2021 Reviews of the Best Camping Knife from Different Brands
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Camping Knife with Serrated Edge
The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Camping Knife comes with a drop-point design and a versatile and durable fixed blade that allows you to do most outdoor tasks from prepping food and kindling to carving wood. The knife boasts a non-slip rubber handle that is comfortable to hold even when performing the toughest tasks.
If you are looking for a decent and versatile knife, then the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Camping Knife is a perfect option. It is one of the sharpest camping knives on the market. Its long blade and partial serration make it ideal for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
This knife also features a hard metal pommel on the end that can be used as a hammer, which comes in handy for pounding in tent stakes. The partial serration works well for sawing into branches, while its solid stainless steel construction makes food prepping and other basic camp tasks easy. The ferrocerium rod makes fire-starting extremely easy.
With features like a whistle, a sheath with a sharpener, a stainless steel pommel and a fire starter, this camping knife is self-contained. It has all the basic prerequisites that you may need for your camping and other outdoor adventures.
Pros & Cons of the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife
Pros
- Ultra-sharp cutting edge makes it easy to perform heavy-duty tasks with ease
- Comes in serrated and non-serrated version
- The blade is forged from high carbon steel, which holds the edge for a long time
- Comes with a fire starter and a whistle
- Ergonomically designed rubberized handle is comfortable to hold for long
- Nylon sheath helps to keep the knife safe and protects you as well
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some Amazon customers complained that whistle is not very loud
- Not ideal for experienced persons looking for a longer blade length
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Camping Knife
If you are only looking for an affordable all-in-one camping knife, then you should certainly try the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife. This camping knife is made in Sweden and is one of the most popular camping knives on the market today. Morakniv is a well-established brand that has been making knives since 1891. The knife comes with a versatile fixed blade that is made from hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel.
With a blade length of 4.1 inches, this knife is ideal for cutting tinder, food prep, carving and chopping small branches. The high quality stainless steel gives the blade excellent rust and corrosion resistance capabilities and is tough enough for most camping chores. It also easy to clean and maintain, make this knife perfect for going from whittling wood to chopping vegetables.
The rubber handle is ergonomic, which means it is designed to comfortably and snugly fit your palm. Sold razor-sharp, this knife comes ready to use. For safety carrying, the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife comes with a high quality nylon sheath. The sheath is designed to be snap-closed, which makes it easy to pack or reach the knife when you most need it.
The knife comes with a ridiculously affordable price, despite its amazing features.
Pros & Cons of the Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
Pros
- Carbon steel blade for enhanced strength and longevity
- Ergonomically designed rubber handle that is comfortable to hold for long
- Razor-sharp edge makes the knife ideal for most camping chores
- Lightweight and easy to carry around
- High quality carbon steel blade that’s resistant to rust and less prone to rust
- Comes with a plastic sheath with a belt clip for easy blade storage and transportation
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Requires frequent re-sharpening
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks. The edge can bend when chopping on a hard surface
Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Camp Knife
The Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife may look out of place amongst the other camping knives on our list, but as they say, never judge a book by its cover. The knife is said to surprisingly impressive as it gives 33 functions, including a 2.45-inch blade, a corkscrew, a Phillips screwdriver, a bottle opener with a screwdriver and so much more. You can confidently rely on the capabilities of this tool whether you are deep in the wilderness or working around the house.
The blade and other components of this knife are made of a high quality stainless steel construction for enhanced rust and corrosion resistance properties. You can use for a wide range of indoor and outdoor tasks, including skinning a deer, which makes a perfect option for campers and hikers looking to explore the great outdoors. Swiss also includes a bottle opener and corkscrew so you will be able to enjoy a cold one on your camping trip.
While the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Knife does not have the best knife quality and blade design, it is a classic knife and our top-three pick for the best camping knife. This gives the knife gives the right tool for the job when you most need it.
Pros & Cons of the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool Pocket Camp Knife
Pros
- A folding knife that is easy to carry around
- Durable blade and body
- It’s got over 30 different functions from screwdrivers to corkscrews.
