Top 10 Best Folding Camping Knife in 2024

Finding the best folding camping knife in 2024 can be quite difficult, especially if it’s your first buy. 

But why is it so tricky to pick a camping knife?

The camping knife market has continued to evolve, leaving campers to choose between thousands of products.

What can a camper do? 

You can save yourself a lot of money and trouble by learning all you can about camping knives. This article will tell you all you need to know about camping knives so you can find what works best for you.  

Now, let’s get started.

Best 10 Folding Camping Knife Reviewed 2024 

1. Kershaw Brawler Folding Pocket Knife

There are several boxes that a good folding camping knife should tick. However, I can assure you that Kershaw Brawler ticks them all. 

Firstly, this folding camping knife is very stylish and comfortable on the hand. It also has a SpeedSafe feature which allows users to operate it one-handedly smoothly. You only have to press the flipper or push the thumb stud. 

Also, this folding knife is perfect for all camping activities, including fishing, hunting, and even everyday life activities. I’ll like to note that it has a nonreflective extra thick blade that draws no attention. 

Furthermore, the knife has a very durable handle and a convenient pocket clip that makes it easy to carry. The knife’s only downside is that the blade may lose its edge due to excessive use. However, it can be easily sharpened with a whetstone. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway 

This camping knife is guaranteed to serve you excellently on your camping trip.

2. CRKT Folding Pocket Knife

This is my top-rated folding camping knife for several cool reasons. It may be quite expensive, but it is worth every penny when considering its craftsmanship, sturdiness, and stylishness. 

The Provoke knife is very durable yet lightweight, thanks to its aluminum handle. The blade is also made of strong steel to provide incredible edge retention. 

Finally, the knife is safe and easy to use as the blade can be deployed with the push of a thumb. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

If you can afford it, you will have a high-performing piece in your hands. 

3. Spyderco Tenacious Folding Knife

The Spyderco Tenacious knife comes with several interesting features. However, the things I love about this knife are its small size and lightweight. 

You shouldn’t let its size fool you, though. The Spyderco Tenacious knife is a tough camping knife thanks to its big, sharp blade. This stainless steel blade is guaranteed to hold its edge for a long while, needing very little maintenance.

The knife’s handle is another noteworthy feature. Not only does it have a cool design, but it also has a firm and durable grip. As a result, you will be able to hold it securely even when you are sweating. 

Finally, you will find the knife to be super easy to carry. This is thanks to its four-way pocket clip, enabling you to attach it to your pocket, bag, etc. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This is the perfect camping knife for you if you love lightweight knives.

4. KA-BAR Campanion Fixed Blade Knife

I have included this knife in the list for those searching for a fixed blade camping knife. To put it simply, the KA-BAR Berker is a total beast. I dub it the best fixed blade camping knife on this list.

The knife’s weight and durable full-tang build make it perfect for heavy-duty use. But despite weighing a full pound, you will find the knife to be well-balanced. 

Furthermore, the knife cuts through tree branches in seconds and batons through firewood excellently. It can be used to hammer tent stakes too. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This is a piece that will never shy away from heavy use.

5. Kershaw Clash Pocket Knife

The Kershaw Clash is an affordable pocket knife that will give you great value for your money. It is specially designed to offer excellent control and make deft cuts. 

The knife has an extra sharp, multifunctional blade that combines a fine edge and a little serration. So, even if the camping knife loses its edge, you will be able to make use of the partial serration.

Additionally, the knife’s handle is made of glass-filled nylon and very ergonomic. You will also be able to mount it on a pocket clip with the tip facing either up or down. The three screws on the pocket clip will prevent it from falling off.

Furthermore, the knife’s locking mechanism ensures that it stays open while in use. To close the blade, you only have to push the steel liner lock to the side slightly. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The Kershaw Clash is very affordable and unique. It can also be used to execute several tasks at a campsite. 

6. Victorinox SwissChamp Army Knife

The Swiss Army knife is known around the world for its versatility. And with 33 tools packed in its compact design, the SwissChamp stays true to that reputation. 

The several tools that you will find in this multipurpose knife include high-quality blades, scissors, a screwdriver, a corkscrew, and a bottle opener. But despite the sheer number of tools in this knife, you will be surprised to discover how compact and lightweight it is. 

