How to Choose a Hunting Knife

Choosing your Hunting Knife

Hunting knives come in many shapes, sizes and styles, and each type has its own set of pros and cons. Choosing a hunting knife begins by considering a how you will be using your hunting knife.

*Do you hunt large or small game?

*Do you plan on using your knife for activities other than hunting?

*What do you plan to do with your game? It is for trophy or for meat?

Your answers to these questions are used to help you determine which hunting knife is best for you.  First, you need to determine an appropriate style of hunting knife- folding or fixed blade.

Styles of Knives

Folding Knives- Best for the Occasional Hunter

Folding knives have a hinge that allows the blade to be concealed in the handle of the knife. This is an ideal choice if you plan to carry your knife every day. Folding knives slip easily into a pocket or can be worn in a small pouch on your belt. Many folding knives have combination blades or a variety of other tools contained in the same unit.

Fixed Blade Knives

 - Best for the Serious Hunter

Fixed blade knives are stronger than folding knives, are specialized for different functions, and are carried in a protective sheath. Some types of fixed blade knives have interchangeable blades that can be changed for different activities.

Styles of Blades

Next, you must determine which style of blade you prefer- drop-point, clip-point or skinning knives.

Drop-Point Knives- Best for Hunting Big Game for Meat

Drop-point knives are constructed of thick steel and are very sturdy. The sharpened edge runs the full length of the blade, allowing you to skin an animal quickly without damaging the meat.

Clip Point Knife

 - Good for Most Hunting Tasks and the Occasional Hunter

The clip-point knife is a good general duty hunting knife. It is strong enough to perform most hunting tasks and is also appropriate for non-hunting activities. It is not as durable as a drop-point knife because it has a thinner blade. The blade tapers to a sharp point. The clip-point knife is popular with many hunters.

Skinning Knives

 -Great Time Savers for the Serious Hunter

Skinning knives are designed to separate an animal’s skin from the flesh. They are constructed with a sweeping blade and can be used for other hunting tasks as well as skinning.

Optional Gut Hook

Many types of hunting knives can be purchased with a gut hook at the point. This hook is designed to quickly open the abdominal cavity of an animal after the initial incision is made. The gut hook is designed to extend the incision during field dressing without puncturing any organs.  A gut hook is purely a matter of personal preference and usually does not cost more than a regular-blade knife. The curved-hook blade requires a special round file for sharpening and is only sharpened on one side.

Knife Handles

Knife handles are made of wood, leather, plastic, metal and new composite materials. Choosing a handle is mostly a matter of personal preference, but select a style that allows for maximum grip. Keep in mind that the handle may become wet when dressing an animal. Textured handles are best for maintaining a secure grip, even when wet. A slip of the blade can cause serious injury to you or ruin a trophy.

Choose a smaller knife for dressing small game, a medium sized knife if you hunt both large and small game, and a large knife for big game hunting.

Some hunters prefer to purchase several knives; one for each type of game hunted, such as squirrel, turkey, deer or pheasant. If your budget only allows for the purchase of a single hunting knife, these guidelines can help you determine which type of hunting knife is best for you.