Hiking and backpacking are year-round activities that many of us cling to as a way of taking a break from our day-to-day lives. There’s just something about getting into the outdoors and living out of your backpack that can’t be compared to anything else. One key component to life on the trail is a good knife, our current favorite being the Gerber Assert.

　　Whether you’re out there for a few hours or a few days, a knife can make all of the difference in your adventure. From harvesting tinder to food prep to helping you out in an emergency, the best knives are made from premium materials meant to be used and abused in the elements.

　　The knife market is massive, and there’s a lot of overlap from brand to brand, and even within brands. That’s why we’ve taken the time, over this past year, to present you with the following collection of knives. Each of these knives meets the lightweight, reliable, and versatile requirements deemed necessary to be considered the ideal knife for you when you head out into the outdoors.

　　For more info about hiking and backpacking knives, as well as how we tested them, visit our buyers guide and price/value breakdown to learn more. For a quick rundown of prices and specifications, check out our comparison chart.

　　Editors note: This guide received an update on November 1st, adding the CIVIVI Yonder, the Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker, and the GiantMouse Jagt to the lineup.

　　The Best Knives for Hiking Backpacking of 2024 Best Overall Hiking and Backpacking Knife: Gerber Assert Best Budget Hiking Backpacking Knife: CIVIVI Yonder Best Blade Length-to-Weight Ratio: Benchmade Bugout Best Fixed Blade Hiking Backpacking Knife: Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker Best Lightweight Full-Size Knife Hiking Backpacking Knife: GiantMouse Jagt Best Overall Hiking and Backpacking Knife Gerber Assert Specs Overall Length 6.95” Blade Length 2.98” Blade Steel S30V Blade Style Modified Drop Point Handle Material Nylon Lock Type Crossbar Weight 1.87 oz.

　　Pros Enhanced ergonomics S30V Steel Crossbar lock Customizable Cons Adjustable thumb stud = another moving part Nick LeFort The Gerber Assert ($175-190) is a lightweight folding knife with advanced ergonomics. It features a premium, stonewashed S30V drop-point blade for increased corrosion and abrasion resistance. It also boasts a crossbar lock mechanism which is one of the strongest folding knife locks on the planet.

　　A direct threat to the Benchmade Bugout series, the Assert may seem slight at 1.87 ounces., but it’s built to put in the work you need it to. This is due in part to the premium S30V steel and the crossbar lock which can’t fail. So, by all means — use and abuse it at will.

　　Due to their shape, drop-point blades are one of the most universal and easy-to-use blade types. Gerber chose to enhance the properties of the blade on the Assert by modifying the shape and adding a clip-point style treatment to the top. This increases the blade’s ability to pierce.

　　Additionally, the deep carry pocket clip and the texturing on the handle scales make the Assert easy to carry. The combination of the two keeps the knife in place in your pocket so you don’t need to worry about it wandering around or losing it.

　　Read Review: The Gerber Assert

　　Check Price at GerberCheck Price at Blade HQ

　　Pros Great balance between size and weight Optimal grip options for all hand sizes 14C28N Cons Crossbar lock has shorter pull than the industry standard No obvious lanyard options Nick LeFort At the time of writing, the CIVIVI Yonder ($67) is fresh to the market, but we’ve had our hands on it for a while — and we’re very impressed. First and foremost, this is the first knife design from Zac Whitmore. Zac is well-known in the EDC and outdoor communities, but before the Yonder, he had never made a knife before. Now, he can call himself a “multi-award-winning knife designer” as the Yonder has been awarded “Blade Show Best Buy of the Year 2024” and is now being named the “Best Budget Hiking Backpacking Knife by GearJunkie”.

　　We were impressed with the Yonder because it is the epitome of EDC folding knives. From size and overall design to materials and the crossbar lock mechanism, it’s obvious that this wasn’t just another “copy and paste” knife. Instead, the Yonder showcases a balance between form and function that provides versatility to not just hikers or backpackers but anyone looking for a reliable EDC knife that doesn’t break the bank.

　　With an overall length of 6.62”, the Yonder can fit a variety of hand sizes without being considered too small or too large. Its 14C28N stainless steel blade and G10 handle scales help keep the price down without sacrificing ability or versatility, while its crossbar lock promises that the Spey Point blade will stay in place until you are ready to close it.

　　A note on that Spey Point blade shape: We can all appreciate how universal a Drop-Point style blade is for a pocket knife, but the Spey shape further aids in slicing, shaving, and stabbing. Anything that enhances the function of a knife is a plus in our book.

　　That said, expect high performance from the 14C28N steel, as it is corrosion-resistant, tough, and easy to resharpen. The finish CIVIVI put on the G10 scales is beautiful to look at but will also provide exceptional grip in all weather conditions.

