How to Pack and Store Camping Knives for UK Backpacking Trips?

Backpacking across the UK, passing through spectacular scenery — the Lake District, the Scottish Highlands — is one of the greatest adventures of a lifetime. Whether you’re wild camping in the Welsh valleys or setting up base camp near a beautiful beach in Cornwall, a camping knife is an essential bit of kit.

But simply having a camping knife isn’t enough. Another important consideration is ensuring that you pack and store it safely and in accordance with UK law.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about packing, transporting, and looking after camping knives for backpacking trips in the UK. From useful legal advice to practical storage tips, here’s the guide you need.

Why Camping Knives Are Essential for Backpackers?

Camping knives are more than just blades; they are multi-tool items capable of serving many functions: 

• Preparing food

• Cutting ropes or branches

• Performing first aid tasks

• Building shelter

• Opening packaging or tins

Outdoorsmen and women prefer the best camp knives with strength, reliability, and compact design.

Here are a few standout options from Perkin that hikers love:

• Perkin Custom Handmade Damascus Camping Knife

• Perkin 8″ Outdoor Survival Fixed‑Blade Hunting Knife 

• Perkin Custom Handmade Camping Knife with Sheath 

Understand UK Knife Laws First

Before we get to packing tips, it is worth understanding the UK knife laws, especially as you might want to carry a knife for travelling.

In the UK:

• It is illegal to carry a knife in public without a good reason.

• Folding knives with a blade under 3 inches (7.62 cm) are generally fine.

• Fixed-blade knives and locking knives require a "good reason" such as camping or bushcraft.

Top 4 Tips for choosing the Right Camping Knife

When browsing camping knives for sale in UK, keep the following in mind:

How to Safely Pack Camping Knives?

1. Use a Dedicated Sheath or Case

Never carry a knife loose in your luggage. Always keep it inside a knife sheath or protective case. Many camping survival knives come with their sheath as standard, many of these sheaths are made of leather or hard plastic and protect the blade from injury and damage. 

2. Keep It Accessible — But Not Too Much

Your knife should be readily available in an emergency, but not too easily accessible as this can have legal implications. A zippered pouch or side compartment in your rucksack is a good place to store your knife.

3. Separate from Food Items

Do not store your camping knife right beside your foodstuffs. This lowers the chances of contamination and also protects you when you are rummaging through your pack to get something out of it.

4. Label Your Knife Pouch

Be sure to label the knife pouch clearly. That way, if you need to declare your knife when you travel, i.e., at the train station authorities, it is marked as a camping knife.

Best Practices for Storing Camping Knives at Campsite

Once you arrive at your destination, how you store your knife is just as important as how you packed it.

At Camp:

• Keep your camping knife in its sheath when not in use.

• Store it in a dry area of your tent to prevent rust.

• Keep it away from kids or other campers.

Overnight:

• If you're camping in the wilderness, it's best to keep your knife in your gear pack or under your sleeping pad (in a sheath).

• Don't leave it exposed, especially if you're on damp or coastal land.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

To ensure your camping knives last longer and perform well, regular cleaning is a must.

Cleaning Steps for Camping Knives:

1. Rinse the blade with warm water and mild soap.

2. Dry it thoroughly with a soft cloth.

3. Apply a light coat of oil to prevent rust.

4. Check the grip for damage or wear.
   
   

Sharpening:

Take a small pocket sharpener with you if you are going on longer treks. A dull knife is more hazardous than a sharp knife, as it can slip when in use. 

What to Avoid When Carrying Camping Knives?

• Never advertise your knife in public, even at the trailhead.

• Steer clear of airports or train stations unless it's in a secure package.

• Never use your camping knife for anything aggressive or threatening.

• Never lend your knife to other people without ensuring that they understand what it is for and how to handle it.

Final Thoughts

Safely storing and packing camping knives in UK is not only a way of protecting yourself and others, but it also keeps you on the good side of the UK law. It doesn't matter if you are a first-time backpacker or a seasoned hiker; picking the right knife and applying it responsibly can do a lot of good for your whole camping experience.

Choose quality, pack smart, and never forget to respect the outdoors — and yourself.

At Perkin Knives, we have a wide range of camping knives that UK customers rely upon, ranging from folding knives to durable bushcraft blades. You’ll get high-quality choices at reasonable prices, and we even offer special discounts for our online customers.