When preparing your camping cooking utensil, the best camping cooking knife is one of the vital pieces you should pack. While you can carry your kitchen knife or any other type of knife for camping, it is always best to get one that is designed with camping in mind. Cooking outdoors will be more intense for a kitchen knife and the environment can dull the blade or damage it.
Modern day camping cooking knives have several uses other than cooking. You can use one for cutting and chopping vegetables and cutting meat in addition to skinning, shredding and boning. But with so many products to choose from, it becomes a chore to find the right one for your camping needs.
If you are having a difficult finding a camping cooking knife, we are here to help. We have done the legwork for you and put together a list of the best camping cooking knives available out there. The knives on this list are strong, durable and purpose built for camping. We have also attached a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you buy the best camping cooking knife.
Without any further delays, let’s jump right in.
Best Camping Cooking Knife
1)Kershaw Shuffle II Folding Pocket Knife
First up, we have the Kershaw Shuffle II Folding Pocket Knife. This folding pocket knife is incredibly sturdy and compact making it the perfect companion when you are outdoors camping.
The durability of this knife is unmatched. It is made with high carbon steel that is heat treated to be wear-resistant. The quality construction withstands both abrasive and adhesive wear to resist damage. Besides, the knife has a black matte finish that is impervious to fingerprints, smudges and marring.
Another feature that makes it the best camping knife is the glass-filled nylon handle that is durable and comfortable on the hand during use. This handle provides incredible stiffness for a secure, stable grip, and has a great ability to withstand heat.
Furthermore, the knife has two steel plates and a liner locking system that secures the blade open and prevents unmatched blade closure. This knife also doubles as a flathead screwdriver tip, a lanyard hole and handy bottle opener.
Pros
- Multifunctional
- Extremely sharp and easy to sharpen
- Durable and reliable
- Compact, ergonomic and easy to hide
- Excellent lock feature
Cons
- Cheap pocket clip
2. Messermeister Adventure Chef Folding 6” Fillet Knife
The Messermeister Adventure Chef Folding 6” Fillet Knife is built with the avid camper in mind. It is compact, lightweight and easy to carry together with the other camping gear you will be carrying with you.
The selling point of this knife is the smooth, fine edges that make it ideal for cooking. You can use it for cutting a wide range of things such as fish, vegetables, fruits and meat. Furthermore, the knife is easy to clean after use and rust resistant to keep the blade sharp and free of rust.
This high-quality 6” fillet knife comes with a distressed linen handle with an open frame design for easy handling. It is also outfitted with a liner locking mechanism that keeps the blade safely in place during transportation and when it is not in use.
Pros
- Rust resistant and easy to maintain
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Holds sharpness for long
- High quality construction
Cons
- Pricey
3. CRKT Drifter EDC Folding Pocket Knife
Next up, we have the CRKT Drifter EDC Folding Pocket Knife. This folding knife comes with a liner lock that secures the blade in place safely, and a G10 handle designed with comfort to fit perfectly in the palm of the hand.
Built with a 2.31mm/0.09” blade thickness, the knife is ideal for cooking at it cuts meat, vegetables and fruits easily. In addition to that, the blade is finished with Titanium Nitride that helps it retain its sharpness for long while being corrosion resistant and easy to maintain.
For added convenience, this camping cooking knife comes with a pocket clip for easy carrying and an ergonomic design that provides a superior grip in all conditions. It is also built with a thumb stud for easy one hand opening.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant blade finish
- Easy one hand opening
- Superior grip in all conditions
- The lock feature works great
- Sharp out of the box
Cons
- Poor craftmanship
4. Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S Folding Knife
Another best camping cooking knife on our list is the Smith & Wesson Extreme Ops SWA24S 7.1in S.S Folding Knife. This compact and folding knife is durable, dependable and ideal for everyday carry.
The overall length of the knife is 18cm/7.1 inches and has a blade length of 3.1 inches and a lightweight design of 3.5 ounces only. This makes it ideal for all types of camping as it is simple to carry and space-saving.
Furthermore, the knife is built with user convenience in mind. It comes with a pocket clip for quick and easy access. To add on that, both the finger flipper and the thumb knobs are ambidextrous, while the handle is textured to provide a secure and solid grip when in use.
What’s more is that this folding knife features thumbstuds for quick and easy opening as well as quick one hand deployment when need arises. It also boasts excellent craftmanship to withstand the rough use of camping.
Pros
- Ambidextrous thumb knobs
- Comfortable, secure grip
- Convenient size
- Durable
Cons
- Difficult to open with one hand
5. Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife
The Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife is a multifunctional knife that offers the greatest balance between value and functionality. It is built with a 4.1” blade that is made from hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel. The blade is resistant to rust and corrosion, and stays sharp for long.
To ensure secure and comfortable grasp, this knife comes with a patterned, high-friction grip handle that is large enough to sit comfortably in every user’s hand no matter the size of their palms. With the secure handling, you are guaranteed of greater control even in wet and cold conditions.
