We've gathered some suggestions for the best camping knives so you can be prepared and well equipped.
What makes a good camping knife?
Sharpness, for one. And utility for another. But mainly, you'll want something that can execute a range of tasks without any fuss, and that can easily be packed and carried as far into the wilderness as you're willing to go.
We can attest that being armed with a good knife while camping can make a ton of things easier. It doesn't matter how skilled you are; if you've got a knife, you're in better shape than you'd be without one.
Whether you want a compact folding blade for minor campsite cutting or a razor-sharp tactical knife for life-threatening situations, these are some of the best bets for backpacking and camping.
Gerber StrongArm Serrated Fixed-Blade Knife
This heavy-duty survival knife sports a full tang 420 high carbon steel blade with a ceramic coating and a rubberized diamond-texture grip. The 4.8-inch blade sports serration on the lower half of the cutting edge - perfect for sawing through branches while setting up basecamp. A favorite of the modern bushcrafter, the StrongArm also features a striking pommel and nylon sheath webbing for secondary retention. Made in the USA and MOLLE-compatible, this knife weighs just 7.2 ounces with an overall length of 9.8 inches at a $70 price tag. The StrongArm is also available in a plain-edge model and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Morakniv Companion Spark
While the Morakniv Companion is a favorite for many campers, the Spark version is even better-suited for backcountry jaunts and survival situations with a ferro rod fire starter integrated into the ergonomic TPE rubber handle. With a 3.9-inch blade length and polymer sheath (a leather sheath is a thing of the past), the Spark is small enough to slide into a pack or pocket and comes with a reflective paracord so you won't misplace it. This stainless steel knife weighs 4.5 ounces and will only cost you $35.
Benchmade 15031-2 North Fork Folding Knife
A high-quality hunting knife that can double as an EDC outdoor knife, the North Fork from Benchmade features a modified drop-point blade with an ambidextrous dual thumb-stud opener. It's the epitome of durability. The CPM-S30V premium stainless-steel blade is met with a contoured wood handle with a reversible tip-up pocket clip and lanyard hole. It's perfectly packable at just 3.16 ounces and 3.9 inches folded. The North Fork MSRPs for $190 and is available with personalized laser marking.
Leatherman Tools Free P4
For the convenience of an everyday carry pocket knife and the versatility of a multi-tool, Leatherman's Free P4 makes an excellent do-it-all camp knife. It's got both 420HC serrated and plain-edge knives as well as 19 other other tools including pliers, wire cutters, saw, bottle opener, can opener, and screwdrivers. All this functionality and it still only tips the scales at 8.6 ounces and closes down to just 4.25 inches. The Free P4 retails for $140.
Some other quality knives to consider for your next camping trip include the highly corrosion-resistant Spyderco Waterway and the super-strong Cold Steel 4-Max Scout.
Add a quality knife sharpener to your supplies, and you'll be set for any camping adventure you might encounter.
Products featured on Wide Open Spaces are independently selected by our writers and editors. However, when you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
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