Owning the best hunting knife is a requirement for any serious hunter. Without it, the game meat would never make it from the field to the table. Plus, there are many jobs around camp and in the woods that make a knife an important tool. Knives have been used in hunting since the 19th and 20th century and continue to be a fixture of modern society.
As with anything that has been around for so long, there are many variations, styles and uses of hunting knives. Since we know it can be overwhelming to wade through the countless options, we have come up with a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know about hunting knives. We have also provided a list of the best hunting knives on the market today. Ready to become an expert, continue reading:
Top 10 Best Hunting Knives Online in 2020
KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
The KA-BAR Becker BK2 is an ideal option for all those who hunt, camp or spend time afield. The blade is made with 1095 Cro-Van steel, a high carbon steel which enhances the strength, sharpness and durability of the blade. It is also powder-coated to give the knife an attractive appearance. The BK-2 Fixed Blade Hunting knife has a classic drop point shape with a high flat grind and sturdy tip. The high flat grind ensures there is a wide-angle that allows the blade to wedge into the material while you cut.
With a blade length of 5.5 inches, this hunting knife excels at skinning game, splitting kindling, camp cooking prep and much more. If you are looking for a medium-size blade to serve your purpose, then this will certainly be a fair deal. The overall length of the KA-BAR Becker BK2 hunting knife is 10.5 inches long. The knife weighs exactly 1 pound due to its length and thickness.
The handle of the KA-BAR Becker BK2 hunting knife is made using a high-density plastic called Zytel. This material makes it light yet tough and long lasting. From an ergonomic standpoint, the handle of the BK2 look and feels straightforward. There is plenty of room for larger hands and the absence of an aggressive/jumping texture allows you to work for extended periods of time without blistering your palm.
The handle has its butt and a guard flaring out in such a way that you will find it quite comfortable to hold and use the knife for long periods of time. The knife comes with a hard shell black nylon sheath, which looks pretty awesome. The number of holes along the sheath gives you a lot of customization options and places to wrap rope, molle straps, paracord, etc. Overall, the sheath looks nice in terms of functionality and appearance.
Pros and Cons of the KA-BAR Becker BK2 Campanion Fixed Blade Knife
Pros
- Strong and durable blade made from 1095 Cro-Van steel
- Comes with a sheath for proper storage and transportation
- Ergonomic handle that feels very comfortable in your handles
- The handle has its finger guard and butt end flaring so you can hold onto the knife pretty well
- The stout geometry of the blade and its heavyweight makes the knife ideal for wood processing
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Handles are hollow and become too slippery when wet
- Some more delicate tasks can be a little more difficult to do due to the size of the blade
Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
If you are looking for a lightweight and all-round hunting knife, then you certainly consider the Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife. With a full tang construction, the Buck 124 Frontiersman hunting knife boasts superb strength and blade quality. The blade measures 6.25 inches and is made using the 420 HC steel to give it amazing edge retention, corrosion resistance and maximum strength.
The overall length of the Buck 124 Frontiersman is 11.75 inches, meaning it’s not the smallest knife in its class. The overall weight of the knife is 13.3 ounces and many users say that this weight is ideal as it gives them the feeling that they are actually benefiting from a solid grip. The blade has excellent corrosion resistance properties and is very easy to sharpen. It also has amazing wear-resistance properties, meaning that it can last you a long time.
Another amazing aspect of the Buck 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Hunting Knife is its beautiful black Micarta handle. Micarta is known for its strength and durability and is nearly impervious to oils, solvents and weather, making it slip resistance in wet conditions.
The handle also boasts an aluminum pommel and aluminum guard making this knife one of the best options for serious hunters who value quality knives. The Micarta handle has curves and palm swells for a comfortable and secure grip. The aluminum pommel and guard help to provide a perfect combination of beauty and balance.
The Buck 124 Frontiersman Knife is not just an ordinary hunting knife. It is ideal for use in many situations and has enough strength and tenacity for heavy-duty tasks. With its lightweight design, it is a complete knife that you can use in many different applications, including preparing meals and camp use. Its lightweight design also means that it won’t hang heavy on your belt or in your hunting pack.
The product also comes with a leather sheath that is highly durable. There is a snap fastener that is added to the sheath to allow you to carry the knife safely and securely on your belt so you can easily reach it whenever you need it the most.
