Camping Knives are a must-have. Whether you're going camping in a tent or a full-blown RV, you will, at some point, need to cut something. There is nothing more frustrating than realizing that you forgot your survival knives! This is why bringing along your best camping knife is always important.
A good and compact knife is one of the most important things to have while camping. Whether you're an experienced camper or just starting out, a good knife is essential to your kit.
We've reviewed a lot of camping folding knives, from cheap knives to expensive ones, and some that are so expensive they should be called luxury fixed blade camping knives.
When you're out camping, you want a knife that will do everything for you. Luckily, these days we have so many great options! There are a lot of choices out there, though. The one you choose to buy will depend on your individual needs.
How We Search For The Best Choice
Choosing the best camping and heavy duty knife isn't easy because there are so many knives available on the market today that it is difficult to choose one which suits your needs perfectly.
You must consider many factors before buying the best pocket knife, such as price, material, size, and weight, among others. When choosing the best camping knife, there are some things you need to consider before making your final decision about which one will fit your needs best:
Material
Material is important because it can make or break your camping trip. Stainless steel is by far the most popular choice for camping knives, but some people prefer carbon steel. Carbon steel will rust if not properly cared for, but it’s much stronger than stainless steel and can hold an edge longer.
Size/Weight
This is another consideration when choosing a versatile knife for camping trips, especially if you plan on hiking with it or carrying it in your backpack daily. The bigger and heavier the knife, the more difficult it will be to carry around all day long.
Comfort
Our favorite campers are easy to hold onto and comfortable in our hands when chopping wood or cutting rope for shelter-building supplies. We also look at whether or not they have finger guards — this helps protect us from accidentally cutting ourselves while using them in
Budget
If you have a budget in mind when shopping for a camping folding knife, this is something that should be considered.
There are many different types of knives available at many different price points. Some are inexpensive, while others are more expensive depending on what features they offer and how many extras they come with.
Sharpness
How sharp is your drop point blade? Will it cut through rope easily, or will it need some work first? A dull blade is no good in any situation but especially not when you need it most! You want to ensure that your folding blade comes sharpened right out of the box so that you can use it immediately!
To select our five top choices among all available camping knives, we have read thousands of reviews and done heavy research, so you don't have to.
Our Top Picks
Of all the different camping knives we looked at, these five are our favorite choices:
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, durable, reliable camping knife. The Clash features a 3.1" stainless steel blade with a black-oxide coating, a glass-filled nylon handle with Speed Safe opening, and a reversible pocket clip.
It has been designed with an ergonomic design that makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. It's also very lightweight at just 4.3oz, so you'll barely notice you've got it on you when you're out in the wilderness.
Its blade is made from high-quality steel, so it stays sharp for longer than other blades. This makes it perfect for cutting rope, wood, or even food if needed! It comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer against defects in materials or workmanship.
So if anything happens to your knife within its lifetime, simply return it to them, and they will repair or replace it free of charge (up to one year from the purchase date).
Things That Are Good To Know
The Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife is a great choice for anyone who wants a knife to carry with them on their next camping trip. This pocket knife is lightweight but still offers plenty of durabilities.
It is made from stainless steel, which makes it very durable and long-lasting. It also has a reversible pocket clip that allows you to choose the direction in which you want to carry it.
This knife also has locking blades, which means that they won't close on your hand when you're using them. This feature helps ensure that people will be able to use this knife safely without any injury or accidents occurring during use.
This pocket knife also comes with an adjustable belt clip to choose how high or low you want to wear it on your belt or pants. There are many different ways that this knife can be used, as well as multiple features that make it more versatile than other knives on the market today.
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted customer wrote:
"I've used this product for about three years now, and I still love it. The Kershaw Clash pocket knife is the best camping knife that I have ever owned. It is lightweight but sturdy and durable.
The blade is made from stainless steel, which means it will hold up to all kinds of abuse. Whether you're chopping wood or cutting rope, this knife will do the job!
The knife also has a locking mechanism that keeps the blade from folding up on your fingers during use. This is especially important when using a knife in outdoors where accidents are more likely to occur."
Best Fixed Blade Knife
Smith & Wesson CKSUR1 10.5in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Smith & Wesson's fixed-blade knives are great for hunters, campers, and backpackers. Their durable design and dependable construction make them a great choice when cutting through thick material.
The sharp blade knife is made from high-quality steel, which makes it durable and dependable. The knife has a 10.5" blade length that is made for cutting through large pieces of meat or other food items. The handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold, allowing you to use the knife for extended periods without getting tired.
The serrated blade knife comes with a ballistic polyester sheath with a removable storage pouch for storing small items like matches and other survival gear. This sheath also has an elastic band on the outside for holding additional items such as rope or paracord if needed.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Smith and Wesson CSUR1 Fixed Blade Knife has a 6-inch Bowie blade that is made of high-carbon steel. This knife is made for outdoor, survival, and EDC use. The knives are well-made from quality materials and will last a lifetime if properly cared for.
It is a great addition to any hunting or fishing trip. The blade is made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is made of a durable polymer that makes it easy to grip.