　　Read Review: The CIVIVI Yonder

　　Check Price at Blade HQ

　　Pros S30V Steel Crossbar lock Length to weight ratio Customizable Cons Watch out for flexing under duress Nick LeFort It’s hard to ignore a knife like the Benchmade Bugout ($170-330) when it comes to a list of the best hiking and backpacking knives. After all, Benchmade designed the Bugout to be just that. And while we may not consider it the best overall knife in this category, it’s hard to ignore how balanced and effective it is.

　　At almost 7.5” long, the Bugout is certainly a handful that allows you to do more around camp with it. Its 3.24” drop point S30V blade excels in both corrosion resistance and abrasion resistance, and its Grivory handle provides excellent grip in all weather conditions.

　　The two things that kept the Bugout from becoming the best overall knife are the mini-deep pocket clip and general flexing. The shorter pocket clip combined with the larger knife doesn’t keep it as secure in the pocket as we would like. If you’re scrambling around, or even sitting on a log, there is a chance for the knife to pop out of your pocket. Flexing is a little more common with lightweight knives and a good indication that they do have their limits. That said, overall, we don’t have any major concerns about the Bugout.

　　In recent years, Benchmade has expanded its lineup of Bugouts to include different handle materials as well as fully customizable options. Some of the options can increase the price of the knife by well over $500. However, if you love your knife, it’s hard to put a price on it. Additionally, although we think the Bugout performs quite well out of the box, upgrading the handle scales to Carbon Fiber or Titanium can increase its overall performance and address the flex.

　　Read Review: The Benchmade Bugout

　　$171 at REI$187 at Amazon Best Fixed Blade Hiking Backpacking Knife Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker Specs Overall Length 7.6” Blade Length 3.7” Blade Steel MagnaCut Blade Style Wharncliffe Handle Material Ultem Sheath Material Kydex Weight 4.9 oz.

　　Pros Overall Shape MagnaCut Steel Ultem Handle Scales Customizable Cons There are a lot of options to choose from Nick LeFort It’s hard to ignore a knife named “The Hiker” ($290) when it comes to testing knives for a list like this. Thank goodness it performed as well as it did and continues to perform like it’s factory-fresh after a whole summer of testing. That is due to the fantastic combination of full-tang MagnaCut construction, unique and impactful styling, easy carry, and the ability to be customized to fit your needs.

　　We were lucky enough to use and abuse their shop sample as a long-term loaner and can see why they are constantly sold out of this versatile belt knife. At 7.6” long with a 3.7” long blade, the Hiker is sized just right for a variety of tasks, from prepping food to prepping kindling for cooking it. The included Kydex sheath can be adjusted to allow it to carry low enough so it won’t interfere with your pack’s hip belt as well.

　　Though it’s available in a variety of steel types from Dauntless, MagnaCut is the right choice for anyone planning on relying on the Hiker when they head out on an adventure. MagnaCut requires very little maintenance due to its corrosion resistance, toughness, and heightened edge retention. 

　　This was our first time using a knife with Ultem scales. Ultem is an opaque thermoplastic material that the outdoor and EDC world has commandeered for beads and knife scales because it looks really cool. It also performs really well here on the Hiker, where Dauntless has kept it thin and textured for a good grip for a variety of hand sizes.

　　This version of the hiker has a Wharncliffe / Reverse-Tanto style blade, which is somewhat uncommon but has proven its worth in cutting, chopping, slicing, and piercing. The blade has a slight belly baked into it that allows for more precision work to be done. If you like to put your chef’s hat on out at camp — rest assured that you can get really fancy with what you’re slicing and chopping with the Hiker. If you’re a climber, you’ll be wicked impressed at how well this knife will cut through rope without ruining it.

　　Check Price at Dauntless Manufacturing

　　Pros Nessmuk blade design Rippled Micarta is EPIC Fantastic hand feel Well-balanced Cons Rounded edges minimize your firestarting options Spine jimping could be a stretch for smaller hands Nick LeFort 8” and 4oz is about as far as we’ll go to still consider lightweight, but since this category is for a lightweight, full-size knife, we think that the GiantMouse ACE Jagt ($215) is the perfect fit. “Jagt” is Danish for “hunting,” and where GiantMouse didn’t exactly design the knife to take down big game, they do claim that it is an “excellent outdoor companion for hiking or camping.” We concur.

　　Aside from being a full-sized folding knife, the Jagt features a modified Drop Point blade, which is reminiscent of the “Nessmuk Knife,” a multipurpose knife designed by writer and outdoorsman George W. Sears. Known as “Nessmuk,” Sears — who is also considered the first person to adopt an ultralight approach to backpacking — had a light fixed blade commissioned for himself, along with an axe and a small folding knife. The upswept design of the fixed blade was meant to cut, chop, slice, and pierce, all with a heightened level of precision to not taint meat or damage pelts.