Pros of the Buck Knives 124 Frontiersman Fixed Blade Knife
Pros
- Very durable and easy to sharpen
- Comes with a leather sheath for proper storage and transportation
- Ideal for use for a wide range of applications
- Black Micarta handle that is comfortable to hold for long
- Finger guard to enhance safety and security while in use
- Has a lightweight and classy design
- Razor-sharp blade makes the knife ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Comes with a Buck Forever Warranty
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Lacks a rubberized grip to avoid slippery handle
- Not ideal for chopping tasks
ESEE 5P Black Tactical Survival Knife with Sheath
The ESEE 5P Black Tactical Survival Knife is a perfect knife for those critical situations. In fact, the knife is specially designed by Military SERE instructors and it is one of the best knives for survival, escape and evasion. The blade is crafted using the 1095 Carbon steel for maximum strength, durability and long lasting sharpness.
The blade also has excellent stain and rust resistance properties. It features a black textured powder coat that not only enhances the appearance of the knife but adds an extra layer of protection against water and other unwanted elements. Measuring 2.25 inches thick and 5.25 inches long, this blade feels substantial and is ideal for most outdoor tasks. The blade is very sharp and can be used for performing most medium-duty tasks. The overall weight of the knife is 16 ounces, making it easy to carry around and quite flexible while in use.
The ESEE- 5P has a drop point blade and a full tang handle construction with canvas Micarta handle scales with bow drill divot and glass breaker pommel. The knife also comes with a durable black Kydex carry sheath handle with removable clip for easy storage and transportation. As with other units in this line, the ESEE- 5P is less lightweight, especially when looked side by side with some of its competitors.
Pros and Cons of the ESEE 5P Black Tactical Survival Knife with Sheath
Pros
- Full tang blade construction for maximum strength and durability
- It comes with a sheath that can easily be mounted in many ways, hence making it a reliable survival knife for use when on duty or off-duty
- Incredible sharpness makes the knife ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Excellent corrosion resistance properties
- Comfortable Micarta handle
- Perfectly designed for all survival applications
- The blade is easy to re-sharpen and can retain its edge for long
- Comes with lifetime limited manufacturer warranty against defects
- Made in the USA, and thus quality is guaranteed
Cons
- You may have to sharpen the knife immediately after purchase to get a razor-like edge
- Some Amazon customers said they were not happy with the packaging and the misleading pictures of the product
Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath
The Buck 119 Special is a classic hunting knife that has been around for over 50 years. The knife comes with a 6-inch blade that is crafted using a 420HC steel for maximum longevity and sharpness. While it is not the hardest hunting knife out there, it holds an edge well and is easy to re-sharpen if you know what you are doing. That means you do not have to worry about a blunt knife during those most critical hunting applications. Like with other Buck knives, the blade is hollow ground with no noticeable imperfections. The full tang helps to enhance the strength and durability of the blade.
The Buck Knives 119 Special Hunting Knife has an overall length of 10.5 inches for easy cutting and maneuvering. The solid fixed blade makes this knife ideal for outdoor use, giving you a reliable cutting tool that does not have weak components or joints that can make the blade incapable of doing heavy-duty tasks. The knife only weighs 7.5 ounces, making it easy to carry in a knife holder on your belt so you can easily access it when you need it most.
The handle is made from a black phenolic plastic for maximum durability. The finger grooves at the bottom of the handle allow for enhanced comfort and reduce the chances of the knife slipping out of hand while in use. The guard and butt are aluminum, which means you can also use that for simple hammering and driving applications.
Like other hunting knives in this class, the Buck Knives 119 Special Hunting Knife comes with a genuine leather sheath for proper knife storage and transportation in a bag or on your belt. It comes with a lifetime limited warranty against defects.
Pros of the Buck Knives 119 Special Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
Pros
- Reliable and heavy-duty hunting knife
- Excellent corrosion and rust resistance properties
- An ultra-sharp edge that is easy to re-sharpen
- Excellent fit and finish
- Ideal for all types of survival applications and combat
- It comes with a genuine leather sheath that can easily be mounted in many ways
- Comes sharp out of the box
- Lifetime warranty against defect in material and workmanship
- Made in the USA and thus quality is guaranteed
Cons
- Some customers complained that the sheath was not of a good quality
- Lacks the smooth metal die cuts present on other Buck Knives
Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner Hunting Knife
If you are a unique heavy-duty hunting knife at an affordable price, you should certainly try the Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner. This hunting knife comes with a 3 3/8-inch blade with a 2.5 mm, making it ideal for heavy-duty outdoor tasks. The knife only weighs less than 2.5 ounces, making quite easy to carry around in the jangle. As the name implies, Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner is extremely tactical and can be used for many different situations, for various tasks. The knife also comes with exterior shears which makes it possible for you to wear the blade on your clothing. This helps to make skinning in the wild easy that you actually thought.
The blade of the Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner is crafted using a high quality Japanese AUS 8A Stainless steel for maximum strength, durability and razor-like sharpness. The steel also gives the blade excellent rust and corrosion resistance properties. The blade boasts a G10 design that allows you to swipe and skin nearly any surface with ease. The G10 design also makes the knife easy to use for cutting or performing other tasks in the jungle. The extremely sharp edge allows you to cut, chop and dice and skin nearly any animal. You can also this knife for gutting if you are fisherman.
