CAMPING KNIVES

Whether camping is just a starting point for hunting or is the main attraction of your trip, a knife will come in handy. An outdoor knife needs a good-quality sharp blade, a comfortable handle, and a safe way to keep and carry it. And of course, if you’re a hunter you’ll need a good knife for skinning and dressing. There are three common types of outdoor knives—fixed blade, folding, and pocket—each of which is useful around the campsite. Before choosing a knife consider how and where you will be using it; this will help in your selection of blade style and material.

Fixed-blade Knives

Fixed-blade knives are your best choice for serious hunting. The strongest feature a one-piece blade with a full tang that continues to the end of the handle; the outer handle pieces are fastened (usually riveted) to the tang. This type of construction minimizes breakage even under heavy pressure. For safety always carry a fixed blade in a sheath and check out some of the newer handle materials. Traditional bone or wood handles are functional and often handsome, but the non-slip quality of rubber cuts down on accidents in wet weather.

Folding Knives

Folding knives look like a fixed blade when open, but the blade folds back into the handle when not in use. This makes the knife easier and safer to carry around with you. However, a folding knife, by the very fact that it folds, may not be as strong as a fixed blade. Always check the locking mechanism carefully before setting out. These are good all-purpose camping knives that can also be used for occasional hunting.

Pocket Knives

Pocket knives are those multi-use tools that feature multiple blades and often other tools as well. There are literally hundreds of pocket knives on the market. Common styles include the traditional two blades, as well as three and four blades. The well-known Swiss Army knife fits in this category; its many models feature the basics of blades, corkscrew, and screwdriver on up to the newest technology of flash drives and MP3 players!