If you love hunting and fishing or you just have a passion for wilderness expeditions, then you need a reliable hunting knife. A super sharp hunting knife is the perfect cutting tool and it offers you a lot of versatility for all sorts of hunting or outdoor survival tasks, from skinning small and large game, field dressing a deer, cleaning a fish, or even cutting rope to make a shelter.
| Description | Material | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set | 7 & 6.5-inch | $ |
|
Case Drop Point Hunter Knife | 8 1/2-inch | $$$ |
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Grand Way 148109 Fixed Blade Hunting Knife | 4-inch | $ |
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Benchmade – Hidden Canyon 15016-1 Drop-Point Hunter Knife | 6.32-inch | $$$$ |
|
Buck Knives 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife | 8 5/8-inch | $$ |
|
SOG Revolver Hunter FX20N-CP Clip-point Hunting Knife | 4.5-inch | $$ |
Our Top Pick for the Best Hunting Knife
Our top pick for the Best Hunting Knife is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife. If hunting is your passion, you need the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter knife. Benchmade has designed a strong and razor sharp high-quality hunting knife that is ready for all sorts of hunting tasks. Whether you need to skin a hog or to dress a deer, you can rely on this amazing hunting knife which fits comfortably in your hand and you can rely on it to deliver a superior cutting performance.
How to Choose the Best Hunting Knife
Before you choose your new hunting knife, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
- What type of animals do you hunt, small game like rabbits or birds or larger game animals like deer or bison? A small knife will make cutting, skinning or dressing deer or other large animals too difficult and the knife can break. So if you only go on hunting trips once in a while and hunt small game, a smaller, compact folding knife like the Buck Knives Famous Folding Hunter Knife is a great choice.
- Are you a big game hunter? Choose a larger fixed-bladed knife like the Benchmade – Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife. A large knife is tailor-made for big game but it is not recommended for skinning small game or delicate tasks like cleaning a fish.
You also have to consider the size of the blade, the knife's design and blade type, and the composition of the blade, full tang or partial tang, and what the handle is made out of.
Size
The size of a hunting knife is measured in inches, which includes the length of the blade and the overall size of the knife from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade. A good blade length is between 3 to 4.74 inches. To get a good idea of what size to choose, scale your blade up or down depending on the size of your preferred game.
Folding Hunting Knives
Some hunters like a folding blade, like the Buck Knives Famous Folding Hunter Knife, which is small and compact enough to fit into your pocket and it has a very sharp blade that is designed for small, precision cuts.
Fixed Blade
The overall consensus in the hunting community is that a fixed blade knife is the ideal type of hunting knife for the serious hunter and fisherman. It is the best choice not only because it has a stronger blade that can cut through tough hide and bone but it is a general-purpose knife that you can use for all types of hunting or outdoor survival tasks.
A fixed-blade knife, like the SOG Revolver Hunter Knife or Case Hunter Knife, has less moving parts than a folding knife so it is easier to clean and it has a stronger blade, full tang and a sturdier handle, which makes it an excellent cutting tool for both small and large game.
Blade Types
The three main types of hunting knife blades are a clip, straight, or drop edge hunting knife. Of course, the type of blade can be determined by personal preference, but a clip, straight edge, or drop point blade have different advantages. Once again, the general vote from experienced hunters is that a drop-blade hunting knife is the blade of choice.
Clip Point Blade
A clip point blade is a good choice for detailed cutting work for small game animals, like the SOG Revolver Hunter Knife or the Buck Knives Famous Folding Hunter Knife, which has a tapered razor sharp point that is good for piercing and it gives you extra control for working in tight places. The fine narrow tip of the blade also means the blade can be quite fragile and it is best not to use it for heavy-duty cutting tasks as the blade can get damaged.
Straight-edge Blade
A straight-edged blade, like the Grand Way Hunting Knife or the Elk Ridge Hunting Knife, has a single-edged blade that curves downwards toward its point, but the other side of the blade carries a flat, unsharpened edge, which allows you to press down on this edge with your fingers to increase the knife's cutting force. The single-edged design also increases the thickness of the blade which gives it extra strength for heavy-duty tasks, which also makes it a great knife for cutting rope, splitting kindling, and slash through tree roots.
Drop Point
A drop point blade has a very balanced design and its blade curves or drops slightly downward toward the point of the blade. Drop-point knives like the Case Drop Point Hunter Knife, the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife, have a razor sharp pointed end that is thicker and stronger than the clip-point blade, which makes this type of blade a good choice for big game hunters who need to cut, skin, or carve through tough animal hide and bone.