The ergonomic Black Faux G-10 handle is comfortable to hold for long. The ergonomic design together with the rugged design allows you to grasp the knife tightly, so you do not have to worry about damaging the knife when performing heavy-duty tasks. The design also promotes the safety of the knife while in use by eliminating issues such as bruising or injuring your hands. The Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner also comes with a secure Ex Neck Sheath for easy storage and transportation of the knife.
Pros and Cons of the Cold Steel 49HSF Mini TAC Skinner
Pros
- Strong extra-thick blade makes this knife ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Easy to carry around
- Comes with a secure-Ex neck sheath for easy storage and transportation
- The blade is crafted using the AUS 8A stainless steel for outstanding strength and toughness
- Razor-sharp edge
- Ergonomic handle that is highly durable and comfortable to hold for long
- Uniquely designed hunting knife with an attractive appearance
Cons
- Some Amazon users complained that the blade is not easy to sharpen
- The sheath is not as durable as many would expect from a top knife manufacturer
Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife with Gut Hook
Manufacturer by Gerber, one of the most popular knife manufacturers in the U.S., the Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife is well built for all types of survival applications and combat. The knife is specifically made for people who are in the market for a high quality knife they can always rely on. Whether you are in the jungle, the desert, the woods the Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife will always be able to assist you.
The blade is crafted from a high carbon stainless steel for enhanced strength, longevity and toughness. It is designed in a classic way to ensure that this is the best hunting knife for any fieldwork, such as game hunting. The blade has excellent stain and rust resistance capabilities and can withstand even the harshest elements outside. In addition to its razor-like edge, the blade is extremely easy to sharpen if need be. The high carbon content makes the blade slightly softer, but it’s easy to re-sharpen again and again, thereby prolonging the life of the knife. This is a knife that you do not want to be without.
The blade extends to the handle to form what is known as a full tang. Full tang enhances the strength and durability of the knife. With a blade length of 3.75 inches and an overall length of 8.5 inches, this hunting knife is nearly perfect for all survival applications. The fixed-blade knife is strongly affixed to a rubberized handle to give you a firm grip whenever you are using it. The rubberized handle is comfortable to hold for a long period of time and does not slip out hand in wet conditions.
Like most top quality hunting knives, the Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife comes with a dual-lock sheath for proper knife storage and transportation. The sheath includes a built-in carbide sharpener that automatically sharpens your blade after use. In fact, this is one of the most affordable self-sharpening hunting knives on the market. The knife comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty against defects.
Pros and Cons of the Gerber Myth Fixed Blade Pro Knife
Pros
- A product from a renowned knife manufacturer
- Strong, sturdy blade crafted from high carbon stainless steel
- Razor-like edge ideal for the toughest cutting tasks
- Comfortable handle
- Comes with a sheath for proper storage and transportation
- The sheath features a built-in carbide sharpener
- Limited lifetime manufacturer warranty
- Easy to re-sharpen
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Extra sharpening is needed for more aggressive tasks
- The blade needs to be re-sharpened more frequently to maintain its sharp edge
Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife
The Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife is one of the most popular hunting knife alternatives these days. It is called an alternative knife due to its high flexibility and the fact that it cannot be considered an actual knife. While it is not one of the all-purpose hunting knives you can use in a wide range of activities, it is most effective for tasks, such as field dressing or skinning an animal you have hunted. It comes with many features that you should certainly consider before deciding whether this makes it the right choice for the kind of hunting you want to engage in.
The Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife features a unique design and an ultra-sharp stainless steel blade. The blade is quite easy sharp and comes razor-sharp out of the box. Another amazing feature is its excellent rust and corrosion properties and the folding feature which makes this knife one of the most potable knives on the market. The knife also boasts a super-strong grade polymer handle that feels comfortable in hands. The handle has an ergonomic design which allows you to hold the knife firmly in your hand.
The Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife also comes with a nylon holster for proper storage of your knife. There is also a wide belt loop at the back that is ideal for keeping your knife secure and close at hand. The handle is made of high quality which means it has a pretty good chance of standing the test of time. Since it comes with ambidextrous thumb studs, it can be used both by left-handed and right-handed individuals. The knife only weighs 3.2 ounces, making it one of the lightest in this line. It comes with limited manufacturer warranty against defects.
