A camping knife is critical for an outdoor enthusiast to carve tinder for a fire, prepare food, or deal with an emergency. Over the years of camping and hiking experience, we used many knives during camping for food, cutting small pieces of wood and ropes. We compiled and reviewed the best camping knife list based on our experience and field testing.
Lurking into the lives of our ancestors, all we see are hunters and gatherers, and that’s what a modern-day camper has to emulate while traversing the wild. From head to toe, one has to be well-equipped to deal with the hazards that would have been fatal for his ancestors.
The weapon in your arsenal for hunting and gathering is usually a camping knife.
In addition to this, we have also reviewed other camping and hiking gear like camping axe, fire pits, camping saw, and camping cookware.
Quick Recommendations
- Best Overall Camping Knife: Moraknive Companion Fixed Blade Knife
- Best Folding Camping Knife: Kershaw Clash Knife
- Best For Multi-Purpose: Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Knife
- Best For The Budget: Jellas Knife 440C
- Best Fixed Blade Camping Knife: KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion
What is a Camping Knife?
A camping knife is intrinsically a small knife of 3-inch that can easily be carried around in your pocket, well-hidden, with an ergonomic design and a blade integrity to multifunction.
A camping knife should have the credibility to go through natural obstruction as well as a machine manufactured goods.
So, not only should your camping knife be helping you gather kindling and making food, it should also be sturdy enough to cut through ropes, straps and sturdy fiber.
Let’s start with the reviews of the best knives for the camping.
Best Overall Camping Knife
1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Knife
Specs
- Weight: 4.09 oz
- Blade Length: 1 inch
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Brand: Morakniv
Morakniv companion knife has to be the number one choice on our list due to its quality material, excellent design, and popularity among campers, as it is an all-in-one package.
It weighs not more than 110 grams, which is only 3.9 ounces, including that of the sheath. Imagine a knife weighing only this much, with a fair amount of functionality and choice.
We take it easily in our backpack or even attach it to built if we need it more frequently on the trail.
Morakniv companion knife has been rated the top Amazon seller with 4.8-star ratings.
The blade is a Sandvik stainless steel, solid and rust-resistant, with a thickness of only 0.08 inches. The stainless steel blade stays sharp for years, as compared to the carbon steel blades, and is resistant to rust and damage, too. So, you can do absolutely anything, including tinder, meat, wood carving, or thin shrubs.
It is so lightweight to carry that you can actually forget that it is attached to your belt.
The knife measures around 8.5 inches in length, and the blade makes a little less than half of it, around 4 inches.
A 4.5-inch ergonomic handle made with strong and durable polymer provides optimum grip when you are working with a hard material such as plant branches, hunting fish, or cutting wood. Rubber coating over the plastic will save you from blistering, as your hand won’t move even if it gets wet.
You can even use it as an efficient gardening knife or a simple utilitarian knife that does it all, as it is super high-quality, lightweight, and comes for a great price. Overall, this is a high-quality, affordable, and reliable camping knife.
Read full review: Morakniv Companion Knife Review
Pros
- Knife is lightweight
- Comfortable grip
- No blisters on hands
- Stay sharp for long duration
- Quality sheath
- Easily cut the stuff
- Compact design
- Affordable price for a high quality
Cons
- Nothing to be mentioned
Best Folding Camping Knife
2. Kershaw Clash Knife
Specs
- Weight: 2.4 oz
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Design: Folding Knife
Kershaw Clash is one beast of a folding knife that has been made with superior quality and the utmost convenience to carry. The blade has been coated with back oxide, considerably enhancing its cutting precision.
The drop-point blade, with partially serrated edges, enables you to play with all kinds of materials that have fibers, such as thick fabric, camping material, or cutting through thick, woven materials.
The handle carries a deep indentation for the index finger for ergonomics. It has been made using glass-filled nylon, a thermoplastic material known for its heat resistance and incredible strength.
We had no problems with grip or durability during our camping uses. We loved the foldable design of this knife, which gives it a good advantage over Moraknive Companion.
The blade is robust and wide but sharp and long-lasting, measuring 3.1 inches, and the whole knife measures 4.25 inches when closed. You can imagine how portable and convenient it must be.
The overall length of the camp knife is around 7.5 inches, and it weighs only 4.3 ounces.
The best part of this pocket knife is the convenience and efficiency of its use, as it can be flipped open and closed using a single hand and with just a single stroke.
The liner lock is a great way to keep it locked in when not in use. It can go easily in your molle webbing gear while you hike, trek, or camp, or you can use it as a safety pocket knife or a daily utilitarian knife, as you please!