The only downside of a drop point blade is that you have to be careful if you are using it for small game like fish or birds as the strong blade can damage the internal organs, or damage the hide of other types of animals.
Blade Composition
Blades can be made out of stainless steel or high carbon steel. Stainless steel is well known for its strength, high level of hardness and durability and it is a material that does not corrode or rust easily. Some manufacturers use special types of steel that make the blade stronger and sharper like the Case Hunter knife which is designed with Case's special Tru-Sharp stainless steel.
The Grand Way Hunting Knife is also made from stainless-steel but it has been put through a special sharpening process so that it maintains its incredibly sharp edge.
Handle
How a hunting knife feels in your hand is very important. The handle should allow you get a good grip on the knife and allow you that flexibility during the cutting or skinning process. Handles can be made out of polished wood like the Buck Knives Hunter Knife, or leather like the Case Hunting Knife or ABS plastic Elk Ridge Hunting Knife.
Even though plastic is light-weight and easier to keep clean and can give you a good, solid grip, it can feel a little flimsy in your hand. Wood and leather is the stylish option and it also feels solid in your hand, but if the leather is very thick, it can feel too cumbersome for those hunters who have smaller hands.
Hand Guard
Cutting or dressing an animal can be messy work, so a hand guard prevents your hand from slipping onto the blade, which can give you a nasty cut.
Carrying Sheath
A carrying sheath allows you to keep your hunting knife safe and secure and close at hand on your belt and it is also designed to keep the blade in good condition and to protect you from cutting your leg open. Carrying sheaths can be made out of nylon or leather.
Although leather is the attractive option and it is highly durable and long-lasting, the leather sheath may need re-stitching after heavy-duty use. Nylon is easy to clean and it is lighter, but it does not look as stylish as leather and can be a flimsy material. Another carrying option is a lanyard hole where you can attach a cord to the handle and carry it around your neck or attach it to your backpack.
Gut Hook Blades
Some hunting knives, like the SOG Revolver Hunter Knife, have a gut hook blade, while other manufacturers include a separate gut hook knife like Elk Ridge. A gut hook blade or knife is a great tool for gutting animals and field dressing as the extra sharp hooked blade allows you to unzip the skin of an animal for quick and easy gutting, skinning and cleaning.
Best Hunting Knife Reviews
1. Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set
The Elk Ridge Hunting Knife Two-Piece Set is specially designed for the true outdoor adventurer, so if hunting is your passion, this two-piece hunting knife set is the perfect all-around hunting and skinning knife tool duo, and it is great value for money.
The set of two knives include a 7-inch trailing point hunting/skinning knife that has a straight edge 3-1/2-inch blade and a 6.5-inch deep bellied knife gut hook knife. The blades are razor sharp and are made from strong 440 black stainless steel, which contains more carbon to give the blades excellent hardness and edge retention. Both of the handles are made from an attractive green camo ABS plastic with a non-slip texture and finger grooves to give you extra cutting control.
If you want to carry the knife around your neck or attach it to your backpack, there is a lanyard hole where you can attach a cord. Elk Ridge also includes a black nylon dual sheath where you can safely store the knives for quick and easy access.
Pros
- Ideal for hunters, fisherman, and outdoor enthusiasts
- Two-piece set: hunting/skinning knife and gut hook blade knife
- Great value for money
- Excellent hardness and edge retention
- Full Tang
- Strong stainless steel
- Sharp blades
- Attractive green camo ABS plastic textured handle
- Handle has a lanyard hole
- Durable black nylon sheath can fit both knives
Cons
- Knives need to re-sharpen out of the box
2. Case Drop Point Hunter Knife
A classic hunting knife, the ruggedly good-looking Case Hunter Knife is manufactured in the U.S.A. and its high-quality craftsmanship not only makes it a must-have professional grade knife for the serious hunter, hiker or outdoors-person, but it is a great gift for any knife collector. A stunning and high performing knife, it is well worth the higher price tag.
If you are looking for a sturdy, compact knife that has a super sharp blade and is lightweight and fits snugly in your hand, this is the knife for you. The Case Hunter knife has a wide 4-inch mirror-polished corrosion-resistant concave fixed, drop-point blade that is constructed with Case's special Tru-Sharp Stainless Steel, which helps the blade to hold its edge longer than conventional steel. This special type of steel also gives the blade extraordinary strength and surgical steel sharpness so you can cleanly slice through meat, skin and even break bone, so it is a great choice for skinning deer or other small game animals.
