Choosing the best folding knife is not easy especially one to use for outdoor camping activities. With so many brands to go with you could easily get stuck in the maze of choices. Reading expert reviews will help. Here is our review of the top 10 best folding camping knives of 2018.
When coming up with this list, we based our research on the relevance of use, the user reviews, best sellers, the star ratings, and simple user experience/ feedback. We also tried out the knives to see if indeed they match the standards of the very best camping knives that we have in the market today.
10 Best Folding Camping Knives: Our Pick
| Name | Price | Review |
| 1. SOG Flash II Folding Camping Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 2. Eafengrow 0456 Folding Camping Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 3. Columbia River Knife and Tool’s | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 4. The Personalized Gift Company | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 5. Gerber Swagger Folding Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 6. KingCamp Tactical Multifunction | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 7. Kershaw 1990X Brawler Folding Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 8. BlizeTec Titanium Folding Pocket Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 9. Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
| 10. TAC Force TF-705 Series Assisted | Check Latest Price | Read Review |
1. SOG Flash II Folding Camping Knife
Special Knives and Tools (SOG) is based in Lynnwood, WA. Over the years the company has become a force to reckon with in the knives production industry. They produce fixed and folders and are known for Vietnamese war knives. Here is why we included the tactful SOG Flash II here.
Lightweight Folding Blade
SOG Flash II has a Tanto Blade. The blade is a Straight edge Black TiNi highly durable blade with boosted precision piercing.
Firm Grip
The knife has a standard handle with glass-reinforced nylon (GRN) handle and straight edge for perfect grip.
Pocket Clip
The
Safety Lock
Like its fellow best folding knives cousins, SOG Flash II has a safety lock to provide extra security.
Durable Steel
The steel finish on the blade comes in an AUS-8 steel folding blade with a hard case black TiNi finish for quality and longevity.
Pros
- Light weight
- Safety lock
- Durable steel blade
Cons
- No sheath
- Dulls if overused
2. Eafengrow 0456 Folding Camping Knife
Eafengrow is a relatively new entrant to the best folding knives industry. However, it has pitch in with quality and classy designs that are yet to revolutionize the market. When we saw the Eafengrow 0456 Folding Knife and tested there was no doubt this knife fitted here.
Ideal Size
At full length, the Eafengrow 0456 measures just about 7.8 inches. This is like many other large blades that are ideal for camping.
Liner Lock
Like many best camping knives, 0456 knives have liner lock. This provides maximum safety when you are using it to slice or pierce.
Durable Steel Blade
The blade of the Eafengrow 0456 is of quality. It is forged from the 9Cr18Mov steel with a hardness of 59-60 HRC for maximum durability/ strength.
Firm Grip
Spydecro and Benchmade have proved to have the best grips with their G10 handles. The 0456 borrows the same G10 design in steel.
Quick Opening
Speed opening is part of this ideal knife. It does so with its single opening quick system that allows its 4.5-inch high-quality blade to show.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable steel
- Liner lock
Cons
- No sheath
- User manual vague
3. Columbia River Knife and Tool’s M16-14SFG Folding Knife
The Columbia River Knife and Tool (CRKT) is a US based Knife Manufacturer. It is found in Oregon. In the few years, they have been around the company has become a household name with quality knives. Here is why their M16-14SFG Folding Knife makes the list.
Tanto Blade Type
Makes it easy to carve through wood and also cut or slice through food and meat. It also gives is a stylish look.
Hollow Grind Design
The grind comes in a hollow design giving it a unique look. It is this signature design that promotes the brand.
Veff Serration Blade
The M16-14SFG Folding Knife has a veff serrated blade. This makes it more durable and prevents it from catching rust.
High Style Steel
The blade is made out of 8Cr14MoV steel with a hardness of 58-59 HRC and Titanium Nitride Finish for durability.
Firm Easy Grip
Like the Benchmade series. The M16-14SFG Folding Knife enjoys a G10 handle design with 2Cr13 for an ideal grip.
