Best Camping Pocket Knife

When you’re going out on the trail or on a camping trip, having the best camping knife can come in handy for a wide variety of day-to-day jobs, especially if you’re going to be cooking over an open fire. Now, before you get too excited, let us assure you that we are not talking about a massive blade in the spirit of Crocodile Dundee’s “that’s not a knife, this is a knife.” If all goes according to plan, on your next camping vacation you won’t have to worry about fending off ravenous big reptiles.

We’ve found that the most versatile and effective camping knives are those that fold up into a very small package, have blades that don’t lock, and are able to complete a wide range of relatively minor but significant jobs. When preparing a dinner on the camping stove, a nice blade is your greatest friend. It is also a valuable tool when making repairs, opening food packages, or serving as an essential component of your first aid box. Our specialists in outdoor gear have also purchased and evaluated the most effective multi-tools available on the market, so you can rely on their recommendations if you’re planning a future outdoor excursion that includes hunting or camping. Check out our reviews of power tools, tool accessories, and outdoor tools if you’re in the market for outdoor or indoor tools of any size for usage around the house.

Best Camping Pocket Knife: Reviews

1. Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585

The Benchmade Mini-Barrage 585 features a blade that is razor-sharp out of the box, and it comes with Benchmade’s LifeSharp sharpening service, which sweetens the deal even further. The knife was built for precision with a design that has helped it keep its top status over the years. Benchmade guarantees that it will return the edge to factory specs for as long as you own the knife, provided that you pay for the shipping charges. The handle can be stored in the palm well, and the item can be tucked away neatly in a pocket. The pocket clip carry is versatile and can be worn on either the right or left side. The blade can be consistently pulled to a ready position by an assisted opening system that may be deployed with either hand. It is possible to carry the knife in your pocket or handbag without risking injury by locking the blade in the closed position.

Product Highlights

Even with Benchmade’s LifeSharp service, the Mini-Barrage 585 is expensive, but you will certainly come to appreciate its value over the course of its lengthy existence. But if you are the type of person who loses things like this all the time, the initial expenditure might be too much for you to bear. In addition, its slightly reduced size will become more obvious when used for strenuous activities or frequently. It is superior to the other product that won our top prize, but it still has a smaller footprint than what would be optimal for extremely prolonged use. Any knife that is significantly larger than this one will be difficult to transport frequently or everywhere. The Mini-Barrage deserves our strongest support provided that you are not using it for dozens of consecutive hours each day and provided that you are able to keep track of it for a sufficient amount of time to see a return on your investment. This is the knife that we recommend the most for carrying around with you on a daily basis.

The name of this knife, the Benchmade Mini-Barrage, gives away the fact that it is, in fact, a little bit smaller than a conventional “full size” pocket knife. The consensus among our reviewers is that the design achieves an excellent compromise between a compact carriage and an ergonomic structure. Benchmade has a long history of producing high-quality blades under their brand name. The blade, like the blades of many other knives with assisted opening, can also be secured in the closed position. When it comes to correctly engaging and deploying the mechanism that keeps the blade closed, there is a learning curve involved. Purchasing this item also constitutes a big financial commitment. We suggest that you use this high-tech tool in the same way that you would a piece of technical equipment so that you can maximize its potential value. Try not to throw it away.

What We Like

Its size and characteristics achieve a sense of harmony that may be appreciated by all of us. It slips into the owner’s pocket so smoothly that they won’t even notice it’s there, but it offers the user an ergonomic support that allows them to apply plenty of pressure to the blade. The assisted-opening blade, exceptionally well-placed pocket clip, and slick, user-friendly blade lock were all highlights for the testers. The Mini-Barrage is an excellent choice for the discerning user who is willing to transport and maintain track of a costly piece of equipment that is of good quality. Those who place a high value on quality will be satisfied with the lifetime of service that they receive from the instrument as well as from Benchmade as a brand. They guarantee the quality of their blades and will, at your request and for a nominal cost, sharpen your Mini-Barrage 585 whenever you like. After continually putting this knife through its paces for the past five years, we are happy to inform that our initial evaluations have not changed.

