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Do you know how to use a camping knife to start a campfire? Not something that jumps out at you when you are preparing for your camping trip but when it comes to camping, having a functional knife can make all the difference.
We’ve gathered together the best camping knives on the market so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Whether you need a knife for chopping, slicing or campsite preparation, we have something for everyone.
Have a look at our review of camping knives, and their uses on a campsite, to find the perfect one for you!
How We Uncover The Best For You
With so many different knives on the market, it can be tough to know which one is the best camping knife for you. We understand that feeling - we read thousands of reviews ourselves!
What we do is draw on our own experiences and to help you make your decision, put together a list of the best camping knives, for use when camping in the great outdoors. From simple folding knives to multi-tools with all the bells and whistles, we've got you sorted.
Best For Durability
We Chose This Because:
- Its Robust
- Its Reliable
- Its Durable
Things We Love
For this category we were looking for a high-quality camping knife that would stand the test of time. The Morakniv Fixed Blade Knife really impressed us with its simple yet robust design. Plus, it comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, so you can be sure it's built to last. It's a great choice for anyone in need of a reliable and effective tool.
Things To Know
- Weight 3.9 ounces
- Blade Length 4.1 inches
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Knife Style Fixed
This camping knife has a hardened Swedish stainless steel blade, meaning it will stay sharp longer than carbon steel knives. This razor-sharp knife is perfect for any number of tasks and comes with a safety sheath for added peace of mind. The patterned grip ensures both control and safe use.
Whether you're an experienced outdoorsman or just starting out, the Morakniv Fixed Blade Knife is a great survival knife and the best camping knife for an avid adventurer.
Best Multi-Functional Knife
We Chose This Because:
- Its Versatile
- Its Compact
- Its Durable
Things We Love
We couldn't review camping knives without including a Swiss Army Knife. With its many useful functions, it's easy to see why this multifunctional pocket knife is screaming 'Pocket Sized Functionality'. And if you're looking for a top-quality, durable, and practical Swiss Army Knife then look no further than the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife.
With no fixed blades, this knife comes complete with large and small folding knives, and two screwdrivers (3mm and 6mm).
What's neat is that it comes with lots of useful features for life on the campsite: a can opener, a bottle opener, and a corkscrew has mealtime covered.
Other useful tools included are a wire stripper, scissors, a wood saw, and a reamer/punch. Victorinox didn't stop there. Included is a sewing awl, a multipurpose hook, a toothpick, tweezers, and a keyring.
The versatile tool can be used for everything from opening a can of soup to uncorking your favourite bottle of wine.
Things To Know
- Weight 3.4 ounces
- Blade Length 2.5 inches
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Knife Style Folding
Made from tough stainless steel and with a lifetime guarantee, this knife is ideal for backpacking and camping trips.
It is a handy tool to have around for camping tasks, or emergencies. This camping knife is brilliant!
Whether you're an avid camper or just looking for a reliable all-purpose folding blade knife, the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife is a great choice.
Best Classic Folding Knife
We Chose This Because:
- Safety
- Practicality
- It's User Friendly
Things We Love
We love this knife as its such a quality product.
The Buck Folding Knife is a true classic. It's solidly made in the US with a handle made from ethically sourced ebony, and it comes with a protective leather sheath.
The lock mechanism ensures that the blade will stay in place, and the nail notch makes it easy to open the knife.
The knife sheath can be easily attached to a belt or backpack.
The Buck Folding Knife is an excellent choice for hikers, campers, hunters, and anyone else who is looking for a strong, durable knife in a classic design.
Things To Know
- Weight 7.2 ounces
- Blade Length 3.75 inches
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Knife Style Folding
The blade is made from stainless steel, which is non-corrosive and is easy to sharpen.
It's built to last, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
The knife is simple and elegant, and is an essential piece of gear, perfect for campsite or backpacking adventures. It's also a great gift for the outdoors person in your life.
Best Basic Budget Option
We Chose This Because:
- It's Great Value
- Its Practical Features
- It's Durable
Things We Love
The Mossy Oak camping knife is the ideal tool for use on your campsite and we were impressed by its practical features. The serrated blade (saw blade) is great for use variation.
The firestarter makes it easy to start a fire when you need it. The sharp and sturdy stainless steel blade is also perfect for food preparation, This durable knife is sure to become a trusty companion on all your future camping trips.
Things To Know
- Weight 16.8 ounces
- Blade Length 10.0 inches
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Knife Style Fixed
The knife is made of high-quality steel and is designed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors and the rubber handle ensures a non-slip grip, even in wet conditions.
The included knife sharpener helps keep your knife in top condition.
The Mossy Oak Camping Knife is just what you need to make your next camping trip a success.
Best For Campsites
We Chose This Because:
- Its Practical Features
- Its Safety Features
- It's Robust
Things We Love
The last of our fixed blade camping knives, the Gerber fixed blade knife is the perfect choice for beginner scouts, campers, or hikers. It's a good economical knife that is sturdy, utilitarian, and versatile.
