Indeed, a backpacking knife is one of the essential tools that everyone likes the most. Especially, Hikers are always looking for versatile, reliable, and durable backpacking knives. That also means that the best Backpacking knife is essential to any camping, hiking, fishing, or hunting expedition. As we know, the purpose of the Best Backpacking Knife is to cut materials,
but it is a fact that every knife used for multiple tasks. Therefore, everyone has different requirements when they go for an outing like hiking or hunting. There are various tools that a hiker or hunter takes with luggage that make their life easier. A knife is one of the tools that make your life easier when you are backpacking. It is up to your preference which type of knife you like to take with yourself. Finding an excellent knife for backpacking is one of the hectic tasks because you have many knives options you can choose from.
One thing keeps in mind; whatever you are looking for, you need to explore something that suitable for your needs and requirements. The pocket knife comes in handy in various circumstances. Whether you used it for opening a package, pop a beer bottle opener, or cut a rope, undoubtedly, a pocket knife performs well in every situation. In this review article, I am going to discuss the top 10 backpacking knives by which you can easily select a knife that suitable for your needs. Let’s start the review journey.
Contents
- 1 Quick Comparison of Best Backpacking Knife in 2021:
- 2 Detail Reviews of Best Backpacking Knife in 2021:
- 2.1 1. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife:
- 2.2 2. Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier:
- 2.3 3. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife, 3 inch Blade:
- 2.4 4. CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife: Compact Fixed Blade Knife:
- 2.5 5 Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight 7.15:
- 2.6 6. Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife, Fine Edge, Stainless Steel:
- 2.7 7. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife:
- 2.8 8. Benchmade – Adamas 275 Drop Point Blade Knife:
- 2.9 9. ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, w/Micarta Handle:
- 2.10 10. Spyderco Honeybee Non-Locking Knife with 1.60:
- 3 Buyer’s Guide for Best backpacking knife:
- 4 Important FAQs:
- 5 Conclusion:
Quick Comparison of Best Backpacking Knife in 2021:
Detail Reviews of Best Backpacking Knife in 2021:
Victorinox Swiss Army SD Pocket Knife is the best ultralight backpacking knife that comes with multiple tools. In its 7-functional tools include Blade, nail file, Scissors, screwdriver (2.5mm), Toothpick, Keyring, and tweezers. If you are looking for equipped for everyday carry, then the Swiss Army SD Pocket Knife is the best option for you. It is made in Switzerland. This versatile multi-tool is always ready to face challenging tasks.
It is made with stainless steel and polished with ABS scales that ensure durability. Its red finish gives a classy and sophisticated appearance. When it comes to the knife dimensions, then It has 2.25 inches (58mm) Length, .354 inches Height, and 0.74 oz weight. Therefore, you can easily fit this knife in your pocket, purse, or hang it with your keys. That means you can carry it anywhere.
This Swiss Army SD knife is a perfect companion for everyone because it is functional enough that you will never want to go outside without it. To re-sharpen a knife, you need to use a whetstone at an angle of 15 degrees to 20 degrees. Keep in mind, never put Swiss Army Knives in the dishwasher. To optimally maintain its locking system, you need to apply a drop of our recommended Swiss Army Knife Oil.
One of the drawbacks of this multi-tool is its small blade does not fit in hand comfortably. It is harder to hold, and it needs improvement in its grip. Victorinox offers a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against defective products and quality. The price of this item is around 16$.
Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier knife is versatile, functional, and always there when you need it the most. It is constructed with durable stainless steel and can tackle every situation. Its sleek butterfly design gives a remarkable appearance to the knife. It has a Saf. T. Plus component locking system that delivers incredible performance while opening/closing the tools. This affordable multi-functional tool comes with an open frame design, which is ideal for everyday tasks.It has 12 convenient tools include a straight blade for accurate cutting, or a serrated blade, Phillips screwdriver, large and medium flathead screwdrivers, scissors, wire cutter/stripper, needle-nose pliers, bottle opener, can opener, saw, an awl, and a lanyard ring. It comes with a ballistic nylon sheath.
