The Best Hiking Knife To Carry On Your Next Journey
Hiking is one of my favorite past times and when I’m out on the trail ways I always make sure to pack my hiking knife. At first, I didn’t know what to look for when choosing the best hiking knife, but after some research, I was able to find a couple options that fit my needs. As always, John here for you guys with another in-depth knife review to shed light on the competition and help guide you in on your search for the best hiking knife.
Hiking can be a great way to explore the wilderness and it has been proven to lower your risk of cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke. This happens because hiking raises your lipoprotein levels, at the same time lowering your triglyceride levels. This means hiking isn’t just fun but it’s also a great way to stay healthy.
Hiking gives me time to clear my mind and reflect on nature. Few experiences compare to the tranquility of being deep in the wild, with only Mother Nature to comfort you. This is the feeling that made me want to learn how to become an outdoorsman in the first place.
The Best Hiking Knife – Why you need it
When I am preparing for a hiking trip, I try my best to pick out the lightest gear possible. Weight is a major concern for me because I know, from experience, how the weight of your gear gradually increases with fatigue. Every ounce counts so all of my gear needs to ultra-lightweight and portable. This is especially true when I am planning any long distance hikes.
I use my hiking knife for everything, from cooking to cutting branches, to cleaning game. The best hiking knife should fit your personal needs and this will depend on your intended uses. These knives come in a large variety and you need to know what to expect to pack accordingly. All of these factors can play a role deciding what the best hiking knife for your needs.
What is the weather?
How long are you hiking for?
Will you be hunting?
Will you be building a fire?
In the summer, you can get away with a smaller knife because you can cut standing dead wood and chop branches to make fires. In the winter, a fire will require a lot more work, so you may want to go with a bigger fixed blade tactical knife for your hiking knife, and possibly a hatchet.
When I am hiking, I bring both my fixed blade survival knife and my folding EDC pocket knife. I found this to give me the largest range of uses because I get the cutting power of my survival knife, and access to all the tools my folding EDC pocket knife offers.
There are literally hundreds of hiking knives to choose from. Not all manufacturers are created equally and the majority of the blades I researched didn’t hold up to the rigorous testing procedures. After shifting through the subpar blades I am glad to have narrowed this list down to the top 5 best hiking knives to carry with you on a long journey.
The Top 5 Best Hiking Knives to Carry with You on a Long Journey
Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife (Red),One Size
Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife (Red),One Size
The Victorinox Swiss Army Swiss Champ Pocket Knife gives you instant access to a variety of tools. The lightweight design makes this a greats EDC Knife. No matter where I am, or what I am doing, I keep this little guy close by. There are 32 different tool blades to choose from and I find myself using the screwdriver on this knife, as much as the blade.
Pros
- Can Opener
- Small Screwdriver (also for Phillips Screws)
- Bottle Opener
- Large Screwdriver
- Wire Stripper
- Key Ring
- Tweezers
- Toothpick
- Scissors
Cons
- Different Feature Springs
I think this is one of the best EDC knives on the market. The small size and range of tools make this one of the best hiking knives to carry with you on long journeys. The small size of this hiking knife means you can carry this tool with you without taking up space or adding weight to your backpack. This is a must own knife for anyone serious about hiking.
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife, Fine Edge
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife, Fine Edge
The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Pro Knife continues to surprise me with its extreme durability and high-quality construction. I will admit I was a bit skeptical when I first got this hiking knife. It didn’t take long for this rugged blade to make its way into my heart. I use this knife a lot, and I like that it comes with a pull through sharpener and a fire starter.
Pros
- Full tang Fine Edge
- 9CR19Mov Premium Steel
- Pull through Sharpener
- Fire Starter
Cons
- Handle
This blade is well balanced, aesthetically pleasing, and a great length for hiking in the wild.
I think the handle takes some getting used to, but the quality of the blade and all the extras make this a smart buy for anyone looking to get a reliable fixed blade hiking knife at a competitive price point.
