8 BEST Pocket Knife for Camping – A Comprehensive Guide
Camping is one of the best things that a person can do. It allows him to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and spend time outdoors in nature.
But what if you don’t have any camping gear? What if you don’t have any knife? Well, you can always rely on a pocket knife to help you out in the wilderness.
But which pocket knife is the best for camping? We are going to take a look at the best pocket knife for camping, and provide you with all the information you need to make a decision.
Any time I go on an adventure without my husband, he hands me a knife just for his own peace of mind. Truthfully, I kind of like it.
There are many times we end up using it even though most of my backcountry gear is in good shape and precut.
The food I bring comes in easy-to-open packaging. But there have been times I need it. Like when the kids wanted to roast marshmallows.
We usually have a good pocket knife with us on hikes, in our backpacks, or in the car because you never know when you might need it for your next adventure.
Why do you need a pocket knife for camping?
The best camping knives can come in handy for tasks like food preparation or repairing your gear. They work great at splitting wood or breaking it down to start a fire or even making makeshift tent stakes.
Pocket knives are also great for protecting yourself when hiking or camping in remote areas. A good camping knife is considered an essential tool.
How to Choose a Pocket Knife for Camping
Blade Length
If you’re looking for a camping knife that is both lightweight and durable, you may want to consider opting for a shorter blade.
A shorter blade will make the knife more portable, while still providing the durability necessary for camping use. Look for a knife under four inches of versatility and durability. The larger blades will get in your way.
Features
Do you know that sometimes less is more? If there is one thing I’ve learned about backpacking it is that you need to strike a balance between lightweight and functionality.
Some will boast 20-plus different tools, and in reality, you end up using the same blade for everything. This means you are carrying around tons of extra stuff you potentially don’t need. Carry too little and you might not have what you need.
The best pocket knife for camping is a tool that does all the functions you may come across, but not weigh you down.
For many, the sweet spot is having one good blade that can cut almost anything and handle all situations.
Price Point
What I love about camping supplies is you can spend as much or as little as you want. When it comes to choosing the right knife, you want dependability. Thankfully all of my recommendations are built to last.
Blade Material
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is a type of steel that is made from iron and carbon. It is also known as “carbon fiber steel” because the fibers of the carbonized layers of the steel are essentially like those in carbon fiber materials.
Because of this, carbon steel blades are very strong but also brittle. This means that they can easily break if they are not treated properly.
They are easy to resharpen. Because of their low chromium content, they are more prone to corrosion.
Tool Steel
Tool steel knife blades are designed to be tougher and more durable than regular knives. They are also designed to last longer, making them a better option for frequent use. Because of this, tool steel blades are usually more expensive than regular knives.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel knife blades are made from a carefully crafted metal that is both strong and flexible.
At a base level, they have carbon steel with added chromium making them resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion.
This is ideal for use in knives that will be exposed to the elements. Stainless steel knives also have a sharp edge that will stay razor-sharp for a long time. This is an ideal metal for outdoor use.
Blade Type
Straight Edge Blade
Straight-edge knives are perfect for camping because they are versatile and lightweight. They can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting rope, fabric, and wood.
They are also easy to clean, making them a good choice for those who want an easy and hassle-free camping experience.
Serrated Edge
When it comes to camping knives, a serrated edge is something to consider. This type of edge provides several benefits that include increased effectiveness when cutting through dense materials.
Additionally, a serrated blade is less likely to slip when cutting through wet or icy surfaces, making it a great choice for campers who spend a lot of time outdoors in cold climates.
Locking Mechanism
The type of locking mechanism is very important to have a good camping knife. Often you’ll see knife manufacturers patterning their own type of lock. But they are usually variations of either a linear lock or a frame lock.
The most popular type of locking mechanism is the liner lock. They provide a more secure grip and are more difficult to pocket knife-lock. It uses a spring lock that can be opened and closed with one hand.
Frame locks tend to be more secure as they rely on a piece of metal that slips into the place where the knife once was. By pushing the frame off to the side, you can easily fold the blade back in.