It is the best backpacking knife tool that has 6.0 inches overall length, and 3.5 inches closed Length. The weight of this knife is 9 oz. Its multiple functions make it a safer and capable ultralight option.
Geber offers a limited lifetime warranty on every product to ensure the quality of the product. Their products are designed for real life, to be used, and to endure the test of time. The price of this backpacking knife is around 32$.
3. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife, 3 inch Blade:
The Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife is the best knife for camping and hiking. It is a highly compact, an assisted-opening tool which is made of high-grade 14C28N Sandvik steel. It comes with a sharp blade that can open with either thumb and can be locked closed. Its versatile, modified drop-point blade provides excellent performance while cutting stuff.The stainless-steel material increases hardness, prevents corrosion. Its edge retention is capable of withstanding against any situation. Its 3 inches sharpen blade perfect for most cutting tasks. It has a Frame lock, which gives the knife a slim, sleek style. Its Speed Safe Assisted opening allows opening with minimal effort. Its tip lock keeps the blade closed during carrying.
Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife comes with maximal functionality, extra strength, and hardness. It has 4 inches closed Length and 7 inches open Length. Therefore, you can easily carry in the pocket. The weight of this knife is 3 oz. Its blade performs well in its slicing capacity. It comes with open-handed flipper, which makes the knife easy to operate by both left- and right-handed users. Kershaw introduces high-quality, great performer, exceptional, working tools.
They use appropriate and top-notch materials to the craftsmanship of pocket knives, hunting knives, etc. Kershaw uses advanced technology to create innovative designs, sturdy, reliable knives that users can easily carry it anywhere they want. Kershaw offers a limited lifetime warranty on this unit. The price of this item is around 42$.
4. CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife: Compact Fixed Blade Knife:
CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife is one of the best backpacking knives in the market. Its unique designed handle style makes it comfortable and most natural to handle knife with or without gloves. It is an ergonomic knife that offers various blade shapes include Wharncliffe, Bowie, Tanto, and Drop point. Its lanyard helps with retrieval and grip. It is made up of 5Cr15MoV stainless steel that ensures durability.It has a plain edge blade that can face any situation. Its blade has 2.125 inches (53.98 mm) length with 0.11 inches (2.79 mm) thickness. The weight of this knife is 1.6 oz (45.36g). Its bead blast finish design gives a marvelous look to the knife. Its ergonomic handle is made with polished Resin Infused Fiber that provides a comfortable and smooth grip to the hand.
This CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife helps you to make small cuts accurately. It is the best knife for those who want complete control of the blade. It comes with Glass-Reinforce Nylon Sheath material so that you will keep it in there for long. Keep in mind, wiping the blade free of moisture before packing the knife to the sheath that will help to prevent rust or corrosion.
Its variety of blade shapes best suits for any tasks. This compact utility neck knife designed by Alan felts in Melbourne, Florida. CRKT offers a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or craft. For more details, check the company site. The price of this item is around 25$.
5 Spyderco Delica 4 Lightweight 7.15:
If you are looking for a reliable and durable workhorse knife with multiple functions, then Spyderco is the best option for you. Spyderco Delica 4 Folding Knife is the best-selling model that comes with a multi-colored hand-dyed “Zome” Handle. It has various positive attributes that give a unique expression of the Delica 4.It has a full-flat grind that extended from the spine to the cutting edge. The blade has sharp plain-edge with no serrations or teeth. It is a lightweight folding knife that has a full-flat-ground VG-10 stainless steel blade and a sturdy back lock mechanism that makes it accessible in the market.
Delica 4 has a Fiberglass Reinforces Nylon (FRN) lightweight, and sturdy knife handles that give a secure grip to the hands. The Handle is textured with spine jimping for an excellent grip. It has an overall 7.15 inches length, and 4.25 inches closed length. Its blade has a 2.9 inches length. It comes with a back-lock system that helps to protect the user from accidental injury. It is an excellent value for money product.
It also has skeletonized stainless steel liners and a 4-position pocket clip. Its clips on the handles allow you to adjust this knife to your pocket or belt. I think it is one of the great features because it gives you the flexibility to adjust it wherever you want to attach it. Therefore, it is most convenient to handle it. To ensure product quality, Spyderco offers a limited lifetime warranty against defective material or craftsmanship. The price of this item is around 78$.
6. Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife, Fine Edge, Stainless Steel:
Gerber Paaraframe Mini Knife is the best ultralight backpacking knife because it is easy to clean, carry, and open effortlessly. It is the smallest and lightweight knife in the paraframe series. It has a frame lock that can hold the blade and allow the user to open/close it safely. It has a full fine edge blade that gives precise cutting. The knife is made up of a smooth stainless-steel handle, and it has a sturdy pocket clip for secure attachment. This open-frame mini knife is perfect for everyday carry. It has 5.25 inches overall length, and 3.07 inches closed Length. It has a 2.22 inches blade, which is made up of high carbon stainless. The weight of the knife is 1.4 oz.
Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife is the best value pick. Its most generous Handle provides a comfortable grip to the hands. It is the best for those who are looking for an affordable, efficient, and durable mini-sized knife. It is a non-serrated knife that is perfect for your recreational hunting.
It is designed to do intricate cutting tasks and carry the knife in your pocket. Its sleek design gives a classy appearance to the knife. Thanks to its sturdy construction that ensure its durability. Gerber offers a limited lifetime warranty against defective products. The price of this item is around 9$.
7. Opinel Stainless Steel Folding Knife:
Opinel No8 Folding Knife is the best backpacking knife due to its ergonomic features. Its stainless-steel blade is made up of Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. It is a classically designed knife which as stainless Virobloc safety ring. It has two sections of the Vironloc safety ring include, one fixed and one sliding for secure locking.
The safety ring can block the blade in both open and closed positions. Its Handle is made with hard, durable Beechwood from France. Its blade is thin, which is ideal for heavy-duty use. Keep in mind, do not put the knife in the dishwasher, use bleach or chlorine to keep clean the knife, and leave the knife in wet condition to enhance the durability.
Opinel No8 folding knife can resist corrosion. If you are looking for some that meet all safety standards, then the No8 is the best option for you. It is a popular version of a knife that is portable and safe in use. This tool is unchanged since 1890 — most of the outdoorsmen and handymen like this version.
Opinel offers a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty against defective products. The price of the knife depends on the length of the blade and the design of the Handle. You can choose the length of the blade ranging from 7cm to 12cm. The price of this folding knife is around 23$.
8. Benchmade – Adamas 275 Drop Point Blade Knife:
Benchmade Adamas 275 Knife is a high-quality knife that comes with incredible features. Its blade is made with D2 stainless steel that is ideal for tactical use. It has G10 Handle durable and comfortable enough that makes it fatigue-free. It is a well-designed knife that holds an edge exceptionally. It is a manual knife that can be opened and closed single-handedly.
Its AXIS lock is robust and fully ambidextrous. Its reversible pocket clip provides secure attachment. It is a versatile drop-point, utility blade style serves well. It comes with a Cordura sheath that offers ultimate accessibility to the knife. It is MOLLE compatible and has a lanyard hole and a deep carry.
Benchmade Adamas 275 Knife handle scales afford much of the blade strength. Its Handle has 0.73 inches (18.54mm) thickness. It comes with 3.82 inches (9.70cm) blade length with 0.160 inches (4.06mm) thickness. The knife has 8.70 inches (22.10 cm) open length, and 4.88 inches (12.40 cm) closed Length. The weight of this knife is 7.68 oz (217.7g), and sheath weight is 1.50 oz (42.52). Therefore, it is a portable knife.
Benchmade offers a limited lifetime warranty, and LifeSharp Service keeps your knife in the best condition. That means you can exchange a product in case of a manufacturing defect, and the company will take care of it. Adamas mission is to make the best knives in the world. The price of this knife is around 199$.
9. ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife, w/Micarta Handle:
ESEE Izula-II Fixed Blade Knife is a perfect addition in your knife collection. It is easy to carry, durable, and efficient that can face difficult task whether you are at hunting, camping, or fishing. It is made with high carbon steel and comes with micarta handles. It is a perfect lightweight, long-lasting survival blade and concealed carry knife.