The knife feels quite comfortable in the hand and it is very lightweight at 5.9-ounces and it has a beautiful polished brown leather handle with a safety hand guard and Cases' signature stainless steel mushroom cap.
To keep your spectacular Case hunting knife safe and always at the ready on your belt, Case also includes a genuine leather sheath, and the knife is covered by a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality craftsmanship
- Made in the U.S.A.
- Excellent value for money
- Tru-Sharp surgical stainless steel
- Mirror-polished concave ground drop point blade
- Corrosion-resistant
- High-carbon steel
- Superior strength blade
- Full Tang
- Ideal for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts
- Designed for skinning deer and small game
- Beautifully polished brown leather handle
- Genuine leather sheath
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Might be too small for large-sized handle
- Not ideal for large game animals
3. Grand Way 148109 4-inch Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
Whether you are looking for a knife for hunting, fishing, or a handy cutting tool that you can rely on for survival purposes in the wilderness, the Grand Way knife is a versatile high-quality knife that is designed for the most extreme outdoor conditions.
The Grand Way 9.5-inch Fixed Blade Hunting Knife is a perfect blend of attractive design and high functionality. It is one of the most beautifully crafted hunting knives with a solid polished wood grain contoured handle that has a safety metal back guard that absorbs any shock and protects your hand throughout the cutting process.
The high-carbon solid stainless steel straight-edge 4.4-inch blade is designed for all sorts of game, from wild boar, hog, or deer. When you need any cutting force, the blade is thick and sharpened, and you can press down on the unsharpened straight edge when you need extra force for cutting through the rib cage, bones, and joints, and you can even use it for cutting wood and slashing tree roots.
As the steel composition is balanced and has undergone a high-quality factory hardening and sharpening process, the blade will keep its sharpness and you can expect a high level of durability and resistance to rust.
To keep the knife safe and secure until you are ready to go into hunting mode, Grand Way include a heavy-duty nylon sheath and its sheath suspension allows you to put the knife on your belt. Grand Way offers a 100% money back guarantee and the knife is protected by a 10-year warranty.
Pros
- Outstanding quality
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for hunting and fishing
- Thick blade can cut through bone and joints
- Solid and incredibly sharp blade
- Extra factory hardening process
- High level of rust resistance
- Beautifully crafted polished wood grain handle
- Easy to hold and use
- 100% money back guarantee
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Sheath is too long
- Not ideal for large game
4. Benchmade – Hidden Canyon 15016-1 Drop-Point Hunter Knife
A sturdy and compact knife, the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife is an excellent choice for the avid hunter as it excels at skinning and meat removal, as well as dressing game and general outdoor tasks. The Benchmade Hunter Knife is made from American made premium S30V stainless steel that gives the hollow ground fixed, drop-point blade a superb cutting edge, well-rounded characteristics, full tang construction and a superior level of strength and wear and tear resistance.
The Benchmade hunting knife hand is made from a specially crafted Dymondwood® hardwood veneer resin which offers exceptional strength to weight ratio and can withstand extreme temperatures, and the deep index finger groove gives you extra traction for heavy-duty cutting tasks. When you need to have quick access to your knife, there is a carrying sheath that is made from custom fitted molded black Kydex with ambidextrous horizontal carry and its durable leather belt loop means it will stay safely attached to your belt. Or you can attach a cord in the lanyard hole to keep the knife attached to your backpack or around your neck.
You have two choices of handles, the stylish black and gray or traditional stabilized wood.
Benchmade stands behind their exquisite hunting knife and it is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Pros
- High-quality hunting knife
- Extremely good value for money
- Made from premium stainless steel
- Super sharp blade
- Superb cutting edge
- Very good weight to size ratio
- Excels at skinning and meat removal
- Highly versatile cutting tool
- Dymondwood® polished hardwood veneers resin handle
- Leather sheath with belt loop
- Lanyard hole
- Two designs: black and gray or stabilized wood
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sheath not very secure, so the knife can fall out of the sheath
5. Buck Knives 110 Famous Folding Hunter Knife
If you prefer a folding knife as opposed to a fixed-blade knife, the Buck Knives Famous Folding Hunter Knife is destined to be your new hunting tool for your next game expedition.