Pros and Cons of the Havalon Piranta Z Folding Blade Skinning Knife
Pros
- Folding knife with a unique design and replaceable blades
- The durability of the knife is guaranteed as you can easily replace the blades
- Nylon holster for knife storage
- Belt loop included so you can keep your knife secure and close at hand
- Handle made of high quality polymer
- Excellent rust and stain resistance properties
- Easy to re-sharpen
Cons
- The blade requires frequent sharpening to maintain its sharp edge
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks, such as cutting firewood
Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife with Fine Edge – Coyote Brown
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife is one of the most affordable and highly versatile hunting knives by Gerber. It is an ideal option for hunters looking for hunting knife made from quality materials and crafted in the United States. The Gerber StrongArm hunting Knives are made in Portland, Oregon and highly noticeable due to their unique Coyote Brown color. The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife is a good choice for hunters who are on a budget and especially those who are beginners.
The blade of the Gerber StrongArm hunting knife is crafted from 420 HC ceramic-coated steel for maximum durability, strength and toughness. The ceramic not only enhances the appearance of the knife but also give it excellent rust and stain resistance properties. With a blade length of 4.28 inches and an overall length of 9.8 inches, you can be certain that this hunting will handle a lot of applications.
The knife weighs 7.2 ounces (without the sheath and MOLLE strap) and about 11 ounces when it is complete with all the accessories. The blade extends to the handle to form a full tang, for enhanced strength and durability. The full tang construction makes this knife highly versatile as you can use it to cut nearly anything from wood and paper to rope and even thin metal, such as soda cans. In addition, you can use for other tasks, like skinning and metal removal.
The Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife boasts a diamond-texture rubberized handle that is specially designed to give you a firm grip whenever you are using it. A striking pommel is added to the base of the knife, making the knife useful for rescue operations. In addition, the knife comes with lots of other special features such as an innovative sheath, vertical belt carry, horizontal belt carry and MOLLE mount strap.
Pros and Cons of the Gerber StrongArm Fixed Blade Knife
Pros
- Manufactured by the best knife companies in the world
- Full tang fixed blade with a black ceramic coating makes this knife ideal for most survival applications
- A diamond-texture rubberized handle gives you a firm and comfortable grip
- Sheath included for proper storage
- Excellent edge retention properties
- Easy to re-sharpen
- Made in the USA, hence quality is guaranteed
Cons
- Extra sharpening is needed for heavy-duty tasks
- The sheath is somewhat bulky for some users
- Not most lightweight hunting knives on the market
Benchmade – Hidden Canyon Hunter Compact Fixed Hunting Knife
Benchmade has been dedicated to making the best and most durable knives around the ground since 1998. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife is tangible proof that this knife manufacturing company has accomplished its goals. This full tang, fixed blade hunting knife is certainly a product you should consider if you are looking for a high quality hunting knife that can withstand the test of time. Initially intended for hunting, the sturdy Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter fixed blade knife is equally suitable for other cutting tasks, both indoors and outdoors.
The handle is made from stabilized wood and is guaranteed to last for long. The handle material is proven to withstand the abuse of the elements far better than the usual natural wood. The shape of the handle provides you with a firm grip and prevents your hand from slipping into the blade. The Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter knife comes with a leather sheath that is both durable and ambidextrous. You can easily attach it to your belt if that is how you plan to use it especially since you will always have the knife at hand, in the way.
Pros and Cons of the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife
Pros
- Fixed blade with an excellent edge retention capability
- Well-balanced blade
- Durable and ambidextrous leather sheath for proper storage and transportation
- Unique design makes the knife ideal for hunting purpose
- A drop-point large-radius blade allows you to use the knife for skinning and metal removal
- Made in the USA and hence quality is guaranteed
- Covered by Benchmade’s lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some users complained that the handle was not properly balanced
- The wooden handle can easily chip off, especially when performing heavy-duty tasks
Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife with Serrated Edge
The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife is a perfect option for people looking for all-round hunting/ survival knife with a serrated blade. Most amazon users described this knife as a dependable, well-balanced hunting knife which can be used for multiple purposes. The knife is ideal for outdoor adventurers of any kind, be it hikers, hunter and fishermen and women.
The drop point blade is crafted from high carbon stainless steel for maximum edge retention and strength. The blade has excellent corrosion resistance capabilities and very easy to re-sharpen. It is half serrated, so you can use for many different applications. The serrations start halfway towards the handle of the blade to allow for easy cutting of rope and cords. The blade has an overall length of 4 ¾ inches and is designed to take a beating with a full tang and thick blade.
The thick blade and full tang enhances the strength of the knife, making it ideal for performing heavy-duty tasks such as cutting firewood. In addition, the 7Cr17Mov stainless steel gives added toughness and does not break the bank. Like most top-grade hunting knives, the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife comes nice and sharp out of the box. The high carbon content makes it feel slightly softer, so you can easily sharpen again and again with ease. All this helps to prolong the lifespan of the knife.
