Best Camping Folding Knives of 2026

Arlen Smith Avatar
Arlen Smith
Last Updated: Jan 17, 2026

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Camping folding knives are a must-have tool for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're a seasoned camper or a weekend warrior, a good folding knife is essential for cutting rope, preparing food, and performing other important tasks. These knives are compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your backpack or pocket. They are also incredibly durable, with blades made from high-quality stainless steel that can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. With a wide range of styles and designs to choose from, there's a camping folding knife out there for everyone.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 1
CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.9
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 2
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife Cover #TOP 3
Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Camping Folding Knives

CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife

Mini Praxis
Green
CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife Cover
CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife, 2.98" D2 Steel Blade G10 Handle Small EDC Knife with Pocket Clip for Men Women, Sharp Camping Survival Hiking Knives C18026C-1

The CIVIVI Mini Praxis Folding Pocket Knife is a great choice for everyday carry. It features a black stonewashed D2 steel blade, G10 handle, and ceramic ball-bearing pivot construction for quick and snappy one-handed flipper deployment. Customers love the sharpness of the blade, smooth action, and comfortable grip. It's perfect for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

What We Like
Excellent build quality
Very sharp out of the box
Smooth and easy opening
Lightweight and compact
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Handle slightly small for large hands
Pocket clip could be stronger
#TOP 2

CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Pocket Knife

C803F
A-Black Stonewashed
3.8"
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Pocket Knife Cover
CIVIVI Praxis Flipper Pocket Knife C803F

This camping folding knife is designed for practical use, with a strong and decisive blade that can pierce through tough materials. It features a lightweight G-10 handle that feels comfortable to hold and a smooth ball-bearing pivot for easy opening. The reversible deep-carry pocket clip makes it easy to carry around, making it an ideal choice for outdoor activities or everyday use.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of box
Smooth and easy flipping action
Comfortable ergonomic handle
Excellent price-to-quality ratio
Durable build and materials
What We Don't Like
Clip may loosen over time
Handle slightly small for large hands

Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife

2540089
Beechwood
3.3"
Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife Cover
Opinel No. 08 Carbone - Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife, Beechwood Handle, 3.28 in Blade, Virobloc Safety Locking Collar, Made in France

The Opinel No.08 Carbon Steel Folding Pocket Knife is an essential tool for anyone who enjoys the outdoors or needs a reliable cutting tool. This knife has remained unchanged since 1890 and features a Stainless Virobloc safety ring for secure locking. The carbon steel blade ensures excellent cutting quality, and the durable Beechwood handle provides a comfortable grip. Opinel products are guaranteed and exchanged in the case of manufacturing defects.

What We Like
Sharp carbon steel blade
Lightweight and ergonomic handle
Excellent value for price
Classic simple design
Reliable locking mechanism
What We Don't Like
Blade may rust without care
Stiff hinge when new

Matsato Folding Pocket Knife 2.55 Inch

Matsato
Brown
Small
Matsato Folding Pocket Knife 2.55 Inch Cover
Matsato Folding Pocket Knife Small Pocket Knifes for Men & Women, EDC Camping Knive, Tactical Survival Knife, Compact Folding Knife for Hunting, Fishing, Hiking, and Outdoor Adventure 2.55 Inch blade

The Matsato Compact Pocket Knife is a handy tool designed for everyday use. Whether you need to open packages, cut ropes, or handle small tasks, its sharp stainless steel blade and smooth beech wood handle make your work easier and more comfortable. Its small size means you can carry it effortlessly in your pocket or bag, making it perfect for hiking, traveling, or quick errands. When you're outdoors camping or hiking, this lightweight folding knife helps with tasks like food prep and rope cutting, while its locking mechanism ensures safe handling. This knife is a reliable companion for your daily and outdoor needs.

What We Like
Sharp blade
Compact size
Quality construction
Attractive design
Good value
What We Don't Like
May require sharpening
No pocket clip
#TOP 5

Cold Steel Luzon Folding Knife

20NQX
Black
Boxed
Cold Steel Luzon Folding Knife Cover
Cold Steel Luzon Series Folding Knife with Pocket Clip, Black/Silver

The Cold Steel Luzon Folding Knife is a politically correct alternative to balisongs. It features a 6-inch blade made of 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel, with a bamboo-inspired handle that provides a comfortable grip. The knife is equipped with a sturdy leaf-spring lock and a secondary safety mechanism that is resistant to shock and impact. The Luzon is a formidable choice for those in harm's way.

What We Like
Exceptional build quality
Extremely sharp factory edge
Impressive large blade size
Great value for price
Lightweight and easy to carry
What We Don't Like
A bit stiff out of box
Too large for some locations

Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife

123080
Beechwood
3.3"
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel Folding Knife Cover
Opinel No. 08 INOX - Sandvik Stainless Steel Folding Pocket Knife, Beechwood Handle, 3.28 in Blade, Virobloc Safety Locking Collar, Made in France

This folding knife is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and handymen. The knife features a Stainless Virobloc safety ring with two sections for secure locking, and a blade made of durable Sandvik 12C27 modified stainless steel. The handle is crafted from hard-wearing Beechwood from France. Opinel products are guaranteed under normal use and exchanged in case of manufacturing defects.