The knife comes with a ballistic polyester sheath with a removable storage pouch for accessories like your compass or rope. The knife also features a sharpening steel for quick fixes on the go.
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied buyer said:
"I've been using this product for two months now, and I think it's great. It is sturdy and well-made, and it feels comfortable in my hand. The blade is sharp and strong.
The knife comes with a sheath that is made of plastic, but the knife fits snugly into the sheath so there are no worries about it falling out accidentally.
I like that the knife has an ergonomic grip, which makes it easier to hold onto when you're cutting something sharp or slippery.
The handle also has a hole at the base where you can put your thumb so you can keep your fingers away from the blade while still having full control over the blade's movements."
Best Survival Outdoor Knife
StatGear Surviv-All Fixed-Blade Bowie Knife with Sheath, Firestarter
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The StatGear Knife is made of high-quality stainless steel. It is a combination of a knife and a fire starter, so it is perfect for people who love to camp, hike, or go on adventures. This knife also comes with a fire starter tool that can be used to light fires in any weather condition.
This is very useful when you are camping out in the wild because it can get cold at night, and having a fire will keep you warm and dry your clothes if they get wet from rain or snow.
It comes with its sheath so that you can store it safely when not using it or when traveling somewhere without taking up too much space inside your luggage or backpack.
The knife is made from stainless steel, which means that it will never rust or corrode over time, even if you leave it outside during rainy days or expose it to salt water while scuba diving or swimming in oceans or lakes.
Things That Are Good To Know
The StatGear knife is a stainless steel full tang knife. It can handle anything you throw at it. The blade has a drop point shape, which makes it ideal for chopping and cutting. The handle is made of rubber material and has a thumb rest for better grip when using the knife.
This stainless steel knife comes with a fire starter located on the sheath's back. Just light the fire starter, and you will have plenty of sparks to start your campfire or just warm up your hands during cold weather camping.
The cord cutter works well and is easy to use. You simply slide the blade across the cord and cut through it like butter! This feature is especially useful if you need to cut through something that may be wrapped around your leg or arm while in the wilderness (like a snake in a tree). It can also be used to cut through branches if necessary.
This American-style knife has a brown color and rust-resistant steel blade that won't corrode easily if left wet after use (it's stainless steel). The rubber handle material provides a good grip when using this tool outdoors or in your home during emergencies (like hurricanes).
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy customer wrote:
"I've used this product for over a year and can't say enough good things about it. It's comfortable to hold, easy to use, and very sturdy. The blade is sharp and holds an edge well. The handle is made from glass-filled nylon, making it strong but also lightweight.
I've used this knife to make kindling, slice apples and other fruit, cut open boxes, and even whittled some small pieces of wood out of larger pieces with it.
The serrated edge was handy when I needed to cut through the plastic packaging on a piece of furniture that we bought at Ikea (serrated edges are great for cutting through thin plastic)."
Best Hand-Made Camping Knife
FH KNIVES 10-inch Handmade Damascus steel knife with leather sheath
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The FH KNIVES 10-inch steel knife handle is made from orange wood, giving it a unique look. The blade is made from forged Damascus steel, which looks attractive and makes the knife more durable than others in its category.
It comes with an ergonomic design that offers comfort when using it. It also has an orange wood handle that makes it easy to hold while using it, even when your hands are wet or sweaty. The handle also offers an added level of grip to prevent slippage during use.
Things That Are Good To Know
The FH Knife is a heavy-duty survival knife that is hand forged to perfection. The Knife is made of a 10-inch steel blade that has been folded five times, starting from 9 layers into a ladder pattern of 288 layers. This makes it shatterproof and able to withstand high-performance tasks. The handle and sheath are ergonomic and easy to carry.
The FH Knife is a knife that comes with an ergonomic handle and sheath that can be used for cutting, chopping, slicing, and dicing meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables. It also has a unique gift box making it perfect for gifting during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Christmas.
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user said:
"I'm a knife enthusiast, and I've used many knives in my life. This is one of the best knives I have ever owned! I bought this knife several months ago and use it daily in my kitchen. It's still sharp as the day I bought it and has yet to show any sign of rusting.
The blade itself is made out of high quality steel which makes it strong and durable. The blade has an excellent edge on it as well - after using it for several months now."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
Victorinox Hiker Swiss Army Knife is a handy companion for your outdoor activities. This model is based on the classic Hiker, the most popular multi-tool in the world. The Victorinox set features a 3-1/2 inch blade and comes with a pocket clip that allows you to attach it to your pants or belt.
The handle is made of red synthetic material, but it's very grippy even when wet or dirty, so you don't have to worry about losing your grip in the field. The handle also has a liner lock mechanism which keeps the blade firmly in place when opened or closed.
The Victorinox Hiker has many other functions, including a Phillips screwdriver and a large bit driver. It also includes a standard screwdriver/bottle opener, reamer/sealer, can opener/small screwdriver, wire stripper/screwdriver, and a corkscrew/wood saw. The Victorinox Hiker uses the Swiss Army Knife's signature red synthetic scales that are lightweight and durable.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Victorinox Hiker is a great choice for multi-tool camping knives. This Swiss-made version of the popular Swiss Army pocket knife has an array of tools that are perfect for outdoor recreation and other activities.
