Camping is a popular activity which millions of people enjoy each year. However, a camping trip is never complete without the right tools and equipment.
For instance, when you’re out in the wild, you would need somewhere to rest at night – imagine you forgot to pack a tent or hammock; that would be a big mistake. There are also instances where you’d need to handle an unforeseen emergency. There are camping equipment and accessories that are meant to help in such situations – especially if you’re camping far from other people.
One such accessory, which has proven to be very useful and reliable, is the camping knife. This article focuses on reviews of the best camping knives. Knives are relevant and helpful in many camping situations.
For this reason, you should ensure that you have one in your bag of equipment. They can also be used as a means of security.
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Best Knives for Camping
Getting a quality knife would be easier if you had a shopping guide. This is why we have put together some reviews of the best products in the market.
Here are our top selections of the best camping knives:
1. Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife
When checking out the best knives for camping, you shouldn’t skip this one. This Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife is a sturdy and reliable product. It’s a professional-grade tool that’s designed to serve multiple purposes.
Getting a firm grip of this knife’s handle isn’t a problem; there’s rubber-type integration on the handle which boosts firm grip in different outdoor situations. Even if it’s raining, you can still handle this knife firmly.
Apart from its notable versatile handling, this blade has very sharp edges. It performs well against water-based actions like rusting – thanks to the stainless steel used to manufacture it. When it comes to knife actions that require a technical and neat approach, you can count on this knife.
The blade is long-lasting and can withstand intense use. Considering the features on this blade, it’s definitely one of the best camping knives out there.
2. Kershaw Blur Olive/Black Pocket Knife
Next on the list is this Kershaw Blur, Olive/Black Pocket Knife. As the name implies, this is a blade that can be compactly folded and neatly kept inside the pocket.
This feature makes them more portable, and easy to carry about. Unfolding the knife for use is very easy; all you need do is press the thumb stud, and the blade flips open. It remains open with the aid of a liner lock feature.
This Kershaw Blur knife offers you with a nice 3.4-inch length, which can be used for several purposes. It’s a stainless-steel blade with an elegant design. Covered with a carbon layer, this blade is long-lasting and anti-rust.
The manufacturers of this blade didn’t pay attention to only its body but have taken their time to make an equally sturdy handle. This handle is designed with aircraft-grade anodized aluminum. You also get a firm grip on the handle – thanks to the Trac-Tec grip tape inserts.
It’s a light-weight blade (0.24-lbs), with portable open length and folded length specifications; with the former measuring 7.9-In, and the latter 4.5-In. If you don’t want to keep it inside your pocket, there are customizable features that can be used to hold the camping knife around your neck or hung by the waist.
3. Fallkniven A1 Fine Edge Fixed Blade Knife
Our review would be incomplete without mentioning this knife. It’s a high-quality product that has earned its place among the best knives for camping.
It doesn’t have a complicated design, and it’s strong enough to be used for multiple purposes. It also has a textured handle that’s designed to boost firm grips.
The makers of this product have designed it with all the necessary features to make it a reliable outdoor tool. One of such features is its blade sheath; a means of safely and compactly storing the blade whenever it’s not in use.
You can attach the sheath to your body in different ways, depending on what’s most comfortable for you. The material used in making a knife says a lot about how strong, sharp, and reliable it is. This one is made from strong, laminated, VG10 steel.
4. Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Knife
The manufacturers of this product have made it to satisfy high standards. It’s a strong and versatile steel-based knife that can handle intense use. Getting a firm grip around the knife’s handle is easy – thanks to the integrated no-slip design.
Firm grips and ease-of-use are very important when it comes to knife handling. Thankfully, that won’t be a problem with the Bushcrafter 162; it has an integrated diamond weave design that boosts firm handling. One downside associated with this product is the knife’s sheath, which isn’t strong enough.
When it comes to the cost of purchase, this blade is sold at an expensive rate. However, the quality of this product makes it worth the cost. In fact, after purchasing this blade, you won’t have to worry about sharpening it yourself; the manufacturers have got you covered for free.
In conclusion, this Benchmade product deserves to go on your list of camping equipment. In fact, the quality of this product is guaranteed by the lifetime warranty that the manufacturers have added for you.
5. Ka-Bar Becker BK9 Combat Bowie Knife
This is another great product which we couldn’t afford to skip in our review of the best camping knife.
