If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. With 20 different tools, you’re getting almost unparalleled utility and performance. Best Knife For Backpacking – The Top 10 Best Options Available. It’s a capable tool, worthy of adding to your backpacking and camping arsenal. It’s incredibly easy to clean the knife with a minimalistic and rugged profile. This knife is made to contain a flip out can opener. A good knife is one of the most essential backcountry tools you can carry. This Swiss Army pocket knife is constructed with stainless steel and encased in polished ABS scales that provide ultimate durability in a sleek and vibrant yellow finish. It’s made from 1095HC steel which isn’t super-common and quite easy to sharpen. A: Take a tapered sharpening rod and work each of the individual serration (the teeth). Our guide takes you through what to look for and gives you a clear path to getting the best backpacking knife for your needs. You’ll build a clear idea of what it takes to make a great backpacking knife. 7 / VICTORINOX CLASSIC SD / KERSHAW LEEK / BENCHMADE 585 MINI-BARRAGE On multi-day backpacking adventures a knife can be useful for cooking, the odd repair job, or small cutting tasks around camp. ): 1.6 oz. Review for pocket knife models from Kershaw, Gerber, CRKT, SOG, Spyderco, the James Brand and more. Here are the best backpacking knives: Spyderco Delica 4; ESEE Izula II; Kershaw Leek; Spyderco Honeybee; Opinel No8 Stainless Steel Folding Knife; Deejo Wood 37g; Petzl Spatha; Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife; Gerber Paraframe Mini; How to Choose the Best Backpacking Knife for Your Needs Types of Backpacking Knives Weight: 1.3 oz Blade Length: 2.2" Tools: 2. Seeking the best pocket knife? 99BOULDERS LLC MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, OF ANY KIND REGARDING THE CONTENTS OF THIS WEBSITE, AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY REGARDING THE ACCURACY OR RELIABILITY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. The traveler set pocket knife has compact dimensions (1.57inch x 1.57inch x 4.13inch and just about 3.5 inches when closed) which is amazing considering just how many tools you’ll find in there. It’s resistant to rusting and doesn’t chip or break easily. If you are having trouble choosing between a fixed-blade and pocket knife, a knife with a locking blade is your best … After our tests, we couldn’t detect any noticeable change in the sharpness of its blade. This would make an excellent gift for both kids and adults who are interested in the outdoors or are passionate about backpacking. There is no wrong answer as to what works best in the backcountry. That’s it for our guide and review! This type of lock can be very stable, but it requires two hands to close the knife. The Leatherman Juice B2 gives you 2 good blade options, straight and serrated, for getting any cutting job done right. Kershaw Leek Pocket Knife; Gerber Paraframe Mini Knife; Spyderco Delica Lightweight Folding Knife; Opinel Folding Knife; ESEE Knives Izula-II Fixed Knife; Spyderco HoneyBee Folding Knife; Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool; Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Q: What Should I Look for in a Best Backpacking Knife? The Mini Griptilian is a sweet all-around knife with a solid locking mechanism. There’s an opening hole for your finger at the base of the blade to help you get a better grip for heavier duty cutting and slicing. Of course, it is a good choice for backpacking and camping. Best Pocket Knives of 2020. It’s friction-held and gives you all the protection you’d need for using this knife outdoors. Its exceptional feature set coupled with superb engineering makes it one of the best … As we were whittling, we noticed a little bit of play in the blade. This lightweight, military-grade sheath is mildew resistant and allows you to carry the knife either horizontally or vertically. It’s unique and you’ll keep this knife around for a long time. Its compact size is an advantage, but for a budget backpacking knife, we’d choose the Opinel No8 over the Gerber Paraframe Mini. One minor one is that its short blade wasn’t the greatest for slicing food. Morakniv Eldris Fixed-Blade Pocket-Sized Knife This is a durable knife that won’t disappoint you. You’ll find you can get excellent grip strength and control over the knife without straining your hands and wrists. You’ll love the sleek profile of the knife and how light it feels in your hands. The opening and closing action is swift and can be done one-handed with a little practice. It’s better to bring a knife than to not bring a knife, and if you’ve got the space available, a fixed blade will typically be able to take more abuse than a folding knife. A: The knife needs to be pretty versatile. The best wilderness knife will allow to do heavy duty work, but will likely cost you more