Guide: Find Your Perfect Outdoor Knife
Guide: Find Your Perfect Outdoor Knife
Which knives are best for outdoor activities?
An outdoor knife is an essential tool for anyone who loves spending time in nature. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a beginner, a good knife is a reliable companion for your adventures. Outdoor knives are designed to handle a variety of tasks, from whittling wood to preparing food or starting a fire with a fire starter. Morakniv’s outdoor knives are an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality knife that is ready for all your adventures.
What is the difference between an outdoor knife and an all-purpose knife?
An outdoor knife is specifically designed for activities in nature and has features that make it suitable for tasks such as cutting wood, whittling, and preparing food outdoors. It is usually more robust than an all-purpose knife, often featuring a fixed blade, known as full tang, and an ergonomic handle that provides a good grip even in wet conditions. An all-purpose knife, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of tasks both indoors and outdoors. It is often less specialized and may have a more generally designed blade, making it useful for everything from opening boxes or cutting smaller items to simpler outdoor tasks. For example, Morakniv offers the Eldris and Eldris Light Duty, where Eldris is an outdoor knife with fire starter compatibility and Eldris Light Duty is more of an all-purpose knife.
Which knives are best for outdoor activities?
An outdoor knife is an essential tool for anyone who loves spending time in nature. Whether you’re an experienced outdoor enthusiast or a beginner, a good knife is a reliable companion for your adventures. Outdoor knives are designed to handle a variety of tasks, from whittling wood to preparing food or starting a fire with a fire starter. Morakniv’s outdoor knives are an excellent choice for those seeking a high-quality knife that is ready for all your adventures.
What is the difference between an outdoor knife and an all-purpose knife?
An outdoor knife is specifically designed for activities in nature and has features that make it suitable for tasks such as cutting wood, whittling, and preparing food outdoors. It is usually more robust than an all-purpose knife, often featuring a fixed blade, known as full tang, and an ergonomic handle that provides a good grip even in wet conditions. An all-purpose knife, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used for a wider range of tasks both indoors and outdoors. It is often less specialized and may have a more generally designed blade, making it useful for everything from opening boxes or cutting smaller items to simpler outdoor tasks. For example, Morakniv offers the Eldris and Eldris Light Duty, where Eldris is an outdoor knife with fire starter compatibility and Eldris Light Duty is more of an all-purpose knife.
How should you use the knife?
How should you use the knife?
It’s easy to get lost in the jungle of knives! Our tip is to first think about what you need to do and how you will use the knife.
It’s easy to get lost in the jungle of knives! Our tip is to first think about what you need to do and how you will use the knife.
Hiking
When you’re out hiking, a light and versatile knife is an indispensable companion. It can be used for everything from cutting rope to opening packages. It’s also always good to have a knife on hand for handling unexpected situations, such as repairing gear or creating a makeshift shelter.
Camping
Depending on the type of camping you do, we recommend one of our many outdoor knives, just like for hiking trips. It is beneficial to choose a knife that you can use to split wood and sticks to start a fire easily and also for preparing food, fixing equipment, and creating improvised solutions. Having a reliable knife can make the entire camping experience much smoother and safer, especially if you are far from amenities.
Bushcraft
Bushcraft is a more advanced type of camping, where a really strong and durable knife is necessary to handle tough tasks such as chopping, cutting, and processing wood. It becomes your primary tool for building shelters, creating tools, and surviving in nature. With the right knife, you can perform all the tasks needed to live and thrive in the wilderness.
Whittling in nature
A good outdoor knife is perfect for whittling wood and creating objects, from simple tools to more complex artworks. It allows you to be creative and make something useful or beautiful from natural materials. Whether you’re making a hiking staff or a wood sculpture, a reliable knife is crucial for your whittling projects.
Food preparation
With a sharp knife, you can easily cut meat, vegetables, and fruit, making cooking in nature much easier. A good knife allows you to prepare delicious meals even in the great outdoors. Additionally, it helps you quickly and efficiently handle all food-related tasks, from filleting fish to slicing bread.
Starting a fire
Many of Morakniv’s outdoor knives come with a fire starter or are compatible with one, featuring a specially ground spine in stainless steel. A fire starter makes it easy to create sparks and start a fire, which is particularly useful in emergencies and for staying warm or cooking food in the wild. Being able to start a fire quickly and efficiently can be crucial for your safety and comfort in nature.
