Practical Overland Knives :: Buyers Guide

It’s 1982, and I have just walked out of the movie theater after watching Rambo First Blood. While the film itself had me pumped to get pumped and wear a headband, the longest lingering impression was of that knife. You know, the one for hunting. A few years later, Crocodile Dundee graced our screens, and one of the most memorable scenes was old Croc being confronted by knife-wielding bad guys in New York City. “That’s not a knife; this is a knife,” smirked our hero before slicing the bad guy’s Thriller-inspired red jacket with what instantly became the world’s most coveted Bowie knife. Everyone, everywhere, suddenly had to have a Bowie knife to complement their Rambo knife, but what the two knives have in common is that they are both essentially less than ideal for everyday use, carry, or bushcraft. 

The Rambo knife is terribly made with a blade that terminates at a hollow handle with a “survival” kit, a stainless steel blade with slotted saw teeth, and an aluminum butt cap with an unreliable compass. Based on an early 20th-century Air Force Survival knife, the Rambo knife is best suited to 12-year-old kids who watch Alone and spend their afternoons sitting in a birch branch teepee at the bottom of the garden, crafting a sardine sandwich. The Crocodile Dundee Bowie knife, while more practical than the Rambo knife, is best suited to hanging from the hip, looking intimidating, and pulling your pants down. As overlanders, we have space in our vehicles for a variety of knives that can be used for everything from cooking to bushcraft to vehicle repairs; combined with axes and saws, a combination of good blades is, for many of us, essential (a Rambo knife or a gigantic Bowie knife are not essential, a dedicated machete is a much more practical tool).

A good knife is, arguably, one of the most valuable and practical tools for outdoor and everyday life. From the mundane to the life-changing, a set of knives kept sharp and clean will serve you endlessly, and we will rarely be found without a good knife on our hip or in our pocket. As someone who cooks regularly around a campfire, I always have a knife or blade of some sort and my Gransfors Bruks axe within reach. Beyond the practicality of a knife, there is something special about a beautifully made and visually appealing blade. Sitting beside a campfire, there is magic and nostalgia that harks back to our collective years as hunters and gatherers. A knife is a fundamental tool that has arguably done more than even the wheel to elevate humanity to the top of the food chain; our ancestors would marvel at the quality and keenness of the blades that we modern humans so often take for granted. 

To wax lyrical, a knife in hand is what separated us from the beasts, and those of us who recognize this have a deep love and respect for this most fundamental and essential tool. In this guide, we will list the knives that we have had the pleasure of using over the last months or even decades and blades we would love to own, from a basic EDC to multi-tools and rugged culinary knife sets that elevate our overland and outdoor experience. You might notice that we are not featuring typical survival knives as these types of knives, while more important to some than others, have limited practicality for everyday overland travel.

Every Day Carry (EDC)

An EDC is usually a small, lightweight knife that serves as a general utility knife that is either clipped to your belt or carried in your pocket. The EDC is, as the name suggests, used every day whether you are at home or on the road and is, therefore, the most practical and commonly used knife. From opening packages to slicing jerky, whittling on a piece of wood, removing a splinter, or cutting rope and fishing line, the EDC is an investment and essential for many. Preferably, an EDC should be slim and sharp, easy to open and close with a locking mechanism, and offer a blade that retains an edge and hones quickly.

Benchmade CSTM Mini Bugout

We have tested the Benchmade Mini Bugout and have found it to be a highly efficient and lightweight folding knife, ideal for EDC. It has a total length of 6.49 inches and a blade length of 2.82 inches, weighing just 1.5 ounces, making it perfect for urban and outdoor use. The fully customizable knife (you could even have your name engraved on the blade) features a simple drop-point blade made from S30V steel, known for its balance of edge retention and corrosion resistance. It excels in tasks like opening packages, cutting cardboard, and general slicing while maintaining a sharp edge and being easy to sharpen. Its handle is made of brightly colored G10 and titanium, offering durability and visibility, with a design that supports a full four-finger grip. The Mini Bugout includes a discreet deep carry clip for unobtrusive pocket carry and a reliable Axis lock mechanism. Overall, it’s a well-crafted, versatile knife, comparable in functionality to its larger counterpart, the original Bugout, but we prefer the mini for its compactness and lightness. The one-hand operation is simple and intuitive, though we do recommend concentration when closing the knife with one hand; the blade is surgically sharp out of the package.

