When you’re deep in the backcountry or gathered around a smoky campfire, the right knife isn’t just a tool — it’s a trusted companion. For seasoned outdoorsmen, a single blade rarely covers every task. From food prep and firestarting to field dressing and gear repair, different situations call for unique tools. That’s why building a well-rounded collection of knives is essential for anyone serious about self-reliance in the wild.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for in a dependable outdoor knife and introduce a trio of purpose-built blades from Leatherman, designed to meet the moment, no matter the mission.
What to Look For in an Outdoor Knife
Like most outdoor gear, knives come in all shapes and sizes — and, for serious outdoorsmen, one size usually does not fit all. Here are a few key features to consider when you’re browsing options:
- Fixed versus folding: Comparing fixed blades to folding knives really comes down to whether you prioritize strength or a compact carry. Folding knives can offer convenient, pocket-sized access to a light-duty blade. For heavy-duty outdoor tasks, fixed-blade knives offer superior strength and durability thanks to the full-tang blade that extends through the entire handle.
- Specialized versus multi-purpose: Finding a do-everything knife may sound like the best way to be prepared for anything in the outdoors. But as the saying goes, a jack of all trades is a master of none. When choosing an outdoor knife, consider how you’ll use it — camping, survival, hunting, or general bushcraft — and select a knife that is designed for those tasks.
- Blade shape: One of the most important features when it comes to a task-specific knife? Blade shape. For precision tasks, a drop-point blade is the way to go. Camp cooking is made easier with a chef-style santoku blade. When rugged survivalist tasks are at the top of your list, a Japanese tanto blade is the one for the job.
- Materials: Knives used in the outdoors are likely to be exposed to the elements. Look for high-performance stainless-steel blades that are built to resist corrosion while still maintaining a sharp edge. For the handle, choose knives crafted with durable, weather-resistant materials that offer a solid grip.
Meet the Leatherman Fixed-Blade Collection
Sleek, rugged, and high-performance, Leatherman’s latest fixed-blade knives check all the boxes.
✅ Premium full-tang MagnaCut steel
✅ G10 handles for superior grip and control
✅ 3 unique designs for specific outdoor tasks
Here’s a look at each knife in the collection and how each option can elevate your outdoor experience.
The Trac
Whether you’re harvesting mushrooms, field dressing game, foraging, or exploring the wilderness, the Trac is your ally for all things outdoors. A full-tang, hollow saber-ground MagnaCut drop-point blade with sculpted G10 handles offers the ideal blend of ruggedness and precision. The included, full-grain leather sheath adds to the rugged look of this quintessential outdoor knife. Available in three colors.
Shop the Trac
The Rustle
Crafted for outdoor meal-prep perfection and culinary versatility, the Rustle blends inspiration from chuckwagon cooks of the past with features that cater to a modern camp kitchen. From dicing vegetables to slicing hearty cuts of meat, the versatile Santoku blade and ergonomic handle streamline mealtime prep without adding bulk to your kit. A rugged Kydex sheath protects the knife in outdoor environments. Available in three colors.
Shop the Rustle
The Pioneer
Tackle the toughest outdoor tasks fearlessly with the Pioneer. The robust design has a heavy-duty fixed blade with full tang construction. A Japanese tanto profile gives survivalists and bushcraft experts the edge they need (no pun intended) for chopping, batoning, digging, carving, and more. Stow the Pioneer in a unique belt-carry hybrid sheath crafted from Kydex and full-grain American leather. Available in two colors.
Shop the Pioneer
This post was sponsored by Leatherman.
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