Anyone who has never been to a campsite should do so, doesn’t matter the age. The experience of camping is incomparable and ideal for spending time in nature, which sounds good, doesn’t it?
One of the most important aspects to consider if you want to go camping is to have equipment with everything you need. Among the most important object needed is the knife and here comes the debate: gerber vs leatherman.
Each of us has a list of premises from which we start when we want to buy a knife. The knife is a very versatile and complex tool, being a real help in situations we don’t even think about.
If you want to buy a knife, my recommendation is to focus on a higher quality one and to do a little research before. Knives can be bought from online or physical stores.
Specialty stores have a wide range of knives that are made to meet all the expectations. Usually, in any specialized store the staff will help you to make the best choice, just ask for it. Also, you can read reviews about different models and manufacturers.
There are a few things to keep in mind when you want to buy a knife. Who will use it, where you want to use it and for what type of activities. Then, you can proceed to search and buy the one that meets all of your requirements.
Keep in mind that a high quality one, will last for decades and the knife won’t let you down when you need it the most. Don’t compromise to buy the cheapest when it comes to your safety.
Attention! The knife must be handled with great care to avoid injury or damage. Also, be careful that it is stored out of the reach of children or other unauthorized persons.
Before going to camping or any use of it, check its functionality: blade to be sharp, accessories to be in their place, handle in good shape.
Can you carry a knife while camping?
Of course you can, but you have to take into considerations a few aspects like materials from which is made, accessories that are integrated and the usability.
Also is important to check the area where do you want to go camping, to know if there are any special rules when it comes about having a knife.
The functionalities, utility, and resistance of the knife are given by the accumulation of three factors: materials, accessories, and design. On the market, models differ from one manufacturer to another.
Knives come in different shapes and sizes. Some of them can be attached to the backpack or pants, and some need to be carried in a pocket, either clothes or backpack. You just have to study them carefully.
The simplest knife consists of a blade and a handle, made of different materials. Knife handles can be made of metals such as aluminum or stainless steel.
Other common materials used for manufacturing handles are wood, plastic, bone, fiberglass and zytek (synthetic material).
Each type of material has advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, steel, aluminum and zytek are among the hardest and resistant to shocks and corrosion.
On the other hand, wood and bone are more susceptible to cracking and slipping, or even injuring.
It is very important that the handle is not slippery, to avoid accidental injury.
Choose a handle as simple as possible, with a simple design without embossed shapes and patterns. Safety and usability first, design after.
As advice, keep in mind that you may have to use the knife for different activities, such as wood carving which will take longer than peeling the vegetables or cutting the meat.
So, you need a very comfortable, resistant to shock, corrosion and long lasting handle.
Just like the handles, the blades are made of different materials, in different shapes and sizes.
Most of the knives have the blade made out of different types of steel made out of carbon, stainless steel or hard steel powder.
It is advisable to choose a blade that will stay sharp longer and that can cut harder materials, such as wood, strings or cans.
The dimensions of the knife blades vary from 6 to 20 cm, and can be small or large. Take into consideration which is the maximum of blade’s centimeters that are approved by law.
The first range is a small one like 6 to 10 centimeters is easier to carry in a pocket. It is perfect to use for simple activities like cutting a thin string, opening cans or peeling veggies.
This blade may not be very helpful for woodcarving or for activities that need more time to be completed, because it will become uncomfortable and may cause injuries.
The middle range is the blade of 10-12 centimeters. This is ideal for camping, easy to care attached to you backpack or in a pocket.
A blade of 10-12 centimeters maybe very useful for woodcarving or cutting thick string, but for cooking there it is a risk of injury if not used carefully. Some say that this dimension is universal for camping and performs almost any activity.
And the last range is represented by knives over 12 to 20 centimeters. In most of the countries, this one are categorized as white weapons and are prohibited by law.
The chosen materials will determine how easy and safe the knife to handle is, what adhesion and durability it will have. Some knives can be opened with both hands or with just one.
Now that we saw the basics of a knife, on the next step , I will introduce you in the world of accessories.
Knives models on the market are different and have more or less accessories compared to each other.
The accessories differ depending on the model. Knives can have a small or large blade, which can be with or without teeth.
Other accessories are saw, blade lock, patent, bottle and can opener, fork, spoon, corkscrew, and scissors that may also be used in gardening.
Some more professional models have key ring, screwdriver, string cutter, tick extractor, glass breaker, small pruner etc.
Taking into account the above information, we have a list of the principal aspects that we need to have in mind while choosing a knife for camping. Next, I will present a list of situations in which a knife is necessary while camping.
The first and probably the most common situation we all think of, is to prepare food.
A knife with a small blade is suitable for opening bottle, cans, food packaging, or even to peel vegetables and fruits.
Of course that a knife with a large blade will do the same things, but must be handled with high caution, to avoid injury.
If the knife has fork and spoon, it is very useful for eating. Maybe it would be a good idea to take a smaller knife with you, intended exclusively for cutting food.
The second situation where the knife is useful when you go camping, is to carve wood to light the fire.
But, be careful how you use the knife, because it is an easy way to injure yourself or others. If you have a 10 centimeters blade knife, use this one.
Another situation is if there are any strips or straps to cut, where a knife is the best idea. It is perfect for when you are hanging the food to protect it from the bear, or setting the tent.
In case of medical emergency, it is very helpful to have a knife with special accessories.
For example, the scissors can help you to cut the bandage for medical aid or even the clothes if there is something more serious. The tick extractor is perfect for removing thorns too.
A knife which can be opened with one hand is very handy when it comes about emergencies where each second is important. A sharp blade and a comfortable manner will complete the quick use of the knife.
In the most unlikely case of an accident and if you will need to break glass, then a glass breaker is what you will need. Some knives have this particular tool.
When you decide to go on a specific camping, verify if there are any rules you have to follow.
Also, if you plan to go camping in another country, it will be better for you to check if there are any laws you ought to obey.
If your knife does not comply with the legal regulations in force in that country, you risk being left without it and receiving a hefty fine.
I hope that by going through these lines full of information, you have eliminated some of your questions related to camping knife.
Also choose the knife that you want to take with you based on who will use it, where you want to use it and for what type of activities.
Do your homework, enjoy that precious activity and be careful with the knife. Happy camping and take care out there!