The ergonomic handle is made from military-grade textured rubber for enhanced comfort and reduced slippage while in use. A stainless steel pommel is included at the base of the handle for hammering. The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife also boasts a fire starter at the back of the knife blade so you can easily make a fire while camping. The hunting knife also comes with a military-grade and lightweight nylon sheath for proper storage and transportation.
Pros and Cons of the Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Serrated Knife
Pros
- The blade is crafted using a high carbon stainless steel for maximum durability, strength and long lasting sharpness
- Ergonomic textured rubberized handle for enhanced comfort and reduced slippage
- Firestarter included at the back of knife blade
- Comes with a nylon sheath for proper storage and transport
- Lightweight model and easy to carry around
- Diamond sharpener included in the sheath to keep your knife sharp after every use
- Product from a renown knife manufacturer, thus quality is guaranteed
- Limited lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Some amazon users complained that the fire starter wasn’t too reliable
- Poor quality sheath that can easily crack
A Complete Guide to Buying the Best Hunting Knife
What Exactly Is a Hunting Knife?
A “hunting Knife” refers to any blade that is specifically designed for use in the process hunting. These knives are traditionally designed for cutting and usually have a single sharpened edge. The blade is slightly curved on most models and knives come with a blade that has both a curved portion for skinning, and a straight portion for cutting slices of meat. Some hunting knives also feature a “guthook”, especially those that are used by fishermen.
There is really no single knife that can claim to be the best hunting knife since hunting requires different knives for different purposes. Thus, before setting out to buy a hunting knife, there is a lot of information you need to gather. Note that hunting knives tend to look the same and this should not be the basis of your selection, especially if it is your first time, as you will most likely make a mistake. With hunting knives, there is more than what meets the eye.
A Short History of the Hunting Knife
The hunting knives are one of our ancestors greatest ever creations. Traditionally, they were used for skinning game and self-preservation. The first metal hunting knives were first used in 2000 BC and were made of bronze, a time generally referred to as the Bronze Age. Bronze blades were widespread in Europe and Asia by the time of the ancient Greeks
With the coming of the Iron Age (1000 to 800 BC, iron was extensively used to make knives. Iron knives had a sharper cutting edge and were more durable than bronze knives. The only shortcoming of iron knives is that they bent easily. The Vikings tried to resolve this problem by adding carbon to the iron. This hardened the blade and improved its sharpness and rigidity.
The James Bowie Hunting Knife
In American history, one particular design of the hunting knife became a standard by which others were compared. This hunting knife was the Bowie Knife or Arkansas toothpick. It was named after the legendary pioneer, James Bowie (179 -1836). This single-edged knife had a blade length of 10 to 15 inches. The blade was straight for most of its length with a concave tapered point.
Modern hunting knives closely resemble the Bowie Knife, usually with a rigid, single-edge blade with large enough handle to be grasped firmly. Straight edged hunting knives are commonly used by outdoor hunting enthusiasts.
The Swiss Army Knife
Another notable development in the hunting knives occurred in 1800: the Swiss Army Knife. This is a folding knife that many contemporary hunters still carry even today for butchering, field dressing and general-purpose camping and woodsmanship.
Today, knife technology has greatly evolved with different manufacturers providing a wide range of configurations and materials. Modern hunting knives are made of steel or stainless with mixing carbon content in the metal. Carbon is added to enhance toughness, hardness, corrosion resistance, sharpness and finish of the blade.
For the past 200 years, the design and construction of hunting knives has changed and more changes are still expected in the future due to advanced metallurgy. The advancement of metallurgy allows manufacturers to use new steel alloys that can improve the durability, harness and finish of knives. Till now, hunting knives are a valuable tool for enthusiasts and adventurous people.
Uses of Hunting Knives – This is Why You Need a Hunting Knife!
A hunting knife is essential when you go out to the world. Here are some primary uses of a hunting knife:
- Cutting and Skinning Flesh
A hunting knife helps you to cut off skin cleanly without damaging the flesh. Skinning knives are usually short, sharp and slightly curved. After skinning and deboning, you will need to butcher the meat to get all the different cuts you want. A quality hunting knife will enable you to cut through the flesh easily for clean cuts of meat.
- Gutting
You can use your hunting knife for removing internal organs from the animal to preserve the meat. in fact, this is one of the first things you must do when processing animal meat since it is much easier when the body is still warm.
- Boning
You can use a hunting knife to remove meat from the bones. The knife must, however, have a slim blade and should be very flexible to debone effectively.
- Creating a Fire
When outdoors, it is important to learn how to make fire. All you need is some string, dry wood and a quality hunting knife. While you should still have a lighter or some matches to help you start the fire, a small foldable hunting knife is essential too. A good hunting knife helps you in kindling and finding dry wood inside the wet wood.
