Having a good camping knife with you while outdoors is crucial. A high-quality camping knife should be versatile, durable, and lightweight enough to fit in your pocket. In addition, you should be able to use it to clear brush, cut ropes, and prepare meals.
There are dozens of camping knives on the market. Unfortunately, the reality is that there is no such thing as the perfect camping knife, but there are plenty of good options to choose from. As such, we’ve compiled a list of the best camping knives to bring on your next camping trip.
This article will provide a detailed description of what makes each knife unique and its respective specs. Some camping knives are perfect for heavy-duty tasks, while others are better suited for smaller jobs. The camp knives featured here would be an excellent addition to your outdoor adventure.
The 6 Best Camping Knives to Buy in 2023
Choosing the best camping knife is no easy task because your needs differ significantly from those of other campers. These needs include preparing meals, making campsite repairs, doing bushcraft work, and other activities. Thus, we extensively searched the market for the best camping knives and compared the available brands and models.
So, how did we test our camping knives? We took these knives with us on over a month’s worth of camping and backpacking trips, where they proved indispensable for everything from chopping vegetables to splitting wood.
We made sure to put each camping knife through its paces by chopping wood, slicing vegetables, and cutting cordage. After our research, we compiled a list of the best camping knives we found to be invaluable for your camping trip. Here are the best-camping knives to buy in 2023:
1. Swiss Safe 3-in-1 Tactical Knife for Military and First Responders- Editor’s Choice
This camping knife from Swiss Safe has a solid design and is perfect for hunting, camping, and other outdoor adventures. It is five inches when folded and has a handy pocket clip for quick and easy attachment.
Besides outdoor adventures, this pocket knife is also suitable for emergency use. It comes with a glass breaker and a seatbelt cutter in case a person’s doors or seatbelt don’t work, allowing them to escape safely. Plus, it is spring assisted for fast deployment and reliable one-handed opening.
On the other hand, this folding knife is exceptionally sturdy, thanks to its premium-steel superstructure, safety liner lock, and lightweight milled aluminum handles. This folding blade also has a perfect weight balance, making it both efficient and safe.
On a related note, this camping knife features a built-in safety lock mechanism. The liner lock prevents the blade from closing in on the user, a common cause of knife-related injuries. Plus, this brand provides instructions on how to close the knife safely.
Rest your thumb on the liner lock (indicated in red) to close the blade and push toward the arrow. Using your other hand, slightly press the blade inward just enough to start the folding motion while you continue to push.
Take your thumb off the liner lock and push the blade in until it is completely retracted. Lastly, this product comes with long-lasting emergency glow sticks, solar and hand-crank emergency lights, weatherproof emergency ponchos, and survival fire starters.
Product Specs
- Blade Length: 3.5 Inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Blade Shape: Drop Point Blade
- Blade Edge: Folding
- Special Features: Pocket Clip, Lightweight, Folding
- Designed for safety
- Premium stainless steel blade
- Full-featured tactical precision
- Built-in glass breaker and seatbelt cutter
- Serrated edge
- Spring-assisted for rapid opening
- The clip isn’t long-lasting
- Scratches up easily
2. Damascus Bushcraft Fixed Blade Knife – Handmade Camping and Survival Knife- Best Value
This camping knife from TMBrands is one of the best fixed-blade knives for camping. It is an excellent addition to your camping kit and the ideal present for both male and female campers. It also comes with a premium, thick leather knife sheath made from Bull Skin, making this set ideal for outdoor use.
The leather sheath also has a belt loop for easy carrying and can be an excellent present for your loved ones on special occasions. One of this camping knife’s notable features is its durability. The 1095 and 15N20 Damascus steels in this bushcraft knife provide a razor-sharp cutting edge and a hardness rating of 56.2, ensuring years of reliable service.
That’s why these bushcraft full tang knives with sheaths are widely used for hunting equipment and camping gear for both men and women. So, whether you’re packing for a fishing trip or a camping trip, this fixed-blade camping knife is an essential tool to have.
Damascus survival knives pair well with other outdoor gear like hunting equipment, bushcraft gear, camp gear, and bowie knives. This camping knife has a Damascus steel blade with a Micarta grip, making it lightweight, durable, and simple to use for long periods without tiring your hands out.