What We Like
Classic, timeless design
Affordable price
Comfortable beechwood handle
Simple, effective locking mechanism
Easy to sharpen
What We Don't Like
Wood handle may swell
Blade not razor sharp out-of-box
#TOP 7

ROMANTICIST Folding Pocket Knife with D2 Steel Blade

F01-A01-1
Green
ROMANTICIST Folding Pocket Knife with D2 Steel Blade Cover
ROMANTICIST Folding Pocket Knife - 2.95" D2 Steel Blade & Non-Slip G10 Handle - Pocket Knife for Camping, Hiking and Outdoor Tasks - EDC Folding Knife with Clip & Lanyard - Unique Gifts for Men Women

The ROMANTICIST Folding Pocket Knife offers a tough D2 steel blade that stays sharp longer and resists rust better than many other blades, making it perfect for outdoor tasks. Its textured G10 handle provides a secure grip, even when your hands are wet, so you can work safely without slipping. The knife also locks firmly in place during use, giving you confidence and preventing accidents. Plus, it’s lightweight and comes with a clip for easy carrying on your belt or backpack, making it a handy companion for hiking, camping, or fishing trips.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Sharp and functional blade
Solid build quality
Secure locking mechanism
Exceptional value for price
What We Don't Like
Blade action not very smooth
Slightly heavier than alternatives
#TOP 8

Old Timer 18OT Mighty Mite Folding Pocket Knife

18OT
Multicolor
Old Timer 18OT Mighty Mite Folding Pocket Knife Cover
Schrade Old Timer, Mighty Mite, Delrin, Plain, 2"

The Old Timer 18OT Mighty Mite Folding Pocket Knife is a dependable and durable tool for whittling, hunting, camping, EDC, and outdoor activities. With a 4.7-inch overall length and a 2-inch clip point blade, it is designed for everyday carry and easy access. The knife features a sawcut handle, lockblade, heat-treated back springs, nickel silver pins and bolsters, ensuring secure and confident use. Weighing just 1 ounce, it is lightweight and easy to handle.

What We Like
Compact and lightweight design
Sharp blade out of the box
Reliable locking mechanism
Ideal for light duty tasks
Affordable price point
What We Don't Like
Stiff opening mechanism
Minor quality control issues
#TOP 9

Gerber Gear Quadrant Pocket Folding Knife

31-003731
Bamboo
6.8"
Gerber Gear Quadrant Pocket Folding Knife Cover
Gerber Gear Quadrant Clip Folding Pocket Knife, EDC Plain Edge Flipper Knife with Pocket Clip, Gifts for Men, Stainless Steel Survival Tool, Bamboo

The Gerber Gear Quadrant Pocket Folding Knife is a slim and stylish pocket knife with a 2.7 inch straight edge sheep foot blade. It has a bamboo handle and a pocket clip for easy carrying. The finger flipping opening allows for easy use and the frame lock holds the blade steady when in use. It is designed for both function and style, making it a great addition to any job site or daily task.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of box
Lightweight and compact design
Stylish bamboo handle
Secure frame lock
Smooth one-handed operation
What We Don't Like
Opening action slightly stiff
Clip durability could improve
#TOP 10

Gerber Gear Pledge Pocket Knife

31-004072
Omni Gray
1Count (Pack of 1)
Gerber Gear Pledge Pocket Knife Cover
Gerber Gear Pledge Pocket Knife with Pocket Clip - 3.7" Full Panel Plain Edge Blade Folding Knife - EDC Gear and Equipment - Omni Gray

The Gerber Pledge Knife is a high-quality crafted pocket knife that is perfect for everyday carry. With its stainless steel, plain edge blade, you can rely on its durability and longevity. The textured grip ensures a secure hold, while the liner lock provides added safety during use. The reversible thumb stud and pocket clip offer versatility and convenience, allowing you to carry it with ease wherever you go. Whether you're a hunter, tradesman, or simply need a reliable tool for camping or work, the Gerber Pledge Knife is a great addition to your gear. With its slim design, it easily fits into your pocket and becomes an essential part of your daily routine. Backed by the Gerber Guarantee, a limited lifetime warranty, you can trust in the quality and performance of this pocket knife.

What We Like
Sharp blade out of box
Lightweight and pocket-friendly
Smooth hinge action
Versatile daily carry
Adjustable pocket clip
What We Don't Like
Handle feels light for some
Opening mechanism slightly stiff
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best Camping Folding Knives

Consider Your Needs

When choosing a camping folding knife, it's important to first consider what you will be using it for. Will you be using it primarily for food preparation, such as cutting vegetables or filleting fish? Or will you be using it for more utilitarian purposes, such as cutting rope or carving wood? Different knives are better suited for different tasks, so it's important to have a clear idea of what you will be using your knife for before making a purchase.