- Survival
Hunting can be a dangerous activity. Certain emergencies can occur and you will need to defend yourself and others from getting harmed.
Hunting Knife Blade Types
Hunting knives come in various blade shapes and designs depending on their intended purpose and task. Here are some common hunting knife blade types:
- Sheepsfoot Point Blade
The Sheepsfoot blade is the opposite of the normal straight-back blade. It features a curved blade that sharply drops to meet the cutting edge. While this knife has a reduced piercing ability, it is ideal for cutting, slicing and chopping.
- Drop Point Blade
This is one of the most popular blade styles. The drop point blade dates back to 12,000 BC or more. It is characterized by a point that is below the spine of the blade but above the blade mid-line. The sharpened edge is thick and robust and unsharpened side is slightly curved for maximum control. A drop point blade is ideal for cutting and slicing meat.
- Clip Point Blade
As the name suggests, a clip point knife has nearly a third of its blade “clipped”. It is characterized by a spine that protrudes from the hilt, two-thirds of the total blade, at which the point begins to taper and re-curve to the point, creating a false edge. A good example of a clip point knife is the bowie knife. The extremely sharp tip makes this knife ideal for piercing while the large belly allows for controlled cutting.
- Trail Point Blade
The tip of this blade “trails” higher than the generalized spine axis, hence the name “Trail Point” knife. These knives have an appearance that resembles that of a scimitar. They are ideal for skinning, especially when the skin needs to be preserved, such as tanning.
- Spear Point Blade
A spear point blade nearly resembles a drop point blade. The only difference is that the point is at the blade’s centerline. Spearpoint blades have a symmetrical shape and are usually very strong and durable. Spear points are commonly found on sporting knives, being much more popular on double-edged daggers and stilettos.
- Tanto Point
Tanto means a short sword. A tanto point blade comes with a slightly unusual tip with a very sharply angled blade. It is can be used for piercing and self-defence.
Folding Blade vs. Fixed Blade Hunting knives
One of the first things you need to decide when choosing a hunting knife is whether you need a folding knife or a fixed knife.
Folding Blade Hunting Knives
As the name suggests, a folding blade knife has a casing in the handle that allows the blade to fold closed into the handle. While folding blade knives do not have the same level of durability as fixed blade knives, they are much safer to carry and use due to their lightweight sized. A locking feature ensures that the blade does not close back when you are using the knife, preventing accidents. Most foldable knives are designed with more than one blade and some hunters prefer them as they allow for a variety of blade options.
There are two major types of foldable knives: Liner lock and lock back. Liner lock foldable knives allow you to open and close it with one hand. Liner locks are also designed with a lock-open safety. Lock back foldable knives, on the other hand, require a two-handed closing through a mechanism that is found on the top of the hand. These knives also provide for some lock-open safety.
Pros of Folding Blade Knives
- Perfect for everyday use
- Mechanisms allow the knife to be opened by one hand
- They are compact and pack up easily
- They are lighter and easy to carry. You can easily transport a folding knife in your pocket and people don’t even know you’re carrying a knife.
Cons of Folding Blade Knives
- They are not as strong as fixed-blade knives, but high quality folding knives can be tough as a fixed blade knife.
- Difficult to clean since the blade channels capture tissue, skin and blood.
Fixed Blade Hunting Knives
A fixed-blade knife has a stationary blade attached to the handle. It is ideal for those looking for a sturdy blade for tough jobs, such as field dressing and setting up campgrounds. Fixed blade knives are considered to be reliable and strong since they do not have movable parts.
Pros of Fixed Blade Knives
- Easy to clean since they don’t have a casing
- Stationary blade makes these knives more reliable and durable
- They provide more control so you can act fast during tactical hunting situations
- They are versatile, which means you can use them for many different tasks
Cons of Fixed Blade
- Harder to conceal than a foldable blade knife
- Fixed-blade knives are bulkier than foldable knives
Types of Hunting Knives
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Camping Knives
A camping knife is a multi-purpose tool which can be used for a lot of hunting tasks. Camping knives are designed in a way they can adequately fill in for a hunting knife. They are usually made using a drop point style so that they can take care of various camping tasks.
Sometimes, it is not feasible to carry several knives and you need to do many things, such as shelter preparing, dressing, skinning, clothing, wood cutting for fire and so much more. A camp knife can perform most of these tasks. With a simple design and classic appeal, a camp knife is one that you can always carry to the wilds.