- Nicely sharpened and ready to work
- Has a pair of scissors that always works better
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks, such as woodcutting
- The knife doesn’t have the best handle design and knife quality
Benchmade – Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
Benchmade is known for making high quality, flawless knives and the Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife is not an exception. From the outset, this knife reeks of superior craftsmanship and quality. The Benchmade 162 Bushcrafter is more of a luxury camping knife and is specifically designed for more experienced campers who are willing to pay more for a superior camping knife.
The Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 comes with a fixed, drop point blade that is made from high quality S30V stainless steel for enhanced corrosion and rust resistance properties. The fixed blade construction adds greater strength, especially in tandem with an easy-grip handle.
The blade is further hardened to a 58-60 hardness rating for added strength and durability. The full tang with two layers of padding between the handle and steel increases the durability and stability of the knife. With a blade length of 4.4 inches, this knife is suitable for more delicate tasks and heavier chopping, cutting and bushwhacking.
The knife boasts a slight curve at the top of the handle which prevents your hands from slipping into the blade. The handle is made of specialized resin-soaked fiberglass that is impervious to water and is ergonomically designed to allow for a firm and comfortable grip. Also included is a steady leather sheath that keeps your knife safe when not in use.
Pros & Cons of the Benchmade Bushcrafter 162 Fixed Outdoor Survival Knife
Pros
- Luxurious knife with an innovative design
- Strong and easy to grip fiberglass handle
- The handle is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort
- Full tang construction for enhanced stability and durability
- Sturdy leather sheath for safe storage and safety
- Fixed, drop point blade adds greater strength
- Perfect for all-season camping
- 58-60 hardness rating (HRC)
Cons
- High-priced compared to other outdoor knives in the same class
- Some users complained that the handle is too short and sheath not as great
Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife
The features of the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife excel in nearly all the categories that you would be looking at for in a camping knife. It is a high quality camp knife with a sturdy folding blade made of reliable 7Cr17MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel. While it is not the best camp knife for heavy-duty tasks, the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife is ideal for the backcountry minimalist.
The knife also features an ambidextrous thumb knob and index flipper for enhanced safety and performance. The thumbstuds make this folding knife quick and easy to open with one hand or when a quick deployment is needed. The black aluminum handle boasts a textured material and finger indentions for a secure and solid grip even in the most slippery conditions.
The knife comes with a convenient size which makes it easy to carry and comfortably fit in the hand and pockets. Secure mechanisms ensure that this knife stays open or close, making it useful and versatile. The reversible pocket clip allows you to store the knife either tip side up or down, depending on what is most useful to you.
Pros & Cons of the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S Folding Knife
Pros
- Foldable design
- The pocket clip offers portability and convenience
- The blade is made from high carbon stainless steel for maximum strength and toughness
- Secure and easy opening and closing mechanism
- An extremely sharp blade that retains its edge for long
- Durable aluminum handle with anti-slip features
- Affordable retail price
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- The blade is only 3.1 inches, very compact, but greatly reduces the cutting capacity
Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife
Spyderco is a well-known brand for its awesome diving knives, but it also seems they have a knife for just about any outdoor adventure, including camping. Weighing 3.2 ounces, the Spyderco Tenacious is a great everyday knife that can easily be used as a camping knife. The blade measures 3.39 inches while the whole knife is 7.76 inches long.
The knife features an 8Cr13MoV stainless blade with a non-reflective black coating. The coating holds up even after extended use. The blade is razor-sharp and does retain its edge for long. While the Spyderco Tenacious is small as the name suggests, it is an incredible knife that can hold its own against the big boys very well.
The knife comes with a solid liner lock which makes blade opening and locking easy. It folds right into itself, making it safe to toss in your jacket pock and take along with you. The handle is ergonomically designed, meaning it will fit your hand comfortably and snuggly. Its open-back design makes the Spyderco Tenacious easy to clean.