This knife is ideal for camping and hiking trips because it can be carried on your belt or in your backpack without adding too much extra weight. It’s also small enough to fit into your pocket or purse, so you never have to be without it when you need it!
It is made from quality materials and designed to last. The handle is made from ABS plastic, and the body is from stainless steel. This knife's construction makes it strong enough to withstand everyday use without fail. It's also rust-proof and stain-resistant, so you don't have to worry about using it outside or in wet conditions.
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy user wrote:
"I've used this product for about a year and a half now, and I love it. The multi-purpose knife is sturdy and sharp, the saw works well, the scissors are useful, and the file is great for removing small burrs on your gear.
The toothpick is small but useful. The tweezers are weak and should be avoided if at all possible (I use my Leatherman)."
Emma
Best Camping Knife FAQ
There are many things to consider when you’re buying a camping knife, and it can be tough to know what to look for. While we recommend reading our full review of the best camping knives, here are some answers to some common questions we get asked about buying camping knives.
What are the different types of camping knives?
A knife is one of the most important tools in camping. There are many different types of camping knives. We have listed some of the most common types of camping knives below.
Pocket knife
A small folding pocket knife can be carried in your pocket or your belt. It is one of the most popular types of knives and comes in various sizes and styles. The folding pocket knife has a thin blade that folds into the handle, helping to prevent it from getting caught on things while you carry it around.
Fixed blade
A large fixed-blade knife with a handle attached to its blade. This blade type is usually longer than its folding counterpart and often comes with a sheath to protect it from damage when not used.
Serrated edge
Some knives use a serrated edge for cutting rope, cord, or other fibrous materials like clothing or fabric without fraying them or dulling the blade too much; however, these kinds of blades are not ideal for cutting meat because they don't tend to cut as cleanly as straight-edged ones do.
What are the features of a good camping knife?
In addition to these basic characteristics, there are several other things that you should look out for when buying a camping knife. Here are some of them:
A comfortable handle
This is important because it determines how comfortable you'll feel holding the knife for long periods.
Some handles are made from rubber or plastic, while others are made from wood or metal. The best option is one that's designed ergonomically so that it fits perfectly in your hand.
A strong locking mechanism
You don't want your blade loose while using it since this could cause injury or damage to surrounding objects.
A good locking mechanism will ensure that your blade doesn't open while you're using it, which means you can use your knife safely and effectively without worrying about any accidents.
A sheath or holster
If there's no holster or sheath included with your camping knife, you'll have to find one yourself before using it for the first time if you want to protect yourself from injury or damage.
How do I choose the right camping knife for me?
There are many different types of camping knives out there, but the best camping knife is one that's right for you. There are many factors to consider when choosing the right knife. Here are some tips on how to choose a camping knife:
Size
The size of the blade may be important if you're looking for something more versatile or smaller, but in general, it isn't something that should be considered until after other factors have been considered.
Blade Material
The material used in making a blade will affect its durability and ease of sharpening. The most common materials used for camping knives include carbon steel and stainless steel.
Carbon steel blades tend to be strong but require frequent maintenance, such as oiling and occasional sharpening. Stainless steel blades are less likely to rust or require special care but may not be as durable as carbon steel blades.
Handle
A comfortable grip is essential when using any type of knife outdoors, especially when working with wet hands or when in wet conditions such as rain or snow where your hands may become slippery from sweat or water drops.
How do I care for my camping knife?
The first thing to say is that you should never put your camping knife in the dishwasher. Heat and water will damage any metal component (including the blade), so keep them out of the way as much as possible.
If you wash your hands with hot water or cook with hot food, some residue on your knife can be removed with hot soapy water, followed by rinsing under cold running water. This should be enough to clean your knife - just rinse it off after use!
What are some common mistakes people make when using a camping knife?
The most common mistakes people make when using a camping knife are:
- Using the wrong blade for the job
- Using dull or damaged blades
- Not cleaning your blade between uses, which can lead to bacteria buildup and rusting of your knife.
- Forget to sharpen your knife periodically, so it is always ready when you need it.
How can I avoid injuring myself with a camping knife?
Here are some tips on how to avoid injuring yourself with a camping knife:
- Make sure the blade is sharp and clean before using it. A dull blade can slip off an object and cause an injury.
- Wear gloves when using your knife — both to protect your hands from cuts and because they'll make it easier to hold onto the blade.
- Cut away from yourself or others, not toward them. This is especially important when cutting rope or anything else that could whip back at you like a snake from its tail!
- Be careful around children, pets, and other people who may get hurt if they're too close when you're using your knife (or any other sharp object, for that matter).
What Is The Best Camping Knife For You?
The best camping knife is the one you enjoy carrying around and the most comfortable using. It will depend on your preferences and the kinds of adventures you prefer to have. If you love camping, hiking, or simply find yourself in a situation where you need a knife, these five camping knives will get the job done.
This is our complete guide to choosing the best camping knife. We've covered material, size, weight, and everything else you'll need to know when looking for the ideal camping knife. We hope this list has helped you decide on what you need to bring with you on your next camping trip.
Emma