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Bowie Knife
Bowie knife is one of the first survival knives designed to be a wilderness survival knife, a camping tool and a close combat knife combined. Although it was originally meant for defense, today the Bowie knife is commonly used by hunters for skinning and butchering game. It is also used as a wilderness survival knife. The first bowie knives were made by hand by local blacksmiths for individuals. Today, there are many companies that manufacture Bowie knives in the world.
The shape of a Bowie knife is considered quintessentially American, although it was taken from the Spanish folding knives of the time. One of the primary features of Bowie knives is the clip point, where the spine of the blade dips down to form the tip. The clip point helps to make the blade more streamlined, thereby ensuring better piercing. The back edge of the clip point may or may not be beveled and sharpened.
Bowie knives are commonly made of stainless steel for enhanced durability and rust resistance properties. They have a blade length of between 6 to 24 inches so as to give hunters extra cutting power for skinning and cleaning. The comfortable grip handle gives the user the dexterity needed to attack those awkward places on a kill.
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Caping Knife
As the name suggests, a caping knife is a specialized hunting knife that is designed for “caping” an animal. Caping is the process of removing the head, face and shoulder skin of an animal. If it is intact you can also use it to create a trophy mount. Capping knives are commonly used on difficult animals where a super precision is needed. A caping knife nearly resembles a skinning knife with Choils, a drop point a belly. Choils allow for fine precision cuts. Caping knives are shorter than Bowie knives with a blade length of 1.5 to 2.5 inches. You can also use your caping knife as a breasting blade for birds and for other tasks, such as skinning small game and cleaning out small fishes and trout.
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Skinning Knife
A skinning knife is an ideal option if you want to carefully slice through the skin of an animal without tearing the hide. Skinning needs a lot of patience and concentration. Skinning knives are specially designed to make the entire process easy and efficient. These knives come with a blade length of 3 to 3.5 inches with a drop point and big belly. Another amazing aspect of these knives is the gut hook which helps to make the skinning process even much easier. While choosing your skinning knife make sure you check the handle. It should strictly have a good grip that does not slip.
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Boning Knife
A boning knife can be used in the kitchen and in the wild tool. Boning knives are generally used to remove meat from carcasses. They have a narrow blade that is very similar to that on fillet knives. Though fillet knives perform almost similar tasks, there some small differences. With a boning knife, the main task is to pull the meat away from the bone. The fillet knife, on the other hand, is ideal from pulling the skin away from fish. A boning knife can be either rigid or flexible, but a fillet knife is always going to be flexible.
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Buck Knife
Buck knife is an American Brand that is increasingly becoming very popular in the hunting industry. These knives are usually known for their fine features and excellent craftsmanship. They make you feel you were born to hunt when using them. Buck knives come with a sturdy, durable blade and a comfortable handle that allows you to use the knife over long periods of time.
A buck knife is generally a large folding knife perfect for hunting. While fixed handle knives are stronger and very useful for performing heavier tasks, buck knives are a perfect option for those looking for a reliable and portable hunting knife.
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Hunting Knife
A traditional hunting knife has a two-edged blade making it ideal for hog hunting. It can easily pierce straight via the heart. Traditional hunting knives are also known as hunting daggers. The edges of these knives are long, curved and convex. Their strength and durability make them a preferable choice for many hunters.
What Are the Best Hunting Knife Brands on the Market?
There are many companies that manufacture hunting knives today. To choose the Best Hunting Knife, you need to know the top hunting knife brands on the market. Regardless of the hype that comes with various brands of hunting knives, it is essential to assess if the knife brand will meet all your needs out in the field. Of course, this is easier said than done. There is so much information online about hunting knives that it becomes difficult to make the right choice. We have tried to make it everything easier for you by compiling the best brands for hunting knives.
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Buck Knives
Buck Knives is one of the most famous manufacturers of hunting knives in the world. The company began operations over 118 years ago, in 1902 in San Diego, CA. At first, the business was family-owned and managed by Hoyt Buck. Mr Buck learned the art of knife making in his early teenage years and spent the rest of his life mastering the process.
Buck knives are well-known as the best folding hunting knives on the market. Before Buck Knives, nearly all hunting knives featured a fixed blade. While there were several manufacturers of folding knives before Buck knives were introduced, they were not durable and were mostly unreliable.
One of the most famous Buck knives is the Model 110, which has existed in more or less the same form for more 60 years. This knife is not only the most popular hunting knives, but it is also one of the best folding knives around the globe. The Model 110 folding knife boasts a sturdy, tough Lockback mechanism to make for a mechanically sound product. While Buck manufacturers many other hunting knives, there is none that is popular as the Model 110.
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KA-BAR Knives Inc.