Pros
- Razor sharp blade
- Solid build quality
- Liner lock is tight
- Good belt clip
- Can fit in pocket
- Easy to use with gloves on
- Foldable design
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Bit heavy
Best For Multi Purpose
3. Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Knife
Specs
- Weight: 3.42 oz
- Blade Length: 2.5 Inches
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
No camping knife list is complete without Victorinox Swiss Army Huntsman Knife. This is the perfect knife if you are looking for a top-rated knife with a multi-task ability to meet all your camping needs with a single knife-sized multi-tool.
Victorinox Swiss Army multi-tool offers stainless steel durable construction, with the promise of the classic Victorinox build quality and agile functionality.
You don’t need to assemble anything yourself; the multi-tool comes jam-packed and perfectly sharpened, ready to go out in the field.
This multi-tool has 15 functions, including the 3 mm corkscrew, scissors, wood cutter, toothpick, tweezers, awl, bottle opener, and wire stripper. However, not all of the functions are used frequently. Nevertheless, considering the knife is small and compact, they are still helpful.
It is only three and a half inches long so you can trust its compact packing capacity. Besides, the Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-tool comes with a lifetime warranty!
On the flip side, some customers point out that in the pursuit of making this multi-taker knife too compact, it has become too bulky, carrying too much in a small space.
So, whether hiking, fixing small machinery on the way or at home, camping, or hunting, all you need to carry is your multi-tool knife.
Pros
- Comes with 15 functions
- Compact and lightweight
- Portable
- Affordable
- Swiss made
- The brand is reliable
- Multitaskers
- Extremely resistant
Cons
- Can be confusing to use sometimes
Best With Replacement blades
4. Razorlite ECD Outdoor Edge
Specs
- Weight: 2.1 oz
- Special Feature: Folding Knife, Lightweight
- Blade Length: 3 Inches
- Blade Material: Japanese 420J2 stainless
Outdoor Edge 3.0 RazorLite EDC knife is the solution for those who want to invest in a durable, ergonomic knife and enjoy fresh, razor-sharp blades. This blade does so by offering you the option of replaceable blades, which is one of the main selling points of this knife.
Additionally, unlike other knives, the curved handle provides a secure grip. It does not slip from the hand even if the hands are sweaty.
In addition to the replaceability, the accompanying blades are razor sharp, treated with what for maximum edge retention. The fiberglass nylon polymer handle provides an optimum grip to cut anything easily and precisely.
Each purchase comes with six blades. The stainless steel pocket clip, and you can keep it anywhere on your pants, belt, hiking bag, or tie in the molle webbing.
The blade holder is a stainless steel, shiny construction with a black oxide coating for resilience and durability. The replaceable blades offer you a great deal of choice and freedom.
Still, one con with this knife is that the blade tends to become dull quicker than other high-quality hiking knives of the same size and price range. But the price of $26.95 is very reasonable considering the quality of the knife.
Outdoor Edge provides a lifetime of customer support once you purchase with them, which speaks volumes about how they value their customers.
Changing the blade is pretty easy, too, and we also appreciate that you don’t need to change the blade frequently as they are durable and don’t get rusty soon.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to grip
- Sharp blades that are easy to change
- Positive blade locking mechanism
- Ease of use, even with gloves on
- Sturdy locking mechanism
- Great grip
Cons
- The blade can be a little blunt
- Clip on the wrong end
Best Fixed Blade Camping Knife
5. KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion
Specs
- Weight: 16 oz
- Design: Its 1095 Cro-Van blade, Elegant Design
- Blade Material: Carbon Steel
- Blade Length: 5.25 Inches
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife is an all-purpose field knife perfect for camping because of its high-quality construction. The KA-BAR Becker Knife is made in Olean, New York, U.S.A., and designed by Ethan Becker.
This knife is an excellent option for camping trips due to its small size, pocket-sized knife, functionality, and sharp blade for all tactical requirements. The sheath is also not made from plastic; instead, it is a hard shell nylon polymer, which is strong, just like the blade it is keeping.
The KA-BAR blade could cut through wood and everything you might need to deal with on your camping spree. It is only 5.25 inches long, which makes it quite handy too.
The handle and the sheath are tightenable, using screws and nuts. The blade is wide and thick, which makes it robust and strong. But at the same time, the blade could be an inch longer because, with its weight and robustness, a little more length would have added a lot to its efficiency.
