The best manufacturers of outdoor knives - a list of my 11 favorite companies that I trust

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👉 The key facts from this guide

Outdoor knives are an essential tool for anyone who enjoys being in the wilderness.

Whether hiking or camping - a good knife can help you out of many a tricky situation.

However, with the multitude of manufacturers on the market, the decision is often difficult: Which knife should it be?

In this article, I will introduce you to my top 11 manufacturers of outdoor knives with whom I have had excellent experiences.

The Best Manufacturers:

Now we finally come to my list of the top 11 manufacturers in the field of outdoor knives.

Here is the quick overview:

Manufacturer	Country	Price range
Morakniv	Sweden	inexpensive to medium-priced
Böker	Germany	medium to high-priced
Casström	Sweden	high-priced
ESEE Knives	USA	high-priced
Fällkniven	Sweden	high-priced
Gerber Gear	USA	medium to high-priced
Helle	Norway	high-priced
KA-BAR	USA	high-priced
Real Steel	China	medium to high-priced
Spyderco	USA	medium to high-priced
Victorinox	Switzerland	inexpensive to high-priced

Each of these brands offers special features in terms of blade material, handle material, length, weight, and so on.

Especially the designs and use cases differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Some produce giant knives for survival training, while others specialize in EDC knives.

Continue reading now to find out which brand best suits your needs. I will now introduce you to my 11 favorite knife companies.

Morakniv

Morakniv is a Swedish manufacturer of knives and tools, founded in 1891. The company is based in Östnor and has been producing high-quality knives for over a century.

The outdoor knives from Morakniv are available in an affordable price range and still offer excellent quality. Whether for bushcraft or camping – the wide range of products offers the right knife for every need.

Here are three product examples from Morakniv, including their features:

What do I like about the manufacturer Morakniv?

The company's many years of experience are clearly reflected in the quality of its products. Morakniv knives are robust, durable, and precision-crafted, using only selected materials to ensure high performance.

Another characteristic of the brand is its versatility in the field of outdoor knives. Whether camping or bushcraft - the wide range of products offers the right model for every need.

Design also plays an important role in the company. The handles are ergonomically shaped and offer a high level of grip comfort, while the blades are sharpened and maintain their sharpness for a long time.

In addition, Morakniv convinces with a good price-performance ratio - even entry-level models are completely affordable without compromising on quality.

His decades of experience in outdoor knife production and his focus on the highest product quality at an affordable price have impressed me.

So if you're looking for a versatile, high-quality outdoor knife, with great knife grinds, you should definitely take a look at Morakniv's offerings.

Here are some reviews from me:

• The Morakniv Companion Knife (Review and Video)
• The Mora Garberg Carbon - a solid and durable bushcraft tool
• Mora Eldris - the Neckknife from Morakniv

Böker - Traditional Outdoor Knives from Germany

Böker is a traditional manufacturer of high-quality knives, which was founded in 1869. The company is based in Solingen, Germany and stands for craftsmanship and quality.

The outdoor knives from Böker are positioned in a higher price range, but offer exceptional craftsmanship and durability.

It is common for the blades to be made of a variety of alloys, either stainless or carbon steel. The handle of the knives is usually made of either G10 plastic or noble materials such as olive wood.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Böker?

The quality of Böker knives is unparalleled. The blades are made from high-quality materials such as Damascus steel or carbon steel. The handles are ergonomically shaped and offer a high level of grip comfort for every use.

Another characteristic of the company is its long tradition in the field of knife manufacturing. For almost 150 years, the craft has been cultivated and continuously improved at Böker.

Design also plays an important role in the company. Many models have a classic appearance, while others have more modern accents.

Böker's product range offers the perfect model for every need - whether it's hunting, outdoor or kitchen knives - everyone will find their perfect tool here!

In addition, Böker convinces with a good price-performance ratio - even entry-level models are affordable without compromising on quality.

His decades of experience in the field of quality knives combined with a wide range of versatile tools impressed me.

So if you're looking for a traditional German quality knife, you should definitely take a look at Böker's selection!

Casström - Swedish outdoor knives with a focus on craftsmanship

Casström is a Swedish manufacturer of high-quality outdoor knives, which is primarily characterized by its attention to detail and the use of traditional materials.

The company was founded by David Cassini Bäckström in 2007 and is based in Östersund, Sweden.

The knives from Casström have high quality, a Scandinavian style, and are positioned in a medium to higher price range.

The blades are often made of rust-free Sandvik steel or carbon steel with various alloys. The handle of the knives is usually made of wood such as walnut or birch or Micarta plastic.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Casström?