Choosing materials and features
Choosing materials and features
When choosing an outdoor knife, there are several features to consider to ensure you get a knife that suits your needs.
When choosing an outdoor knife, there are several features to consider to ensure you get a knife that suits your needs.
Blade length
The blade length of your knife depends on the types of tasks you want to perform with it. A shorter knife blade, like the Morakniv Eldris, offers better control and precision, ideal for detailed work. Longer blades, found in knives like the Garberg or Kansbol, are better for heavier tasks and provide more power and reach.
Handle
The handle should be ergonomic and provide a good grip, even when wet. Materials such as plastic, rubber, or wood are popular choices for a good grip. A well-designed handle reduces the risk of blisters and fatigue during prolonged use, making your knife more comfortable and safer to use.
Blades
Choose between stainless steel and carbon steel depending on your maintenance preferences and usage. Stainless steel is more resistant to rust and requires less maintenance, which is good for humid environments. Carbon steel offers better sharpness and is easier to sharpen, making it a good choice for those who prioritize sharpness and are willing to spend time on maintenance.
Weight balance
A good outdoor knife should be light enough to carry but heavy enough to provide stability and power during use. A well-balanced knife is easier to handle and reduces fatigue during prolonged use, which is important for both comfort and efficiency in the field.
Full tang or not?
A full tang knife has a fixed blade that extends through the entire handle, giving the knife extra strength and durability, making it reliable for heavy tasks like chopping or prying. A knife without full tang is often lighter and can be more comfortable to carry but lacks the same robustness and may be less suitable for demanding use. The choice between full tang and non-full tang depends on how you plan to use the knife and what type of durability you need.
Maintenance care of outdoor knives
Maintenance care of outdoor knives
Cleaning
After active use in nature, clean the blade with water and mild soap. Be sure to dry the knife blade thoroughly to prevent rusting, especially if it is made of carbon steel. Some cleaning is better than none. If you don’t have access to water on your trip, you can wipe the knife on leaves, grass, or moss, but be sure not to harm the surrounding nature. When you get home, wash and dry the knife properly.
Sharpening
There is nothing worse than a dull knife! A sharp knife is more effective in tricky situations and safer, which is important when you’re out enjoying nature. So keep your knife blade sharp by regularly using a knife sharpener or whetstone. Morakniv offers various types of sharpeners to keep your blade sharp; see our products here.
Storage handling
When you are out in nature, whether hiking or camping, it is important to store the knife in its sheath when not in use. This protects both the blade and yourself from unnecessary injuries. You can also hang your knife on your belt for easy access and safe storage. Proper handling of your knife reduces the risk of accidents and keeps it in good condition longer.
Cleaning
After active use in nature, clean the blade with water and mild soap. Be sure to dry the knife blade thoroughly to prevent rusting, especially if it is made of carbon steel. Some cleaning is better than none. If you don’t have access to water on your trip, you can wipe the knife on leaves, grass, or moss, but be sure not to harm the surrounding nature. When you get home, wash and dry the knife properly.
Sharpening
There is nothing worse than a dull knife! A sharp knife is more effective in tricky situations and safer, which is important when you’re out enjoying nature. So keep your knife blade sharp by regularly using a knife sharpener or whetstone. Morakniv offers various types of sharpeners to keep your blade sharp; see our products here.
Storage handling
When you are out in nature, whether hiking or camping, it is important to store the knife in its sheath when not in use. This protects both the blade and yourself from unnecessary injuries. You can also hang your knife on your belt for easy access and safe storage. Proper handling of your knife reduces the risk of accidents and keeps it in good condition longer.
Knives for the Outdoorsy
Knives for the Outdoorsy
Morakniv Eldris – A perfect beginner’s knife!
Eldris is a big favorite with its lightweight, short knife blade, and wide range of uses. Whether you need a handy knife for your outing or an all-purpose knife for work at home and in the garden, Eldris is right for you. Eldris comes in a variety of colors and designs. Eldris Light Duty is better suited as an all-purpose knife, while Eldris comes with a slightly thicker blade with fire starter compatibility and is sold both without and with a fire starter and lanyard.
In other words, the perfect first outdoor knife.
