A hiking trip isn’t complete without a few essential items. These items include sleeping bags, tents, and backpacks. But the most important and versatile item you can’t do without is a camping knife.
My Top 3 Camping Knives
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario Black Bird SK-5 Knife w/ Sheath | 359 Reviews | Buy Now | |
| Esee Knives, ESEE-4, Sharpened Clip Point Plain Edge, Coyote Brown Sheath, Clip Plate | 405 Reviews | $120.99 | Buy Now |
| KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife, Carbon Steel | 3,678 Reviews |
$123.54
$110.99 | Buy Now |
When you are up against the element, this camping tool will help you perform some DIY tasks without stress. From food preps, skinning games to kindling firewood, and even as a self-defense tool, this tool a vital survival tool to have.
In this article, I shall be reviewing six of the best camping knives today. But beyond that, I will also be sharing a buying guide while answering pressing questions you may have. All of this will help you make the best decision for an optimal hiking experience.
These Camping Knife Are Perfect For Wilderness Adventures
After a series of research and market surveys, I have outlined the top six products on the market for a detailed review. They include:
1. Ontario Black Bird SK-5 Knife w/ Sheath
I really find the Ontario Black Bird worthy enough to make it to the list. This knife is one of the best foldable knives you will come across. It is an outdoor-friendly knife and comes with a canvas micarta handle.
It is designed to be sturdy and durable as well as versatile. The blade is made of either 1095 or 5160 carbon steel, along with Amole compatible sheaths. All of these features give it an outstanding performance every time.
Besides, it features either a titanium nitride or a stainless-steel blade that’s super sharp. It comes with a nylon sheath to protect the knife and is quite affordable.
Pros:
- Has a low price point
- Has a comfortable grip
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Is efficient and versatile
Cons:
- Poor ergonomics
- Uneven grind
2. ESEE 4P Fixed Blade Knife w/ Handle and Molded Polymer Sheath
ESEE is a well-known brand in the world of outdoor knives and the 4P Fixed Blade Knife is one of its popular models. It features the brand’s signature silhouette and is well balanced as it’s not too short for intensive chopping activity. This makes the blade an all-around camping knife.
I love that it is made of a textured G10 handle, with a variety of colors available too. It also has a black blade finish. This makes it durable and gives it a sinister design. It is molded with a polymer sheath and is well designed to take on any outdoor cutting activity.
It has a dimension of 12 x 5 x 3 inches with a weight of 0.34 kilograms. Hence, it is lightweight and can be easily carried about.
Pros:
- Sturdy and durable
- Practical and handy
- Has an excellent grip
- Heavy duty with good edge and thickness
Cons:
- Plastic sheath tends to be stiff
- Color is a bit sinister
3. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
If you are going to be hiking or camping anytime soon, you need a good camping knife, and the KA-BAR Becker is one of such knives. This knife is lightweight, hence, it won’t make your hands sore or tired even after several hours of use.
It is forged with a durable, 1095 cro-van steel blade, making it ideal for skinning game, splinting kindling, or chopping onion over a camp grill.
Once the knife is secured in its sheath, you can press a spot located at the back of the sheath to release the knife. By pressing the same button, you can lock it back into place for safety so it wouldn’t fall off.
The knife has a drop point blade shape and a multi-functional 20-degree blade angle. Its comfortable handle is made from Grivory, providing a balanced grip for any outdoor task.
Pros:
- It is lightweight
- Has a comfortable grip
- Features durable steel blade
- It has safety features
Cons:
- Not as sharp as expected
- Ok quality
4. RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool Folding Knife
The RoverTac Pocket Knife promises to be your best friend when you are in the wild. With its lifetime warranty, no reason return policy, and 100% satisfaction guarantee, you can confidently purchase this product knowing it has your back.
The 9-in-1 screwdriver bit set makes it a versatile product. Hence, it can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from hiking, fishing, camping, home improvement, and general outdoor activities. It is made of stainless steel for a sturdy build and coated with long-lasting black oxidation, this prevents it from rust and corrosion.
Besides, it is discretely integrated with a safeguard that prevents the knife from closing in your hands while in use. It does this by requiring you to push inwards to fold it.
It features a long-lasting nylon pouch that is easy to wear on your belt. If you love adventure, you are sure to love this camping knife.
Pros:
- Has an upgraded plier handle
- Encased in nylon sheath for easy carriage
- Is a multi-functional tool
- Sturdy and rust-resistant
Cons:
- A bit heavy
- Could be cheaper
5. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
I love everything about the Morakniv Companion Knife. From its performance and construction to its handle and carriage, this knife can be relied on when hiking or camping. The blade is made of high-quality Swedish Sandvik 12C27 steel, providing an efficient and excellent razor-sharp cutting performance. It has a high hardness rating of 56 to 58, giving it an exceptional toughness.
Also, the blade which is made of stainless steel remains sharp for a long time (even more than carbon steel). It has superior corrosion resistance, thus, you only need to clean and oil from time to time to keep it that way.
Its performance grip is another feature I like. It has a patterned, high-friction grip that won’t disappoint either in wet or dry conditions. The knife which sits comfortably in the hands provides great control, performance, and safety.