Furthermore, the SwissChamp is made with superior Swiss quality. Each tool goes through several quality checks to ensure every curve and edge is perfect. The knife is guaranteed to last for decades regardless of what you throw at it. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This is a great camping knife because it isn’t just a pocket knife but also a multipurpose tool. 

7. Spyderco Endura 4 Lightweight Knife

The Spyderco Endurer 4 is a good folding knife to go camping with. A knife weighing about 4 ounces and measuring  5 inches when closed, you will be able to fit it into your pocket with ease. 

The handle is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon, and it is covered with traction scales to provide a secure grip. A pocket clip has also been included on its handle. 

While the knife’s blade isn’t very suitable for heavy-duty tasks, it is safe to use for smaller tasks. This is because it has a spider hole through which you can safely close the knife.

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This knife will be a good fit for you if you will be camping in a well-maintained environment.

8. Gerber Paraframe II Knife

The Gerber Paraframe II is an affordable folding camping knife that offers both functionality and simplicity. Despite its cool design, it is a high-quality knife that you can put to hard use on your camping trips. 

The knife’s body comes with a slim, highly durable barebone design. It also has a thick, long blade that blends well into its slim frame. 

You will find the Gerber Paraframe II to be very easy to open. The knife is also lightweight as its handle’s design contains more air than steel. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

It is a simple yet high-quality camping knife that will save you a significant amount of money. 

9. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife

The Opinel no.8 has all the features of a great folding camping knife. But what I love the most is that it is lightweight and also suitable for the hardest camping tasks.

This French knife doesn’t come with a modern design, but it is beautifully crafted. It comes with a high-quality wooden handle which offers a good grip. 

Also, the knife has a long blade that’s good for cutting. The blade is made of durable carbon steel and easy to sharpen. 

Finally, the Opinel no.8 is a two-hand-opening knife but is easy to open. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

The knife is a beautiful masterpiece. It is a decent camping knife and something you can gift or pass down to a loved one. 

10. Spyderco Delica 4 Folding Knife

The Spyderco Delica 4 is a beautiful folding camping knife from Japan. It is more than just an elegant knife as it is a real workhorse. 

The knife’s blade is leaf-shaped and defined by the brand’s trademark round hole. It is also completely flat and finished with satin. The overall design of the blade is focused on performance. 

Additionally, the handle is made of fiberglass reinforced nylon (FRN). It is specially designed to be slip-resistant and comfortable for hands of all sizes.

Finally, the 4th generation Delica comes with a discrete handle and is available in several colors. 

Pros

Cons

Takeaway

This is a top-quality camping knife from one of the best companies around. 

Buying Guide to the Best Folding Camping Knife in 2024

If you want to buy the best folding camping knife in 2024, you need to ensure it is a good fit for your wants and needs.

How do you achieve this?

You have to consider the several factors that make up a good camping knife. 

What are these factors?

You will learn all you need to know about these factors in the guide below: 

Types of Knives

Camping knives are classified into two categories. These categories include pocket knives for camping and fixed-blade knives. Each category of knives is better suited to certain tasks than the other. Therefore, you should be careful when making a choice. 

Pocket Knives

These are the types of knives that come with folding blades. They are also very portable and easily fit into pockets and backpacks. When not in use, the sharp edge of a pocket knife will be safely covered by its handle. However, a nonlocking blade will be unsafe as it can accidentally fold while in use. You may check out the best pocket knives.

Fixed-Blade Knives 

Fixed blades are more durable and comfortable to hold. Hence, they are better suited to heavy-duty tasks. However, they are heavier and more difficult to carry around. Users will also need sheats for safety. 

Features 

This is another thing you need to watch out for before buying a camping knife. The features of a knife will give you a hint of how it will perform. 

Locking Blade 

With a locking blade, you can use the functionality of both a folding and fixed blade knife. This is because the blade becomes locked automatically when open to prevent accidents. 

Assisted Opening

An assisted opening mechanism will spring into action once you attempt to open a blade. It ensures that the blade is fully opened in no time. It also has a safety lock that prevents the blade from opening when locked. 

One-Handed Opening

Folding blades with this feature can be easily opened with one hand. You can open such a blade in a moment by simply moving a thumb. Ambidextrous knives are suitable for both left-handed and right-handed users. 

Blade Material 

The material used in manufacturing a blade will have a significant effect on its performance. For example, hard steel retains its edge better than mild steel. However, soft steel is more rust-resistant. 