It has ½ inches longer handle and full canvas Micarta scales. It comes with a black injection-molded polymer sheath with a removable clip plate. Keep in mind, ESEE carbon steel knives are constructed from 1095 steel, which is a top choice for expert’s cutlery. It is ideally used for cutting hard materials or whatever you want.
Carbon steel will rust and stain if you do not properly take care of it, especially on the cutting edge and around the laser engraving. Once you have this knife, it is your responsibility to keep the blades properly lubricated and cleaned. Its blade comes with 5/32 inches thickness, full flat grind, and thumb jimping. It is drop point but acts like a straight clip point with its tip.
Its full Length would be 3-5/32 inches if you measured it from tip to scale. The weight of this knife is 3.2 oz. It comes with removable handles. It has 2.625 inches cutting edge, 3.90 inches handle Length, and overall blade length is 2.63 inches. ESEE offers a limited lifetime warranty against defective products or craftsmanship. The price of this knife is around 76$.
10. Spyderco Honeybee Non-Locking Knife with 1.60:
Spyderco Honeybee Folding knife is another the best backpacking knife that comes with super amazing features that are a good value for money. It is made up of 3Cr Stainless steel that performs unexpectedly like bumblebees, Honey Bees, and Spyderco Bugs. It is perfect for those people who are looking for reliable, affordable, and durable backpacking knives.
It has a sharpened plain-edge blade with no serration or teeth. Its smooth edge can face any situation and correctly perform as per user’s requirements. Its solid stainless-steel handle is robust, sturdy, and provides a remarkable surface for engraving. The steel material of this knife contains a minimum of 12.5% chromium, which makes the steel corrosion-resistant.
Spyderco Honeybees Knife has a full-flat grind that reduces drag during cutting and decreases overall weight. Its lanyard hole at the Handle allows you to accommodate a necklace-chain or key-chain. The stainless-steel handle is flat with an engravable surface. It has 3.625 inches overall length, and 2.063 inches closed Length.
The blade comes with 0.078 inches thickness with 1.625 inches length. The weight of this folding knife is 0.56 ounces. Therefore, it is easy to carry a knife and perfect for everyday cutting challenges. Spyderco offers a limited lifetime warranty against defective products. The price of this backpacking knife is around 22$.
Buyer’s Guide for Best backpacking knife:
The best backpacking knife comes with various capabilities that traditional knives won’t. Most of the knives are designed to cut the material, but backpacking knives are ideally used at hunting, campaign, and fishing. It gives you more options than cutting or sawing. If you are looking for a reliable, sustainable, and sturdy backpacking knife, then you should explore the market trends. There are countless backpacking knife options you can choose from. There are certain aspects that need to take into account before purchasing Backpacking Knife that helps to avoid post-purchase regret.
Material:
It is one of the essential factors that need to keep in mind while buying a Backpacking Knife. Most of the knives are constructed with steel, but there are various other options in the market. Each material comes with its unique features. As softer steels will shape easily into a razor shape edge and easy to sharp, but they are less durable and lose their edge faster. On the other hand, harder steels are more durable and harder to sharpen. Therefore, it is worth taking a minute to investigate types of steel and its qualities that help you to choose a material according to your needs and usage.
Functions:
It is another essential aspect that needs to keep in mind while choosing a backpacking knife. You should properly check out the functionalities of the knife that you select. To get the best backpacking knife, you need to choose fully equipped with helpful gadgets. Many knives have multi-tools in a single knife include bottle openers, scissors, can openers. Screwdrivers etc. these tools are useful in everyday life. It is an efficient way to carry all the equipment with you. That means you do not need to carry them separately. Ultimately, the multi-tool knife makes your backpacking trip successful.
Blade size:
It is one of the essential factors that need extra attention while choosing a backpacking knife. The blade size defines cutting capacity. As we know, the small side blade cannot handle heavy-duty tasks. It is up to your preference and jobs need. One thing keeps in mind, a knife with a 12-inch blade is impossible to carry with you. That’s why you need to choose a knife that has a small blade size, which is easy to carry and efficient enough to handle challenging tasks. Moreover, a one-inch blade is too small and easy to carry around. People choose the mid-sized blade when they are looking for a fixed blade hunting knife.