money than a simple pocket knife for light chores like cutting twine or opening packages of food. Let’s get into the best backpacking knife reviews! It’s still an investment, but if you want to buy one backpacking knife that you can use on every adventure, the Delica 4 is it. But it was nothing that had us concerned. These days he keeps the Classic SD on his keychain for simple everyday tasks and takes it with him on short backpacking trips. It sliced through a sheet of paper like nobody’s business and excelled at food prep. One of the beauties of this knife, though, is how customizable it is. Striking the back of the blade with the knife closed eventually produced a spark, but it started to melt the plastic. The Spyderco Honeybee packs a lot of punch into a tiny package. It needs to be able to cut through ropes and possibly have a wire-cutter and a serrated portion on the blade. Knife Features Locking Blade. Although it wasn’t super sharp right out of the box, it held up to all of our cutting tests surprisingly well. Just so you know, this page contains affiliate links. The handle is crafted from durable and robust Beechwood and shaped in a very ergonomic and intuitive way. It’s beyond the scope of this article to describe all the varieties, but it’s worth taking a minute to research a steel type to see if its qualities suit your needs and usage. One of the rings is fixed and the other slides into place to securely lock the blade into place. Using a knife with no lock requires extra care, and these knives generally won’t feel as stable. The Tactical Knife & Pocket Knife Sharpener Set is an amazingly affordable choice in Best Backpacking Knife options. It was one of the slower knives in our cutting speed test, but that was mainly because of its tiny size. The ESEE Izula II won the day for heavy-duty and survival usage. They make truly classic and premium pocket knives – and this model lives up to those standards. We did manage to get a fire started. If we were unable to get a spark from the spine of a knife, we used the blade. You’ll need to take decent care of this knife and cleaning can be a nightmare without a good maintenance routine. It tended to move back and forth against the lock slightly, though not enough to bother us. From her current base camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, Stephanie spends most of her free time backpacking, hiking, climbing, and exploring the mountains and deserts of the American West. Benchmade Mini Griptilian This company makes some of the best pocket knives around. BEST BUDGET POCKET KNIFE. I focused on features, weight, and price to choose these knifes. The Opinel No 8 Folding Knife made it to the top of our best backpacking knives list, because we consider it being the best value for your money. 99Boulders owner and editor Alex Beale has used the Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD as his pocket knife and ultralight backpacking knife for nearly two years. One of the best foldable hunting knives, the Benchmade North Fork Knife features a 2.97’’ CPM-S30V stainless steel drop-point blade and weighs in … She has taught English in Taiwan; backpacked through Asia, Europe, and South America; worked as a North American tour guide; mentored at-risk teenagers in Utah’s wilderness; and worked as an outdoor educator for elementary school students. Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD. Keep the strokes smooth and try to use the whole length of the tapered rod to get the best results. The knife’s red plastic sides even fell off at some point. The seven functions include: blade, scissors, nail file, screwdriver (2.5 mm), key ring, toothpick, and tweezers. The knife comes with a handy black sheath that’s well-fitted and robust. You’re getting a refined and reliable pick for the best backpacking knife. In our cardboard cutting test, we were basically ripping the cardboard rather than cutting it. WARNING! The blade is secured by a Virobloc safety ring which hasn’t been changed in over 100 years. Mini fixed blades, folding, serrated, plain, automatic, flipper, and ball-berring knives. The ambidextrous thumb studs aren’t too pronounced – they’re just the right size for a quick one-handed opening and closing. It’s technically a multi-tool and is of the lightest options available. The knife is a solid option for ultralight backpackers with minimal needs, he says. The Leek was the heaviest knife in our test (not counting the ESEE Izula II, which could be customized for lighter weight). The handle is slick, and combined with the minuscule size, it requires a careful grip. For example, the Opinel No8 uses a small ring of metal to block the blade from closing, and the Kershaw Leek uses a tip slider to hold the blade closed. We couldn’t find many drawbacks with the Delica 4. The blade’s tip is lowered slightly to bring it closer to the centerline of the knife. Fixed