Pros & Cons of the Spyderco Tenacious Value Folding Knife
Pros
- Comes with a liner lock that keeps the blade solid when open
- Compact and convenient to carry around
- Steel liner that keeps the blade in place when closed
- The Signature Spyderco hole in the blade makes the blade easy to open
- Ergonomically designed handle that is comfortable to hold for long
- Great design and style
- The blade is made from high quality high carbon stainless steel for enhanced strength, longevity and toughness
- Excellent rust and corrosion resistance properties
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- The blade loses its sharp edge fast and needs to be frequently re-sharpened
- The knife’s closing mechanism is not ideal for left-handed individuals
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Camping Knife with Serrated Edge
The Gerber StrongArm comes with an innovative drop point fixed blade that is made from 420HC steel. The blade features a black coating for enhanced corrosion resistance and a serrated edge for maximum performance. The knife comes super sharp out of the box and boasts excellent edge retention.
The ergonomic coyote brown handle fits comfortably and snuggly in your hands. The rubberized diamond texture ensures a firm grip even in the most slippery conditions. There is a striking pommel at the base of the handle so you can easily break through hard surfaces.
The knife also comes with a sturdy sheath for safe storage and transportation. You can mount the sheath horizontally on your belt, vertically on Molle or in a traditional drop-leg fashion.
Overall, the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife is not only razor-sharp, comfortable and nice to look at, but it also comes with an affordable retail price. It is a perfect knife for general camping and is great value for money considering the quality you are getting.
Pros & Cons of the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Pros
- Drop-point fixed blade makes slicing and skinning easy
- Very stylish and appealing to look at
- Ergonomic handle that fits firmly and comfortably in the handle
- Ultra-sharp blade with an excellent edge retention
- Sturdy & durable steel blade with an excellent corrosion resistance
- Sheath included for proper storage and transportation
- Full tang for enhanced stability and durability
- Serrated Edge for sawing wood and bones
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users complained that the knife is of low quality compared to other Gerber knives
- Cutting edge stops about half an inch short of the handle
- Difficulty getting sparks from Ferro rod against the back of the blade
KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Camping Knife
Ka-Bar is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to camping and military knives. Rugged outdoorsmen and women love Ka-Bar knives because they serve their functions well. The Becker BK2 Campanion is not an exception either. It is a superior all-time classic knife that is incredibly well made, rugged, durable and is sure to earn you some serious campsite kudos.
It comes with a full tang steel blade that is 5.25 inches long while with the handle include, the whole knife measures 10.5 inches. The knife feels well-balanced and indestructible. It comes sharp out of the box and retains its edge for long.
The blade is made from 1095 Cro-Van steel, which is very hard and durable. The blade is coated with carbon oxide for protection against rust and corrosion. This black coating is durable and holds up to abuse without chipping or wearing. With good care, this carbon steel knife should last you a long time.
The ergonomically designed handle is made of Grivory and boasts a diamond texture to give you a fantastic grip. No matter how long you use it, you won’t feel any strain on your hand. The lanyard hole allows you to tie a strap to secure the knife to your wrist or your pack so you do not lose it.
For your protection, the Becker BK2 Campanion comes with a sturdy Kydex case that allows for multiple mounting positions. The knife is proudly made in the USA and it is a great multi-purpose survival knife.
Pros & Cons of the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
Pros
- Very high quality construction
- 1095 Cro-Van high carbon steel blade with black coating for enhanced rust and corrosion resistance
- Ergonomically designed handle fits comfortably in your hand
- Heavy-duty sheath for safe storage and transportation
- Proudly made in the USA
Cons
- Not ideal for beginners
- Quite pricey but this is due to its amazing features and capabilities
Morakniv Craftline Pro S Fixed Blade Camping Knife
The Craftline Pro S by Morakniv is designed with a purpose in mind. Starting from the bottom up, you will get a high friction rubber grip that allows you to retain your dexterous hold on the knife in any situation. That is made possible by an ergonomically designed TPE rubber handle that fits comfortably and snuggly in your hand.
