In the wild, you’re only as good as your tools. Among many things, you should look for a knife for camping with no problems performing heavy-duty tasks.
On the hunt for the best camping knife? If you’ve got a camping trip coming up, we’ve got the perfect versatile knife options for you.
We’ll look at five models and compare the blade size, edge retention, firm grip, cover blade material, and other essential features.
Best Camping Knife Reviews
1. Grand Way Spring-Assisted Folding Knife
Grand Way is a brand that camping enthusiasts all over the world know very well. It makes knives designed for the most demanding outdoor adventures.
The Spring-Assisted Folding Knife is a mid-tier model and is one of the Grand Way’s bestselling folding blades.
It is an excellent option for campers who need an affordable heavy-duty camping knife.
Product Highlights
The Grand Way Spring-Assisted Folding Knife is a budget-friendly but durable option for campers.
It has all the essential features you would expect from a solid knife for camping.
- High-Quality Materials
If you’re shopping around for a compact knife to add to your outdoor gear collection, you’d love this knife from Grand Way.
It comes with a reasonable price tag but does not give ground when it comes to performance.
This best-in-class knife uses high-quality materials, which is surprising for a pocket knife at this price point.
It features a 440c blade that is highly resistant to corrosion and normal wear and tear. In addition, its handle uses a combination of wood and metal.
In short, it is an excellent knife that can stand up to tough conditions and rough outdoor usage.
- Smart Handle Design
Grand Way went all out with this knife by paying attention to its overall design, even the handle.
It boasts a rosewood and black metal construction, giving it an elegant look.
They even threw in a glass breaker feature, which comes in handy during emergency survival situations.
It is aesthetic and functional at the same time.
- Easy to Store
One of the most important qualities of a good camping knife is portability.
Remember that you will bring it on camping trips, so it should be able to power through tasks.
The Grand Way Spring-Assisted Survival Knife has you covered on this front. Its blade is 3.54 inches long, and it has a total weight of 195 grams.
With its compact and lightweight design, you won’t have any problems finding a place for it in your outdoor or tactical gear bag.
- Safe to Use
This camping knife from Grand Way comes with a liner lock that ensures the safety of its user.
You won’t have to worry about the clip-point blade shutting close on your fingers while you use it. This feature is very important since it uses a spring-assisted mechanism.
There are also two thumb studs that make it easy to deploy using either hand.
- Multiple Applications
Another thing that makes this camping knife stand out is the fact that it is suitable for different applications.
Aside from being useful on camping trips, you can take it when you go fishing, hunting, or traveling. It will also come in handy during rescue missions or in tactical situations.
With this level of flexibility, there is no doubt that you will get much value for your money.
The Good
There are many reasons to fall in love with the Grand Way Spring-Assisted Folding Knife if you’re an outdoor enthusiast.
It is easy to handle, allows multiple applications, is safe to use, and is reasonably priced.
That said, if we have to pick just one feature to highlight, it is its solid construction.
It uses high-quality materials, something you often only see in expensive types of camping knives.
The Bad
Other than its black coating that could wear off over time, there is not much to complain about this camping knife.
Pros:
- Can withstand tough conditions
- Easy to handle
- Safe to use
- Suitable for multiple applications
Con:
- The black coating could wear off
2. Kingmax Multitool Tactical Knife
Kingmax is an online brand that supplies pocket knives, moving straps, and—interestingly enough—piggy banks.
That said, while it has a mishmash of products, all of its offerings are well-made.
The Multitool Tactical Knife, for instance, is one of the more popular models today, especially among online buyers.
It is a bit more expensive than some other brands, but it has many qualities that justify its heftier price tag.
Product Highlights
The Kingmax Multitool Tactical Knife is a premium model that offers multiple functionalities. Here’s a closer look at some of its best features.
- Saves Space and Money
One of the many features that make this camping knife stand out is that you can use it for different applications.
Its blade includes a serrated edge for sawing and a sharp edge for cutting.
With a few quick adjustments, you can whip out its pliers, can opener, or screwdriver feature. It even comes with nine different bits you can use in different situations.
With this knife, you get five different tools in one device, allowing you to save a lot of space in your gear or toolbox.
Of course, it also saves you a lot of money since you do not have to invest in some other tools.
- Durable Premium Model
The Kingmax Multitool Tactical Knife boasts a 440c blade, which is what the majority of best-in-class models use.
It offers a healthy balance of corrosion resistance and toughness, making it a great companion when performing different camping chores.
Aside from that, the handle is metal, which is more durable than a rubber handle.
Furthermore, there’s no denying that its all-black style makes it look sleek and stealthy, adding more to its appeal.
- Ergonomic Design
Even if this camping knife’s handle is metal, it is surprisingly easy to handle.
It features a grooved design that maximizes grip, so it does not slip from your hands and cause injuries.
What’s more, it uses a liner lock mechanism that secures the blade in place during use.