Liner Safety System
It prevents injuries and cuts by preventing the blade from opening or folding accidentally. This is important.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Liner Safety System
- Durable Steel blade
Cons
- No sheath
- Use manual necessary
4. The Personalized Gift Company: Engraved Camping Knife
The Personalized Gift Company is rather a new comer. Their Engraved Camping Knife is also new in the market but we thought it wise to include this high-quality design here. Take a look at some of its features and you will understand why Personalized Gift Company is something to watch out for.
High Carbon Steel Blade
This offers the knife high durability. It also offers it a stylish outlook with awesome sturdiness.
Drop Point Blade
This blade type is ideal for cutting through and piercing. The blade is also large in size and measures 4.75 inches.
Pocket Clip on Reverse
epending on how you want to carry this best camping knife, the clip offers the option in both ways.
Spring Assisted Opening
This only applies when you need a fast and reliable opening to your knife. It comes with a press button.
Firm Grip
The knife offers a firm grip on its customized handle. The handle also has an Attached Line Cutter & Bottle/Can Opener.
Pros
- High carbon steel blade
- Drop point blade style
- Pocket clip on Reverse
Cons
- No sheath
- Dull if overused
5. Gerber Swagger Folding Knife with Assisted Opening
For over half a century the Gerber brand has been around. They focus more on tenacious but budget friendly knives. In short, their pricing is great. It is because of this and much more that their brand in Gerber Swagger Folding Knife makes the cut today.
Very Affordable
The Gerber Swagger is readily available. It is also very affordable. For less than 30 USD you should have one.
Tactical Blade
The blade is smooth with a drop point design. This makes the knife easy to use whiles slicing or piercing.
Assisted Opening Technology
Apart from the smooth blade, the knife boasts of a one-handed assisted opening making it easy to launch.
Easy to Sharpen
With its drop point blade, the Gerber Swagger s arguably one of the easy-to-sharpen best hunting knives and camping knives we have.
Durable Steel Blade
The blade of the Gerber Swagger is durable. It is forged from a partially serrated blade with black titanium nitride coating.
Composite Handle
It has the G-10 composite handle. This provides one of the most formidable grips.
Pros
- Assisted opening technology
- Composite G10 handle
- PocLightweight
Cons
- No sheath
- Dulls with overuse
6. KingCamp Tactical Multifunction Stainless Steel Folding Knife
Though a relatively new company, King Camp has cut a niche for themselves with their tactical approach to knife production. No wonder their KingCamp Tactical Multifunction Stainless Steel Folding Knife gets a place here.
High Carbon Stainless Steel Blade
This one offers high durability and also stable use to the folding knife. It also prevents it from catching rust.
High Style Aluminum Handle
Aluminum handles are not the safest but KingCamp adds a twist to make it safe. They give it titanium plating.
Easy to Use Pocket Clip
The clip allows you to put this knife into your pocket. It is also ideal for easy and safe carry to avoid loss.
Frame Lock System
The knife has Frame Lock System. This is for safe carry and storage. It also prevents the knife from accidentally opening.
Hollow Handle Design
This design greatly reduces the weight of the knife. It also makes it compact in structure. It makes it light and easy to carry.
Metal Non-Slip Design
This makes it really safe and comfortable to use.
Pros
- Nonslip handle
- Frame lock system
- Stainless Steel blade
Cons
- No sheath
- Regular sharpening
7. Kershaw 1990X Brawler Folding Knife
Like Buck, Kershaw blades have significantly won many hearts. Based in Oregon this company is known for formidable knife designs. They have flippers and automatics and will also offer tactical and outdoor qualities. For camping and self-defense, the Kershaw 1990X is awesome.
SpeedSafe Assisted Opening
Like many other Kershaw best folding knives the 1990X comes with an assisted opening for quick but safe launch.
Liner Lock System
This technology keeps the blade firm. It prevents it from folding accidentally and causing any harm.
