If you are going camping, a reliable knife should be one of the first items on your checklist. Knives are the most versatile tools in existence and a custom made camp knife is always going to find use on a camping trip. If you are planning a camping trip for fun, hunting, or to practice your bushcraft skills. Knowing what to look for in a knife can help you get all of your camp chores done easily.
The first step to finding the right camp knife for you is to understand how you like to camp. If you are just going to enjoy a casual camping trip or you’re bringing a camper along with you. You probably aren’t going to need an intense fixed blade custom knife that can handle chopping and other intense tasks. A small folding knife can handle most casual camping chores. Though a larger fixed blade is always useful for food preparation.
Where you start needing to really think about the knife you’re bringing is when your camping trips will involve doing more work and preparing things like firewood or shelter. Tough tasks require tough tools and a fixed blade knife with a full tang is always going to be the best tool for the job. With a good fixed blade knife at your side you will be able to chop small trees for creating shelters and other structures. You should also be able to baton firewood and easily strike a ferro rod on the spine of your knife.
A good camping knife should have a blade with a length between 3.5 and 6 inches. This length will ensure that your knife has enough heft for heavy duty tasks. While also maintaining a manageable blade size for completing fine tasks like preparing game and food. Some campers may also consider bringing a smaller knife with them for completing certain jobs. And also bringing a large knife, machete, or hatchet for completing some of the heavier tasks.
No matter what tools you plan on bringing with you on your next camping trip. You need to ensure that they are well constructed. This means dealing with companies that use high quality steel and designs that are functional. Some outdoor enthusiasts will insist that you should only consider custom made camp knives. But custom knives are far from the only option. Handmade knives are almost always beautiful and well constructed. But the only real requirement for a camp knife is to find one that will do the work you need.
There are plenty of knife manufacturers who are dedicated and quality and who stand by their products. Some brands like ESEE even offer lifetime warranties with their knives. This means that you can invest in a knife with the knowledge. That you won’t have to pull any punches when you’re out in the woods working. If you already know the knife style/shape you prefer. All you have to do is find a design you like from a quality manufacturer.
If you are looking for a great deal on camping knives, The Knife Connection has plenty of options to choose from. You can find custom made camp knives or use their exclusive Custom Knife Builder to choose colors and accessories so you put together your perfect ESEE, Ontario Knife Company, or Architect knife bundle. You will also find a huge selection of folding knives and large blades options to suit any knife niche you need to need to fill.