A good camping knife is an essential tool for anyone venturing into the wilderness. Outdoor knives should be durable and versatile, helping ensure you can perform a range of tasks, from preparing food to building shelter to making campfires.
But where do you start? With so many sizes, styles and brands, it can be tricky to know what to look for in a decent camping knife. Here are some of our top picks to get you started.
Victorinox Swiss Army Knife Camper
An iconic brand with an iconic design, Swiss Army knives like this are great little tools to have on hand when you’re going on a camping trip. Anyone who’s ever had a Swiss Army multi-tool knows how convenient they are, offering a plethora of functions in a sleek, red casing.
With this, you’ll have one large blade, one small blade, two bottle openers/flat head screwdrivers, a saw blade, corkscrew, toothpick, tweezers, reamer and punch all in your pocket, ready to use at a moment's notice. This version strikes a good balance between having all the tools you need without being too busy.
Opinel No06 Carbon Steel Lock Knife
Another recognisable name in the knife game, Opinel offer some solid lock knives that make a convenient choice on your camping trip. The classic folding knife has a no-nonsense design and sturdy stainless steel blade, making it ideal for everyday tasks – although you may want something more heavy duty for the more rugged outdoor tasks.
The wooden handle is simple and easy to grasp, plus this folding knife will fit relatively easily into your pocket.
Gerber Strongarm Black Sheath Knife
If you’re after something super durable, this Gerber sheath knife is the one for you. Made to withstand anything you throw at it, this is an impressive survival knife. The blade is coated in a ceramic material, which prevents corrosion and prolongs its life. The rubberised handle also has a diamond texture, which allows for a solid, comfortable grip in all weather conditions.
This is a great all-rounder to help you out in any number of bushcraft or survival scenarios.
Gerber US1 Pocket Folding Knife
Another Gerber but a folding knife, this simple yet effective design is among our bestsellers. A step above the average pocket knife, this compact, lightweight design offers dependability and premium materials. The handle is made from glass-filled nylon and a rubber overmold, perfect for even the toughest conditions.
With a 420HC steel blade and sturdy locking mechanism, this versatile blade could easily become your trusty camping companion or go-to tool for everyday use.
For more information about lock and sheath knives, see our guide on folding versus fixed blades.
Helle Jegermester Sheath Knife No.42
The Jegermester is a well-established design, and this iteration provides a simple yet effortlessly functional option from Helle’s respected range. The sizable handle and Sandvik stainless steel blade make this a fantastic camp knife, working as a useful tool for a range of tasks, not just cutting.
The attention to detail when it comes to Helle’s knives comes through in the perfect blending of form and function.
Leatherman Bond™ EDC Multi-Tool - Stainless Steel
If one of the Victorinox Swiss Army knives isn’t right for you, but you’re still after a multi-tool, the Leatherman Bond is a brilliant option for all your camping adventures. With a basic 2.9" blade and 13 other tools, you’ll be prepared for every situation. Leathermans are brilliantly sturdy, accessible and long-lasting.
If you don’t want to carry around a larger sheath knife or are worried about the laws around carrying knives in public, something like this could be your perfect solution.
Schrade SCHF3 Sheath Knife
This Schrade sheath knife has an ergonomic Micarta handle, which ensures comfortable use and good handling – just what you want when out camping. The 12" full tang blade provides a durable, reliable experience when cutting and chopping.
This blade will perform excellently, whether you’re an occasional camper looking for a general-purpose camping knife or a seasoned outdoors person seeking a hardy survival tool.
Can You Take a Knife Camping in the UK?
You can legally carry a knife without a reason if the blade is less than 3 inches and if it is not a lock knife. Most of the knives we’ve mentioned above do not fit within these rules, but this doesn’t mean they are illegal to use (or we wouldn’t be selling them)!
If you want to use a knife that does not fit this criteria when out camping or hiking, you must be able to present a good case that it’s being used as a tool, and therefore, there’s a ‘good reason’ you have it in your possession. As a camper, your ‘good reason’ will be things like using it for preparing food, bushcraft and general utility when out in the wilderness and away from urban spaces.
Whatever the case, you will, of course, need to be very cautious about transporting, storing and using your camping knives or you risk getting into trouble with the law or hurting yourself and those around you. You can read more about UK knife laws below.
Can’t see what you're looking for among the knives mentioned above? This is just a tiny snapshot of the knives and blades we have on offer at Surplus Store. Check out our range of hunting knives, sheath knives and lock knives to discover your perfect camping accessories.