Flipper 4-position Pocket clip
This feature allows you to carry your 1990X safely and easily. It adds to the knives absolute portability.
Durable Steel
For absolute durability and longevity the 1990X is forged from an 8Cr13MoV steel with black oxide coating.
Firm Handle Grip
This folding knife brings to life a Glass-filled nylon handle with firm grip. This grip is non-slip.
Ideal Size/ Weight
The Blade length is 3 in. (7.6 cm), when closed it’s 4.1 in. (14.3 cm) and at full length, it’s 7.1 in. (18 cm) with a weight of 3.9 oz. (110.6 g) for easy carriage.
Pros
- Flipper 4-position Pocket clip
- Lightweight
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening
Cons
- No sheath
- Dulls over time
8. BlizeTec Titanium Folding Pocket Knife
For all the right reasons you can’t write off BlizeTech. This company enjoys some of the best reviews of online shops. Thanks to their BlizeTec Titanium Folding Pocket Knife. This company is now known for quality and ease of use in the best camping knives. Why this knife?
Sharp 20 Degree Drop Point Blade
This makes it razor sharp. It leaves the knife ideal for slicing and cutting through many things.
Ideal Handle System
Like the Benchmade Series, BlizeTec applies the robust G10 handle to their Titanium Folding Pocket Knife for no slip grip.
Nylon Sheath
Nylon sheath offers ideal carry. You can choose to carry the knife on your belt or around your waist.
Light in Weight
This knife is easily portable. At about 8.62 inches the knife weighs just around 7 oz which is really light.
Partially Serrated
This offers ideal durability to the knife. It also keeps it safe from getting corroded. This boosts the elegant design.
Liner Lock System
This system allows one to securely lock the blade into a fix position while in use. It adds to safety.
High Style Steel
The blade is made out of 3cr14 stainless steel and is coated with titanium ion carbide. This adds to its durability.
Pros
- Ideal steel blade
- Liner lock system
- Light in weight
Cons
- Dulls fast if over used
- Nylon sheath doesn’t last
9. Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife
For a classic, you must have bumped on Buck blades a number of times. Well, they are among the best sellers today. Their tactical 110 Model has been a thing to die for in an all-rounder knife search. Here are some of the best features of the Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife.
Razor Sharp Clip Point
The Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife has a razor sharp clip point 3-3/4″ blade. This is usually for easy piercing and cutting.
420HC Stainless Steel Clip Blade
It has 420HC Stainless Steel Clip Blade. This provides awesome edge retention and is high corrosion resistant.
Easy to Open
It has an easy to use nail notch on its blade. This notch makes it really easy to open and to fold back.
Lock back Safety Technology
It also comes with lock back mechanism. This prevents the blade from opening accidentally.This adds safety.
Portable / Easy carry
Buck Knives 110 Folding Hunter Knife measures 4-7/8″ and weighs just around 7.2 oz. This is as light as they get.
Ideal Carrier Sheath
It comes with a Genuine Leather Sheath/ Snap Fastener with a belt loop. This allows for safe, easy access and secures carry on.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Lockback system
- Durable blade
Cons
- Requires sharpening
- Must be stored when dry
10. TAC Force TF-705 Series Assisted Opening Folding Knife
TAC Force is no new company. It has some of the best reviews when it comes to tactical and ideal outdoor knives. This company is known for quality. Here is why their TF-705 Series makes our cut.
Very Affordable
For less than 20 USD you will land the TF-705 Series – a highly versatile best hunting knife for your use.
One Hand Deployment
The knife comes with a spring assist folding that offers rapid one-handed deployment options for quick use.
Liner Lock System
This technology allows the knife to lock securely into place. It also prevents it from opening up accidentally and becoming fatal.
Half-Serrated Stainless Steel Blade
This makes the TF-705 Series durable. It also prevents it from corrosion. This is one of a kind option.
Aluminum Handle wit Clip
The aluminum handle has a bottle opener and glass breaker for emergencies. It has a pocket clip for easy and safe carry.
