While going for your next camping adventure, having the best camping cooking knife is a must. There are different options available in the market. But which knife is the best for cooking while camping?. Apart from cooking, camping knives have multiples uses. I’m sharing my experience and research with you. This will make easy for you to choose a camping knife from our top picks.
8 best camping cooking knives
Here is the list of our top picked camping cooking knives.
Best Overall: Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife
If you’re looking for a knife that can do it all, the Morakniv Bushcraft Carbon Steel Survival Knife is a great option. It has a 4.3-inch blade made of Swedish carbon steel, which is tough and easy to sharpen. The handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold, and the knife comes with a sheath for safe storage.
This is my favorite survival camping cooking knife. It can be used for cooking, fishing, hunting and for trekking too. The quality and durability of this knife will never disappoint you.
Best Tactical Knife: SOG Knives Folding Knife
The SOG Knives Folding Knife is a great option for those who need a compact knife. It has a 2.75-inch blade made of stainless steel, and the handle folds down for easy storage. The knife also has a safety lock to prevent accidental opening, and a belt clip for easy carrying.
Best Pocket Knife: Kershaw Shuffle II
The Kershaw Shuffle II Folding Pocket Knife is a great option for those who want a versatile and affordable knife. It has a 2.6-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle houses six different tools, including a bottle opener, a flathead screwdriver, and a liner lock. The knife also has a lanyard hole for easy carrying.
Best Folding Knife: CRKT Drifter 6450K
The CRKT Drifter 6450K Folding Knife is a great option for those who want an affordable knife. It has a 3-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The knife also has a safety lock to prevent accidental opening, and a pocket clip for easy carrying. This knife has exceptional grip compared to other folding knives.
Best Hunter Knife: Buck Knives 110
The Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife is a great option for those who want a classic knife. It has a 3-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is made of genuine leather. The knife also has a brass bolsters and a hand-crafted woodgrain handle.
Gerber Gator Premium Folder Knife
The Gerber Gator Premium Folder Knife is a great option for those who want a durable knife. It has a 3.6-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is reinforced with fiberglass for added strength. The knife also has a safety lock to prevent accidental opening, and a pocket clip for easy carrying.
Best Lightweight: Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Folding Knife
The Spyderco Dragonfly 2 Lightweight Folding Knife is a great option for those who want a lightweight knife. It has a 2.28-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is made of lightweight FRN (fiberglass reinforced nylon). The knife also has a pocket clip for easy carrying.
Best Look: Cold Steel Voyager XL Knife
The Cold Steel Voyager XL Knife is a great option for those who want a durable and quality knife. It has a 4-inch blade made of high-carbon stainless steel, and the handle is ergonomic and comfortable to hold. The knife also has a safety lock to prevent accidental opening, and a pocket clip for easy carrying.
Why do you need a camp cooking knife?
Camping knives could be used for cutting and cooking purposes. Moreover, a camp cooking knife can be used for multiple tasks. Check out some of the best camping tents for outdoors the ultimate guide.
- Preparing the wood kindling for a camp fire.
- Cooking and preparing food.
- Fishing and hunting.
- Cutting rope or wires.
- Most importantly the camping knives are great for survival.
Types of camping cooking knives
There are two main types of camping knives, fixed blade and foldable knives. Both options are best but if your main usage is for cooking. Or you want it for heavy duty tasks like wood piercing. You should select the fixed blade knives. Otherwise, the foldable camping knives are best for backpacking. They are light-weight and easy to carry.
How to choose a Camping Knife?
There are different features that will help you choose the best camping knife. Here are the main features for choosing a camping cooking knife. To know more about different types of camping check out our complete guide.
Functionality
While choosing a camping knife you should be clear about its usage. If your main usage is to prepare food. A chef knife would work best for you. Otherwise, camping survival knifes include multiple functionalities.
Material
Most knives are made from either stainless steel or high carbon steel.
Stainless steel knives do not get rust and corrosion. But, they are softer then the carbon steel. They are easier to sharpen but will loose edges faster.
High carbon steel knives are less resistant to rust and corrosion but are tougher than stainless steel. You need to be careful about getting rust and corrosion.
Weight
Weight plays a vital role when you are backpacking. Lightweight knives are best for backpacking.
Price
There is a wide range of camping cooking knives in the market. But, we shared some of the best camping knives with you. They are not very expensive and also very useful. Buying a cheap one could be a bad option.
Legality
It is legal to carry a knife in the USA if the blade size is not more than 3 inches. This is the main reason we always recommend you above foldable camping knives. There is no prohibition on carrying knives for the purpose of hiking, camping, and fishing.
Durability
It is always good to invest in quality gears. The cost of quality outdoor camping knives is more than the cheaper ones. But, when it comes to durability and quality paying a few dollars extra is worth it.
How to care for your knives?
Always wash your camping knife with warm water and sponge. Cleaning your camp cooking knife will keep it safe from rust and corrosion. Moreover, do not place your knives for washing in the dishwasher. This will make The foldable camping knives would need lubrication. This will not let the folding mechanism stiffen up. By taking care and doing maintenance of your camp cooking knives will enhance their lifespan.
How thick should a survival knife be?
A general rule is having 3/16 – 1/4 of an inch thickness is good for camping survival knife. The knife with such thickness will be quite solid and capable of wood batoning. Fixed blade knives work best for survival purposes.
Are folding knives good for camping?
Yes, folding knives work best for making wood kindling to start a fire. Also, folding knives are easy to carry and adjust easily inside your pocket. It is handy to cut ropes, hunting and fishing.
Bonus:
How to keep food cold while camping
The above listed are our top picks for the best camping cooking knives. You can choose any depending on your choice and requirement.
