There’s more to picking out a hunting knife or a survival knife than you might think. A lot of people assume that the most important thing when choosing a hunting knife is its durability and strength. While those are both extremely important, there are other factors to consider as well. The design of your hunting knife can make or break your hunt, so it’s important to know what to look for when picking one out. Manufacturers tend to create their knives with specific users in mind, which means that different options cater to different needs like an everyday carry knife vs a hunting knife. If you want the best chance at bagging game with whatever knife you choose, it’s worth taking some time to understand the features available and how they might affect your performance in the wild before you buy.
Fixed Blade Or Folder Hunting Knife?
The discussion of the best hunting knife almost always starts with the question of whether to go with a folding knife or a fixed blade. The best way to decide between the two is to think about how you’ll be using your knife while hunting. If you’re planning on hunting in a place where there’s a chance of getting your knife caught up on branches or fences, a folding knife might be a better option. The ease with which you can close and retract the blade means that you’re less likely to get it stuck on something and break it. If you’re planning on hunting in a place where you might have to make a kill, a folding knife might not be the best option because you might have to use a blade that isn’t sharp enough to kill game humanely. This might not be an issue if you’re only planning on hunting small game, but large game requires a more substantial blade. If you’re planning on using your hunting knife for other purposes that might involve chopping, a folding knife might not be the best option. Because it’s designed to be small and lightweight, a folder might not have the strength or durability that you need for these larger uses. While a fixed blade knife can be clunky and heavy, it’s designed to be strong enough to handle a wide range of activities.
Top Picks for Fixed Blade:
- DIMENSIONS: 9 inch (22.9 centimeter) overall length with a blade length of 4.7 inches (12.1 centimeter) and a weight of 7.7 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV high carbon stainless steel with a black rubber wrapped handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient belt or boot sheath making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the hand guard
- BE PREPARED: Knife Features Lanyard Hole Makes For Ideal Neck Knife
- COMPACT DESIGN - Offering nearly all original SRK performance in a more compact package, the SRK Compact is designed for those needing a low-profile, lightweight fixed blade; Weighing just 5.1 oz, it...
- RUGGED SK-5 STEEL BLADE - The SRK Compact features a tough SK-5 steel blade with a black tuff finish; This 5" blade is known for its abrasion resistance and excellent edge-holding capability, making...
- KRAY-EX HANDLE - The textured and grippy Kray-Ex handle provides a secure grip even in wet conditions, ensuring control and safety during use; The handle's ergonomic design enhances comfort and...
- SECURE-EX SHEATH - Each SRK Compact knife comes with a heavy-duty Secure-Ex sheath, allowing for safe and convenient carrying; The sheath is designed to protect the blade while providing easy access,...
- SPECIFICATIONS - Weight: 5.1 oz (144.6 g); Blade Thickness: 4 mm; Blade Length: 5"; Blade Steel: SK-5; Handle Length/Material: 4.5" Kray-Ex; Overall Length: 9.5"; Knife Type: Fixed; Blade Shape: Clip...
- Ultra-Comfortable Handle: The fixed blade knife features a G10 handle that provides a comfortable and natural grip sensation. The reliable strength, comfortable weight, and balanced feel of the G10...
- High-Quality Blade: The hunting knife is crafted with D2 steel, known for its exceptional strength, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability.
- Easy Portability: The fixed blade knife comes with a durable sheath that securely holds the knife in place, ensuring its proper storage and protection. The wide lanyard hole allows for convenient...
- Drop Point: Drop Point blades are renowned for their sturdy tip, pronounced belly, and excellent control. They are versatile for various cutting tasks, whether for outdoor adventures or everyday use.
- Dimensions: Blade Length: 3.36"(85.3mm)/Overall Length: 8.12"(206.2mm)/Blade Thickness: 0.13"(3.2mm)/Weight: 4.26oz(120.9g)
- · Ccanku Fixed Knife Dimension: 7.6 inch (19.2 cm) overall length with 3.4 inch (8.7 cm) blade length and 4.1 inch (10.5 cm) handle length, knife weight with 4.77 oz (135.2 g).
- · Ccanku Fixed Blade Knife Material: The knife use D2 blade and G10 handle , safe and convenient kydex sheaths,have confidence that the blade will not slip with the security of the kydex sheath...