The products from Casström are built to be robust and withstand even extreme conditions. Only high-quality materials are used to ensure a long lifespan.

Another characteristic of the company is its high functionality in the field of bushcraft knives. The wide range of products offers a great selection, especially for traditional enthusiasts.

Design also plays an important role in the company. Many models have a classic Scandinavian look, which I particularly like. I own the Casström Woodsman (here you can find my review).

Although the prices may be slightly higher than other brands, Casström convinces with a good price-performance ratio - every cent is invested in the best quality.

If you are looking for a high-quality outdoor knife that combines robustness with tradition, then you should definitely take a look at the Swedish manufacturer "Casström"!

ESEE Knives - Robust Outdoor Knives from the USA

ESEE Knives is an American manufacturer of high-quality, rugged outdoor knives. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in Alabama, USA.

The knives from ESEE are known for their extreme durability and high quality.

They are often used by military personnel or outdoor enthusiasts. The blades are often made of carbon steel with various alloys, as well as stainless steel. The handle of the knives is usually made of either Micarta plastic or G10 plastic.

Here are three product examples:

What I like about the manufacturer ESEE Knives?

This brand has focused entirely on the durability and robustness of their products. When it comes to demanding activities such as survival training or bushcraft, ESEE is the right choice for you.

I primarily appreciate the brand for its high-quality craftsmanship and the fact that it is regularly tested by professionals.

The tools not only last a long time and are resistant to wear and tear - they also work perfectly in the most difficult situations. Because they are so good, the knives are accordingly pricier.

Whether it's a knife or an axe: ESEE offers a wide range of products for every demand. The design is also well-thought-out - every detail seems to be designed to make the user's life outdoors as easy as possible.

So, when I'm deep in the woods and have to rely on my tools, I know exactly which brand to choose: ESEE!

Fällkniven - Swedish outdoor knives with attention to detail

Fällkniven is a Swedish manufacturer of high-quality, innovative knives for outdoor use. The company was founded in 1987 by Peter Hjortberger and is based in Boden, Sweden.

The knives from Fällkniven are known for their exceptional quality, as well as the use of traditional materials combined with modern design. They are often used by hunters or outdoor enthusiasts.

The blades are often made of stainless steel or laminated carbon steel. The handle of the knives is usually made of noble root wood such as Cocobolo or Thermorun plastic.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Fällkniven?

When it comes to high-quality knives and accessories for outdoor activities, Fällkniven is a brand that I would recommend to any knife enthusiast.

What I particularly like about the brand is the attention to detail and high quality of their products.

Fällkniven not only places great importance on their knives looking aesthetically pleasing - they must also function flawlessly. Modern technology is used to achieve optimal results.

I also appreciate the fact that at Fällkniven, each product is made with care and attention to detail. You can immediately feel the amount of work that goes into each individual component when using one of these knives or tools for the first time.

If you are looking for a truly high-quality outdoor knife or maybe even accessories to complete your bushcraft setup, then you should definitely take a look at the range of Fällkniven.

Whether it's a survival knife, adventure knife, fishing knife or hunting knife: every product from this renowned brand offers the highest quality and durability for any outdoor situation. And finally, the sharpening stone from Fällkniven is simply top-notch.

Gerber Gear - Innovative Outdoor Knives from the USA

Gerber Gear is an American manufacturer of innovative, high-quality knives for the outdoors. The company was founded in 1939 and is based in Portland, Oregon.

The knives from Gerber Gear are known for their durability as well as the use of state-of-the-art technology combined with high quality.

They are often used by both military and outdoor enthusiasts. Perhaps you are familiar with the knives through Bear Grylls, as he uses them and has a partnership with Gerber.

The blades are often made of stainless-steel or carbon steel with various alloys. The handle of the knives is usually made of either G10 plastic or aluminum.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Gerber?

Do you also enjoy being outdoors in nature and appreciate high-quality equipment (here you can find my equipment)? Then you should definitely take a look at Gerber Gear! I like their products and want to tell you today why.

What I particularly appreciate about Gerber Gear is their focus on innovation in design and materials.

They are often striving to improve their products and adapt to the needs of their customers. This way, they can guarantee that their knives, multitools, or saws (here is my top list for saws) are functional - even under extreme outdoor conditions.

Whether you are a survivalist, hunter, or camper - Gerber's wide range of products caters to different requirements. So, you can rely on finding the right tool for your specific outdoor activities. And the best part: the quality of the products is consistently high.

All in all, I can only recommend taking a closer look at Gerber Gear. Functionality is paramount, but the design also looks great. Once you decide on this brand, you will not be disappointed.