2. Kershaw Leek

The Kershaw Leek is a lightweight, assisted-opening tool that features a blade with a distinguished lineage and retails for approximately one-half the price of comparable high-end knives. The blade is crafted from high-quality steel and retains its edge after leaving the manufacturer. The Leek’s aided opening is similar to that of the Mini-Barrage, and it can be opened with either thumb and secured in the closed position. In addition, Kershaw designed a tab that is located on the back of the blade, which enables the user to open the knife with their index finger. The blade and handle are durable enough to be carried easily and put through light to moderate wear.

Product Highlights

The biggest disadvantage of the Leek is the narrow handle profile that it has. The Mini-Barrage and the Leek are quite comparable in many respects; however, the Leek has a thinner blade and handle than the Mini-Barrage does. Some users will find the reduced profile to be more convenient for carrying, despite the fact that it demands compromises in edge and handle thickness. The thin blade is fantastic for smooth and light cutting, but it is prone to warping under intense pressure. During the early stages of testing, we encountered this issue. The thin handle is not designed to support heavy pressing in a comfortable manner. Nevertheless, this is a stunning and practical knife, and the price is unbeatable for the quality of the steel.

After conducting exhaustive research and analysis on a small number of the best pocket knives in the world, we came to the conclusion that the Kershaw Leek is the best of the best at a price that is affordable. In our test, we used knives that were both less expensive and ready for more rough use, but none of the other knives were able to strike the value-to-price ratio of the Leek. An award was bestowed upon the Leek in recognition of its many practical applications, long service life, and competitive cost.

What We Like

The Leek is a knife that is both beautifully constructed and functional. The thin blade is crafted using superior steel and a close eye on the minute details of its construction. It is possible to use either the thumb or the index finger to activate the assisted-opening feature. This adaptability and simplicity of implementation alone make it stand out, regardless of the cost. We put the Leek through its paces many years ago, and then we examined it one more not too long ago. We don’t leave anything out. Even after doing more tests with a few dozen knives in the intervening years, our findings from years ago have not changed. In a way that feels completely ageless, The Leek is a wonderful dish.

3. Sanrenmu 7010

The Sanrenmu 7010 is a fantastic all-purpose knife that can be purchased for a very reasonable price. The construction quality is very high, and the blade is crafted from 8CR13MoV steel, which provides a fantastic value. Because of how well it performs, almost all of the high-scoring models that we’ve tested that cost less than fifty dollars are made out of this steel. Some knives that cost significantly more than that do make use of the same material. The locking mechanism is reliable, and the opening with one hand function may be accessed from either side of the door. If the position of the pocket clip works for you (right pocket, tip down), then the firm steel clip and the deep carry are an excellent choice for you.

Product Highlights

If that orientation of the pocket clip on the Sanrenmu 7010 does not work, unfortunately, the Sanrenmu 7010 cannot be customized. You can only get it by doing it in this specific way. When compared to some of our favorite knives, the overall package is just a little bit smaller, and the ergonomics are slightly compromised as a result. The size, the absence of aided opening, and the limited modularity all contribute to the 3.2-ounce weight, which is quite substantial. These relatively insignificant shortcomings are not nearly enough to dissuade us from purchasing this pocket knife, which is quite inexpensive but of high quality. Because of the price, practically all of the options are eliminated from consideration.

At such a reasonable cost, the Sanrenmu 7010 is an exceptionally high-quality knife. It comes directly from a factory in China, which is reported to be producing knives for other brands using the exact same materials at a significantly higher price. The factory in question is located in China. During the time that we have spent reviewing knives, we have noticed that the value of inexpensive knives continues to improve at an astounding rate. In order to provide you with this level of quality at this cost, we need a global economy, an exchange of intellectual property, and a distribution system that is, at best, questionable. Not only are we not the only ones who have noticed what this knife reveals about contemporary consumer goods, but we also are not the only ones who are rather impressed by its functionality and price.