$200  |  benchmade.com

James, The Elko

The Elko is an attractive, compact knife designed to offer maximum utility in a minimal package. It features a capable stainless steel blade that is somewhat larger than other knives of its size, ensuring reliability for various tasks. This knife includes a “pry bar” at the butt of the handle that doubles as a key ring, bottle opener, screwdriver, and pry tool. The Elko boasts a Sandvik 12C27 blade steel, known for its balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. The tool’s overall length is 4.33 inches, with a closed length of 2.60 inches and a blade length of 1.74 inches. It’s lightweight, weighing only 1.3 ounces, and features a drop-point blade shape with a straight edge. The lock type is a slip joint, and it comes with a full-sized titanium keyring. Its hardware is made of 416 stainless steel with phosphor bronze washers. The Elko EDC is compact enough to be hung from your keyring, but, in our experience, an EDC is more practical as a stand-alone tool, perhaps hung from a lanyard. Available in a range of attractive colors, including our favorite—black on black, the Elko is affordable and the perfect gift for that blade-obsessed overlander/hiker/traveler.

$65  |  thejamesbrand.com

James, Hell Gap

While not a traditional EDC, the Hell Gap deserves an honorable mention as it has proven to be a valuable, compact tool. The Hell Gap is the James brand’s first fixed-blade knife, designed for a wide range of tasks. Named after the Hell Gap arrowhead found in Platte County, Wyoming, the knife features a Crucible S35VN stainless steel blade, known for its blend of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. Its full-bellied blade is designed to be precise enough for delicate tasks like carving yet offers enough finger clearance for more robust actions like chopping or dicing. The handle of the Hell Gap is available in either canvas Micarta, a composite material made from linen, canvas, paper, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or various fabrics embedded in thermosetting plastic, or G10 scales; G10 is a highly durable composite created from glass fiber and epoxy, formed under intense pressure and heat-cured. Both composite materials are known for providing excellent grip and a comfortable hand feel in various conditions. The knife’s overall length is 7.8 inches, with a blade length of 3.8 inches. We love the quality feel and performance of this knife and the molded, snug composite sheath; the knife is either carried in the pocket of my trousers when out and about in the field or slipped into my Defender’s Melvill and Moon seat cover side pocket where it is readily available.

$280  |  thejamesbrand.com

SOG Twitch II

The SOG Twitch II knife offers a sleek, lightweight design, making it well-suited for everyday carry. It is an affordable and attractive knife that is just large enough to be practical while still compact enough to be unobtrusive. This knife features a drop point blade made from high-quality AUS-8 steel, ensuring a balance between edge retention, sharpness, and corrosion resistance. The handle of the Twitch II knife is crafted from durable materials such as aluminum, designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip during use. Additionally, the knife has a locking mechanism that enhances safety during handling and a pocket clip for convenient carrying. The SOG Twitch II has an overall length of 6.20 inches, a closed length of 3.55 inches, weighs 2.60 ounces, and features a blade that is 2.65 inches long. We like that the Twitch II is available with both a belt clip and a pre-drilled lanyard hole (lanyards are cool and practical). The SOG Twitch II can be personalized either with text or images (we love the idea of having our name on the blade), and there is an option to bulk order the knife on the “personalize” page of the SOG website. It must be noted that the knife is only available in one color scheme.

$60  |  sogknives.com

The Kershaw Cryo

The Kershaw Cryo, first produced in 2012, is a collaboration between designer Rick Hinderer and Kershaw’s production team, resulting in a durable and functional pocketknife suitable for everyday use and work-related tasks. Its design is a blend of practicality and aesthetics, featuring a stainless steel construction with a matte gray titanium carbo-nitride coating, enhancing its appearance and durability. Compared to many of the other knives on this list, the Cryo is a more traditional design, featuring thumb and palm grips and an elongated heel that offers better grip and protection when doing heavy work, features that make this knife ideal for use around camp. This knife is equipped with a 2.75-inch drop point blade made from 8Cr13MoV steel, known for its strength and reliability. It includes a frame lock with a lock bar stabilizer, and the Cryo also features Kershaw’s assisted opening mechanism for easy one-handed operation. The knife measures 3.75 inches when closed, 6.5 inches when open, and weighs 4.1 ounces, making it a compact and portable option. It comes with a 4-position deep-carry pocket clip for versatile carrying as well as a lanyard hole in the butt. The Cryo has been around for over a decade, has excellent reviews, and was selected as Blade Magazine’s 2012 Best Buy of the Year and Men’s Journal Approved Gear in 2013.

