Don’t skip this article if you are a fan of camping and adventuring. Here, we have the best camping knives to meet all of your needs for your campsite.
Camping is a great way to spend time with friends and family while being in the outdoors. It’s also a good excuse to get outside. However, camping can be really dangerous if you don’t have the right tools or know what you’re doing. Luckily for us, there are plenty of knives out there that are designed for camping-related activities. But which ones are best?
What makes a knife become the best camping knife? What do you need for a camping knife? Of course, the best camping knife should have every feature of a regular knife, including a sharp blade and an ergonomic handle.
It means that the knife should be compact. And it could be best if your knife has blade cover or a box so it will not hurt your and your equipment when bringing along. So, do you want to find what the best camping knives is for you? We have 19 best suggestions for you in this article. Let’s check it out!
What are The Best Camping Knives?
This article will explore some of the top knife manufacturers on the market today so that you’ll have more information when making your purchase decision about which knives will work best for your needs
The list of top 19 best camping knives below acts as a summary that i’m going to review in-depth, let’s take a glance at them.
Best Overall: Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Camping Knife
“Very enduring; sturdy and sharp blade; easy to control with wrapped leather handle; offer versatile purposes”
Good for Outdoor: ESEE Knives 4P Fixed Blade Knife
“Durable knife; razor-sharp; fit and finish; worth the money.“
Best Value: Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Camping Knife
“Offer a pretty gift box with full needed accessories; easy to cut with a wide and sharp blade; convenient to carry with the sheath”
Good for Combat: KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
“Easy to hold; leather sheath; sharp out of the book, highly recommend.“
Most Reviewed: Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Camping Knife
“Anti-skid handle for slipping-free; incredibly durable; simple to carve with; easy to bring because of the lightweight design”
Good for Survival: Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife
“Multi-use knife; well-balanced; nearly perfect; fixed blade knife.“
Good for Splitting Wood: Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife
“Full tang knife; great knife; highly recommend; easy to sharpen.“
Good for Hunting: Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Serrated Edge
“Ergonomic knife; quality knife; made in the USA; excellent support.“
Good for Heavy Duty: KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
“Good security features; heavy-duty knife; high quality; highly recommend.“
Good Folding Knife: Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife
“Lock feature; ergonomic knife; lifetime warranty; razor-sharp.“
Good Pocket Knife: Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife
“Super sharp: easy to open; highly recommend; excellent lock feature.“
Good for Slicing: Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
“Sturdy and durable; well- made; great knife; best bushcraft knife.“
Good for Fishing: KA1218-BRK USMC Fighter Serrated
“Worth the money; great knife; great craftsmanship; high quality.“
Good for Food Prep: Schrade SCHF9 12.1in High Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Knife
“Great knife; high carbon; razor-sharp; extreme survival.“
Good for The Money: Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Survival Camping Knife
“Rubber handle for non-slipping; thick and sharp blade; rigid and durable construction; easy to carve with; necessary tools included”
Good for Self Defense: Smith & Wesson High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife
“Outstanding; well-balanced; good quality; best knife for the price.“
Good for Bushcraft: Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife
“Heavy-duty knife; fire starter; well-made; came sharp.“
Good for Beginner: MOSSY OAK 2-pieces Bowie Knife Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
“Work great; great price; excellent value; better than expected.“
Best for Budget: Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
“Best fixed blade; well made; super sharp; lightweight; high quality.“
All Camping Knives – Comparison Chart
The table below summarizes basic information about the 19 best Double DIN head units in 2021, including blade length, overall weight and blade material:
| Best Camping Knife | It's Best for | Material | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Knife Survival Camping Knife | Best Overall | Carbon steel | 9.76 oz |
| ESEE Knives 4P Fixed Blade Knife | Best for Outdoor | 1095 carbon steel | 7.45 oz |
| Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Camping Knife | Best Value | Alloy steel | 28.96 oz |
| Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Camping Knife | Most Reviewed | Carbon steel | 8.08 oz |
| KA-BAR US Marine Corps Fighting Knife | Best for Combat | 1095 Cro-van steel | 11.2 oz |
| Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife | Best for Survival | 420HC stainless steel | 12.45 oz |
| Morakniv Bushcraft Survival Knife | Best for Splitting Wood | Carbon | 5.4 oz |
| Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Serrated Edge | Best for Hunting | 420HC steel | 7.9 oz |
| KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife | Best for Heavy Duty | 1095 Cro-van steel | 16 oz |
| Buck Knives Folding Hunter Knife | Best Folding Knife | 420HC stainless steel | 7.2 oz |
| Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife | Best Pocket Knife | 8Cr13MoV stainless | 8 oz |
| Benchmade Outdoor Survival Knife | Best for Slicing | CMP-S30V Steel | 7.72 oz |