The makers of this product are known for their high-standard productions and equipment. It’s a professional level knife that’s used by many campers, survivalists, backpackers, and even the US army. It’s a versatile product that works for multiple purposes.
With its 9’’ length specification, this product offers you a wider range of applications. It has a nice sturdy structure that isn’t difficult to utilize.
Whenever you’re done with the knife you can neatly/compactly store it away in the nylon sheath that comes with the product. Simply put, this one is a top choice for any camping event or other outdoor activities.
6. Schrade SCHF36 Full Tang Fixed Blade Knife
This is another reliable product that has been designed to perform excellently in outdoor conditions. The makers of this knife are popular for sturdy and durable equipment.
Compared to other blades that have been previously mentioned, this one has a differently designed handle – curved with thermoplastic coating and ringed texture.
Holding on to this blade, even in slippery situations, isn’t a problem – its handle is structured to deal with that. It’s a strong blade that cuts swiftly and surely through several other objects at camp.
This high-carbon steel blade is powerful and versatile, with a 5’’ length specification that gives you enough cutting ability. It’s a product that can withstand prolonged and intense usage.
7. Condor Tool & Knife Bushcraft Parang Machete
Just as the name implies, this product is on the larger side; a machete that can be used for situations that require bigger blades.
Its size and strength make it useful for clearing paths and tent-pitching areas at camp. The fact that it’s a machete doesn’t make it overly bulky or large. Instead, it has a nice 13-inch blade for cutting through obstacles.
This is a product that has been made to satisfy high standards; you can confidently add it to your list of camping equipment. Its body is made from durable high carbon steel, and its handle from polypropylene material.
Generally, this blade is long-lasting, and also capable of withstanding prolonged use. There’s a ballistic nylon sheath that comes with the machete for secure and neat storage.
8. Light My Fire Swedish FireKnife
The last product in this review of the best camping knives is the Light My Fire Swedish FireKnife. It’s a multipurpose knife that truly deserves to be mentioned.
Its handle has an interesting design that integrates a lanyard and dual flint striking stick. With this dual flint striking stick, you won’t have a problem starting your campfires. In fact, it offers you with a total of about 3,000 strikes.
However, just like many other products, this one also has its own downsides. The flint usually falls out of place after a certain amount of usage, which makes it not too reliable. Also, the plastic sheath that’s used to securely hold the knife’s 3.7-inch blade is too weak. The makers of this knife also need to increase the belt-length that it can work with – preferably 1.5 to 2-inch lengths.
If you want a knife that gives good quality at a fair, inexpensive price, this product is for you. All in all, this multipurpose knife deserves to go on your list of outdoor tools.
How to Find the Best Camping Knife
If you want to choose the proper knife that can properly assist you at camp, these are the things to consider:
Material
First is the material. The material used to make a knife says a lot about its strength and durability. You’ll likely come across lots of steel-based knives – as this is a popular material used in making them.
However, these steel-based blades are fabricated with different techniques and designs. Your final purchase will be based on your personal preferences, needs, and available budget.
If you want a knife that has a simple sharpening process, go for the soft steel blades. However, you should know that they won’t last as long, and stay as sharp as the harder steel types.
Another excellent choice is the non-stainless steel blade. These blades satisfy high standards, and they aren’t difficult to sharpen. They also remain sharp, even after prolonged and intense usage. The major downside associated with these blades is their high tendency to corrode.
Blade Coating
If you want to get a good knife, you cannot overlook its blade’s coating.
The purpose of this extra coating is to shield the blade from damaging conditions and make it long-lasting. It also makes the knife look more attractive.
If you’d like to make use of your blade on a fire starter, you won’t be able to if it’s coated. You should also note that some coatings may not be able to withstand heavy-duty use.
Design of the Handle
Handle design is another key feature to always take into consideration. When you’re using a knife or camping hatchet, it isn’t supposed to slip out of your hand; this can cause accidents and also waste your time.
Instead, the knife’s handle should have a non-slip design that increases firm grips and hand traction. A strong grip of the knife will make things easier for you.
Length
There are lots of lengths to pick from when buying a camping knife. However, you should make your choice based on your needs for portability and effectiveness.
There’s no specific length that’s perfect for camping; you just need to know the type of activity that you’ll need the knife for.
