Camping Tools

Essential Camping Tools and Where to Buy the Best Knives in the UK

If you love the outdoors, you know that the right tools can turn a good trip into a great one. From slicing fresh veg on a camp stove to opening a cold drink after a long hike, the right camping knives and tools make life easier and safer. In this guide I’ll walk you through top camping tools, the best knife brands to look for, where to buy them in the UK, and how to choose the right piece for your kit. Think of this as your map to the best blades and kitchen helpers for the campsite — practical, honest and tailored for British adventures.

Why the Right Camping Tools Matter

Have you ever tried chopping with a dull blade or wrestled with a corkscrew that refuses to cooperate? The wrong tool can turn a five-minute job into a half-hour headache. Good camping tools save time, reduce waste, and keep you safer in unpredictable conditions. They’re also multi-taskers — a decent pocket knife can be a can opener, saw, screwdriver and bottle opener all in one. Choosing quality over impulse purchases pays off when you’re miles from the car and the weather turns.

Top Knife Brands You’ll See in UK Stores

There are a few names that keep popping up when campers talk about reliable knives. Victorinox, Opinel, Laguiole, Kai and small makers like Savernake are all popular choices because they balance quality, design and price. Let’s break down what each brand brings to the table, and which models from the HTML data are worth noting.

Victorinox — Swiss-made versatility

Victorinox is almost synonymous with the Swiss Army knife. Models like the Swiss Army Knife Special Companion Damast Limited Edition, Climber Red, Huntsman Wood and Mountaineer are classic picks for campers. They offer multi-tool functionality in a compact package — scissors, saws, screwdrivers and blades that range in useful lengths. If you want a tool that covers dozens of campsite tasks without adding bulk, Victorinox is hard to beat.

Opinel — simple, reliable and affordable

Opinel No.10 is a legendary folder with a roughly 4-inch blade that’s easy to sharpen and maintain. Its simplicity is its strength: a clean, single-blade design that’s lightweight and robust. For cooks who want a dependable kitchen knife or hikers who want a straightforward blade for general tasks, Opinel brings vintage charm and solid performance at a friendly price.

Laguiole — style meets function

Laguiole-style pocket knives, especially those with materials like olive wood or rose wood and added features like corkscrews, marry craftsmanship and presentation. The Laguiole Style De Vie Luxury Pocket Knife With Corkscrew and other premium variants are excellent for campers who value a touch of elegance at the camp table. They’re also handy for picnics and evenings around a camp lantern.

Savernake and other boutique makers

Smaller brands such as Savernake produce knives like the Dna Gt11 bar knife, focusing on distinctive looks and practical blades. These can be attractive options if you want something less common and designed with a specific set of tasks in mind, like food prep or carving wood for kindling.

Essential Camping Kitchen Tools Beyond Knives

Knives often steal the spotlight, but a few other kitchen items make camping life much better. Think peelers, santoku-style chef blades for serious cooking, and compact multi-tools that include a bottle opener and can opener. The Victorinox Swiss Classic Swisspeeler and a 6.7-inch (about 6 3/4-inch) victorinox wood santoku are examples from the product list that step up camp cooking game.

Peelers and santoku knives

A good peeler reduces prep time and waste, especially when you’re cooking for a group. The Victorinox Swisspeeler is lightweight and efficient. Santoku or short chef knives of around 6 to 7 inches cover chopping and slicing for bigger meal prep and are worth packing if you plan to cook elaborate dinners at camp.

Where to Buy These Camping Tools in the UK

Buying in the UK gives you access to local warranty support, quicker returns and often faster shipping. I’ll run through reputable retailers and specialist shops where you can find the models and brands mentioned, including both outdoor retailers and dedicated cutlery stores.

Cotswold Outdoor — specialist outdoor retailer

Cotswold Outdoor stocks a range of camping knives and kitchen tools from trusted brands. They’re a great stop for shoppers who want outdoor-specific advice and a selection tuned to camping and hiking. Expect options that balance weight and toughness for wild camping trips in moors or mountains.

Go Outdoors and Millets — value and variety

Retailers like Go Outdoors and Millets often offer good mid-range options and seasonal discounts. If you want a functional blade without a steep price tag, these stores usually carry popular Victorinox multi-tools and entry-level folders that get the job done without breaking the bank.

