This French Bivouac camp knife allows me to write a long-overdue addition to a January 2021 post comparing a Swiss Army Knife to a Leatherman and a Buck 110, and a January 2022 comparison between that S.A.K. and an American Soldier Knife. It is now June 2023, so better late than never. And because there's no such thing as overkill, I'm also comparing this to a Swiss Army Camper and a Ka-Bar Spork/Knife because the Bivouac seems like a bridge between the two.

Ka-Bar Spork/Knife

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Bivouac Knife

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Both of these tools are dominated by a feeling of plastic.

The Ka-Bar has noticeable mold lines. I can't be certain without destructive testing, but I think there is enough of a tang in the handle for a sturdy knife. The serrated blade isn't what I would consider a general-purpose tool. This utilitarian utensil offers good reach for deep cans or food pouches, and the spork bowl is more pronounced than most, so it would shovel stew well.

The Bivouac knife has a proper lock. My overall impression is that this is chunky and crude, but it is at least reasonably light for its size. This earns points for the proper metal fork and spoon which clip securely into the handle on each side. I'm just assuming the odd spoon handle hole and end might serve as tools, but info is scarce on this thing. The case has a snap strap for web gear attachment. I would say this is a decent mess kit overall, but not the best option out there.

Swiss Army Camper

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The Swiss Army Knife comes out on top as a multi-tool in my opinion. Better fit and finish, more options, neater package, everything except the slip joints on all tools make it a standout. However, it is definitely lacking as a mess tool. No fork, spoon, or compromise spork. I could carry the Camper and the Ka-Bar, but what if there were another option?

Bonus: MSR Folding Spork

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Light, compact, quite usable when unfolded, and mine hasn't broken yet. These are available in a spoon version as well if you prefer. They weigh next to nothing, take up almost no space when folded, offer more reach than the Ka-Bar when open, and cost very little to boot. This is my favorite camping utensil of all I have tried so far.

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All in all, I'm intrigued by the French take on a soldier's knife, and I'll probably stash it in my car kit, but this won't be part of my backpacking plans.

The Swiss Army Knife is an enduring icon for good reason. You can find a model with whatever tools you want, and the result is a well-made multi-tool with the fit and finish the Swiss are known for. Unless you favor a pliers-based multi-tool like the Leatherman, this is a great choice.

I am less impressed with the Ka-Bar, but mainly because I already had the foldy spork and lots of other knife options. The connection between the handle halves is a bit rattly, too. And I can foresee some minor difficulty cleaning out the sheath half, although it does have drain holes to help that.

If you want lightweight but eminently usable camping spoons or sporks, MSR is great. Unless you're an obsessive ultralight backpacker, the weight is negligible. I can see a possibility of the pinch-to-unlock joint failing, but so far, so good. The engineering behind it is actually quite amazing, and it looks like they accounted for the leverage and deformation required along with material properties to compromise on something durable.

My humble advice: get a Swiss Army Knife and MSR utensils (or something similar) and you'll be set for camping. No need to over-think it. Skip the tactical spork. The French kit is unique, but not special enough to recommend seeking it out. As always, your mileage may vary, and comments are welcome!

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