Lock system:
It is another essential factor that cannot be ignored, a lock that helps to hold the blade in the open position. It adds stability to the knife and prevents accidental injuries while opening or closing the knife. There are specific locking mechanism comes with a knifes for users’ safety. The lock system includes Frame lock, back lock, tip slider, a small ring of metal to block the blade. Most of the small knives do not have a locking system. Keep in mind, a knife without a locking mechanism requires extra care.
Blade design:
It is an essential factor that directly impacts the overall attributed and performance of the knife. You need to give extra attention to the blade design if you want to get the best backpacking knife. The blade size, shape, bevel, taper, and over design matters a lot while buying a good performer backpacking knife. If you are looking for camping knives, then the modest drop point design is the best option for you. Modest drop point knife comes with a thick, beefy blade that tapers little along its length. You can also choose a full bevel in which the knife is ground from blade to spine in a single continuous slant.
Handle design:
It is an essential factor that keeps in mind while selecting a knife for hunting, fishing, or camping. Handle design indicates the Handle comfortably grip in the hands without any hassle. Most experts recommended extensive and obtrusive bolsters that prevent hands from slipping off the knife handle and folding the blade quickly. An excellent design knife handle gives finger relief while cutting material.
Handle material:
It is another aspect that needs extra attention while buying a knife. It is a fact that knives come with different handle materials. Handles are made of rugged, synthetic, wooden, and many other materials. Most of the professionals suggest that choose a knife that has a comfortable and sturdy handle. The comfort of the Handle depends on the material. Therefore, it is worth considering.
Important FAQs:
What is the importance of Backpacking Knife?
A knife is one of the essential tools that help you to tackle various tasks wherever you are. It is always ready to solve your cutting problems. With a proper backpacking knife, you can handle the following tasks when you are outdoor, hunting, or camping: cutting rope and cord, preparing a campfire, preparing food, Jury rigging, making fire, also used as first aid.
What are the types of Backpacking Knife?
There are two types of backpacking knife include Folding and Fixed Blade. It is up to your decision which one suitable for need.
Folding: Most of the backpacking knives come in folding knives. These are highly compact and do not require the added weight of a sheath. They are lightweight and easy to carry knife.
Fixed Blade: This type of backpacking knife is heavier, stronger, and durable than folding knives. It is a sturdy tool that is ideal for heavy-duty or defense usage.
What makes for a Good ultralight Backpacking knife?
The best ultralight backpacking knife is one of the essential tools that necessary when you are going hunting, camping, or fishing. It should be lightweight, multi-functional, high quality, and durable knife.
What are the types of locking systems?
Most of the backpacking knife comes with a different locking system that ensures user’s safety.
Frame lock: A knife that comes with a frame lock it will slide over behind the blade to hold it open. It is pressed to the side with the thumb to release the blade. It allows one-handed closing of the knife.
Liner Lock: It is similar to a frame lock, but it has a small metal liner inside the frame that holds the blade open. Liner lock pushed to the side to release the blade.
Back Lock: A metal back lock of the Handle holds the knife open. It is very stable, and the user needs to press the back of the Handle to release the blade. It requires two hands to close the knife.
Others: There are other unique lock mechanism comes with the backpacking knives. Like Opinal No8 comes with a small ring of metal to block the blade from closing, and the Kershaw Leek comes with a tip slider to hold the blade closed.
Where to buy a reliable and durable backpacking Knife?
In the market, there are hundreds and thousands of backpacking models where you can choose easily. But the harder thing is to rely on the stranger supplier. Therefore, it is essential to but a backpacking knife from authorized distributors that ensure the reliability and durability of the product.
Conclusion:
The backpacking Knives are widely used. Most of the people love to carry the multi-tool knife wherever they go. The most exciting feature of the backpacking knife is it always there whenever you need it the most. In this review article, we analyze the top 10 backpacking knives so that you can easily find the best backpacking knife according to your need and budget. It is suggested that you stay in your budget and confidently pick a backpacking knife. They will never disappoint you in any situation.
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