- · Nice quality EDC Tool: the high quality material keep the knife a long service life. Canku knife professional outdoor camping knives is fully qualified,excellent choice for camping, fishing,...
- · PERFECT GIFT IDEA - Gifts for husband from wife, proving hugely popular as dad gifts, gifts for men, brother, college gifts for guys and even father in law gifts, perfect gift for Christmas,...
- · Maintenance: After using in water environment wipe the water off, and before put in the sheath put some lubricants.
- BUSHCRAFT KNIFE: The perfect all-in-one knife for outdoor enthusiasts, this outdoor knife makes an ideal camping knife, backpacking knife, fishing knife, hiking knife, or survival knife
- PREMIUM BLADE: 0.08-inch thick hardened Sandvik 12C27 stainless steel knife blade stays sharp longer than carbon steel and is less prone to rust; Ideal for carving, food prep, and cutting tinder
- HIGH-FRICTION HANDLE: Made with an ergonomic polymer handle with a soft friction grip and finger guard, this knife is safe and efficient for use in all weather conditions
- PROTECTIVE POLYMER SHEATH: Easy-to-clean plastic sheath comes equipped with a belt clip, so you can easily attach your knife to a belt or rucksack
- SPECIFICATIONS: Blade thickness: 0.08 inch (2.0 mm), blade length: 4.1 inches (104 mm), total length: 8.5 inch (217 mm), net weight with sheath: 3.9 ounces (110 g)
Top Picks for Folding:
- DIMENSIONS: 7.1 Inch (18 Cm) Overall Length With A Blade Length Of 3.1 Inches (7.9 Cm) And A Weight Of 3.5 Ounces
- DURABLE: Blade Is Made Of Reliable 7Cr17Mov Black Oxide High Carbon Stainless Steel With A Black, Aluminum Handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick And Easy Access With The Convenient Pocket Clip, Finger Flipper And Ambidextrous Thumb Knobs Making It Ideal For Everyday Carry
- SECURE: Have Confidence That The Blade Will Not Slip With The Security Of The Liner Lock
- BE PREPARED: Knife Features Jimping And Serrations
- Black pocket knife with serrated blade and aluminum ergonomic handle. Pocket knife is made of 440C stainless steel. Lock type - liner lock. Blade length - 2.95”; Handle length - 4.2”; Overall...
- All-In-One Knife: compact, versatile, and ready for anything. This small pocket knife is essential for everyday versatility, camping, EDC, hiking, backpacking, work, bushcrafting, hunting, fishing,...
- Stylish Pocket Knife: A perfect blend of form and function for men on the go. This EDC essential features a sleek design with a folding mechanism for easy carry. Crafted with precision, it serves as a...
- Excellent gift for all men from young boys to grandpas. Unique choice for your husband, dad, father in law, stepdad boyfriend, brother, grandpa, papa, groomsmen, son, uncle, nephew, cousin, boy, best...
- Unique Father's Day Gifts: A cool pocket knife can make for a memorable Fathers Day present and one of the best gift ideas. Whether it's a practical tool for hunting or a sleek set of knives for the...
- Lightweight yet sturdy, the Appa is a perfect every day carry for any task - cutting tape, boxes, rope and more
- Black 2.75 inch reverse tanto blade with a razor sharp cutting edge - the Appa features several cut outs in the handle to keep it light but strong
- SpeedSafe Assisted Opening allows for easy, quick, one handed opening with the flipper - blade is held in place when opened with a liner lock
- Features a reversible pocketclip as well as a lanyard hole for several carrying options based off your preference - adjusted with a T6 bit
- Knife measures 6.5 inches when opened and 3.6 inches closed. Weighs just under 2 ounces.
- CIVIVI MINI PRAXIS --- Constructed from black stonewashed D2 steel that perfectly blends edge retention, corrosion resistance, and ease of sharpening. This folding knife with the handy pocket clip is...
- COMFORT GRIP --- We use G10 handle that is smooth to the touch, extremely durable and resistant to moisture and temperature changes. The comfortable handle provides a substantial grip while still...
- EXCELLENT DETENT --- In order to ensure smooth and fast operation, we've outfitted the mini praxis with a ceramic ball-bearing pivot construction which allows for quick and snappy one-handed flipper...
- PERFECT KNIFE FOR EDC --- urban knife, work knife. Box, letter, envelope opening knife. Compact knife to be carried in a purse, backpack, pocket. Good for indoor and outdoor use. Small pocket knife....