KA-BAR is a popular name for the combat knife used by United States Marine Corps. The KA-BAR name was established during the 1920s, and that name was (and is still currently) used on the company’s knives. However, the story KA-BAR knives begin before then, back in 1898, when KA-BAR was originally known as the Tidioute Cutlery Company. The company began to sell cutlery in and around Pennsylvania and 10 years later the company was rebranded and renamed Union Cutlery. It has been sold several times throughout history and in 1998; the company celebrated 100 years of excellent knife making
In 2003, KA-BAR moved to its current location in Olean, NY. Today, KA-BAR still has a strong legacy and proud heritage. The company produces more than 100 different knives for a variety of purposes, including hunting, survival, utility as well as law/military enforcement. KA-BAR’s best-selling knife is still the original fixed-blade, USMC-branded fighting knife. It is the world’s most famous design and it is still made in the USA. KA-BAR knives come with a limited lifetime warranty and guarantee quality knives that won’t let you down.
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Gerber Knives
Gerber is a knife manufacturing company based in Portland, Oregon, USA. It was founded in 1939 and since then, it has made tremendous achievements and gained a reputation not only in the US but around the globe. Gerber produces a huge line of products including hunting knives, kitchen knives, and machetes and so on. For over 80 years, the company has been working innovation, reliability and quality, the three dimensions that most knife enthusiasts.
Gerber is still one of the most prolific manufacturing companies in the United States. While most of the knives don’t bear the brand, they are easily recognizable due to their outstanding features and aesthetic looks. All Gerber hunting knives have one similarity: they come with a limited lifetime warranty on manufacturing and normal use. Gerber designs a wide array of folding, fixed, assisted opening and automatic opening knives.
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Benchmade Knives
Benchmade is a knife manufacturer run by Roberta and Les de Asis in Oregon City, Oregon. The company first started in California in 1979, later in 1996, Benchmade moved to a 144,000 square foot facility in Oregon City, Oregon. Benchmade knives are noticeable with their distinctive butterfly logo. Benchmade formed part of the target kit for all the Green Berets.
They are known for their hardness and durability. Benchmade knives formed a special part of the Special Forces operator’s gear. Benchmade uses high quality alloys to manufacturer its blade. This means that their knives are extremely durable, long lasting and very reliable.
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ESEE Knives
ESSE started manufacturing knives in 1997 and was founded by Mike Perrin and Jeff Randall. The company is committed to reshaping the manner in which the survival and wilderness industry carried out business. After a number of years operating in South America, they relocated their training stateside and launched a sister company to produce high quality field grade knives and gear – ESEE knives. ESEE knives are commonly used by hunters, law enforcement, rescues technicians, special operations personnel, professional adventures, outdoorsman and film crews.
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Kershaw Knives
Kershaw is one of the biggest names in the industry. The company was founded in 1974 by Pete and Judy Kershaw. Since then, Kershaw has established itself as one of the best knife manufacturers in the USA. The company produces a wide array of knives within their product line. They manufacture both folding and fixed blade knives.
Kershaw knives are highly preferred due to their high level of quality and craftsmanship at such a budget-friendly price. Like other top-rated hunting knives, Kershaw hunting knives are made with the hunter’s needs in mind, particularly with regard to the blade. Kershaw Knives’ products are backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty against manufacturing defects.
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Elk Ridge Hunting Knives
Elk Ridge is another top manufacturer of hunting knives.Their hunting knives are known for their excellent build quality and long lasting sharpness. Most Elk Ridge hunting knives are made using the 440 stainless steel for maximum longevity and toughness. Stainless steel also gives these knives excellent rust resistance properties. Elk Ridge hunting knives also come with excellent designs and are sold t affordable price. If you are looking for high quality and uniquely designed hunting knives at an affordable price, then you should certainly try one the Elk Ridge hunting knives.
How to Choose the Best Hunting Knife?
There are many hunting knives on the market today. Here are some top factors to take into account when choosing the best hunting knife.
- Size of the Animal
One of the major factors to take into account when choosing a hunting knife is the size of the animal. If you are a hunter who goes after deer, then you certainly require a bigger a knife than a hunter who goes after rabbits. Using a big knife on small animals increases your risk of injury as you can easily cut yourself. Similarly, a small knife on big prey is insufficient.
- Type of Hunting Knife
There are two types of hunting knives: folding and fixed blade knives. Fixed blade knives are more popular among hunter due to their strength and reliability. While folding knives are not as durable as fixed blade knives, they are simple to carry. Folding knives are an ideal option for occasional hunters, who don’t use their knife so often.
- Durability
Going out to the game to hunt require a lot and most importantly you need a knife that will last you through the adventure and remain as sharp. The durability of the blade comes in her. A number of factors determine the durability of the knife, such as materials used to make the knife. Knives made from high carbon stainless have excellent edge retention capabilities. More importantly, check to be sure that the material used to make the handle is also of a top quality.
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