The leather knife sheath and belt loop also make it more convenient to carry. On a different note, this camping knife is effortless and easily cuts through food such as fruit, vegetables, and meat. This fixed-blade knife has a 5.5-inch-long blade and a 10.5-inch overall length. On a side note, this knife will arrive pre-oiled to protect against corrosion.
So, ensure you wipe or wash off the blade coating before use. Plus, this knife can only be hand-washed with clean water and must be regularly oiled to prevent rust.
Product Specs
- Blade Length: 5.5 Inches
- Blade Material: Alloy Steel
- Handle Material: Alloy Steel
- Blade Edge: Compound Bevel
- Special Features: Durable, Non-Slip, Stain Resistant
- High-quality steel
- Affordable knife
- Easy to use
- Gorgeous and sharp blade
- Features a nice leather case
- Maybe too small for more demanding tasks
- Easily corrodes
3. NEDFOSS Survival Knife with Full Tang Fixed Blade- Best Camping Knife for All Outdoor Chores
The NEDFOSS camping knife offers greater strength and reliability than your average folding knife. In addition, this brand offers a wide range of classic knives from all areas, including modern tactical knives, traditional pocket knives, hunting knives, everyday carry knives, and other knives.
This high-quality camping knife features a 5Cr13Mov stainless steel blade. It is razor sharp, exceptionally tough, and has a solid full, tang construction. Also, the muted luster, brushed finish, and pattern of fine parallel lines give this versatile knife a distinctive appearance.
Superior heat treatment allows the hardening of fixed-blade knives to 58 HRC. The full tang construction of the blade makes it much more durable than an average survival blade. Additionally, this multi-tool camping knife features an ergonomically designed G10 handle.
With its pommel, your fingers will be safe, and your grip will be secure. Furthermore, this compact knife has a glass-reinforced-fiber handle with a linear texture for a secure and comfortable grip. In addition, it is anti-slip, moisture-proof, abrasion-resistant and provides excellent insulation.
On a different note, this full-tang knife is a full-fledged piece of survival gear thanks to its rugged fire starter and an integrated whistle. The ferro rod is weatherproof and works in any weather condition, including snow, rain, and high altitude.
The fire starter can produce more than 15,000 strikes, so it will last a while. The whistle can also produce up to 120 decibels, which is loud enough to be heard from a long distance. On top of that, this multi-tool knife features a high-strength, versatile Kydex sheath.
The Kydex sheath is lightweight and has a lanyard hole and universal clip, which you can adjust vertically or horizontally. The belt clip and lanyard hole on the sheath ensures that your heavy-duty knife is always close at hand and safely protected.
Product Specs
- Blade Length: 4 Inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Fiberglass
- Blade Shape: Clip Point
- Blade Edge: Flat
- Special Features: Full Tang, Lightweight, Adjustable, Non-Slip
- Sturdy full tang
- Razor-sharp edge
- Superb blade craftsmanship
- Superior hand control
- Balance of weight
- Outstanding customer support
- The screws connecting the blade and scales loosen easily
- It may not be durable
4. ARTISANCUTLERY Tactical Knife Proponent Folding Knife D2 Steel Blade- Best Everyday Carry Knife
This well-made folding knife from ARTISANCUTLERY is convenient and quick to open with one hand. The thumb studs on the back of the blade make opening this knife a breeze. Additionally, the handle of this foldable blade is made of lightly textured G10 material to prevent slipping and improve grip.
Also, the unique handle pattern makes the knife durable, non-slip, and safe. Dirk Pinkerton, a well-known American designer, was the brains behind the design of the G10 handle. Furthermore, this camping knife features a cleaver-style D2 steel blade.
D2 is a tried-and-true high-performance steel that keeps its edge and functions admirably even in the harshest conditions. In addition, the blade is high-wear resistant and has anti-wear properties.
Manufacturers claim that optimal performance was achieved by hardening this D2 steel to a level between 59 and 61 HRC, making this knife ideal for a lifetime tool.
Additionally, you can entirely secure the blade of this tactical knife by inserting a “Lock Pin” into a hole in the handle, converting the knife from a folding blade to a fixed blade. Also, this multi-tool knife is suitable for daily use, camping, hiking, mountain climbing, and other outdoor uses.
