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Best Camping Knives Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
This is one of the most important factors that you need to consider when looking for a camping knife. Not only does the blade need to be strong and durable, but the handle also needs to be comfortable and weather resistant as well. Look for blades that have a high concentration of carbon because this is what makes it stronger. Considering that you will most likely be using your tool for more than just cutting when out camping, it needs to be able to withstand a beating.
Size
Considering the fact that you will need to carry the knife with you to your camping location, it will need to be a portable size, yet big enough to do whatever job you need it for. Look for something that will be convenient to wear on your body if necessary, in case you go on a hike and want to take it along for whatever reason. The size of the handle is also important. It should not be too small because then it will be uncomfortable to use. And if it is too big, then it may not be stable enough in your hand.
Weather Resistance
Of course, everybody wants great weather when they are camping, unfortunately, that is not only the case. With this in mind, your knife should also be built to withstand different weather. This includes snow, rain, cold and heat. After all, what good is a rusty or corroded tool? Look for blades that have been tested and weatherproofed. But the blade isn't the only thing that needs to able to sustain the elements, the handle also needs to made from a material that can take whatever Mother Nature gives out.
Style
When we are talking about style, we aren't only looking at how nice the knife looks, but how useful it can be. Convenience is important when you're out in the wild, and the ability to use one tool for more than just one thing can save you some room in your backpack and also shed some weight off as well. We looked at knives that have special designs that can be very useful in different situations. For example, a serrated edge can help you cut wood for a fire and a built-in compass can help guide you. We gave extra points for knives that provide these special features.
Value
Besides fire and water, a good camping knife can be the most vital thing you will need while out camping. You can use it to make food, shelter, and fire among other things. But when we talk about value, we looked at the cost to quality ratio and how useful the knife can be in different situations. You don't want to pay a high price for a low-quality item after all. We took into consideration the materials used to make the tool, the brand's reputation, and the reviews received from customers who bought the item.
BEST CAMPING KNIVES REVIEWED & RATED FOR QUALITY
1. MTech Xtreme MX-8054
Another, more tactical, knife enters the list due to its multi-functional shape. It can easily cut branches, puncture, and cut a rope. It’s ergonomic handle with trigger-style grip, makes sure the knife stays in your hand when it gets wet. It can seamlessly be used as an outdoor tool or for self-defense.
440 Stainless Steel
The thick, heavy metal that Mtech uses is high in carbon and corrosion resistance. It holds an edge while easily sharpened and is a large 5 ½ inches in blade length.
G10 Handle
The ergonomic, pistol-grip handle features a large finger guard for superior safety. It is textured for increased grip in wet situations and includes an extension of its one-piece design. The handle has belt and lanyard loops for customizing your carry.
Cost and Value
For a low range price, the quality of this knife is surprising. It has a hefty weight and size to remind that this is a tool, not a toy. Multi-functional and tactical, the knife’s limit is up to the wielder’s imagination.
2. StatGear Surviv-All
Knives serve all different purposes and are usually designed to a specific one. The Surviv-All covers more than one use with a 440 stainless steel blade and a heavy-duty sheath that includes paracord, fire starter rod, cord cutter, and sharpening stone. StatGear really made use of the generally ignored real estate of the sheath to match a quality knife.
440 Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade
A 4 ¼ inch blade gives you plenty of cutting surface. The full tang design gives it increased durability for some tasks. The drop point design gives it a sharp point while aiding in dressing game. A window breaking point is built into the pommel.
Heavy Duty Kydex Survival Sheath
The sheath is unique in that it has a variety of features built in including a fire starter rod, sharpening stone, rope cutter, lanyard hole, and glow in the dark trim to help in finding your knife should you drop it in the dark.
Cost and Value
The price being as low as it is makes the knife easily accessible, giving you a handy tool to have around at all times. Quality materials and a smart design give this knife a good value.
3. Buck Knives Vanguard
Praised by outdoorsmen and campers alike, the Vanguard is geared for those who like to find their own food. It is excellent for dressing, filleting, and most other tasks for the hunt. A durable and corrosion resistant stainless steel, polished brass hilt/pommel, and a contoured walnut handle lend to the beauty of the knife.
Drop Point 420HC Steel
4 1/8 inches of razor sharp stainless steel with a drop point for better field dressing make this blade a hunter’s favorite. It features a balanced full tang design with a weight of 6.3 oz.
Classic Heritage Walnut handle
It’s always great when form meets function, and this knife boasts both. A solid, polished, walnut handle with a contoured grip sits in between the polished brass pommel and hilt with a finger guard.
Cost and Value
The Vanguard hits all the right notes with a solid, long lasting design, beautiful design, and a great, low price. With a lifetime warranty, there is nothing to lose except the reason not to get one!
4. CRKT M16-14SFG EDC
This camping knife is excellent for those who want protection and efficiency. It is designed for military and special forces in mind, but it’s also very practical for everyday outdoor activities. It also features automated liner safety to prevent accidents. You can easily use the clip system to fix it to your belt for quick access. Its lightweight construction won’t create any inconvenience while carrying it and you can choose from five different colors.
Corrosion Resistant
The blade of CRKT M16-14SFG EDC has a black titanium nitride coating which works as a barrier against corrosion, making this knife ideal for any weather condition. Even when it’s raining, you won’t have to take special care of your survival tool. This is a great choice for wet environments.
Automated Liner Safety
Unlike other folding knives, this one has automated liner safety. This system consists of an additional pin that doesn’t allow the locking liner to accidentally disengage. Therefore, the chances for an accident to happen decrease considerably.
Cost and Value
This survival knife is made to handle any outdoor experience. It comes together with a lifetime warranty offered by the CRKT Company. So, if you notice any manufacturing defects or it simply doesn’t meet your expectations, you’ll get a new one.