This way, you can be sure the blade won’t snap shut on your fingers while cutting something.
Overall, it is an ergonomic camping knife that is easy to hold and safe to use.
- Highly Portable
Despite having multiple functionalities, this tactical knife is compact and easy to transport. Its add-on tools are also cleverly hidden when not in use.
When you order this knife, you will get a nylon bag that lets you stick the blade onto your belt.
As you can imagine, all these design elements make the Kingmax Multitool Tactical Knife highly portable.
The Good
With this model, you get much more than just a regular camping knife.
Instead, you get different tools that outdoor enthusiasts like you will find useful in various situations.
The Bad
One thing you should consider before buying this tool is its price, as it’s a bit more expensive than some brands.
That said, it offers a lot of value for your money and is worth the investment.
Pros:
- Capable of multiple applications
- Easy to use
- Very portable
- Has a durable construction
Cons:
- A bit expensive
- Needs sharpening before use
3. Voltstorm Steinbrucke Tactical Knife
Voltstorm specializes in performance fuel and ignition systems. However, among its mixed bag of offerings are a few pocket knife models.
The Steinbrucke Tactical Knife is its flagship knife product.
Product Highlights
The Steinbrucke Tactical Knife is a hit among online shoppers, and it is easy to see why.
If you are looking for a tough folding knife with excellent edge retention, this is a great option.
- High-Quality Material
Like most premium knife models, the Steinbrucke boasts only the highest quality material for its blade.
You will find that it boasts a German stainless-steel construction with an HRC hardness of 58 to 59.
The handle is equally tough, with an inner frame that features 1.5-mm thick corrosion-resistant metal.
These design elements combine to make the tactical knife stronger and sharper than other options.
Plus, Voltstorm uses a unique process that gives it an antique finish, allowing it to withstand rough handling.
- Wide Variety of Uses
While the Steinbrucke is a great tool during camping trips, it is also effective in many other situations. You can use it to cut through textiles, food, sticks, and other materials.
Even better, it will make a great addition to your everyday carry since it folds nicely and is easy to store.
During emergencies, you can use the knife to break glass or cut through seatbelts. It is also tough enough to take on fishing trips and hunting expeditions.
- Easy to Use
Another thing you need to know about this knife is that it has a reversible clip, making it easy to use with either hand.
It is eight inches long when fully extended and is hefty enough for heavy-duty tasks.
Once done, all you have to do is push the liner lock to fold the knife and tuck it away.
Pressing the lock lightly redeploys the blade so that you can activate it readily, even with one hand.
The aluminum handle construction features an anti-slip finish treatment, making the knife very easy to grip.
Finally, the pocket clip is a nice feature that facilitates convenient transport.
The Good
What sets this pocket knife apart is its ease of use.
Thanks to the reversible clip, you won’t have any problems handling it, whether you are left or right-handed.
The Bad
While this pocket knife is far from being the most expensive on the market, it is still a bit pricey.
That said, if you take the plunge and decide to buy it, you won’t experience buyer’s remorse.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Highly durable
- Useful in different situations
- Easy to carry
Con:
- A bit expensive
4. Madsabre Dual Blade Knife
There is little information about Madsabre, the company behind this innovative twin-edge folding knife.
Even so, its knife is selling like hotcakes on major eCommerce platforms.
Its claim to fame is that it has two blades you can deploy from either side of the handle.
So, if you want one of the best pocket knives that lasts twice as long, you should consider buying this model.
Product Highlights
The people behind the Madsabre Dual Blade Knife were crazy enough to come up with this idea, and they made it work.
It has the makings of an excellent camping knife and is a great conversation piece.
- Dual Blade
The best way to start this discussion is by talking about the knife’s dual blade feature.
As its name implies, it has two separate blades that open up from both sides. You can deploy them at the same time or independently, depending on your need.
If you whip out just one blade, it’s much like using a regular knife. The fun starts when you take out the other one too.
What’s more, it allows you to get more things done since you have more cutting edges at your disposal.
- Safe to Use
Having two blades from both sides of the handle can be intimidating at first. However, we assure you it is as safe as most of today’s top pocket knife designs.
For instance, it automatically locks the blade in place once it is fully extended.
This feature takes away the risk of any sharp edge closing on your finger by accident.
The liner lock works seamlessly, and you can manipulate the knife with just one hand. The best part is that carrying the knife is equally worry-free.
- Easy to Handle
Another thing that people love about it is that it is easy to operate.
The handle has grooves in all the right places for maximum grip. It also comes with a pocket clip that allows you to easily carry it.
You can just stick the knife in your pocket or clip it into one of the pockets in your backpack.
Note that the knife is 8.5 inches long when fully extended, but you can shorten the length to five inches by folding it. Also, it weighs a measly 4.7 ounces.
The Good
Obviously, the best thing about this camping knife from Voltstorm is its dual blade feature.
It’s like having two high-quality camping knives for the price of one.
