There’s a secret to learning how to know if a knife is good quality. It all comes down to quality, utility, and price—whether you’re looking for a new EDC knife or you just want to up your camping or survival game.

Let’s find out what to look for in a camping or survival knife, how to identify high-quality knives, and even go over some of the best knives you just can’t miss if you’re heading into the great outdoors!

How To Choose The Best Outdoor Knives?

outdoor-knife-1

Are you looking for the best knife for camping, survival, or EDC? Picking the right knife under these circumstances can be tough, but we’ve got the experience and the know-how to walk you through picking just about any type of knife for your next adventure.

The quick answer is that the right knife helps you achieve your goal—whether it’s making a campfire, processing tinder, or prepping your campsite dinner. Your knife should also fit your budget without compromising on quality.

What Qualities Do You Need When Buying A Knife?

man cutting wood with outdoor knife

There are a few qualities you want to look for when you’re shopping for a new camping or survival knife. This is a purchase where you definitely don’t want to skimp on these essential factors:

  1. Materials
    Look for knives made of high-quality steels (like high-carbon steel or stainless steel). Some campers also love the classic look and performance of Damascus-style steel.
  2. Budget
    It’s vital to find a knife that gives you the best value for your money. You can find rock-solid survival knives at different price points, from affordable to premium.
  3. Grip and Ergonomics
    A solid handle can make all the difference in the field. Whether your handle is rubber, G-10, or micarta, you want something that feels comfortable and secure in your hand for those long treks and tricky tasks.

What Are The Four Factors To Consider When Choosing A Knife?

man cutting wood with outdoor knife in the snow

There are four key factors that help you know how to know if a knife is good quality. These also help you determine if the knife is the right fit for your camping or survival needs.

1. Durability

The first thing you need to consider when buying a knife for the wild is durability.

  • A durable knife will last longer, even under rough conditions (batoning through wood, prying, or other heavy use).
  • It will also keep you safer; a strong blade is less likely to snap or break, which is a big deal when you’re miles from civilization.

2. Utility

Utility is the second most important factor. Your knife needs to cover the activities you have in mind:

  • Will you use it mainly for prepping kindling, cutting rope, or even food prep at the campsite?
  • Think about the blade shape: a drop point, tanto, or clip point each have distinct pros and cons for certain tasks.

3. Balance

A good knife (yes, even a wilderness knife) needs to be balanced. It should balance where the blade meets the handle.

  • This allows you to better guide the knife during detailed tasks.
  • Good balance also means less hand fatigue and more controlled cutting or slicing.

4. Budget

Lastly, think about your budget when buying a new knife. You can get great knives at a range of prices. Whether you’re picking up your very first survival knife or upgrading to a more premium one, the key is striking a balance between cost and quality.

Which Knife Brand Is The Best? And Why?

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One quick way to know if a knife is good quality is to look at the brand. While there are plenty of reputable makers, Gerber stands out for many survivalists:

  • Made in the USA.
  • Legendary build quality.
  • A wide range of designs for different uses.

When you buy a Gerber knife, you’re getting proven reliability. You’ll rarely be disappointed.

What Should I Look For In A Professional (High-End) Survival Knife?

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What does a “professional-grade” camping or survival knife look like?

  1. Higher Price Tag
    Premium materials and craftsmanship—like full-tang construction and hand-finished blades—often mean a higher upfront cost.
  2. Top-Tier Materials
    Professional survival knives skip out on cheap plastics. Instead, they use robust rubber or G-10 for handles and premium steels for blades.
  3. Full Tang Construction
    A single, continuous piece of steel from blade tip to handle butt. This means unbeatable stability and durability in the field.

The 5 Best Knives You Should Buy Today

Answering “How to choose the best camping or survival knife?” starts with asking yourself what you plan on using the knife for.

How you camp or venture into the outdoors will determine the right knife for you. You want a knife that matches your outdoor style and helps you tackle wilderness tasks your way.

Picking the best camping or survival knife also means following the other tips we’ve gone over. After all, a survival knife is still a knife.

Best Overall
Our Score 9.5 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
Best Mid Range
Our Score 8.5 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
Cheaper Choice
Our Score 8.0 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
-
Our Score 7.5 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com
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Our Score 7.0 Out of 10
Check price amazon.com

GERBER StrongArm

Our Score 9.5 out of 10
Gerber Gear StrongArm - Fixed-Blade Camping & Hunting Knife with Striking Pommel & Sheath - Premium Survival Gear - Black, Plain Edge
Gerber Gear StrongArm - Fixed-Blade Camping & Hunting Knife with Striking Pommel & Sheath - Premium Survival Gear - Black, Plain Edge amazon.com Check price

Iconic Strongarm Design: This Gerber Gear fixed blade knife features a full-tang, 420HC steel blade with a ceramic coating
Dependable Cutting Knife: Our camping knife boasts a rubberized diamond-te...