The durable nylon sheath includes a sharpener, and the fire starter locks into the sheath for easy access. The striker notch is incorporated on the back of the blade, making it easy to start a fire when needed.
We loved that the stainless steel pommel can also be used as a hammer when needed.
The sheath includes a belt loop for easy carrying either vertically or horizontally. There is even a whistle attached for use in an emergency situation.
Things To Know
- Weight 11 ounces
- Blade Length 4.75 inches
- Blade Material Stainless Steel
- Knife Style Fixed
The blade is made from high carbon steel, making it strong and resistant to wear and tear.
The partially serrated blade provides excellent cutting power - the drop point blade design makes it easy for edge control.
The contoured handle features a comfortable rubber grip and ensures a secure grip, even when wet.
Whether you're hiking, camping, or hunting, the Gerber fixed blade knife is an excellent choice if you are looking for a reliable and versatile knife for your outdoor adventures.
Best Camping Knife For You?
How Do I Choose A Camping Knife? A Buyers Guide
A camping knife is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from preparing food to setting up camp. But with so many different types and styles of camping knives available, how do you choose the right one for your needs?
Blade:
The blade is the most important part of a camping knife. It should be made from a durable and strong material, such as stainless or carbon steel. The blade should also be thick and sturdy, with a sharpness that can be easily maintained. Additionally, the blade should either be fixed or foldable, depending on your preference.
Handle:
The handle of a camping knife should be ergonomic, meaning it should fit comfortably in your hand. It should also be wrapped in leather or another non-slip material to prevent blisters.
Blade cover:
The blade cover, or sheath, is important for protecting the blade when not in use. It should have a locking mechanism to keep the blade secure.
Material:
When choosing a camping knife, pay attention to the material of both the blade and the handle. Stainless steel is a popular option because it is relatively inexpensive and resistant to rust. Carbon steel is even more durable, but it is also more expensive.
Weight and size:
The weight and size of the camping knife should be considered when choosing one. A heavier knife will be more difficult to carry, but it will also be more durable. A lighter knife may be easier to carry but may not hold up as well under heavy use.
Function:
Some knives are simple and some have all the bells and whistles. Once you have worked out what you plan to use your knife for, and now that you have had all the features explained to you, you should be in a better place to buy the perfect knife for your perfect camping trip.
Camping Knives Comparative Chart
The Best Camping Knife - Your Questions Answered
With so much to think about when you are preparing for your adventure, it is easy to not even consider something important, and then remember it last minute. That's why we like to include some of the questions other campers have asked about the best camping knives available to help you prepare ahead of time.
Your Answers Are Just A Short Distance Away, Keep Reading!
How Do You Use A Knife To Start A Campfire?
Before you can start a campfire, you need to gather some materials. In addition to wood, you'll need your camping knife, some kindling, matches, or a flint. Some of the best camping knives include a flint function.
Once you have everything you need, find a spot for your fire pit. If you're in the woods, look for an area that's clear of debris and away from any trees or large bushes. If you're on a beach, make sure to build your fire above the high tide line.
Once you've found the perfect spot, it's time to get started.
The first step is to clear an area around your fire pit. Fixed blade knives are great for scraping away any dead leaves or grass.
Next, gather up some small sticks and twigs to use as kindling. Once you have a good pile of kindling, it's time to start building your fire.
Make a small mound of kindling in the center of your fire pit. Then use your survival knife to shave some wood shavings off of one of the larger logs. These wood shavings will help to catch the fire and get it started quickly.
If you're using matches, light one and hold it to the center of the kindling pile. If you're using a flint, strike it against the camping knife blade to create a spark. Hold it near the shavings so they can catch alight.
When the shavings have started burning place them near the center of the kindling pile until the fire catches. Once the fire is going, add more wood to keep it going.
What Kind Of Knife Should I Get For Camping?
There are a lot of different types of knives that can be useful for camping, so it really depends on what kind of activities you plan on doing while you're out in the wilderness.
If you just need a basic knife for general purposes like cutting rope or opening cans, then a simple fixed-blade knife will suffice.
However, if you want a knife that can do more specialized tasks, like cleaning fish or preparing food, then you'll need to choose a model with more features. In any case, here are some things to consider when picking out the perfect camping knife for your needs:
The blade material should be strong and durable, like stainless steel.
A full-tang stainless steel blade is always great for strength and stability.
The handle should be comfortable to grip, even when wet.
If you plan on doing any cooking while camping, look for a knife with other useful features.
If you need to carry a knife in your pack you might want to consider looking at folding knives.
What Makes A Good Backpacking Knife?
There are a few things to consider when choosing the best knife for backpacking.
First, think about the size of the blade. A smaller blade will be lighter and easier to carry, but may not be as useful for larger tasks like preparing meals.