What We Like

Sanrenmu’s 7010 model, which was formerly sold under the model number 710 and is identical to that model, is an affordable knife that possesses excellent performance characteristics. Amazingly low cost considering how high the quality is. How exactly does Sanrenmu accomplish this? It is said that Sanrenmu, a Chinese company, used to be an OEM factory in the beginning. This meant that they made knives according to the requirements of other companies, which were then marketed and sold under the names of those other companies. It is not totally known which knives were or are made there, however there is a possibility that we have reviewed some of them elsewhere in this article. What is obvious, however, is that Sanrenmu has applied, for better or for worse, what it discovered when manufacturing the designs of others to the production of their own branded knives, using whatever it discovered in the process of manufacturing those designs. The 7010 is a fantastic knife that can be purchased at a remarkable value. They manufacture a knife that is far superior to its cost by utilizing their substantial production capacity and access to a certain kind of “insider knowledge.” The Best Buy Award went to this item without much of a struggle.

4. Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army

The Victorinox Classic is unobtrusive and always ready for use, although being noticeably more compact than the key fob that comes with your automobile. When it comes to most situations, the smaller blade is the best option. The Victorinox Classic was the first pocket knife that our chief tester ever owned, which was some 30 years ago. The blade was never bent or broken despite his whittling, prying, and prodding at it. The versatility of the Classic, combined with its space-saving design, makes it a top pick among adults. The scissors have the appearance of a toy, but they are capable of cutting through materials as robust as rock climbing webbing. The scissors are ideal for use in less demanding activities such as cutting paper or fingernails.

Product Highlights

Even though we never experienced any problems with the Classic’s durability, it is obvious that it is not as sturdy as the knives that we evaluate that are more substantial and heavier. In a similar vein, the little blade is a significant step below anything comparable to the full-sized knife in terms of size. If this is something that you are comfortable with and you have space on your keychain for yet another small piece of equipment, the Victorinox Classic will become an indispensable part of your life.

Our chief tester and writer came from a family that places a strong emphasis on hard work and the outdoors. The moment he received his very own Victorinox Classic SD Swiss Army Knife stands out as one of his first recollections associated with a “rite of passage.” This tiny pocket knife may be used for a variety of purposes, and it has proven its worth over the course of many years of use and testing, which OutdoorGearLab has now put up against the finest of the best. The consensus among the rest of our QA staff is the same. Even when compared to blades that are far larger and much more expensive, it holds up very well. Those who are otherwise hesitant to carry a knife regularly are encouraged to consider purchasing the Victorinox Classic SD, which comes highly recommended by the testing experts at OutdoorGearLab.com. If you are the type of person who claims that you will never find yourself in a situation where you require the use of a knife, we dare you to attach this tiny tool to your keys and keep track of the number of times your pride has caused you to ignore the fact that it could have come in handy. At some point, you will give in and come to truly appreciate the increased productivity and utility that comes with carrying a pocket knife.

What We Like

The Classic SD Swiss Army Knife is a compact piece of gear that serves a variety of functions and is of high-quality construction. If you hardly have place in your pocket or pocketbook for more than a car key and a house key, the Classic should go in there nearly unnoticed. It is designed to fold up small enough to fit in tight spaces. Unnoticed, that is, until it becomes necessary for you to use it. This tiny device may look like a toy, but despite its diminutive size, it offers a high level of functionality at a very reasonable cost. It is almost the smallest in our evaluation, but it comes with features that, despite their relatively modest size, each offer a high level of use and functionality. If you are looking for a knife that can virtually disappear on your keychain but roar to practical life whenever you need to tackle some light-duty task, then look no further than the Victorinox Classic. This could describe a significant portion of the world’s population, so it’s a good bet that you fall into this category. In the event that this knife is unable to fulfill your requirements, you should probably consider investing in a multi-tool instead.