Take, for instance, if you’ll need to clear some bushy paths/ trails at camp, you might want to go for a machete that has sufficient length. You can’t expect to clear grassy trails with a small pocket knife – regardless of how sharp it may be.
Serration
I personally am not a fan of serrated blades. My reason is that they are unnecessary, and they ruin the fine look of well-designed blades.
The main idea behind serrated blades is improved cutting ability – for instance, cutting of bones, cords, and the likes. However, based on my many personal experiences, I have been able to achieve all these things without a serrated blade. In fact, it was just as easy.
Most people rush these trendy serrated blades without considering the similar effectiveness provided by non-serrated blades. Although the functionality of serrated blades may be exaggerated in some areas, these blades are still highly relevant for some other purposes – military-related use especially.
Simply put, it’s best to know the functions provided by both serrated and non-serrated blades and make your final purchase based on this knowledge.
Fire-Starting Ability
When it comes to making campfires, knives are very reliable. Fire-starting ability is a feature that you should look out for before making a final blade purchase.
Focus on getting one that would strike a spark with the least physical effort. This feature is usually integrated into the knife’s spine. Note that coated knives don’t have the best fire-starting ability.
Durability
Lastly, you mustn’t forget durability. What’s the point of buying a knife that needs to be replaced frequently – it’s a waste of money.
Instead, the blade you settle for should have a strong and long-lasting design. You should know that relying on a multi-tool knife to do heavy-duty knifing is a mistake. What you need is a blade that’s specifically dedicated for knife-related duties.
However, you can have both tools at hand. Make your choice based on personal needs and preference. Multi-tools are equipped with multifunctional features that can be used in various outdoor situations.
They usually have things like wire cutters, a hasp, a leather puncher, and screwdrivers, and more. If this wouldn’t be useful to you, then stick to the normal camping-specific knife.
Types of Camping Knives
As you search for a reliable survival knife, you’ll be presented with lots of tempting options. There are various camping knives in the market – all of which are excellent tools for different outdoor situations.
This part of the article focuses on the types of camping knives available for you. Using the information provided below as a shopping guide, you shouldn’t have a hard time making the best choice:
Fixed Blade Knife
First is the fixed blade camping knife. Unlike the foldable types that require a quick-release feature, these ones have blades that are firmly attached to the handle in a fixed position.
They come with long-lasting sheaths for securely holding the knife whenever it isn’t in use. However, before you can be allowed to use this tool, you will need to obtain some legal permission.
Clip Fold Knife
This is a folding knife that is opened manually. There’s no quick-release assist feature like the previously discussed knife. However, there’s a safety latch that secures the blade in place.
Assisted Opening Knife
Next is the assisted opening camping knife. The blade needs to be released by some assisting mechanism before you can use it.
It’s designed to open quickly, but safely. Compared to the previously mentioned knife, you won’t face as many legal restrictions.
Multitool Knife
Multi-tool camping knives are a combo of many other unique tools like screwdrivers, leather punchers, and more.
They aren’t suitable for heavy-duty knife functions. They only work well for minimal uses.
Maintenance Tips
This article would be incomplete if we didn’t discuss proper ways of caring for your camping knife. In order to adequately maintain and preserve your knife’s quality, here’s what to know and do:
Knife Sheaths
Knife sheaths are very important. They are used to safely store the knife whenever it’s not being used.
These sheaths are designed to shield your knife’s blade from rust and other damages. Besides, it’s dangerous to leave a sharp knife unsheathed.
Knife Sharpener
You need to keep the blade’s edge sharp. In order to do that, you’ll need a knife sharpener.
These are tools that can be found without stress. They are also sold at pocket-friendly prices. You should know that a blunt knife is never as effective as a frequently sharpened one.
Final Thoughts
With all the information provided in this review of the best camping knife, making the right purchase shouldn’t be a problem. However, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife is the best among all the other knives.
It’s a sturdy and reliable product. It’s a professional-grade tool that’s designed to serve multiple purposes. Getting a firm grip of this knife’s handle isn’t a problem; there’s rubber-type integration, on the handle, which boosts firm grip in different outdoor situations. Even if it’s raining, you can still handle this knife firmly.
Apart from its notable versatile handling, this blade has very sharp edges. It performs well against water-based actions like rusting – thanks to the stainless steel used to manufacture it.
When it comes to knife actions that require a technical and neat approach, you can count on this knife. The blade is long-lasting and can withstand intense use.