6 Best Camping Knives of 2022

When it was first introduced, the Delica 4 FRN Lightweight was revolutionary, because it offered an impressively lightweight and compact size at just a fraction of high-end knife prices.

The knife is made to the company’s exacting standards in Japan from high-quality VG-10 Steel. While this knife certainly isn’t cheap, by Spyderco standards, it’s one of the more affordable options available.

Campers can choose from a plain, serrated, and combination edge, all of which are flat saber-ground for a stronger tip and added durability. It also comes with Spyderco’s classic circular opening at the bottom of the blade to make it easier for you to open the knife with one hand.

Moreover, the handle on the Delica 4 FRN Lightweight is made from fiberglass-reinforced nylon. It’s modeled using Bi-Directional Texturing, which provides ample traction for precision knife work or chopping kindling.

The Specs:

• Weight: 2 oz (56.7g)
• Type: Folding
• Blade Material: 8Cr13MoV Steel

Pros:

• Budget-friendly price
• Very lightweight and compact
• G-10 handle for durability and weight savings

Cons:

• Thin handle design can be difficult for larger hands

The Kershaw Chill is a budget-friendly folding blade that comes with a backpacker-approved weight of just 2oz, making it a good companion for more extended expeditions. It boasts a G-10 handle, which provides ample grip without adding a ton of weight to your pack.

As far as the blade goes, Kershaw made this knife with burly 8Cr13MoV steel, which holds an edge well and resists rusting. While it lacks an assisted opening mechanism, the Chill does have an easy to use manual washer opening system.

Moreover, although the thin handle on this knife can be challenging to use for people with larger hands, the Chill does come with an ergonomic grip for better traction. To top it all off, this knife has a reversible pocket clip for added comfort in transport.

Runner Up: Gerber LST

Another option, when cost savings are of the utmost importance, is the Gerber LST. This knife is among the most affordable on the market and weighs just 1.4oz, so it's ideal for long-distance hikers. 

It’s made in the USA with an all synthetic handle and durable 420HC steel blade for a lifetime of adventure.

Specs:

• Weight: 4.3 oz (121.9g)
• Type: Folding
• Blade Material: 1.4116 Steel

Pros:

• Field strip design allows for cleaning on the go
• Durable materials
• Ergonomic handle for comfort

Cons: 

• Somewhat heavy

The CRKT Homefront EDC Folding Pocket Knife boasts a plain edge made from 1.4116 steel with a stonewash finish. It tips the scales at 4.3oz (121.9g), so it’s not the lightest option on the market, but it’s certainly not the heaviest, either.

Where the Homefront EDC really shines, however, is with its innovative “Field Strip” technology. Thanks to this high-end feature, you can easily disassemble the entire folding knife into its individual components with just the flip of a switch.

This means that you can quickly and easily clean your knife out, even while in the backcountry for an extended period. Additionally, the Homefront EDC is made with a glass-reinforced nylon handle, so it’s designed to last through years of use.

Runner Up: Kershaw Leek

For a slightly lighter and more affordable option, the Kershaw Leek is a good companion on any backpacking trip. Boasting a 3” blade made from Sandvik 14C28N steel and a 410 stainless steel handle, the Leek is durable enough for any adventure. Plus, it weighs in at just 3oz, which is light enough for nearly any camping trip.

Specs:

• Weight: 3.8 oz (108.9g)
• Type: Fixed
• Blade Material: Stainless Steel

Pros:

• Very affordable
• Rockered blade for food chopping and general kitchen prep
• Rubber handle for a secure grip

Cons:

• Bulky packed size

 Let’s face it: Mealtime is one of the best parts of camping. After a long day on the trail, getting to enjoy some quality backcountry gourmet is a great way to lift anyone’s spirits.

While we often resort to pocket knives for our food prep, they’re never as good as a quality kitchen knife. Thankfully, the budget-friendly GSI Outdoors Santoku 6” Chef’s Knife is ready to help.

This purpose-built Santoku-style knife is made with a stainless steel blade that’s perfectly rockered to provide a smooth, comfortable chopping experience. It also has a super grippy rubber handle so you can prep your food without worry.

Although the GSI Outdoors Santoku 6” Chef’s Knife is a bit bulky for everyday carry, it does come with a snazzy protective sheath. This makes it easier to pack along on car camping and short backpacking trips where eating well is a top priority.

Honorable Mention: GSI Outdoors Santoku 4” Paring Knife

If you want a knife to use around the camp kitchen that’s a bit more portable than the GSI Outdoors Santoku 6” Chef’s Knife, the GSI Outdoors Santoku 4” Paring Knife is a reliable alternative.

This knife is lighter and more packable than its bigger cousin, and it comes with its protective sheath. Plus, it’s even more affordable so you can stay on budget while shopping for new gear.

Specs:

• Weight: 0.8 lbs
• Type: Folding
• Blade Material: S30V Steel

Pros:

• 19 different tool options available
• Three different blades
• Titanium build for maximum durability

Cons:

• Relatively expensive

Featuring 3 different blades, including a saw, a plain edge, and a serrated knife, the Leatherman Charge+ TTi is perfect for handling any situation that might require a knife. It also boasts a full complement of different screw bits, pliers, wire cutters, scissors, and a can/bottle opener.

One of the coolest things about this multi-tool is its titanium construction. Although it’s not exactly a lightweight multi-tool, the Charge+ TTi’s titanium build allows it to save a bit of weight while still maintaining its status as one of the most durable in the industry. 

Plus, the Leatherman Charge+ TTi is backed by the company’s 25-year warranty and is made in their factory in Portland, Oregon. To learn more, check out our article on the Best Leatherman Multi-tools.

Runner up: Gerber Crucial 

Compact, yet functional, the Gerber Crucial is another reliable option for campers that want one knife/multi-tool that can do it all. This model boasts a burly combination blade that’s one of the longest we’ve seen on a multi-tool.

Although it doesn’t have nearly as many functions as the Leatherman Charge+ TTi, it has the essentials, and a much more budget-friendly price point.

Benefits & Uses of Camping Knives

Camping knives offer a wide range of different benefits and can be used for many different purposes, including:

Food Preparation

You can use a camping knife to chop veggies, cheese, summer sausage, and other food while outside. They’re also useful for preparing fish that you may have caught while camping.  If food prep is your main concern, we highly recommend you check out the GSI Outdoors Santoku 6” Chef’s Knife.

Cutting Firewood

Some knives, especially multi-tools with saws, can be used to cut small amounts of firewood so you can have a roaring campfire at night.

Gear Repair

Knives are surprisingly helpful for gear repair purposes. This is especially true if you need to cut thread or repair tape to fix a broken piece of gear.

Trail Clearing

Larger knives, particularly fixed blades, can help clear overgrown sections of the trail if you’re bushwhacking. Just remember to practice Leave No Trace and only to cut branches if absolutely necessary.

Campfire Preparation

With the right knife, you can easily make small bits of kindling to get your campfire going. Doing so can make the difference between a chilly evening and a nice night by the fire.