　　In testing, we confirmed that the Jagt excelled at all of those things. Its MagnaCut steel blade made quick work of beef filet, peppers, and onions to make some of the best trail-side fajitas we’ve ever had. Its arching handle with textured Micarta scales added a layer of precision and finesse which could come in handy if you decided to dress big game with it out in the field. For our testing purposes, that all equated to advanced ergonomics, which means that you could use this knife for long periods without your hand cramping up.

　　Overall, the balance between size and weight was appreciated — as larger knives, especially folding ones, can be bulky and cumbersome. 

　　Read Review: The GiantMouse ACE Jagt Hunting Knife Makes a Damn Fine EDC Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at GiantMouse Best of the Rest CIVIVI Baby Banter Specs Overall Length 6.76” Blade Length 2.92” Blade Steel Nitro-V Blade Style Drop point Handle Material G-10 Lock Type Liner Weight 2 oz.

　　Pros Nitro-V Steel Ergonomics and overall styling The fidget factor Cons Tight pocket clip out of the box Nick LeFort The CIVIVI Baby Banter ($70) is part of the Banter Series, which also includes the We Knife Co. Banter and Big Banter. All three knives are impressive in both form and function, but at 6.76” long and only weighing two ounces, the Baby Banter is best suited for the hiking and backpacking crowd. 

　　The Baby Banter features a 2.92” drop point Nitro-V stainless steel blade. Made by New Jersey Steel Baron, Nitro-V excels in all the primary places: it’s both corrosion and abrasion-resistant, and it’s easy to sharpen when the occasion occurs. It’s also available in a variety of handle materials, a Wharncliffe blade version, and recently a fixed blade version was released.

　　We loved this knife because, even in a small form factor, it has a large choil for improved grip and control when really putting the boots to the knife. This makes the Baby Banter a great choice for shaving down kindling or harvesting punky wood for the fire. Its fat-bellied blade also makes it great for food prep and a little wood carving out at camp.

　　The Baby Banter also features ceramic bearings and a liner lock. Bearings on a knife at this price are surprising enough, but by coupling it with Nitro-V steel, you’re getting a major deal on a knife that could last you forever.

　　Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon Knafs Lulu Specs Overall Length 6.75” Blade Length 2.95” Blade Steel MagnaCut Blade Style Drop point Handle Material Micarta Sheath Material Kydex Weight 3.8 oz.

　　Pros Raw MagnaCut Steel Scandi grind Micarta handle scales Overall size Cons None (seriously) Nick LeFort Fixed-blade knives are designed to put in the hard work, which can make them more effective in the field than folding knives. That said, a lightweight fixed-blade knife that can be beaten up and still viable is a rare and great find. The Knafs Lulu ($230), which just recently hit the market, is not only made from some of the best materials around, but it’s also lightweight, durable, and versatile.

　　Featuring raw MagnaCut steel in drop point form, as well as micarta handle scales and G10 liners, the Lulu is a simple knife. Inspired by the Puukko style of knife, the Lulu fits in really well with the bushcraft crowd which means it’ll impress anyone who has a chance to use it in the wild. MagnaCut was the top EDC steel of 2023. It excels in corrosion resistance, edge retention, and abrasion resistance. Knaf’s decision to keep the steel raw gives it a rugged look that increases the resistance properties.

　　At 6.75 inches long and 7/64th-inch thick, the Lulu is a smaller fixed-blade knife. However, it is well-balanced and can be used for more strenuous tasks, like batoning, that a folding knife isn’t designed to do. Furthermore, the Scandi grind on the blade enhances the cutting, chopping, shaving, and drilling experiences.

　　The Lulu comes with a standard Kydex sheath, designed to be worn on the left or right side. You can also attach it to the strap of your pack. For those fancy folks out there, you can upgrade to a right-hand carry leather sheath.

　　Check out our full GearJunkie review for more info on this incredible knife.

　　Check Price at Knafs SOG Altair FX Specs Overall Length 7.60” Blade Length 3.40” Blade Steel 154CM Blade Style Drop point Handle Material GRN Sheath Material Kydex w. UMS Weight 2.8 oz.

　　Pros Cryogenically processed TiNi-coated 154CM steel Ability to remove handle scales UMS sheath for multiple carry options Minimal weight Cons None (again) Nick LeFort Marketed as a “minimalist” knife, at 2.8 ounces, the SOG Altair FX ($150) is a big knife that weighs about half of what a fixed-blade knife should. But don’t let that force you into thinking that this knife can’t perform arduous tasks. In fact, we think you’ll find that the Altail FX can outperform some of its bulkier contemporaries.