Invest in Quality

When it comes to camping folding knives, it's worth investing in a high-quality knife that will last for many camping trips to come. Cheap knives may seem like a good idea at the time, but they are often made with subpar materials and are prone to breaking or losing their edge quickly. A good quality knife, on the other hand, will be made with sturdy materials and will have a sharp, long-lasting edge.

Consider the Blade

The blade is the most important part of a camping folding knife, so it's important to consider the type of blade you want. There are many different blade styles to choose from, including drop point, clip point, and sheepsfoot. Each of these blade styles has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose one that will suit your needs. For example, a drop point blade is great for general-purpose use, while a sheepsfoot blade is better for cutting in tight spaces.

Think About the Handle

In addition to the blade, the handle of the knife is also important. A good handle should be comfortable to hold and easy to grip, even when your hands are wet or dirty. It should also be sturdy and able to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Many camping folding knives have handles made from materials such as rubber or nylon, which are both durable and easy to grip.

Consider the Lock

When using a folding knife, it's important to have a reliable lock to keep the blade securely in place. There are several different types of locks to choose from, including liner locks, lockbacks, and frame locks. Each of these locks has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth doing some research to determine which one will be best for your needs.

Conclusion

When choosing a camping folding knife, it's important to consider your needs, invest in quality, and think about the blade, handle, and lock. By doing your research and choosing the right knife for your needs, you can ensure that you have a reliable and versatile tool that will last for many camping trips to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are folding knives good for camping?

Whether carving tent stakes, preparing food, or doing small utility tasks, a folding knife can be incredibly versatile when you are camping, bushcrafting, or stuck in a survival situation. A good outdoor folder needs to be sturdy, versatile, quick to deploy and comfortable in the hand.

2. What is pocket knife in camping?

You can use a pocket knife to break a small piece of wood. Or use your knife to build fire. Many people use a big size bowie knife to build camping. But a good size pocket knife can handle it very easily. You may also read our full camping guide here.

3. What folding knife do the Navy Seals use?

Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length. The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length.

Editor's Notes

During our camping folding knives research, we found 24 camping folding knives products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 173,135 customer reviews through our big data system to write the camping folding knives list. We found that most customers choose camping folding knives with an average price of $23.10.

The camping folding knives are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of camping folding knives, including CIVIVI, OPINEL, Matsato, Cold Steel, ROMANTICIST. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 638 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Arlen Smith Avatar

Arlen Smith is a writer and a surfer who lives in Los Angeles, he runs a popular blog that focuses on surfing skills and popular surf spots around the world. He enjoys the sun, the beach and the feeling of surfing. His expertise ranges from categories such as climbing, swimming, boating and outdoor sports.

Camping Folding Knives Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand CIVIVI CIVIVI OPINEL Matsato Cold Steel OPINEL ROMANTICIST Old Timer Gerber Gerber
Recommended Uses For Product Camping, Hiking indoor outdoor hunting camping Daily carry, camping knife, wide range of cutting tasks Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting Carving Carving, Whittling Camping Camping, Hunting, Whittling Camping,Box Cutter Knife,Safety,Hunting,Survival Camping
Special Feature Foldable Pocket Clip,Lightweight,Folding Virobloc Locking Collar, Made in France Foldable, Lightweight, Pocket Knife Manual Do all EDC and Outdoor Folding Pocket Knife, with anti-corrosive Blade up to any task Foldable High Carbon Stainless Steel, Non Slip Liner Lock, Convenient Size, 2in Blade Length, Sawcut Handle Foldable Foldable, Reversible
Age Range (Description) Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult Adult
Handle Material Fiberglass Fiberglass Beechwood Beechwood Glass Reinforced Nylon Beechwood Fiberglass Stainless Steel Bamboo Plastic, Stainless Steel
Color Green A-Black Stonewashed Beechwood Brown Black Beechwood Green Multicolor Bamboo Omni Gray
Blade Material Alloy Steel 9CR18MVO XC90 Carbon Stainless Steel 8Cr13MoV Stainless Sandvik 12C27 Stainless Steel Alloy Steel High Carbon Stainless Steel Stainless Steel Stainless Steel
Style Green G10 OD Green G10 No. 8 Classic Modern No. 8 - 18OT Mighty Mite (Box) Quadrant Folding Knief
Model Name C18026C-1 C803F Opinel Knife Matsato Pocket Knife Large Luzon Opinel Stainless Steel No.8 - 18OT Quadrant -
Blade Length 2.98 Inches 3.75 Inches - 2.56 Inches - 3.28 Inches 2.9 Inches - - -
Hand Orientation Right Hand Ambidextrous - Ambidextrous - Ambidextrous Ambidextrous - - -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.8
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