When getting ready for camping, you need to pack all the tools that are essential while out there. The knife is a small yet necessary piece of equipment that will be useful in various ways. You might need to cut some carve stakes, robes, clear bushes, or prepare food. The knife should, therefore, be versatile and robust enough to perform all tasks to avoid having to carry multiple pieces. Finding the best camping knives is difficult, so we have lessened your buying intent easily. Check out Best Camping Knives here.
Although there are various knives in the market, there are those that are specifically designed for outdoor activities. Never be mistaken to take your kitchen knife along since it might disappoint in the hour of need. Take your time to buy one that will serve well for a long time. The ideal knife largely depends on the intended purpose, which is dictated by where you plan to camp. Some are easier to use, while others can be a bit technical. Here we present the six best camping knives, the buyer’s guide, and the FAQs for easy decision-making. READ THROUGH and pick the best camping knife that will suit your needs!
Comparison Table of the Best Camping Knives
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In-Depth Review of the Top-Rated Camping Knives
You might not understand why a particular knife is suited for camping without knowing its unique features. The brand also matters as some are known to produce the best quality products worth trying. Therefore, before narrowing it down to a particular knife, you need to check the features of several others in the market. We have made your work easier by reviewing in detail every top-rated camping knife listed above for informed decision-making.
01- Schrade SCHF9 Knife for Camping
Schrade is a trusted brand when it comes to knives and other tools. Their blades are made with exceptional workmanship, quality, and reliability. The SCHF9 model is perfect for all outdoor activities, which include camping, hiking, and bushcraft, among others. Made of a carbon steel blade and thermoplastic elastomer handle, the knife is sturdy and durable.
Maximum dexterity is also achieved through a textured ring grip. You can always depend on this knife since it comes with a ballistic belt sheath and a storage pouch for fast and easy access. Furthermore, the blade is secure due to finger choil, thumb jimping, and front Quilon. While out and about, you can secure the knife using a lanyard hole and use it confidently due to its full tang design.
Key Features
- Carbon steel blade that is strong and durable
- Ring textured handle made of thermoplastic elastomer for maximum dexterity
- Ballistic belt sheath for fast and easy access
- Removable storage pouch for stress-free transport
- Finger choil, thumb jumping, and front Quilon for non-slip blade
- Full tang design for comfortable holding
Specifications
- Brand: Schrade
- Model: SCHF9
- Overall length: 12.1 inches
- Blade Length: 6.4 inches
- Weight: 15.7 ounces
02- Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
Morakiv Companion fixed-blade is the perfect versatile knife that can help you perform all the tasks while out camping. The razor sharpness of 4.1 inches long blade offers exceptional performance. The blade is made of hardened stainless steel, which is extra sturdy and less prone to rust. Cleaning and oiling the blade can further improve its corrosion-resistance ability.
You also get a performance grip patterned with high friction for maximum dexterity. The handle is designed in such a way that the hand sits on it comfortably, thus holding it securely and safely when used. Furthermore, there are sheath and belt clips that are included for secure storage and transport of the knife. Get one and carve tinder, cut woods and prepare food like a pro!
Key Features
- Razor sharpness for edge performance
- Extraordinary toughness that can cut wood, tinder and used for food prep
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel blade
- Patterned and high-friction handle for sure grip even in wet conditions
- The hard plastic sheath is included for securely keeping the knife
- Belt clip for easy transport
Specifications
- Brand: Morakniv
- Model: M-13216
- Overall length: 8.6 inches
- Blade Length: 4.1 inches
- Weight: 5.8 ounces
03- Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife
Gerber Bear Grylls is the best knife to endure the harshest camping conditions. The blade is made of stainless steel and serrated for exceptional performance. Furthermore, the edge is sharp and long-lasting to perform laborious tasks such as cutting firewood and ropes while still being used for food prep. The ergonomically designed handle delivers maximum versatility. The rubberized and textured handle gives you a proper grip to prevent slippage and offer maximum comfort. There are two holes in the handle that can be used to secure the knife in place while performing different tasks.
The stainless steel pommel at the base of the handle is essential in hammering or pounding. There is also a lanyard cord for tracing the knife and an emergency whistle for alerting others when necessary. The blade can be kept safely in a well-designed sheath that can withstand harsh climate conditions. Survive everywhere with this versatile and long-lasting Gerber Bear Grylls Knife.