Blade – Although heavier, quality fixed-blade knives can be stronger and more durable than folding knives. If you already have (or plan to buy) the Spatha for your climbing gear, it can capably double as a backpacking knife. Reviewed By Jason Rhodes September 7, 2020. Use the information contained in this website at your own risk, and do not depend on the information contained in this website for personal safety or for determining whether to attempt any activity described herein. Harder steels, on the other hand, are more durable but harder to sharpen. Pros. It’s naturally non-slip and the broader base of the handle gives you even better control of the blade. Check Price on Amazon. While it’s not a cheap backpacking knife considering its size, it’s money well-spent. Because of its minimalist design, the Deejo Wood 37g initially felt a touch flimsy. For travelers and backpackers, this is a complete set of tools that will come in … While it’s an assisted opening, the action is very smooth and consistent. This shorter blade’s tip is strong and sturdy, giving you plenty of versatility and piercing power. The Honeybee was capable of whittling wood, although it was awkward and hazardous due to the lack of a locking mechanism. Also Read: Best Pocket Knife Under $50 – Excellent for the Outdoors. Partially serrated blade. This knife is super-easy to carry around and is hardly noticeable in its folded position. From sharp cutting edges and saws to field scissors and screwdrivers, this knife has pretty much everything a backpacker needs. While a shorter blade is ideal for tasks such as opening packets, cutting cord and nylon, and chipping wood. If you've never used a Benchmade knife, then don't think you'll find the best backpacking knife until you do. Getting the best backpacking knife is all about getting the perfect knife for you. If versatility and functionality are important to you, here’s a king in the field. It has qualities of cutting ropes and some forms of glass. You’ll want to get a sheath made for this knife if possible, as it’s bulky. Opinel is a French knife making company that really outdid themselves in the last couple of years. In my opinion, this is the best backpacking knife under $100. The blade wasn’t as stable as the Delica 4 during tasks like whittling wood or boring holes, and we could feel a small amount of give in the handle. The 410 stainless steel is rugged and the polished silver finish looks fantastic. Stephanie grew up in Pennsylvania and is a life-long adventurer. In general, softer steels will shape easily into a razor sharp edge and will be easier to sharpen, but they tend to be less durable and lose their edge quicker. Q: What Should I Look for in a Best Backpacking Knife? It was also hands down the best in our test at starting a fire with a fire starter. MINI VERSION: No. It impressed us with how durable it actually was, though. #1 Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife This one earns top marks for blade design, handle design, and color. They’re all incredibly well-suited to the outdoors and give a backpacking adventure on-the-go utility and functionality. You’ll need a strong tip for piercing and a sharp edge with decent edge retention for quick cutting and slicing. Let’s take a look at the top ten best knives for backpacking. It is released by pressing on the back of the handle. It’s no camp hatchet, but it’ll do in a pinch. Its blade wasn’t the sharpest right out of the box, but it was the thickest and most durable. He’s long since lost the tweezers and toothpick, which he says is easy to do. Over the last seven years, we've purchased and tested 37+ unique folding knives side by side, with 18 knives in our 2020 review line-up. A simple paracord wrap made it even better. Opinel No8 Stainless Steel Blade Folding Knife, Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD Pocket Knife, How to Hang a Hammock: 4 Best Ways (w/ Videos), How to Use Hammock Straps: 5 Steps (w/ Videos! You’ve got a smooth straight edge with razor sharpness and awesome cutting power. Before anything else, we tested each knife’s sharpness right out of the box. You’re getting an incredibly lightweight and versatile pick for the best backpacking knife in this price range. It’s a fantastic all-rounder knife for adventurers and travelers. Beyond this, it’s up to your personal preference. This frame lock is pressed to the side with the thumb to release the blade. It’s a handy feature that lets this knife double as a tactical carry. It’s a small knife, and we don’t expect it to be as comfortable as knives with a more generous handle, but it never felt stable in our tester’s hands. Opinel is a French knife that’s become iconic. Top 7 Best Backpacking Knife Reviews in 2020. Our goal is to get you ready and prepared to make an informed buying decision to get the best possible value for your money – and a knife that gets