resort, so it’s better to choose a blade that is ideal for other tasks and can serve as a weapon in a pinch if needed.
That said, you shouldn’t be “cheaping out” and buying the flimsiest, smallest, or lightest weight knife available. You still want something that is durable and works for you. Something as mundane as cutting through the bush on a hike or to set up a campsite requires a heavy-duty knife, so even if you aren’t planning to fend off a pack of wildlife, you still need something sturdy and reliable.
Before you begin shopping, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with a few terms that are used when talking about knives.
The drop, clip, or spear point is a reference to the type of blade. Drop point blades have a convex curve that slopes back and is the most common. Swiss army knives have a drop point blade. Clip point and spear point blades are either clipped or have a spot in the center, respectively.
Choil refers to tiny cuts or indentations located on the blade near the handle. They help you sharpen the edge and create sparks.
Full tang means the blade runs the bottom of the handle to the tip. This makes the knife sturdier and is a good thing.
Finally, stainless steel blades are considered the best because it’s sharpest and takes a long time to erode. Now that you know the basics take a look at our choices for the best camping knives.
Surviv-All Outdoor Knife
This knife weighs less than 8 ounces and is 9.5 inches in length. It comes with a 440 stainless steel drop point blade and is an excellent knife for beginners and experienced campers. It locks into its sheath, so you don’t need to worry about losing it or having it fall and injure someone. It also features a few glow in the dark strips on it to make it easier to find at night. It does tend to be bulky, so it might not be the best knife to carry on a hike, but overall we think this is a great camping knife.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Ka-Bar Becker BK2
Ka-Bar knives are reliable enough that the Marines carry them. They make a great survival knife for a variety of reasons. This knife if full tang and measures 10.5 inches. It weighs a pound, so it’s a little on the heavier side, but it’s sturdy and still won’t weigh you down. It features a 1095 cro-van steel blade with a 20-degree angle. There’s a choil on the blade. We did notice this knife tended to rust faster than others when it wasn’t properly maintained, so be aware of what you need to do to keep it in good shape.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Fallkniven A1 Survival Knife Fixed Blade
This knife has a VG-10 stainless steel blade with a layer of 420 steel on the sides to make it even stronger. The blade measures 6.3 inches, and it’s 11 inches total in length. It weighs a little less than a pound and has a blade thickness of .24 inches. The Kraton rubber handle offers an improved grip.
Check it out on AMAZON.
Spyderco Endura 4 Plain Edge Knife
This is a folding knife, which makes it easy to store and an excellent choice for hikers. It weighs less than five ounces and is 8.75 inches when unfolded. It features a VG-10 stainless steel blade that is .125 inches thick. It also has a spider hole that allows you to push the edge back into place to close the knife safely when not in use. The handle is made from nylon that is reinforced with fiberglass and offers a firm grip. This is an excellent knife for the beginner or occasional camper, but it’s not as heavy-duty as full tang knives.
Check it out on AMAZON.