| KA1218-BRK USMC Fighter Serrated | Best for Fishing | 1095 Cro-van steel | 11.2 oz |
| Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Survival Camping Knife | Best for The Money | Stainless steel | 16.8 oz |
| Schrade SCHF9 12.1in Fixed Blade Knife | Best for Food Prep | 1095 high carbon steel | 15.7 oz |
| Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in S.S. Fixed Blade Knife | Best for Self Defense | 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel | 7.7 oz |
| Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife | Best for Bushcraft | 1095 high carbon steel | 12.3 oz |
| MOSSY OAK 2-pieces Bowie Knife | Best for Beginner | Stainless steel | 6 oz / 2.5 oz |
| Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife | Best for Budget | Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel | 4.1 oz |
Top 19 Best Camping Knives Reviews in 2022
Best Overall: Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Camping Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B001CZDQPI”]Product specs
| Item weight | 9.76 oz |
| Overall length | 9.5’’ |
| Blade length | 5’’ |
| Blade material | Carbon steel |
| Serrated | Yes |
Among various great models out there, the Ontario Knife Company 499 Air Force Survival Camping Knife is probably one of the best fixed blade camping knives. The blade comes in a clip point and is reinforced with sturdy carbon steel. Therefore, it is so solid and durable that you can use it for different purposes without worrying about damage.
The handle is made from leather, creating a comfortable feeling when you hold the knife for a long time. You will not feel fatigued, and it also reduces blisters or callus. Besides, it offers a leather sheath for easy carrying. It also has a space for the included sharpening stone. You will not need to worry about messy stuff in your bag or if it is taking up space.
One of the worth-buying features, I think, of this knife is the sawback edge. It provides you with serrated portions on the back part so that you can do more things other than cutting, such as sawing thin and light wood.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Remarkably durable thanks to the high-quality material
- Prevent blisters on your hands with a leather-wrapped handle
- It can be used for light sawing with serrated parts
- The sheath has a space for the sharpening stone
- The blade is thick and very sharp
- Can be used for various purposes
- It might need quite regularly maintenance
Best for Outdoor: ESEE Knives 4P Fixed Blade Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B00UY4NS6K”]Product specs
| Item weight | 7.45 oz |
| Overall length | 9″ |
| Blade length | 4.5″ |
| Blade material | 1095 carbon steel |
| Serrated | No |
Are you looking for the best knife for camping and the outdoors? If you are, you should take a look at the Esee knife. This knife is quite expensive compared with the similar item in our list. But you get what you pay for! Buy it, and you will never regret it!
The overall length of this knife is 9 inches, and it is the ideal size for a camping knife. The blade of this knife is 1905 carbon steel, and the handle is micarta. And the handle is removable – we don’t think that it makes any sense on your camping trip.
From your first seen, you will see that this knife is a high-quality knife. And from the first time using it, you will know why it is the best camping knife. The cutting edge-length is about 4 inches.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Extremely sharp blade and well balance
- Great construction with attention to detail
- A good edge and easy to sharpen even after use
- Enough big and strong to perform well in most any camp
- Sturdy sheath with a close-fitting belt clip can be removed
- Quite small for some wilderness crafts
- It takes a lot of energy to pull the knife out of its sheath
Best Value: Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Camping Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B07VBTHCFG”]Product specs
| Item weight | 28.96 oz |
| Overall length | 8.6’’ |
| Blade length | 4’’ |
| Blade material | Alloy steel |
| Serrated | No |
The Holtzman’s Gorilla Survival Camping Knife comes in a lot of things, including a knife, sheath, paracode, Allen wrench, Ferro rod, and scraper. All of these items make it the best value for the money option among a wide array of designs out there.
The blade is made from premium-grade alloy steel, making it durable enough to cut hard stuff, from paper to aluminum, rope, and wood. Unfortunately, its edge is plain, meaning there are no serrated parts for added functions such as sawing.
The handle is crafted of fiberglass and 1.4’’ wide, making it easy to hold. However, you might find it a little bit slipping, especially when your hands are sweaty. The manufacturer equips a leather sheath so that you can store all of the included items in it, which is very safe to carry and also saves your space.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- It offers an ideal length for optimum functionality
- Provide a complete kit for more convenience when needed
- Notably sturdy and sharp to cut thicker items
- Easy for portability with a lightweight design
- The included sheath can be carried on the belt
- It comes in a beautiful gift box
- The handle doesn’t seem to be really firm
Best for Combat: KA-BAR Full-Size US Marine Corps Fighting Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B001H53Q6M”]Product specs
| Item weight | 11.2 oz |
| Overall length | 11.875″ |
| Blade length | 7″ |
| Blade material | 1095 Cro-van steel |
| Serrated | No |
Ka-bar deserves to become one of the best camping knives in 2021, especially best for combat because of its excellent design and solid construction. From the first time using this knife, we understood why people still love this expensive knife.