A family-owned company for over 100 years, Buck Knives are famous, hence the name of their signature classic hunting knife, for high-quality knives that combine the strengths of a fixed blade knife into a good-looking, reliable folding knife that delivers an excellent cutting performance.
A super solid and sharp hunting tool, the Buck Hunter Knife has a razor-sharp 3/¾-inch clip point blade that is made from high-carbon stainless steel which has excellent strength, edge retention and is corrosion resistant and as it has been put through a patented heat treating system, it is strong and can withstand extreme outdoor conditions. The clip style blade has a very sharp controllable point, and is ideal for detail work, piercing and slicing through animal skin and hide. The knife is equipped with a nail-notch lock-back design that allows the blade to open easily on demand and close safely.
The Famous Hunter Knife folds down to a compact size of 5-inches so it will fit into your pocket or backpack, but if you want to keep it close for quick and easy access, Buck Knives includes a high-quality black leather sheath to protect the knife.
As well as being highly functional for the active hunter, this superb knife is a great choice for the fashion conscious as the handle has a natural wood grain that is easy to grip, while the polished brass bolsters add a special touch of classic style.
Buck knives offer a lifetime warranty on their spectacular hunting knife.
Pros
- Beautifully designed
- Great value for money
- Razor sharp clip point blade
- Ideal for hunting, fishing, and everyday cutting tasks
- Proudly made in the U.S.A.
- Patented heat treating system
- Great edge retention and corrosion resistance
- Lightweight
- Stylish natural wood grain handle with polished brass bolsters
- High-quality black leather sheath
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty hunting cutting tasks
- Lock-bar pivot is not seated flush nor tight.
6. SOG Revolver Hunter FX20N-CP 4.75-inch Clip-point Hunting Knife
A highly versatile hunting knife, the Hunter Revolver is a must-have knife for the serious outdoorsman. Whether you are a hunter, archer, fisherman, or you just want a reliable knife for all types of cutting tasks, do not leave home without the SOG Revolver Hunter knife.
With cutting-edge technology, literally, the SOG 10-inch is an excellent knife for all sorts of hunting expeditions and outdoor adventures. The knife has a 4.75-inch, 0.15-inch thick 440-stainless steel blade with a clip point shape and a satin finish. The Double blade alternating tooth design means you have both a knife and saw in one handy unit and the revolving design and the easy toggle switch means you can rotate and switch between a double tooth saw and straight edge knife on demand.
For all types of game hunting and fishing, the knife also has a gut hook and large flat bevel grinds so you can dress game or cut tree limbs to build a shelter out in the wild, so wherever you are, this superb hunting knife will tame the wilderness. You can rely on the knife to make quick cuts, even in wet weather, it can tackle bone or other tough materials without dulling or damaging the blade's cutting surface.
The SOG knife is one of the most comfortable knives to hold and use as it has an intuitive, ergonomically designed contoured handle that is made with a glass-reinforced nylon that fits naturally in your hand, which allows you to make quick, accurate cuts and the handle's textured surface prevents slippage for improved safety and precision handling in tough outdoor conditions, and the blade is very easy to sharpen. The handle is made with stainless steel liners to cut quick and ensures overall strength and dependability and safe handling.
For easy carrying, the SOG hunting knife is relatively lightweight at 5-ounces and for quick and easy access when you spot your game, there is a lanyard hole at the base of the glass-reinforced handle to carry on your belt or you can use the black nylon sheath which is included with a hook and loop closure and belt loop to keep the Revolver Hunter safely protected and close to you at all times.
SOG offers a limited lifetime guarantee on their highly versatile hunting knife.
Pros
- Innovative design
- Great price
- Optimal cutting performance
- Very sharp stainless-steel blade
- Sturdy and strong straight-edge knife
- Ideal for dressing deer
- Knife revolves into a double tooth saw
- Can cut bone and wood
- Securely locking and rotating switch
- Ergonomic contoured, glass-reinforced nylon handle
- Good quality black nylon sheath
- Easy gripping weather resistant nylon handle
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Sheath feels flimsy
- Handle feels like cheap plastic
Our Top Pick for the Best Hunting Knife
Our top pick for the Best Hunting Knife is the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter Knife. If hunting is your passion, you need the Benchmade Hidden Canyon Hunter knife. Benchmade has designed a strong and razor sharp high-quality hunting knife that is ready for all sorts of hunting tasks. Whether you need to skin a hog or to dress a deer, you can rely on this amazing hunting knife which fits comfortably in your hand and you can rely on it to deliver a superior cutting performance.