The knife boasts a drop-point fixed blade that is made from a high quality stainless steel. The blade comes sharp out of the box and requires frequent re-sharpening to maintain its sharp edge. With a blade of 3.6 inches, this knife is perfect for both beginner and experienced outdoorsmen and women. A hard plastic Combi-Sheath allows for easy transportation and storage of your knife.
Pros & Cons of the Morakniv Craftline Pro S Knife
Pros
- Sturdy and ultra-sharp stainless steel blade
- Ergonomic rubber handle fits comfortably in the hand
- Sheath for safe storage and transportation
- Blade length meets nearly all national laws
- Limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Rubber grips are not durable
Do I Need a Knife for Camping? Which one is best?
The best camping knife is an essential tool you should never lack in your camping backpack, survival kit or backpacking backpack. A good camp knife can take on many of the tasks of a hunting knife and do them faster and with less effort. You can also use your camping knife as a survival knife if you are unlucky or dumb and have to hack your way out of whatever you got yourself into.
You would be amazed to find out what goes into a proper camping knife from serrated edges and full tang blade designs to carbon coatings and so much more. We’ve done all the homework for you so you can just pick the best camping knife quickly and expand your knowledge on them in a single simple guide.
What is a Camping Knife?
A camping knife is a multipurpose knife specifically designed for outdoor use. It is usually built bigger and heavier than a standard hunting knife. A camp knife can have either a fixed or folding blade. The blade should be no shorter than 6 inches and no longer than 10 inches. The blade should be made of at least a quarter-inch stock or heavier and should be fairly wide. Most of the top-rated camping knives are tempered on the soft side, which makes it easy to sharpen and achieve a razor-sharp edge.
What is a Camping Knife Used For?
There are many ways that you can use a camping knife. Apart from just cutting foods and peeling fruits, you can also use a camping knife for:
Building a Shelter
While there are numerous ways of building a shelter, most of them require looking for various materials like bark and tree branches along with grasses and other types of vegetation. A good camping knife can help you slice vines and cut branches. It can also help with prepping animal hides and other materials used for lashing items together.
Chopping Firewood
A camp knife has a sturdy blade which can be used for cutting and gathering firewood. Some camping knives with serrated blades can be used for sawing. You can also use your camp knife for chopping wood into kindling and creating wood shavings.
Gathering Food for Emergency Survival
If you are lost or stranded for an extended period of time, you are likely to run off food supplies. When that happens, the only options you have been hunting and foraging. The best hunting knife can be very helpful when it comes to hunting, cutting edible plants and digging for edible roots.
Preparing Your Game
If your backpacking trip involves hunting, a good camp knife is needed for gutting or cleaning and preparing your animal after you have killed it. The same is true for cleaning fish and preparing them for the feast.
Campsite Repairs
A camp knife can help perform some core campsite repairs, such as cutting cords, rope laces, torn tent materials and so much more.
Making Roasting Sticks
You can use your camp knife to whittle off the back and make a pointed prong for cooking marshmallows, burgers, sausages etc.
Advanced Camping Activities
For advanced campers, camp knives can be used for skinning fish, water rescue, or cutting rope and cord in survival situations. Plus, in more unlikely survival situations, camp knives can be used for felling trees and warding off bears.
If you’re in remote wilderness truly testing your survival skills, a camping knife with a larger fixed blade will suit all your needs. If you are at established campsites close to front country resources or car camping, a standard camping knife is just enough. The best camp knife will suit your personal needs best and will be your lifetime companion.
How to choose the Best Camping Knife?
As with any camping and outdoor accessories, the camping knife you choose is largely determined by your needs and personal preferences. Your camping knife needs to be practical – do not go out and buy the largest one available. You need to take into account some of the features you need, such as type of knife, edge design, blade length and so much more. We’ve compiled some of the top features you need to consider when choosing a camp knife.
