Camping knives are essential for the modern camper. Whether you are an occasional hiker or a committed mountaineer, this versatile tool will make life in the great outdoors all the more pleasant. They allow you to cut things, such as rope or vegetables and can be used as a weapon to defend yourself in an emergency.
However, one question we get asked all the time is “What makes a Good Camping Knife”? It’s not an easy one to answer. We can list off dozens of features that make for a good camping knife: It should be sharp, hold its edge well, be corrosion resistant, easy to clean and maintain, not too heavy or too large, etc.
Most of all, the best camping knife is a multipurpose knife. It should be able to cut meat, chop vegetables, and cut bread. Besides, an ideal camping knife is easy to sharpen. A blade that is difficult to sharpen is a waste of money.
Why Buy a Camp Knife 2023?
If you are into camping or hiking, you need to carry an outdoor knife with you. It is for your safety and for your comfort, too. You probably think that you don’t need it. But, you will need it for skinning games, cutting rope, making fire, and even for simple things like opening food cans. You can also use it for emergency medical treatment.
Some folks keep a big, heavy killing machine in their pack for that very reason. Others just have a knife they can wrap in foam and strap to their leg via cargo pants’ built-in sheath. While both of these options work well enough, if your knife fails at the worst moment, you’re stuck without any form of protection.
Features of an Ideal Camping Knife
Choosing a camping knife can be a difficult undertaking. There are a large number of models available, and many of them have a wide range of features. Here’s a list of the features that you should look for in a camping knife.
Length of the Blade
The blade length of a camping knife is one of the factors to consider when shopping for a survival knife. The blade length should be about the same size as the handle and, it should not be so long that it becomes cumbersome to carry. A camping knife with a blade length of 4 to 7 inches is good for most camping needs.
Quality of Blade
Quality is a key factor to consider when deciding which camping knives to invest in. As with any blade, it is important to ensure that the camping knife you choose has a sharp blade and, if possible, one that holds its edge well. Stainless steel blades can be advantageous as they resist rust and corrosion and tend to keep their edge for longer than other types of knives.
Size of the Knife
Camping knives come in many shapes and sizes so you should choose the one that best suits your needs. If you are only going to be camping close to home, a pocket knife or small folding blade may be all you need. However, if you are heading out into the great outdoors for an extended period, then it is well worth investing in something larger and more robust.
Durability of the Knife
Camp knives are designed for outdoor use. They need to be able to withstand frequent use and exposure to water, dirt, or rough terrain. Ensure that your camping knife is made from good quality materials that will not corrode when exposed to moisture. A strong handle can make a big difference in reducing the risk of breakage over time.
Cutting Ability
The blade is often overlooked when it comes to camp knives, but it makes all the difference in terms of cutting ability. Ensure that any camping knife you choose has a strong and sharp blade, otherwise, it will not be able to cut through rope or thick branches. If possible, your camping knife should be able to support a fine edge and not merely a serrated one.
Different Types of Camping Knives
While choosing a camping knife, you must consider its various types. Here are some of the common types of Camping Knives with their advantages and disadvantages. You can choose anyone according to your preference.
Fixed Knife
These knives are similar to folding knives with blades that do not fold into the handle. Instead, they have a tang (a metal rod that is visible on the outside) that keeps its blade fully exposed when in use for maximum strength and stability.
Folding Knife
Folding knives are those that have two or more blades that fold into themselves for safer use and portability. They are lighter than their counterparts, but not as strong. It’s best to use them for camping purposes other than using them as a weapon.
Survival Knife
Survival knife is a type of knife that can be used for multiple purposes including, cutting woods, clearing trails, dressing game, and self-defense. It usually has a full tang which means the metal of the blade runs through the handle to give it maximum stability when using it.
Brownie Knife
A Bowie Knife is characterized by typically having either top or both ends sharpened. These knives can be used for cutting plants, branches, or cutting the meat of animals. They are considered a versatile and durable type of knife that can also be used as a weapon in emergencies.
Multi-tool Knife
These knives are similar to survival knives except have multiple tools within the knife such as a magnifying glass, scissors, and tweezers among others. These can be great for carrying around but they also require more maintenance than your regular camping knife.[/su_box]
Styles of Blade
There are many different styles of camping knives available in the market. The handle has a significant part of maintaining them for a longer period. The task of selecting the right handle is difficult because there are so many options to choose from that you need to know about it completely before buying one.
Some people think that style or shape does not matter when it comes to handling, but they are wrong. Many things determine the right grip of the knife: the Design, the Material, and the Water Resistant Nature of the Handle.
Pro-Tips for Enhanced Performance of Camping Knives
A camping knife is an essential tool for camping and hiking. It is extremely important to take good care of a Camping Knife. If you do not, you will end up with a dull blade and a blunt edge. To prevent this from happening, you will need to sharpen your camping knife occasionally.
When cleaning your cutting device, make sure it is firstly cleaned and dried, and then it can be oiled with a light coating of mineral or vegetable oil. Moreover, it is necessary to use the blade for its intended purposes.
How to Sharp the Camping Knife
A field knife will get dull pretty fast when you’re using it for camping. There are two ways you can sharpen your camping knife, either with a regular camping knife sharpener or with an actual whetstone.
The way to use a whetstone is to put a small amount of oil on the surface. You can also use water. It’s important that you only use a very small amount of either option because if you use too much, you can cause your knife to rust. You want to slide the knife across the whetstone a number of times. The more you go back and forth, the sharper your knife will get. It’s best to start with a not-so-sharp knife.
Blade Shapes
When it comes to describing or categorizing knives, most people avoid using shapes. It is because there are countless types of knives. Shapes of knives are used to determine the purpose of the knife. They also help buyers better identity the knife they want to buy.
Drop Point Blade
A drop-point blade is one of the most versatile blades available. It’s perfect for hunters, adventurers, or others who need to process the game quickly and efficiently. This curved tip ensures added control when cutting with thicker items like rope or bone.
Clip Point Blade
Clip Point blade refers to a knife that has been designed with a back edge that angles upward as it runs toward the tip of the knife, creating a sharpened “clip“. The clip itself can vary in size and shape from subtle to large or even dramatic. The tip of a Clip Point Blade is good for detail work and piercing.
Needle Point Blade
The needle-point is the smallest blade shape, and one of the most dangerous. These blades are characterized by a straight edge that tapers to a point with no major belly. Chef’s knives, boning knives, fillet knives, and paring knives typically have this type of blade.
Sheepsfoot Blade
A sheepsfoot blade is a type of blade that has a straight cutting edge and a dull back edge. The purpose of the sheepsfoot blade is to provide a blade with a straight edge for cutting while maintaining safety by not providing a sharpened blade edge.