Ka-bar comes with a 1095 Cro-van steel blade, which is 7 inches in length – the ideal length for most camping tasks. Besides, the fixed blade design makes it even more robust to deal with the heavy-duty task.
This blade has a very vintage but strength outlook. And the leather sheath also keeps it safe and makes it very simple to bring along. The Ka-bar is used in the army since World War 2, and it is still the first choice for a personal knife now.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Well-made and extremely sharp blade
- Sturdy construction with stitching and rivets
- Classic leather handle design and non-slip
- The leather case has a pleasant fragrance
- Best for multifunctional combat or hunting
- Beware of fakes
- Need to apply oil to the skin tongue once a year
Most Reviewed: Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Camping Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B00BFI8TOA”]Product specs
| Item weight | 8.08 oz |
| Overall length | 9.1’’ |
| Blade length | 4.3’’ |
| Blade material | Carbon steel |
| Serrated | No |
The Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Camping Knife is another excellent fixed blade knife I want to recommend. Its blade is reinforced with carbon steel and an anti-corrosive coating. This design makes it not only sturdy but also very durable even when used outdoors.
The handle has a rubber grip outside, enhancing the level of friction. Therefore, you can use the knife freely without worrying about slipping and hurting yourself. Because the blade is robust but thin enough, allowing you to carve with it more straightforwardly and easily.
Like other models, this knife also comes with an additional sheath, sharpener, and fire starter. The sheath is made of plastic; therefore, it is very lightweight to carry. In addition, it is designed to be packed or carried on the belt conveniently.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Easy to control the knife with a non-slip handle
- Simple to carve thanks to the thin but solid blade
- Very durable because of excellent rigid construction
- Effortless to sharpen with an included diamond sharpener
- Convenient to carry with the flexible sheath
- Might need to apply oil relatively often
Best for Survival: Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B000XH5H6W”]Product specs
| Item weight | 12.45 oz |
| Overall length | 9.75″ |
| Blade length | 4.75″ |
| Blade material | 420HC stainless steel |
| Serrated | Yes |
If you are looking for the best camping knife in a small budget, we suggest taking a look at the Gerber Prodigy Survival knife. Of course, this knife has some shortcomings, but it’s a useful tool in emergencies.
We got a good impression of this knife because it looks very cool. It is all-black from the handle to the blade. And this feature is also a strong point of this knife. Gerber Gear made it with a black oxide finish for the blade, so It performs better in resisting rust.
As you can see, the blade has two parts: a half sharp blade and a half-serrated blade. The design have well balanced allows you to use the knife for more tasks. However, this blade has a small disadvantage; it comes with no blade covering.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Ultimate multipurpose knife for many purposes
- Handy leg strap and durable locking mechanism
- Strong and well sharp out of the box
- The handle surface is firm and reliable
- The sheath has 2 locks difficult to use
Best for Splitting Wood: Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B00BFI8TOA”]Product specs
| Item weight | 5.4 oz |
| Overall length | 9.1″ |
| Blade length | 4.3″ |
| Blade material | Carbon |
| Serrated | No |
The next item in our list of the best camping knife is the best choice for splitting wood. And it is Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife. This knife is only cheaper than the Gerber bellow. However, it comes with all features you need for the best camping knife.
For your more information, this knife is a fixed–blade knife, which is 9.1 inches in length and 5.4 oz in weight. It is a little long for keeping in the pocket, but you can put it in your backpack. This knife has a thick carbon steel blade with an anti-corrosive black coating.
About the handle, this knife has an ergonomic handle with rubber grip. And health is a highlight of this item. The sheath is plastic, but it comes with a diamond sharpener and super convenient fire starter.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Sharp knife and ideally thickness
- Solid with a good balance
- Comfortable and grippy handle
- Light enough to carry easily
- Comes with two options for belt carry sheath
- The padlock is of perfect size and works very well
- Not full tang
- Carbon blades will rust if not stored properly
Best for Hunting: Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Serrated Edge
[su_amazon asin=”B00U0IMGI6″]Product specs
| Item weight | 7.9 oz |
| Overall length | 9.8″ |
| Blade length | 4.8″ |
| Blade material | 420HC steel |
| Serrated | Yes |
The next section of the camping knife is the Geber Strong Arm Fixed Blade knife with a serrated edge. We highly recommend this knife for people who love hunting because of the following reason:
Firstly, this knife is a full tang knife that used 420HC steel for the blade. And it means that this knife is very sharp and durable.