Nordic Nest — design-focused picks

Nordic Nest appears among the product listings and is a strong choice for high-quality kitchen tools with Scandinavian design flair. If you want a wooden-handled santoku or an elegant Laguiole-style knife for camp meals, Nordic Nest tends to feature well-crafted pieces that are both attractive and usable outdoors.

Specialist knife shops and online sellers

Knife specialists and online marketplaces like KnivesandTools, Amazon UK and dedicated cutlery boutiques will often have the widest model variety, from limited-edition Victorinox knives to bespoke pieces. They’re also where you’ll find detailed product specs if you’re comparing steel types, blade finishes and handle materials.

How to Choose the Right Knife for Your Trip

Choosing a camping knife comes down to several tradeoffs: size vs. portability, fixed blade vs. folding, and specialist vs. multi-purpose tools. Think about your trip style — are you car camping with a full cook set or backpacking where every ounce matters? Below are simple rules of thumb to help you decide.

Blade length — how much is enough?

For most campers a blade between 3 and 4.5 inches is versatile. A 3-inch blade is safe and easy to control for finer tasks; a 4-inch blade gives more reach for larger chopping jobs. If you plan on serious food prep, a short chef-style blade around 6 to 7 inches is ideal, but that adds bulk to your pack.

Fixed blade vs. folding knives

Fixed blades are tougher and easier to clean, making them excellent for heavy-duty chores. Folding knives and Swiss Army multi-tools are compact and legal to carry in town, which is handy if you’ll be moving between urban areas and campsites. If you want one tool to rule them all, a quality multi-tool is unbeatable for versatility.

Weight, handle material and ergonomics

Weight matters if you hike far. Wooden handles like olive or rose wood give a warm feel and look great, but they need care in wet conditions. Synthetic handles resist moisture better and can be lighter. Whichever you choose, test how the handle feels in your hand — comfort beats glossy marketing lines when you’re slicing for dinner at dusk.

Care and Maintenance — Keep Your Tools Sharp and Ready

Blunt blades are more dangerous than sharp ones because they slip. Keep a compact sharpener in your kit and learn a basic sharpening technique. Oil pivot points on folding knives if they start to squeak and store wooden-handled tools dry to prevent swelling. A little maintenance in the evening keeps your tools ready for the next morning’s breakfast.

Budget Picks vs Premium Choices

On a tight budget you can still get a dependable tool. Opinel No.10 and entry-level Victorinox multi-tools offer excellent value and long-lasting performance. If you want heirloom quality or a statement piece, Laguiole-style knives and limited-edition Damascus Victorinox models step into the premium range, often costing several times more but offering unique craftsmanship and materials.

Packing, Safety and Legal Tips

Packing knives safely matters for your equipment and for others. Use sheaths or blade guards, store folding knives closed, and separate sharp items in a dedicated pouch. In the UK laws about carrying knives in public are strict—generally avoid carrying fixed blades in towns and keep folding blades securely folded while traveling. When flying from the UK, knives must be packed in checked luggage, not carry-on.

Putting Together a Compact Camping Tools Kit

Want a packing checklist that won’t weigh you down? Start with a reliable folding multi-tool or a 3.5 to 4.5-inch pocket knife, add a small peeler, a compact santoku or chef knife if you cook a lot, and a sharpener. Throw in a bottle opener/corkscrew if you enjoy wine in the wild. Keep everything in a dry roll or pouch so you can find tools quickly and keep them safe.

Final Thoughts — Match Tools to Your Adventure

Choosing camping tools is part practicality and part personal taste. If you’re a minimalist backpacker, favor lightweight folding tools and a small peeler. If you car camp and cook with flair, treat yourself to a santoku and a premium pocket knife. Shop at specialist outdoor retailers for hiking-focused gear, design shops like Nordic Nest for kitchen-centric tools, and knife specialists for the widest selection. With the right mix of tools, every campsite meal and repair becomes a breeze rather than a chore.

Now that you’ve got the map to the best camping tools and where to find them in the UK, you can pick gear that fits your style and budget. Safe trails, happy cooking, and sharp blades used responsibly will always make your time outdoors more enjoyable.