$67  |  kershaw.kaiusa.com

Multi-Tools

A good multi-tool is no mere jack-of-all-trades and master of none but is instead a veritable mini toolbox on your hip. We have been carrying the same Leatherman Wave for the last 13 years, and it has proven time and again to be the most versatile and practical tool in my overlanding arsenal. From fixing an old Land Rover on the trail to mending fences on a game farm in Namibia to slicing delicious strips of biltong (South African jerky), the Leatherman multi-tool is undoubtedly the king of all multi-tools, but not the only high-quality multi-tool available. A multi-tool offers much more functionality than a compact EDC, but with that functionality comes bulk and weight.

Leatherman ARC

Recently released to much fanfare, the Leatherman ARC is notable for being the first Leatherman to incorporate a MagnaCut steel blade. This material is chosen for its excellent edge retention, durability, and corrosion resistance. The knife blade also features a DLC coating, adding another layer of corrosion resistance. We love the modern look and “one hand” functionality of the ARC, especially the black primary blade and trim. It is equipped with twenty micro tools, including pliers, bit drivers, files, a pry tool, wire cutters, a screwdriver, openers, an awl, scissors, a saw, a wire stripper, a crimper, and an edge file. The ARC weighs 8.6 ounces and has a closed length of 4.25 inches, making it a portable yet sturdy option. It also has a selection of bits for various tasks. The ARC is durable and robust and constructed from a mix of stainless steel and coatings. The Leatherman ARC comes with a nylon sheath, and the tool is backed with a 25-year warranty, which we know from experience to be honored without question. In fact, we have so much faith in Leatherman’s backing of their tools and the exceptional quality of the tools themselves that we will remain loyal customers, understanding the value proposition included in the premium price.

$230  |  leatherman.com

Victorinox Swiss Tool

The Victorinox Swiss tool is a versatile and compact multi-tool, integrating 26 different functionalities into a single device. Off the bat, it must be noted that, compared to a multi-tool such as the Leatherman ARC above, the Victorinox looks dated and unsophisticated, but that may actually be part of the appeal. If it works, it works; why change it? Swiss-made from the manufacturers of the legendary, yet not entirely practical, Swiss Army Knife, it is designed for a broad spectrum of tasks, offering a variety of tools, including various screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, a bottle opener, a wood saw, a metal saw and file, a chisel, a reamer, and a punch, making it suitable for diverse applications ranging from home repairs to outdoor adventures. The Victorinox is compact, measuring 4.5 inches in length, 1.4 inches in width, and weighing 10.2 ounces, which makes it convenient for carrying in a pocket or a bag. It comes with a leather storage pouch, and the steel construction and gray color add to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The Swiss tool’s lockable blades ensure safety during use, though they require two-handed operation. Victorinox AG guarantees that all of its knives and tools are made from top-quality stainless steel and offers a lifetime guarantee against any defects in materials and artistry.

$155  |  victorinox.com

SOG PowerAccess Assist MT Black

The PowerAccess Assist multi-tool is a comprehensive tool designed to be an essential part of any everyday carry (EDC) kit. It incorporates an array of functionalities, including 21 different tools, making it suitable for a wide range of tasks. One of its key features is the assisted opening mechanism, which allows for rapid, one-handed access to multiple knife blades and tools, enhancing convenience and efficiency in use. The multi-tool includes compound leverage pliers, increasing grip strength and making cutting and gripping tasks smoother and easier. This leverage is achieved through gear-driven pivot points that amplify the force exerted, claimed to offer twice the power of conventional pliers. The PowerAccess Assist MT also features a variety of tools, such as a serrated blade, chisel, awl, drivers, a saw, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, a can opener, a bottle opener, a jewelry driver, a hook cutter, a wire crimper, a bevel gauge, and a magnetic bit holder. It also includes inch and millimeter rules for measurement. We are fans of the black finish, the perceived usability and quality of the individual’s tools, and, most of all, we are impressed by the affordability of this well-reviewed multi-tool. 

