Is it legal to carry a knife when hiking in the UK?

Yes, provided you have good reason. Hiking, camping, bushcraft and outdoor activities all constitute good reason to carry a fixed-blade or locking knife. The only knife you can carry without any specific reason is a non-locking folding knife with a blade of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less. Carry knives in your pack when in towns and transport, not openly on your person.

What is the best all-round knife for UK camping?

The Mora Companion is the near-universal recommendation for camping and bushcraft. It is inexpensive, holds an edge extremely well, and handles every camp task from food prep to fire lay. For those who prefer a multitool over a dedicated knife, the Leatherman Wave+ offers the most capability in one package at a mid-range price point.

Do I need a multitool or a dedicated knife for camping?

It depends on what you do at camp. A dedicated knife like a Mora is better for food preparation, fire craft and wood processing. A multitool adds pliers, screwdrivers and a saw in one unit, which is invaluable for gear repairs and camp maintenance. Many experienced campers carry both — a fixed blade for camp tasks and a multitool for problem-solving.

Is a folding saw worth carrying for UK camping?

Absolutely, if you use a wood-burning stove or enjoy campfires. A good folding saw like the Bahco Laplander cuts through green and dry wood far faster and more efficiently than an axe, at a fraction of the weight. For backpackers, it weighs about 150g and will save significant time and effort at camp.

How do I maintain a camping knife to prevent rust?

Carbon steel knives — including the popular Mora range — require drying after use and a light coat of oil (mineral oil or food-safe oil) if not used for extended periods. Stainless steel blades are more corrosion-resistant but still benefit from drying and occasional oiling. Keep the edge sharp with a diamond or ceramic sharpening rod — a sharp knife is safer than a blunt one because you use less force.

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Updated this week

Best Knives and Multitools for UK Camping 2026

Survivals editorialUpdated 2026-04-0910 min read

UK Knife Law — Read This First

Carrying a knife in the UK is legal but regulated. The law is straightforward:

You can carry without reason: A folding knife with a blade of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less that doesn't lock open. This covers Swiss Army knives and most small folders.

You need "good reason" to carry: Any fixed-blade knife, any locking knife, or any folder with a blade over 3 inches. "Good reason" includes camping, hiking, fishing, bushcraft, work use — basically any legitimate outdoor activity. Going to the pub afterwards with a Mora on your belt is not good reason.

In practice, if you're on a trail with a rucksack and camping gear, you have good reason. Keep knives packed away in transit and don't carry them in urban areas. Common sense applies.

Choosing the Right Tool

Fixed-blade knives: Strongest and most versatile. No moving parts to break. Essential for batoning (splitting wood), food prep and bushcraft tasks. Must be carried with good reason.

Folding knives: Compact and pocket-friendly. Sub-3-inch non-locking folders are the only knives you can carry without specific reason. Locking folders are stronger but fall under the "good reason" requirement.

Multitools: Pliers, screwdrivers, can openers and a blade in one package. Less capable as a pure knife but far more versatile overall. The Swiss Army approach — have a tool for everything rather than the best tool for one thing.

Folding saws: Often overlooked but incredibly useful. A good folding saw processes wood faster than an axe at a fraction of the weight. Essential if you use a wood-burning stove.

What to Actually Bring

For most UK campers, the ideal kit is:

Weekend camping: Victorinox Spartan + Bahco Laplander (if using a wood stove)
Multi-day hiking: Leatherman Wingman — covers knife, pliers and screwdriver needs in one tool
Bushcraft and wild camping: Mora Companion + Bahco Laplander + fire steel
Everything: Mora Garberg + Leatherman Wave+ + Silky PocketBoy — covers every conceivable need but weighs nearly 700g combined

Don't carry more than you need. A Swiss Army knife is enough for most camping trips. The full bushcraft loadout makes sense when you're processing wood and building camp infrastructure — not when you're just heating a dehydrated meal.