Ideal Size/ Weight
The knife has a 4-1/2-inch closed length, 3-1/4-inch blade length with 3mm thickness.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Liner lock system
- Half serrated Blade
Cons
- Pushed to the side to close
- Aluminum handle
Four Different Parts of a Camping Knife’s Handle
Every best pocket knife will come with a handle. The handle is a really important addition to the knife. You will use it to hold the knife while cutting. It is also meant to provide the most secure grip in your hand. Here are the major parts of a folding knife’s handle that you should know.
Bolster
A bolster is commonly found on sporting knives. A bolster serves as a guard to keep your hand protected from the blade when you use your knife. This prevents accidental cuts among other things.
Finger Groove
Finger groove is found on the knife handle. Grooves are often more than one. Grooves are designed such that your fingers will fit into them easily. They provide additional safe and easy grip in use.
Scales
Scales are a grip component. They help in preventing knife slippage. They will work to your advantage when the knife is in use. A handle with scales is better than a smooth aluminum handle.
Tang
The tang is simple the portion where the blade of your best folding knife and its handle meet. A safe knife should have a full-length tang. This is really important when it comes to new knife users.
Basic Considerations When Buying a Camping Knife
When going to buy your best folding knife you must want the best choice. There are basic considerations that you have to make to land the best knife. They are simple and many experts suggest that they are important.
Price of the Knife
This is the first consideration. You must know the price of the knife and see if you can afford it. Some of the pricey knives such as the Spydecro, Buck, Benchmade, and Gerber, SOG, and Victorinox could range somewhere above $50.
Brand of the Knife
There are brands that are known for quality. Other brands are known for style. While other take the lead when it comes to blade types. Understand your best brands in relation to the camping knife you need. The above brands apart from being pricey are in fact some of the coolest options.
The Intended Use
If you need a collector’s knife you don’t have to think about the use. However, if you need a knife for outdoor activities including camping, hiking, hunting, and carving you will require an all-rounder tactical knife. This is different from needing a pocket knife for slicing tomatoes/ fruits.
Your Set Budget
Closer to the price of the knife is your intended budget. The truth is you can’t buy what you can’t afford. You don’t also want to overspend or spend in impulse. Life doesn’t revolve around owning the best folding knife alone. Because of this, it is important to put a budget down first.
The User Reviews
What do the other users say about your types of a pocket knife? What are the pros? What are the cons? Does your chosen knife really enjoy great reviews? Reviews come from experts and more specifically from first-hand users. It is therefore very important to listen to what they have to say.
Knife’s Durability
Certain factors such as the material used to design the knife’s blade will determine its durability. From serrated to plain steel, wooden handles to the G10 types, the durability of the knife rests solely with the materials that the knife is forged from. Make sure that you take a closer look. Let the reviews help you.
Ideal Knife Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Camping Knife
Knifey question is important, especially if you are looking for the best folding knives. They will guide you in making the most informed choices. Here are a few questions we sampled that you could ask yourself before deciding on which camping knife to go with.
How do You Want to Use Your Camping Knife?: Knife use is very important. Do you want to use your knife for cutting, slicing, carving, or simply for self-protection. The best camping knives will have so many uses including peeling wooden pegs for tent erection and slicing through game meat. Think about how you intend to use your knife before spending your money on any.
Single Vs. Multi Blade Knives: What Should You Choose?: You should also make a choice between a single blade knife or the Victronix multi tool designs. My advice would be to focus on the single most important blade – the knife blade. Don’t overdo it. However, if your usage calls for some specific different applications then do consider a multi-blade – beyond that go with the classic single style.
What is the Exact Size of Your Knife including Blade Size?: Few people pose to think about the size of their best folding knife in these three specific dimensions: when opened, when closed, and the size of the blade. Small sized pocket knives specifically boast of lengths of under 2.5 inches for their blades. Medium sizes will range up to 3.5 inches and large knives anything above these lengths always. Even so, you need a perfect knife to grip, slip in your pocket, and use limited energy with.
