How to Choose the Perfect Camping Knife – 2020 Edition

gray and black camping pocket knife

Perhaps one of the most important tools that you can take with you on any camping trip is a knife. Having one allows you to perform a wide variety of different tasks such as preparing food and building a shelter. In some cases, having a knife can even be a matter of survival, allowing you to escape life and death situations that can occur without warning in the wild.

For these reasons, you need to be able to choose the right camping knife that is suited for these jobs. If you’re not sure as to how to go about shopping for one, then this article is a good place to start. We’ll outline some of the considerations you need to make when making a purchase and list some of our favorite camping knives to make the decision easier for you.

Considerations for Buying a Camping Knife

Let’s first go over some of the important aspects of a camping knife that you want to take into consideration.

Size

The size of a knife affects your ability to use it. Large knives will typically have more functionality, as they’ll allow for greater torque that is needed in many outdoor activities. Due to their size, however, they won’t be as easy to carry around. Naturally, smaller-sized knives are the opposite.

Materials

You want to pay attention to the material composition of both the blade and the handle. The type of metal used in the blade will affect its strength, corrosion-resistance, and its ability to remain sharp. As for the handle, the most common options include wood, plastic, rubber, and metal. Your choice here will affect the durability of the knife as well as the quality of the grip.

Fixed vs Foldable

A foldable knife will be easy to stash in your pocket or bag. However, they often lack stability, which could lead to injuries if you’re not careful with handling them. A fixed blade, on the other hand, is more ergonomic and durable. They’re also easier to clean due to the fewer number of components in their design.

Blade Shape

Camping knife blades come in a variety of different shapes. Some of the most common ones include drop-point and sheepsfoot design. Basically, the shape of the blade will determine which tasks it’s most suitable for, as well as its safety.

Added Features

Some camping knives have multiple purposes. They can feature screwdrivers, tweezers, a built-in saw, and many others. You will need to consider what type of camper you are and which activities you typically do on a camping trip to find out what type of extra features you need.

Our Favorite Camping Knives

If you’re still unsure as to which camping knife you should buy, here are a couple of our favorites that should suit just about any need.

Fallkniven TK2 Fixed Blade 4-inch Knife

Forged of the highest-quality steel, this knife is built to last and can be used in a wide range of different occasions. We like to describe it as a no-nonsense tool that has a perfect balance of form and function.

Cold Steel AD-15 3.5-inch Tactical Folder 3.5

For a foldable alternative, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s small enough for more precise jobs, but strong enough to tackle just about anything you throw at it.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you find the best camping knife for your needs. Remember: not all knives are created equal, which means that you have to be careful when selecting one.

We sell a vast range of camping knives and many other types of camping gear and equipment in Oklahoma. Visit our store to browse our selection of products.