Key Features
- Carbon stainless steel with serrated edge
- Textured rubber handle that is ergonomically designed for ultimate comfort
- Stainless steel pommel for hammering
- Fire starts eliminating the need to carry a matchbox
- Lightweight and mildew-resistant sheath
- A hard and durable blade that can handle tasks
Specifications
- Brand: Gerber
- Model: 31-001103
- Overall length: 10 inches
- Blade Length: 4.75 inches
- Weight: 14.4 ounces
04- Spring Assisted Grand Way Knife
Spring Assisted is the perfect knife that can be used anywhere, anytime. The compact design makes it ideal for camping as it can be carried stress-free by clipping it on the pocket. There is a proper balance of corrosion resistance and hardness to ensure you do whatever you need without sharpening it. The stainless steel black coated blade has razor blade sharpness and can give you long-lasting service.
You will also enjoy spring assisted knife since it folds compactly to fit in your pocket. The dirt-resistant liner lock prevents unforeseen closure, thus ensuring safe storage. Thumb studs make it easy for both left-handed and right-handed people to use the knife.
Key Features
- Non-corrosive 440c stainless steel blade that is razor-sharp
- Spring-assisted system for absolute functionality even after spring breakage
- Multipurpose with high degree of reliability and safety
- Dirt-resistant liner-lock to prevent unforeseen closures
- Pocket clip for easy carry
Specifications
- Brand: Grand Way
- Model: 6681 AN
- Blade Length: 7.75 inches
- Weight: 4.40 ounces
05- KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion Fixed Blade Knife
KA-BAR Beker BK2 is a perfect choice for those who like outdoor activities. The knife features a full tang and ergonomic handle and thus can handle demanding camping tasks. Furthermore, the handle is sturdy and well textured for maximum grip without thumb blisters, even after using it for a long time. There is an exposed pommel for pounding and hammering and an oversized lanyard hole for keeping the knife safe. To complete the package, there is a plastic and nylon sheath. No blade rattle, and the cutter is held securely in place without fear of falling out of the cover.
Key Features
- Full tang that makes the knife strong for camping tasks
- Ergonomically designed handle for maximum grip and comfort
- Sturdy lightweight nylon sheath that is long-lasting
- Drop-point blade shape angled at 20° for cutting edge performance
- Non-aggressive textured handle to prevent thumb blisters
Specifications
- Brand: Ka-Bar
- Model: 3297
- Weight: 1 pound
- Overall length: 10.5 inches
- Blade Length: 5.5 inches
06- SE Outdoor Tanto Knife with Firestarter
Camping and hiking have been made easier with this full and durable knife. The serrated 3.8-inch blade with a tanto point delivers ultimate strength. The handle is made of stainless steel and comes with a thick army cord that can serve as cordage in emergencies. You can also use the string to turn the knife into a spear effortlessly.
Storage is quite easy due to the flat and small blades. You can easily put it in a sheath with an integrated belt loop for easy carry. Firestarter is also included and can generate 5,000+ degrees, which is impressive. Its versatility makes it the most ideal for outdoor activities such as camping.
Key Features
- Long-lasting stainless steel blade
- Tanto-point that delivers exceptional strength
- A thick cord that can be used as cordage in emergencies
- Firestarter is included to eliminate the need to carry a matchbox
- Full tang for maximum durability in performing hard tasks
Specifications
- Brand: Ka-Bar
- Model: KHK6320
- Weight: 6.1 ounces
- Overall length: 7 inches
- Blade Length: 3 inches
Factors To Consider For The Best Camping Knives – Buyer’s Guide
A camping knife should be well-designed to handle difficult outdoor tasks. It should also be versatile to perform all functions without affecting its durability. Apart from these considerations, their many factors that should be looked at to land on the top-rated camping knives for stress-free camping. These are discussed below:
Camping Knives Material
The durability of the cutter is mostly dependent on the material used for the blade and the handle. The blade is either made of carbon steel or stainless steel, each having advantages. High-carbon steel blades are long-lasting, easier to sharpen, and can hold an edge longer. However, without proper care, the carbon steel blades can rust easily, especially when it gets into contact with water. To prevent corrosion, you can apply special oil recommended for knives. Otherwise, since the blade will still work even after corroding, you only need to avoid using it in food preparation.
Stainless steel, on the other hand, is corrosion-resistance and, therefore, can work well in a wet and dirty camping environment. When you plan to cook or cut any food, then blades made of stainless steel are the most ideal. Rain will not affect its performance; however, with time, it might get blunt, which requires sharpening.
Length
The effectiveness of the knife while camping depends on its length. Generally, the best camping knife comes with a dimension of between 3 to 5 inches. This gives it the required strength for challenging tasks with optimum maneuverability. If you do want one for lighter duty, then a shorter camping knife can just work fine. But, since camping is unpredictable, an ideal length won’t harm you. On the other side, a blade that is too long will be impracticable to carry around.