5. Havalon Piranta Original

It would take a pretty compelling argument for hunters not to use the Havalon Piranta Original for field dressing and skinning animals at home. When dealing with anything other than the smallest of wild game, any blade will require sharpening at least once during the processing of the animal. Working with a duller blade is something that can be done, and many people do it. You also have the option of carrying extra knives that are sharpened. You might also carry a complete sharpening kit with you. You may also bring a Piranta and a few additional blades with you. This option is a lot less complicated than the others. This knife comes with a total of 12 extra blades, and additional ones can be purchased separately as an accessory.

Product Highlights

An expertly honed blade edge that was produced in a factory cannot be compared to anything else. You will never be able to equal the edge of a freshly sharpened blade no matter how skilled you are with your home sharpening system. It is highly unlikely that you will be able to get a very narrow edge angle repolished onto an extremely narrow blade. You can have an edge that is significantly finer than that of any reusable blade with the Piranta’s scalpel-style interchangeable blades, and swapping them in is much simpler than any kind of successful resharpening. The interchangeable blades of the Piranta allow for a new strategy in the dressing game. It’s as easy as that.

When it comes to pocket knives, the Havalon Piranta Original is the one that tops our list for hunting and fishing. In order to properly outfit game, you will almost certainly need a new blade that has been factory-tuned. To dress huge game, you will need many sharpened blades and to go through the honing process multiple times. In the heat of the moment, this can be done with some time and sharpening hardware, but it requires competence, and the edge will rarely or never be “as good as new.” You can carry brand new blades with you and change them out using the Piranta (it comes with 12 extra blades). Havalon’s parent firm makes surgical scalpels. The replacement blades for the Piranta are designed for regular usage and are just as sharp as the instruments used in a hospital. When it comes to cleaning and preparing wild animals, the Havalon Piranta outperforms every other knife that we tried.

What We Like

The blade on the Piranta Original can be changed out by the user, making it the only knife in our test to have this feature. In point of fact, it was made to accommodate regular blade swaps. The Havalon 60a scalpel blade is intended to be used in conjunction with the Piranta. Your first purchase comes with a quantity of these blades already attached to it. Instead of honing the blade, users of the Piranta replace it periodically so that it maintains a fine edge that may be used effectively. When the edge has worn down to a point where it no longer meets your requirements or standards, you replace it with a brand-new blade. This is a clever move that could be useful in some contexts. A single session can be enough time to wear down one or two tuned edges when doing certain chores, particularly those that are associated with hunting and the processing of animals. Some hunters bring along sharpening equipment, some take a number of knives, and now there are some who can bring along the Piranta. For this specific reason and goal, we strongly suggest going with the Piranta. It is extremely advantageous to have a factory-tuned edge that is low-angle and wickedly sharp through the full dressing process of a large mammal. The Havalon Piranta makes it possible to have all of that while maintaining a low weight and experiencing a minimum of fuss.

6. Manly Wasp

This knife offers excellent value for the money, as it is constructed with premium materials and high-quality blade steel, resulting in a high-quality knife that is designed to last for a long time.

Product Highlights

The Manly Wasp is a knife that is both durable and useful, and it provides an excellent value for the money. It is available in two different variations: one has a blade made of 14C28N steel, while the other uses quality S90V steel. Sandvik’s 14C28N stainless steel is essentially a more corrosion resistant variant of their 13C26 steel, which is one of the company’s most well-known steels. Even while it does not have the cult appeal of S90V, it is nevertheless an amazing steel that can be sharpened to a razor’s edge.

Both variants have handle scales made out of a robust and chunky G10 fiberglass composite, and they are rounded off with a repositionable deep carry clip. It can deftly take care of any and all common outdoor activities, making it an excellent choice for strenuous use in the great outdoors. The slipjoint mechanism has three blade stops, which means that it is exceedingly unlikely that the Wasp will close on your fingers. However, this does make the Wasp more difficult to deploy quickly. Aside from that peculiarity, there is very little about this knife that is less than appealing, despite the fact that it is rather capable.