　　154CM knife steel was all the rage a decade ago, but as new steel comes to market, older steel starts to take a back seat in popularity. However, that doesn’t mean that 154CM is anything less than what it was way back when. You’ll still find that it has good edge retention, and being that it’s been cryogenically treated and dipped in Titanium Nitride, you won’t have to worry about corrosion or abrasion resistance.

　　The Kydex sheath on the Altair FX features SOG’s Universal Mounting System (UMS). This allows you to carry the knife on your belt, on your pack, or anywhere you can think of strapping it down — at a multitude of angles for easy retrieval and deployment.

　　For those of you counting ounces, the GRN handle scales can be removed from the Altair FX. This stripped-down format is lighter in weight and reveals the skeletonized construction of the blade. In both cases, with or without handle scales, the grip on the knife is excellent and remains the same in all weather conditions.

　　Check out our full GearJunkie review of the Altair FX for more info.

　　Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon Benchmade Redoubt Specs Overall Length 8.29” Blade Length 3.55” Blade Steel D2 Blade Style Drop point Handle Material Grivory with Rubber Inserts Lock Type Axis (Crossbar) Weight 2.8 oz.

　　Pros Solid CPM-D2 Steel Lightweight for its overall size Excellent grip and feel Cons It’s a big knife Nick LeFort Similar in design to the brands iconic Griptilian line of knives, the Benchmade Redoubt ($200) features a 3.55” Cerakoted CPM-D2 drop point blade. It utilizes impact-resistant Grivory handle scales with a rubberized grip inlay for excellent grip.

　　Considered tactical and aimed at the overlander crowd, the Redoubt made this list for a lot of reasons, but most importantly for its size-to-weight ratio. At 8.29” and 2.8 ounces, you’re getting a lot of knife, but not a lot of weight. This is due to the Grivory handle, which is very durable, but also very lightweight by design. What this means is that you’ll be able to do a lot of work with the Redoubt without getting fatigued. Its larger size means that it can do more tasks, efficiently.

　　With knives like the Bugout and the Bailout taking up a lot of the spotlight in terms of lightweight and durable folding knives, the Redoubt doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Like the line of Griptilian knives it resembles, the Redoubt is a scrapper. It’s meant to get used and abused without regret.

　　If that’s not enough for you, we promise you that you can’t go wrong with a folding knife with an Axis (crossbar) lock on it when you’re putting in the work out on the trail.

　　Check out our full GearJunkie review of the Redoubt for more info.

　　Check Price at CabelasCheck Price at Benchmade Morakniv Eldris Specs Overall Length 5.6 Blade Length 2.2 Blade Steel Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel Blade Style Clip point Handle Material Polymer grip Sheath Material Polymer Weight 2.8 oz.

　　Pros Good value Perfect for whittling Comfortable handle Small and packable Cons A bit heavy for how small it is Too small for some tasks Nick LeFort The Mora Eldris has been a favorite of ours for many years. For just $30, this small, fixed-blade knife offers plenty of utility. This is a definite contender for our best budget award, but we feel the Banter offers better value and is worth the extra dough.

　　Due to the short, stubby 2.2-inch blade, the Eldris has a strange appearance. The grippy polymer handle is much longer than the blade. Because of this, users can apply pressure to a cut without worrying that the blade will break. If you like to whittle hardwood, the Eldris is the perfect tool.

　　The spine of the blade can be used as a striker for fire steel or magnesium. Even after multiple seasons of use, the working edge of the Eldris remained sharp and undamaged.

　　For $27 more, this knife can be purchased with an accessories kit that includes a neck lanyard, fire steel, and an extra silicone safety button. Overall, this knife is a bargain that won’t weigh down your pack.

　　Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon The James Brand Redstone Specs Overall Length 6.20” Blade Length 2.5” Blade Steel Sandvik 12C27 Blade Style Drop point Handle Material Plastic Lock Type Crossbar Weight 1.8 oz.

　　Pros Forward-thinking design Crossbar lock Innovative grip Cons Wire pocket clip isnt our favorite Nick LeFort By using a single piece of folded, stamped steel for the foundation of its Redstone ($99), The James Brand found a way to decrease weight while increasing durability. The result is a knife designed for climbing that finds itself right at home for any adventure you want to go on with it.

　　The James Brand is known for its knives being high-priced, but with the choice to go with a less complex design and budget materials, the Redstone is a steal at $100. True, you may find yourself sharpening the stainless 12C27 blade more than some other knife steels, but it won’t corrode on you.

　　The handle scale “islands” on the Redstone are also forward-thinking. By design, they cut down on the weight of the knife, but increase the grip by allowing your hand to form around the gap between the two scales.