It is also gorgeous and makes a good gift for family and friends, especially on special occasions like Thanksgiving, Christmas, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day. On a different note, this brand offers outstanding customer service and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Product Specs
- Blade Length: 3.48 Inches
- Blade Material: Alloy steel
- Handle Material: Fiberglass
- Blade Edge: Compound Bevel
- Multi-function tactical knife
- D2 steel blade
- G10 titanium handle
- Pocket clip and lock pin added
- Sturdy and ergonomic
- A bit too big and heavy
- Not easy to access in an emergency
5. Benkey Fixed Blade Hunting Knife Full Tang with Leather Sheath- Best for Women
This classic knife from Benkey is another good option for camping, hunting, fishing, and outdoor survival. Benkey is well-known for its quality and carefully crafted knives. Plus, each of their camping knives comes with a high-quality leather sheath for easy transportation.
This durable knife has a total weight of 6.74 oz, a handle length of 4.53, and a blade length of 4.72.” There’s also a classic sheath that you can wear on a belt to keep your camping knife safe and secure. Regarding quality, this camping knife features a sharp D2 blade with handmade forging for solid and precise cutting.
The blade is corrosion-resistant, has excellent edge retention, and has a hardness of up to 61 HRC. This classic blade is sharp and sturdy enough to handle any outdoor task, including cutting, piercing, battening, and drilling. It is also a good choice for your bushcraft gear and emergency bag.
Plus, the included leather sheath is durable, corrosion-resistant, rust-resistant, and bulletproof. The leather sheath is guaranteed to last you for many years. On a different note, this durable blade has an ergonomically designed wooden handle with a perfect length and shape for almost any hand.
The handle is non-slip and provides a superior grip in dry and wet conditions. Overall, Benkey full tang fixed blades offer balance, stability, and beauty. This camping knife cuts easily and is guaranteed to last for many years. The product comes with a knife lanyard, a black gift box, a genuine leather sheath, and a fixed-blade hunting knife.
Product Specs
- Blade Length: 4.72 Inches
- Blade Material: D2 Steel
- Handle Material: Rose Wooden
- Blade Shape:
- Blade Edge: Compound Bevel
- Special Features: D2 5MM Fixed Blade, Heavy Duty Survival, Natural Wood Handle, Sharp Blade
- High-quality leather sheath
- Black gift box
- Sharp 5mm blade
- Wooden ergonomic
- Full tang blade
- Comes super sharp
- The blade requires regular honing
- It becomes dull too quick
6. Victorinox One-Hand Swiss Army Knife- Best Multi-Tool for Camping
Since their introduction in 1897, Victorinox Swiss army knives have become a symbol of practicality and smart design. The knives they produce are agile, compact, and ready for any outdoor activity. This camping knife is extraordinarily resistant and features durable construction. It has a stainless-steel body and is encased in the iconic Victorinox scales.
Furthermore, this camping knife has a slim profile and is compact. So you can take it on your camping trip without sacrificing space. Also, it’s a fantastic present for any event or holiday and may even be used as a stocking stuffer.
Additionally, this brand’s knives fit all tasks and deliver in any situation. You can use this knife to cut your food, slice paper, tighten nuts, and even open bottles. Other functions include a wire stripper, key ring, wood saw, toothpick, and tweezers.
On a different note, this knife is ready to use right out of the box and has a money-back guarantee. In addition, Victorinox offers a lifetime guarantee against defects with quality or materials.
Product Specs
- Blade Material: Aluminum
- Handle Material : Stainless Steel, Wood
- Item Weight: 130 Grams
- Included Components: Punch, Knife, Screwdriver, Saw, Wire Stripper, Blade, Bottle Opener, Can Opener
- Trusted brand
- Serves over ten functions
- Large blade
- High-quality steel
- The one-hand trekker takes two hands to open
- Not suitable for an emergency
Types of Camping Knives
There are four main types of camping knives: drop-point blade knives, folding knives, fixed-blade knives, and multi-tools. Let’s discuss each one in-depth:
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Drop-Point Blade Knife
Drop-point blades are among the most versatile and widely used among the many types of camping knives. A drop point blade has a back that curves slowly downward, giving the user more strength and control when cutting.
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Folding Knives
Camping knives that fold easily into your pocket are known as folding knives. They’re lightweight, easy to conceal and suitable for everyday use. Folding camping knives are an excellent option for campers looking to save space while packing for their trip. Folding knives are ideal for everyday use.