Also, since it has been made using thick carbon steel, and everything is very robust and heavy-duty, the knife is heavier than its counterparts. It doesn’t feel as heavy in hand but is heavy and bigger for backpacking. This loses the purpose of a pocket knife, which should be lightweight and highly efficient.
The coating looks cool and durable. It’s also a bit pricy compared to other knives on our list, but it can do more advanced work at camping. If you are looking for a durable, solid, and quality knife for a camping trip, the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Knife is a great option.
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Pros
- Durable
- Can withstand the toughest conditions
- It’s big and wide with a solid handle
- Coating is thick and heavy-textured
- Sharp right out of the box
- Can split woods
- Good design
Cons
- It’s a bit heavy and bulky
- Pricy
Best Tactical Option
6. Victorinox Hiker
Features
- Weight: 2.7 oz
- Blade Material: Stainless Steel
- Blade Length: 2.71 Inches
- Included Components: 8 tools large/small knives, can openers, wood saw, screwdrivers
Here is the Swiss military knife with 13 different functions you need if you are a serious hiker, trekker, or a military person. It is compact to carry, comes in red, and you can hide it easily in your clothing or a behind pocket in your bag because it is small but very efficient in function.
It is only 3.6 inches long and weighs 2.7 ounces, much less than the weight knives usually come with. All the tool’s qualities are excellent despite looking a bit small. The thirteen functions include:
- The saw blade is sharp and strong.
- Two screwdrivers of 3 mm and 6 mm size.
- A sewing awl.
- A wire stripper.
- A key ring, tweezers.
- A wooden saw.
You can see that all the tools that you would need for setting up a camp, hunting food, cutting shrubs and plants, and clearing the way during trekking can be found in this multi-tool.
It does not include scissors, but even without that, this tool brings just the right value for its price. Also, you must oil it just like multi-tools since multiple hinging tools can jam the opener.
Pros
- High-quality
- Multi-function
- Lightweight and compact
- Stainless steel construction
- Multitasking functionality
- Durable
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Comes with no clip
Best Lightweight Option
7. Kershaw 3-In Leek Knife
Specs
- Weight: 2.7 oz
- Special Feature: Foldable
- Style: Folding
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
This great all-around knife from Kershaw is sharp and stylish but still affordable. Kershaw Leek is a classic pocket knife with a blade size of only three inches, but its performance is unmatched.
The blade has been made using Sandvik stainless steel, which is sharp and drop-point but can also be sharpened easily. It is pocket-friendly due to its slim, sleek blade design and compact sheath.
Besides, stainless steel defies all possible rust and chemical damage as well. Unlike most knives and pocket tools, the handle uses stainless steel instead of nylon polymer or plastic. At the same time, it only weighs 3 ounces while measuring 7 inches in total length.
The frame-lock and tip-lock features keep the blade open and secure while in use and the blade tip tightly closed when not in use. The beautiful silver finish adds to the looks and aesthetics of the camping knife as well.
Coming to functionality, the knife is sharp and efficient; it can cut through plastic, paper, and wood, but I suggest going light with it. The blade may be sharp and made of steel, but it has been kept a bit thin, considering it is a pocket knife.
However, if you have big hands, it can be difficult to use this knife as the handle is also relatively small, making it difficult to grip.
The design and working of this pocket knife are pretty straightforward, and you will get used to it in no time!
Pros
- Thin and beautiful
- Stainless steel material
- Fit and finish is excellent
- Edge is clean and sharp
- Opening is quick
- Comes very sharp
- Foldable
Cons
- A bit pricey but worth the money
- Tip is very thin
Comparison Table: Camping Knives
We have created a camping knife comparison table to help you find the best camping knife for your needs. This performance comparison table includes price, weight, functions, design, size, material and other helpful performance parameters. By looking at this table, you will quickly see where each camping knife stands in terms of performance.
In addition, the table makes it easy to compare the different knives side-by-side so that you can make an informed decision.
| Name | Price | Weight | Functions | Type | Size | Material |
| Moraknive Companion Knife | $14.99 – $29.04 | 4.09 Oz | Tinder Cutting, Wood, Food Prep, Carving | Fixed | 8.75 Inches | Carbon Steel |
| Kershaw Clash | $44.32 | 2.04 Oz | Any hiker, hunter, Backpacker | Folding | 4.28 Inches | Stainless Steel |
| Victorinox Swiss Army | $28.04 | 3.42 Oz | Large Blade Screw driver Scissors Bottle Opener | Folding | 0.28 Inches | Stainless Ste |
| Razorlite ECD Outdoor Edge | $26.95 | 2.1 Oz | Tinder Cutting Wood Hiking Outdoor activities | Folding | 3.5 Inches | Blade Material Japanese 420J2 stainless |
| KA-BAR Becker BK2 Companion | $108.54 | 16 Oz | Outdoor activities Camping | Fixed | 5.2 Inches | Carbon Steel |
| Victorinox Hiker | $28.95 | 2.7 Oz | Screwdrivers, bottle openers, and scissors. | Fixed | 3.6 Inches | Stainless Steel |
| Kershaw Leek Knife | $53.89 | 2.7 Oz | Cutting Wood Hiking Outdoor activities | Folding | 7 Inches | Stainless Steel |
How To Choose Camping Knife?