Tops Knives ATRD01 Armegeddon Fixed Blade Bowie Knife with Black Linen Micarta Handles & Black Ballistic Nylon Sheath with Kydex Liner
Tops Knives ATRD01 Armegeddon Fixed Blade Bowie Knife with Black Linen Micarta Handles & Black Ballistic Nylon Sheath with Kydex Liner
The Tops Knives ATRD01 Armegeddon Fixed Blade Bowie Knife gives you added cutting power when you need it most. This knife is the largest on this list, with a 10.625″ 1095 Steel blade that can hack through thick tree branches with ease. The handle is made from gray Micarta that is designed to help reduce impact shock. This is a large hiking knife that is well suited for use in extreme terrain.
Pros
- 1095 Steel Blade
- 10.625″ Blade Length
- Micarta Handle
- MOLLE Compatible Sheath
Cons
- Heavy
This beastly blade is designed to withstand the harshest environments. I turn to this knife whenever I am journeying through the dense wilderness. The blade is heavy enough to effectively cut branches and split logs, so it is a must have in wet environments. This is the best hiking knife for anyone going on expeditions into dense forests or jungle.
Ka-Bar D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife
Ka-Bar D2 Extreme Fighting/Utility Knife
The Ka-Bar D2 Extreme Utility Knife comes with an incredibly strong blade made from the toughest D2 Steel. D2 Steel is one of the strongest materials used in blade construction. Ka-Bar made the right choice when they decided to keep their classic clip point design. This blade has a 20-degree angle edge that cuts through anything you put in front of it with ease. This is one serious blade designed to produce results.
Pros
- D2 Steel
- 20 Degree Edge
- Kraton G Handle
- 1095 Carbon Guard.
Cons
- Sheath
This blade is a strong contender for the title of the best hiking knife. I like the look and feel of this blade; you can tell this knife means business. It does take a little longer to sharpen this blade, but in the end, it’s worth it. This is rugged knife holds its edge longer than the competition and if you need a lightweight hiking knife that can handle the toughest situations; this is the blade for you.
SOG Fatcat Folding Knife FC01-N – Satin & Black TiNi, VG-10 Steel, 4.5″ Blade, Titanium & Rubber Handle, Arc-Lock, Nylon Sheath
SOG Fatcat Folding Knife FC01-N – Satin & Black TiNi, VG-10 Steel, 4.5″ Blade, Titanium & Rubber Handle, Arc-Lock, Nylon Sheath
The SOG Fatcat Folding Knife FC01-N sets the bar high in terms of hiking knives. The 4.5″ folding VG-10 Steel blade comes in a clip point configuration that adds to its overall cutting power. This is an exceptional folding knife, designed with the serious woodsman in mind. The satin black TiNi finish adds to the over aesthetics and durability of this blade.
Pro
- VG-10 Steel
- Dual TiNi Finish
- Clip Point Shape
- Titanium Handle
- Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- Large Size
The SOG Fatcat combines a sophisticated style with unmatched quality. Only exceptional materials were used in the construction of this blade. I like how the Arc-lock technology keeps the blade securely in place during use, and you can open it with one hand. This is the best hiking knife for a serious woodsman. You can’t beat the quality of this blade and if you have a better budget, this is the best hiking knife for the money.
The Best Hiking Knife for the Money
There is no one size fits all in terms of hiking knives and I would always recommend carrying a combination of knives with you in the wild. I don’t think you can beat the usefulness of a folding EDC knife and a fixed blade tactical knife gives you added cutting power when you need it most.
Any of these 5 hiking knives are worthy to hold the title of the best hiking knife, depending on where you are planning to hike at. I hope this guide was useful in helping you to find the best hiking knife for your needs.
Since I have limited time for my hobbies, I look for quality tools to let me REALLY enjoy what I do.
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I personally like to use ESEE 6P-B Plain Edge Fixed Blade Knife as a hiking knife, which I bought last year. It’s really well made. The material of the handle has an expensive feel to it. There are better ergonomically designed handles that fit my medium size hand better like the kabar turok, but it still feels quite good. It’s definitely a top-shelf quality whiskey of knives. It feels and looks indestructible.