Secondly, its blade has a ceramic coating for more durable. And the handle comes with diamond texture to prevent slipping. And these following features are enough for you to do whatever you want on your trip.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Super sharp blade and versatile
- Non-slip handle and comfortable
- Come with the lock system is very secure
- Drainage holes on the sheath to avoid dust or liquids
- Difficult to sharpen
Best for Heavy Duty: KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B001N1DPDE”]Product specs
| Item weight | 16 oz |
| Overall length | 10.5″ |
| Blade length | 5.5″ |
| Blade material | 1095 Cro-van steel |
| Serrated | No |
The next item in our list of the best camping knife is the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade knife. This knife is a full tang heavy duty field knife that is suitable for every camping chores.
What we like most about this knife is its strength. You can use it for many tasks, including splitting, cutting small trees, or even chopping onions for the campfire chili.
In addition, the sheath is a big plus because once you put the knife properly inside the sheath, it will never fall out. And the last thing is a durable paint that prevents the blade from rusting and prevents sparks from the iron. Most people love it, especially men.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Multifunctional and adaptable to different belt thicknesses
- The blade is of high quality and anti-rust
- Fits good in large hands
- Great for batoning wood for campfires
- Plastic handles can be slippery
Best Folding Knife: Buck Knives 0110BRS 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B000EHYZKK”]Product specs
| Item weight | 7.2 oz |
| Overall length | 4-7/8″ – Closed |
| Blade length | 3-3/4″ |
| Blade material | 420HC stainless steel |
| Serrated | No |
The most significant advantage of a folding knife is versatility. And we recommend the Buck Knives 0110BRS for people who are looking for the best folding knife. It is a very reasonable knife that is suitable for all – level campers.
When it comes to the folding knife, we often look first at the locking. The best folding knife must allow you to open and close with ease. And this one did that job correctly because you can open it with a nail notch. Besides, the blade will stay still thanks to the back mechanism.
The blade is stainless steel with edge retention, corrosion resistance, and a very sharp controllable point. It means that this knife is ideal for detail work, even slicing and preparing food. However, it is not the right choice if you need to chop down a tree’s branch.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- The blade is sharp and easy to cut, can sharpen into a razor edge
- Black leather upholstery with a classy look and solid
- Classic design, handy and functional
- Excellent locking mechanism
- High durability and be warranty forever
- Accessible to scratches on the golden plates
Best Pocket Knife: Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B007CK1MNU”]Product Specs
| Item weight | 8 oz |
| Overall length | 7.77″ |
| Blade length | 3.39″ |
| Blade material | 8Cr13MoV stainless |
| Serrated | No |
The next review is the Spyderco Tenacious Value folding knife. As you can see, it is a pocket knife which is very compact and convenient to bring along on your camping way. Besides, these knives have so many useful features that you will love.
Firstly, the blade of this knife is stainless steel with a non-reflective black coating. The blade’s length is 3.39 inches, enough for basic tasks to save you in emergency cases. About the handle, this knife has a black G-10 laminate handle, which is very ergonomic and durable.
However, what we like most about this knife is it is super simple to use. You can simply open and close the blade with a click. Of course, the folding knife is not as sharp as the fixed-blade knife, and this one is not the ideal choice for heavy-duty tasks.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Tight and the edges are perfect, no need for regular sharpening
- The eye in the blade allows easy opening with one hand
- The action is smooth and well built
- Comfortable handle and good grip
- Lightweight for convenient pocket
- The screws are loose and can fall off
Best for Slicing: Benchmade – 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B00B0E1MB6″]Product specs
| Item weight | 7.72 oz |
| Overall length | 9.15″ |
| Blade length | 4.4” |
| Blade material | CMP-S30V Steel |
| Serrated | No |
Are you looking for the best camping knife for slice work? If you are, why don’t you take a look at the Benchmade – the Bushcrafter 162 fixed outdoor survival knife. This knife will meet all of your needs for a camping knife, including a D- ring and a leather sheath.
As a knife for kitchen tasks, this one is very robust yet versatile. The blade is CPM- S30V steel, which can resist corrosion and ensure excellent strength for more significant and challenging tasks. The fixed blade construction makes this knife more stable when in use.
