Hi, I’m Anthony.
A dull knife is dangerous — and having no knife at camp is even worse. I learned that lesson the hard way when I tried to open a clamshell package with a car key and ended up cutting my finger instead.
The best camping knives are not weapons — they’re essential tools. A good knife handles food prep, basic repairs, fire prep, and countless small tasks around camp. From slicing steak at dinner to making kindling in the morning, a reliable blade matters.
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If you’re looking for the best camping knives that actually perform outdoors, you’re in the right place. Some campers need a tough fixed blade for batoning wood, while others prefer a lightweight folding knife for everyday camp tasks.
We tested grip comfort, blade strength, and real-world usability to find camping knives that won’t fail when you need them most.
🏆 Quick Summary: Top 3 Picks for Every Camper
- Best Overall (The Legend): Morakniv Companion
- Why: Incredible Swedish quality for the price of a lunch. Sharp, durable, and lightweight.
- Best Folding (Everyday Carry): Kershaw Blur Black
- Why: Fast one-handed opening, extremely sharp steel, and grips well even when wet.
- Best for Food (Classic): Opinel No. 8 Carbon Steel
- Why: The ultimate picnic knife. Slices food like a razor and has a timeless wood handle.
🔪Best Camping Knives by Use Case
Not every camper needs the same knife. The best camping knives depend on how you actually use them in the field. Below is a quick breakdown to help you choose the right tool without overthinking it.
Best Camping Knife for Food Prep
If your main goal is slicing meat, vegetables, and camp meals, look for a knife with a thin blade, good edge retention, and easy cleanup. Folding knives and lightweight fixed blades work best for camp kitchens.
If cooking is a big part of your trips, you may also want to check our guide to the best camping cookware for outdoor meals.
Best Camping Knife for Bushcraft & Firewood
For batoning wood, carving stakes, or processing kindling, a fixed blade knife with a full tang and thicker spine is essential. Strength and grip security matter more than blade length here.
For extended stays, pairing a strong knife with the right shelter setup makes camp life easier — see our guide to the best tents for family camping.
Best Lightweight Camping Knife
Minimalist campers and backpackers benefit from compact folding knives that save weight without sacrificing reliability. A simple locking mechanism and corrosion resistance are key.
Best Camping Knife for Beginners
If this is your first camping knife, prioritize safety, grip comfort, and ease of sharpening over premium steels. A well-balanced, affordable knife is often the smartest choice.
Table of Contents
1. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade
Award: Best Overall / Best Value
This is the most famous bushcraft knife in the world, and it costs less than $20. Made in Sweden, the Morakniv Companion features a high-quality stainless steel blade that comes razor-sharp out of the box.
It has a rubberized grip that feels secure even in rain. Because it’s a “fixed blade” (it doesn’t fold), it is incredibly strong and safe for heavier tasks like carving wood.
Pros:
- ✅ Insane value for money.
- ✅ Fixed blade is stronger than any folder.
- ✅ Comfortable rubber grip.
- ✅ Includes a plastic sheath with belt clip.
Cons:
- ❌ Not full tang (the metal doesn’t go all the way to the end of the handle).
- ❌ Doesn’t fit in a pocket (must wear on belt).
Verdict:
Buy one for every member of the family. It is the perfect camping tool.
2. Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade
Award: Best Heavy Duty / Survival
If the Morakniv is a sedan, the Gerber StrongArm is a tank. This is a “Full Tang” knife, meaning the metal runs through the entire handle. You can use the pommel (the back end) to hammer tent stakes.
It is designed for abuse. Whether you need to chop wood or pry something open, this knife won’t break.
Pros:
- ✅ Indestructible Full Tang construction.
- ✅ Rubberized diamond-texture grip.
- ✅ Modular sheath can be mounted horizontally or vertically.
- ✅ Made in the USA.
Cons:
- ❌ Heavy and aggressive looking.
- ❌ Overkill for just slicing apples.
Verdict:
For the camper who wants a tool that can survive the apocalypse (or just a really rough weekend).
3. Kershaw Blur Black
Award: Best Folding Knife
Sometimes you just want a knife that fits in your pocket. The Kershaw Blur uses “SpeedSafe” assisted opening. You just push the thumb stud, and the blade snaps open instantly with a satisfying click.
The blade is made of high-performance Sandvik 14C28N steel, which holds an edge for a very long time. The handle has “Trac-Tec” inserts that feel like skateboard tape for grip.
Pros:
- ✅ Fast, one-handed opening.
- ✅ Premium steel holds a sharp edge.
- ✅ Incredible grip texture.
- ✅ Compact and safe (locking liner).
Cons:
- ❌ The grip is so rough it can wear down your pocket fabric.
- ❌ A bit hard to sharpen for beginners.
Verdict:
The perfect “Everyday Carry” (EDC) knife that transitions perfectly to the campsite.
4. Opinel No. 8 Carbon Steel
Award: Best for Food Prep
This classic French knife hasn’t changed since 1890. It has a simple wooden handle and a thin, incredibly sharp carbon steel blade. It uses a unique “Virobloc” ring to lock the blade open or closed.
Because the blade is thin, it slices tomatoes, cheese, and steak better than thick tactical knives. It looks non-threatening and classy on a picnic table.
Pros:
- ✅ Best slicer for food.
- ✅ Beautiful, classic wood design.
- ✅ Very lightweight (1.6 oz).
- ✅ Very cheap.
Cons:
- ❌ Wood handle swells if it gets soaked (hard to open).
- ❌ Carbon steel can rust if you don’t dry it (patina is normal).
Verdict:
The foodie’s choice. Keep this in your Camping Kitchen Organizer specifically for meals.
5. Benchmade Bugout 535
Award: Best Ultralight Premium
If you count every ounce or want a premium gift, the Benchmade Bugout is legendary. It weighs less than 2 ounces but is strong enough for hard work. It uses CPM-S30V steel, which is one of the best “super steels” on the market.
The “AXIS Lock” mechanism is fully ambidextrous and arguably the safest locking system ever invented.
Pros:
- ✅ Featherlight (1.85 oz).
- ✅ Premium super-steel stays sharp forever.
- ✅ Smoothest opening action on the market.
- ✅ Lifetime warranty and sharpening service.
Cons:
- ❌ Very expensive ($150+).
- ❌ Handle can feel “plasticky” to save weight.
Verdict:
The ultimate luxury pocket knife. Once you use it, it’s hard to go back to cheap knives.
🔪Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Camping Knives
1. Fixed Blade vs. Folding
- Fixed Blade (Morakniv): Stronger, easier to clean, no moving parts to break. Best for “work” (wood, rope).
- Folding (Kershaw): Compact, safer to carry in a pocket. Best for general utility.
2. Blade Material
To find the best camping knife, look at the steel.
- Carbon Steel (Opinel): Gets scary sharp easily, but can rust. Keep it dry!
- Stainless Steel (Gerber): Resists rust. Great for wet climates.
3. Grip and Safety
Camping means rain, sweat, and fish guts. Look for rubberized or textured handles (like the Kershaw Blur) so the knife doesn’t slip and cut you.
Final Verdict
- For the best value and utility, the Morakniv Companion is unbeatable.
- For a rugged survival tool, get the Gerber StrongArm
- For food and picnics, the Opinel No. 8 is a classic.
When searching for the best camping knives, remember: a fixed blade is for camp chores, and a folder is for your pocket.