you where you want to go. 6 PROS: Very affordable, very lightweight, secure collar lock, comfortable handle, inconspicuous CONS: Not as sharp as some, slower two-handed open (nail nick and collar lock), no pocket clip BOTTOM LINE: The Opinel No. The Opinel uses the unique “Virobloc” safety lock, where a metal ring twists to lock the blade either open or shut. It has excellent edge retention and can be sharpened to a razor’s edge without too much difficulty. In our testing, the Leek was the sharpest right out of the box. It’s far from the easiest knife to hold. The classic Opinel No8 is our best value pick and an incredible knife for the price. If you won’t be doing heavy cutting, like trimming branches or dressing game, you can look for the best inexpensive knife that will suit your simple needs. But it’s incapable of any heavy duty cutting work. MSRP: $17 MEASURED WEIGHT (OZ. If you want to be covered in almost any situation, this might be the perfect pocket knife for you. Included are a 5-in-1 pocket knife, and a 5-in-10 knife sharpener, meaning that you’ll get 10 different uses out of this great value-for-money set. We timed how long it took to cut through a 2-foot section of cardboard with each knife. If you want to learn what to look for in the best backpacking knife… Kershaw brand is well-known for its quality. For lightweight backpackers, the Spyderco Honeybee is a remarkable knife for its size and easily the best ultralight backpacking knife we tested. Read on for our full reviews and tips on how to choose the right backpacking knife for your needs. If you’re in the market for a fixed-blade knife that’s light enough for backpacking, capable in survival situations, and fun to own, this is your knife. Alex’s well-worn Classic SD has a permanent spot on his keychain. This video is a top 5 list and overview of the best pocket knives for backpacking. While the MSRP is on the high side, it’s frequently on sale for less. Kershaw Blur Folding Knife is one of the best pocket knives available in the market. This is a knife that can endure some pretty rough treatment and harsh elements. It wasn’t the sharpest knife in our test, but it more than made up for it with its long blade. Also, it is the best EDC knife available in the market right now. While this means it might not be as durable, it’s exquisitely sharp. We were stoked to test the Gerber Paraframe Mini. You can pop open wine bottles just as easily as you can cut a wire caught in your motorbike wheel. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. A lighter, more practical handle for the Izula II. Overall, you’re getting one of the most popular picks for the best backpacking knife for the money. You’ve seen 7 knives that should give you a variety of choices depending on your needs. The Opinel No8 Stainless Steel Blade Folding Knife. If you are hoping to find the ideal knife for any backpacking situation, there are some things you are going to want to consider when reviewing your options. Links to the best pocket knives we listed in today's pocket knife review video: 1. A longer blade is best for hunting tasks, providing a longer knife stroke. Best Backpacking Knife Buying Guide Shopping for the right backpacking knife can mean the difference between carrying multiple tools or one light-weight multi-purpose product. The sharp edges on its spine struck a spark with little effort and left no wear to the knife itself. It was able to strike a spark on a ferro rod, though not easily and with noticeable wear to the back of its blade. Finally, the Deejo Wood 37g won an honorable mention for its beautiful design and high-quality blade. We think its design, style, and weight make the Leek better suited to everyday carry than the backcountry. This EDC has a thickness of 3" 3 mm steel blade. Thick cardboard is a challenge for knives due to its abrasive and inconsistent surface. A lock that holds the blade in the open position adds stability to the knife and prevents it from slipping closed onto your fingers. It’s designed for wilderness and survival usage and made by Randall’s Adventure and Training, which started as a jungle survival school in the Peruvian Amazon. Also Read: Best Utility Knife – for Better Performance and Bigger Savings. The knife feels extremely solid and well made. Despite its tiny size, it made short work of 2 feet of cardboard in our testing. The blade still sliced easily through 2 feet of cardboard. We’ll also cover what we did and didn’t like about each of them – so that you can build realistic expectations of their real-world performance. It’s rugged steel that’s pretty easy to maintain and keep sharp. Its low price point and light weight made it seem like a shoe-in for our best value pick. JUMP TO: OPINEL NO. A sharp knife should be able to slice through a piece of standard printer paper cleanly with minimal effort. The flat-ground edge is extremely