　　Although serrations may be a turn-off for some people, that’s what aids in rope cutting, but also comes in handy when sawing small limbs for your campfire.

　　Overall, the Redstone looks and feels advanced. At 1.8 ounces, its almost unreal. But there’s zero flex and zero issues with deployment, lock up, and carry.

　　Check out our full GearJunkie review of the Redstone for more info.

　　Check Price at James CIVIVI Qubit Specs Overall Length 7.19” Blade Length 2.98” Blade Steel 14C28N Blade Style Drop point Handle Material Aluminum Lock Type Button lock Weight 2.82 oz.

　　Pros 14C28N stainless steel Button lock Ceramic bearings Cons It could be an inch longer Nick LeFort CIVIVI and its sister company, WE Knife Co. have been releasing some seriously impressive knives, especially ones that won’t break the bank. But it’s important to note that “budget” doesn’t equate to “cheap” with these knives. There’s a reason why the $80 CIVIVI Qubit is on this list. Its one of the best knives out there.

　　The Qubit is two slabs of anodized aluminum wrapped around a 14C28N stainless steel blade. It features ceramic ball bearings and a barrel-style button lock. 14C28N is the best budget stainless steel on the market. Having it live between two pieces of aluminum keeps the Qubit light, but it also makes it a joy to use for all types of situations, easy and annoying. The ball bearings and the barrel-style button lock increase both the deployment and overall operation of the knife.

　　Overall, the size and shape of the Qubit are great, but based on the style of the fat, drop-point blade, it could use another inch to balance it out. That said, at 4.21” closed and 7.19” when opened, the Qubit fits in your hand and pocket nicely.

　　Another nice feature and benefit of the Qubit is its full-flat grind. The absence of a grind line allows you to smear peanut butter on your granola bar a lot easier. And if you’re not smearing peanut butter on your granola bar, man — you’re missing out!

　　Check out our full GearJunkie review of the Qubit for more info.

　　Check Price at Blade HQCheck Price at Amazon Knives for Hiking Backpacking Comparison Chart

　　We brought a plethora of different knives — both fixed and folders — on numerous backpacking and hiking excursions to test their mettle in the wild; (photo/Nick LeFort) How We Tested Hiking and Backpacking Knives GearJunkie has been lucky enough to have a solid team of knife testers over the years, and this year is no different. From Josh Wussow to Anthony Sculimbrene to Sean McCoy and Nick LeFort, just to name a few, we have an experienced group of people from different walks of life who are all knife freaks. They all bring something unique and informative to the table in terms of making sure that you get the best of the best. Our team understands the assignment: Inform the masses.

　　Knafs Lulu features a mega-strong raw MagnaCut steel construction; (photo/Nick LeFort) Case and point, MagnaCut steel and crossbar-style locks have been sprinkled all over the knife world in 2024. And for good reason — MagnaCut has proven to be the best EDC steel on the market. Every major (and some minor) knife maker has started using it. It spread like wildfire. Why? Because EDC knife users have high standards. Blade steel needs to be to meet those demands.

　　Benchmade created the Axis lock decades ago, and it’s the basis for every crossbar-style lock out there. It’s been out in the field as long as it has, and we’ve tested it numerous times, so we have a good feeling that it’s the best of the best.

　　That said, we still test everything we recommend. We still abuse the heck out of MagnaCut steel. We still see if we can get a crossbar-style lock to fail. There’s no going through the motions here. You trust us to give you tried and true information based on our professional experience with a product — and that’s what you’re going to get.

　　Author and professional knife expert Nick LeFort tested a plethora of burly blades for the creation of this guide; (photo/Nick LeFort) Testing History For this year’s guide, we plucked Nick LeFort out of the group and had him tackle the task.

　　LeFort is an outdoor enthusiast, engineer, and knifemaker who has worked and played in the outdoor and knife industries for more than 20 years. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge about materials, engineering, manufacturing, and marketing and has nearly 30 years of experience in the outdoor world.

　　What’s more, he’s been testing and reviewing knives, tools, and gear for more than a decade. Having started with GearJunkie last September, he already has over 50 articles to his name. He’s dedicated to the cause, has a lot to say, and wants to make sure you’re getting the best information you can from us.

　　Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Hiking and Backpacking Knife

　　It can be tricky to narrow in on the perfect model for your needs. The knife market is wild and full of variety — so weve done the heavy lifting for you; (photo/Nick LeFort) When it comes to knives, we can only take you so far. In the end, you need to choose a knife that’s right for you based on what you plan on doing with it, how much you want to spend, and how many knives you plan on owning (we recommend multiple). But there are a few key things to look for, especially in regards to a knife you plan on relying on for hiking and backpacking.