If you’re looking for an all-around best survival knife, look no further than the GERBER StrongArm. This blade is perfect for almost any camping or survival scenario.

Gerber makes all of their knives in the USA so you know the build quality will be second to none.

Pros
  • Made in the USA
  • Great built quality
  • Well-rounded utility for survival and camping
Cons
  • Not the best for detailed, ultra-precision work (like cleaning small game or delicate carving)

DFACKTO Interceptor

Our Score 8.5 out of 10
DFACKTO 5.5 Inch Tanto Utility Knife - G10 - Full Tang - High Carbon Stainless Steel - Black
DFACKTO 5.5 Inch Tanto Utility Knife - G10 - Full Tang - High Carbon Stainless Steel - Black amazon.com Check price

Rugged. Dependable. Knives. Uncompromising look and aggressive feel makes this DFACKTO Tanto knife as assertive as it is effective. The DFACKTO Interceptor Series is in a class of its own with prec...

This hardcore camping knife features a Tanto-style blade, renowned for power and piercing capability. If you need serious cutting performance—and don’t mind a bit of flair—this knife might be your perfect match.

Pros
  • Great for rugged outdoor tasks
  • Exceptional build quality and toughness
Cons
  • Tanto design isn’t for everyone (less ideal for certain bushcraft tasks)
  • Slightly less utility for simple camp chores like food prep

Smith & Wesson M&P

Our Score 8.0 out of 10
Smith & Wesson M&P SWMP13BS 8.2in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.5in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Tactical, Survival and EDC
Smith & Wesson M&P SWMP13BS 8.2in High Carbon S.S. Folding Knife with 3.5in Serrated Clip Point Blade and Aluminum Handle for Tactical, Survival and EDC amazon.com Check price

DIMENSIONS: 8.2 inch (20.9 cm) overall length with a blade length of 3.5 inches (8.8 cm) and a weight of 4.9 ounces
DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Ste...

Who said a budget-friendly knife can’t be top-notch? This Smith & Wesson folder is lightweight, easy on your wallet, and perfect for EDC as well as quick campsite tasks.

Pros
  • Ideal folding pocket knife for camping or EDC
  • Lightweight and budget-friendly
  • Great backup or starter survival knife
Cons
  • A bit on the smaller side for heavy-duty tasks
  • Not full tang (folding knives naturally have limitations in extreme survival scenarios)

KA-BAR #1213

Our Score 7.5 out of 10
KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife / Hard Sheath
KA-BAR #1213 Black Straight Edge Knife / Hard Sheath amazon.com Check price

Blade Detail: Plain Edge; Blade Length (inches): 7.00; Blade Material: Carbon Steel, Black;
Carry System: Kydex Sheath; Handle Material: Kraton; Overall Length (inches): 11.75;
Special Features: N/...

No “best knife” list is complete without Ka-Bar. Loved by military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts alike, this knife is built for serious survival. If you need a blade that can handle just about anything, the KA-BAR #1213 is a legend.

Pros
  • Extremely durable
  • Trusted brand with a proven track record
  • Excellent for heavy-duty outdoors and survival
Cons
  • Larger profile can be awkward for finer tasks
  • Might be overkill for casual campers

Morakniv Companion

Our Score 7.0 out of 10
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green
Morakniv Companion Fixed Blade Outdoor Knife with Stainless Steel Blade, 4.1-Inch, Military Green amazon.com Check price

BUSHCRAFT KNIFE: The perfect all-in-one knife for outdoor enthusiasts, this outdoor knife makes an ideal camping knife, backpacking knife, fishing knife, hiking knife, or survival knife
PREMIUM BLA...

Swedish-made Morakniv blades have earned a devoted following among bushcrafters. The Companion model is affordable, sharp, and surprisingly durable—making it perfect for new campers or seasoned pros looking for a dependable backup.

Pros
  • Excellent value and very budget-friendly
  • Extremely sharp right out of the box
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
  • Not a full tang (though partial tang can be enough for most bushcraft tasks)
  • Handle might feel small in bigger hands

Wrapping Up How To Know If A Knife Is Good

Now you know how to know if a knife is good quality—especially when it comes to camping or survival:

  1. Look for top-notch materials and strong construction.
  2. Make sure it fits your budget and your hand comfortably.
  3. Pick a style (blade shape, handle type) that matches your outdoor tasks.

There are great knives out there for any budget and any type of adventurer. The next time you’re gearing up for a camping trip or prepping a survival kit, you’ll know exactly what to look for in a quality blade!

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