And the handle of the knife is ultra-durable. It is impervious to moisture and remains of excellent quality even across the fast-changing climate.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Slicing food ability smooth and quickly
- The edge is stable and holds for long-lasting
- Durable and not necessary to clean regularly
- Carry feeling solid with a robust design
- High quality leather sheath
- Shape of handle is interesting but a little loose
Best for Fishing: KA1218-BRK USMC Fighter Serrated
[su_amazon asin=”B000BSWE9G”]Product specs
| Item weight | 11.2 oz |
| Overall length | 11.875″ |
| Blade length | 7″ |
| Blade material | 1095 Cro-van steel |
| Serrated | Yes |
If you are familiar with a personal knife, we think you must hear and use Ka-bar at least one time. And if you are looking for the best one for a fishing trip.
We chose this knife for fishing just because of its serrated edge. This design does not work for so many tasks, but it is the must-have feature for cutting synthetic and looped materials. And it also very helpful if you want to remove the fish skin.
Ka-bar did a very thoughtfully job to create this knife with every necessary detail. And that is why this one is the best choice for thousands of users.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Solid construction and well balanced
- Robust and nice leather grip
- More flexibility and usefulness by a serrated blade
- Ideally for cutting ropes, plastic pipes or tough fibrous materials
- Material of the sheath is not good
Best for Food Prep: Schrade SCHF9 12.1in High Carbon Steel Fixed Blade Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B0033H7VI6″]Product specs
| Item weight | 15.7 oz |
| Overall length | 12.1″ |
| Blade length | 6.4″ |
| Blade material | 1095 high carbon steel |
| Serrated | No |
The next item in our list of the best camping knife is the Schrade SCHF9 12.1 inches knife. This knife is a carbon steel fixed blade knife. And it is best for food preparation.
Schrade featured this knife with a full tang design and a sturdy blade that is not only for preparing food but also suitable for some more substantial tasks. Besides, it looks pretty cool with the partner on the handle.
However, what we like most about this knife is the rust and corrosion-resistant features of this knife. The standard knife can quickly get rust when you cut lemon or other food, but this one does not.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Sturdy and thick beefy blade
- The grips is nice and comfortable
- Flexible pouch can be removed
- Durable casing with a convenient strap
- Worth much more than the money spent
- A bit heavy
- Not suitable for hunting or carving
Best for The Money: Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Survival Camping Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B01EYCE9JW”]Product specs
| Item weight | 16.8 oz |
| Overall length | 15’’ |
| Blade length | 10’’ |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Serrated | Yes |
Like the previous Ontario knife, the Mossy Oak Fixed Blade Survival Camping Knife also has serrated portions on the blade edge. Hence, it becomes a versatile knife, allowing you to do more than just cutting food, vegetables, etc. Since it is made from premium stainless steel, it will prevent rust and give you great hardness and sharpness.
The handle is crafted of high-quality rubber, which provides you with additional friction. Therefore, you will not need to worry about slipping while using the knife. This, as a result, also minimizes the possibility of getting hurt.
It is not wrong to say this knife is the best value one among many others. It is included with a nylon sheath, fire starter, and sharpener. This kit is small but very useful. It will be essential for outdoor camping when you don’t want to bring too many miscellaneous items.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Prevent slipping with an excellent rubber handle
- Notably sharp and durable for various purposes
- Thick enough for some heavier items need to be cut
- The sheath is good to keep the blade from tearing the bag
- Very enduring because of robust construction
- The fire starter might be a bit difficult to use at first
Best for Self Defense: Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in S.S. Fixed Blade Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B000IXG44U”]Product specs
| Item weight | 7.7 oz |
| Overall length | 9″ |
| Blade length | 4.7″ |
| Blade material | 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel |
| Serrated | No |
One of the most famous knives among campers is Smith & Wesson knife. People love this knife for its quality and also a reasonable price. We don’t recommend this knife for food prep because it has the arrow-style blade with two sharp edges. However, if you are used for self-defense, then this is the knife for you!
Firstly, the blade is a remarkable strength of this knife. It is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel. In other words, its blade is sharp, rust-resistant, and ideal as a backup weapon.