　　Knife Steel The variety of knife blade steel and handle materials out there is pretty impressive. But, while go-to handle materials seem to have stabilized, there’s new steel coming out every year. The above selection of nine knives contains seven different knife steels. Our recommendation is to consider each steel on a case-by-case basis. Still, any good blade steel should meet or exceed the following requirements.

　　Corrosion Resistance The last thing you want is your knife turning orange on you out in the field. Especially if you’re planning on using it to prepare food. All of the steel mentioned in this guide either has exceptional corrosion resistance or has been coated to eliminate the occurrence of rust.

　　A knifes blade needs to boast strong corrosion resistance if it is going to go the distance; (photo/Nick LeFort) Abrasion Resistance Some people consider this property to be more form than function. But in all reality, if your blade gets scraped up, it may start chipping — which then could lead to blade failure.

　　Edge Retention/Ease of Resharpening The worst knife you can carry is a dull one. That being said, you want to look for knife steels that either excel in edge retention or can be easily resharpened. You can learn more about specific knife steels here.

　　Handle Material When it comes down to handle material, its all about grip. Ergonomics play a part in this as well, as its possible to find great handle material in a weird shape that will cause fatigue. If thats the case, you won’t want to use the knife and you’ll have wasted your money. These are some of the more preferred handle materials on the market today:

　　Knafs Lulu features one of our favorite ergonomic handles out there, with grippy micarta scales; (photo/Nick LeFort) G10 Micarta G10 and Micarta are both extremely strong materials. Both excel in grip whether your hands are wet or dry — which is why these two materials are so popular with EDC, Survival, Tactical, and Bushcraft-style knives.

　　Nylon Plastic Nylon and plastic also make for great handle materials because they’re durable and lightweight, but they’re also generally textured. It’s this texturing and styling that increases grip on a knife made from these materials.

　　Note: Nylon and plastic handle scales can be called a litany of names. Some of the more popular names are FRN/Zytel (Fiber Reinforced Nylon), GRN (Glass Reinforced Nylon), GFN (Glass Filled Nylon), and Grivory (Injection Molded).

　　Nylon handles, like on Gerbers lightweight Assert, arent the most stalwart handle options, but do help to keep weight low for lightweight backpacking trips; (photo/Nick LeFort) Carbon Fiber A lot of folks think carbon fiber is just pretty to look at, but in all reality, this woven material is lightweight and strong. Depending on its composition, it could be considered the perfect balance between strength, weight, and durability. You can bet your bippy you’ll pay more for a knife with carbon fiber — but it’s worth it.

　　Aluminum Titanium Both aluminum and titanium are incredibly strong and lightweight materials which make them great for knife handle scales. But where aluminum has become relegated to budget knives, the use of titanium is usually saved for premium and ultra-premium Knives. The only drawback to both of these materials is that they can be slippery when wet.

　　The popular Benchmade Bugout can be customized to your hearts content — including with a titanium handle; (photo/Josh Wussow) Ease of Use Ease of use is a big deal when considering what knife is right for you. It can come in many forms from ergonomics, to lock design, to the hardware used to keep the knife together and in good functioning order. All in all, the last thing you want to do is struggle with or be uncomfortable using your knife.

　　Ergonomics A good knife will feel right in your hand. From the shape of the handle scales to the overall thickness and even texturing, ergonomics can be the difference between you being confident with your knife or leaving it in your drawer at home. When you consider a knife, put it in your hand and give it a good squeeze. Then, push down hard on a hard surface. If everything feels right, that’s your next knife.

　　Knives made for hiking and backpacking are small and packable, but its important to find ones with handles that still feel comfortable and safe while cutting; (photo/Anthony Sculimbrene) Lock Mechanism Without fail, you will find yourself in a position where you need to rely on the lock on your knife more than you expected. Out of the six folding knives in this guide, four feature the crossbar-style lock mechanism and a fifth features a button lock which is similar in design to the crossbar lock. In our time and experience, we have never seen one of those lock mechanisms fail without some outside force creating a major disruption in how the knife functions. Like a truck running it over. Additionally, a good liner lock won’t fail you either.

　　Pocket Clip The right pocket clip will keep your knife in place in your pocket and will be easy to attach and remove. Generally, pocket clips are made from steel or titanium, are designed to retain their shape, and are around half the total length of the knife when they are closed. There are also shorter pocket clip and wire ones that are usually found on small to midsize knives and lightweight ones..