What Type of Camping Knife Blade do You Need? : When it comes to blades you’d want to look at the thickness, material of design, and type. Some of the most common blades that are ideal for all round knives and also the best camping knives include clip point, drop point, tanto point, spear point, spay, Wharncliffe, and trailing point among the rest. Naturally, plain edged knives will be unable to perform sawing cuts but will excel at all forms of precision cutting.
What is Your Perfect Camping Knife Style? : Finally, it is important that you choose a camping knife that suits your lifestyle too. There are many tactical folding knife styles that modern designs have brought through. They include the classic knife designs, the Swiss Army design, and the antique design with such as Buck with Rosewood Handles. The style you choose to ride with will be determined by the use of your knife.
When it comes to working with the best folding knife asking questions is important and will help you to learn more. Never stop at anything in case you need any clarifications. Simply ask the manufacturer, knife forums, vendors, and loved ones
Simple Camping Knife Considerations Many People Often Overlook
Apart from asking yourself the questions that we have seen above, there are certain considerations that many people have overlooked before as they searched for their best folding knife. These considerations include the following.
How the Knife Opens: You should be able to use your knife one-handed. Because of this the opening method/ mechanism of the knife really matters. For a Swiss Army Knife, your fingernail has to be hooked into the dent. Most other knives have thumb studs. Others have holes that allow you to flick the blade open. This is important in determining the ease of use
Types of the Blade Steel: If you trust steel over other materials like I do, then you must know why you need on your blade. Types of steel will differ even in their hardness. However, pocket knives these days are often made of stainless steel. Simply go for strong, easily-sharpened carbon steel for survival knives, stainless for pocket knives and less maintenance like our experts suggest.
Locking/ Not-to-Lock Type: The reason the best folding knife will come with a locking system is to prevent the knife from folding back and injuring your hand while at use. However, if you can control the knife without a lock, that’s still cool. There are many ideal locking types that knives come with today. They include frame lock, compression lock, arc lock, axis lock, liner, and lock back.
Plain or Serrated Knife Edge: This also important to note especially when it comes to sharpening your folding knife. Usually, plain edges are easily sharpened. If they are sharp they will cut anything. Serrated edges, on the other hand, are designed to easily cut cordage and manmade materials. Once they are dull, they require professional sharpening to get them back into shape.
The Materials of the Handle: The grip is important. It prevents your best camping knife from slipping when in use. There are very many materials used for handles. Look for something that’ll provide good grip and avoid the smooth plastic. Good options include textured material that’s comfortable in your hand like G10 in Benchmade Knives, Zytel or even wood in Buck among others.
The Blade Play/ Blade Wobble: If you open your best folding knife and wiggle its blade side-to-side you can tell how strong it is. If you can you feel it moving in its handle – don’t buy it – the knife is weak. A good blade should be secured between two slabs of metals. These metals are called “liners” and will make up the better part that the blade folds into. They add strength to the handle too.
How to Carry the Folding Knife: Definitely, you will carry it in your pocket. But think about which pocket, how deep the pocket it, does your pocket knife come with a clip, is the clip adjustable, does it offer a sheath for easy out of the pocket carriage? You should also know where the knife clip is situated and how it affects your carriage.
Conclusion
Buying the best camping knife is not easy. You need to understand the type of knife that will provide you with the experience you need. You also require understanding your personal knife needs. Above all that you should be able to determine what to go for by looking at many other factors involved including the size of the knife, blade type, and price of the knife among other things. more info.
The best way to understand all these is to follow expert reviews. Expert reviews such as the ones that we have provided here are often well researched. We have based our research on the relevance of use, the user reviews, best sellers, the star ratings, and simple user experience/ feedback. That’s how we find an ideal reviews for the best selling brands of pocket knives.
Good luck the next time you are choosing your best folding knife for outdoor camping!