Handle
The knife should offer maximum dexterity for comfort and safety. The texture should not be too aggressive to avoid arm blisters used for a long time. Check that the material used is non-slip to get a stable and firm grip for effective and safe use. The appropriate handle will allow you to work efficiently with better control.
Handle design is also something to look into. The grip should be ergonomically designed to fit in your hand comfortably with finger relief. Those with handguard are the ideal choice as it prevents accidents that can result from the arm slipping to the blade. Other critical additional features may include a steel pommel for hammering and a hollow handle for putting survival necessities.
Blade Design
The overall performance of the knife is greatly affected by its design. You must check shape, size, taper, bevel, and overall design. The drop point design is the best for camping. This type of blade is thick and robust and minimizes accidental punctures. The other models are clip point and needlepoint blades. Clip point blades do a perfect job in precision and puncturing though it is not strong as the drop point designs. If you need one that doubles up as a survival knife, then needlepoint blades are perfect since it has double edges.
The other thing to look at is the edge type. There are straight and serrated types with distinct suitability. The fine edge is highly versatile but needs to be sharpened for exceptional performance. If you intend to cut bones, wood, and ropes, then a serrated edge design will be a perfect choice. You might need some skills in sharpening serrated edges before you take it on a camping trip.
Weight
The ideal weight will depend on the purpose of the knife. If you intend to use it on challenging tasks, you need a heavy knife4 since it has a thick blade and enough strength to cut even the woods. Also, if you have to bear the extra weight, it will save you more energy and get the job done quickly. The lightweight is suitable for simple tasks such as food preparations. They are also easy to carry around, and you will only realize you have them when it is time to use them.
Sheath
The sheath is the cover that keeps the knife safe for easy carry. You need to ensure that the material used in making the sheath is tough and robust to prevent the chances of the blade penetrating through it. The knife also should be locked securely inside to avoid losing it while in the wild. Check that it has a way of securing it, such as using Velcro straps, snap buttons, or any other solution. Those sheaths can be attached anywhere as best as you can connect to the belt for easy carry.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: What are camping knives?
A camping knife is a knife that is designed for outdoor activities and can be used for multiple purposes. The uses include but are not limited to food prep, chopping firewood, cutting the cord, cutting plants, preparing kindle woods, and carving tent stakes. The blades are heavy-duty, and the length is 5 inches or less. You can buy either a fixed blade knife or a folding knife.
A fixed blade knife is meant for heavy-duty tasks. It is built to last long with single steel that is strong with no moving parts. Therefore, it can be used securely, and cleaning is stress-free. The handle is also spacious, and you can hold it firmly. However, you need to take extra precautions as the knife can cause accidents unless put in a sturdy protective sheath. Additionally, it is heavy and larger simply because it cannot fold.
A foldable knife is one with a blade that unlocks and folds into the grip. This makes it easy and safer to carry and use in many situations. The edge is protected in the handle, and therefore, there is no need to buy a sheath. Some also have a lock mechanism to keep the blade locked until it is unlocked. However, the knife may not perform a hard task, and it is difficult to clean because of its foldable parts.
Q: How do I care for my camping knives?
Camping knives perform some of the essential tasks while enjoying time outdoors. You need to take care of it properly for long-lasting services. Below is camping knife care:
- Clean and dry before storage– your knife will get dirty and probably wet after use. You need to clean it first and leave it to dry thoroughly before keeping it in the sheath to avoid rust and bluntness.
- The blade should be honed regularly- sharpening your knife ensures it is always ready for use anytime, anywhere. It is recommended to horn the knife after every use to maintain its effectiveness.
- Don’t misuse the knife, e.g., hammering using it unless it has a pommel at the base of the handle.
- Lubricate your knife, especially if it is a foldable type: moving parts needs to be lubricated well for easy opening and folding. You should always wipe the excess, and if using the knife for food preparations, clean it before use.
Final Word
The best camping knife allows you to enjoy every bit while outdoors. Even if you do not foresee using it, never go without a knife. There is always something to do with a camping knife, even if you are not a pro at camping. However, you need to identify its primary purpose to buy one that suits your needs. If unsure, go for a multipurpose knife that can perform different tasks. This way, you will not have to carry multiple camping knives when going on a camping trip.
To get the best, you must pay keen attention to the buyer’s guide. Ensure you check the material, length, handle, blade design, weight, and sheath. The products reviewed have been tested and found to work well in performing several tasks on a camping site. Choosing one of them guarantees safety and efficiency. Pick one of the best camping knives from here and go out without fear of the unknown! Read about knives here.