Morakniv Scout – Everyone’s first Morakniv
Do you remember your first Morakniv? It’s not uncommon for it to be a Morakniv Scout knife. Our scout knives are specially designed for smaller hands and perfect for lighter outdoor activities such as whittling and preparing wood. Scout knives come with both a safe rounded tip to reduce the risk of injury and, of course, the classic sharp tip.
Morakniv Companion – A popular friend in nature
Morakniv Companion is a reliable outdoor knife for light trips as well as real survival adventures. Companion is available with a thicker blade, Companion Heavy Duty, and with a practical fire starter in the handle, Companion Spark. Companion is perfect for those who need a really good knife at a really good price.
Morakniv Eldris – A perfect beginner’s knife!
Eldris is a big favorite with its lightweight, short knife blade, and wide range of uses. Whether you need a handy knife for your outing or an all-purpose knife for work at home and in the garden, Eldris is right for you. Eldris comes in a variety of colors and designs. Eldris Light Duty is better suited as an all-purpose knife, while Eldris comes with a slightly thicker blade with fire starter compatibility and is sold both without and with a fire starter and lanyard.
In other words, the perfect first outdoor knife.
Morakniv Scout – Everyone’s first Morakniv
Do you remember your first Morakniv? It’s not uncommon for it to be a Morakniv Scout knife. Our scout knives are specially designed for smaller hands and perfect for lighter outdoor activities such as whittling and preparing wood. Scout knives come with both a safe rounded tip to reduce the risk of injury and, of course, the classic sharp tip.
Morakniv Companion – A popular friend in nature
Morakniv Companion is a reliable outdoor knife for light trips as well as real survival adventures. Companion is available with a thicker blade, Companion Heavy Duty, and with a practical fire starter in the handle, Companion Spark. Companion is perfect for those who need a really good knife at a really good price.
Knives for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Knives for the Outdoor Enthusiast
Morakniv Garberg Kansbol – Classics in nature
For those who need a powerful knife, we recommend Garberg and Kansbol, both really sturdy knives that are excellent for your next bushcraft adventure.
Garberg, with its full tang, is a secure and robust tool that can be used in many demanding situations. Kansbol, with its thick and specially designed blade, is particularly good for hunting.
Morakniv Finn – Perfect for hiking
Finn is a strong little outdoor knife with full tang that is easy to store in your pocket or backpack on your next hike. Whether it’s on foot during the hike or by the campfire, Finn is always close at hand.
Morakniv Rombo – Cooking outdoors
Rombo is a handmade full tang knife optimized for outdoor cooking. Thanks to its handle geometry, various grips are possible, which can come in handy when you need to chop, slice, dice, or peel. Let yourself be inspired by nature’s pantry, and your meals will always be a culinary experience.
Morakniv Garberg Kansbol – Classics in nature
For those who need a powerful knife, we recommend Garberg and Kansbol, both really sturdy knives that are excellent for your next bushcraft adventure.
Garberg, with its full tang, is a secure and robust tool that can be used in many demanding situations. Kansbol, with its thick and specially designed blade, is particularly good for hunting.
Morakniv Finn – Perfect for hiking
Finn is a strong little outdoor knife with full tang that is easy to store in your pocket or backpack on your next hike. Whether it’s on foot during the hike or by the campfire, Finn is always close at hand.
Morakniv Rombo – Cooking outdoors
Rombo is a handmade full tang knife optimized for outdoor cooking. Thanks to its handle geometry, various grips are possible, which can come in handy when you need to chop, slice, dice, or peel. Let yourself be inspired by nature’s pantry, and your meals will always be a culinary experience.
Smart accessories
Smart accessories
Keep the knife on your belt
To always have your knife close at hand, we offer belt loops and lanyards for our knives. These accessories make it easy and safe to carry your knife on all your adventures. Perfect for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities!
Fire starter
Many of our outdoor knives have built-in fire starters, making it easy to start a fire in any weather conditions. You can also purchase fire starters as an additional accessory, perfect to have as a backup or to use with multiple knives.
Keep your knife blade sharp
Morakniv offers knives in both carbon steel and stainless steel, and to keep them in top condition, we have a range of sharpeners. Our sharpeners help you keep your knife blade sharp and ready for all tasks, whether you’re in nature or at home.
