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Best Knife for Hiking: Top Picks and How to Choose the Right One

04 Aug, 2025
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Best Knife for Hiking: Top Picks and How to Choose the Right One

When you're out on the trail, choosing the best knife for hiking isn't just about having a sharp blade—it's about selecting a dependable, purpose-fit tool for cooking, bushcraft, or emergencies. Whether you're slicing fruit, cutting paracord, or making tinder, a well-chosen hiking knife can become your most trusted trail companion.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to choose the right knife for your adventures and share our top picks—including the RUIKE P801-SF, RUIKE F118-B, and RUIKE P123‑MB—to suit various hiking and survival needs.

How to Choose the Best Hiking Knife

Know Your Main Use Cases

Hiking knives serve different roles depending on the trail scenario:

  • Food prep: slicing fruit, cheese, or cooked meat
  • Bushcraft tasks: cutting wood, carving stakes, or fire-starting
  • Emergency use: cutting seat belts, clothing, or first aid

Choosing a hiking knife that aligns with your primary needs is the foundation of a good decision.

Folding Knife vs Fixed Blade

  • Folding knives (e.g., RUIKE P801-SF) are compact and ultralight—ideal for backpackers focused on weight savings.
  • Fixed blades (e.g., RUIKE F118-B) offer superior strength and durability—perfect for bushcraft or survival hiking tasks.

Key Features to Look For

FeatureWhat to Look For
Blade steelCorrosion-resistant and holds an edge (e.g., 14C28N)
Blade length3–4 inches is the sweet spot for versatility
WeightUnder 100g for ultralight; up to 200g for fixed blades
HandleNon-slip and ergonomic (G10, Micarta, or Titanium)
Lock mechanismFrame or liner lock for folding knives
CoatingStonewashed or black oxide for rust protection

Legal and Carry Considerations

Always check your local knife laws, especially regarding blade length, locking mechanism, and open carry rules.
Blades under 3.5 inches are typically legal for hiking and camping in most regions.

Top Hiking Knives Comparison Table

Knife ModelTypeWeightBest ForProsCons
RUIKE P801-SFFolding86gEDC HikingSleek, 14C28N steelNot ideal for heavy use
RUIKE F118-BFixed Blade190gSurvival HikingFull tang, G10 gripBulkier for lightweight hikers
RUIKE P123‑MBFolding82.3gPremium EDCMicarta handle, secure lockNot specialized for bushcraft

Best Knife for Hiking: Our Top Picks

Best Lightweight Premium Option

RUIKE P801-SF
A compact stainless steel ultralight hiking knife weighing just 86g. Its 14C28N steel blade provides excellent edge retention, and the frame lock offers trail safety. Ideal for minimalist backpackers and EDC fans alike.

Best Fixed Blade Knife

RUIKE F118-B
Built for strength, this full tang fixed blade hiking knife features a durable G10 handle and a robust 4.3" edge. Perfect for carving wood, emergency shelter prep, or bushcraft work. Rugged yet ergonomic for serious hikers.

Best All-Round Hiking Knife

RUIKE P123‑MB
Balancing portability with precision, this Micarta-handled folding knife weighs only 82.3g. Great for multi-use hiking scenarios—from food prep to gear repair—thanks to its durable 14C28N steel and solid lock system.

Extended Tips: Ultralight and Survival Knife Options

If you're aiming for a survival hiking knife, prioritize fixed blades with full tang designs and weather-resistant materials.
For ultralight trekking knife use, choose slim folding knives under 100g with corrosion-resistant coatings.

RUIKE's lineup balances both ends:

  • P801-SF and P123‑MB are great for ultralight hikers
  • Jager F118-B is the go-to for durability in survival situations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between a hiking knife and a survival knife?
A hiking knife emphasizes portability and daily trail tasks, while survival knives are larger, more robust, and intended for life-saving scenarios like wood splitting or hunting.

Q2: What blade length is ideal for hiking?
3–4 inches is optimal—long enough for functionality, short enough for legal and safe carry.

Q3: How do I maintain my hiking knife?

  • Clean and dry thoroughly after each trip
  • Lubricate pivot and locking parts for folding knives
  • Sharpen regularly using a whetstone or ceramic rod

Conclusion: Ready to Choose Your Best Hiking Knife?

The best hiking knife is not just sharp—it’s dependable, easy to carry, and suited to your trail goals.
Whether you're thru-hiking the PCT, bushcrafting in the Rockies, or camping with friends, your knife is your silent partner in safety and preparedness.

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