Helle - Traditional Norwegian Outdoor Knives

Helle is a Norwegian manufacturer of traditional, high-quality knives for outdoor use. The company was founded in 1932 by Steinar and Sigmund Helle and is based in Holmedal, Norway.

The knives from Helle are known for their craftsmanship as well as the use of natural materials combined with high quality. They are often used by hunters or outdoor enthusiasts.

The blades are often made of stainless-steel or carbon steel with various alloys. The handle of the knives is usually made of noble root wood, such as maser birch or reindeer horn.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Helle?

If you, like me, are a big fan of handmade knives, then you should definitely take a look at Helle. I particularly appreciate the brand's focus on tradition and authenticity in the design and manufacturing techniques of their products, as well as their timeless aesthetic.

Helle places great importance on ensuring that their products are not only excellent tools, but also visually appealing in design.

Each individual knife is carefully handmade and is therefore unique. The attention to detail is clearly evident - each piece looks like a small work of art.

What I particularly like: The brand relies on traditional techniques in the production of their knives. For example, blades are forged from carbon steel or handles are made from birchwood. These materials make each knife a high-quality tool with a long lifespan.

But it's not just the appearance that convinces me - the functionality of the Helle knives has often impressed me during my outdoor activities. Whether carving wood or preparing food by the campfire, these knives are simply perfect for all nature enthusiasts!

I can only recommend everyone to take a closer look at Helle and maybe even acquire one of their beautiful handmade knives. Here you get pure quality combined with a timeless aesthetic - what more could you want?

KA-BAR - Iconic outdoor knives from the USA

KA-BAR is an American manufacturer of iconic, high-quality knives for outdoor use. The company was founded in 1898 and is based in Olean, New York.

The knives from KA-BAR are known for their robustness as well as the use of first-class materials combined with high quality.

They are often used by both military and outdoor enthusiasts. Different alloys of stainless or carbon steel are often used for the blades. The handle of the knives is usually made of either leather or Kraton plastic.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer KA-BAR?

KA-BAR is a company that I highly appreciate. I still remember my first survival knife: It was a KA-BAR Becker Companion, which was almost 30 cm long and weighed almost 500 grams - a heavy beast. I could have pried open any door with it!

The focus on durability and reliability in all of their products impresses me particularly. Whether you are a survivalist or bushcrafter, the brand offers a wide range of products that can meet different requirements.

In addition to functionality, the design of KA-BAR products is also convincing - it is distinctive and precisely tailored to the needs of customers.

Another aspect that I highly appreciate is their excellent quality guarantee. I always know exactly what I'm getting: high-quality products with a long lifespan and guaranteed best results.

I am thrilled that KA-BAR is constantly evolving and producing innovations. You can absolutely rely on their products to deliver on their promises.

Overall, I consider KA-BAR to be a company with high credibility in the outdoor industry - their products are an excellent choice for any adventurer.

Real Steel - Modern Outdoor Knives from China

Real Steel is a Chinese manufacturer of modern, high-quality knives for outdoor use. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Hangzhou, China.

The knives from Real Steel are known for their innovative technology as well as the use of first-class materials combined with high quality.

They are often used by both military and outdoor enthusiasts. The blades are often made of stainless steel or Damascus steel with various alloys. The handle of the knives is usually made of either titanium or G10 plastic.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Real Steel?

Real Steel is a Chinese manufacturer that is becoming increasingly popular in Europe. They place great emphasis on innovation and progressiveness in the design and manufacturing techniques of their products, as well as their excellent performance under all conditions.

What I particularly like is the fact that Real Steel produces knives that you can rely on. Their mission is obviously to deliver the best possible product while always remaining innovative.

I am impressed by the ambition of the company and how well they implement their values in every aspect. I recommend every outdoor enthusiast to take a look at these high-quality knives from Real Steel - I am convinced that you will be thrilled as well.

Recently, I tested the Real Steel CVX-80 Red Micarta, which is a perfect match.

Spyderco - Innovative outdoor knives from the USA

Spyderco is an American manufacturer of innovative, high-quality knives for outdoor use. The company was founded in 1976 and is based in Golden, Colorado.

As a leading manufacturer of outdoor knives, Spyderco relies on innovative technologies and materials to meet the needs of knife enthusiasts.

The company has developed a gigantic range of knives that are suitable for outdoor adventures, camping, hiking, climbing, and other outdoor and everyday activities.

Spyderco has earned a reputation as a manufacturer of knives that are robust, reliable, and versatile. The knives are made from high-quality materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and carbon fiber. The blades are sharp and durable.

