Planning for your next big camping adventure? It’s out in the wild, and things might sometimes get unpredictable. This makes it important to pack right for the camping, at least arm yourself with all the basics. Camping means pitching your tent, possibly building a makeshift shelter, chopping or cutting firewood, making food, cutting ropes and a range of other things.
This makes well-crafted, sharp handmade camping knives a perfect companion for your camping trip. The knives are versatile and serve numerous purposes, from clearing the path of bushes, chopping food, splitting wood and serving as a self-defense tool. However, carrying a heavy or bulky knife is not recommended as packing light is the rule of camping.
With thousands of options available, here is how to choose the best camping knife to carry along on your next adventure:
Choosing between a fixed or folding blade knife
In the fixed blade knife, the blade runs along the length of the knife throughout the handle, making it one entity. However, folding knives are those where the blades retract and fold themselves into the handles. It is easy to open and close the knife with the help of a hinge. If you plan camping that requires you to do rigorous activities like chopping wood, it is best to carry a fixed-blade knife covered in a sheath. However, if camping is light and does not require many activities, a folding knife is best as it is compact and saves space.
Blade material
The material of the blade is an important element that defines the product’s durability. While stainless steel is the most common material used for knife blade construction, other materials like titanium or carbon steel are also used.
- Carbon steel has a higher carbon content, making it stronger and more durable. It is easy to sharpen the blades, but exposure to moisture or water leads to the blade’s rust. Hence, it is not recommended when camping for a longer time in wet areas.
- Stainless steel is one of the most commonly used materials and is resistant to corrosion and rusting. This makes a great all-time favourite blade material.
- Titanium is another less common material but is great as it is durable and ultra-lightweight.
Handle grip
Another important aspect while choosing a camping knife is the quality of the handle and grip it offers. Traditionally, wood was used for making the handles, but synthetic materials like plastic, rubber etc. are used for making the handle. Always choose a knife that has an ergonomically designed handle and is comfortable for the user. If you plan on camping in a wet area or if your palms sweat a lot, it is best to opt for textured or knurled handles to strengthen the grip.
The shape of the knife edge
The grind or shape of the knife edge is a crucial factor that defines the knife’s sharpness and overall durability. Camping knives are intended for usages like cutting food, firewood, ropes etc.; hence, a strong, sharp grind is important. Always opt for a knife with a Scandinavian grind as it has high strength and is easy to sharpen. Scandinavian grind is the all-rounded knife used for general camping and bushcraft.
Conclusion
Camping is fun, but it gets more exciting and fun when you are well-packed and prepared for any unfavourable situation. A camping knife is a saviour and must always be packed while preparing for your next camping trip. Knives are versatile in terms of their utility and purpose and are an excellent tool for the outdoors.
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