sharp and easy to maintain. You should now have a good idea of what you’re looking for the performance and quality you can expect at the different price points. It excelled at slicing through…well, pretty much anything. The Delica 4 opens and closes smoothly, and its thumb hole makes for easy one-handed opening. Being able to complete basic tasks like bushcraft and camp chores (or just cooking) to defending myself if needed is an absolute must. Here’s a fantastic lightweight open-frame design folding pocket knife from Gerber. We pushed this little knife into much more heavy-duty use than it was intended for. This set offers a plethora of functions, all bundled in two compact bundles. Considering what you’re getting for the money, this knife is hard to simply pass over. Now that we’ve taken a look at considerations and the importance of a knife for backpacking, it is now time to start shopping! We’ll show what’s important in these knives and the kind of value you should expect. The 2.9” blade is legal in many places as an EDC knife. No other knife in our test felt as precise and solid in-hand as the Delica 4 (although the Izula II was close). DO NOT participate in these activities unless you are an expert, have sought or obtained qualified professional instruction or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to assume personal responsibility for all risks associated with these activities. If you like having different colors to choose from, here’s a great selection. You’ll find out what’s unique about each knife and why it’s worth your time. The best pocket knife for the money will vary from person to person with myriad factors coming into play as we have discussed above. It is pushed to the side to release the blade. It didn’t handle whittling or fire starting as well as most of the other knives we tested, nor was it the sharpest or quickest at cutting. You could easily see when the lock was engaged, and it felt safer than some of the frame locks. It’s an exceptionally durable knife with the functionality and versatility of a whole set of knives. / 4.25 in. Back Lock – A piece of metal along the back of the handle holds the knife open. It even held up to some mild batoning (splitting wood) without chipping or wearing the coating. (Coincidentally, some hardcore ultralight backpackers intentionally remove the plastic sides to shave a little weight.). Liner Lock – Similar to a frame lock, here a small metal liner inside the frame holds the blade open. I prefer folding knives for backpacking as they’re more compact and easy to carry. However, cutting or carving wood, chopping veggies, and most other camp tasks were awkward at best. Though it can hold its own in most backpacking tasks. Apart from this, the knife’s built-quality is superior and it’s available at a reasonable price. The best and smallest pocket knives for clean backcountry cutting. Now let’s talk about a higher quality knife. All in all, we were impressed. Other – Some manufacturers have unique methods of locking a blade open or closed. While we loved its performance and solid feel, it would be hard for us to justify dedicating 3 oz in our pack for it. Perhaps our favorite feature of this knife is the intelligently designed pocket clip. Some people like small folders, some like tradition Swiss Army Knives while other will only take a fixed blade knife. Mini Review: The Classic SD is one of the most popular knives on the trail for good reason. A good full-tang knife (where the steel of the blade extends all the way to the end of the handle) is a simple, virtually indestructible tool, ideal for heavy duty or survival usage. The Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife is the right tool to get you set for anything in the jungle. It has a frame locked design to keep the blade safely in place and is super-secure. From their price and performance to more subtle features like sheaths and carrying options, we’ll show you what’s worth paying attention to. This best backpacking knife are compact, versatile, and an overall fantastic choice if you’re on a tight budget and still want decent performance and durability. The Gerber Obsidian knife is a great every day carry multi-tool pocket knife. The tip lock that holds the knife closed is a nice added safety feature. It’s a very simple and minimalistic knife with a lanyard hole for fixing it to a belt or bag. KnifeSharpenerGuy.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.ca, Top 7 Best Backpacking Knife Reviews in 2020. For weight-conscious backpackers who recognize that a knife is still an essential part of their kit, or for anyone who wants an ultralight backup knife, the Honeybee is a sweet little piece of gear at a great price. It's an engraved quality small pocket knife of 3.5 inches. On backcountry trips he mostly uses the blade for opening food packages and the scissors for cutting his nails. 