Second, consider the materials used in the construction of the knife. A stainless steel blade will resist corrosion and hold an edge longer but may be heavier than a titanium or carbon fiber blade.
Then, think about how the knife will be used. If you plan on doing a lot of cooking while on your trip, choose a fixed-blade knife with a serrated edge that can handle tough slicing and chopping tasks. If you just need a general-purpose utility knife, then any good-quality stainless steel pocket knife will do.
What Is The Number One Survival Tool?
There is no single survival tool that is better than all the others. It depends on the situation and environment in which you find yourself. In a cold weather environment, good shelter and clothing would be paramount, while in a hot desert climate, having plenty of water and shade would be most important.
However, some tools can be useful in just about any situation.
A knife is always a good tool to have. It can be used for everything from starting a fire to preparing food to self-defence. A sturdy blade that can withstand abuse is ideal, and it's also helpful if the knife has multiple functions built into it such as a can opener or screwdriver.
Something we find very useful when camping is a camping hatchet. A small forest axe or hatchet can be very helpful if you need to build a shelter, clear a space to camp for the night or build a fire. For more information about hatchets read our review on the best hatchets for camping.
Another tool that can be useful in a variety of situations is a flashlight. A good quality flashlight can provide light in the dark, help you signal for help, and even be used as a weapon if necessary. Make sure to get one that is durable and has a long battery life. We have written about this in our review of the best flashlights for camping.
Having a first aid kit is also important. This can help you treat minor injuries and illnesses, and potentially save your life in a more serious situation. Be sure to include items like bandages, antibiotic ointment, pain relievers, and anything else you think you might need.
Finally, it's always a good idea to have some kind of emergency food and water with you. If you're stranded somewhere, having a way to sustain yourself until help arrives can be the difference between life and death. Pack enough food and water for at least three days, and try to include items that are high in calories and easy to eat.
There is no one perfect survival tool, but having a few key items can make a big difference if you find yourself unexpectedly stranded. And whether it's a solid knife with a fixed blade, a pocket knife made of stainless steel, or one of the other folding knives on offer, a sturdy knife will be your best friend.
What Is A Swiss Army Knife?
The Swiss Army Knife is a popular pocket knife that was patented by Karl Elsener in 1897. It is well-known for its many functions, and it has been produced by Victorinox since 1921. The knife gets its name from the Swiss Army, who were among the first to use it.
The original Swiss Army Folding Knife had only three blades: a large blade, a small blade, and a corkscrew. Nowadays, there are over 100 different types of Swiss Army Knives, each with its own array of features. The most popular models include knives with can openers/screwdrivers, scissors, files, and multi-purpose hooks.
How Do You Keep A Survival Knife Sharp?
A survival knife is a key piece of gear for any outdoor enthusiast, and it's important to keep its stainless steel blade sharp so that you can rely on it when you need it most.
There are a few different ways to sharpen a knife, but the best way is usually with a Sharpening Stone.
Find the angle you need to sharpen the blade at. Hold the Sharpening Stone at that same angle and start sharpening by moving the knife back and forth along the entire length of the stone.
Even knives made of stainless steel need careful maintenance. Stainless steel is rust resistant but if you want your knives to last a lifetime, clean them, dry and then apply some oil to the fixed blades to keep them functioning at their optimum.
Keep a leather sheath well-oiled too and it will keep you safe and secure for years to come.
What Do You Use A Camping Knife For?
A knife is an essential tool for any camper. It can be used for a variety of tasks, including preparing food, cutting rope, and fashioning a shelter.
A good quality knife will at the very least have a sharp stainless steel blade. The handle should also be comfortable to grip, even when wet.
In addition, a knife with a serrated edge can be useful for sawing through branches or cutting through tough materials.
A pocket knife should be lightweight and easy to carry, so it can be easily packed into a backpack or clipped to a belt loop.
With so many uses, it is no wonder that a camping knife is considered one of the most essential pieces of camping gear.
What Is The Best Knife For Outdoor Survival?
The best knife for outdoor survival should be comfortable to hold and easy to use. It should be made of durable materials that can withstand the elements and wear and tear. The blade should be sharp and able to handle a variety of tasks, from cutting rope to slicing through meat. And finally, the knife should have a leather sheath or synthetic carrying case for protection and easy transport of a knife with a sharp blade.
There are a LOT of knives out there! After reading loads of reviews we are proud to be able to make our choices known to you. We looked at things like blade material and handle design, sheath vs folding for storage, function, weight size and durability. All with you in mind!
Our Choice For Durability
Morakniv Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
Our Choice For Versatility
Our Choice For A Classic Folding Knife
Our Choice For Campers On A Budget
Our Choice For Campsites
We loved writing this review for you to showcase these brilliant knives for camping. You should now have no problem finding the best camping knife for your next trip into the wild, which will leave you more time for the fun stuff.
Keep Asking Questions And We Will Keep Finding Answers For You.