　　Knife pocket clips come in all shapes and sizes; (photo/Nick LeFort) Ball Bearings Ten years ago, you needed to pay $300 to get a knife with ball bearings in it, but now you can find them for under $100. Ball bearings assist in the opening and closing of a knife. In fact, there are some knives out there that are so fluid in operation — due to ball bearings — that they’re just as fast, if not faster than an automatic knife. They’re also legal in more places when compared to an auto.

　　Sheaths In terms of fixed-blade knife sheaths, your biggest concerns — in terms of function — are sheath material, how it attaches to you or your pack, and if it’s easy to remove (and insert) the knife from.

　　Leather and Kydex are the two most popular knife sheath materials out there. Both can be easily attached to your belt and — depending on the mounting clip — your pack as well.

　　When considering how you’re going to carry the knife, you want to make sure that the sheath will sit on your belt low enough to clear the hipbelt of your pack, or if it can be easily attached to your pack straps.

　　Fixed blade knives need to have sturdy, secure sheaths that are light enough to bring on a backcountry hiking excursion; (photo/Nick LeFort) Maintaining and Caring for Your Knife Your knife is only going to benefit you if it’s in good working order. With a fixed-blade knife, maintenance is generally focused on keeping the blade edge sharp and free of knicks or chips as this can lead to failure. With a folding knife, it can get a little more complicated as there are moving parts that need to be maintained to make sure the knife is safe to use for years to come.

　　Here are some basic tips that you should get into a routine of doing to make sure your knife is reliable and ready for your next adventure.

　　Make Sure Its Sharp!

　　Its vital to keep your knifes blade sharp and ready for action. This can be a tricky process, so make sure to learn how to do it properly, or get an expert to do it for you; (photo/Nick LeFort) A dull knife isn’t any good to you. In fact, a dull knife can be dangerous. Thankfully, most knives on the market have steels that you can easily sharpen with the right sharpener and a little practice.

　　Throughout the testing process for this guide, we’ve relied on the Work Sharp Folding Field Sharpener. It’s not only small and lightweight, but we’ve found it incredibly effective for field honing and keeping our knives sharp and useful many miles from home. It’s also useful when touching up the edge of an axe or hatchet.

　　Keep It Clean and Lubricated

　　Make sure to clean your knife after any dirty, sticky task you put it to to help prolong its life; (photo/Nick LeFort) Water, dirt, and debris can all lead to your knife failing on you. For both fixed-blade and folding knives, make sure to wipe your blade down and that the handle cavity and sheath are dry and free of debris.

　　It’s perfectly fine to wash down your blade with dish soap and water, making sure to wipe it down and let it air dry. We also recommend coating your blade with any type of food-grade lubricant.

　　Regarding folding knives, you want to make sure that the lock mechanism and pivot are free of debris and in working order as well. These can be cleaned with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol, or canned air. You should always re-lubricate these areas after cleaning your knife.

　　If the knife manufacturer recommends a specific lubricant, it’s always best to use that.

　　A good knife for hiking and backpacking should last for years upon years of hard use; (photo/Nick LeFort) Price Value Knife pricing isn’t as cut and dry as most of us would like it to be. Yes, just like with any other consumer good, factors like materials, design, and function all play into the final price of a knife. However, as we’ve recently seen with a reliable and desirable $10 knife from Walmart, there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes that determine what we pay at the store for a knife.

　　How much material a knife manufacturer buys has a major impact on the price you pay for a knife. Material prices, in general, will fluctuate based on how much of each item is being bought overall. We’ve most recently seen this with MagnaCut, which became a popular steel seemingly overnight. As more brands adopted it in their knives, the overall price of the steel itself went down.

　　Another major factor is the country where the knife is made. Over the last decade, the quality of knives made by overseas brands like WE Knife and CIVIVI has improved beyond anything we could have imagined. However, the brand’s prices are still comparatively lower than similar knives made in North America.

　　This brings up the brand name factor. Knives from brands like Benchmade generally retail for more than similar knives from other brands. It’s not outside the realm of reason that you’re paying into the brand as much as you are the product. Some people refer to this as a “brand tax”. That said, in the case of Benchmade, you’re also buying free sharpening for life as well as a pretty significant lifetime warranty.

　　With that being said, we’re going to break knives down into the following three categories based on pricing in general. But, to be fair, in the production knife world, there are no clear and defining lines between Budget knives, Mid-tier knives, or Premium knives. The following is a generalization of what you can expect from each category.

　　Budget Budget knives are usually made from more affordable materials. Does this make the knife any less useful? No. A budget knife should do everything you would expect it to. However, it may require more maintenance to keep it up and running.

　　On this list, the CIVIVI Yonder ($67) and CIVIVI Baby Banter ($70) are budget-level knives because they cost less than $100. Does this mean they’re any less of a knife than a mid-tier or premium knife? That depends on what you’re looking for in a knife.