While a camping knife isn’t a very expensive item in your camping gear, it certainly has an expensive upkeep. Not only do you have to keep in mind the portability but the rate of oxidation, the sharpness of the edge, and its ability to be used single-handedly.
Before you freak out, we have gathered a few tips for you to keep in mind before you bet your money on a knife that just looks cool.
Types Of Camping Knives
The two common types of camping knives are ‘Folding knives’ and ‘Fixed knives’. A third type of knife comes as part of a multi-tool.
As the name suggest, ‘Folding knives’ fold into themselves to be tucked away into a casing. They have a pivot point which helps them swivel into action. Here are the good folding knives options:
On the contrary, fixed knives remain fixed to their profile handle and sport a cap for protection. If you decide on a folding knife, always judge its locking mechanism. Here are some fixed-blade knives options for camping:
The sturdiest locking system is a ‘Liner lock’ which contains a spring to hold it in place without the risk of the blade collapsing.
A multi-tool can open a food can, cut wood for a campfire, or tighten a loose screw on a tent pole, as this type of knife comes with multiple functions in addition to the knife.
Here are multi-function knives options;
Edge
What kind of edge works best for you? The most important feature of a knife is its edge. If you have made up your mind on the alloy and the type of your knife, ask yourself about the uses of the knife.
If you are in a group troop and require heavy-duty gear, a serrated blade will work best for your cause. It can cut through manufactured goods such as ropes and tarps while helping you in your daily use.
However, a plain edge can be athletically used as well. Cut-through gear takes a little more time, but you can manage its honing and sharpening yourself.
Ergonomics
Your camping knife should provide you with comfort, ergonomic functionality, and an inexpensive upkeep. While purchasing a camping knife, consider the smallest details, such as the handle, the point of the knife, the jimping, and its ambidexterity.
- The handle of a blade adds to the ergonomics of a knife. The handle is often a one-piece of wood or plastic with an embedded blade or a combination of scales with the blade screwed in between. However, the thickness of the handle dictates the time and energy spent on a task. A handle should sit comfortably in your hand, with a stable grip and a lack of friction or pinching.
- The tip of your knife can either be blunt or pointy. A blunt knife provides a clean cut and outlasts a pointy tip, which can often snap.
- For heavy-duty cutting and sawing, the spine of a knife often sports a ragged, saw-toothed part called jimping. This is the part where your thumb is placed for grip. This provides increased proficiency at work and stabilizes your hand.
These features, added together with quality material, should optimize the ambidexterity of your knife, thus increasing its ergonomics.
The Hybrids Version
If you are a jack of all trades for your camping partners, a very good option would be a hybrid knife. Many knives come with a combination of features, such as a half-serrated and half-plain edge or one that carries multiple blades for sundry use.
You can even get one with tools such as screwdrivers, bottle openers, glass-breakers, or different-sized picks.
Size & Weight
Size and weight are critical, depending on the weight and space you can afford to carry a knife. We reviewed the knives, which are small but still have great quality and performance.
You may opt for larger and heavier blades if you are doing car camping or RVing for advanced-level tasks. But they are not suitable if you are backpacking.
If you plan on doing a lot of cooking, cutting small wood, and making tinder while camping, you can opt for a larger knife like Cold Steel 4-Max Scout. On the other hand, the smaller knife will do the job for you.
Kershaw Clash Knife is an ultralight knife for camping, and you can easily pack it in your backpack.
Availability of a Sheath
A quality sheath is very important, especially for the fixed blade knives as the folding knives are still secure when they are folded and locked.
Therefore, we recommend always carrying your knife in a sheath, even if it adds extra weight to your backpack. Otherwise, It can damage your other gear, and worst, it can even hurt you badly.
Conclusion
We hope that we were able to assist you in your search for the best camping knives. Before you make a purchase, always check your requirements. A camping knife is your companion in life sustaining situations and a poor-quality blade with minimal features will never fit the cut.