Pros

• Excellent blade steel
• Superior constructional quality.
• Exceptional value

Cons

• Three blade stops are perhaps overkill

7. Fällkniven LTC

This pocket-sized penknife, which is designed to be legal for everyday carry in most countries, is the ideal companion for day-to-day life and comes in handy for outdoor activities like hiking and camping as well.

Product Highlights

One of the most well-known outdoor knife brands is Fallkniven, which is produced by Swedish knifemakers. However, the LTC (Legal to Carry) is a little bit different from their other offerings, which are primarily designed for hunting, bushcraft/survival, and military/tactical applications respectively. Instead, this is a small but extremely well-built penknife that has been designed to fit discretely in the pocket of a pair of pants.

The blade may be short and thin, but it is made from the premium laminate powder steel, known as 3G, that is forged by the brand. Because of this, it is wicked sharp as soon as you take it out of the rather appealing wooden box in which it is packaged. Additionally, despite the fact that the blade does not lock, it has a stiff backspring in addition to nail nicks on both sides, so it can be used by people who are either right or left handed.

The cutting ability is remarkable for a knife of this size and shape. The scales are manufactured from long-lasting anodized aluminum, and each one features a hole that can be used for a lanyard. Because of this, it is simple to attach the LTC to a keyring, allowing for ultimate portability that can be carried virtually anywhere.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Excellent level of completion
• Excellent blade steel

Cons

• Little in size to handle tougher tasks.

8. Zero Tolerance 0230 Jens Anso

This ultra-minimalist and ultra-modern slipjoint knife is incredibly light but has serious cutting power; it is the ideal everyday carry outdoor knife for a dedicated ultralighter who has a taste for premium gear.

Product Highlights

This slipjoint knife is streamlined, minimalistic, and extremely contemporary, and it has serious pocket appeal. Its scales are made of carbon fiber, which not only makes it incredibly light but also gives it a very handsome appearance. The package consists of black oxide steel hardware, a stonewashed blade finish, and a blue anodized aluminum backspacer. It has a crisp action, a double detent system, and a half-stop, and it is extremely well balanced and sits comfortably in the hand. Additionally, it has a half-stop.

The blade has a Wharncliffe or sheepsfoot style and a full-width flat grind, which enables precise and controlled cutting. This makes it an ideal tool for a variety of different types of outdoor utility work. It is constructed out of CPM 20CV, which is known as a “super steel” due to its exceptional resistance to wear and corrosion, in addition to its excellent ability to hold an edge. The performance in the real world is extremely impressive: even after subjecting it to a significant amount of strain, it maintains its razor-sharp edge.

As a piece for everyday carry, it may be out of the price range of many people, but it will appeal to enthusiasts as well as those who are simply set on purchasing the best camping knife they can get their hands on. Not only due to its lightweight construction, but also due to its meticulously engineered design and technologically advanced materials, we can see dedicated ultralight backpackers with a taste for premium gear being drawn to the ZT 0230. This is not only due to its lightweight construction, but also to its

Pros

• Construction of the highest caliber.
• Excellent 20CV steel blade
• Exceptionally low in weight
• Simple and clean, understated design
• Blade semi stop

Cons

• Costly

9. SOG Terminus Slipjoint Satin

When used for day-to-day carry on the trail as well as when put to use in camp, the SOG Terminus performs admirably in both environments. The blade has a satisfactory level of performance, and the textured handle and thumb jimping make for an excellent level of dexterity and control.

Product Highlights

Since SOG is known for manufacturing knives designed for hunting, survival, and military-tactical use, in addition to highly regarded multitools, this brand may not be the first one that comes to mind when searching for a stealthy folder that is suitable for camping, everyday carry, and general use in the great outdoors. But the Terminus is a high-quality knife that is both well-made and thoughtfully designed. It has a blade made of Carpenter CTS-BD1 steel, which maintains an edge admirably and is simple to sharpen.