1. Material
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing the Best Camping Knife is the material used to make the blade and the handle. You certainly do not want a knife that will start rusting or corroding after a few outings in the field. Here two important aspects to consider when looking for the right material for your camp knife: blade and handle.
Blade
Go for a knife that is made of high quality steel. There are different types of steel that can be used to make the blade of a camp knife. The most common are stainless steel and high carbon steel.
Stainless steel is an excellent material choice for camping knives. Stainless steel blades have excellent rust resistance and anti-corrosive capabilities, which makes them very easy to maintain. These knives are extremely easy to sharpen although they tend to lose their sharp edge faster than the high carbon steel knives.
A stainless steel camp knife is ideal for cutting food before you put it on your grill or camping stove and you can easily wash it afterwards. The only shortcoming of these blades is that they not durable and they tend to get dull quickly.
The most common types of stainless steel used in camping knives are as follows:
S30V: This type of stainless contains rust and corrosion-resistant vanadium. S30V stainless steel is commonly used in more expensive camping knives and tactical knives.
154CM: The 154CM stainless steel has a high content of carbon to enhance its hardness and sharp edge.
420HC: This is a cheaper steel variety with excellent corrosion and rust resistance capabilities. It also has decent edge retention and is very easy to sharpen.
High Carbon Steel is another common material for camping knives. As the name suggests, high carbon steel contains a high carbon content which makes the blade harder and more durable. Blades made from high carbon steel are easier to sharpen and tend to hold their edge longer than the stainless steel blades. The only shortcoming is that they rust very quickly if you do not take proper care of the knife. Fortunately, there are special oils you can apply to the blade to prevent corrosion.
Handle
When choosing materials for your camping knife, do not forget to check the material used to make the handle. Handles can be made from a variety of materials including wood, steel, fiberglass, rubber and plastic. All of these materials have their own pros and cons.
Steel and wooden handles are very durable but do not do well when wet. Rubber handles have an excellent grip but are not as durable as other materials as it deteriorates over time unless properly maintained. Plastic handles are the most affordable but also have a terrible grip when wet.
Synthetic materials, such as rubber, Micarta® and G-10 can be excellent material choices for your camping knife. When choosing a synthetic handle material, go for one with some kind of grip to it. Rag Micarta can be a perfect choice.
2. Design
Another fundamental factor to consider when buying a camp knife is the blade design. The size, shape, bevel, taper and overall design of a blade will greatly impact its overall characteristics and performance. Best camp knife reviews recommend that you go for a Drop Point Design. A drop point blade design is adopted from the American utility knife profile. It is characterized by a thick, beefy blade that tapers very little along its length. A drop-point design is a good compromise between strength and utility and is a perfect option for those looking for the best all-around blade. Other common blade designs include:
Clip-Point Design: This blade design is characterized by a thick blade with a sharp point. It is ideal for control with exacting and detailed work and for puncturing things. A clip-point blade is not as sturdy as a drop-point blade.
Needle-Point Design: A needle-point blade is ideal for throwing, puncturing and survival situations. It has a double edge with an asymmetrical point.
Tanto Design: A tanto blade design has an angular tip with a strong point. This makes perfect for scarping, prying and piercing via materials.
Sheepsfoot Design: A Sheepsfoot blade design is characterized by a strong solid shape that can withstand the toughest outdoor tasks. The spine of the knife rounds-off steeply to the point. The cutting edge is straight from the handle to the point, which makes it ideal for slicing, chopping and cutting. A Sheepsfoot blade is commonly used for prepping food and woodcutting.
Serrated Blade Design. As the name suggests, this blade has a serrated edge. It is used for sawing wood and bones as well as cutting rope. However, all of these tasks can be done with a straight fine-edged knife, which is recommended for camping purposes. Some knives will have a smooth edge with a smaller serrated section so that you get the best of both.
We also recommend you also try a full bevel design, where the knife is ground from the blade to spine in a single continuous slant. These characteristics are important if you are looking for a fully functional camping knife. For example, a full bevel is a recommended design if you’re looking for a camping knife to perform hard outdoor tasks, such as splitting wood.