The Bad
If there is one thing that should make you think twice before buying this knife, it is the price.
It is more expensive than most knives for camping, but there is no doubt that it offers much value for money.
Pros:
- Provides more cutting power
- Easy to operate
- Safe to use
Con:
- More expensive than some brands
5. AMZBUY 7-in-1 Multitool Tactical Knife
AMZBUY is another low-key online brand whose offering is currently enjoying wide acceptance.
Its 7-in-1 Multitool Tactical Knife is one of the more popular models in today’s highly saturated camping knife market.
This is an excellent option if you are looking for a reliable knife for yourself or as a gift.
Product Highlights
The 7-in-1 Multitool Tactical Knife is a must-have in every camping gear or EDC backpack.
It has all the key features that outdoor enthusiasts expect from a high-quality pocket knife.
- Multifunctional Knife
A good knife cuts well and stays sharp for a long time, but great knives have much more to offer.
That is what you get with this AMZBUY device, a multifunctional tool that can take on many different tasks.
It has a combination of sharp and serrated edges, allowing you to cut things or saw off small branches.
If you encounter an emergency involving motorists, its seatbelt cutter will come in handy.
There is also a glass breaker at the bottom of the handle to help you break through windows if needed.
Moreover, a magnesium fire starter is embedded neatly inside the handle, which should be useful in the wilderness.
At the opposite end is a small LED light that will allow you to work in the dark. Finally, the blade’s spine has a notch you can use as a bottle opener.
With this knife, you can take on many tasks without investing in multiple tools.
- Outstanding Durability
Another reason why the Multitool Tactical Knife is very popular among campers is its durability.
Its blade is tough stainless steel, which can resist corrosion and withstand rough conditions. The handle is anodized aluminum, making it equally tough.
Furthermore, it is designed for maximum grip and ergonomics, which outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate.
- Easy to Carry
This multitool has a lot of add-ons, but AMZBUY still managed to make it compact.
It weighs 5.5 ounces only and is just a hair over five inches long once you fold it.
If you buy this camping tool, you will also get a belt clip and a nylon sleeve. These accessories will make it easier for you to carry and pack the knife in your bag.
The Good
What we like the most about it is its multi-functionality.
This knife allows you to take on many different tasks, so you won’t have to buy other tools.
The Bad
While it is designed for one-handed operation, it is not spring-assisted.
Pros:
- Offers multiple functionalities
- Can withstand rough conditions
- Easy to carry
- Great value for money
Con:
- Hard to open one-handed
Best Camping Knife – Buyer’s Guide
To find the best camping knife, you need to consider many things.
Here are the most important considerations you need to think about before purchasing one.
Type of Camping Knife
The first thing you need to decide is what type of camping knife to get. You can choose between two options: folding or fixed blade.
Fixed blade knives are heftier and more robust, but they weigh a bit more and take up more space.
In comparison, folding knives are a bit smaller, but they can fit in any camping gear or EDC bag.
Blade Material
After choosing the type of knife to get, the next thing you need to consider is the knife’s material.
What it’s made of will have a significant impact on its durability and other important characteristics.
That said, most of the top brands today use stainless steel.
Another feature that enhances a knife’s durability and edge retention is the blade coating.
Make sure you check this out when shopping around for this tool.
Ergonomic Design
Finding a knife that is easy to handle and comes with a slip-free grip is crucial.
You will also want to look for a model you can operate with one hand and has a safe locking mechanism.
Others you can factor into your decision are additional or bonus features.
Camping Knife FAQs
1. Should I carry a knife when I go camping?
Yes, a knife is a valuable tool to have on a camping trip. You can use it to prepare food, cut rope, gather firewood, or do many other things.
Some even come with a fire starter, LED light, bottle opener, and other useful features.
2. Do I need a knife for backpacking?
Yes, a knife will come in handy when hiking or backpacking. It will get you through some emergencies and make simple tasks easier.
For instance, you can use it to cut bandages for first aid purposes or to repair a damaged tent.
3. Is it legal to carry a knife in my backpack?
Knife laws vary from state to state, so it is best to check with local authorities wherever you plan to go.
That said, an amendment to a federal law allows the carrying of folding knives.
4. Why do some knives have holes?
Some brands come with blades with holes, and these features have several purposes.
Not only do the holes help reduce weight but also minimize friction and make the blade easier to open (in the case of folding knives).
5. Is there a disadvantage to using stainless steel knives?
Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and is the material of choice for most camping knives.
However, they are generally less sharp than carbon steel blades, which also have a higher hardness rating.
Which Camping Knife Should You Choose?
All of the camping knives that made it to our list boast the highest quality, and you can’t go wrong with whichever you end up choosing.
That said, we highly recommend the Grand Way Spring Assisted Folding Knife.
This is the best camping knife as it’s easy and safe to use, offers multiple applications, and is highly durable. What’s more, it comes with a reasonable price tag.