In addition, what we like most bout this knife is the easy-access sheath, which makes this knife suitable for everyday carry. The Smith & Wesson is available in two styles: fixed–blade knife and folding knife so you can choose the most suitable one for your requirements.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- An effective weapon of self-defense
- A blade is sharp and made-well than expect
- Fast to deploy with Thumb Break
- The clip is durable and highly adaptable
- A leather sheath is secure and nicely formed
- Robust handle design to prevent the hand from slipping down
- A bit dull as a butter knife
- Sharpening the edge is seems a bit difficult
Best for Bushcraft: Schrade SCHF36 Frontier Fixed Blade Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B00PGZ0130″]Product specs
| Item weight | 12.3 oz |
| Overall length | 10.4″ |
| Blade length | 5″ |
| Blade material | 1095 high carbon steel |
| Serrated | No |
The next item in our list of the best camping knife is the Schrade SCHF36 Frontier 10.4 inches stainless steel knife. If you want to find the best for a bushcraft knife, we think this one is the best choice for you, although it is a bit longer than other knives.
About the price, this knife is very reasonable. However, its blade is still considerable. The blade of this knife is made of 1095 Powder coated high carbon steel. When combining with the thermoplastic elastomer handle, it becomes the best!
Especially, what we like most about this knife is the design. The manufacturers did a very thoughtful job designing this knife with ring texture handle, lanyard hole, and even finger choil. All of them create a good look for this knife and also make it more usable.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Solid full tang construction and durable
- Easy to sharpen to serve heavy duty job
- The rubberized grip ensures a great grip and comfortable
- Convenient additions with a sharpening stone and fire starter kit
- Black coating is too thick
Best for Beginner: MOSSY OAK 2-pieces Bowie Knife Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
[su_amazon asin=”B01ETUX3Z0″]Product specs
| Item weight | 6 oz / 2.5 oz |
| Overall length | 8″ / 10-1/2″ |
| Blade length | 4″ / 6″ |
| Blade material | Stainless steel |
| Serrated | No |
If you love camping and hunting, you must equip yourself with a Mossy Oak two–pie Bowie Knife. This set is the best knife set for hunting at a low price. Moreover, this design is made for beginners.
Mossy Oak is a full tang fixed blade knife, which is very solid and robust. Specifically, it is a set of two different knives with two different sizes. And it means that it will meet all of your needs for a memorable camping and hunting trip. Besides, it also easies to sharpen and were very ergonomic to use.
Although this knife is sharp, it is not suitable for batoning firewood nor chopping wood. However, it is ideal for various situations, including hunting, survival, military, and more.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Great construction and work effectively
- The leather handle is soft and comfortable
- Sturdy sheath and holds up after repeated use
- Suitable to use in the outdoors or hunting
- Some problems with the holster clip
Best for Budget: Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
[su_amazon asin=”B079YYNHV9″]Product specs
| Item weight | 4.1 oz |
| Overall length | 8.75″ |
| Blade length | 4.1″ |
| Blade material | Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel |
| Serrated | No |
The final item in our list of the best camping knife is the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife. This knife comes with a Sandvik stainless steel blade, strong enough for all general camping tasks. Moreover, it is the best knife for the price.
For some advanced campers, this knife could be small because its blade is only 4.1 inches in length. However, for the general campers, this length is the ideal length for more versatility. The size makes it lightweight and very simple to use. Besides, it is also the multifunction camping knife for any useful purpose.
As mentioned from the beginning, this knife has a stainless steel blade, but unfortunately, some customers have complained that it may rust after a period of use.
[su_row][su_column size=”1/2″ center=”no” class=””] Pros [su_list icon=”icon: check” icon_color=”#23ca7b”]- Razor-sharp and thick enough to last for ages
- Comfortable handle and not accessible slipping
- Suitable for basic carving and camp tasks
- Easy to sharpen and lightweight
- Convenient to wash after using
- Budget-friendly price
- The sheath is a crummy design
- Not suitable for left-handed people
Camping Knives Buying Guide: How to Choose The A Good Knife?
Before going to the detailed reviews of the best camping knife, we want to show you some knowledge and tips to choose the best knife for your camping first. At least you need to know what is a camping knife and what you will need to do with it to make the right decision. After reading this part, you can make your own choice with ease, so please don’t skip it!
What is The Right Type for you?
When you ask for the best camping knife, the seller will introduce so many brands with many features and benefits that could confuse you. But the fact is less complicated than you thought. The camping knife is available in two primary types: fixed blade and foldable.
The Foldable Knife
If you are an average camper who loves camping but not very skillful, you should choose the foldable knife. This one is also the most popular one among general campers because it is very convenient.
After doing little research, we realize that most foldable knives on the market come with a simple locking mechanism. Hence, you can simply open and close it with a click. Moreover, the foldable knife’s sharp side is hidden inside the pocket. It will not damage your camping materials and your hands.
Fixed – Blade Knife
As you can see from its name, you can’t fold the fixed-blade knife. Therefore, it is not as compact and convenient as the foldable knife. However, the blade of this knife is much stronger than the foldable one.