3. Construction
The best camping knife should not only be strong but also well-constructed to handle a variety of tasks. Some top construction aspects to consider include:
Blade Length: The blade length of most camp knives range between 6 to 10 inches, although there are some knives with a 5-inch blade. How much blade length you will require will largely depend on your campsite. However, for an established fish or hunting camp, a 6 to the 8-inch blade will be all you need. Long blades are necessary if you were making a campsite that was a short term proposition. If you’ll need to clear thin vegetation for your sleep areas or your tent, then you should go for a longer blade length.
If you are looking for a multi-purpose knife that can do nearly anything well, then a 6-inch camp knife blade will be more than sufficient. A 6-inch blade is still small enough for most finesse tasks while large enough to be used for slicing or cutting larger items. Larger blade lengths can become a potential danger to beginner knife users who attempt to use their newly bought short swords to do small finesses tasks that should be done with a smaller knife.
Tang: Tang refers to how the blade extends into the handle in one solid piece. Knives can either have a full tang or half tang construction. A full tang construction provides much greater stability for heavy-duty tasks. So, when choosing your camping knife, go for the one with a full tang construction.
A half tang construction, on the other hand, is fine most camp tasks, but it is not ideal for the toughest outdoor tasks, such as woodcutting. You will also notice there are “stick-tang” or “rattail tang”, which means that the steel of the blade narrows about a centimeter in width and extends the blade of the handle.
Guards: A good camp knife should have either a single or double guard to protect your hands from slipping into the blade.
5. Price
Price is an important factor to consider if you’re working with a budget. However, we recommend that you first consider all the four factors discussed before comparing the pricing of different knives. We have compiled a detailed best camp knife review to help you choose a knife that meets all your needs and price.
What Are The Best Camping Knife Brands?
The best camping knife brands are:
- Gerber
Gerber is one of the most prolific manufacturing companies in the US. The company was founded in the year 1939. It is based in Portland, Oregon, USA. Although some of their products do not bear the brand name, it is easy to recognize them on the market due to their outstanding features and aesthetic looks. For over 70 years, the company has been working on quality, reliability and innovation, the three most important dimensions customers consider when searching for the best camp knife. - Morakniv
Morakniv is a popular knife manufacturing company based in Mora, Sweden. The company has been creating sharp knives for the rest of the world since 1891. Morakniv has a wide variety of knives, but their outdoor knives are highly trusted world-wide. Morakniv camping knives have very distinct qualities that make them pro-quality and worth the price. - Ka-Bar
Ka-Bar is another trusted manufacturer of camping knives. The company used to specialize in the manufacturer of combat knives for military use but has now branched out into other tools. They have produced a wide range of high quality camp knives. If you are a serious camping knives enthusiast, you will certainly love what Ka-Bar camp knives will do. - Benchmade
Benchmade is a US-based knife manufacturer that was established in 1988. The company has made a boat load of knives on the market including tactical knives, hunting knives and so much more. As the company’s logo and the first name reflected, Benchmade was primarily known for manufacturing butterfly or balisong-style knives. Today, they have expanded to include everything from some of the world’s best-selling camping knives. Benchmade continues to focus on innovation, customer needs and operations to bring the highest quality knives to the world’s elite. - Spyderco
Spyderco was founded in 1976 by Sal and Gail Glesser. The company introduced the first Spyderco folding whose features revolutionized the knife industry and literally defined the form of the modern folding. Their folding knife pioneered the concept of a round hole in the blade, a clip on the handle and the option of a serrated edge for aggressive cutting performance.
Since then, Spyderco has steadily grown to become one of the leaders in the cutlery industry. They have earned the trust and loyalty of countless of thousands of dedicated knife user worldwide. Spyderco camping knives are highly rated on amazon.
According to most best camping knives reviews, their knives are ultra-light, razor-sharp and yet sturdy for heavy tasks. If you’re looking for the best pocket knife with an ultra-light feel, then you should certainly try Spyderco camping knives.