Moreover, this fixed blade outdoor knife comes with a hard plastic sheath that keeps it secure when not in use. It also comes with a belt clip for convenient carrying.
Pros
- Ergonomic high-friction handle
- Lightweight and portable
- Versatile
- High-quality razor-sharp blade
Cons
- Not rust proof
6.Kyocera Outdoor Ceramic Camp Kitchen Knife
Next up, we have the Kyocera Outdoor Ceramic Camp Kitchen Knife. This knife is unique in that it has a 4” blade made from advanced ceramic and not steel. This maintains its edge up to 10x longer than models made from steel.
Complementing the ultra-sharp blade is a high-quality construction that makes the knife ready for anything its subjected to during use. When camping, you can use it for cutting boneless meat, vegetables, soft fruits and fish as well.
Another thing that makes it the best camping cooking knife is the ergonomic soft grip handle that ensures comfortable and securely controlled grip during use. The Velcro strap included allows for easy and safe carrying of the knife, while the belt loop makes it easy to access.
To top it all off, the knife is ultra-light, portable and very easy to clean after use.
Pros
- Rust proof
- Lightweight and portable
- Ergonomic design for secure handling
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not durable
7.Buck Knives 284 Bantam One-Hand Opening Folding Knife
The 284 Bantam One-Hand Opening Folding Knife is a multipurpose knife that is ideal for a wide range of outdoor applications including camping. It is packed with a host of convenient, east to use features that maximize its versatility.
This knife has a lightweight design so it will be easy to carry around. The textures handle provides a fir, well-balanced grip during use and sits perfectly on the hand. Furthermore, this knife comes with a thumb stud on the blade for smooth, easy one-hand opening.
The blade of this folding knife is outstanding. It is heat treated to ensure that it maintains the sharpness for long. On top of that, the heat treatment gives it excellent strength for wear and corrosion resistance. It also makes it easy to clean after use and simpler to re-sharpen when it starts to get dull.
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to hold securely and use
- Corrosion resistant razor-sharp blade
- Multi-functional
Cons
- Hard to open
Why You Need a Camping Cooking Knife
When out camping, preparing your favorite meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner will make the whole expedition memorable and fun. To do this, a cooking knife is one of the essential features you need for food preparation.
Moreover, the best camping cooking knife can be used for a ton of other tasks not just cooking. It can be a handy tool to have for:
- Fishing and hunting
- Cutting ropes and wires when you are setting up the tent
- Preparing the wood need to light up a fire
- Lastly, but not least camping knives make great survival tool when you are stuck in an unknown area or when disaster strikes.
Types of Camping Cooking Knives
Camping cooking knives fall under two main categories, fixed blade and folding blade knives. Both types of knives are ideal for preparing food while camping and the model you get will largely depend on your preference.
A folding knives folds into a compact size that you can put inside your pocket and carry it wherever you go. But they tend to be less ideal for heavy duty tasks like cutting bony meat and the hard fruits and vegetables.
How to Choose a Camping Cooking Knife
When shopping for the best camping cooking knife, here are the important factors you need to consider.
Blade Material
The material used to make the blade of the knife can make or break your camping experience. Most of the camping knives available today are made from stainless steel or high carbon steel. Both materials are durable, easy to re-sharpen and rust resistant.
However, a camping cooking knife that is made from stainless steel is softer than the carbon steel counterparts. It will also lose its edges faster and therefore require regular sharpening.
Durability
You will want a camping knife that is durable enough to last for many camping trips. If both the blade and the handle are made from low-quality materials, the knife will only last for a few trips and it will not be a good investment. A tip is to get a knife that is made with high-quality materials for both the handle and the blade so it will withstand rough use and last for a long period of time.
Handle
Next consider the handle. A camping cooking knife is as good as its handle. If it has a bad handle, it will be hard to use and you might end up injuring yourself. Look for a knife that has a textured and large handle that ensures secure, anti-slip and comfortable grip during use.
Functionality
When choosing the best camping cooking knife, it is important to get a product that is functional. Firstly, the knife should be sharp out of the box and easy to re-sharpen when need arises. Furthermore, the knife should be easy to use for the work you will be using it for. It should also be easy to clean after use and have a sheath that ensures safe storage when not in use.
FAQs
- How thick should a camping knife be?
Camping knives have different blade thicknesses and it is hard to say that there is a certain thickness that fits all. A general rule is to get a model that has a solid thickness between 3/16” and 1/4″.
- Are folding knives good for camping?
Yes. Folding knives are ideal for camping irrespective of the environment one is camping in. The foldable design makes them easy to stash inside your pocket and carry them everywhere you go. In addition to being multifunctional, camping knives are also very simple to use.
Also Read,
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-vortex-scope-for-elk-hunting/
- https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-salt-water-fishing-scissors/
Conclusion
There are a ton knives from different brands that are ideal for preparing food when one is out camping. Knowing what features you need the knife to have will make your selection and buying process simple and pleasant. Hopefully, this article has steered you to the right direction and you are now able to find the best camping cooking knife for your camping needs.