The Best Pocket Knives for Camping
Pricing Guide: $ = under $50, $$ = $51- $100, $$$ = $101- $200 $$$$ = $200+
Benchmade – Mini Barrage 585 Knife
Benchmade Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade $$$ 3.4 oz
This high-quality knife is perfect for the trail. With it’s lightweight. The 154CM Stainless Steel Bald is designed to hold up to outdoor use. It is rust-resistant. It uses an AXIS Assist locking mechanism.
Pros:
Victorinox One Handed Trekker
Victorinox Stainless Steel $$ 4.6 oz
Looking for something more than a knife? Victorinox is a cross between a traditional Swiss Army knife and a camping tool. The Trekker has the added features of a saw, can opener, and screwdriver. All things you might need on the trail. Plus the design makes it simple to open with one hand.
Pros:
Victorinox One Handed Trekker
Gerber Carbon Stainless Steel with Serrated Edge $ 8.1 oz
The Gerber Paraframe II is the largest of the eight knives in the Paraframe series. It is based on the same minimal frame-lock design and boasts a smooth stainless steel handle and a clip for secure travel.
Pros:
Kershaw Blur
Kershaw Sandvik 14C28N Steel with Drop Point Blade $$$ 4.16 oz
The Kershaw Blur is your everyday carry pocketknife with SpeedSafe Assisted Opening. It has a reversible pocket clip for easy storage and a thumb stud for easy accessibility. It has a reinforcing handle with an inset Liner Lock for added strength and safety.
Pros:
Spyderco Para Military 2
Spyderco SPM S45VN Steel Blade $$$ 4.83 oz
The Spyderco Para Military 2 is an improved classic, undeniably one of Spyderco’s most popular and in-demand designs. It distills the world-class performance of their Military Model into a more compact, pocket-friendly package, with superior quality.
Pros:
Buck 110 Slim Pro TRX
Buck Knifes Stainless Steel Cresent Tip Blade $$$ 7.1 oz
The Buck 110 Slip Pro TRX was destined as a lightweight knife with a razor-sharp blade. It has high-quality materials, from the G10 handle to the S30V blade containing carbon as well as high amounts of Chromium, Molybdenum, and Vanadium. It’s corrosion Resistant.
Pros:
The James Brand The Chapter
James Brand S35vn Stainless Steel with Deep Point Blade $$$$ 2.65 oz
The James Brand the Chapter is made from a Damsteel Rose DS93X. It is a beautifully designed and crafted knife that features a 0.11″ (2.8MM) blade thickness, a 3.75″ (9.525CM) closed length, and a 2.75″ (7.0CM) blade length.
Pros:
Zero Tolerance 0450 Sinkevich Carbon Fiber
Zero Tolerance CPM 20CV Satin Finished Crucible Steel Blade $$$$ 3.7 oz
The Zero Tolerance 0450 Sinkevich Carbon Fiber knife is one of the best knives out there. It has a KVT ball-bearing system that enables the blade to deploy smoothly, and it comes with a reversible pocket clip that allows left- or right-side carry in a tip-up position.
Pros:
How to Care for Your Pocket Knife
Pocket knives are designed to last, but there are a few things that can be done to ensure their longevity. First and foremost, keep them clean. If they get dirty, wipe them down with a cloth or a good rubbing alcohol solution. If they start to rust, you can take steps to prevent this by cleaning them with a dull knife and oil once a month, and keeping the area around the blade dry. Lastly, be sure to store them in a safe place when not in use.
Tips for Using Your Pocket Knife While Camping
- There are a few things you should keep in mind when using your pocketknife while camping. First, make sure the knife is sharp. Dull knives are more difficult to use and can lead to accidents.
- Take care when opening the knife. Always use the proper technique, which includes using a thumb pad and maintaining a firm grip.
- Always use proper knife safety. Cut away from yourself and keep it out of the range of children. When your kids get old enough, start introducing them to knife use.
- If you are traveling with your knife, make sure to pack it in your carry-on. I can’t tell you the number of people that forget their knife is still on them when they get to airport security. At that point, your only option is to mail it to yourself or store it in a locker.
What is the best pocket knife for camping?
If you’re looking for a perfect camping companion, consider investing in a great quality pocket knife. Not only are they incredibly handy, but they also make cooking and camp chores a lot easier. With the right one, you’ll be able to carefully slice meat or chop veggies without having to worry about damaging your blade. This useful tool should always be included in your gear!