Here are three product examples:

What do I like about the manufacturer Spyderco?

I have tried many knives, but the products from Spyderco have really convinced me.

I was particularly impressed by the cutting ability of the knives. The blades are incredibly sharp and maintain their sharpness even after prolonged use. This is essential to me as I often have to carve wood or fillet meat and fish.

But also the design of the knives impressed me. Spyderco places great emphasis on innovative and modern designs that are not only functional, but also aesthetically appealing. The knives simply look incredibly cool and are a real eye-catcher.

As a collector, I also appreciate the high quality and variety of products from Spyderco. They have truly hundreds, if not thousands, of knives on offer. The knives are primarily suitable for everyday use or as an EDC piece.

I can recommend this brand to anyone who is looking for a high-quality and innovative knife for daily use.

Victorinox - The world-renowned pocket knives in excellent quality

Victorinox is a Swiss company known for its legendary pocket knives. The company was founded in 1884 and is based in Ibach-Schwyz, Switzerland.

The pocket knives from Victorinox are world-renowned for their unparalleled quality, as well as the use of first-class materials combined with high precision.

They are used by both outdoor enthusiasts and everyday wearers. The blades are often made of stainless steel. The handle of the knives is usually made of either Cellidor plastic or fine wood.

Here are three product examples:

But I also recommend checking out the Victorinox Pocket Knife Hunter Pro and the Hunter Pro with Walnut Wood Handle.

What do I like about the manufacturer Victorinox?

Victorinox is a company that I really like. I am particularly impressed by their focus on perfection and practicality of their products, as well as their timeless aesthetics.

The brand offers a wide range of products that can meet different requirements - whether for hunters, hikers, campers or as warehouse workers in everyday life.

Although Victorinox is known for its Swiss Army knives (Find my buying guide + the best list for Swiss Army knives here), the company has also expanded into other product categories - from household to outdoor products.

What I particularly like is the quality guarantee from Victorinox: You can always rely on getting the best results. Whether you need a corkscrew outdoors or scissors for sewing at home - every tool from the brand has been made with the utmost care.

I recommend these beautiful functional products from Victorinox to you. Their quality standards guarantee the best results and make them the ideal choice for any adventurer or businessman alike.

Overall, I am impressed by how perfectionist and practical the company operates. They have managed to offer a variety of products without ever compromising on quality.

What to consider when buying an outdoor knife?

And, have you already found a favorite?

I would like to briefly discuss the most important factors that you should consider when making a purchase:

The Blade Material in an Outdoor Knife

The choice of the right blade material depends heavily on what you want to use your knife for.

Some materials such as carbon steel are very sharp and durable, but also prone to corrosion.

Other materials like stainless steel may be easier to care for, but not as hard.

Beginners who don't want to take much care of their knife should first buy a stainless-steel knife. Once you have learned how to maintain and sharpen your knife yourself (here's an article from me on how to do it easily with the Scandi grind), then you may want to try knives made of carbon steel.

The grip shape and the grip material

Here, too, the handle should fit the hand and have good slip resistance. Popular handles are made of G10 plastic (epoxy resin laminate), birchwood, or stag horn.

The grip is the most important aspect for me because I need a handle that won't tire me out or make my hand cramp. These aspects are even more important to me than cutting ability and sharpness.

Length and Weight of a Knife

Another crucial feature of a good outdoor knife is its length and weight. Depending on the intended use, these aspects should be considered individually.

A knife that is too light is completely useless when you have to chop a lot. For that, you need a heavy-duty one, a real survival knife (Find my best survival knives + buying guide here).

However, if you want to perform delicate work, a heavy, bulky knife will only hinder you. It's better to use a light knife with a fine blade.

And if you work with a lot of wood, then a bushcraft knife is a good choice, maybe with a 9 cm blade, slightly thicker and not too light. I have also created a separate guide for this, in which I show my best bushcraft knives and have created a buying guide.

A suitable reading tip here:

Conclusion

Outdoor knives are indispensable for every outdoor enthusiast, whether it's for Bushcrafting, hiking, or camping.

However, choosing the right knife can be a challenge as there are so many manufacturers on the market.

In this article, I have presented my top 11 manufacturers of outdoor knives and pointed out what to look for when making a selection.

Each of these companies has proven itself in terms of quality and craftsmanship and offers a wide range of types of knives.

Although everyone has their preferences, I can say with certainty: If you choose a knife from one of these brands, you can be pretty sure that you will get a high-quality tool.

Why not try it out and get a knife from one of these companies? If you order online, such as on Amazon or at knivesandtools.de, you can usually return it if you don't like it.