What's a good knife for a camping trip?

KA-BAR ($50), Gerber LMF II ($80-$90).. Those are both great knives. Another that looks interesting is the Gerber Steadfast. It's basically a re-make of the older Gerber LMF knife. It's inexpensive too, I think around $35.
 
I'd spend 45 bucks and get a carbon steel mora possibly a # 1 or one of the red plastic handled ones (10-15 bucks) and spend the other 30 on a fiskars hatchet or just buy 3 moras can't go wrong....my woods combo is a carbon steel mora#1 (9.50) a 12 inch ontario machete (18.00) and a Vic SAK fieldmaster (22) total cost for all 3 tools 49.50 that gives you a multitool (sak) a hani razorsharp fixed blade (mora) and a chopper (machete)
 
Hiking, backpacking, car camping? What tasks are you looking for the knife to do?
 
sodak said:
Hiking, backpacking, car camping? What tasks are you looking for the knife to do?
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We're going to be hiking and camping. I want a knife that will be good for cutting rope, and cutting small branches for a fire. I would also like to attempt some whittling in my spare time. I would also like to have something big with me in the event that I run into an angry animal. The Mora 2000 was recomended and it definitely looks great for all the small stuff but I'm not sure about the angry animal part.
 
A walking stick for animals, a knife for anything that needs cutting. An animal attack would happen very quickly, so a walking stick that is in your hand would be good. Also, what type of animal? That is important. Actually, very important.



Take care,
Scottman
 
Scottman said:
A walking stick for animals, a knife for anything that needs cutting. An animal attack would happen very quickly, so a walking stick that is in your hand would be good. Also, what type of animal? That is important. Actually, very important.



Take care,
Scottman
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LOL I have no idea, like I said, this is my first time camping. I'm just being paranoid. While a big knife might not be useful, I think it will make me feel a bit more confidant.
 
EvanBNW said:
We're going to be hiking and camping. I want a knife that will be good for cutting rope, and cutting small branches for a fire. I would also like to attempt some widdling in my spare time. I would also like to have something big with me in the event that I run into an angry animal. The Mora 2000 was recomended and it definitely looks great for all the small stuff but I'm not sure about the angry animal part.
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With no guard, Moras are worse than useless for stabbing. You'd end up cutting all your fingers to the bone. I would get a decent Swiss Army Knife (SAK), like a Vic Farmer or Huntsman (around $25), and a small cheap hatchet (check HD or Lowes or Ace Hardware). Once you've done this a few times, you'll have a better idea what you'll need. This way, you won't be out much money, and the SAK you'll use the rest of your life, the hachet will be handy for many things, both camping and around the house.
 
Honestly for general camping, a good folder and a Mora or something similar will work great and will be all you'll need. If you are camping in bear country, you could pick up some bear spray. Above all, have a great time!
 
For your price range:

Buck 119.
Cold Steel master hunter.
Larger folder such as Spyderco Endura 4.
Spend a few more bucks and get a fallkniven F1 or S1.
 
EvanBNW said:
LOL I have no idea, like I said, this is my first time camping. I'm just being paranoid. While a big knife might not be useful, I think it will make me feel a bit more confidant.
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A can of bear spray will do alot more than a large knife. The odds of you landing a fatal blow to a bear or cougar with a knife are very slim, spraying the animal will give you a chance to run.
As for the knife, look around and actually hold a knife before you buy it. I knife wont do much good unless it fits comfortably in your hand.
Personally I would recommend a RAT 3 or 5, or a Cold Steel Master Hunter, they are good quality knives that will handle most of your camp chores as well as being strong enough for light batoning.
 
I have never worried about animal attacks. I always wanted to upgrade to a Fallkniven. I use a swede saw, and a leatherman wave.
 
Animal attacks are not something I've ever been very worried about either, and I've been a backpacker for a long time (like most here).

I'd also reccomend a $10 Mora 510 (great model!), a $20 Fiskars hatchet, and a solid Swiss Army Knife or your choice (like the soldier model).

There is little that you couldn't handle with that combination!
 
the animals that you need to worry about are not the ones you can stab...mosquitoes, ticks , chiggers etc. that being said, any knife including a SAK can be used as a weapon if tshtf...you gotta get real close to use a knife, bearspray is a much better option.
 
I'll throw in another vote for the moras,I prefer the craftsman model,In any of the 3 steels.

I rarely go outside,or anywhere in fact with out a SAK,For camping I'd chose a Trekker or rucksack for the lock and larger saw,though really a hiker fieldmaster or similar is fine also.

And like others have said,a decent hatchet or machete for the bigger stuff you should be pretty well coverd.
 
A good knife for a camping trip ...

one that fits you hand well , holds a good edge , and is going to be useful for whatever it is you are camping to do ...

if you are camping because you are hunting , it will be different to if you care camping cos you are fishing , or if you are camping because you are bird watching , or just for the fun of it ... usualy anyway ..

I take stainless knives fishing usualy , but carbon steel for everything else .

I take a knife suited to field dressing when Im hunting .

if we are camping for the hell of camping , to get the kids out of the house a bit , then I bring all kinds with me , cos we dont know what we are going to end up doing .

whatever you choose , if you have a non average sized hand , find a knife shop and play with the knives first , even if you dont buy there but buy online elsewhere , you do well to know if the balance and fit suits you .

just my $0.02
 
For your price range I am going to recommend this....
http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4688
It is a both stronger and sturdier than a Mora and for the price I don't think you will find anything better !
If you were to raise your budget by $30 I could make hundreds of good suggestions !!!!
 
Hiking staff for fending off critters works better than letting them get close in because you have a knife. Use your sharp knife to sharpen the top end to a point.

Designed to be a survival/woodsmans knife, the mora 2000 is a very good blade for the tasks you will be performing. The Fallkniven F1 is a lot more money, but worth the expense if you are so inclined. The Mora 760 (SwAK) is a good one too and can accomodate a lanyard strap for securing the knife to your hand.

The recommendation for a SAK is a good one too. It's all I carry when hiking usually and I would recommend the Victorinox trekker, one hand open, locking blade and main screwdriver, no cork screw, excellent saw and very well made as are all Vic knives.

For $20.00 you could have a Fiskars 19" hand axe. Very lite weight, is shaving sharp and easy to maintain.
 
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