Key Takeaways
- Purpose and design: A hiking knife should be lightweight, compact and foldable.
- Key technical features: Choose a stainless steel blade that withstands rain, moisture and corrosion. A reliable blade locking system is essential for safe use.
- The Wichard Hiking Knife: A 60 g folding knife, designed and manufactured in France, featuring a stainless steel blade, a secure blade lock and a high-grip Soft Grip handle. Available in several versions and colours: Tropical, Atlantic and Anemona.
A hiking knife should be lightweight, dependable and always within easy reach. On the trail, it becomes an essential tool for cutting, repairing and preparing. When hiking, every gram counts. The essentials are simple: sturdy hiking boots, a water bottle, a compass, and a reliable knife.
Weight, size, blade steel and ergonomics all make a difference. Here's our complete guide to choosing the right hiking knife for every adventure.
Why is a hiking knife an essential part of your kit?
Hiking knife vs camping knife: what's the difference?
A hiking knife should not be confused with a camping knife.
- A camping knife generally stays at the campsite or bivouac. It is often heavier or incorporates additional kitchen tools and is primarily intended for food preparation.
- A hiking knife is designed to accompany you throughout your journey. Lightweight and versatile, it should handle everyday trail tasks such as preparing food, cutting small pieces of wood, repairing equipment or clearing obstacles from the path. On the trail, your blade should cut efficiently without adding unnecessary weight.
Food preparation, repairs and camp tasks: three essential roles
A quality hiking knife fulfils three key functions outdoors:
1. Food preparation: Slice food during lunch breaks, peel fruit or open dehydrated meal pouches.
2. Repairs and trail maintenance: Cut a backpack strap, carve an improvised tent peg or remove an obstructing branch from the trail.
3. Safety and camp tasks: Prepare an emergency bandage, cut a tensioned rope or process kindling for a campfire.
Folding knife or multi-tool? Why simplicity often wins
Although multi-tools combine scissors, files and screwdrivers into one package, experienced hikers often prefer a simple, robust folding knife.
Multi-tools tend to be heavier and can become less efficient after prolonged exposure to moisture, dirt and dust, making them less suitable for extended hiking trips.
What should you look for in a hiking knife?
Weight and size: keep it light
An ideal hiking knife weighs between 50 g and 100 g. Beyond that, it can become unnecessarily heavy. A knife weighing around 60 g offers an excellent balance between portability and performance, disappearing into your pocket while still providing a comfortable blade length of around 8 to 9 cm.
Blade steel: why stainless steel is the better choice outdoors
Outdoor equipment is constantly exposed to rain, morning dew, condensation inside backpacks and perspiration.
- Carbon steel offers excellent sharpness but requires regular drying and oiling to prevent rust.
- Stainless steel, particularly martensitic stainless steel (MA5 steel), provides outstanding corrosion resistance. Originally developed for demanding marine applications, it resists moisture and salt while maintaining excellent cutting performance and requiring minimal maintenance.
Safety and blade locking system
Nothing is more dangerous than a folding knife closing unexpectedly during a demanding cut.
A quality outdoor knife should always incorporate a secure blade locking mechanism, such as a back lock, liner lock or other positive locking system. This allows you to apply pressure confidently when carving wood or performing more demanding tasks.
Handle design: grip, ergonomics and extreme durability
A poorly designed handle can cause discomfort, blisters or become slippery when wet.
Look for:
- a Soft Grip or non-slip surface for excellent grip, even in wet conditions or with sweaty hands;
- high-strength polymer materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, such as handles rated from -60°C to +100°C.
The Aquaterra range offers several distinctive handle colours, Tropical, Atlantic and Anemona, allowing you to choose a knife that reflects your personal style while adding a fresh touch to your outdoor adventures.
Field comparison: how Wichard's Aquaterra stands out
Alongside iconic brands such as Opinel and Victorinox, Wichard offers a highly technical alternative originally developed for sailors and perfectly suited to hiking: the Aquaterra range.
Aquaterra in the field: stainless steel blade and outstanding weight-to-performance ratio
- A robust plain blade: Manufactured from highly corrosion-resistant stainless steel, it delivers exceptional versatility for slicing bread, preparing meals or cutting wood for your campfire.
- Safety and ergonomics: The blade locks securely using a locking mechanism integrated into the back of the handle. The synthetic handle incorporates non-slip Soft Grip inserts, providing outstanding grip in all weather conditions.
For those seeking a more traditional appearance without compromising performance, the Aquaterra is also available with a French olive wood handle, aramid fibre liners and an optional corkscrew.
What Le Vieux Campeur Says
"A real little gem from Wichard! The Aquaterra Wood version combines tradition and innovation with its French olive wood handle and aramid fibre liners. Lightweight, robust and fitted with an excellent stainless steel blade, it also includes a corkscrew, perfect at sea, on the trail or for everyday use. An elegant, dependable and remarkably practical knife." - vieux campeur
Why choose a knife designed and manufactured in France?
Choosing a knife designed and manufactured in France means supporting local craftsmanship while benefiting from a product built to meet demanding environmental and safety standards. It also means investing in a durable, repairable and guaranteed tool designed to accompany you for many years.
Best practices on the trail
Safety tips and maintenance
Safe Handling - Always adopt a stable position, preferably sitting or kneeling, and never cut towards your body or towards areas containing major arteries, such as your hands, thighs or knees. Whenever handing your knife to someone else, fold the blade first. Always remember that knife blades are extremely sharp.
Blade Care - After each outing, rinse the blade with fresh water if it has come into contact with acidic foods (such as lemon or cheese), soil or dirt. Dry it thoroughly before folding it away. Regular sharpening with a whetstone will help maintain a razor-sharp edge for years to come.