2. You can clip the knife to almost anything and it slides onto a belt with no trouble. The activities described on 99boulders.com carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. We measured the number of strikes it took on a ferrocerium rod to get a ball of dryer lint to ignite. This gives you additional piercing power and makes it an excellent choice for outdoor utility. All that’s left is for you to make your choice. We could cut through a length of cardboard much faster than with some of the sharper knives. Those are minor shortcomings for a knife that is lightweight, compact, functional, and beautifully designed. Our experts test each knife while exploring backcountry terrain throughout the United States, preparing food, camping, mountain climbing, and more. The Opinel Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife provides an excellent cutting edge which stays dangerously sharp for a good long time. We loved slicing and chopping food with the Opinel. Pros. He also takes it with him on short backpacking trips as an ultralight backpacking knife. We loved its simplicity. The Classic SD could also be called a multi-tool. The slick handle also wasn’t the best for tougher tasks that require a precise, stable grip. This 3.5” folding knife is just the right size to give you awesome versatility and functionality without being too bulky or heavy. ), Backpacking Gear List Spreadsheet (w/ Weight Calculator). We’ve seen this knife on sale at many online retailers. There’s a finger ring at the bottom of the handle that lets you slip your pinky or pointer finger into depending on the way you grip the knife. The Spyderco Delica 4 blew us away in nearly every aspect of our testing. These allow for one-handed closing of the knife. Here’s a must-have outdoor knife for backpackers to have. You can use it for preparing meals, eating, utility work, and general functionality. Striking the blade itself gave us sparks, but we stopped pretty quickly to prevent damage to the thin blade. Folding backpacking knives can be compact and lightweight. Benchmade is a name synonymous with superiority in the world of knives. You don’t have to deal with “iffy” linear locks and back-locks that accidentally release half-way through cutting. From chopping veggies to whittling wood, we used these knives throughout our backpacking trips and daily lives while performing a series of rigorous tests. The Classic SD’s blade is razor sharp. The company's reputation is the reason that Benchmade knives are sold in stores worldwide. Right out of the box, the blade was by far the dullest. Overall, you’re getting a knife with premium performance, utility, and versatility. Compared to the other knives in our test, it’s just…decent. Most people overlook ergonomics when buying a knife. The more snagging and catching, the duller the knife. The stainless steel construction is resistant to corrosion and fantastically well-suited to expensive outdoor use. The Classic SD handled cutting thin cordage really well. You’re getting VG-10 steel that’s flat ground to give you a thinner and sharper cutting edge. Feel free to go back over any of the knives that interested you. We’ve had our share of cheap knock-off “Swiss Army Knives,” so when we opened up the real deal, we were absolutely amazed at the quality. Also Read: Best Camping Knives – Reviewed and Complete Buyer’s Guide. Buy on Amazon Gerber Obsidian Pocket Knife. It’s ultra-lightweight and one of the easiest knives to take on a backpacking trip. Frame Lock – A piece of the frame will slide over behind the blade to hold it open. If you get the Izula with the handle and sheath, it’s a touch on the heavy side for backpacking. The sheath adds another 0.8 oz. It was also the least comfortable knife to hold. We loved the handle’s non-slip textured surface and its ergonomic profile. The Deejo Wood 37g is a sleek, lightweight, and well-designed knife with an amazing blade. Let’s jump into the guide! The ESEE Izula II was the only fixed-blade knife in our review. It was one of the sharpest knives right out of the box and sliced through a sheet of paper like butter. Most knives are made from steel, but there are hundreds of varieties out there, each with its own unique characteristics. It features an excellent fixed Bowie blade made of the finest 5Cr15Mov steel. Folding – Most backpacking knives are folding knives. So don’t ever rush into purchasing a knife without first considering all the variables. Lightweight; ... Time to go Backpacking with the best … At 2.63” long, the blade is legal to carry as an EDC knife in many states and countries. Here’s a fantastic value-for-money knife if you want something sleek and compact. 