　　In the case of these two knives, we think you’re getting a bargain. Nitro-V and 14C28N are great EDC steels that require little maintenance. Both knives feature G-10, which is durable and provides an excellent grip, and both are sized right for Hiking Backpacking.

　　Mid-Tier In the world of Hiking Backpacking knives, most people carry budget or mid-tier options around

　　Mid-tier knives range from $100 to $200. They may use premium materials and almost always have a fine-tuned focus on ergonomics and weight. The Gerber Assert ($175) and the Grivory-handled Benchmade Bugout ($180-190) are prime examples of mid-tier knives.

　　You’ll note that the Assert has 14C28N, classified as budget steel, while the Bugout has S30V, considered premium steel— but both knives are similarly priced. This proves that knife pricing isn’t as clear-cut as you would hope. Factors like build, weight, form, and function all play a role in determining a knife’s retail price

　　Premium The minute you read “premium,” you thought about Benchmade, didn’t you? Well, some of the Bugouts out there especially the custom ones can climb high enough to hit $300. With custom being designed by you and for you, we concur; that’s premium.

　　That said, the GiantMouse Jagt ($215) and Dauntless Manufacturing Hiker ($290) are the premiums on this list. Both feature MagnaCut steel and high-end handle material (Micarta and Ultem), but they’re also made by smaller companies that make smaller-batch knives. That’s not to say every premium knife comes from a boutique manufacturer, but in this case — they do.

　　With premium knives, aside from higher-end materials, you can expect a higher attention to detail and a more defined build. In fact, in these cases, these knives are hand-built. So, you could say that there are fewer automated processes going into building premium knives which give them more of a personal touch.

　　Frequently Asked Questions Should I get a folding knife or a fixed-blade knife? As a general rule, fixed-blade knives are stronger, require less maintenance, and are designed for more demanding tasks.

　　Folding knives tend to be more portable and easier to carry but have more moving parts which equates to more maintenance.

　　We don’t want to get too deep in the weeds here, because we think there is room for both. At some point, choosing between the two comes down to personal preference.

　　As we said earlier, for every knife you buy, consider what you’re buying it for.

　　Should I get a plain edge or serrated edge knife? Plain edge blades have one continuous edge and they can be great for cutting, chopping, shaving, and slicing.

　　Generally, a serrated blade is a combination of a plain edge and serrations, usually towards the back of the blade near the pivot. The benefit of serrations on a blade is that it can be used for sawing through limbs and rope.

　　Overall, when choosing between a blade with a plain edge and one with serrations you need to take your needs into consideration. Serrations take up space on a blade edge and are more complicated to sharpen.

　　That said, if you like having options on your blade edge, this sharpener from Smith’s can get those serrations factory sharp within a few minutes by the fire.

　　If a knifes blade is small, like on the CIVIVI Qubit, we prefer for it to have a plain edge for more utility; (photo/Anthony Sculimbrene) What’s the best sheath material for a fixed blade? The three major materials for fixed-blade knife sheaths are injection molded plastic, Kydex, and leather. All three have their merits, with Kydex and leather being the two real contenders, but it really boils down to the following:

　　Mounting: A sheath that can mount to multiple things (like your belt and your pack strap) can be a major bonus in terms of ease of use and accessibility. One that has a buckle that you can open and close so you don’t need to take off your belt or deconstruct your backpack is even better.

　　Where you are going: Leather is beautiful, but it doesn’t do so well in the elements. A wet knife sheath won’t dry easily as long as you remain outdoors with it. The universal, and durable, solution is Kydex. That said, if you’re hell-bent on a leather sheath — you can dry it at night on a stone by the fire. Just make sure to take the knife out first!

　　How come you didn’t mention wood for handle materials? In all reality, we probably could have. But, wood isn’t as common on production knives as it once was. When considering that these are lightweight knives for hiking and backpacking, wood is even less common.

　　That said, wood makes for great handle scales on knives. You’re more likely to see wood on fixed-blade knives, but there’s a handful of folding knife models out there that still use wood. The Bushcraft crowd likes wood handle scales quite a bit.

　　P.S. We didn’t mention bone or leather handles, either. Or horn. Or copper. There are so many different materials out there. We stuck to the ones that pertained to the knives in this guide.

　　Knives for hiking and backpacking need to be made with lightweight but sturdy components if they have any hope of snagging some real estate in your backpack; (photo/Nick LeFort)

　　The Best Bushcraft Knives of 2024 Whether splitting logs or whittling by the fire, weve found the best bushcraft knives for every budget and use.

　　The Best Tactical Knives of 2024 Known by many names, a tactical knife generally refers to a hardworking, do-all blade. Here, we review the best folding and fixed-blade knives for every budget and use.