Plus, they offer an extra layer of safety when used around children. However, on the downside, folding knives require more maintenance, and the blades aren’t as strong as fixed-blade camping knives. Plus, it takes more time for them to be set for action.
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Fixed-Blade Knives
If you’re looking for a survival knife, a fixed blade is your best bet because it’s more durable and offers more tactical advantages than a folding knife. In addition, these blades are more durable and less of a hassle to maintain. However, a fixed-blade knife is larger, harder to conceal, and takes up more storage space than a folding knife.
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Multi-Tools
Despite their versatility, multi-tools like the Swiss army knife aren’t always up to snuff when it comes to camping. Most multi-tool camping knives have short blade edges and only provide a small working area. We recommend having one as a backup, as they can come in handy in an emergency. However, don’t rely on them as your primary survival knife.
How to Choose the Best Camping Knife for Your Camping Needs
There are different types and styles of camping knives available. Here are some tips on choosing the best camping knives for your camping needs.
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Knife Type
As mentioned earlier, there are four main types of camping knives. However, fixed blades folding knives make the best camping knives out of the four options. Fixed-blade camping knives are better if you want something durable for heavy-duty tasks.
Fixed-blade camping knives are strong, durable, and virtually indestructible tools, perfect for survival and heavy-duty usage. However, they tend to be large and take up much storage space. On the other hand, folding knives are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry.
Plus, they easily fold up and fit into your pocket, making them convenient to carry everywhere. While fixed-blade knives are preferable for most kitchen and heavy-duty tasks, an excellent folding knife has the added benefit of being portable.
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Material
Most quality camping knives are made from stainless steel, but there are literally hundreds of different models to choose from, each with unique characteristics. It would be impossible to list all the different kinds of steel available. However, it is still a good idea to do some research to see which one has the qualities you are looking for.
Generally speaking, softer steels are easier to sharpen and shape into a razor’s edge. However, they tend to be less sturdy and lose their edge more quickly. In comparison, harder steels are more long-lasting and difficult to sharpen.
There are also several high-quality camping blades made from non-stainless steel. Non-stainless steels have excellent edge retention properties and are usually easier to sharpen without specific tools.
However, they rust easily, and the blades require more maintenance. Compared to non-stainless steel, stainless steel is easier to maintain but more challenging to sharpen.
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Tang
You’ll often hear campers talk about knives having either a half-tang or a full-tang. The term “tang” describes the length that the knife’s steel extends into the handle of a fixed blade.
Half-tang knives are stable and an excellent choice for most camp tasks. However, when it comes to tough jobs, note that nothing beats a full-tang knife’s stability and durability.
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Blade Coating
Some camping knives have a coating over the steel. The coating protects the blade from rust and increases the knife’s durability. Plus, the coating changes the knife’s look and makes it more scratch-resistant.
Mirror-polished blade coatings are commonly used because of their exceptional corrosion resistance. On the other hand, stone washing is less reflective than other coatings and helps to hide scratches. Bead-blasting makes the surface of a router blade less reflective and more prone to corrosion.
Satin, which falls between bead blasting and mirror polishing, is the most common type of finish. However, note that you cannot use the spine to start a fire. Plus, coatings like these can be hard to clean and, depending on how durable they are, may chip or grind off when you sharpen the knife.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a camping knife?
A camping knife is a multi-purpose, heavy-duty knife with a blade length of less than five inches that you can use for various outdoor tasks. For example, you can use a camping knife to prepare food, clear bushes, split kindling, whittling stakes, and cut ropes.
2. How sharp should the camping knife be?
A good camping knife should be durable and sharp enough to cut through anything you throw at it. And this includes food prep, splitting wood, and bushcraft work. However, an overly sharp knife could be dangerous if there is an accident and no nearby medical facilities exist. So, balance is essential.
3. What’s the best way to clean a camping knife?
Cleaning a knife in the woods can be tricky, but you only need soap and water. You can give the knife a more thorough scrub when you get home. While at camp, ensure you clean off debris or dirt after each usage.
Conclusion
A camping knife is an essential tool to have in your camping gear. You can use it to cut ropes, split wood, and even prepare meals. We’ve already provided you with a list of this article’s six best camping knives. Here, you’ll also learn about the different types of camping knives and the factors to consider when buying one. Have fun camping!
