Greetings, Fellow Hunter! Since you are reading this article, I’ll assume that you are in the market for a hunting knife; in fact you’re looking for some tips to help you choose the best hunting knife you can.

While it may not be as important as your gun or ammunition, a hunting knife is still an important piece of gear. Take a little extra time to research and make the best choice!

There are at least 4 major factors you’ll need to consider when choosing a hunting knife. They are:

• Fixed blade or folding blade?
• Blade shape
• Blade steel
• Other design elements

Before we cover those factors, though, you need to decide what you will use your hunting knife for. Decide exactly what you will expect of it:

• Skinning game?
• Trimming shooting lanes?
• Need to be strongly resistant to corrosion?
• Killing game?

Once you have decided what you need your knife to do, you can go over the 4 major factors and determine what the best hunting knife for you looks like.

Factor 1: Fixed blade or folding blade?

Choosing between fixed and folding blade should not be hard - just choose what benefits are most important to you. Fixed blade knives are stronger, faster to access, and easier to clean. Folding knives are more compact and easier to conceal.

If you plan on skinning and/or gutting animals with your knife, you should almost certainly choose a fixed blade knife. Trying to clean a folding blade knife with blood and guts in the mechanism is not easy.

For most hunters, a fixed blade knife will probably be the best choice.

Factor 2: Blade shape

There are 3 primary blade shapes used for hunting knives:

Skinner - This blade has a round, blunt shape - it is suitable primarily for skinning and gutting game. Its shape makes it difficult to accidentally damage the skin or meat of an animal. A good example of this shape is the Buck Skinner Knife.

Drop Point - This blade has a point that combines ease of skinning with more general purpose usage as well. A good example of this shape is the Gerber Big Rock Knife.

Clip Point - This blade shape is the most general purpose of the three styles. If you plan on doing alot of skinning with your knife, this is probably not the best choice. A good example of this blade shape is the Ka-bar Black Fighting Knife.

Factor 3: Blade steel

The steel used in creating a knife’s blade is very important. This determines many qualities, such as sharpness, ability to hold an edge, and corrosion resistance. Each type of steel has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the steels used:

420HC - Good edge holding and corrosion resistance, when properly treated (as Buck Knives does).

44O-A/B/C - Stainless Steel. Good corrosion resistance, acceptable edge-holding abilities with proper heat treating.

AUS-6/8/10 - Japanese equivalent of 440 steel. About the same, but a little tougher.

Factor 4: Other design elements

There are a variety of other features that you may want or need in a knife, such as:

• Non-slip handle?
• Sheath?
• Guard?
• Gut Hook?

Conclusion:

If you decide exactly what you need your knife to do, then go through the factors outlined in this article, you should be able to easily choose the best hunting knife for your uses.

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If you need help selecting a hunting knife, please call us at 800-651-2521.

With the vast variety of knives on the market, it can be difficult to know which knife you need. Choosing a knife is not hard, though, if you know what you’re looking at.

Step One: What Will You Use The Knife For?

When preparing to buy a knife, the first question to ask yourself is: what you are going to use it for?

For example, is this going to be a blade you’ll use to cut open packages, to cut through string or rope, and other normal daily uses such as these?

Are you a knife collector? If so, you may be in the market for unique or specially made knives.

Are you going to use your knife for basic survival or in a situation involving the armed forces? A high grade knife might be in order, as it could save your life in certain situations such as these!

Will the knife you purchase be used for cutting your catch after fishing or hunting? Some knives are made specifically for this usage.

Is your application more related to basic outdoor activities such as camping, mountain climbing, hiking, etc? Your budget may be a factor, as the sharpness and long-term durability these types of knives may not be as critical as some other purposes. That may vary on how often you engage in such activity as well.

Step Two: Fixed Blade Or Folding Blade?

A primary feature that you should think about is whether you need a fixed-blade or whether a folding knife would suit your purpose.

A fixed-blade can be very reliable and can be used immediately. There is no folding mechanism to break or malfunction, but they are not as compact.

Folding knives have a blade that locks in place, are typically safer and easier to carry, and can offer better dependability. Some are simple enough to open with one hand using a blade-hole, thumb-stud or other similar feature.

Step Three: What Materials Should The Knife Be Manufactured Using?

First, look at the materials out of which the handle is manufactured. You want a good strong grip no matter what your application will be. Comfort could be a factor, so look for a knife that fits the size and shape of your hands and will not be a strain or cause cramping after any potentially long periods of use.

You might also consider if its handle is weather-proof or not. This could be an issue if your application will take place primarily outdoors.

Finally, you will want to be sure that the handle is appealing aesthetically. If this will be your primary knife, this becomes an even more crucial factor to consider as you’ll be looking at this knife a lot (and perhaps showing it off to friends or colleagues).

Secondly, the blade itself needs to be made of material capable of: preserving its edge after extended use, defending against corrosion, and being simple to re-sharpen. There are several blades at a range of price points which will offer such benefits at varying degrees.

Final Consideration: The Warranty

The last thing to consider is what type of warranty is offered. Depending on the dollar investment made, you may want to be sure the manufacturer will back up their product should it ever stop working at peak performance or in the manner in which is intended and/or promised.

Conclusion

Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to choosing the knife that is what you need. If you need any help choosing a knife, please don’t hesitate to contact us.