Knives for Hunting

Hunting is as old as time; its constant companion for more than a million years is one of man’s oldest weapons and tools – the knife. If a good, strong hunting knife isn’t on your checklist before heading out with the boys make sure it tops your supply list before your next hunt.

Virtually unchanged since the beginning of time, a strong hunting knife will skin the animal; split the rib-cage and slice through bone and cartilage. With no catch and release in hunting, what you kill you’re taking home with you.

Firearm, Bow Hunter

While the first hunters used knives for the hunt, you’re likely a fan of a firearm or bow hunting. And that’s fine. Having a knife in your supply arsenal will help you get the meat to your table. Cleaning and dressing the game isn’t something a firearm or bow can do for you.

Fixed-blade knife

So, you’ve toyed with carrying a knife on your next hunt but you just don’t know where to start in the selection process and that’s okay. While knives have remained virtually unchanged, selecting the right one for hunting can be overwhelming.

Here’s what you need to know: there are two types of hunting knives – the fixed blade and the folder. Serious hunters rely on the fixed blade knife. Caution: this is not an easy weapon to carry because of its size. But the fixed blade knife is inexpensive and more dependable than the folder knife. As its name suggests, the fixed blade knife has no shifting parts, making it tougher than a folding knife.

Folder knife

If you’re looking for an easy knife, almost like a pocket knife, then you’re going to want to look for a folder. But it’s going to cost you some serious money to get a strong folder knife that can withstand skinning and dressing an animal. Pay special attention to how the blade is secured. And remember to look for a thicker, partly serrated (saw-toothed) blade with a strong handle to clutch.

Here’s what to look for overall:

Full Tang Design: The handle and blade are an uninterrupted piece of steel, making for a durable and nearly indestructible knife.
Steel: From carbon steel to stainless steel and finally, high-carbon stainless steel, each has its benefits. Carbon steel is typically inexpensive, durable, rugged and easy to sharpen. But it’s susceptible to rusting and requires A LOT of attention. Stainless steel, on the other hand, doesn’t require a lot of maintenance even though it’s more difficult to keep sharpened. High-carbon stainless steel is expensive but it has the benefits of BOTH carbon steel and stainless steel.
Handle: Remember these words: slippery when wet. Look for a well-made handle that can sustain wetness, like polymer, nylon etc. Stay away from the fancy stuff. It may look good but it’s just not practical.