Best folding knife for camping/hiking

[Magiver]

@appleciders

My work knife is also a Kershaw, and what I’ve notice is that the larger models (like the Leek that I carry now) never open accidentally in my pocket, but the smaller model (I think it was a Chive) that I used to carry did once or twice. YMMV.

It’s the smaller model 1600 that I have that opened in my pocket. If the larger ones don’t then the auxiliary lock may not be necessary.

[simster]

my EDC - and bought specifically for the OP purpose is the SOG Trident Walmart had them for awhile under 50$ -

[SmellMyWort]

@echo7tango

The most important feature to me is a locking blade. Spyderco and Kershaw make good value knives. When I was in the USMC a lot of guys carried the Marine Corps Ka-Bar. While a good knife, it’s overkill for many daily needs - unless you’re in hand-to-hand combat daily, that is. Yes I have Ka-Bars but I preferred carrying a Swiss Army Knife in my pocket when I was in the field, specifically the Victorinox Nomad, in black, with the tweezers and toothpick. Another plus is that it has a corkscrew. Gotta have some wine, right?

I also like Emerson knives, the CQC-7s, but they’re on the pricey side. If you might lose the knife, don’t carry that. I like the Emerson’s “wave” feature that opens the blade when pulling it from a pocket. I usually carry both the Nomad and my Emerson, one in each front pocket. If it were one and only one knife I’d carry, it’s usually the Nomad.

I agree that a multi-tool is great, but find one with a locking blade.

My Gerber multi-tool has locking blades & tools.

@simster

my EDC - and bought specifically for the OP purpose is the SOG Trident Walmart had them for awhile under 50$ -

I really don’t think I’d want to whittle with a knife with that type of grip.

[Magiver]

@SmellMyWort

I really don’t think I’d want to whittle with a knife with that type of grip.

I’d go with the Buck Cross lock then. The extra blade is a saw. Great for camping and removing excess material when whittling.

[simster]

@SmellMyWort

My Gerber multi-tool has locking blades & tools.

I really don’t think I’d want to whittle with a knife with that type of grip.

I didn’t think I would either - but it doesn’t slip and it fits into my hand nicely - The assisted opening and positive locking mechanism makes it a strong knife.

[ExcitedIdiot]

@astro

Unless you are slicing up a storm, dressing deer, or really using the knife for true wilderness survival a Victorinox Swiss Army knife or a multitool will be vastly more useful overall in the field than a folder.

As locking folders go the Ken Opnion Kershaw knives are good and well priced.

I came to recommend these. The main selling point to me was the weight/strength ratio. Mine is 8oz I believe, and it takes major abuse and still feels like new today. It’s a solid knife that holds an edge for a long time. Kershaw also will sharpen their knives for life.

[toofs]

Benchmade Griptilian series knives all the way. They are affordable, and you can get them in 2 different sizes, different blade steels, blade shapes, etc. Choose black coated blade or plain stainless, serrated or non-seratted. These are American made knives, and they are an outstanding design. Magiver perfectly described the positive attributes of the Axis lock.

Neatest of all is the ability to build your own, straight from the Benchmade factory. You can specify what handle colors you want (left and right can be different), the blade steel, blade shape, coated or non-coated, plain edge or serrated, custom laser engraving, black or shiny screws, pocket clip design and color.

[Magiver]

@toofs

Neatest of all is the ability to build your own, straight from the Benchmade factory. You can specify what handle colors you want (left and right can be different), the blade steel, blade shape, coated or non-coated, plain edge or serrated, custom laser engraving, black or shiny screws, pocket clip design and color.

I love that website. The knife changes as you choose your options. You could even have one side of the knife a different color than the other.