A tapered drop point, plenty of belly up front, and a straight edge behind are all characteristics of the blade. The hollow grind results in a blade that is highly versatile and has an easy cutting action. The centring of the blade is good, and there is very little play. Even though there is no half stop, the blade has a large, rounded kick just past the heel that protects your fingers. This allows the backspring to effectively grab the blade when it is open. Because it has a nail nick on both sides of the blade and a pocket clip that can be reversed, it can be used comfortably by either left- or right-handed individuals.

The G10 laminate fiberglass scales have a feel that is similar to that of being tough and durable in the hand. They form a solid, chunky handle that is suitable for use even by people who have particularly large hands. The texturing and grooved pattern on the scales are also excellent, providing a secure grip and inspiring confidence. Additionally, the pronounced jimping for the thumb on the spine of the blade contributes to this effect.

Pros

• Strong constitution
• User-friendly in all respects
• Jimping for the thumb on the top of the blade for improved dexterity and control
• Pocket clip with reversible prongs

Cons

• Hardly a blade half stop
• Lightly burdensome

10. Böker Barlow

This clip-point Barlow is a timeless classic that will appeal to lovers of heritage outdoor equipment. It is the pinnacle of the traditional pocket-knife and is the epitome of the traditional pocket-knife.

Product Highlights

This knife is a traditional Barlow pocket knife, as evidenced by its rounded handle and long metal bolsters, both of which are signature characteristics of this style of knife. As a result, those who enjoy being outdoors and appreciate heritage gear will find it appealing. This particular model boasts nickel silver bolsters, natural canvas micarta scales and a clip-point blade made from O1 steel. This is a basic carbon steel that takes an edge well, is fairly tough, and over time will develop an attractive patina. Sharpening it is a breeze. However, in order to prevent rust, it requires a slightly higher level of care and attention than versions made of stainless steel.

When in use, the knife has a backspring that is reassuringly stiff and a half-stop that is clearly visible for added safety. It is a knife that is intended to be used deliberately and leisurely, as opposed to being deployed quickly. If that is also how you like to enjoy the great outdoors – we’re thinking about laid-back camping weekends in the countryside rather than ultralight mountain expeditions – then you will most certainly be able to appreciate the old-world charm that this handsome knife exudes.

Pros

The blade half stop has a traditional appearance and is both compact and lightweight.

Cons

The blade is made of carbon steel, which rusts easily.

Finding the Perfect Camping Knife

Many variables, including where, when, and how you plan to use the knife, will determine whether or not it is the ideal camping knife for you. Small, non-locking folding knives are the focus of this roundup since they are versatile, easy to carry, and powerful enough for basic cutting chores at base camp or on the trail.

Even in places with tight knife legislation, like the United Kingdom, such knives are acceptable for regular use. If this is a problem, however, you should research the applicable laws in your nation. You should think about the folding mechanism, the quality of the handle, and how comfortable it is in your hand while shopping for the best camping knife for you. Determine which blade type is suitable for your desired task by thinking about the following characteristics.

The greatest camping knife, as measured by its blade steels

The utility of any knife is mostly determined by its blade, and the grade of the steel that is used in its construction is a significant factor in determining the quality of the blade. Steel alloys can be made with a variety of components, each of which has the potential to influence the strength, durability, sharpness, and utility of a blade.

If you plan on using your knife to perform some whittling with it, you’ll need a blade of greater quality than if you’re just going to be cutting tomatoes and chicken breasts with it. Check out our article on how to sharpen a camping knife if you notice that the edge of your blade is beginning to appear a little burred, blunt, or worn.

Conclusion

There is a vast selection of different pocket knives to choose from. As we try to further organize our data, we carve away a significant portion of the expansive middle ground that exists within this spectrum. We sincerely hope that the information that we have uncovered and that we have provided with you has assisted you in making your ultimate decision and doing so with self-assurance.