The 10 Best Camping Knives

If you want your wilderness blade to be as elegant as it is functional, you'll appreciate the Buck Knives 192 (around $90), which features an attractive natural wood handle with a brass pommel and guard, along with a reliable, well-fitted leather sheath.

The Tops Tahoma TAHO-01U (appx. $175) includes a slew of interesting features that you might not notice if you only took a cursory glance at it. For example, its thumb ramp has a hole that makes it easier to lash to a stick in the creation of a spear.

Simplicity and quality can aptly describe the Fallkniven A1 (about $155). Its full-tang design unburdens the handle and allows for balanced handling and comfort, whether you're carefully whittling beside the fire or energetically chopping wood.

In addition to two knives and a saw, the Leatherman Sidekick (around $60) has features such as spring-action pliers with wire cutters and a metal file. The steel frame has cutouts to keep the tool's weight down, which helps limit how much you have to carry through the woods.

The CPM-S30V stainless steel blade of the Benchmade Bugout 535 (appx. $117) is incredibly well-made, and it retracts easily, thanks to its ambidextrous Axis lock, which allows you to close it quickly whether you're right- or left-handed.

The Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp (about $70) comes to you from a company that's trusted by outdoors enthusiasts around the world. This model features a total of 33 functions that can give you a significant edge when tackling the elements.

The Kershaw Blur Black (around $59) is one of the easiest options to open, thanks in large part to its smartly placed thumb stud that works equally well in either hand. At the same time, its inset liner lock helps prevent unintended closings.

The Spyderco Endura 4 (appx. $91) utilizes a mid-back spring lock that helps keep you from accidentally collapsing the blade in the middle of a task. Its glass fiber-reinforced nylon handle is very durable and a great fit in large hands.

One of the most reasonably priced options on the market, the Morakniv Companion (around $19) is particularly well-suited for outdoorsmen who often find themselves in damp environments, as its patterned, high-friction grip holds steady even when wet.

The Gerber Blades Big Rock (around $35) features an overmolded grip with carefully textured handling points that provide a sure and comfortable feel. It comes with a nylon sheath that has a protective insert to keep the edge from dulling.