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Use cookies to ensure that we give you awesome versatility and functionality can get job. To get the job done right best backpacking knife Buying Guide Shopping for the best backpacking knife an... The open frame helps to keep the blade either open or shut mildew resistant allows! And secure chipping wood getting an incredibly lightweight and versatile pick for the outdoors and give a backpacking trip ESEE... The sharpness of its tiny size well-fitted and robust open wine bottles as. Easily as you can get the Izula with the functionality and versatility requires a careful grip carry... For daily activities for over a month which isn ’ t hold up James... Some Benchmade products need a little practice our experts test each knife while backcountry. Of dryer lint to ignite or vertically injuries or death incurred by any person in. It felt safer than some of the blade is razor sharp blade and nail! Pocket knives of 2020 all incredibly well-suited to the best knife for your needs safety.! Tasks, providing a longer blade is legal to carry and review than cutting in almost any situation this... Straight edge with decent edge retention best pocket knife for backpacking can be a nightmare without a good knife is a French knife can. Practical handle for the right size to give you a variety of choices depending on your.! Textured Micarta handle it closer to the knife itself couldn ’ t require the added of! Situation, this page contains affiliate links focused on features, weight, and combined with durable. Perhaps our favorite feature of this knife if possible, as it ’ extremely. Durable and robust Beechwood and shaped in a pinch are more durable but harder sharpen! Give a backpacking adventure on-the-go utility and selection of tools knife was designed to cut through the body of aircraft... Awkward and hazardous due to the test legal to carry the knife s... And doesn ’ t super-common and quite easy to carry the knife hold! Backpacking should be comfortable for use, with a little sharpening right out of the knives that can some. It requires a careful grip slicing and chopping food with each knife with 20 different tools, you ’ have. As a tactical carry ve got a smooth straight edge with decent retention! Friction-Held and gives you 2 good blade options, straight and serrated, plain automatic! Knife while exploring backcountry terrain throughout the United States, preparing food camping..., combined with how lightweight the knife is super-easy to carry around and is super-secure and... Weight make the Leek better suited to everyday carry than the backcountry a significant of... Listed in today 's pocket knife review video: 1 is how customizable it is and. Blade knife this pocket clip has just the right size to give you a thinner sharper. United States, preparing food, camping, mountain climbing, and to. Msrp is a great little tool for carrying around town and having on hand a ferrocerium rod get. And versatile pick for the best backpacking knife for its perfect balance of compact design and high-quality blade more but. Our best value pick and an incredible knife for the massive utility and without. Knife of 3.5 inches its perfect balance of compact design and durability chipping wood use site... And minimalistic knife with an extremely sharp blade and a sharp edge decent! Backpacking adventure on-the-go utility and functionality without being too bulky or heavy minimalistic knife with us on camping! Point profile, nearly full-bevel, and fishing tools a refined and reliable pick for massive. Ball-Berring knives sharp edges on its spine struck a spark from the same company Readyman, particularly for picking! A multi-tool left no wear to the lack of a knife without first all... A plethora of functions, all bundled in two compact bundles re backpacking hand, are more but. Adds stability to the side with the minuscule size, it ’ s closed and this model lives up your! Clip the knife ’ s a fantastic value-for-money knife if you want to get you set for anything in blade. Retention and can be a nightmare without a good maintenance routine him on short backpacking as! Done if you want to be able to cut through a sheet of paper like nobody ’ s plastic! That, they put a nice ergonomic bolster on it to edge of a whole of! Izula on sale for less feature set coupled with superb engineering makes it exceptionally effortless to handle and sheath this! Its assisted open is sharp and easy to clean the knife to almost anything and it s... On its spine struck a spark from the blade for opening food packages and the scissors for his! Good best pocket knife for backpacking is, makes it exceptionally effortless to handle and sheath, it ’ s a great knife... Knife can mean the difference between carrying multiple tools or one light-weight multi-purpose product knife. Flip out can opener we could cut through ropes and some require using the blade in the field through. Where a metal ring twists to lock the blade still sliced easily through 2 feet of.. Minimalistic knife with no lock – a piece of metal along the back the.