Unlike foldable ones, the fixed-blade knife comes with a fixed blade that goes deep into the handle for more robust and durable. This sort of knife is more prevalent among hunters and advanced campers who need extra strength for heavy-duty tasks. You can use this knife for butcher outdoors, create shelter, cut thick and robust materials, and more.
Choose The Blade Material
The blade material will decide the durability and strength of the knife. Recently, the most popular materials for the camping knife’s blade are stainless steel and carbon steel. Can you find a similar point to these two materials? Yes, they are rust and corrosion resistant!
Besides, each of them will come with pros and cons that you can refer to before making a decision.
Stainless Steel Material
The stainless steel material is cheaper than carbon steel. Because of the low price, it is more popular than regular campers. About the quality of the blade, this material is sharp, rust-resistant, and robust enough for the most popular tasks.
Carbon Steel Material
Carbon steel is more durable and also more expensive than stainless steel. We can use a carbon steel knife to cut down small trees or make a significant shelter in our experience. Therefore, advanced campers and survivalists often like using this material.
Choose The Blade’s Design
Firstly, your camping knife should have a rectangular and pointed blade on one end. This design is the most optimal design to make your knife useful in many different situations.
Secondly, some sellers can consult you about buying the knife with serrated blades. We don’t give you the exact answer as to whether you should use it or not. It is because this blade has both strong and weak points. And here is some information that could be helpful for you:
The strong end of the serrated blades
- It looks pretty cool
- It is as sharp as the standard blades
- Even when it is dull, you can still cut things with the serrated blade
The weak point of the serrated blades
- A bit complicated to make a cut, especially when you need to slice foods or things like this
- It is harder to sharpen the serrated knife than the traditional knife
- It can quickly get stuck because it can cause hang-ups when it is dull
- The conclusion is, the straight blade will do things better than the serrated knife. Hence, you can use the serrated blade for fun but not for real traveling.
Choose The Knife Length
The camping knife can come with different sizes: it could be as small as a scalpel and as big as a short sword. So, what is a suitable length for you? Let’s see who you are, and what will you use this knife for?
If you are a fisherman and go camping for fishing, we suggest choosing the small knife because it is very space-saving and convenient for smaller tasks. In this case, a large Bowie is not the first choice.
In the bottom line, we want to say that the big knife is never the best camping knife. Large–style knife can even be a danger to a beginner who is not very skillful in using a knife, especially for finesse work. Also, it can damage your stuff if you don’t cover it well.
Hence, a six-inch knife is more than enough to finish the essential tasks of a camping trip. It is small enough to deal with finesse works and big enough to cut the larger items.
Choose The Handle
Firstly, the best camping knife is the one that comes with obtrusive and extensive bolsters. As a result, it can help prevent your hands from slipping off the handle and touching it. Some blades have the inset – finger handle, and it is beneficial with the improved grip.
About the handle material, campers have a wide range of options. The best camping knife should have a rugged handle. And here are some options for you to choose:
- Synthetic handle: this material is the cheapest and also the most popular one. Although it is cheap, it is still durable, rugged, and reliable. However, this material often tends to be slippery.
- The wooden handle: is more expensive, lighter, and right – looking. The wooden handle is also less slippery than the synthetic. Moreover, it is softer, so it leaves less blister on your hands.
- Unique handle: with the blank grip to hide survival supplies
According to many campers, the handle of the knife is not as virtual as the blade. As long as it is reliable, durable, and ergonomic, all the materials are okay.
Other Features
Blade Covering
If you choose a fixed–blade knife, you should buy one with a knife or blade covering. Otherwise, it will tear all the things in your suitcase along the way.
If you choose a foldable knife, blade cover is not a prerequisite. However, we still recommend that you should choose a knife with a case to avoid risks and also make your knife more durable.
Camping Knife is not for Every Task
Many people think that a camping knife is a multi-function tool. Well, we know that the knife can help you with some other requirements besides cutting. However, it can not do as good as the specialized tools.
Hence, our advice is to choose a sturdy frame knife with a sharp blade and a durable handle. You should never trust the seller to buy the multi-function knives because they can do so many tasks but are good at nothing.
How to Make Good Use of Your Knife While Camping?
A camping knife is one of the most precious things you can bring when you go out camping. Once you are on your trip, you will realize that there are very few tools that are as versatile and helpful as such knives.
However, choosing a good camping knife is not enough. More importantly, you need to know the way to make the most of your knife. This way, your camping trip will be not only fun but also more enjoyable and safer. Here are some crucial things you can do to ensure that you take advantage of your knife.
