What To Look For in a Good Camping Knife

Out of hundreds of bushcraft blades, how do you decide, “Yes, that's the one I want?” What makes a good camping knife? What are the benefits of a camping knife?

We've teamed up with knife specialist Heinnie Haynes to create an expert guide on what to look for when it comes to camping knives.

You want to be happy with your purchase of a good bushcraft knife and confident that you've made a good choice. It's one of the essentials for camping and the survival kit collector.

But with such a range of bushcraft knives available and many features to think about, which one might you go for? 

A good camping knife for bushcraft is essential for many tasks, including hunting, field dressing, clearing bushes, building a bushcraft shelter, cutting kindling, opening tin cans, and preparing and cooking dinner. 

Heinnie Haynes stocks a wide range of fixed-blade knives from high-quality brands.

In an outdoor survival situation, a fixed-blade knife is a reliable and long-lasting tool to own. The chances of a fixed blade breaking from pressure are very slim as it's a solid piece of metal. 

Here are some recommendations from Heinnie Haynes. [Prices are correct at the time of publishing.]

Camping Knives

Fallkniven F1 VG10 Wolf 

First up is the Fallkniven F1 VG10 Wolf (priced from £145.95 – £164.95). This knife is perhaps the best outdoor knife the world has ever seen.

Its full-tang stainless steel blade has higher levels of tungsten than ever before, which elevates this incarnation of the classic Fallkniven F1 to a new level.

A staple of bushcraft gear, this light, strong, and versatile knife easily tackles bushcraft tasks.

If you're looking for a first-time blade to carry on your bushcraft journey or a replacement blade, consider this modern, updated classic knife every time. 

This beautiful tool has a satin-finished blade, a convex grind, an overall length of 21cm, and a weight of 150g.

It's available with elegant leather or zytel sheath options. The zytel sheath is newly upgraded, practical, and washable.

Reviewers recommend this highly effective knife as a “stunning example of a great, reliable tool with an upgraded steel – without breaking the bank.”

The Fallkniven F1 VG10 Wolf is frequently bought with the Fallkniven DC3 and Fallkniven DC4 whetstones. 

Real Steel 

We've raved about the Fallkniven F1, but you also can't beat the Real Steel Bushcraft knives.

Quality, well-made, razor-sharp, and easy to clean, these range from £74.95 to £101.95 – representing real value for money.

Staying with blades that have a convex grind and full tang, let's look first at the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus Fixed Blade, priced at £84.95.

A convex grind enhances a knife's cutting prowess and assures longevity, making it another staple for the survival kit collector.

This no-frills, no-fluff, no-nonsense knife is the ultimate survival companion. Our experts are always impressed with its strength, durability, and reliability.

Here are some of its key features: 

• G10 handle 
• Overall length 24cm 
• Satin-finished blade 
• BESS sharpness 123 
• Weighs 190g

How about the Real Steel Bushcraft III Convex for a similar but more economical alternative?

At £74.95, the Bushcraft III Convex with a thick D2 carbon steel blade, G10 handle, full tang, and a leather sheath represents excellent quality and value. “A real steal!” according to a reviewer. 

The convex grind is sharp and well-ground. What also stands out about this one is its modest and straight design, making it particularly suitable for the survival kit collector. 

Real Steel Bushcraft Zenith

Now, next up is the Zenith at £101.95. You can choose between the Real Steel Bushcraft Zenith Flat Grind and the Real Steel Bushcraft Zenith Scandi Grind.

Similar to but in many ways different from the Real Steel Bushcraft Plus, the powerful Zenith is a modern reimagining of the classic bushcraft knife.

It has a sleek contoured G10 handle, large flat head screws, full tang and a hidden lanyard.

Designed by Ostap Hel, this very tough tool pushes the boundaries of outdoor survival knife design. It also comes with a Kydex belt sheath. Get the Zenith in your kit bag! 

Are you looking for a small survival knife? For finer things like chopping fruits, cutting cooked meat, or foraging for mushrooms, the small fixed-blade knives by Mora or Hultafors are ideal.

Also, a smaller survival knife is generally lighter and easier to carry.

Mora and Hultafors are just two of the great producers of fixed-blade knives that we stock at Heinnie Haynes, and at the price points, it makes sense to grab a couple, one for your pack and one for home. 

Heinnie Haynes is a premium source for the hardest kit on the planet and is the UK's most trusted supplier of fixed-blade knives.

If you have any questions, their expert team is happy to help on 033 0300 0400 or [email protected]. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What are the benefits of a stainless steel blade? 

Stainless steel is rust-resistant, so a knife with a stainless steel blade is a wise choice. This is particularly true if you plan on traveling for a long time or find yourself in the rain. 

What is a tang? 

The ‘tang' describes how far the blade extends into the knife's handle. Don't forget that a full tang can strengthen the knife's handle and balance out the knife, meaning it'll be easier to carry.

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This story is brought to you in partnership with Heinnie Haynes.