Furthermore, it comes with a color-matching, plastic sheath. This keeps the knife safe and secure. It features a belt clip for convenient transportation along with a drain hole. It is ideal for carving tinder, cutting wood, food prep, carving tools to use around the campsite, and other outdoor activities.
Pros:
- Superior edge performance
- Corrosion-resistant
- Sheath included for safety
- It is versatile
Cons:
- No information on its warranty
- Not ideal for kids
6. Benchmade-Contego 810, Reverse Tanto Blade
The Benchmade-Contego is every hiker’s dream. From its high quality and design to its tactical use and warranty, this product is one of the best choices to make. It is made of a stainless-steel blade, making it tough and resistant to wear and tear. The handle which is a G10 handle is long-lasting, resistant to moisture, and stable under high temperature.
This well-designed knife is exceptionally sturdy and is highly versatile. It can also be opened and closed using one hand only. It is large and yet easy to grip. It is also efficient enough to take on any task thrown in its path.
It is ideal for tactical use as the tanto blade design enables users to apply maximum force at the tip, thereby making cutting and piercing easy and simple. It has a lifetime warranty and is guaranteed to serve you well.
Pros:
- Ideal for tactical use
- Has a lifetime warranty
- It is well designed
- High quality and versatile
Cons:
- It has a high price tag
- Might be considered too big by users
Buying Guide
To purchase the best camping knife, some factors must be considered. These factors include:
Type of Blade
One of the first things to determine is whether you want a fixed blade or a folding blade. Fixed blades are more stable, an important feature when cutting through thick materials. They also come in various blade lengths and widths.
The other option is the folding blade, this provides a measure of safety and ease of use and is also easy to carry about.
Size of Knife
The size of the knife to purchase will depend on your personal preference. However, contrary to what many believe, overly large knives aren’t always the best as they can be cumbersome, bulky, and less safe to use when compared to the smaller, more compact options.
Blade Material
No doubt everyone wants a camp knife that is long-lasting and can hold an edge, but beyond that, it’s equally important to consider the material the blade is made from as this can impact the overall performance of the knife.
For example, a blade made of carbon steel is sturdy, lightweight, and stays sharp for a long time. However, these types of blades rust easily and require more maintenance.
On the other hand, blades made of stainless steel are more resistant to oxidation but are heavier and tend to get blunt before long.
The quality of the metal used is also of great importance, this is why I recommend that you purchase a model made of at least 440 stainless steel.
Handle
The blade material isn’t the only thing you should focus on as it’s also important to pay attention to the handle. A long handle is suitable as it can be grabbed more firmly and comfortably hence ensuring a longer period of use.
This handle should also be made of durable materials such as stainless steel or wood. However, handles made of rubber and high-quality plastic are equally recommended especially in wet conditions.
Knives that are ornately carved should be avoided as they are less functional, do not last long, and do not provide a comfortable grip. They are only aesthetic, but beauty isn’t all a knife should be known for.
Extra Features
Try to look out for extra features or accessories that may come with the knife you hope to purchase. Many camp knives come with a case, but if it doesn’t then you will need to buy one.
Also, some knives feature serrated edges, enabling smooth cutting through dense materials while some other knives may feature a fire starter that can kindle a fire on your campsite. While these extra features and accessories may seem unnecessary, you will find them useful while hiking or camping.
What is a Camp Knife Used for?
A camp knife can be used for a variety of purposes including splitting, kindling, food preparation, starting a campfire, whittling tent stakes, roasting sticks or marshmallows, skinning a game, and so on.
Types of Camping Knives
There are different types of camping knives. They include:
- Fixed blade: These are ideal for cutting wood for shelter and fire. Some have hollowed handles with other survival items included.
- Folding knife: Folding knives usually have a clip attached to the handle for easy access. They are popular among outdoor lovers due to their compactness.
- Bowie: A Bowie knife is a large sheath knife made popular by Jim Bowie in the 19th century. It features a crossguard, a clip point, and a sheath carry.
- Dagger: A dagger usually has sharpened edges. It has a central spine and full length. It isn’t particularly the best choice for outdoor adventure.
- Machete: Although a Machete is not ideal for detailed work, it can slash through bushes. It features a long, heavy blade.
- Multitool: A multitool knife is a self-contained folding tool equipped with blades, drivers, pliers, files, and so on. It is ideal for every outdoor activity, from fishing to skiing.
- Pocketknife: a pocket knife is also known as a jackknife. It features lots of blades and other tools.
- Throwing knife: They are known for spinning on a throw and have sturdy, blunt-end handle butt.
What Makes a Good Camp Knife?
A good camping knife isn’t merely in its appearance but rather a combination of various qualities. It is made of high-quality blade material that is resistant to rust and corrosion while retaining a sharp edge, and being easy to sharpen.
A camp knife made of hard steel will be less resistant to rust and will be more difficult to sharpen. Soft steel, on the other hand, is highly resistant to corrosion, easy to sharpen but will not hold its edge well. Therefore, a good camp knife should be made of stainless steel as this is the best option.
Conclusion
Before now, you may have often wondered what the best camping knives were as there are many products on the market claiming to be the best.
Not anymore though, having reviewed not just one but six of the best products on the market, you can confidently make an informed decision. So, go ahead and select a product already, your next hike promises to be fun.
Last update on 2024-09-11 at 15:45 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