Stainless Steel

This is the material used in manufacturing most blades. It is highly resistant to corrosion and rust. The various types of stainless steel by order of quality are 420HC, 154CM, and S30V. 

High Carbon Steel

Blades made from this material offer exceptional durability and edge retention. However, they are more susceptible to corrosion

Blade Shape 

Below are the different shapes of knife blades that are usually used for camping: 

Drop-Point

This type of blade is very durable and versatile. Its thick point makes it a great choice for heavy use and general knife work. Also, this offers a lesser chance of accidents because its spine reduces toward its tip. 

Clip-Point

The sharp point of this blade is created by a crescent drop located on top of it. This makes it perfect for puncturing and well-detailed work. However, it isn’t as durable as a drop-point blade. 

Needle-Point

This type of blade includes symmetrical points and double edges. It is great for throwing and puncturing. 

Tanto

This is a heavy-duty blade. Its angular tip, combined with its strong point, makes it ideal for prying, piercing and scraping. 

Sheepsfoot

The overall design of this blade makes it great for preparing food. Its spine steeply diminishes towards the tip while the cutting edge is straight. You will be able to chop, cut, and slice with this knife easily. 

Handle Material

The best fixed blade camping knives are usually designed for better grip and increased comfort. There are various materials used in making camping knives, and you should choose depending on your preferred style, comfort needs, and camping environment. 

Wooden Handles

These handles offer excellent aesthetic value and grip. However, they have low water resistance. 

Rubber Handles

They are water-resistant and comfortable to hold. Their downside is that they aren’t durable. 

Plastic Handles

They are cheap and water-resistant. However, they tend to become slippery. 

Aluminum and Stainless Steel Handles

They are highly durable, but I do not like how cold and slippery they get. 

Multi-Tools 

A multitool camping knife is much more versatile than a regular camping knife. It is more or less a mini toolbox that will help execute various tasks during your camping trip. 

However, multitools are usually designed to tackle specific types of tasks. Therefore, you should take your time to figure out the best product for your camping needs.

Tools

The essential feature of a multitool is the tools it contains. A regular multitool should include one or more blades, a plier, screwdriver, wire cutter, scissors, file, saw, can opener, and bottle opener. Other things that you may find include wire stripper, corkscrew, toothpick, tweezer, and more. 

Size

There are different sizes of multitools available. The small-sized options contain only the essential tools, while you will be able to find full-sized pliers in the largest options. 

• Keychain Multi-tools: You can go anywhere with one of these minimalist multitools in your pocket. However, they offer less durability and versatility. 
• Pocket Multi-Tools: These multitools contain more tools and, as a result, larger than keychain models. They are also more portable than full-size models. You will be able to fit one of these into your pocket or backpack. 
• Full-Size Multitools: These large multitools are more durable and comfortable on the hands than the smaller options. Also, they are better suited to car camping. And while their larger size makes them more difficult to carry around, the problem can be solved with a sheat. 

Other Camping Tools 

Asides from your folding camping knife, you will need other tools to help you execute all your camping tasks with ease. These tools include axes, shovels, folding saws, machetes, etc. You will also need the best knife sharpener to maintain your knife’s edge. 

If you are interested in finding the best all around camping knife set for your kitchen. 

FAQs

1. How often should a camping knife be sharpened? 

A stainless steel knife should be honed with steel after 2 to 4 times of use. For carbon steel knives, honing should be done after each use. Additionally, it is best to have a professional share your camping knife after every 1 to 2 years. 

2. What should you do after sharpening a knife? 

You should clean your knife after cleaning. All you will need to clean it is water and a sponge. However, no cleaning will be needed after honing.

3. What is the difference between honing and sharpening a knife? 

To sharpen a knife, bits of the blade are removed to create a newer and sharper edge. Meanwhile, honing a knife involves the process of polishing the rough surface of its edge. 

4. Can you sharpen your knife too much?

Yes, you can sharpen your knife excessively. A little material is removed from a knife whenever it is sharpened. So, if you apply excess pressure or use the wrong sharpening tool, you will be shortening your knife’s lifespan gradually. 

5. Is professional knife sharpening worth it? 

Yes, it is. Your knife will be sharper and longer-lasting when sharpened by a professional.

Conclusion 

With the information that has been provided in this article, you should have no problem finding the best folding camping knife in 2024 for you. If you think the camping knives here are a tad too expensive, you should check out these camping knives under $50.