- USA SERVICE CENTER --- CIVIVI knives and tools provide a lifetime service against defects in material and workmanship, USA service center provides faster response to take care of your requests.
- DURABLE EDC GEAR: The Gerber EAB Lite pocket utility knife features an easily replaceable contractor-grade utility razor blade, secure liner lock, and integrated money clip for ultimate everyday carry...
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Slim profile for easy pocket carry; Handle doubles as a money clip for added functionality in a compact precision folding knife
- OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS: Perfect for hunters, tradesmen, and EDC enthusiasts; Ideal addition to camping essentials, hiking gear, toolboxes, and emergency kits
- COMPACT AND CONVENIENT: 1.5" blade length, 5.1" overall length and 2.2 oz weight make the EAB Lite clip folding utility knife an essential addition to your edc gear and outdoor tool collection
- GERBER GUARANTEE: Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, ensuring quality and reliability in all Gerber essential EDC gear
Blade Material for Your Hunting Knife
When it comes to blade material, stainless steel is the most common option in the hunting knife world. It’s strong and durable, but it’s also affordable, making it easy to find a hunting knife or deer skinning knife with this material. There are different types of stainless steel, but 440A and 420HC are the two that you’re most likely to encounter. 440A is a higher-quality material, but it’s also more expensive. 420HC is a lower-quality material that doesn’t hold an edge as well, but it’s also less expensive. If you want a hunting knife that will last you a lifetime no matter what you do with it, 440A is the best option. It’s made to be strong and durable, and it has the edge retention that you need to keep a sharp edge while hunting. 420HC is a lower-quality material that’s a bit softer. While it’s fine for basic everyday use, it’s not something that you want in a hunting knife. If you’re going to be doing serious work with your knife, you want 440A.
Handle Material And Size
For people who are uncomfortable with the idea of a knife with a fixed blade, folding knives are often a better option. They’re a bit less durable and strong, but they’re also easier to carry around and fold up into a more compact size when you don’t need them. The material that a folding knife’s handle is made out of is important when picking out a hunting knife. For durability, most hunting knives use a rubber or polymer-based material. The material you pick out will determine both the strength and weight of your knife. Stronger materials will be heavier, and lighter, less durable materials will be more likely to tear and rip. Hunting knives with handles made out of wood are rare and tend to be more expensive. They’re a good option if you’re after something unique, but they’re not as durable and strong as other materials.
Knife Design
The shape of your knife’s blade and handle can have a big impact on how you use it in the field, carry it on your side or around your neck. If you’re planning on hunting with a fixed blade knife, you’ll want something that’s long enough to be useful but short enough to be easy to carry and maneuver. For people who are after a knife that’s easy to use, but that you don’t have to worry about breaking, the best option is a drop point or clip point design. These types of knives have a strong point, but they taper off towards the end, making them good all-around knives that are easy to use. The end of the handle of your knife is important as well. You want something that’s easy to hold on to, no matter how wet or slippery your hands get while hunting. Knives with a thick, rounded handle that fits comfortably in your hand are good all-around choices. If you like to use gloves while hunting, you might want to consider something with a thinner handle that’s easier to grip while wearing gloves.
Tang And Edge Quality
If you’re using a folding knife that you plan to use to make a kill, you want to make sure that the knife is strong enough to make a cut that’s long enough to effectively kill your prey. While hunting regulations vary from place to place, a knife with a blade that’s at least three-quarters of an inch long is usually considered strong enough to kill a large animal humanely. You also have to make sure that the rest of the knife is strong enough to hold up to the rigors of hunting. The best hunting knife will have a full tang that extends all the way to the handle. A full tang knife is stronger than a partial tang knife and less likely to break. You also want to make sure that the blade is made out of a high-quality material like stainless steel that’s strong enough to handle the abuse that hunting can put it through.
Conclusion
Finding the best hunting knife can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge that’s worth taking on. Once you find the perfect knife, you’ll have a tool that you can use for years to come. Finding the best hunting knife for you isn’t about picking the flashiest or most expensive option on the market. It’s about finding the one that’s the best fit for your needs and your lifestyle. No two people are the same, and your ideal hunting knife is different than someone else’s. Once you know what you’re looking for, it’s easy to find the perfect knife for you.