$111  |  sogknives.com

Dewalt MT16 Multi-Tool

The Dewalt MT16 multi-tool is a budget-friendly, versatile, and robust product designed to cater to various tasks. No, it will not give you the fizz, start any conversations, or become a lifelong companion. However, its construction is durable and made to withstand the demands of jobsite and campsite usage, ensuring longevity and reliability. The tool is crafted from stainless steel and is engineered for convenience and efficiency. It allows access to its various tools from a closed position, adding to its ease of use. The MT16 is equipped with multiple functionalities, including spring-loaded pliers, needle nose pliers, a wire cutter, knife blades, scissors, a file for wood and metal, a wire stripper, various sizes of screwdrivers, a carabiner/lanyard hole, ruler, bottle opener, and can opener and, adding to its user-friendliness, the MT16 features soft grip panels, enhancing comfort during use. Despite being by far the cheapest multi-tool featured here, the MT16 is backed by a lifetime limited warranty. Now, for the biggest selling point, nine and a half MT16s cost roughly the same as one Leatherman Arc! At that price, you could buy a few and scatter them around your home and your rig and will be more inconvenienced than devastated when it eventually breaks or is misplaced. 

$24  |  dewalt.com

Knife Sets

For those serious about the outdoor culinary experience, knife sets can seamlessly be transferred from your overland rig to your kitchen at home. The benefit of an outdoor-biased culinary set is that you have uniformity in products and are able to choose the tool that suits the task best. We have tested the following products and found them to be an asset; in fact, we will redesign our camper’s kitchen drawers to house these products specifically.

Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit 

The Opinel Nomad cooking kit is ideal for various outdoor activities, from casual picnics to extensive camping and overland trips. This five-piece kit includes a No.12 Serrated Folding Knife, which is excellent for cutting bread or tough rinds and is an excellent culinary all-rounder, a No.10 Corkscrew Knife and Bottle Opener, and a razor-sharp No.06 Folding Peeler for preparing vegetables. The kit also comes with a small but handy 8 x 5-inch cutting board and a microfiber cleaning cloth, which doubles as a folding carry pouch for the entire set. The Nomad collection is designed to make eating outdoors convenient and enjoyable. Its lightweight and versatile nature ensures that it can be easily carried and used in various outdoor settings; we have found this one kit can replace a host of utensils and is great for longer hikes as well as full-time use in the camper. Please note that the Nomad Cooking Kit and Les Forges Chef’s knife are not sold as a set but should ideally be bought together.

$89  |  opinel-usa.com

Opinel Les Forges Chef Knife

The Opinel Les Forges 1890 6-inch chef’s knife is forged from X50CrMoV15 stainless steel, known for its ease of sharpening and ability to maintain a sharp edge. The full tang construction ensures balance and stability, making it a reliable tool for various kitchen tasks such as chopping, mincing, and slicing. With a blade length of 6 inches and an overall length of 12 inches, it offers the perfect combination of maneuverability and utility. The knife also features a hot-forged blade and a stabilized beechwood handle, enhancing its strength and ergonomic comfort. Made in France and backed by a lifetime warranty, the Opinel Les Forges 1890 chef’s knife has become our go-to for food preparation in camp.

$169  |  opinel-usa.com

Benchmade Custom 3-Piece Set

Beautifully balanced, the Benchmade Custom 3-piece set is tailor-made for the serious, dedicated outdoor gourmet. Delivered in an attractive storage box, the set exemplifies cutting precision and macho elegance, depending on your chosen color scheme and handle material (the Benchmade website features a user-friendly knife customizing tool). The set includes a Chef Knife for slicing vegetables with finesse, a Utility Knife ideal for detailed trimming work, and a Paring Knife, perfect for peeling and cutting fruits and vegetables or trimming fat. Crafted for durability and performance, each blade is laser-cut from high-grade CPM 154 or 440C high carbon steel and finished with precision. The handles are milled and machined in-house of G10, Richlite, or carbon fiber, and the knives are assembled and sharpened by expert Oregon City-based technicians. In hand, the knives are solid yet comfortable, the cutting action is predictable and highly efficient, and the knives are delivered with a deadly sharp edge. These knives may be an investment, but from our experience, they are the kind of knives that can be passed on to the next generation of culinary experts. I enjoy all three knives, not just for kitchen work but also around camp. The overall design lends itself very well to multiple uses, and I would not hesitate to attach a lanyard to either and use it for various bushcraft activities. In fact, I will be commissioning a leatherworker to craft a custom sheath for each knife for practical carry and storage within my vehicle. It must be noted that Benchmade also offers free lifetime sharpening services on their products.

From $750  |  benchmade.com

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