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
- Tactical Knife: The Strongarm knife features a coyote brown handle, plain edge and full-tang 420HC steel blade
- Survival Knife: This durable knife has ceramic blade coating and rubberized diamond texture grip
- Survival Gear: This survival tool can break through hard surfaces in emergencies with the striking pommel
- Multiple Mounting Options: 4 mounting pieces and sheath can be used for mounting on MOLLE, belt or in drop-leg fashion
- Gerber Guarantee: As a testament to our unrelenting commitment to quality and service, Gerber is proud to offer a limited lifetime warranty on all products
- DEVELOPED AND REFINED: Through our pioneering research, this blade shape has proven the value of the "American Tanto" style reinforced point beyond question
- TRUSTED: Having seen active military application in numerous conflicts, it is on its way to becoming the preferred fixed blade for special military units and SWAT teams
- this blade shape has proven the value of the “American Tanto” style reinforced point beyond question
- The Recon Tanto continues to redefine the standard for combat knives around the globe
- Specifications - Blade Length: 7 inches; Handle Length: 4 3/4 inches; Weight: 9 ounces
- Eafengrow Fixed Blade Knife: Total length: 6.93 inch.Blade length: 3.42 inch.Handle length: 3.5inch.Blade width:1.3 inch.Blade thickness:0.11 inch.Knives net weight:8 oz.
- FIXED BLADE D2 STEEL:Extra strong, modified D2 steel has a higher material production, is durable when in constant use.it provides superior abrasion resistance and edge holding capabilities.
- Fixed Tactical Knife: Ergonomic G10 anti-skid handle With corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant,it providing an extremely secure grip.
- Everyday Day Carry knife with sheath Safe high-strength lightweight Kydex material sheath for easy portability.
- Eafengrow professional outdoor knife is suitable for camping hiking fishing and other outdoor emergency activity.
- Quality Crafted Knives And Tools For Every Task: Whether Saving Time, The Day, Or A Life, Gerber Delivers Professional-Grade Pocket Knives, Multitools, And Equipment. Hunting, Survival, Tactical, And...
- Loaded With Innovations: The Gerber Ultimate Survival Knife And Sheath Features A Half Serrated, Drop Point Blade Ideal For Edge Retention And Cutting Rope, A Stainless Steel Hammer Pommel, An...
- Optimized For Your Survival: Durable Nylon Sheath Includes A Sharpener; Fire Starter Locks Into The Sheath And Striker Notch Is Incorporated On Back Of Blade For Emergency Fire Needs; Ergonomic...
- Built To Handle Any Task: Operate Like An Expert With The Partially Serrated Knife Specifically Designed To Address All Your Needs In The Wild. Whether Used To Explore, Work, Defend, Or Survive,...
Top Picks for Folding:
- 【EXQUISITE DESIGN】 The textured plastic handle provides a more comfortable and portable grip, increases the anti-skid control ability,and reduces the fatigue caused by work. It is a good helper...
- 【PORTABLE CARRY】Equipped with a belt clip, which improves the convenience of daily carrying. The belt, pocket, and work belt can be safely clamped and carried.
- 【QUICK CHANGE MECHANISM】Simple and easy to install and release the blade, just press the button to operate, safe and prevent injury.
- 【MULTI-ANGLE USE】Locking design, it is more convenient to provide the demand for precise cutting of different materials.
- 【MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS】Equipped with ultra-sharp and double-hardness blades, durability guarantee, fully qualified for various work needs, used for DIY projects, can cut through paper, plastic,...
- 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
- REAL DAMASCUS STEEL KNIFE: This Damascus Pocket Knife design with handmade premium quality 67-layers of damascus steel, an excellent damascus knife you enjoy with all your senses, feast your eyes on...
- BRASS BALL BEARING PIVOT: Flipper knife with ball-bearing pivot system deploys excellent, super smooth actions, allowing for fast and snappy one-handed deployment effortlessly.
- ERGONOMIC HANDLE: The damascus folding pocket knife design with precious wood handle, unique and comfortable, and the small EDC knife also equiped with liner locking system secures the blade open and...
- GENUINE LEATHER KNIFE SHEATH: It is made of cowhide and stitched with wax rope, which hand made by craftsman. Belt hole back makes this damascus knife suitable for various outdoor activities, such as...
- GIFT FOR MEN: Exceptional craftsmanship and value measures make it the best choice for birthday gift, Thanksgiving day gift, Christmas gift and Stocking Stuffers, Father's day. Make this amazing gift...
- The hefty Pocket knife is made of high-quality materials. 5'' large blade with Titanium Carbo-Nitride finish has excellent toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention.
- Rosewood and gray metal handle of this hunting knife is an outstanding design, which provides a stable grip with gentle contour and a comfortable in-hand feel.
- NedFoss hunting folding knife is equipped with a safe and reliable liner lock, lanyard hole, and convenient pocket clip. This big knife can be stored in a car or backpack or worn around the waist to...
- NedFoss large pocket knife is perfect for tackling everyday tasks like camping, hiking, backpacking, hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, survival, wilderness endurance, actual use.
- PRODUCT WARRANTY: We offer 30-day money refund and 12 months sale warranty. If there is any problem kindly feel free contact us. We will reply you asap.
- 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...
- Folding knife with glass breaker and strap cutter. A glass breaker is a structural element of a knife intended for breaking glass in various emergencies. Strap cutter suitable for cutting rope,...
- 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....
- New 2023 design. Compact functional and stylish tactical knife. This common pocketknife is legal to carry in all states of the United States. With the handy pocket clip and hole for the lanyard, it is...
- Perfect gift for Christmas, Graduation, Anniversary, Birthday, Thanksgiving day, Father's Day gift. Surprise your mother, sister, girlfriend. Gifts for husband from wife, brother, college gifts for...
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.