5. Opinel Carbon Steel
The long-running French knife, invented by Joseph Opinel, has been a traditional pocket knife to have. It's small, folding design makes it easy to carry around while being versatile enough to handle many tasks. Often seen whittling or cutting apples, this knife can be used by anyone from outdoorsmen to handymen alike. Taking care of carbon steel will make sure your knife will last a lifetime.
Sandvik Stainless Steel
The 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion in comparison to most carbon blades. It contains at least .40% carbon for a very strong and sharp blade that holds its edge.
Locking collar
The folding knife sits inside of a beech wood handle that is a pleasure to hold. A custom, locking collar secures the blade in the open and closed position, so you never have to worry about an accidental open during transit.
Cost and Value
A reliable knife since 1890, the craftsmanship it exhibits alone is enough reason to get one. The number next to the Opinel name dictates the size you are getting in inches. The bigger the knife, the more expensive it is, though remains affordable.
6. KA-BAR Marine Corps
A knife with a noble heritage, the KA-BAR was born in World War II. It has since become a military standard and a favorite of those adventuring in the outdoors. Tough, versatile, and elegant, this knife is a top choice for anyone looking to do a little more than filleting fish. The upgraded hard plastic Kydex sheath is a recommended upgrade.
Sharp tipped fixed blade
The famous KA-BAR design includes an incredibly sharp tip with a flat, straight spine. It has a partially serrated edge for sawing and a large hilt that protects your hand. The fixed blade design offers more durability and stability while using it for demanding tasks.
Tough Cro-Van steel
The 1095CV metal used for the blade clocks in a 56-58 on the Rockwell C hardness scale. It holds a sharp edge while standing up to the punishment this knife was meant to take on.
Cost and Value
For a knife that is meant to do everything from keeping you alive to general camping or outdoor tasks, it has a highly attractive price. This is a knife built to last, so you are getting your money’s worth here.
7. Cold Steel Outdoorsman Lite
Cold Steel has a reputation for quality and unique knives that are highly functional. The Outdoorsman Lite is an all-around tool that handles tinder, game, fish, rope, and more. It is born of a sub-zero, cryogenic quenching process, known to be used by Cold Steel, providing a strong, corrosion resistant blade.
4011 Krupp Stainless Steel
A unique process of forging these blades, the German steel is easily sharpened and highly corrosion resistant. This is a practical must-have when faced with the weather of the outdoors.
Polypropylene and Kraton handle
The deep checker, over-molded Kraton design on the handle provides an extra-secure grip, even during wet or slimy conditions. A polypropylene core creates a strong, wear resistant, handle over a full tang.
Cost and Value
Another low-cost entry that is hard to pass up hits the list. The seemingly simple design has all the right features made with quality materials. This versatile knife is great for a backpack or belt loop.
8. Truly Garden Hori Hori
The Hori Hori, meaning to dig, is a unique Japanese design. It is a utility knife that allows for digging, cutting, and even has a ruler for planting to certain depths. It’s curved faced shape helps scooping actions whether it is digging for bait, cutting roots, or taking out weeds. It comes with a quality, extra-thick leather sheath.
Unique Shape
The large 7” blade has a unique curve on the face of the blade, serrated on one side, is very sharp and is paired with a hilt guard to protect your hands. Secured with 3 rivets and includes a lanyard hole to keep it fastened to your wrist.
420 Stainless Steel
The blade is a strong 420 Stainless steel that resists corrosion when you use it in wet conditions. It can withstand demanding utility tasks and not break. It comes with a diamond sharpening rod to bring it, and your other knives, to maximum sharpness again.
Cost and Value
This highly useful knife at a very low cost is a must have for everyone, even if you are adventuring in your own backyard. It is an easy choice as having a screwdriver and hammer on hand for general use.
9. Benchmade SOCP Dagger
Here is a unique design that may not be as necessary around a campfire as in other scenarios. However, the SOCP dagger is lightweight with a smart design sheath that allows for gear integration such as a vest, leg, or backpack. Its multi-function design can help in using it as a spear or keeping your hands useful without putting down the knife.
440C Stainless Steel
The skeletonized dagger made from high-grade stainless steel retains as much carbon as possible to stay sharp and tough while being highly resistant to corrosion. The blade shape is useful for puncturing or as a spear.
Low profile
The single-piece design means no moving parts to worry about failing. It is very light at just under 3 oz. with a slim frame that opens up many options for carrying. It is 7.25 inches overall length with a 3.22-inch blade.
Cost and Value
The Benchmade brand does tend to come with a price, however, they are consistently a go-to for those investing in a quality tool. High-grade materials with expert design, backed by a lifetime guarantee. The SOCP is no exception, providing a great quality tool for your specific needs.
10. Morakniv Companion Stainless
The Companion is a very popular, well-rounded knife. It sports a quality 12C27 stainless steel, giving it a resistance to corrosion while being able to take a beating. It holds a razor-sharp edge that can handle your food or fire making prep needs. The Swedish knife is paired with a polymer belt clip sheath that holds the knife in place.
Small and Lightweight
Weighing in at only 4.1 oz. this knife is truly easy to carry around. It has a 4.1-inch blade that covers a wide variety of tasks making it a go-to knife under most circumstances.
Friction grip rubber handle
The TPE textured rubber handle provides an enhanced grip, even while wet. The rubber is soft and has an ergonomic shape to increase grip and comfort. It snaps into the sheath for a secure hold.
Cost and Value
For all that the Mora knife can do, it is one of the cheapest options out there. There would be little reason not to have one of these in your kit because even if you lost one or somehow managed to break one, you would be able to easily replace it.
Sources
- , Popular Science, Information Site
- , REI, Outdoors Site