Bring a knife that you can easily carry
The first and most important step is choosing the right camping knife. It might want to carry a big survival knife. However, it is unnecessary and even causes some problems, which are difficult to bring and handle in some cases.
As a result, you should carry an easy-to-use knife that you’ll carry with you when needed. You will know how useless your knife is when you leave it at the campsite while hiking with other people. It also makes no sense if your knife is so big that you cannot use it for easy tasks.
Picking a knife that you can conveniently bring will help you avoid both of these problems. You can carry a knife slightly larger than what you could bring in your daily bag. Having said that, don’t get a too small one just because you don’t want it to take up space in your backpack.
Use a fixed-blade knife
A folding pocket knife is good, and you should have at least one when camping. Nevertheless, it is best to have a fixed blade knife as part of your camping kit.
Knives with fixed blades are far more enduring than the folding types. Almost all models come in a sturdy grip. In addition, they are much more convenient when it comes to a camping environment because there is no need to hide your knife in your pocket.
Fixed blade knives also don’t have hinges. As a consequence, there is a little risk of breaking when you are doing some tough task using your knife. You also don’t need to open a fixed blade knife and worry about it closing on and cutting your fingers.
Carry tools making your knife more useful
There are various small tools out there allowing you to use your knife more than just cutting other things or assist in cutting things more effectively.
Pack a few of these things into your camping bag to turn your knife into a versatile tool. Here are several useful things you can consider to carry: firesteel, chopping board, knife sharpener, iron or steel cookware, rope. But keep in mind that don’t use non-stick or Teflon cookware because they are susceptible to damage when used with knives.
Remember that your knife can do a lot of things
The main function of a knife is cutting everything. Nevertheless, it is not the only thing that you can do with your camping knife. You can use it for different types of things at the campsite.
For example, you can use it to carve a spoon from wood in case you forgot to bring it. Your knife can also be a great impromptu for breaking the ice. Your knife can even be utilized to saw some light wood if it has serrated parts on the blade. Just keep thinking, and I’m sure you will come up with a lot of things to use your knife effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is FAQs for the best camping knives that our guests often ask, you can find some short answers to your questions here:
What makes a good camping knife?
A suitable camping knife should have a blade with a length from 8 inches to 10 inches. So, I would say 9 inches will be ideal. Besides, it would be great to be made of ¼ inch or heavier. You also need to make sure that it is relatively wide to provide enough leverage.
How thick should a camp knife be?
I’m sure you will not want to have a survival camping knife that has a lot of bends in its blade. Therefore, the ideal thickness should be about 3/16 – 1/4 inch. A knife of such thickness would be exceptionally sturdy and can resist the abuse of cutting, shredding, and prying wood.
What is the hardest knife steel?
Recently, vanadium carbides and chromium is the hardest and toughest knife steel. However, if you only want to use the knife for camping, you don’t need them. A stainless steel or carbon steel knife is enough for your general camping trip.
What is better: a foldable knife or a fixed – blade knife?
Each of them will come with pros and cons. There is no exact answer to your question. The best camping knife is the one that comes with the most suitable features for you. For example, if you are a beginner and don’t need to deal with the difficult task, a foldable one is enough. But if you are on your way to being a professional camper, you should consider the fixed – blade knife.
How much does the best camping knife cost you?
Not much. The camping knife is often small in size and in price, too. It will not cost you more than $30 to buy an excellent camping knife unless you want some outstanding features.
What is a camp knife used for?
A camping knife is a virtual tool for camping. You need it to cut the rope, sharpen sticks, clear the campsite, and even cook meals.
How do you properly clean a knife?
Firstly, please keep the blade pointed away from you. Secondly, you can lather a sponge in warm water to glen the knife. Be careful and clean until you remove all the stains and food on the blade.
How sharp should the camping knife be?
A sharp knife is the one that allows you to cut with little pressure. The best way to check the sharpness of your knife is by using it to cut a paper. A sharp blade can cut the paper cleanly with less effort. Meanwhile, the dull blade cannot do it.
Do I need a knife for camping?
Having a good knife is very crucial when camping. You can make most of it to do a lot of things, from cutting rope or wood, to repair some miscellaneous stuff around the campsite. What’s more, it will help you in some dangerous situations.
My Top Picks
After reading the whole article, can you define what the best camping knife is? If you don’t worry much about the budget, you should choose the Morakniv Outdoor Knife. If your budget is limited, you can consider the Gerber Prodigy Survival Knife.
We hope that the information in this article helps you find the best camping knife for your upcoming camping trip. Enjoy your journey, and don’t forget to leave a comment to share with us your experience!
